Be aware, new nursing mothers, that this may happen to you! This happened to me with my fourth child mostly and now with my fifth one. After holding my baby in the same position for an extended amount of time, the result is a stiff left hand and fingers. For me, this is from holding my baby in a nursing position for a long time and also from holding my baby firmly while I sleep, as she slept on my chest. It was my paranoia about making sure she would not fall would make me hold her so tight...or firmly so that she wouldn't fall off of me.
Yesterday morning, the condition was an excrutiating and throbbing pain that I realize, may have something to do with what I ate that day. I totally chomped down just under a half a can of Macadamia Nuts which are high in uric acid. I think that's what did it. I've been having this pain off and on for the past couple of weeks but yesterday was THEEEE worst! I also am guilty of not driking enough water. Doing that is important as it helps cleanse the body. Anyway, today it's just stiffness in the joints of my hands without the throbbing. Thank goodness! Everything in moderation and drink lots of water!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Eight Weeks Post Delivery
Well, I have no excuse. All I can say that motherhood with five children, one being a small infant, is a challenge when it comes to time management. When I finally get some down time, it's mostly to just veg and sit in front of the television, surfing on Netflix and getting caught up in one of the many series available at my fingertips. Lately, it's Weeds. I pretty much killed Nip Tuck. All 6 seasons in 2 months. Anyway...
If I could get myself off the couch during those TV times and commit the same amount of time to exercise and getting back into shape, what miracles could happen? I think it has been okay to not expect myself to exercise at all in these 8 weeks. I have a 2 month post delivery appointment tomorrow. Basic. Pap smear. I think it's time to commit myself to an exercise regiment. I feel like I am looking better. I'm surely not fitting into my Abercrombie & Fitch jeans, but that's fine. I would like to have my weight loss be gradual. And it will be.
P90X, Wii Fit, walks, playing with the kids. These are some things I can and should do. Okay...just commit. Say WILL. WILL DO.
It's time to get on a routine of exercise. For myself, for my family. Will create a plan and post an update.
If I could get myself off the couch during those TV times and commit the same amount of time to exercise and getting back into shape, what miracles could happen? I think it has been okay to not expect myself to exercise at all in these 8 weeks. I have a 2 month post delivery appointment tomorrow. Basic. Pap smear. I think it's time to commit myself to an exercise regiment. I feel like I am looking better. I'm surely not fitting into my Abercrombie & Fitch jeans, but that's fine. I would like to have my weight loss be gradual. And it will be.
P90X, Wii Fit, walks, playing with the kids. These are some things I can and should do. Okay...just commit. Say WILL. WILL DO.
It's time to get on a routine of exercise. For myself, for my family. Will create a plan and post an update.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Baby Is Almost 4 Weeks Old
Tomorrow my sweet little angel will be four weeks old. I've been adjusting well and so has she. I have a 4-week postpartum appointment tomorrow. My thinking is that this is the day that Dr. gives me the okay to slowly start exercising again. No marathon running or anything, but may be some light walking. I have some light weights at home, so maybe that. Anyway, my recovery thus far has been good. I can actually fit into some jeans that I got with my last pregnancy...I call them my inbetween jeans. Still have some good muffin top going on, but that's okay. I'm on the road to getting fit again.
One thing I wish the doctors and nurses should have told me was to DRINK LOTS OF WATER! I think that it aids in the recovery of the whole body. It's important to drink lots of water in general, but for a recovering mama, even MORE important. I say this because after about day 4 or 5 of being home, my bleeding stopped. I was amazed! I thought, "Wow, this is great! My healing and recovery is going swell!" Then I started to do just a tad more around the house...pick up a basket of laundry, pick up my 2 year old, wash dishes. Anyway, after about almost 2 weeks, my bleeding returned. Nothing painful. No cramping. No large clots. BUT I also realized I wasn't drinking as much water. Once I started drinking more water again, the bleeding continued for a few more days, then stopped. The lochia started to change to a darker brown, which is natural. Now it feels more normal. I attribute the "normal" feelings to drinking the water I was supposed to have been drinking.
