Healthy Home

Welcome to Healthy Home, an enlightening weekly series on Mom Going Green.  Healthy Home focuses on natural health topics for the whole family.  The goal of this series is to provide moms (and dads too), with information on how to achieve optimal health for the entire household naturally.   The series will include the latest in natural health news, wholesome health tips, yummy recipes, and natural health remedies that have worked for healthy homes in year past. 

__________________________________________________________  

November is national Diabetes Awareness month.  You may not think the timing is right with the holiday season around the corner.  Most people figure they’ll just enjoy the holidays and make changes come January 1st.  But why not go into the holidays with a different attitude this year;  of coming out on January 1st feeling great and ahead of the game!

It is estimated that 16 million Americans suffer from Type 2 diabetes. 

Even more troubling is the fact that just a few years ago Type 2 Diabetes was more commonly known in the health care world as “Adult-Onset Diabetes”, but because of the poor diets and exercises habits of American children today, this name has been replaced as more and more of our children suffer from this preventable disease.  Diabetes and other preventable diseases also play a huge roll in the current health care crisis.  According to The American Diabetes Association, the total annual economic cost of diabetes was estimated at 174 billion dollars in 2007.  It is astonishing that our country has allowed diabetes to become so wide spread and costly considering how preventable this disease is. 

While it is outrageous that diabetes is so out of control in our country, it is not surprising that the number of Americans with diabetes is growing.  As a health care provider it is frustrating to see commercials on television touting the health benefits of “natural” high fructose corn syrup, especially in foods marketed towards children.  When I look in the coupon booklets in the weekly Sunday newspaper, 90% of them are for processed, unhealthy foods. There is so much money spent promoting the foods that have lead Americans to this diabetes epidemic!  Just take a walk down the aisles of your local grocery store.  They are filled with processed, convenience foods loaded with sugar and artificial, chemically created ingredients with names that are impossible to pronounce.  Sadly, the average American today eats this processed, unhealthy food for breakfast each day, goes to work where he or she sits at a computer, then eats a lunch with more processed, sugary foods, returns to the computer to work, sits in a car to go home, sits down for a dinner of even more unhealthy food, heads to the couch to sit and watch television, and finally goes to bed.  And we wonder why so many Americans must take diabetes medication to survive!    

While diabetes is preventable, it takes a little bit of effort and will power.    Try shopping in the perimeter aisles of the grocery store where you will find fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.  When shopping for meats it is important to look for grass fed beef and free range poultry and eggs.  This is because meat from corn and grain fed animals contain pro-inflammatory fatty acids that can facilitate diabetes.   Nuts such as walnuts and almonds should be a regular part of your diet.  When shopping for grains, choose whole grains and rice.  Try glutin free options to further reduce inflammation such as brown rice flour.  Avoid continence foods that have an ingredient label a mile long.  You can make natural foods convenient too.  Throw some grapes in your freezer and you have a tasty snack.  Try organic, all natural peanut butter on 100% whole wheat bread with raisins and unsweetened coconut.  Add a touch of honey if you like.   On the weekend when you have more time, pre-cook several free-range chicken breasts to place atop a bed of lettuce with avocado slices and an oil and vinegar dressing.  Add additional fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, or spices to increase the flavor.  Be creative.  If you plan ahead it is not hard to have quick and healthy meals ready!  When shopping, don’t spend too much time in the middle aisles of the store.   That is where most processed and unhealthy foods are located.  Avoid hydrogenated oils, refined sugar, processed foods and sweets.  When buying packaged foods, be sure to read the label.  Choose items with few ingredients and make sure you know what they are.  If you have never heard of it avoid it.  Don’t deprive yourself of your favorite foods, just eat them in moderation.

Exercise

While most researchers and physicians focus on diet as the primary preventative tool for diabetes, it is important to note that exercise is also extremely beneficial.  One study conducted at the Cleveland Clinic and published in the “Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism,” showed that patients who exercise and change their diet reduce their risk for diabetes more than those who change their diet alone.  Another study conducted in Copenhagen showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise have a positive effect on type 2 diabetes among other diseases.  Exercise has several positive effects that help to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Misconception

Many diabetics are fearful of eating fresh fruits.  Yes, fruits contain sugar, but they are natural sugars.  If you are not loading up on processed refined sugar, there is plenty of room in your diet for fresh fruits.   If you still have concerns about fruit and blood sugar levels, consume some protein with your fruit.  A hand full of nuts is a good protein option.  Fruits have many valuable anti-oxidants and vitamins that are good for your body.  Don’t deprive youself of this.  Instead cut back or eliminate unnatural refined sugars.

