Family Birth stories

Family History

Mom

1. Chad. Was 18-21 days late. 8 lbs 2 oz.  Needed to induce. Used pitocin and epidural. It was a long slow labor and they used forceps.  
2. Rachel.  had an epidural and episiotomy for every baby except Renee.  
3. Candace.  Nothing outstanding. No problems, nothing unusual.
4. Amy. 10pm, she had to drive herself to see Dad at the hospital.  She left the kids in bed.  Scraped the snow off the car.  It happened very quick- in 1-2 hours.
5. Jenny. Nothing outstanding.  Elaine there watching the kids. No problems, nothing unusual.
6. Renee.  Renee was face down (more painful). In Guam.  Rush hour traffic.  there was no time for an epidural.  Mom not happy.

Candace- really enjoyed each labor

1. Michael.  A few days early.
1. Her water broke(leak) in the middle of the night 2am.  Contractions started.  She waited awhile and wore a pad and then went to the hospital around 10:30 the next morning.  At the hospital she waited all day, 24 hour labor.  Was dilating slowly all day.  They gave her pitocin to speed up the contractions. Then the contractions were so intense they gave her an epidural.  She had to have 4 doses to keep it active.  She was very cold and shaky.  But once she got it she could rest and sleep.  At midnight she wasn’t ready yet, so they talked about a c-section.  Then she was fully dilated and they kept upping the pitocin.  She did push and could feel a little. 10-12 minutes and the baby was out. 3 am birth.
2. Jordan. 3 days late.
1. The contractions started at 5pm, no water breaking.  She stayed home till 11:30pm.  Went to the hospital when contractions were 6 minutes apart.  She had an epidural- one dose.  This one was quicker, more peaceful. Jared and she were focused with quiet music on the laptop and lights dimmed.  Jordan born at 6am.
3. Tessa:  few days late.
1. She knew that she could do labor without pitocin, so she wanted to try no epidural.  In Michigan now she could have a doula, midwife, and hypnosis.  They read a lot about the Bradley method.  She was taking herbs- Dr. Christopher’s pills to prepare the body for labor.  She had contractions for weeks to prepare prior to Tessa, but none with Michael or Jordan.  
2. She was 2-3 cm dilated at the appointment a few days early.  Labor started at 2am.  The contractions were 10-12 minutes apart, then 6-7 minutes apart from 5 am till noon. Never got to 3 minutes until the baby came.  She got nauseated when the contractions were intense.  Feeling very sick in the car and took a bowl just in case on the way to the midwife.  Baby came within 45 minutes at 2:30pm.  
3. She says there was more pain, but it was really short.  She liked her midwife.

Amy

1. Tyler: water broke (had to deliver within 24 hours). 4 weeks early, he was on oxygen for 2 days. Had pitocin, and pressured by anesthesiologist to have epidural.  She had 3 contractions only and then epidural worked so she felt none.  No c-section. 1.5 hour pushing.  
1. Because of the epidural and having her feet in stirrups, there was so much pressure from having her legs crunched up that she crushed her femoral nerve.  She had to walk with a cane and couldn’t hold Tyler for weeks. She would just fall over.  After 2 weeks she could drive and after 6-8 weeks she would walk and run again.  
2. Ella: water broke. 2 weeks early.  Had pitocin, and pressured by anesthesiologist to have epidural.  No c-section. 45 minutes pushing.

Jenny

1. Isaac: Jenny had preeclampsia (increased blood pressure and protein in urine, a serious condition that could lead to coma/seizures in mom). They tried to dilate her with seaweed on cervix, then used pitocin. Water broke because of vaginal exams. Then epidural.  She felt some contractions that were pretty bad, but only was dilated 3-4 at the end of 24 hours, so they went to c-section.  Bad recovery because she had labor and c-section.
2. Grace: they measured her amniotic fluid and it was low. 3 days late. She was trying for VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section).  They did stress test, no contractions, water very low. They said she can have the baby now or in the morning.  No dilating, no contracting, so had another c-section.