So after four weeks, things are going well. The whole family has adjusted well so far. My body is beginning to get back to some sort of normal state. My nipples are getting a workout with the breastfeeding. Thank goodness for lanolin in that department. I'm not a perfect mother or wife STILL, but I think I'm doing alright so far.
I thank God everyday for these blessings. I thank God for giving me the strength and love for my family. I thank God for giving me the wisdom to know myself and to continue to know myself and to grow. I thank God for forgiving me for my shortcomings and still loving me as I am. Life is a blessing and I'm thankful everyday for it all.
One thing I wish the doctors and nurses should have told me was to DRINK LOTS OF WATER! I think that it aids in the recovery of the whole body. It's important to drink lots of water in general, but for a recovering mama, even MORE important. I say this because after about day 4 or 5 of being home, my bleeding stopped. I was amazed! I thought, "Wow, this is great! My healing and recovery is going swell!" Then I started to do just a tad more around the house...pick up a basket of laundry, pick up my 2 year old, wash dishes. Anyway, after about almost 2 weeks, my bleeding returned. Nothing painful. No cramping. No large clots. BUT I also realized I wasn't drinking as much water. Once I started drinking more water again, the bleeding continued for a few more days, then stopped. The lochia started to change to a darker brown, which is natural. Now it feels more normal. I attribute the "normal" feelings to drinking the water I was supposed to have been drinking.
So after four weeks, things are going well. The whole family has adjusted well so far. My body is beginning to get back to some sort of normal state. My nipples are getting a workout with the breastfeeding. Thank goodness for lanolin in that department. I'm not a perfect mother or wife STILL, but I think I'm doing alright so far.
I thank God everyday for these blessings. I thank God for giving me the strength and love for my family. I thank God for giving me the wisdom to know myself and to continue to know myself and to grow. I thank God for forgiving me for my shortcomings and still loving me as I am. Life is a blessing and I'm thankful everyday for it all.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
About Baby Number Five
I thought my water broke on Thursday morning around 4:00 am. I was wrong. Sadly wrong. Two sets of grandparents came over to tend to three kids (school-aged) and my one toddler. Hubby brought me to the hospital triage to be monitored. The kids were brought to school, and the grandparents had a chance to hang out with their 11th grandchild.
At the hospital...at about 9:45am, the nurses released me back into the wild and to visit my doctor. I was only about 2 cm dilated and the found my water DID NOT break. So, off to the doctor's office to confirm what the nurses found. At 10:19 am, I signed in at doc's office. He checked on me, and yup! Only 2 cm dilated. BUT...in my mind, I knew I was having the baby because I did have a little bloody show. It's happening soon. My doctor even said that there was a good chance I would have the baby in the next 24 hours. However, he also said...but don't be surprised if the baby does not come either.
We got home by 11:00 AM and decided what to do for lunch. We met a friend at Del Taco, and by 1:00 PM, I was experiencing contractions approximately 6 minutes apart. I was still able to walk over to See's Candies to get a couple of gifts for the nurses station at the hospital. Then we got back home around 1:30 PM and I stayed at home laboring, letting my contractions get stronger, feeling them get closer together.
I posted my status on Facebook at 2:19 PM and we were soon off to the hospital. At the triage, the nurse finally checked my progress and found...yup! I was 4 cm dilated and my water was bulging. "YES! This is happening today!" I thought. I was so glad this day had come.
It was probably about 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM and we were admitted to the hospital. I pretty much was checked in, and stayed in the bed because my contractions were getting closer together and more intense. I didn't feel much like walking around. I think by 5:00 PM, my contractions were about every 4 minutes. Maybe soon after that, the nurse found I had progressed to 6 cm...then about 30-45 minutes after that, 8 cm. I knew it was almost time!!! Drug free, as I did with my first four deliveries, Baby Halina was delivered at 7:51 PM. I will say that my pushing this time around was more challenging, yet it still all happened fast. I am extremely happy that the delivery went well, I didn't tear, and so grateful that the day had come and gone.