Happy lion

Jack does such a great ROAR that we thought he’d make the cutest lion for Halloween.  We found a warm and comfy costume at Once Upon A Child for $6.  I was pleasantly surprised that he didn’t mind the Lion hood at all. 

 He dressed up for a Halloween picnic party at the park with his play group on Tuesday.  I had to draw a lion face on daddy in order to get Jack to sit still for his lion face.  Many moms brought yummy, festive treats to the party.  It was cute to see all of the kiddo’s dressed up on the playground.  We had planned to attend a Trunk or Treat at a patient’s church on wed but we were all pooped after a crazy day at work so we opted out. 

2 Lions

Looking for a Cook (cookie)

Having fun

Thursday was Trick or Treat in New Albany.  We went to the neighborhood of Mac, our business coach, and his family.  Jack tried to keep up with their 6 year old, Sophia but she was on a candy mission.  We walked around the neighborhood for a bit then helped Mac hand out candy.  Afterwards we went inside and warmed up by the fire with some tasty red wine.  Sophia enjoyed babysitting Jack in her play room.

cutest lion

Jack actually sat still for a group photo

Saturday, we made a spur of the moment call to my mom and learned it was Trick or Treat in my home town that night.  We decided to surprise my dad and drove up their way with Jack’s costume ready to go.  We figured he was such a cute lion we should show him off to as many family and friends as possible (yes, I’m a biased mom).  We let Jack walk up to Papa, waiting for trick or treaters.  He jumped with joy when he saw Jack in the driveway.  Jack did a great job helping Papa hand out candy.  Greg also enjoyed the experience since he grew up in the country and never had trick or treaters come to his door.   Mamma took lots of Jack photos and made us a yummy pumpkin pie – my favorite!

Mamma keeps Jack out of the street

Jack & Papa ready for the kids

on Papa's AJ Hawk Chair

A good helper

Mommy steals a Kiss!

We took Jack to the pumpkin patch this year at Lynd’s Fruit Farm. Last year Jack was just 8 months so this was his first time exploring the pumpkin patch on foot. He was not interested in the pumpkins what so ever!!! He was interested in running in every direction as fast as he could. His body couldn’t keep up with his feet and he did a few nose dives into the ground but it didn’t seem to phase him one bit. Boys! He is really catching on how to ware mom and dad out as much as possible! I think we all got a good workout in at the pumpkin patch! We did come away with a nice pumpkin though, chose by mom and dad. You will see in the photos below, Jack running all over with not a glance at a pumpkin! He did have a good time!

Running

Running

Rocks, more intereting than Pumpkins

Can dad interest Jack in a Pumpkin?

Checking out the Pumpkin

Tomato Sauce & Puree

Earlier this summer our office staff member, Sarah K. gave me a book on pickling and canning for my birthday.  I thought it was so thoughtful.  At our office cookout a few weeks prior we showed off our bountiful vegetable garden and I gave everyone a handful of cucumbers on their way out.  We probably had over 100 cucumbers this summer, and what on earth to do with them?  Pickle!

 I pulled out my pickling book and picked up some jars at the store and gave it a whirl.  I tried dill and sweet bread and butter. The dill were definitely a little easier to make, however, I have a huge sweet tooth so the bread and butter are more for me.  We made a whole shelf full of pickle jars.  If they turn out well all of our relatives will be getting them for Christmas!  It is time consuming but it also gave me a rewarding feeling of being resourceful and not wasteful of the nutritious crops made by the sun and the soil. 

Pickles, Apple Sauce, Ketchup

In addition to pickles we also made ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato puree, and apple sauce.  The tomatoes came in part from our garden and also from Flying J Farm (organic).  The apples were hand pick by Jack, Greg and I at Windy Hill Apple Farm in Newark.  They too are organic!  We also harvested and froze broccoli, beets, and carrots from our garden.

 The basics of Canning:

1.  Puree or prepare your food according to the recipe
2. Prepare jars if necessary by boiling the jars and lids in advance
3. Place the food in jars with 0.5-1.0 inches of headspace (space at the top of the jar) and cap them with the lids
4. Boil for 15-30 min. depending on the acidity of the food
5. Let cool, check lids for a good seal and store in a cool dry place

 Lessons learned

Next year I will probably not make ketchup – it took a tremendous amount of tomatoes and time for a very small amount of ketchup.  I will also plant more canning tomatoes.

