Delivery, baby and helpful tips.

Hello,

This is my photography blog but I thought it would be fun to talk about delivery's,  babies,  and opinions for this post.

So now that I have been a mother for 7 months I feel like a pro now.  Hahaha just kidding.  I feel far from a professional mom.  I know it may look like some moms have all their stuff together and know everything there is to know about raising children.  It's all in your imagination.  I think no one will ever know everything about children, even their own.  The best you can do is adapt to them and just do what you think is best for them and you at that stag in time.

The number one thing I hear moms say is that they hate when everyone else gives them their experiences and their opinions.  I agree.  Advice is great but opinions always seem to turn into a debate about who's better.  I was never one for confrontation.  I think everyone should do everything the way they think is best for them and don't let anyone make you feel bad about it.

Everyone has different ways of bringing their kids into the world,  raising their kids, and being a mom.  Some moms are all organic, some moms aren't.  Some moms are co-sleepers, some moms aren't. Some moms are strict, some moms aren't.  Their is no right and no wrong.  Although the strong opinionated moms may tell you different.  Just nod and smile :)  It is always good to hear a point of view as long as the person isn't trying to change what you think.

When I had my son I went into the delivery room with no plan other than to just go with the flow.  I obviously would prefer to go without an epidural and it wasn't because I think epidurals would drug my baby it's because who wouldn't like to brag that they are superwomen and went "all natural."  Mom's that go all natural for sure get bragging rights in my book.  But since giving birth to a child kind of feels like being hit by an endless stampede of elephants, I decided with no hesitation to go for the pain free way. And boy was it pain free.  My lower body felt like it was on a tropical island.  I don't regret having the epidural at all because I was able to relax and enjoy the rest of the experience.

A few months later when I was asked if the epidural hurt I said no not really (and I am terrified of needles).  Then I proceeded to say "honestly when I was having contractions without the epidural I could have been punched in the face repeatedly and I wouldn't have noticed.  So did it hurt?  No,  it felt like a bee sting compared to the pain I had been feeling for HOURS before that.  After I got my epidural I was in labor for over 10 hours longer.  The actual delivery of him took about 5 minutes.  After the nurse told me that it would take 2 hours.  Another opinion that I didn't care to hear. 

Now after being a mom for 7 months I have my own opinions about things and even though I give my advice only when asked I'll post a few things here because after all if you don't want to know you can stop reading, Right? 

 To do:  During delivery

#1. Expect the unexpected.

There are some pretty nasty and a bit scary things that happen during delivery that no one every talks about.  I'll tell you one of mine.  I threw up the whole time until I got an epidural.  I guess it was just a weird reaction to the pain.  No one ever thought to mention that.

#2.  Things to bring to the hospital for yourself
                - chap stick
                - slippers
                - camera
                - pads
                - comfy jammies

#3. For the love of ice.

Ice chips are your best friend.  I had so many cups full of ice it was rediculous.  The nurse kept asking if I wanted a Popsicle and I said no thanks I have my ice :)

#4. Noise

You wont be able to control how loud you are while walking through the hospital to get that dilation moving along.  Don't get embarrassed.  The nurses don't even give you a second look.  They're used to it.

#5.  Epidural

If you want an epidural you go ahead and get one.  Some women try to make you feel pretty bad about it but if your body is telling you that you need it.  Get it.


To do after baby's born

 #1.  No more Drop and go.

Come to the realization that you cannot drop everything and go anymore.  You have to think about naps and feedings and packing the diaper bag before you can leave.  It will take you a minimum 40 mins to get out of the house, so plan ahead.

#2.  Dont' forget to take time to feel like you!

You may have been told that you will never look good again and not to feel bad that you stay in your pj's all day or haven't taken a shower.  I disagree.  Since day one when I got home from the hospital I have taken a shower everyday and gotten dressed and done my make-up.  I may not wear nice clothes everyday like I used to but I still take that time to feel good about myself.  I think it's important to continue taking care of you also.  But if you feel like staying it your pj's you do just that.

#3.  Spit up

Babies spit up A LOT.  Keep a puke blanket it every place that you and baby hang out.  Not one of those puny burp clothes, I mean a full on baby blanket because when they "spit up" it is more like "projectile up" and your going to need more that that to wipe it all up.

#4. Relationships

Always make sure that you make time for each other.  The first few months it's  really hard you might even forget to kiss your partner once a day, but try.  Getting used to taking care of a baby and the sleep deprivation that comes with may take it's toll but just like baby your partner needs to feel loved too.

#5. Routine

You will want a routine.  You don't have to follow it so strictly that it stops you from doing things you want to do but a routine makes that day sooooo good.  Try to get baby down for naps when he is tired no matter what.  An over tired baby is never fun.  Night time routines take a while to establish but once they are set it is great.  Ours is feed, bath, lotion, cuddles/story, bed.  Then once baby is in bed there is time to do a few things or just relax.

Just a few hopefully helpful tips!

Now for the good stuff.  The pictures!!!

      Here is my little guy and I on his first trip to the ocean when we were in Florida this past May!

Here he is again during his 6 month photo session with mommy.

I hope you enjoyed this.  It was fun to write about my experiences.  Just remember what worked for me may not be for you.  Just go with your gut it will never be wrong.  Mom's are always right.  When it comes to their own children anyway.

Have a great day!

Carolyn