Now is our time to enjoy this wonderful bundle of joy! She is so precious! I'm in love all over again!
At the hospital...at about 9:45am, the nurses released me back into the wild and to visit my doctor. I was only about 2 cm dilated and the found my water DID NOT break. So, off to the doctor's office to confirm what the nurses found. At 10:19 am, I signed in at doc's office. He checked on me, and yup! Only 2 cm dilated. BUT...in my mind, I knew I was having the baby because I did have a little bloody show. It's happening soon. My doctor even said that there was a good chance I would have the baby in the next 24 hours. However, he also said...but don't be surprised if the baby does not come either.
We got home by 11:00 AM and decided what to do for lunch. We met a friend at Del Taco, and by 1:00 PM, I was experiencing contractions approximately 6 minutes apart. I was still able to walk over to See's Candies to get a couple of gifts for the nurses station at the hospital. Then we got back home around 1:30 PM and I stayed at home laboring, letting my contractions get stronger, feeling them get closer together.
I posted my status on Facebook at 2:19 PM and we were soon off to the hospital. At the triage, the nurse finally checked my progress and found...yup! I was 4 cm dilated and my water was bulging. "YES! This is happening today!" I thought. I was so glad this day had come.
It was probably about 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM and we were admitted to the hospital. I pretty much was checked in, and stayed in the bed because my contractions were getting closer together and more intense. I didn't feel much like walking around. I think by 5:00 PM, my contractions were about every 4 minutes. Maybe soon after that, the nurse found I had progressed to 6 cm...then about 30-45 minutes after that, 8 cm. I knew it was almost time!!! Drug free, as I did with my first four deliveries, Baby Halina was delivered at 7:51 PM. I will say that my pushing this time around was more challenging, yet it still all happened fast. I am extremely happy that the delivery went well, I didn't tear, and so grateful that the day had come and gone.
Now is our time to enjoy this wonderful bundle of joy! She is so precious! I'm in love all over again!
It's Only Been Six Days! Sheez!
I know that some women experience a variety of emotions postpartum. I am generally an emotional person, so depending on who the person is making me feel whatever "emotion" at the moment, my feelings can be more intense or I can easily let go. Well, a couple of days ago, it was my mom who was paying a visit with my dad and a couple of other relatives. I know what she said was in joking and should have been taken lightly. But I am still sensitive and the amount of weight that I gained with this fifth pregnancy, I am ultra sensitive about my weight and how I look. In some instances, I can care less. But I would hope that at least my mom, also a mother of five, would be more kind. I only gave birth six days ago!
On the way out, as they were leaving and everyone was saying their goodbyes, she turns to me, and touches my belly with both hands and says, "Is there another baby in there?" or some shit like that. Fortunately, I didn't snap at her. At least there is that. But that was totally insensitive of her to say that! She has no clue of course. She's just being her. I still can't deny the fact that it hurt my feelings and made me upset. I gained an additional 43 pounds with this pregnancy. That's huge! I know I'll be able to bounce back into shape though. So, in that sense I am not worried and for all the people who judge me or look at my physical self, just wait and in 6-8 months, I'll be in the best shape I've ever been in.
So, please, for people out there who have loved ones who just delivered a baby, do me a favor and tell those ladies how beautiful they look! Don't say anything to them about their bellies or their weight. Tell them that they glow and that they make a beautiful new mommy! It's nicer, kinder, and should be true. New motherhood is a wonderful thing!
Another thing, if you are going to visit a family who has other children PLUS a newborn baby, my opinion is that you should not expect to be served. In fact, YOU as the visitor should be offering to provide a meal or to extend your helping hand. I know my husband is extremely helpful. He is a wonderful husband, son-in-law, and SO MUCH MORE! So, just because he's home and is here to cook or clean, he still has a lot of work to do himself with recovering mommy and newborn baby at home. Our visitors actually made us work a little more. What is that about? It's just frustrating. So, ordering take out for dinner is what we did and it minimized work on us. However, there was still table set up and clean up , dish washing, floor sweeping, etc. It would have been nice for the "guests" to say..."Oh, you sit down! Why are you still standing and walking around? You need to heal. Sit down and we'll clean up for you!" But that didn't happen. Oh well. What can you do?
