More :)
I’m up, and I have a little energy, so I figured I would update a little. It’s been an intense and amazing couple of days, and I can’t help but feel overwhelming gratitude sitting here in the quiet of the morning- my house a wreck, my body sore and bruised, and my baby lying in my partner’s arms in bed. I’m going to write my birth story soon, so that I don’t lose the freshness of it. I also feel lucky to say that I think it’s an important story to tell. I mean, every birth story is special and should be told, I think, but mine had some real twists and turns that I think will be valuable in the homebirth community. Anyway, I guess I’ll just write it and let you decide…
Did you know that about 50% of hospital revenues come from birth? It’s not a wonder that they came out with this then. I can’t believe the last paragraph. It’s very interesting to be on the cusp of what I see as a birthing revolution. I think some people are getting nervous.
My belly feels (and looks) like a deflated balloon. You never really hear about that part of giving birth. Thankfully I’m starting to be able to move around without feeling like my stomach is in motion. It’s such a strange feeling to be empty now. Sometimes I think I feel her move, but it’s just my imagination… or maybe an organ returning to its place. I can already see a difference though, it’s shrinking pretty quickly.
Things that I know about Vera so far: She likes to suck. A lot. Suck suck suck suck suck. She folds her hands together and even crosses her fingers- like she’s praying almost. It’s sooo cute. She has a set of lungs like you wouldn’t believe. She has Jeff’s toes. She makes sweet grunty noises and little squeaks when she’s sleeping. She is strong and loves to feel things with her hands. She will grab tight to your finger.
The beginning is so tiring but so sweet. I keep reminding myself that in a week she’ll be so different. And then two weeks. And then three. I am soaking it all in.
A couple of pictures. I think it’s hilarious how tired that we look. Even Maya looks a little sleep-deprived, and I’m sure she is. I LOVE the picture of Vera there. She is such a cutie, and I know I’m her mom and you all won’t tell me otherwise, but for real though. For two days old, I think she’s so darling.
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her face has so much personality 🙂
at 6 months postpartum, i still feel phantom kicks. heh.
Wow! That’s amazing… I guess it really is quite an adjustment and so your mind is bound to play tricks on you!
she looks so much older in that second pic.
her head is so perfectly round…..she is darling!
Yes! I was surprised how round her head is considering that most get that cone effect for a little while. I hope you can come back soon to visit!
Hehe, poor Maya looks so tired!
What a beautiful baby, I’m so glad you had the birth experience you wanted and I also cannot BELIEVE the last paragraph from the Ob/Gyn college. COME ON
Hope you’re getting some rest in between staring at your beautiful baby girl. 🙂
I know! Isn’t that terrible? They really have an agenda…
I’m working on the rest thing. I think it may take some time!
PS- I love the picture of your family where Vera’s little foot is poking out of her blanket! So adorable, I just can’t tell you.
Beautiful baby, congratulations to you! I cant wait for the birth story, and I hope you have people pampering you with meals and help while you babymoon!
Thank you! I do have lots of food being brought and dish-cleaning being done. Very cool. I should have babies more often!
Re: Wow
Yeah, I’m no expert, but I guess she just seems plumper than normal. Jeff was excited to hear you’re coming home. Call us sometime soon!
Beautiful!
BEAUTIFUL MOMMA! (and baby and baby-daddy)
Wow, that article sure is meant to scare ya, eh?
Funny how the only scary birth stories I’ve heard, including “danger to the mother or baby” come from women who gave birth in hospitals. I mean, I even TRIED to look up “home births gone bad” stories while I was pregnant, to try and get a balanced perspective, but THEY DON’T EXIST. I mean, a few do, and of course Lindsay knows a few women who had tragic outcomes, but they don’t seem to have been influenced by their location.
Not to mention that all the research shows homebirth to be as safe or safer when considering a low-risk pregnancy. But, hey, those are just numbers…
50% of revenue…well that is some strong incentive for freaking people out.
YOUR FAMILY IS SO BEAUTIFUL! And I agree that your story is really unique and you should put it out there. You should post it in the birth_is_normal community and also maybe in naturalfamilyliving or whatever it’s called (look in my userinfo). AND submit it to Amanda’s zine!
*melts into a puddle at the vision of cuteness*
awwwww she IS cute, and i’m not just saying that because you’re her mother!
50% of hospital revenues come from birth?? that’s crazy! no wonder they take such a strong stance… but even to me (i know nothing about giving birth, and could theoretically be easily swayed to one side or another), the article seems a little extreme!