I recently was introduced to a new idea in cloth diapering… The most convenient and innovative one-size cloth diaper on the market! Instead of a pocket, this one-size has a snap on soaker insert. This is a wonderfully novel idea because the same cover can be re-used by simply snapping in a fresh insert at each diaper change. This makes this diaper very cost effective because you won’t need as many pricy covers. A single cover can be used for multiple diaper changes, i.e. Instead of needing 40 complete diapers. You will only need ½ or less of the quantity of soakers depending on your child’s age. You can also keep some money in your pocket because this diaper can be used on infants from 8lbs to 30lbs.

So what is this new diaper?

The Gro Baby System. Gro baby cover is made of a soft mesh cotton. The inner soaker is oh so soft with organic cotton velour. I love the closure tabs on the Gro Baby. They are similar to velcro but the fibers are soft and short so they won’t collect fuzz or lint. I anticipate they will last much longer than traditional Velcro. This is perfect for little guys like Jack who are too squirmy for snaps on the changing table. My main complaint with this diaper is that the inner soaker takes a long time to dry, 70 min. in the dryer and it’s still not done. When I line dry they take longer than any other cloth liner I have. Also I found I really need to be on top of changing Jack often throughout the day otherwise he will pee though to the cover and I will have to change the entire diaper. I do think I was being a little lax on the diaper changes and I think it is good for his skin to do more frequent changes. Overall, I’m a big fan of the Gro Baby system.

You could win a Gro Baby Shell with liner and booster with the color of your choice from Sprout Soup. Here’s how to enter:

1. To be entered go to Sprout Soup and leave a comment at this post of your favorite product they carry. Be sure to leave a valid e-mail so I can contact you to claim your prize. The contest is open to U.S. shipping addresses only For Extra entries: 
2. Subscribe to Mom Going Green and leave a comment stating that you did. 
3. Blog about this giveaway and linking to Mom Going Green using ”Convienent, Cost Effective Cloth Diaper Giveaway” as the title in your blog’s post. Then, leave a comment here with a link to your post. 
4. Go to Sprout Soup and Follow on Twitter, and Tweet that you learned about their store from www.momgoinggreen.wordpress.com
5. Follow me on (DrHeatherP) on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway with”DrHeatherPGiveaway – Win a FREE cloth diaper http://bit.ly/2UZgJd“.  Then comment with a link to your tweet.
6. Add Mom Going Greento your blog roll and comment that you did so, with a link to your site.

This contest runs until 11:59PM (EST) on Sept. 18th, 2009. One winner will be randomly selected (via random.org) and announced on this post and e-mailed sometime shortly after the contest concludes. If a winner doesn’t respond within 72 hours, a new winner will be selected

If you are not the lucky winner and would like to purchase Gro Baby Organic cloth diapers check out Sprout Soup online or at their store in Columbus, Ohio (the Clintonville area). The staff at Sprout Soup are always very helpful and personable, and are happy to show you how the diaper works. They have also put together the following recommendations on how many Gro Baby diapers you will need:

Newborn – 8 shells, 36 soakers or purchase infant sized prefolds

Babies 4-6 months – 8 shells, 30 soakers

Babies 12 months – 6 shells, 24 soakers

new albany, ohio oh, columbus, green living, green baby, c gahanna, clintonville, blacklick, choice midwives, midwife, homebirth, chiropractor, chiropratic

Last Thursday was my birthday.  We took a family excursion to the Columbus Clippers game that evening.  It was Jack’s first Clippers Game our first time watching a game in the new Huntington Park.  We had a great time.  We arrived a little late due to work and standing room only were the only tickets available.  While waiting in line the person in front of us gave us one of their tickets so we only had to purchase one.  When we made it in the gate we saw there were many empty seats available so we didn’t have to stand after all.  I don’t think we would have made it long if we had to stand with a squirmy 18 month old. 