On the way out, as they were leaving and everyone was saying their goodbyes, she turns to me, and touches my belly with both hands and says, "Is there another baby in there?" or some shit like that. Fortunately, I didn't snap at her. At least there is that. But that was totally insensitive of her to say that! She has no clue of course. She's just being her. I still can't deny the fact that it hurt my feelings and made me upset. I gained an additional 43 pounds with this pregnancy. That's huge! I know I'll be able to bounce back into shape though. So, in that sense I am not worried and for all the people who judge me or look at my physical self, just wait and in 6-8 months, I'll be in the best shape I've ever been in.
So, please, for people out there who have loved ones who just delivered a baby, do me a favor and tell those ladies how beautiful they look! Don't say anything to them about their bellies or their weight. Tell them that they glow and that they make a beautiful new mommy! It's nicer, kinder, and should be true. New motherhood is a wonderful thing!
Another thing, if you are going to visit a family who has other children PLUS a newborn baby, my opinion is that you should not expect to be served. In fact, YOU as the visitor should be offering to provide a meal or to extend your helping hand. I know my husband is extremely helpful. He is a wonderful husband, son-in-law, and SO MUCH MORE! So, just because he's home and is here to cook or clean, he still has a lot of work to do himself with recovering mommy and newborn baby at home. Our visitors actually made us work a little more. What is that about? It's just frustrating. So, ordering take out for dinner is what we did and it minimized work on us. However, there was still table set up and clean up , dish washing, floor sweeping, etc. It would have been nice for the "guests" to say..."Oh, you sit down! Why are you still standing and walking around? You need to heal. Sit down and we'll clean up for you!" But that didn't happen. Oh well. What can you do?
Monday, October 11, 2010
False Labor Sucks
Early Sunday morning, 10.10.10, I thought it this was it. I was feeling regular contractions of sorts rather quickly...about every five minutes. They didn't last too long though. Only about 20-30 seconds. Then I thought to myself..."Well, not quite ready for the hospital yet, so let me see if I can take a nap before I do the big push!" I fell asleep, woke up an hour and a half later, and found myself frustrated.
Once again, patience. Acceptance. Patience. That's all I can do. She's ready when she's ready. God speed her safe delivery, yet please let her be ready.
Once again, patience. Acceptance. Patience. That's all I can do. She's ready when she's ready. God speed her safe delivery, yet please let her be ready.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Awaiting the Fifth Child
It doesn't happen too often anymore. Couples deciding to have children these days decide one or two is good enough. Then add a dog or other pet or two. Us? Well, although it was not a decision we had contemplated when we exchanged vows, we knew we wanted to share children, become parents. Twelve and a half years later, we await baby number five. It doesn't happen very often to see a family with five children. However, we know we are truly blessed.
Aisa, our evening prayer, was so sweet. Perfect. Born a little early at 35 gestational weeks, he has always been a trooper with leader qualities. Smart, kind, sensitive, and caring. He definitely has many of his boy moments, but a wonderful child all the way.
Iman, leader, persistent, intuitive, loving and kind. She was born early Christmas morning. She knew she was special enough...made it through a Christmas Eve party. We got to the hospital around 9:00 PM, walked around a bit, contractions started getting stronger and closer. BUT...in no way was she going to be a Christmas Eve baby. Soon after midnight, she was born. Same day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. She wanted it this way.
Mayumi got here on her own time, too. Never broke a dish in her life, delicate. That's what her name means. And her personality does reflect that. Gentle, sensitive, warm and caring. She was born with a full head of hair and we loved it all through her first couple of years! Smart and loving, she continues to grow as a delightful young girl.
Karisyo, almost six years later, surprised us all. He is animated and lively, just as his name is defined. He is a joy through and through, making everyone smile and laugh. Doing all the right things when prompted, giving hugs and kisses, blessing the elders, copying everything the older siblings do. He is truly a joy.
