I am coming up on two weeks postpartum, and began thinking about what I am currently prioritizing during this season. I have mentioned before that this time around has been such a different experience than my first (Recovery: Baby 2). I feel like my emotions and hormones are level and balanced, which has allowed me to truly soak everything in and appreciate it. I know that my health and well-being are so important for both our boys and myself.
1 Week Post Partum
I wanted to share five things I have made a daily non-negotiable to prioritize my overall well-being. I would love to know anything you did that was beneficial or essential!
1.Shower
There is nothing greater than a hot shower at the end of the day…especially during recovery. Never feel rushed or guilty for taking a shower, and enjoy every second!
2.Outside
Getting outside is so good for the soul. I have been walking, watching the boys on the trampoline, going to the park, or sitting on the front porch. It can really be anything, but fresh air is a game changer!
3.Water
I am a huge water drinker, and make it a priority with every season. It will help with healing, nursing, energy, and feeling good! You can check out my water tips here: 3 Tips Drinking Water
4.Something For Myself
I have realized that doing something small for myself every day truly can be rejuvenating and make me feel like me when so many other things are going on. I currently am taking 10 minutes in the morning to read my Bible and journal which feels so great! I have also snuck in some reading!
5.Food
It can be so easy to forget to eat during this season, however I make sure to eat all meals and snacks in between not only for energy but also to keep my milk supply up. I am in no way thinking about losing the 15 pounds I still have or getting back “in shape”. My body needs this time to heal and recover and I am honoring that!
I recently shared our son’s birth story that you can check out here: Birth Story: Induction 2. I thought I would share a little about my recovery experience the second time around since it has been completely different for me ( Recovery: First Birth). I went into labor expecting to have the same or a similar experience in healing as I did with my first delivery. To be honest, that was the one part I was not looking forward to, and I feel is not discussed nearly enough. I remember being completely shocked after giving birth to our older son and wondering why no one prepared me for the “after” stage. There is so much going on physically, emotionally, and mentally at the same time which can be extremely overwhelming.
With our second I did not have to get any stitches like I did with our first, so I never needed ice packs or pain meds like I expected (game changer). I was able to walk on my own an hour or so after birth and felt pretty good when getting to the recovery room. I did have to be monitored two times using the restroom by our nurse before I could go on my own and to make sure everything was okay after having the catheter in. I used the “heavy duty” hospital supplies for the first night (they provide everything) and then was shockingly able to use my own things. The most uncomfortable part for me this time around were the cramps from the bag of Pitocin in recovery.
My anxiety and emotions have also been completely different. I feel WAY more stable (can’t say that about the first), confident, and happy. I have been able to sleep when our son sleeps (minus the first night) without my brain thinking of a million different things, which is a huge contrast from our first. Since this is my second time going through this, I feel like I really have the perspective I need to make it through the harder moments and appreciate this season. My husband has also been extremely helpful with our toddler and anything I need which makes it less stressful transitioning.
Overall, recovery has been wonderful. I am so thankful for a great and different experience because I was nervous when comparing it to my last. I feel like nothing can prepare you for the first time, it is just simply one of those things you have to experience for yourself and learn from which is HARD.
We recently welcomed our second son into this world and have been overjoyed since. Even though I was hoping to experience a natural labor this time around, I ended up being induced like I was with our first. You can check out that birth story here: Birth Story: First Son. I thought I would share another induction experience for those who may be intimidated by it. We honestly had the best experience from the time we checked in until the time we left. It truly exceeded our expectations with a new city/hospital, and we are beyond grateful.
Induction Day
My doctor decided to schedule an induction date for 40 weeks at my 38 week appointment. He gave me the option of waiting longer, however our son was already measuring big with each appointment, and I was comfortable with the idea of induction since that had been my only experience. I was 3cm dilated at weeks 38 and 39 which was so great and exciting compared to the first time around. At week 39 we decided to strip my membranes, which was a little uncomfortable, but honestly so fast and painless. It did cause me to have contractions over the next couple days, but nothing consistent. We had our induction scheduled for 2 days later so we just waited and prepared for all of that.
My in laws were able to drive in the night before induction to watch our toddler, so it actually worked out great with him being immediately taken care of and less stress for us. We went into the hospital at 9:30am Monday morning and checked into the front desk. With induction, your doctor sends over your information so there is minimal paperwork or information they need, which is great! You are assigned a nurse or two to take care of you the entire time of their shift, so our nurse walked us to the the delivery room and got us situated. I was given my gown to change into, urine sample cup, and a few forms to sign within the first few minutes of being there.
Once the housekeeping stuff was complete, I had my IV inserted to draw blood and start fluids. I was also connected to the contraction monitor, baby heart rate monitor, blood pressure reader, and pulse reader. You definitely are hooked up to a ton of things! Once our nurse had that going we went through the health questions, COVID test, and dilation check. I was around 3.5-4 so that was a great start before the Pitocin was hooked up! They started the Pitocin around 11am and would come increase the dose every 30 minutes or so. At that point I was having contractions, but all manageable and very similar to what I had experienced at home.
Around 1pm my doctor came to check me and I was still hanging around a 4 so he broke my water. With our first son, this is what really increased my contractions and sped up the process! After my water broke my contractions definitely amped up a few levels. I went ahead and ordered an epidural because it can take awhile depending how busy the anesthesiologist is that day. He was surprisingly able to come immediately, so he came around 1:30 to get all of that hooked up and was amazing. We absolutely loved him! I had to lay flat on my back the next 30 minutes for the medicine to kick in and then could sit or lay however I wanted. With both of my epidurals, I have had full movement in my legs/feet, they just felt heavy and asleep. Everything in the midsection was numb though and I could sit back and relax/hang out with my husband.
My nurse came and inserted my catheter/bag around 2pm and was in and out checking in on us after that. About an hour or so after the epidural, I kept telling my husband I thought I was feeling my catheter which was strange because I couldn’t feel any contractions. I was definitely feeling something and kept having pressure, so I mentioned it to the nurse and they decided to go ahead and check me not really expecting anything at that point.
After our nurse checked me she said she wanted to get another opinion before she said anything. I asked how far along I was and she said she thought I was ready to push. We were shocked and not expecting it to be so soon since the last time I was checked I was at a 4. Our second nurse came in and confirmed I was ready and I was feeling pressure from his head. They called my doctor and starting preparing the room. A few other nurses also came in to help with the actual birth.
The next 15-20 minutes were a complete blur and felt like the twilight zone. Once my doctor was ready he had me lift my legs and start pushing immediately. We went through 3 contractions (around 3 minutes) and then our son was on my stomach in this world. It was such a surreal experience, my husband and I couldn’t quite process for awhile. The next hour consisted of checking on our son (8 pounds, 1 ounce), nursing, skin to skin and just being together.
It truly was such a great day and moment for me and my husband, I will never forget it! Stay tuned for recovery and first week post partum!
The Bridwells 