Zander's Birth Story Part 2

I know I had already caught everyone up to the morning my water broke but I do need to back up a little and add a few more things I did to prepare myself for the VBAC.

I started having a lot of hip pain and it was getting really difficult to sleep. I had read about people going to the chiropractor while pregnant and having much success. After talking it over with my doulas and dr I decided to give it a try. If you are going to see a chiropractor while pregnant make sure they specialize in the Webster technique. I started going at 35 weeks and they suggested going 2 times a week. With my schedule it was hard to get there twice a week and some weeks I did and some I didn't. I am not sure if it helped with my success of a VBAC but I know my body was aligned and it definitely helped my hip pain. I also added Red Raspberry Leaf tea. I was not consistent with this until about 36.5 weeks. I did like the taste but until I found I could mix it with Lemonade and drink it cold did I really start drinking it. Again I am not sure if this helped with my success but it is something I was doing. Of course before you do anything make sure you talk with your dr to make sure it is right for you.

Ok now lets finish where we left off. Since I woke everyone up after my water broke we started our day early! I wasn't feeling any real contractions or anything but decided I would call our doula and let them know my water broke as well as my dr's office. My midwife told me I could wait at home but they wanted to see me by 5:00pm at the hospital. Gosh I hoped we would be there before then, that was 12 hours away! We got up and moving and decided we would take Kinley to daycare and go walk around to see if we could get things moving.

We ate breakfast at Panera bread and started our walking through TJ Maxx, Michael's and Home Depot. By the time we got to Home Depot I was having consistent contractions but they were still about 30 mins apart. A few I had to stop to breath though, but nothing that wasn't manageable. I had no clue if I was dilated or if they were doing anything because at my last appointment, 37 weeks, I asked to not be checked. Since nothing was consistent when we got home I decided I would try to relax for a while and watch some TV. Matt worked on things outside and kept coming in to check on me. They slowly started to get closer together but nothing too crazy. At about 3:00pm they were still about 20 mins apart.

We had arranged for Matt's mom to pick up Kinley from daycare but since things weren't too exciting I decided I wanted to go get her to give her some last kisses before we headed out to the hospital for our 5:00pm deadline. Gosh I was hoping things would pick up. I was so nervous about being put on a clock once we got to the hospital since my water broke almost 12 hours ago. Matt's mom met us at the house to get Kinley and we packed up the car. I still really didn't want to go to the hospital just yet but I knew they said 5 and Matt wanted to be there when they said. We decided we would stop and get some food and make the 45 min drive. Contractions were about 10-12 mins apart at this point. They were intense and I would have to breath through them but it was ok things were getting real.

We were on the road for about 10 mins and my contractions really started to pick up. We were almost there but needed to get food still and my contractions were 4-5 mins apart. I definitely had to breath through the contractions and focus on them, then refocus before the next one. We got to the hospital at about 5:15pm and they put us in a room. The nurse told me they had a quite a few check in so they would be back shortly to get me checked in. Surprisingly I was pretty calm but my contractions were now on top of each other and very intense. The nurse came back about 15 mins later and started her paperwork then looked at me like I was crazy when I told Matt I was having a lot of pressure in my butt. I guess because I was so calm when we first walked in, who knows. She said, "Is this new pressure?" I said no I have had it for about an hour and it is just getting more and more intense. At this point she moved a little faster and said she better check me.

What do you know! I was 6.5-7cm dilated and his head was right there! It was almost go time. She told me I needed to contact my doula because it wouldn't be long before I was pushing! Matt text her and told her she should come now. She said she would be there in about 20 minutes. At this point the pain was getting pretty bad and I was having a lot of pressure. I didn't know if I could do this and breath though them anymore. I started yelling, I have to push, this hurts, I can't hold it anymore. The nurse told me to not push she needed to check to make sure I was a 10 and we could push. I couldn't do it anymore the pain was so intense I was having thoughts of doubt in my head. I was never against the epidural but wanted to make sure I didn't get it too early. Well guess what, it was too late! I asked for the epidural. "Honey you don't have time for the epidural, you are having this baby now." I can't even explain the thoughts that went through my head at that point. The contractions were on top of each other with not much break time and it was getting harder and harder to breath through them. I knew I had to refocus and believe in myself because I was doing this! I was going to have a baby vaginally. Thanks babe for the filling out the plan for the day!

I started pushing about 6:30pm, my doula wasn't even there yet. She came in while I was pushing and I was so happy to have someone help me with my breathing. I will be honest the pushing was a relief but like I said the contractions were back to back and there wasn't much rest time in between. Zander's heart rate declined and the nurse told me I couldn't push for two contractions because he needed a break. Oh my gosh I thought I was going to die. I was so thankful for my doula keeping my mind busy breathing through them with me and Matt holding my hand through it all.

The nurse asked me if I wanted a mirror so I could see how close we were. I was hesitant but agreed. I was glad I did; I could see Zander's and knew we were almost there. The ring of fire was intense and I knew I wanted to get him out. I was determined that one more contraction and he was coming out. I gave it my all and out came his head! It took a few to get his shoulder's out but at 7:21pm Zander Bowen Brooks was born via VBAC. I seriously couldn't believe I had done it. And I did it without any pain meds.