Now, almost two years after Karisyo, we await Halina. Another wonderful blessing that we know only adds complete bliss to our lives. Parenting and grooming a family is not an easy task, but it is a task nonetheless that God felt we could handle. She is due to arrive, according to the doctor's estimation, on October 27. In no way do I think she will stay in the womb for this long. My guess is middle of October. My hope is TONIGHT as we are technically ready to go any day now. She's approximately at 37 gestational weeks now. Now, we sit and wait.
I have come to terms with that she will arrive when she is ready. I want her to be born sooner because with this being the fifth child I have nurtured in my belly, add the fact that I am a much older woman, I am over being pregnant. Some woman love being pregnant. Now, at this point in my life, I just prefer her out of the womb more than keeping her in.
So, as much as I want to introduce some natural ways to induce labor, I don't want to go through the frustration and am willing to be patient and let her get here on her own time. I can only pray that it will be sooner. I don't like thinking about my weight gain. The more I gain, the more I'll have to lose and get back into shape.
Hence, my blog. Fit After Five. I am determined to get back into shape after five children. Everyone around me is running marathons, doing triatholons, P90X, all kinds of activity. Me, I can barely get up from a sitting position at this point. Patience and acceptance is what I need right now. My active time will come. I know I should enjoy this. And I do, to some extent.
Thank you to the heavens above for bringing us this wonderful (and final) addition to our lives! Halina, come safely and swiftly!
Aisa, our evening prayer, was so sweet. Perfect. Born a little early at 35 gestational weeks, he has always been a trooper with leader qualities. Smart, kind, sensitive, and caring. He definitely has many of his boy moments, but a wonderful child all the way.
Iman, leader, persistent, intuitive, loving and kind. She was born early Christmas morning. She knew she was special enough...made it through a Christmas Eve party. We got to the hospital around 9:00 PM, walked around a bit, contractions started getting stronger and closer. BUT...in no way was she going to be a Christmas Eve baby. Soon after midnight, she was born. Same day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. She wanted it this way.
Mayumi got here on her own time, too. Never broke a dish in her life, delicate. That's what her name means. And her personality does reflect that. Gentle, sensitive, warm and caring. She was born with a full head of hair and we loved it all through her first couple of years! Smart and loving, she continues to grow as a delightful young girl.
Karisyo, almost six years later, surprised us all. He is animated and lively, just as his name is defined. He is a joy through and through, making everyone smile and laugh. Doing all the right things when prompted, giving hugs and kisses, blessing the elders, copying everything the older siblings do. He is truly a joy.
Now, almost two years after Karisyo, we await Halina. Another wonderful blessing that we know only adds complete bliss to our lives. Parenting and grooming a family is not an easy task, but it is a task nonetheless that God felt we could handle. She is due to arrive, according to the doctor's estimation, on October 27. In no way do I think she will stay in the womb for this long. My guess is middle of October. My hope is TONIGHT as we are technically ready to go any day now. She's approximately at 37 gestational weeks now. Now, we sit and wait.
I have come to terms with that she will arrive when she is ready. I want her to be born sooner because with this being the fifth child I have nurtured in my belly, add the fact that I am a much older woman, I am over being pregnant. Some woman love being pregnant. Now, at this point in my life, I just prefer her out of the womb more than keeping her in.
So, as much as I want to introduce some natural ways to induce labor, I don't want to go through the frustration and am willing to be patient and let her get here on her own time. I can only pray that it will be sooner. I don't like thinking about my weight gain. The more I gain, the more I'll have to lose and get back into shape.
Hence, my blog. Fit After Five. I am determined to get back into shape after five children. Everyone around me is running marathons, doing triatholons, P90X, all kinds of activity. Me, I can barely get up from a sitting position at this point. Patience and acceptance is what I need right now. My active time will come. I know I should enjoy this. And I do, to some extent.
Thank you to the heavens above for bringing us this wonderful (and final) addition to our lives! Halina, come safely and swiftly!
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