For nine months you prepare, always looking ahead and anticipating the big delivery day, when you get to finally hold your child and look into her face. And after the monumental work of pregnancy and labor, you might assume that the physical challenges are mostly behind you.
But the postpartum period can be rough. I’ve had a really eventful week to say the least, but let me say first that the best thing that happened all week was the arrival of our baby girl, one day late.
On November 19th I woke up with a terrible headache and couldn’t sleep. Even after taking medicine it wouldn’t go away and I was so worried that my midwife came by to see me and check my blood pressure in the morning. And for the first time in my life, I got a high reading. My blood pressure has been pretty darn near perfect for every single pregnancy, so we were both concerned. And what about that headache? Was it hormonal? The big drop in air pressure that night? Labor looming? Nobody wanted it to be that other thing….pre-eclampsia.
Twenty-four hours later, I indeed went into labor, while my husband and all 8 children were at Mass. The house was quiet and peaceful, and I labored for three hours before calling the midwife and her assistant. It wasn’t a terribly difficult labor, at just five hours, but it certainly wasn’t as easy as Mary Kate two years ago! My back was killing me near the end, and it took three position changes to find the one that got our baby girl out. I was on my feet and relied on my husband 100% for support during the actual birth. The midwife and attendant caught our daughter as she came out, making it a team effort of four people!
Fast forward a few days and besides the usual tiredness, I found myself battling an eye infection and anemia (again). We were just getting those under control when my blood pressure spiked again, this time much higher. I ended up in the ER right before a huge snowstorm hit the Midwest. Along with hypertension, they discovered another infection – in my bladder. Good times!
I joked to my husband that I’m in much worse shape now than I ever was during the pregnancy. This recovery feels like climbing a huge hill with a coupe of heavy backpacks. Progress is slow, and I’m trying my best each day to eliminate these burdens one by one.
But if you ask if I’d rather have beautiful little Camille back in my tummy, when things were quieter and easier, the answer is an emphatic NO. The timeless verse still rings true “When a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world.” John 16:21.
Newborn diaper reviews are coming in the next month! Camille and I are trying some new styles and brands this time around. 🙂
Congratulations and God’s Blessings on the arrival of Camille, she’s adorable! I’m sorry for your rough recovery. My latest 3 months ago (#7!) was my hardest recovery as well – I’m now going to physical therapy still trying to get things sorted out. You know that as moms we’re accustomed to putting ourselves last, but we can’t serve our families if we’re not rested and strong as well. You also know how fast the newborn time flies, rest up and soak in all the snuggles! Let your lovely family serve you for a while, regular life returns soon enough.
Wow, so you are still recovering after 3 months! I think it’s good for mothers to know that you’re not always going to bounce back so quickly, even after a normal/natural delivery. Thanks for the well-wishes, Erica! We are truly enjoying these early days and she’s getting lots of snuggles from everyone. ~Anne Marie
Wow, that’s a lot to deal with with a fresh baby! I hope you’re recovering well, and I’m looking forward to your newborn diaper reviews!
Hi there, Kaitlin! Things are already looking up, just taking it one day at a time. By the way, congrats on the launch of your new Modern Botanical line! Developing an effective, attractive product is truly an impressive accomplishment for a busy mom, wife and blogger! – Anne Marie
Congratulations on the new addition to your family! She is such a sweet little girl.
Thanks, Stacie!
Experiencing those extra symptoms along with the recovery sounds extremely rough. I’m happy that you have a new bundle of joy though!
Makes it all worthwhile! ~Anne Marie
I feel congratulations are in order! She is a beautiful angel! I feel for you with your recovery, and hope that you continue to get better.
Thanks, Brianne!
Congratulations on your sweet baby! I’m sorry things were rough this time around. I hope things improve soon.
Congrats to you! Such a beautiful baby too. So adorable!
I found recovery to be much harder after I had hypertension. I don’t know if it was related but I just felt worse.
And I’ve heard it can linger for weeks, maybe even months!
Congratulations on your sweet bundle of joy. She sure is a cutie. It’s amazing what our bodies can do. I hope you have a speedy recovery.
Congratulations! Really, all the pain goes away once you see your baby. I hope you are recovering well.
Your new bundle of joy is just precious! Sorry that your recovery took so long!
Congrats! She is beautiful! It’s amazing what our bodies can do, I hope your recovery gives you a break soon!
Wow, so much to deal with. Strong mama for sure! I am grateful that most of my pregnancies were pretty uneventful. Beautiful baby!!
Thank you so much, Sarah!
Congratulations on a beautiful baby! I am so sorry you have had so many issues arise after delivery. I hope you are recovering now!
Yikes, that sounds like quite the ordeal right when you don’t want anything but peace. Congrats on the new edition to your family!
Thanks, April!