Everything has been pretty good so far. Dominic is healthy and happy and we are starting to adjust to our new lifestyle. It hasn't all been roses though....there have been a couple of bumps in the road during these first two weeks.
Breastfeeding started out relatively easy with the lactation consultant confirming that he has a strong sucking reflex and should do just fine. Once home, things got a little tougher. The doctor told me to wake him for feedings every two to three hours....which just felt wrong when he was sleeping so soundly. I also felt that his tiredness was making it difficult to get him latched properly. At around 1 week old things go really tough. The doctor suggested we supplement with formula because he wasn't gaining weight quickly enough. He LOVED the bottle and was refusing the breast for a whole 24-36 hours. At my wits end, I considered calling a lactation consultant to come to the house....and honestly, quitting altogether. I was convinced that giving him a bottle so soon had ruined any chance of successful breastfeeding.
As if he could sense my frustration, the next day Dominic decided to do a complete 180. He suddenly latched right on an wouldn't stop eating! He hasn't let up since. We went to the doctor on Tuesday and he had gained 3 oz. This amazing news led the doctor to change his plans about supplementing. I no longer have to supplement with formula or wake him at night. This was the best news I could have asked for!! I am still using the formula to help me keep up with his demand....my poor breasts are WORN OUT! I am trying to limit it to one 2 oz bottle a day....usually right before bed to ensure a longer stretch of sleep for both of us.
Speaking of sleeping...he is pretty good at that. Last night he slept for a solid 6 hours before starting to fuss. This was the longest stretch of sleep I have gotten since he was born. AMAZING!! I am trying not to get to excited because I know this might not last long, but it is nice while it lasts.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
And he is FINALLY here!!!
Dominic Vincent finally made his debut....the eviction was a success!!!
We left for the hospital Tuesday morning at 6 am....after a sleepless night (who can sleep when they know they are going to have a baby in less than 12 hours?) I was checked in and hooked up to fluids and Pitocin by 7:30. I was already 4 cm dilated when we arrived so my OB came in and broke my water at 7:50 am.
Both sets of grandparents were anxiously waiting - even after the nurse let them know that it would likely be another 10-16 hours before he was here. Dominic and I quickly set out to prove her wrong.
Contractions started pretty quickly and I was offered the Epidural soon after. I thought at first I might be jumping for it a little soon, but it turned out to be the opposite. Things started moving so quickly that the Epi was having a hard time keeping up.
Long story short I was pushing by 10:45 and he arrived at 11:14 am.....only 4 hours after check in!! The nurse was speechless and told me later that she had never seen a full term first time mother deliver so fast.
Now that the delivery is behind us and the recovery is underway I feel like a new person. Dominic and I are doing great with breastfeeding and he is such a mellow baby (so far). I feel unbelievably lucky!
Here are a couple of pictures
We left for the hospital Tuesday morning at 6 am....after a sleepless night (who can sleep when they know they are going to have a baby in less than 12 hours?) I was checked in and hooked up to fluids and Pitocin by 7:30. I was already 4 cm dilated when we arrived so my OB came in and broke my water at 7:50 am.
Both sets of grandparents were anxiously waiting - even after the nurse let them know that it would likely be another 10-16 hours before he was here. Dominic and I quickly set out to prove her wrong.
Contractions started pretty quickly and I was offered the Epidural soon after. I thought at first I might be jumping for it a little soon, but it turned out to be the opposite. Things started moving so quickly that the Epi was having a hard time keeping up.
Long story short I was pushing by 10:45 and he arrived at 11:14 am.....only 4 hours after check in!! The nurse was speechless and told me later that she had never seen a full term first time mother deliver so fast.
Now that the delivery is behind us and the recovery is underway I feel like a new person. Dominic and I are doing great with breastfeeding and he is such a mellow baby (so far). I feel unbelievably lucky!
Here are a couple of pictures
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
2 days left...and my last doctors appointment
I have officially passed the 39 week mark and Dominic should be making his appearance any day now.....fingers crossed. Worst case scenario he will be here on June 7th (induction day) which is only one more week. I thought I might have a Memorial Day baby over the long weekend, but NO LUCK.
I was having contractions all weekend, but they weren't very painful. I was getting nervous on Monday because they were 5-7 minutes apart for almost an hour. Then they gradually started to slow down and eventually stopped altogether around 8pm.
Late pregnancy misery continues as the weather gets hotter and hotter.....this week it is supposed to be in the upper 90's. My hands have started to swell a little when I get really warm....causing me to have to take my wedding rings off. :(
The good news is that yesterday was MY LAST DAY OF WORK!!! I am thrilled to know that - while I may never actually have this baby - I don't have to get up in the morning to go to work. :) I treated myself to a pedicure over the weekend and have a hair appointment this afternoon. I am hoping I will have to cancel because of labor, but at least I have something exciting to look forward to.
Nesting might have kicked in a little. I pulled the classic desperate pregnant lady move Sunday and scrubbed the kitchen floor on my hands and knees. I am a little sore, but it was so worth it. I don't think my floors have ever looked so good. The laundry is all done, the dishes are clean, the sheets have all been changed.....I am feeling good.
My doctors appointment wasn't a total disappointment. I was at 2cm and 50% effaced. The doctor stripped my membranes again (this time it was much more intense). It has been about 24 hours and I have not had any serious contractions so I am not convinced it worked this time either. About the only thing I have going for me right now is tonight's full moon and a chance of thunderstorms. My doctor played along with the old wives tales and said that both are said to lead to more deliveries. I think she probably just saw the desperation in my face and could sense my need for hope that this baby would in fact escape at some point. We shall see what the evening brings. Everyone cross your fingers for me!!
I was having contractions all weekend, but they weren't very painful. I was getting nervous on Monday because they were 5-7 minutes apart for almost an hour. Then they gradually started to slow down and eventually stopped altogether around 8pm.
Late pregnancy misery continues as the weather gets hotter and hotter.....this week it is supposed to be in the upper 90's. My hands have started to swell a little when I get really warm....causing me to have to take my wedding rings off. :(
The good news is that yesterday was MY LAST DAY OF WORK!!! I am thrilled to know that - while I may never actually have this baby - I don't have to get up in the morning to go to work. :) I treated myself to a pedicure over the weekend and have a hair appointment this afternoon. I am hoping I will have to cancel because of labor, but at least I have something exciting to look forward to.
Nesting might have kicked in a little. I pulled the classic desperate pregnant lady move Sunday and scrubbed the kitchen floor on my hands and knees. I am a little sore, but it was so worth it. I don't think my floors have ever looked so good. The laundry is all done, the dishes are clean, the sheets have all been changed.....I am feeling good.
My doctors appointment wasn't a total disappointment. I was at 2cm and 50% effaced. The doctor stripped my membranes again (this time it was much more intense). It has been about 24 hours and I have not had any serious contractions so I am not convinced it worked this time either. About the only thing I have going for me right now is tonight's full moon and a chance of thunderstorms. My doctor played along with the old wives tales and said that both are said to lead to more deliveries. I think she probably just saw the desperation in my face and could sense my need for hope that this baby would in fact escape at some point. We shall see what the evening brings. Everyone cross your fingers for me!!
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