Welcome to the World Madison Fynn!

At 6 am on Sunday September 9 2018, I was woken up by abdominal pains. They were no worse than previous pains/contractions I have had, but they were definitely different and lower. I started timing. 7 minutes apart. Every time they come, it's seven minutes apart. By 11 am, they are getting more painful, but no closer together. I am supposed to go to a friends house with my sister to look at baby clothes and toys, but I'm not sure if I can. But, they will probably stop again. They always do. At right about this time. So, I shower. I go. I wait to see what happens. At 7 minutes, they will send me home anyway.

So many cute items. It was so much fun going through everything. Me and my sister's babies have so many new items to last a long time. But, the contractions have not stopped. They are not getting stronger, they are not getting closer together, but I am now starting to bleed. I called my doctor's office and talk to the receptionist, but they say that if I'm bleeding than I have to go to the hospital. So, off to Labor and Delivery we go. I have the feeling this is going to be another visit there that is going to be a waste, but off we go.

By the time we get there, it is becoming hard to walk. The pain is getting more severe. The waiting room is packed. I was warned that there can sometimes be a wait, but no one else there seems to be in pain, so I am assuming that most of them are there for appointments and not labor (this happens at some hospitals). They take me in for a pre-admission check and say that there is a wait, but that since my contractions are so severe and I'm bleeding, that I should be pushed towards the top of the list. I sit down and start timing them again. 6 minutes. And so painful I can barely sit.

45 minutes later, they call me in. I now have a room in triage. They hook me up to machines and get a nurse to come in and check to see if I am dilated. They say I am still 1cm, but at risk for rupture. Not 10 seconds later she says I have ruptured. Wait, what? What does that mean? Me and my mom are shocked. Dad is waiting to find out if he needs to leave work and come to the hospital. We ask the nurse, unsure what the next step is. She says that I am being admitted. Since I am ruptured, I cannot go home. No matter how long it takes, I am staying. I could be a couple of hours or a couple of days, but I cannot leave. I am in for the long hall. We call Dad. He is on his way.....

The next 15 hours are a blur. I cannot get any pain meds in triage, so they start working on getting me a room in delivery. This takes about 4 hours with a lot of "ow's" and "omg's" (which is apparently what I say when I'm in pain). 4 hours later, they finally get me a room. And immediately order me an epidural and start an IV. Within a half hour, I am getting fluids and an epidural. I am not making any progress. I have to be induced. They start me on meds to thin out my cervix. Dad arrives. I fall asleep.

I have no idea how long I slept, but I remember them waking me up to check me again. My cervix is good and they are now starting me on something to get me dilating. At some point after that, and in a lot of pain, they check me and say it is time to push. They get the doctor and I try with all my might, but nothing happens. Apparently, she is not ready. They are going to wait and try again in a little while. I get an epidural boost for the pain.

Some time later, they pain gets worse and close together again. Contractions are on top of each other, They call the doctor again. How long has it been? It is a different doctor. I try everything I can to get her out. I can't feel anything below my waist. I don't know what muscles I am using. I try to use the ones they are telling me to. I am trying to do what they say. But, this poses more difficult than thought. They want to stop, but I cannot stop pushing. She is right there. I am in so much pain, I actually ask if I can get a C-Section. I am not sure if I can actually do this. It's too late. They said that they might have to try another approach. They recommend a vacuum and start explaining it to me. I have done my research. I don't even wait for her to finish. "Get it", I say. I trust my doctor. I feel like I'm failing, but I don't know what else to do. They get a whole team in the room. What was a doctor and two nurses is now a team of 10. We are all hands on deck. We get everything ready and one big push, nothing. We get three tries and that is it. What happens after that? Here comes round two. Another big push. I give everything I have. And there she is. Head is out. One more push and she is completely here. Just like that. They put her right on me and I can see and hear her. I want to grab and hold her, but my hands are still clenched and there is still so much pain. I still have to deliver the placenta. Dad cuts the umbilical cord and turns right back to me to see how I am doing. They take her to the table next to me to get cleaned off and checked. Dad is still with me, telling me how great I am doing. I tell him to go to the baby. I quickly deliver the placenta. It is the best feeling. Now just for the stitches. I have a 3rd degree laceration. It takes 15 minutes. Then another blur. I know that I hold her and wait for a room in the recovery wing on the 6th floor (we are now on 3). I remember them putting me in a chair and her on my lap and wheeling us up. I am not even completely sure what day or time it is anymore.

