An update on breast feeding

So Dena has been having a hard time with BF, she's talked with L.L.L( La Leche League) and been to the BF specialist. She's not producing, sore and just over all guilt of what's best for Noa and not able to provide it for her. As easy as people make it seem BF does not come "naturally" for most moms and it is hard and sometimes painful in the beginning. Whatever she choices will be ok.It's hard to tell a mom that though, she needs to find closure with it and only she can do that for herself. I'm trying to support her the best I can from 15hrs away=/ knowing how hard it is in the beginning from personal experience. I keep reminding her things will get easier, and whatever she choices it's ok and will be what works for them. Every baby and situation is different and you have to take every ones advice and use only half of it to stay sane sometimes....=)
~Cheryl

Noa with Grandma

Dena's doctor visit

Dena got her staples out today. Lost all baby weight except three pounds and she is pumping while trying to heal. Everything is going well!

Latching well

Dena met with the BF consultant and was able to latch properly. They weighed Noa before and after and she weighed 3oz heavier  and had a nice poop =)so she is definately getting mommy's milk! She has a full belly and fell asleep,both Mommy and baby are happy.

Weigh and jandice check at the doctors office

Spoke with Dena and they are off to the doctor this morning to check Noa's weight and jaundice. She was down a lb. but the doctor wasn't concerned. She is still a bit yellow but because she is peeing, pooping, and active they aren't worried. Dena is going for a breast feeding appt. this afternoon at 4 pm which will be a big help!

Pain and lack of sleep make for a cranky baby and tired mommy

The past few days have been a bit hard, Dena has been a sore and it seems Noa wasn't latching properly which has caused Dena to have some sores and bleeding which hasn't been fun. Lack of sleep and Noa being cranky because she was hungry didnt help either.She is using shields til she heals and learning how to use the breast pump.

on their way home

She's so beautiful!!!

Waiting for test results

Just spoke with Dena and the pediatrician came in to see Noa and said she may be jandice. So they are still at the hospital awaiting blood test results to see if the need to stay another day. I'll update as soon as I know something!~Cheryl

How to visit a new Mommy, and have her still love you afterward

Dena and Noa are doing great! They will be coming home today and settling into their new routine. When she's ready for company here's a few things to remember:

1) Call beforehand and ask what you can bring her to eat

A new Mom, especially if she’s breastfeeding, is hungry! Ask her what kind of food she likes and bring something over.

2) Please come fragrant free
Newborn babies have sensitive skin. Some of them break out when they are held by someone with a lot of synthetic perfume on.

3) Wash your hands

Neither Dena nor Noa needs your germs. Wash your hands first and then ask if you may hold her . Please leave sick/tired child at home.=)

4) Be helpful!
Ask if she needs anything picked up at a store, offer to do dishes, laundry or make a quick snack. Breastfeeding mommy's need lots of snacks and water.

5) Keep your visit brief

Dena's new job is to rest and bond with Noa. Ask to hold Noa perhaps while she uses the bathroom, then give her back. Dena will be is tired, recuperating from surgery and above all needs to rest and learn about her new baby.  She doesn’t need to play hostess so please don’t stay more than about 15 minutes unless you’re her close relative, and even then, please keep it brief.


Thank you everyone for supporting Dena and Noa in motherhood=)
~Cheryl

Mommy's milk is best

Nursing is such a wonderful part of being a mommy. What a wonderful time to relax and bond with your baby! It's really amazing when you think about it, that our bodies can do such a wonderful thing, giving us the ability to provide them with the perfect nourishment to grow and be healthy. Noa is nursing well and Dena is a bit sore, she said Noa is getting bossy when it's time to eat ha ha. She is lucky that she has a good nurser from the beginning!

A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three. ~Grantly Dick-Read

Sweet Baby Noa welcome to the world

Happy Birthday Noa

Day before delivery




 

Welcome to the world Baby Noa

Very exciting news!!! I recieved a message from Dena's sister Jayme at 3 am, Noa was born at 2 am by C-section. She's beautiful, health and Dena's great!!! Can't wait to see lots of pictures!!!!! I don't have all the details yet but I know she weighed 8lb!!! Can't wait to see your sweet little face Noa=) Congrats Dena your a Mommy!!!

Anxiety and exhaustion setting in

Well i recieved a text from Dena arround midnight, she's very tired and having anxiety.She is considering C-section as things aren't progressing like she wants. Only she knows what shes feeling so whatever she chooses, it's the right choice for her.

Hurry up and wait

It's 6:15 pm and the doctor just came in did an exam, put an internal monitior in, and says not much progress has been made, Dena has been on Petocin and is still 2 1/2-3 centimeters which she has been since noon and Noa may possible be sunnyside up, there is now talk of c-section. I know this must be discouraging, but whatever way Noa decides to enter the world the important thing is both Dena and Baby are ok.However the doctor did say if she can get to 4 centimeters then things should progress on there own.So with that said we will just have to wait and see what happens=)

Three centimeters and counting...

OK, Dena is all checked in and was at 3 centimeters at 1:15pm. She was up all night and couldn't lie down.She just had her epidural and is looking forward to some much needed rest. Hopfully she progresses quickly and can nap now that the epidural is in place. Thats all for now!=)

This is no false alarm

Hello,
It's me Cheryl sharing Dena's thoughts and updates while she is in labor =)
So I recieved a text from Dena about 10:15 am and heres the news: "I'm in the hospital staying since my water broke". What exciting news to recieve this morning! It's been really hard for me being so far away and unable to be there during her pregnancy journey. I was so honored when she asked me to update her blog as she transitions from being pregnant to becoming Noa's Mommy! More to come so stay tuned!!!=)

False Alarm

I had the typical 'first time mom' false alarm on Sunday.  I was in the kitchen when I leaked fluid and then an hour later there was blood in the toilet... so I thought maybe my water had broke.  Went to the hospital to be checked out and the test came back positive, however, the doctor felt it was a false-positive stating the blood probably through the test off.  Contractions were seen (but not felt) on the monitor but I was sent home. 

It's not Tuesday morning at 4 a.m. and I have been up all night with contractions... ones that I can feel!

Week 37: Watermelon

From a poppyseed to a watermelon... this baby is full term!  My official due date is not until June 30th but I'll be induced on the 25th if she hasn't already come on her own.  Why?  For no other reason than me just being a big complainer!  I am proud to say though, I have not used one sick day during my pregnancy and I plan on finishing out the rest of the school year.

My feet are swollen and my lady parts continue to ache but knowing I have a date greatly reduces my anxiety.  The baby has not yet 'dropped' but the doctor said things are progressing.

Weight gain so far: 19 lbs. 

Five Baby Showers!

Noa and I have been so blessed... I had five baby showers.  My dear friends Tiffany and Rhea each had a shower for me.  Lifelong friends of my moms, Pat and Jean, had one for me.  The Special Education and General Education staff each had one for me!  I received handmade, beautiful blankets that Noa will surely have throughout her entire life, lots of clothes, an infant car seat, gift cards, a crib, books, diaper bags, picture frames, bath toys, music, breast-pumps, a mobile, handmade cloth wipes from cousin Jennifer, and many, many other useful items! 

I appreciate having such supportive family and friends to share this joyous moment with!