I love this picture. I was telling Matt I did it. I seriously couldn't believe I had done it. It was truly the most amazing experience I have ever experienced. I didn't think I could do it without any pain meds though that was my ultimate goal and I was able to do it! We were able to do skin to skin for about an hour and a half as well as breastfeeding while they stitched me up. I tore a little so my midwife said she wanted to put 2 stitches in since it was still bleeding. I didn't even feel the tear. It was seriously an out of body experience to give birth naturally. After our skin to skin time they did his measurements all in the room with me watching and we were transfered to our recovery room.

I truly believe if you set your mind on something you will achieve your goal. It wasn't an easy road but it was worth it all! I am still amazed we were able to get the birth we wanted and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Zander's Birth Story Part 1

Zander's birth story starts way back after Kinley was born. We had an unexpected c-section with Kinley that I was devastated about. There was nothing emergency about the section, in fact I pushed for 5 hours with her, she just didn't want to come. She was doing great and the dr said I could push another hour but mentally, emotionally and physically I couldn't do it anymore. We opted for a c-section before things did turn into an emergency. You can read more here and here.

After that experience I knew that if we were going to have another baby I was going to do everything in my power to have a vaginal birth. I did not want another c-section. I started researching everything I could find about a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). When Kinley was 19 months old we started talking about wanting to add another baby. I wanted them close in age, Matt could have waited longer. So we decided to start trying not knowing how long it would take to get pregnant. It didn't take long. The beginning of August we found out we were expecting baby brooks #2. We were so excited.

I knew the first thing I wanted to do was change providers. I was not 100% happy with the care I received at the practice I was at. Not only because I ended in a c section but the overall care throughout my pregnancy I was not thrilled with. So I didn't see any reason to stay with them for baby #2, even though they did do VBACs. Did you know not all practices will let you VBAC? That is crazy to me!

I probably called about 5 practices seeing if they would allow a VBAC. I finally decided on one and set up my first appointment. Their office was close and we would deliver at the same hospital we had Kinley at. Another bonus....it was across the street from our house. We went to our first appointment and were more than thrilled to find out we were due April 15, 2016. I was pretty certain my due date would have been due April 21, 2016 with the notes I hd taken while trying. My due date did get changed at a later ultrasound which I was very happy about. It was extremely important to me to have the correct due date because I knew I would not be able to go over 41 weeks so I wanted to have the date correct.

A lot more research happened by the time I had my next appointment. I became a part of local ICAN groups as well as Facebook VBAC groups. I had found out that Princess Anne had the highest c-section rate in the city. That was very concerning to me. I had also spoken to a few doulas who had suggested we look into delivering at DePaul and switching practices. We actually went back and forth with this decision because DePaul was about 45 minutes away. Ultimately we knew that a 45 minute drive was nothing for the birth experience we wanted, we weren't going to stay at a hospital because it was convenient. So again I switched practices and providers.

At this point we hired a doula to be a part of our birthing plan.  Something we didn't even consider with Kinley. Though again I wanted to have everything in place to have the most successful birth as possible. They were there for any questions I had throughout pregnancy and towards the end they were on call for me 24/7. They were a great support through out all of it and if we did it again I would most definitely use a doula again. You can not put a price on having the birthing experience you want. I really stress the you want part because it really is all about being an advocate for yourself and being in charge of the care you receive. I knew how I wanted things to turn out this time, I was going to do my best to make it happen.

We had an overall smooth pregnancy. We did have a scare after our 20 week ultrasound due to a possible heart defect but later found out he was as healthy as can be. I didn't have gestational diabetes this time so we didn't need any additional ultrasounds so we thought. We were told they wanted to do an ultrasound between 37 and 38 weeks to look at his size due to me wanting to VBAC. I wasn't thrilled about it since ultrasounds can be so off but I understood. Needless to say that ultrasound never happened because Zander wanted to enter this world early like his sister.

I had continued to do research throughout the pregnancy and read many successful VBAC stories. I never doubted myself and knew that I was able to give birth vaginally. I knew remaining positive and believing in myself was going to be key in the birth I wanted.

Fast forward to the morning of Wednesday April 6, 2016. I got up at 4:30am to pee for about the 10th time. I walk back to bed and before I get in, thankfully, a huge gush of water! It lasted for what seemed like forever but I am sure it was a few minutes. I told Matt I was pretty certain my water had just broke and I needed some towels. It was the craziest feeling ever! My water didn't break with Kinley so I was in shock. My midwife said we had to be to the hospital by 5pm so we went about our day to start to get contractions going. I knew this would be our last bump picture and our last picture as a family of 3. Our lives would forever be changed.

Stay tuned for part 2 :)

Maternity Pictures

Ready for picture overload! 

This might be my favorite photo session yet. There are so many that I just love! If you follow me over on IG you have gotten a sneak peak. I have tried to not over share on there but really it is difficult with loving so many of them. We did do pictures with Kinley so I am saving one of them until he is born since we haven't revealed his name yet.