Madison Fynn was born at Katz Women's Hospital on Monday September 10 2018 at 9:24 am. She was 7 lbs 2 oz. 19 1/2 inches long. We stayed in the hospital until Wednesday morning. A lot of pain, little sleep, and learning how to breastfeed. So many questions. So many amazing nurses, doctors and lactation consultants. I don't know what I would have done without them. They helped me at every stage. Even when I was crying in pain at midnight trying to feed. They recommended I try a bottle if I was in that much pain. I was hesitant, but could not take it any more. We had already been going for 3 out of the last 5 hours. By the time I put on nipple cream and got covered up, she had finished half of the bottle. She was hungry. I am going to try to continue, but I physically cannot for now.

I was discharged with a manual pump, formula, diapers, and everything I need to take care of my stitches for the next few weeks. In major amounts of pain, I leave the hospital. Everything hurts, but me and baby are in perfect health and ready to go home. Her borderline jaundice is gone (probably because of the bottles) and we are cleared to leave. After an hour of packing up, dad gets the car and out we go. That is where the real story begins.....

I Will Be Right Here Waiting For You......

The waiting game is afoot. What is the last thing that I have to share in the long list of "things they don't tell you about pregnancy"? That you can have contractions for days. Even weeks. No joke. And we are not talking Braxton Hicks contractions. Actual contractions. Ones that very slowly open your cervix. It has been almost 2 weeks since my mucus plug fell out and a week later I was still at 1 cm. This week has been the toughest.

On Monday, I started getting contractions that never really stopped. They would get really strong and then let up, n=but not actually stop. For about 2 hours, I felt uncomfortable and I couldn't sit still. They were also really high, not low like labor contractions. I called my Dr, but it was Labor Day so only the nurses were in and a Dr On-Call. They made me an appointment for Tuesday. 30 minutes later, my stomach started shaking uncontrollably. I decided to go to the hospital, not knowing if this was something that could be harmful to me or the baby.

Apparently, it is not common, but not abnormal. Most women do not get the shakes, but some do in early labor. It is from the amount of strain on the stomach muscles that have not been used much in the past few months. Great. And I have progressed to 1.7 cm. Nothing to stay for, so we went home. Luckily as the night went on, they subsided and I was able to get some sleep.

I was told to keep my Tuesday appointment to follow up, so I did. The contractions and shaking started again Tuesday afternoon until the evening, around the same time as the day before. They told be nothing different and told me to keep my Friday appointment to see how things are then. Was not expecting anything different. My girl is taking her sweet time.

Then, come Friday morning 4am. Regular contractions have officially started. And I'm pretty sure my water broke, or I am leaking amniotic fluid. They are more intense than what I have been having but not painful. Very regular at every 7 minutes. I try to get as much rest as I can, since I am exhausted, but this just means closing my eyes in between and staying in bed. The heartburn is insane and I am hungry, but nauseous at the same time. Too nervous to eat. Ready to go to the Dr and see what they say. Hoping we are nearing the end, because I don't know how much more I can take of this.....

Ready to meet you Baby Girl!

First is the Worst, Second is the Best,, Third is the one with.....Is it over yet????

The third trimester wasn't all so bad. The beginning of it was like an extension of the second trimester, with a few random Braxton Hicks contractions. Luckily, they are not painful. A lot more peeing and getting up at night, but nothing major.....yet.

