The day we decided to become parents is a day I will never forget. My dad was just released from the ICU after a severe case of Legionnaire disease. From that moment, we truly realized life is too short and family is everything. Shortly after that, we found out we were pregnant! I thought I had the flu but Cory kept saying I was pregnant and sure enough he was right.
The first and second trimester went smoothly. I was nauseous but thankfully not throwing up. I did have a strong aversion towards soups, stews, and anything with red sauce and I could smell things a mile away. Sleep was not so great but that was nothing different from the normal.
The third trimester is when things started to change. My perfect planned pregnancy and birth story went to S**T. We had planned on going all natural, no drugs, and skin to skin contact right away. The list went on and on. But what plan goes perfectly. At about 32 weeks pregnant, we found out our daughter was breech. There was not much time for her to move on her own so we sought out ways to make her move. First, we tried putting frozen peas on my belly to try to coax her into the right position. Then, lifting my hips above my heart to see if gravity could do the trick. Third, Moxibustion or “moxa sticks” were burned close to my pinkie toes on each foot. It looked like I was burning cigars next to my feet. And did I mention they are supposed to be odorless. Not so much! It was definitely a sight to see! Then, I tried the Webster Technique to reduce tension in the pelvis. And finally we saw a specialist about external cephalic version (ECV). At that appointment, we found out that my fluid level was too low and our daughters umbilical cord was way too close to her neck. ECV was not recommended. So a cesarean was scheduled. As a first time mom, I was scared of the unknown. I was worried about having to have surgery and the recovery.
Here I am burning Moxa sticks.
On August 4th, 2016 at 2:36 pm, our healthy 7 pound 13 ounce baby girl was born. She was absolutely perfect. Although her head was a little misshaped. FYI not all breeched babies have perfectly round heads.
Recovery from a c-section was no walk in the park literally. I had friends that went to the park a few days after giving birth and I was barely able to get in and out of bed. Yet alone cough, sneeze, or go to the bathroom. And that’s another story for a different day.
There were many tears of joy and pain throughout the pregnancy and after. Motherhood is not always easy but it is the most reward job I will ever have. And hey not every amazing moment in your life can be perfect. There will always be bumps along the way.
xoxo Jessica
