Birth Story: This is my second child and to say she came in a hurry is an understatement. I woke up at 11:45pm Sunday March 20th with a pain traveling from my low back to my lower pelvic region. I knew I was in labor, because the pain was consistent, even with movement and position changes. What really threw me for a loop was the next ones were coming at 10 minute intervals!
I dilated so fast with my first birth that when I followed the protocol of contractions 5 min apart for an hour I arrived at the hospital 9 cm dilated. I was advised for my second birth to arrive when the contractions reach 10 min apart, so when I woke up to them already being 10 min apart, let’s just say we were in a bit of a rush.
Thankfully we were able to get to the hospital and have a natural vaginal birth one hour later.
Our little Lily was born at 6lb 10oz and neither she or I had any complications, so we were discharged home the following day.
Postpartum Week 1:
I am one week postpartum and feeling tired and have to remind myself that I pushed a baby out of my vagina only 7 days ago and I need to slowly integrate myself back into my daily routine and activity level. I still need to wear sanitary pads due to bleeding and take ibuprofen as needed for cramping and soreness/inflamed breasts. I am getting to sleep about 1.5 to 2 hour blocks at a time which isn’t terrible but does weigh in on my fatigue. I have been very fortunate to not have any tearing this time around but I did still have minor burning with urination. I have been trying to stay aware of my posture throughout breastfeeding but I have been dealing with some low back pain and weak core.
I have been focusing on my breathing to help improve diaphragm and pelvic floor coordination. I make sure I perform deep breathing exercises laying in bed to improve proper rib mobility and abdominal activation. Not only does the deep breathing help with mobility and muscle activation, but it also helps reduce my stress, since having a newborn tends to increase stress levels in my life. I also started isometric exercises for the pelvic floor to help improve strength and activation. I look forward to this postpartum journey to help me and other women be able to return to normal life activities and recreational exercises with no complaints.
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