The sun was in our eyes for the first part of the game but it quickly fell behind the stands.  It was great to be outside with an enthusiastic crowd.  The announcer said Huntington Park was voted this year’s best all-around ballpark.  It really was a great ballpark! It was easy to get around, plenty of options for concessions, affordable tickets, parking was easy to find, great field and lights, located right in the heart of arena district downtown.  We brought Chex Mix to snack on and organic Oatio’s for Jack.  We also had a soft serve ice cream cone.  It was a great game and the Clippers were winning when we left half way through the eighth inning.  It was around 10pm and Jack had reached his limit.  On our way out Jack checked out the life size wobble head mascots, Louseal and Krash.  We also took some photos opts as we left.  Check them out below!

Greg and I finished our birthday celebration on Saturday with Dinner at Bel Lagio on the Hoover (I love waterfront dinning and miss it from FL) followed by an outdoor concert at Creekside in Gahanna.  Greg also made me home made Cheesecake with strawberry topping, yum!  It was wonderful to have a date night!  I think we will do these more often in the future!  Thanks to Greg’s cousin, Renee for babysitting and thank you, Daddy and Jack for a nice birthday….. Now I’m going to have to start thinking of an idea for Greg’s 30^th coming in February 2010 (I know, I have time).  If you have any ideas send them my way!

 Being new business owners, Greg and I work many hours and often on weekends.  This can be draining on us mentally and physically.  We decided a few months ago that we needed 1 day each week designated for family time and no work!  Life has been much more refreshing with this day to look forward to.  We designated Tuesday’s Family Fun Day.  Occasionally we enjoy a weekend day of family fun too! I hope to share with you some of the activities we have enjoyed this summer during Family Fun day!

Last week we checked out the Columbus Main Library downtown.  The Library building is a beautiful architectural sight downtown.  There was a great children’s area with isles of books, CD’s, DVD’s and a play area too.  Jack really liked the play kitchen set up.  The walls were painted with attractive murals, appealing to the child’s eye.  There were large animal sculptures, huge stuffed animals, and alphabet letters for kids to enjoy.  Numerous computer stations were available to easily track down your desired book.  We utilized the pamphlets for parents on suggested books for your child’s age.  The library has many activities throughout the month including story time and much more.  We left the library with 5 books and 4 CD’s for the car.  Jack loves listening and dancing to fun music!  I don’t know where he gets his dancing skill, likely not from Greg or I!

 Following the library we headed for some outdoor fun at the Ballantrae Park in Dublin.  Ballantrae is known for its choreographed fountains.  There were many other children enjoying the fountains that day and Jack didn’t hesitate to jump right in with the crowd.  He was intrigued by the varying display.  They all popped up a different times and different heights.  He got sprayed in the face a few times but brushed it off quickly.  At the park there was a green area where many parents laid a blanket and watched their kids splash and play.  Jack really had a blast in the water.  We’ll definitely take him back again! 

Excited

Fascinated

Curious

After 2 big trips Jack easily dosed off in the car ride home.  It was an eventful family fun day!

columbus, new albany, ohio, chiropractic, all natural parenting, organic, bexley, gahanna, blacklick, pataskala, johnstown, oh, ohio, clintonville, worthington, upper arlington, westerville, sunbury, franklin county, licking county

Digging in the sand

Last week Jack and I returned from vacation in Traverse City, Michigan where several relatives have cottages on Lake Leelanau.  My mom, Greg’s mom, Doris and his sister, Lindsay came with us.  Also taking the trip was Greg’s Brother, Mike, his wife, Becky, and their 2 children Clareese (5) and Weston (3).  We had the privilege of riding in Doris’s brand new, “Cash for Clunkers” mini van.  Mike and Becky followed in their car.  The drive went much better this year than last.  Jack slept, talked, played and danced in his seat.  I think facing forward and being a year older made a big difference. 

We arrived last Monday evening

Jack, Reese, Wes

and all of the kids jumped out of the car and went straight for the beach!  They dug in the sand and waded in the water, not time for putting on bathing suits either!  It was a lot of fun to see Jack enjoy the lake, last year he wasn’t too thrilled with being wet and wasn’t too interested in the sand either.  I also enjoy bring new family and friends to the cottage and watching them experience the place I have enjoyed every summer of my life (except 2007). 