At 36 weeks, she dropped. Now, I hope that yours goes after this point and definitely not before, because once it happens, you will want baby out! Every movement from the upper body is in your uterus and bladder. It is quite uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. And the pressure down there is beyond annoying. Forget sitting with your legs closed or crossed. Anything but spread eagle is severely uncomfortable, ,so stock up on those long dresses if it is hot out, or at least nothing too short.

As time goes on, the contractions will become more significant and tight, but it will still be a while before they actually start to hurt and do anything productive (like push out a baby). Practice contractions are normal for the last month or two as your body gets ready to give birth. Doesn't sound like fun? It isn't really. But..... you are almost there!!!!

Usually the first sign that you are getting close is your mucus plug falling out. It can be all at once, or like me, you can lose it in pieces. Mine came out in two, 2 days apart. The first one was like a massive booger, followed by a lot of what looked like a lot of snot that required a change of clothes (luckily I was at home). It is very often referred to as the "bloody show", but after mine came out and I did some research on it (to be sure), I found that it is not always bloody. I had some spotting a few days before it started coming out and called my OBGYN. They told me to come in to be safe, but it was probably just the start of my mucus plug coming out. After everything checked out ok, they sent me home and sure enough 4 days later it was out. But, just yellowish in color, no pink, red or brown as I was told it would be (sorry for the TMI). The contractions after that became more regular (especially at night), but have yet to become more severe.

Now, at 38 weeks and counting.... I am ready to go and over it. I hope she comes soon. I am ready to meet you, Baby Girl!!!

Lists

Hospital Bag Checklist
	Need	Packed		Gifts for hospital staff?
Mom	Liscence
	Insurance Card			Toiletries:	Hairbrush
	Baby Binder (empty folder)				tootbrush
	Robe				toothpaste
	Nightgown/PJs				chapstick
	Warm Socks/Slippers				deodorant
	Phone Charger				makeup
	Headphones				hairtie/clips
	Camera (charger, card, batteries)				bodywash
	Toiletries				shampoo
	Snacks				conditioner
	2 Extra Outfits (maternity)				lotion
	2 Nursing Bras				witch hazel
	Tank Top (easy access)
	Loose fitting dress
	Eye mask for sleeping
	Ear Plugs
	Maternity Underpants
	Heavy Duty Pads
	Notepad/pencil
	Baby Book
	Flip Flops
	Disposable Underwear (Depends)
	Nipple Cream/ointment
	Nusing Pads
	Towel
	Breastfeeding Pillow (leave in car)
	Bottle of water
	Extra bag or 2
	Tablet/charger
	Plastic bag for laundry
	Coconut water
	Loose pants for after birth (2-3)
	Cleansing face wipes
	ziploc bag for keepsakes
	Baby bands/stomach support
Dad	Pillow
	Blanket
	Toiletries
	Snacks
	Cash for vending machines
	Change of clothes (2-3)
	Eye Mask/Ear plugs
Baby	Going home outfit (1-NB, 1-0/3mo)
	hat
	Some newborn diapers/wipes
	Carrier/Carseat with base installed
	Receiving blanket for carrier (cold)
	Gloves
	Warm bodysuit for in hospital (2-3)
	Pediatrician contact info
	Burp cloths
	Bow/props photos
Post Pardum Supplies
Mom	Maternity Underwear		Pads:	Depends Silhouette S/M Maximum
	Heavy Duty Pads			(3-7 days/about 20)
	Nursing Bras
	Nursing Pads			Always Maxi "purple" overnight
	Nipple Cream/ointment			extra heavy flow (About a week/25-30)
	Stool Softener
	Flushable Wipes			Always regular for about 4-5 weeks
	Hemmroid Pads/Ointment			(6 weeks total)
	Tylenol
	Nursing Tank Tops
	Loose Clothing
	Disposable Underwear
	Witch Hazel/wipes/spray
	Ice Packs for after birth
	Seamless high waiste mesh panties

My Bags are Packed....I'm NOT Ready to go!!!!

