What is your name, your baby's name, and baby's age?
Shelley, Kai (angel in heaven), Zachary (6 years).
How was your (or your partner's) pregnancy?
Somewhat difficult. During my first pregnancy with my first son, I found out that I had a bicornuate uterus (my uterus is split into two "horns" instead of one nice space. It meant many possible problems ahead.
Unfortunately I delivered my first son too early (at 21 weeks) although this didn't have anything to do with my uterus. He had a "giant omphalocele (all of his organs remained outside of his abdomen)). I learned a lot from that pregnancy. That I could be and needed to be a patient mom, a grateful mom, and a live in the moment give 100% to playing with my children mom.
Six weeks later I was pregnant with my son Zach. The pregnancy was difficult, I needed to have steroid injections to ensure his lungs were mature enough should he be born early (I started contracting at 20 weeks) but I was able to keep him in until 37 weeks! AND, even though bicornuate pregnancies sometimes end up as c-sections, I delivered him naturally. He is my very healthy, very normal child!
How did you prepare for childbirth?
We weren't quite sure how to prepare - I just rested lots (17 weeks) and kept myself as healthy as I could.
Was your birthing experience easier, harder or as you expected it to be?
It was much easier than I expected it to be. Only 6 pushes in 26 minutes and he was out! I was already on an epidural in case of having a c-section so I didn't know when I was having contractions.
What one piece of advice would you give to expecting parents about childbirth?
That health is the most important thing. We can want everything for our child, but a happy, normal and healthy child is such a special gift!
Describe the first 7 days with your newborn.
I'm not sure I remember them! I was fortunate enough to have my mother with me to help but I do recall staying 3 nights in the hospital because Zach was jaundiced. He's doing wonderfully now :)
Bottle or Breast?
I tried so hard to breast feed (there is a picture of me attached to two mechanical "milking" machines at the hospital looking quite hilarious) but I couldn't produce enough milk. Zach was raised on formula.
Who is on diaper duty?
We both were!
What resource was the most helpful to you during the first 2 months (book, website, person, anything).
My mother.
Was there an age when it "suddenly got easier"?
Yes - at three or fout months, when Zach hit around 12 pounds, he was able to sleep through the night - that made a VERY big difference!
What type of stroller do you use?
Several, a large one for walking the streets at home and a simple Zellers purchase whenever we travelled.
What was the best newborn gift you received?
These little cards that all my friends and family filled out with tips and advice.
What is your current can't-live-without gear for baby?
I wish he was still a baby but I remember LOVING carrying him around in my baby carrier right against my chest :)
Are you getting any "me" time?
Still no :) But I try! I've become a work-at-home mom to be able to spend more time with my son and bring him to and from school. It means so much to me!
What did you find most surprising about your newborn?
That I couldn't believe how strong love really could be. And how protective one could become.