Renee

1. Beth: water broke. 5 weeks early, breech so had c-section

Birthing notes for Hypnobirthing with Abby

Birthing

Anything great I will ever do is going to be hard. That's what makes it great.

Pain is temporary. Quitting is forever.

What God has planned for us is way more important than what we plan for ourselves= this means having children is much more important than the projects I think are good and that consume my time

What are the obstacles I am going to face and how am I going to face it.

Bag. Lanolin. Earphones.  Phone charger. Birth plan.  Vaseline for nose. Nursing pads.  Flip flops. Baby name book

Labor at home as long as I can
Walk.  Pg 236 what to when water breaks.

Go in when surges are 3-4.5 minutes apart

Sleep breathing -123 -lots of oxygen is good. 1-4 in 1-8 out.  Put hands on belly and lower chest.  Hands should fold in on each other.

Slow breathing. -124- do it daily. Breath in and out a long as possible. Use during each surge. Full belly like a inner balloon. Long slow breaths. 1-10 in.  11-20 out.  Keep body limp. Not stuff.

IMAGINE A BIG RED STOP SIGN EVERY TIME YOU GET AN UNWANTED THOUGHT AS YOUR BREATHING AND RELAXING

Birth breathing - 127-

Relaxing
Progressive relaxing -133 - deep breath in. Then out do 5,4,3.2.1.   Relaxing each one of your body.
---lean on Darren.  Middle school dance. Or hold on to counter or bed.  Rock back and forth.  Face wall.

Disappearing letters.  Easiest.  Easy to fall asleep too. Breath in.  Then out aaa PAUSE Bbb PAUSE ccc.

Light touch massage.   Also in elbows and arms.

Visualization

Visualize cervix opening. Flower opening.

1. Engagement night
2. Toby as a puppy and memories
3. Argentina
4. Telluride

Rainbow relaxation. 139- every day. In different places.  D read to me even if shorter. D strike hand or arm in a soft upward motion. Practice on page 142

The mind can only hold one thought at a time so don't entertain negative thoughts

Natural childbirth is like a marathon. You have to train for it. Or you will quit in the moment.

Take comfy clothes to labor in.
Drink lots. To hydrate and keep you going potty. Which will help your pelvic muscles relax on toilet

Our newest addition

Abigail Marjorie Balls joined our family on March 18.  

She was due the 13th... and almost made her appearance on the 17th which was St. Patricks Day. 

I was only in the hospital for an hour and half before she arrived. 

I credit my amazing calm husband and my hypnobirthing class for helping me relax through labor.  

The kids were so excited to meet their sister.  We didn't/weren't able to pick a name until an hour before we checked out of the hospital.  But Abby is perfect for her!

Tyler and Ella ask constantly if they can hold her.  They love having her around. 

One of the first things Ella did was to get her Rupunzel doll and put it in the extra rocker so she could have a baby like Abby.  She took a picture to document it.  

40 Weeks

I was on cloud nine this morning.  Driving in to my 40 week apt and feeling good.  I slowly walked up all three flights of stairs--- hoping to hear good news.  

The apt didn't go quite like I had hoped.  My belly is measuring 37.5 cm which is basically the same it has for almost a month.  My weight hasn't increased for a month.  These two things have worried me for a week.  So when I still hadn't grown today, my midwife scheduled an ultra sound to check the baby.  If there were no red flags she said I could go on to my 41 week appointment. which could possibly go up to 41 weeks 6 days before they induce me.  If there were any red flags I would be induced today, starting some pitocin for a few hours, then hopefully my body going into labor on its own.  (this option would be difficult for natural child birthing, possible, but harder)

Good news.  The baby is measuring fine.  She is 38.5 weeks growth wise.  She is estimated to be7 lbs 12 oz (but this can be plus or minus 1 pound) and I have pretty good levels of fluid in me, and my placenta looks healthy.  Her heartbeat is strong.  