There are four very important lists that you need to make, whether or not you actually start packing your hospital bag. The first one is your hospital bag. Search online, ask family and friends, or write a post on those mom Facebook groups you are in asking what was helpful, what was useless, and what was forgotten but wished for. What works for them may not always work for you (like a robe - some are too hot after birth, some get cold), but it is a great guide and a great place to start. Having a list before you actually start packing is a perfect way to make sure you have what you need, don't over or under pack, and avoid having to unpack and repack it too many times.

The second list what paperwork you need to bring with you to the hospital. You may need to talk to your OBGYN as this day gets close, or call the hospital. Some hospitals offer classes that give you this paperwork or have an option to pick it up or download it online. It may not be much, but having an admission form already filled out and your birth plan ready to go will save you time when you arrive while having contractions.

The third one is short an easy, but also important. Type it, print it, put it in your hospital bag. It is your call list. Everyone knows which family members to call once the baby is born (or do they?), but there are some other very important calls that need to be made shortly after your little one is born. This should include, but is not limited to your health insurance (or hubby's if that is the one the baby is going on), the pediatrician to set up your 2 day baby appointment, your breast pump company (if you have one that does not release it until the baby is born) and any other places that need to be informed of your child's birth.

The fourth and final list is your postpartum list. Wait, you didn't know that there would be more items other than baby items that you will need after you give birth? Between the pain and discomfort, whether from vaginal or cesarean birth, there are many items you should have ready to go at home before you go into labor. I cannot perfectly speak from experience.....yet.....but I do not want to have to run out or have dad run out to pick up things I need as we go when baby girl is here. It is much easier to return what I don't use. Especially when it comes to things like pads and stool softener. Plus, who wants to risk him getting the wrong ones??? Lol.

The next post will have just the lists in it for your viewing, if you are interested. I will post later a follow up as to what may or may not have been beneficial on them, but it is a good place to start. If you have any recommendations to add, please comment below and let us know your experience.

Smooth as Buttah!

What is the best thing about free samples? Being able to try out products before having to spend money on them to find out whether you like them or not. This is ESPECIALLY important when you are pregnant! Why? Because your sense of smell, the sensitivity of your skin and your patience are all very different during this time? Patience? Yes!! Because I am going to tell you today about the items I tried for stretch marks and patience comes into play when drying and absorption times come into play. Waiting for them to dry so you don't feel gross when putting on your belly band, or leave stains on it, can play a BIG role in deciding what you want to use, if anything. Some of you may be fine just sticking with lotion, especially if you don't have a lot (or any) stretch marks.....lucky you. But, helping the elasticity of your skin can help prevent them (just in case) and help after when you are trying to shrink it again. Here are the ones I tried and what I thought....

1. Belli Beauty Elasticity Belly Oil Stretchmark Protection. I did love how easy it was to spread around my belly so I did not feel like I was wasting any or going through it too quickly. I had a few sample packets, and each one lasted about a week. Each one also came with a sample face wash as well for acne. My biggest problem was the smell. I could not stand it!!! With either product. It may have just been my sensitive pregnancy nose, but I feel like they should take that into consideration when choosing ingredients and smells on pregnancy products. It also took a long time to absorb into my skin. I felt like I was waiting forever to finish getting dressed. Not good when you are trying to get ready for work. I also did not feel like the face wash did anything. It was hard to keep on because of the smell, and I did not notice any difference with the acne I had (which was not much, but still....).

2. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks. This one was better for me than the Belli. It was also easy to spread and dried very quickly. The lotion was nice and not too thick. Still, the smell bothered me. It was more annoying than anything else. It did not smell like Cocoa Butter, but I can't quite put my finger on what it was. Either way, I had to move on....

3. Motherlove Pregnant Belly Slave. While I have heard nothing but wonderful things about this company, this is one product that I definitely was not impressed with. I may try more of their products in the future, but do not recommend this one. It was very thick and very hard to spread. I felt like I was using so much and wasn't even getting all of my belly (imagine if I also needed some for my back, boobs or thighs!!!). It was also the slowest to absorb into the skin and dry. I would stand in front of my fan to try and help it along and it would STILL take forever. The smell on this one really bothered me as well. It has a really funny smell that I felt stayed with me all day. Not my cup of tea....

4. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil. I kind of liked the oil better than the lotion. It was hard to use out of the pouch and you had to move fast because it dripped down my belly (which ticked a little), but it was easy to cover my whole belly with a small amount. I also had to wash my hands after because I didn't like the feel of it on there. The smell was the same as the Palmer's lotion, but didn't seem to linger as long. Fairly quick to dry, especially with the help of a fan. I would definitely say it is worth a try, but you make not like the oil....

5. Bio Oil for Skin, Scars Stretchmarks and Uneven Skin Tone. The last one i tried (well, bought because I used it before for stretch marks when working out a lot and really liked it a lot) was Bio Oil. It is on the expensive side (though all of these are, which I think is crazy. That's is why I recommend and only used during my third trimester), but it is worth the money. Also, you can use it for other reasons, so if you have any leftover it will not go to waste. It has a very light odor and a very fast dry time. I feel like it gets absorbed the second it touches my skin. It also does not linger on my hands, so I don't have to run back to the bathroom to wash my hands right after. Maybe just dry them on a towel if I use a little too much that day. It is very easy to spread over the skin and cover any areas needed. I also like how it does not drip. It has a good top that allows me to put right against my belly and disperse in small amounts all over then rub in. Check with your doctor, but it should also be safe to use on any scarring after birth, especially if you have a C-Section.

Good luck to all of you during the end of your pregnancy. And, if you have tried any other products that I have not mentioned, please comment and let us know what and how you liked it. I would love to see what else is out there.....for next time..... ;)

Sharing is Caring.....or is it?

By sharing, I mean the info about every step of your pregnancy. This is something every single person has a different opinion about, and NONE of them are wrong. When do you tell people? Do you find out the gender? Who do you tell the gender to? Do you have a gender reveal? What do you share on Facebook? Each of these answers are yours and yours alone. It is no one else's decision, and what info and when you decide to share is between you and the father. Do not let other people's decisions help you make yours. Also, every pregnancy is different. My little girl has been head down the ENTIRE pregnancy. I hear it over and over.... "She is in a perfect position for birth, but not for seeing the gender". Or a lot of other things for that matter. My anatomy scan took forever because it was hard to get accurate answers because of her position, and the fact that she hates having her picture taken, so she constantly moves during Ultrasound's (not a good start for this Professional Photographer of a mom). My insurance did not cover the blood test, so there were many "It looks like a....." and "I'm going to say it's a....." before we FINALLY, at 27 weeks, got "It is DEFINITELY a girl!!!!" What did this mean for us? Not much, but no gender reveal party (as we were already sending out invitations for the shower) and a gender neutral bedroom (which didn't bother me anyway, I love the black and white look).

I am not a flashy person, so we didn't tell most people about the pregnancy until half way through our second trimester, then made a cute announcement to post and that was it (I am a photographer after all). The "gender reveal" was a sticker on the back of our baby shower invitations that said "It;s a girl" and another photo collage of us opening a girl onsie and posted on FB. And, even though they were all A Nightmare Before Christmas theme, we did not post a lot of photos, updates, or anything else pregnancy related. It's just not our style. But, some people love these sort of things. Maybe you had a hard time getting pregnant and want to celebrate this amazing part of your life as much as you can. Maybe you want to get as much partying and family time in as you can before your little one arrives and sucks up all your time (at least for a little while). Maybe you want to show off each week how you are growing (I took every 4 weeks and plan to do one composite towards the end), or maybe not, but in the end, how you do your pregnancy is what is right for you.

Oh and maternity photos? I say SERIOUSLY think about it, or just do it!! You may not always feel you best, or prettiest, or fit into much, but they are a great memory and something to look back on and feel good about. You may never show them to anyone, but they are not for anyone but you. And, it will be last photos you take before the little one arrives as a couple, or family of X (if this is not your first). It does not have to be much, but at least something will make you smile when you look back at it in the future.