Jack & Reese

Refreshing, clear water

It was great to see grandma and grandpa and uncle Jimmy (my mom’s family).  I was so pleased that grandpa was doing so well.  He had his leg amputated 2 years ago and he did alright last year at the cabin but this year he looked fantastic.  His buddy Jim Gothier took him out fishing nearly every day and he was living it up!  I’m so glad he has such a loyal and giving friend.  I also visited with Aunt Gail and Cousin Ashley.  They enjoyed seeing Jack. 

so Cute

Ready for a boat ride

Jack's 1st Boat Ride

Each day we were there I took Jack out in the lake water and we played in the sand.  He really like throwing rocks in the lake and twirling circles in his raft.  Reese and Wes seemed to enjoy it too.  Reese collected some Petoskey rocks, native to Lake Michigan for her show and tell in school. 

Gettin Dirty

Happiness

Reese & Jack

We had dinner each night with the whole family.  Jack and I brought veggies from our garden at home (lettuce, beets, carrots, swiss chard, cucumbers, and squash) to contribute to the meals.  Grandma cooked some yummy dishes with them and I made a mental note of some of her recipes so I can make them for Greg!  In the evenings we  either had a camp fire and smores or watched “So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Got Talent”. 

Enjoying the Lake

Fun in the shade

We took a few trips into the towns of Leland and Suttons Bay for some shopping and to check out the marinas.  I enjoy looking at the large fishing boats.  Overall it was a great trip, except for the fact that Greg couldn’t make it.

Aunt Lindsay

Grandma's Cottage

Jack has now been in this world for 18 months and I would like to go back to the day he entered this world and document his birth story.  It is a bit lengthily, it was hard to cut out any detail.  I wanted to document the entire story, unrated, and not softening anything.  I just want to give all of you expecting moms a head’s up… My experience was not a walk in the park.  I definitely made some mistakes along the way and hope to learn from then next time.  However I do not regret for a second my choice for a home birth and I would recommend it to any healthy woman out there.

 It was the 2^nd weekend in February 2008.  My dad, who is a salesman for Riddell was staying at our home because he had a conference in Columbus that weekend.  He spent the night Thursday, Feb. 7^th.  We joked that we might have to kick him out if I went into labor!  We had planned a home birth with the midwives, Greg, and I present.  We wanted it to be personal without spectators, even family.  I was now a week past my “due date” and very impatient.  I was walking the mall daily and adding cayenne pepper to every meal for the past 3 weeks, hoping the old wives tale of spicy food would trigger labor.  I don’t think it worked.  However, on Thursday evening, when my dad arrived, I started to notice what felt like Braxton hicks contractions again, a rhythmic wave of tightening around my belly, not painful or uncomfortable.  Occasionally I checked my watch.  They came and went very irregularly.  I figured after a few hours they would stop again like every other false alarm of Braxton hicks I’d experienced.  I watched some TV with Greg and my dad then we headed to bed.  Throughout the night I woke up multiple times as and the contractions had continued, not showing any signs of regularity or rising intensity.  I thought this might be different.  No other Braxton Hicks lasted this long but I didn’t want to get my hopes up.  I think I did tell Greg at one point that this could be early labor – but then again, I often told him that, just to turn around a few hours later and say “just kidding”. 

            I woke at 7am and went to the bathroom and noticed a small amount of blood.  I was secretly excited, hopeful, and nervous, but didn’t want to get my hopes up quite yet.  I said bye to my dad as he left for his conference, not mentioning the likely pending labor.  I didn’t want to distract him from his conference if it was going to be a false alarm.  I went back up stairs and told Greg.  Fortunately he had that Friday off work.  He was very excited.  We waited another hour or two and when the contractions still hadn’t let up, we called Abby, one of our midwives.  She said it sounded like it was the real deal.  She said to note if the contractions became more consistent and stronger and to give her an update by 11am.  She also called our other midwife, Kelley, and apprentice midwife Jill to give them the heads up.  Abby said we should rest up and go about our morning without getting too excited or spending too much energy.  Well we couldn’t help but be a little excited, and nervous too. 

Now recognizing I was in labor and we hadn’t taken 9 month pregnancy photos yet which was something I really wanted to do.  So I grabbed the camera and Greg took some shots.  We took some in our bedroom by the window and in the baby room.  I made Greg pose for a few, which was a bit comical, but he did it.  We took some together using the timer on our camera.  You can see in the photos when I’m in a contraction because my belly sticks out like a bicep on steroids.  (I posted some of these photos on the previous posting).  Contractions still were not painful, they were just there.  Greg and I then watched some TV and relaxed on the couch.  I called Abby back at 11am and told her the timing of the contractions, still not very consistent, and not really increasing in strength, but not letting up either.  Abby suggested we go for a walk and continue monitoring everything.  She instructed us to call when it began to feel uncomfortable and when I felt like just lying down or if my water broke.  We then called some of our family including my dad.  He later told me he told all the High School coaches he met that day that he was going to be a first time grandpa, including Guest speaker, Jim Tressel!  Dad never holds back!  So far labor was a piece of cake.  I could feel the tightening in my belly but it wasn’t painful.