It just so happens that my belly is small.  She is rather squished.  but just fine.  

I sure wonder how long she will stay in there.  It took 2 and a half years to get her in there and now she is just cozy and wants to stay put!

 (fun at the park... got to see my good friend Pamela)

12 "Long" Years

Jokingly Darren told me today, "Happy Anniversary! They have been 12 long years and I have enjoyed every minute of it."  Followed by him saying, "well... almost every minute of it."  

Seriously! What is not to enjoy about me! I definitely enjoy him!

The other night our friends, the Minnicks offered to take our kids for the evening so we could enjoy one last date night before the baby came.  We took them up on the offer and told them we would make it our anniversary date since it was just 2 days before.  

Perfect! We went to Red Iguana Mexican Restaurant.  It was so wonderful.  I couldn't stop saying mmm...mmm...mmm... Then we went and walked around City Creek.  I had hoped to go on a hike but we didn't have enough time and Darren said he didn't want to carry me out if I went into labor.

Today is our actual real anniversary.  The sun was shining.  We had a yummy family dinner. Then went for a walk to the park.  I just don't walk as fast as I use to but it sure feels good to walk.    

On the positive side, If I go to 41 weeks they will induce me.  For the safety of the baby.   I am ok keeping her in but it is kind of nice to think I only get to for 9 more days!  MAX!!!

The first of March

Jenny came down from Pocatello this last weekend.  It was a nice distraction from the countdown I am trying to not have in my head.  Candace, Jenny and I took all our kids swimming.  Fun times. 

Candace w/ Liesel, Miles, Tessa, Ella and Grace

Michael, Tyler and Jordan (Isaac is MIA somewhere)

We did all kinds of fun things while she was here.  Lots of cousin play time, which also means sisters get a chance to talk.  Renee did have a big dance birthday party at the church with food and good music.  I really wanted to get in a good family picture but this is about all we could muster. 

On a side note. I went to my 39 week appt today and have good news to report.  

The babies head has dropped into place. I am 75% effaced and dilated to a 3.  The dilated part is good, but my midwife did say, I have had three kids and thus I could have been dilated that much for the last month.  But effaced and THE HEAD DROPPED down is GREAT!

I guess the other great news is I haven't gained weight in the last three weeks.  I also haven't grown in belly size either.  She is concerned, so I wont be either.  I had put on plenty of weight other weeks!

So a 30 lb weight gain and measuring just over 37 cm and I am in my 39 week... not bad!

So I include the picture with me not even looking at the camera, just so I can remember the size of that belly!

A few funny pictures of Ella.  We spend lots of time together so I seem to have lots of her and not so many of Tyler.  

1st picture: She is a girl for sure. She crosses her legs frequently

2nd picture: She loves earrings, necklaces, her cell phone, and cute clothes (yellow skirt and the shirt has a kitty on it with a flower on its head). This picture makes me think of her Aunt Nellie

3rd picture: She loves to have her picture taken- all the time!

As for our family.  I thought I might go into Labor on Sunday.  So many contractions.  I wasn't feeling well all weekend, but we still went out at 7:30 at night and walked the hills in our neighborhood.  (in the rain) It was fun!  but when we got home, I was just sick.  I spent a long night with the "john" and by morning was week and shaky.  I was so glad the contractions had stopped and glad I was finally able to eat something and have it stay in me!  I know if I had gone into labor it would have been a lost cause for an attempt at natural child birth.  So now I am two days past that, energy back! Ready to go!  Bring it!  Any time!  Seriously little girl!  Any time!

The last Saturday?

Ok - I really dont have any idea if this was our last Saturday before this baby comes, but I wanted to get prepared regardless!  I have 17 more days until my due date.  I have 2 more days until 38 weeks.  I haven't gone past 38 weeks.  So who knows. 

