My Birth Story
Shay decided to come a week early, to our surprise. My son was over a week late and I had to be induced. So, I figured that would be the same for our daughters birth. The morning she was born I had no idea I was even in labor. I didn't really have contractions, just lots of pressure and Braxton Hicks contractions. Then within a half an hour I started having very painful, consistent contractions every few minutes. I asked my husband if we should call our Doula and friends to watch our son for us, not wanting to jump to conclusions. I figured I had a few hours to let my labor progress before we had to get to the hospital. My very wise husband told me to call them, and it's a good thing I did! Things started to progress VERY quickly after that. Within an hour I was having contractions every 1 to 2 minutes and could barely talk through the pain. So we rushed to the hospital, and 45 minutes later Shay was born.
Everything went very smoothly with my labor. My Dr., nurses, and Doula were all so amazing, helping me achieve the natural birth I was hoping to have! My husband even said afterwards " wow I didn't even break a sweat this time". My first labor was about 7 hours long and my husband was pressing on my back the whole time, trying to help allievate the pain due to severe back labor! But this time was just so fast, and a whirlwind, I didn't have much time to think about the pain I was in. He did an amazing job though, staying calm, getting us to the hospital safely and quickly, and holding my hand through each contraction. I must say the second time around I felt so much more confidant because I somewhat knew what to expect!
One of our first sweet moments together!
Recovery
My recovery this time was much quicker then the last time, which was awesome! I think because my labor was so fast, and I stayed in better shape during this pregnancy, I was able to bounce back quicker!
We managed to make it to church when she was 5 days old
A few pics from her newborn photoshoot at 8 days old
We are a double BOB family now! This is 1 day post-pardom. I am so amazed at how God created our bodies to heal and what we are able to endure as women!
1 week post-pardom
I was pretty much able to be up and walking around immediately after labor. I was tired and sore of course, but was able to do pretty much everything I could do before labor, within a few days. It's very hard for me to sit still for long and rest. Especially when I have an 18 month old to take care of. But we had amazing help from family, so I was able to get plenty of rest that first week and focus on taking care of and breastfeeding Shay. It was a really sweet time for her and I to bond! I loved looking down at her, kissing her little head and smelling her. Newborns smell so wonderful!( I know I'm not the only one who feels this way).
(It took a lot of time to get everyone ready and to be on time!)
Fitness
I wanted to start off slow with getting back into my fitness routine. I started walking and pushing the double stroller 2 weeks post-pardom and then was able to go on my first jog a week later. I ran a few days a week until I was 36 weeks pregnant, so it was easier for me this time around to get back to running, since it hadn't been too long since I last ran. But, again I took it slowly. Jogging 3 days a week, only 1 mile or 2 at a time. Always listening to my body and making sure I wasn't hindering my recovery.I love to run. It is what helps me get my day going, my quite time with myself and with God. Time to think and pray and reflect. I am a better mom and wife when I make that time a priority a few days a week! I plan on running and training for a half marathon in October.
Modeling some of our Blume outfits holding my Favorite accessory :)
