~*~*Kristen's (klmj) Birth Lodge*~*~

**AkMomma07** · 03-18-2010, 05:49 PM

Amazing birth story Kristen!! I loved reading it! I think babies being born in the caul is so fascinating and cool

Barefoot~Mama · 03-18-2010, 07:34 PM

I agree Kristen. I think you made a wonderful choice! Congrats again

**faeriecurls** · 03-18-2010, 10:00 PM

What a great story! I am so happy that you made the switch to a m/w and got the birth you wanted!

**blueyesongod** · 03-18-2010, 10:13 PM

So beautiful! I am glad that you were able to get the birth that you wanted.

**kvo** · 03-18-2010, 10:34 PM

Kristen--Your story and your decision to switch to the MW has really inspired me to re-think my own passive attitude up to this point. You sound so informed. I feel like I've learned a lot about labor just from your story. I had no idea that it would be a bad choice to break the water, but I can totally understand it in light of being induced and how the "speeding up" also resulted in unmanageable contractions. I also didn't have a clue what a caul was. Had to re-read the sentence to get it...lol.

**CaBlondie918** · 03-19-2010, 01:53 AM

What an amazing birth story Kristen. I'm so glad to hear it went so well with your midwife and you had the birth you wanted.

**cactuswren** · 03-19-2010, 12:24 PM

We were just talking in my HB class about how babies born in caul are supposed to be "intuitive"

So cool.

Kristen (kvo)--I felt the same way going into this but the HB has been SUPER informative and inspiring. I think you are going to love it. (I'm assuming HBabies has as much info as HBirthing). It isn't just about relaxation--I learned 99% of what I know about NCB from that alone, and I feel really well educated on the subject at this point!

**Spacers** · 03-19-2010, 12:40 PM

What a beautiful birth story! Thanks so much for sharing. I'm glad that the decision to switch providers turned out to the right one (it usually is!) Love the slideshow, too. I can't often see many pics because of my work's restrictions so I was really pleased to see a slideshow that works.

**klmj** · 03-19-2010, 10:56 PM

We had a busy day today. Went to my work & turned in my FMLA papers. I am hoping not to have to go back, but I have a pretty sweet gig right now -- just work one day a week, pretty much whatever hours I want and they are really flexible if I need time off. I quit after I had Alexa only to go back when she was 17m old bc of uncertainty with DH's job; I lost almost 13 years of seniority and all my benefits. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it to go back just to hang on to the seniority that I have now. It'll depend on a lot of things -- DH's job, whether my bosses are still there and etc. I'd really like to see if I can extend my leave to 6 months.

We went to Target bc Alexa was set on getting purple sunglasses. It was beautiful weather out today & should be tomorrow too. Got some NB clothes for Preston -- I hadn't bought too many in case he was too big for NB clothes. Got some shirts for Alexa too -- I swear she has shot up a few inches recently. Good timing since she'll need spring stuff soon.

Also headed down to our old kung fu studio to see about coming back. Both DH & I miss our training and have been thinking about using some of our tax return to re-join. We're not sure if there are hard feelings over us leaving before, but I guess we'll soon find out.

And lastly we went to the grocery store for a few dinner things. It felt good to get out a bit.

I broke down and used my hand pump today. I was so engorged, in pain and Preston has been having a hard time getting latched. I just pumped enough to get some relief -- I was trying not to & hoping my supply would regulate itself. I know it will. I guess my milk just came in fast & furious this time. I wondered since Alexa just weaned in August.

He's been sleeping great. *knock on wood* Last night he'd sleep for 3 hours, nurse and then, for the most part, go right back to sleep. I'm hoping my luck with that continues, but I'm not counting on it. Alexa also STTN last night -- DH slept with her for a short bit and then she slept on her own until 6am.

I'm feeling good. DH has been helping so much -- I know he's tired & I think he's having a rougher time with no "me time" than I am. Maybe I'm just used to it???

Since I'm feeling better today I've been trying to help with things more. He'll be home for 2 more weeks thank goodness!

Alexa just loves her little brother. She loves holding him & kissing him and wants to help every time he needs a diaper. She loves picking out his outfit each day. I'm so happy she is still as excited about her brother now as she was before he was born.

**morrisbuddy** · 03-20-2010, 12:32 AM

It's good to hear that Alexa is doing so well with Preston and things in general seem to be going well. I am sure having DH home to help is a big thing, we had no one to help with either of the boys. Glad it was so nice there too!