A couple fun picture of our Saturday. 

We stopped to return some things at my parents.  but ended up enjoying the evening with them.  We ate  dinner and took home some real treasures.  (A neighbor of my parents had just dropped of some stuff she thought my parents might want) ...Tyler loves his new pjs. 

My dad loves the new helmet.  He couldn't even hear us when he had it on:)

Ella thought the Elmo hat was awesome!

Saturday morning Ella and Tyler spent building Legos, Drawing and playing in their room. 

Darren was hiking/skinning up a mnt with friends and enjoying the powder coming down. 

I LOVED my morning. I baked, baked and baked some more.  

My freezer is looking more and more full. 

And I feel more and more confident we will eat ok when this baby arrives. 

Tyler made brownies from scratch that are divine!

When Darren came home with finished up some projects around the house. 

Our baby girls room is ready to go.  We have two outfits picked out to bring her home in. A neighbor gave us a cute pink carseat. 

Done!

Done!

I hope she comes out a girl, because her room has a whole lot of PINK in it!

Hopefully next post is about a baby girl named....

something other than baby girl!

Great Grandma Balls

This weekend we got to go to Logan to celebrate the life of his Grandma.  Jean Marie Balls. 

It was a nice weekend to be with family.  She died and was able to be in Heaven on Valentines Day with her husband.  That is pretty sweet.  

The pall bears 

I am so happy Ranell was able to take so much time off work and fly in for the funeral.  I was reminded about how important family is. I know Seth appreciated his family/daughter being there.  

After the funeral services, we spent the day relaxing at Grandma and Grandpas house.  Ella found Aunt Nellie's shoes and had a great time wearing them around the house.  She watched as Nellie put on make up and was terrified to see Nellie "pulling her eyelashes out"... thankfully Nellie was just curling them with an eyelash curler.  But Ella was captivated! 

Pregnancy

I want to remember a few things about this pregnancy.  Attaching a picture for those who live far away... it will have to do since it seems a bit funny to ask someone to take a picture of me.

- We cant think of a name so I figure it must be a boy, and the ultra sound was wrong.  I love Hallie, Darren loves Olivia but call her Liv. We both like Kennedy, Hazel, and Kendyl.

- Heartburn is increasing.  I have tried oils and tums. They dont help. but I guess if I didn't eat three doughnuts in a row the heart burn might not be so bad.  (they were good doughnuts) But most foods give me heartburn

- I have tried to be active this pregnancy.  I did great at first, terrible in the middle, and now at the end all I am doing is walking to Tyler's school and back most days to get him.  So one mile 4 days a week is about all!

-  I am hoping to not gain over 30 lbs.  (but I sure believe it is ok to eat a bag of Cheetos here and there!)  Every appt the midwife measure me and my belly is right on.  If I am 35 weeks, I measure 35 cm.  I get lots of comments on how small I am.  I may not be able to bend over well, but I guess I am smaller.  Regardless, I look forward to hugging my husband without a belly in the way.

- I sleep ok at night.  I have a harder time breathing at night while laying down.  I am trying to sleep on my sides but I feel like I have been camping when I wake up.  My hips hurt!  (After 38 weeks not sleeping so good... hard time breathing, need to sleep propped up half the night)

- I feel good about this baby coming soon.  I have done projects around the house, got some meals in the freezer, got my food storage updated and organized, babies room is ready with diapers and wipes.  I feel good about all I have accomplished and know I have been able to do it only because I have Ella who is  4 year old in school 3 days a week, and Tyler who is 7 in school all day.  Two big kids make it easier!

The longest I have ever carried a baby is 38 weeks.  That date is 5 days away.  So when will this baby come?  Tyler said I should follow our family pattern.  He was 4 weeks early.  Ella two weeks early so this baby will come right on 40 weeks... 0 weeks early!  oh boy!  sure whatever!