 We decided to take her up on the suggestion of going for a walk.  Being that it was February, we drove to Meijer and walked a few laps around the store.  I could feel the contractions strengthening a bit so we headed home to relax and get lunch/dinner.  It was around 3pm but we were hungry.  We had purchased several “labor” snacks such as grapes, other fruits, nuts, veggies, vitamin water, and of course ice chips.  But we didn’t have any meals ready so decided to have a celebratory “last super” and settled on California Pizza Kitchen take out.  This is where some of my bad choices began that evening.  I don’t know what I was thinking getting a pizza while in labor.  My favorite veggie pizza from CPK just sounded so good at the time and Greg will never turn down pizza.  As Greg came back with our meal my contractions were strengthening further and finally becoming more consistent but still 4-5 min. apart. 

I called Abby again after finishing the pizza around 4pm because I was becoming uncomfortable, not painful though.  The cats were still out and about.  Maddie could definitely tell something was up.  She was lying on the couch behind me and followed me around if I got up.  I had been drinking a little water but not as much as I should.  I figured I could drink more as I needed it, as labor progressed.  Abby arrived around 5pm.  She asked several questions then check me and the baby.  She said I was about 4-5 centimeters.  I thought, well that’s good; I guess something is working, but still a way’s to go.  Abby called Kelly and Jill and they were now on their way over.  The discomfort was persisting so I decided to try out the birthing tub we rented.  Greg filled it up and when it was warm enough for the baby I stepped in.  I loved the tub!  It was so relaxing and the discomfort definitely decreased with the warm water around my belly.  I thought all women should have access to a warm birthing tub for their labor.  We also played some card games while waiting through the labor.  After a bit, the intensity was increasing further so cards were done and I was just trying to relax.  Greg suggested popping in the movie he picked out.  While making preparations for labor, Greg suggested buying a funny movie for during labor.  He said a funny movie always makes him feel better.  I wasn’t crazy about the idea but decided to go along with it.  So we poped in Greg’s movie, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”.  A little into the movie I asked to turn it off and put in relaxing music and focus on relaxation and some of the techniques we learned in our hypno birthing classes.  As the evening progressed I was beginning to feel some pain, but it was tolerable, and the tub helped tremendously.  I also began to feel a little nauseous so I did not drink much water or eat the snacks we prepared.  I did have a few ice chips.  It was now 10 pm.  Up until this point labor was a synch, the tub was great, relaxation techniques worked, the soft music was calming and the tub was wonderful. 

 However I would say 10pm was definitely the turning point.  Funny that later my dad told me he drove by our place around 10pm after his conference to make sure he didn’t see an ambulance!  I think that was a little overkill but I was his little girl.  For me, things began to go downhill at this time and I primarily blame dehydration.  Pain levels were increasing; I thought I must be at 10cm by now!  At this point even the warm tub did not relive my discomfort.   I continued to rejected water and was becoming dehydrated.  I spent some time out of the tub which felt better for a little while but nothing was comfortable anymore.  I was ready for labor to be over and my baby to arrive.  I told the midwives I didn’t feel well and wanted to start pushing.  Earlier in the afternoon, Abby said I would know when I felt the urge to push and at this moment I think I decided this must be it because I was uncomfortable and wanted it to all be over so I convinced myself this was “the urge to push”.  Abby checked me and said I was nearly 10 cm but not quite.  I got back in and out of the tub for the next hour.  At that point I asked again to push.  The midwives said ok and I had a go at it.  It felt like nothing was happening.  I was exerting so much effort, I gave it everything I had and was disappointed.  I think I expected I’d push a few times and the baby would slip out and that would be it.  My mom said all three of her labors were short, pushing fast and it was all a pleasant experience. She also had a natural birth with no medications.  I guess I did not inherit the smooth labor.

