I guess the belly hang is to be expected when you rapidly deflate an 18+ lb baby belly. |
Symptoms: I am happy to report that all heartburn, pelvic pain, difficulty breathing, carpal tunnel, swelling, etc. completely disappeared within a week after delivery. Postpartum "symptoms" are direct results from C-section and breastfeeding. They include back ache, numbness in the incision area, frequent headaches, and sore nipples.
Energy: After those last few weeks of the pregnancy, I feel like I could run a marathon now. The first week after the C-section was rough, but all energy and mobility has returned completely now. Thanks to all of the naps, I really don't feel drained.
Mood: As far as post-partum hormones, I feel so much more stable than I did after having Jackson. Of course, I was already taking anti-depressants throughout this pregnancy so I'm sure that is the biggest contributing factor. So far, no baby blues. I do find myself increasingly impatient with Jackson, but the boy has had some full blown tantrums with all these adjustments.
Cravings: Obviously I don't have any pregnancy cravings, but I have a voracious appetite due to breastfeeding. I eat and drink a glass of water between nearly every feeding, even the middle of the night ones. Jesse and I have been blessed to receive regular meals and have not had to cook the entire month. As always, I love sweets after meals.
Sleep: We feed the babies around 8:30 and are normally able to get all four kids in bed by 9 p.m. Jesse and I sleep hard until 11:30/12 when the babies wake up for their first feeding. Changing, feeding, burping, and pumping takes a good hour, then I get another two hours of hard sleep. This routine continues until 7 or 8 a.m. Our whole family also takes a late afternoon nap. I feel significantly more rested than I did while pregnant.
Maternity Clothes: I can wear my pre-pregnancy jeans and t-shirts, but nothing looks especially flattering. I prefer to wear my long flowing skirts with maternity tops because they're so comfortable and easier to nurse in.
What I miss: Rubbing my giant belly, watching my stomach move as the babies rolled around.
Concerns: I am nervous about losing my temper with Jackson when Jesse goes back to work next week. Jack is quite the Daddy's boy and I tend to lose my patience with him when he's rough with the babies.
OB notes: C-section went smoothly from an OB standpoint, though I thought it was dreadful and the most unnatural way to possibly bring life into this world. Here are some quick medical stats on my C-section experience and recovery:
Day 1 (day of C-section)
- Stayed with Jesse and babies in recovery room for two hours while spinal wore off
- Bed was rolled to post partum room, was given ice chips and apple juice
- Blood pressure, pulse, temperature, etc were all closely monitored
- Catheter, blood pressure cuff, IV, and compression socks were removed
- Ate first meal after fasting for 30 hours (awful oatmeal!)
- Severe back and abdominal pain, took Percocet and Ibuprofen every twelve hours
- Crying episodes, felt such pain every time I got in and out of bed my teeth chattered
- Continued to pass dozens of golf ball sized clots, felt dizzy when standing
- Was given shot in buttocks to increase contractions and help stop bleeding
- Walked around L&D floor (very slowly and painfully)
- Blood was drawn to check hemoglobin levels
- Finally showered and dressed in regular clothes (granny panties, nursing bra, yoga pants, maternity shirt)
- Wore belly binder to help stand up straight
- Milk came in
- Discharged from the hospital
- Staples were removed, steri-strips were placed over incision
- Increased Percocet and Ibuprofen to every 6 hours
- Weaned myself off of pain-killers
- Steri-strips fell off, (peeled off last few)
- Went for very short walks around mall and neighborhood
- Experienced brief crying episodes
- Drove to store
- Carried car seat, babies, groceries
- Continued to wear belly binder
- Continued to have postpartum bleeding
- Held/carried Jackson
- Resumed all normal activity
Best Moment this Month: Coming home from the hospital with three healthy babies!
I have followed your blog, through Katie! I had twins back in April and can relate to your pregnancy and post pregnancy symptoms SO much! I literally could breathe better as soon as I pushed Baby A out!! And I swore I would never be able to eat and breathe at the same time again ;) Congrats on your three little healthy bundles :)
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