Pregnancy Update #2: Weeks 32-36

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! Ours was great! The countdown is on until this little boy makes his arrival. Any guesses? Time for another update!

Wow I can't believe we are so close to meeting our little boy. There might be one more update if I get a chance before 40 weeks. I went into labor with Kinley at 39 weeks so we shall see. I really have a lot of emotion as this pregnancy is getting down to the end. I have talked about it too much but this will most likely be our last one. It is truly bittersweet! The end of pregnancy is so hard but I will say this time was much better than when I was pregnant with Kinley. Though I am soaking up all the last days with this sweet girl as an only child. I wrote a letter to her a little while back if you want to read it.

Here are the other updates:

Weeks 29-31

Weeks 26-28

Weeks 21-25

Weeks 17-20

Weeks 15 & 16 

Announcement

I think we are about 95% done with his nursery...FINALLY. After our shower I really started to get things together with getting his nursery done. I can't wait to share some pictures after he is born. We just need a handful of things and we are all set! 

There has been a ton of development these past few weeks so it is hard to clump it all together so I will give the most recent things he is up to at week 36. 

• He is running out of room and his movements are getting a little painful. He weighs roughly 6 pounds and is about 19 inches long. He will gain a little more in these last few weeks. Kinley was 8lbs1oz at 39w1d. We will have an ultrasound to check on his size in about a week.

• His kidneys are now fully developed and his liver can process waste products. 

• His bones and cartilage will stay soft for an easier exit through the birth canal. 

What is going on with me these past few weeks. Along with him a lot of things have changed as we are approaching the end. 

How Far Along: 36 weeks 5 days. As of my appointment last Friday I was measuring right at 36 weeks. Great news! 

Total Weight Gain: As of Friday I am up 24 pounds. Still less than Kinley but I feel I have packed on the pounds these last few weeks. Dang cravings of sweets. 

Best Moments: Like I said there has been so much that has gone on these past few weeks. I had a wonderful shower with some great friends and family and then my work threw me and another girl a shower. The cake was so cute! We had a family trip to Great Wolf Lodge and had a blast. Kinley got her Easter pics taken and LOVED the duck. No surprise there. She is an animal lover. We also had our maternity pictures done and they are AMAZING!!! I am so excited to get the rest of them back and share them. 

Miss Anything: Sleeping through the night without getting up to pee 10  100 times. I don't think that is an exaggeration either. I pee about every 1-2 hours. I also miss being able sit comfortably and being able to get out of chairs without using all my energy. My hips still hurt but I have started going to the chiropractor which has helped a lot. 

Gender: It's a BOY! I mentioned at the last update that they were going to do an ultrasound at 37 weeks to check his size. They didn't have any openings so we will be having one at 37 weeks 6 days. 

Symptoms: Constant peeing and hip pain seem to about sum it up. My back has started to hurt but it isn't everyday. Sitting at work for 10 hour shifts tends to aggravate it so I try to stand when I can or sit on a yoga ball. I have had some bouts of nausea again which is not fun! I am starting to swell in my hands so just the other day I took off my rings because they were starting to hurt. This makes me very sad! 

Mood: Still for the most part happy, though I can tell my patience has been wearing thin. I am exhausted all the time so it is hard to remain calm at all times. Even with her 2 year old tantrums this little girl is the best thing! 

Looking Forward To: To be honest I am looking forward to the end. Like I said it is bittersweet for many reasons. I am very sad about it not just being Kinley and I, though very excited to met our little man. I am also excited to have our ultrasound in a week and a half. I still need to pack our hospital bags and install the car seat. 

We have had a very busy few weeks the past month or so and I am sure the next few weeks are going to be super busy as well. I can't wait to share our maternity pics with you all. Hope you all are having a great Monday!

Baby Brooks Sprinkle

We had a really busy weekend and overall things have just been super busy these past few weeks. We have a lot going on this month so I am sure it will fly by! Then we are in April which means BABY MONTH!

Over the weekend my wonderful friend threw me a baby sprinkle for baby brooks. It was a book theme and all the decorations were adorable.

It was wonderful and we are so lucky he is so loved by so many already. We are truly blessed with amazing friends and family. Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated with us! I can't believe in just about 6 weeks he will be joining our lives! I will try not fill this post with too many pictures but I can't promise :)

The food table was amazing! There was so many options and each food item was matched with a book. So creative!

My mother in law made this awesome boat. It is a diaper cake so many uses for this boat! I love it! 

We played a game where we had to figure out the children's book from a line in the book. It was hard!! Needless to say I did not do well. Baby boy got many stylin clothes that we can't wait to put him in. Slowly we are making progress to being ready for his arrival. It is normal to not be ready until the end with baby #2 right? I think I am still in shock we are having a boy. It just seems so weird to me. 

We had such a wonderful time at the baby sprinkle. I loved the party favors! Too cute! 

After our sprinkle Matt and I were able to get out for a date night with some friends. We ended up at Cheesecake Factory which is one of my favorite places. The food is so yummy and you can't go wrong with the cheesecake! I decided on the Salted Carmel Cheesecake and it did not disappoint!

Hope everyone had as good of a weekend as we did! Thank you again for all that came out and celebrated our baby boy!