  It was definitely painful at this point and the dehydration was clouding my mind.  I continued pushing and pushing and after sometime we all decided I needed the help of gravity.  The tub was not making things more comfortable anymore so I decided to try pushing out of the water with the help of gravity.  I had always imagined having my baby birthed in the comfort of the warm bath but at this point I just wanted the baby out.  I tried on the bed and on the birthing stool.  Throughout this time I was checked regularly and it was decided that the baby was stuck, behind my pelvic bones.  I also continued to turn down water.  I was beginning to think there would never be an end to my pushing, it was all in vein.  An hour had gone by, then 2.  I thought it would be nice to have our baby on a nice even numbered day, Feb. 8 sounded good and the sooner the better, but midnight quickly passed and then 1am.  I continued pushing, spending all of my energy and feeling like no progress was being made.  Eventually Abby, Kelley, and Jill noted that the baby was moving through the birth canal and was no longer stuck.  I thought for sure now the baby would ease out in another push or two…. Not the case.  After pushing for over 2 hours, which I was told was long but not unususal for a first timer, I thought this baby would never come.  I seriously, truly, believed my baby would be stuck in me forever, never coming out.  Dehydration was definitely affecting my mind.  Greg was starting to freak out.  I kept asking him to help me, help this baby get out.  He hadn’t seen me in this state before, feeling compeltly helpless.  Thoughout this process Abby, Kelley, and Jill continued to encourage me and were supportive.  I asked to go to the hospital, I asked for drugs, I asked to have this baby cut out of me, I didn’t care what happened at this point, I wanted it all to be over.  Greg felt really helpless and scared because of the way I was acting.  I was pretty serious at one point about quitting and going to the hospital.  However in reality I DID care and Greg, Abby, Kelley, and Jill all knew this and encouraged me that I was progressing and it wouldn’t be too much longer.  I did think it out and couldn’t imagine at that point how I could possibly get myself into a car and to a hospital, that seemed utterly impossible.  Abby also said there was nothing the hospital would give me at that point, being as far as I was (although I didn’t believe I was that close to the end) and I truly did not want that, I wanted no regrets.  In reality, the baby and I were healthy outside of my dehydration.  Jill then received a phone call that another of her clients went into labor and she was the doula for that mom-to-be so she had to leave.  She didn’t want to go with me so close to the end but she had to.  I still had Abby and Kelly there.  One of them suggested Greg find a mirror so I could see the baby’s head, and they guided my hand to feel the head.  For a second I thought maybe I was progressing but then I went back to my dehydrated misconception state of mind and thought, no, this baby is in me permanently!  I pushed and pushed and my eyes didn’t see the head coming any closer, even though it was.  In that last hour I definitely realized what the urge to push meant!  I couldn’t even control it; my body was pushing without me even thinking.  As the head was coming closer Kelley monitored the baby’s heart rate every minuite.  Before that it was every 15 minutes.  Kelley said it was time, I needed to step it up further and get the baby out.  The head was deep in the birth canal for too long and it needed to be out.  I thought “are you crazy, I have stepped it up this entire 2 hour and 30 min. of pushing, how can I give any more!  I continued to push with all my might, still thinking this baby will seriously never show its face and then, all the sudden someone said the head is out.  I thought, “ya right, you’re lying to me, this baby is not ever coming!”.  I looked down and saw the head but still, I was sure they were lying, I was just imaging the head, it wasn’t real.  Then a second later I felt the whole body flop out and I could not believe it.  It was a miracle!  I seriously thought I would never meet this baby.  It was an ENORMOUS sigh of relief.  They handed me the baby with Greg my by side we just relished the moment.  I was beyond exhausted mentally and physically, and in disbelief that it was all over. 

 Kelley asked if it was a boy or girl?  We didn’t pay attention at first but then noticed we had a baby boy! Baby Jack Joseph Prenger.  He wasn’t crying when he was born so Kelley was tapping on his feet trying to get him to make a sound (he was obviously breathing fine) and he then let out a cry.  His skin was slightly purple when he first arrived but quickly pinkened up.  Kelley said the cord was wrapped around his neck twice, but loosely.  She cut the cord and was the one to catch Jack along with Abby as he was born.  We planned Greg to catch but he was unable because I was leaning against him as he held me up during the delivery.  Then Abby said I needed to push again to get the placenta out.  I thought “this is ridiculous; you can’t seriously ask me to do this again.”  But she was serious and business like so I listened, and luckily one easy push and that was done.  Abby and Kelley checked Jack and I to make sure everyone was healthy then they gave our new family some quiet bonding time. 

Greg and I relaxed on the couch with our new baby just cuddling him and watching him.  We also decided we’d never have kids again after that ordeal.  (Obviously, I was still severely dehydrated and our minds clouded by our intense labor).  I let Jack explore if he was hungry but he didn’t see interested in latching on quite yet.  Abby said not to worry, that he will.  After about 45 min. they came back to check on us and helped me to the shower.  My body was shaking but Abby said that was normal, after birth and also the muscle contractions helped control the blood loss.  It was a little difficult walking up the stairs to the shower but I can’t tell you how good it felt to take a shower in our own home. It felt so surreal that it was all over and the shower felt amazing.   The midwives cleaned up the birthing area while I showered.  After showering I joined Jack and Greg in our bed.  Kelley weighted and measured Jack and did a few additional checks on him.  He was 9 lb 8 oz and 21.5 inches.  I couldn’t believe the weight.  I was only 6 lb 1oz so I was sure I’d have a small or even average baby.  I thought no wonder it was a challenge!  Jack then, relaxed and comforted, latched on easily for a recovery meal.  Abby and Kelley then left and our new family had a much needed and deserved sleep. 

Afterthoughts

Now, 18 months later, reflecting back on the birth, I realize several things I would do differently.  The biggest is to stay hydrated, and especially load up on water the second I realize I’m in labor and throughout early labor and as much as possible during labor even if I feel nauseous.  I would also try more ice chips.  I think the dehydration definitely clouded my thinking and fatigued my muscles, putting me at a disadvantage.  Next time I would choose a lighter, healthier, and milder pre-labor meal.  I would utilize our birthing relaxation techniques much more.  I felt like we hardly used the tools we had and I would take that part more seriously.  Next time I will have known the feeling of “the urge to push”.  I feel like I may have tried to push too soon, before my body was ready and therefore tired myself out.  I might not watch a movie or play cards but just rest quietly.  Abby also suggested I walk around more in earlier labor to let gravity help bring the baby down.  Things I would do the same:  I will definitely use CHOICE midwives again!  I loved my experience with them and thought they were great and fit Greg and my philosophy and comfort and desires perfectly.  I would definitely do a home birth and utilize the birthing tub as much as possible.  I loved that I didn’t have to get in a car and drive to a bright, unfamiliar, noisy hospital with people telling me what to do.  I loved that I could shower in my shower and sleep in my bed.  I would again choose a small crowd of Greg, the midwives and maybe Jack, not sure on that one yet.  We will have more children in the future, despite our initial feelings after the labor, but not any time soon.  I hope you enjoyed my story, real, bare bones, and not sugar coated, and I hope I didn’t scare anyone.  I loved my homebirth experience, despite the challenges I faced.

There was a lot of excitement and restlessness during the last month for me.  I knew labor and the birth of our “Baby J” were just around the corner.  Greg and I were very excited to meet our new family member.  Sleep was hard to come by during this last month.  It was often interrupted due to frequent bathroom trips and discomfort from an awkwardly large belly.  It’s comical that I actually thought I’d get better sleep after the birth…I later learned that’s not exactly how it works! 

We spent a lot of time preparing the baby room this month.  We painted the top half of the walls in the nursery a sea green color and left the bottom half white.  Greg and his friend touched up and painted a hand-me-down rocking chair and the dresser/changing table my sisters and I used when we were babies.  We also put together the crib we received from a co-worker of my mom.  I definitely like the idea of re-using baby furniture.  Everything we have has little or no signs of wear and many good years left.  We set up a bassinette in our room, passed down from Greg’s Brother.  We opened and hung the tiny clothes and other baby necessities we received from our shower.  Everything was all set and we were just waiting.  Greg was working as a personal trainer, while we worked out the details for our up-coming business.  He told his clients, co-workers and boss that he was awaiting the phone call.  I was at home, antsy and waiting for some sign of labor.  I spent the days finishing up the baby room and curtains I was making for 3 different windows in our home.

We had weekly appointments with the midwives during the final month of pregnancy.  Every time we were there I was hoping Abby, Kelley, or Jill would tell us that labor had started or was about to any minute.… but that was not the case.  We waited and waited as the ninth month came and went.  I thought any day now… but the day went by, and the next, and the next… Finally, 8 days later I KNEW SOMETHING WAS DIFFERENT!  Stay tuned for Jack’s birth story coming up on his 18 month birthday.

Wow my face is swollen!