The Breastfeeding Class

The conclusion of the class was that you won't know what will work for you unless you have your baby in your arms, but you can learn certain techniques and know-hows to prepare yourself.

The Hold

The lactation nurse who conducted the class said how you hold the baby has a lot to do with how well the baby will latch on. Most women start with the Cradle Hold- the baby's head is supported by the nook of your one arm while the other wraps around the baby's body, tummy to tummy, where your tummy is aligned with baby's tummy. I call it the classic hold- the classic breastfeeding pose.
She, however, suggested the football hold, or the side hold, where the baby is held more to the side of the mom, like a football, and you have direct eye to eye contact with the baby. She also said this way is good for moms with twins, moms who had c-sections (which could potentially be me). Then there is the side lying pose, where you and the baby basically lie on your side, and let the baby feed. Ideal for night feedings, or right after a nap.
We all got to practice the holds with a dummy baby. Here she is.

The Milk 

We got to actually see different samples of the 'pre-milk': colostrom and 'mature milk' breast milk. It was fascinating to see that it was all different textures and color! Very interesting. The lactation nurse also believed in some of old wives remedies to make milk flow better- one of which I did not know. Take the big outer leaf of a chilled cabbage, put in into your bra, and wait about 10 minutes, or until the leaf begins to wilt a bit, and the milk will flow! She swears by it, she said it works- better than massaging it with hot water. She also showed us how to work the breast pump (my hospital uses medela... should've bought the medela. Ended up purchasing ameda, but they work the same way)

And she said " DON"T PUMP and STORE TOO MUCH AT ONCE!" she didn't want us to waste our breast milk...
She also suggested a diet plan for us to make healthy breast milk. Did not know I had to have three servings of dairy products each day! My lactose intolerance calls me to be creative... maybe I'll rent out Red Mango....

The Pacifiers

Nurse wasn't so keen on recommending the paci. She said try to stray away from them as much as possible. Her reason was it takes away from the babies getting used to mom's nipple. With bottle feedings, she said once a day is enough, maybe during night feedings. She said you could wean the baby off the breast milk whenever, but try to feed the baby breast milk exclusively up until 6 months. Hm. Some of my friends who have babies are already feeding their baby hard food and the baby is only 4 months. I guess I'll listen to the nurse.

Breastfeeding after C-Section

Nurse said that after recovery time, which is after 4 hours, mom can start breastfeeding right away. The dose of morphine and antibiotics that is prescribed is low, and it will not harm the baby. In case I end up getting a c-section, this was one of my biggest concerns. However, she said as long as the baby is willing, I can try.

I'm glad I went to the class- The lactation nurse, Teri, reassured us that when we deliver whether vaginal or c-section, she will be with us to help us breastfeed our babies. I'm so glad my hospital is so hands on, and they have so many resources!

Husband and I have another class to attend (only I went to the breastfeeding class) in two weeks, which is the newborn care class. Will update about that class too.
Until then, we have the OB appointment in 5 days, and hopefully, I gained enough weight for the doctor to tell me I"m doing a good job.
Eating is getting to be such a chore. I try to eat every 2-3 hours, but it's really difficult when you're not hungry. Nothing tastes good, and if I do end up eating I get full after couple bites. BUT- I eat for baby D and I really want him to gain weight.
He's still in the oblique breech position, I can feel his head resting on top of my right pelvic bone, and I get excruciating pain every time I try to move. I really pray he goes cephalic soon and his head goes down into my pelvic cavity.
We will also be monitoring Derrick's movements and heartbeat, through the fetal monitor during the visit, to make sure everything is ok.
I'm hoping to hear some good news next OB visit!

Until then, keep us in your prayers!

Intra Uterine Growth Retardation

Which pretty much is fancy medical term for small baby...
Our baby Derrick is officially and medically pronounced underweight and growth has slowed down quite a bit. 
We went in for our regular OB visit and the doctor was worried for two reasons: 
I have not gained weight at all, and the baby seems to be in a weird position.
Last visit, which was two weeks ago at 33 weeks and 4 days, I have gained 4pounds, and the doc said I was doing well. 
Two weeks later, I went from 144.6 pounds to 144 pounds to date, at 35 weeks and 4 days. 
O....K.... so where did the 0.6 pounds go? And why haven't I gained any weight?
Then she measured my fundal height- normal 
My blood pressure- normal. 
She touched around my belly and said the baby is sitting weird- she would like to do an ultrasound. 
Sure.
Measured the head circumference, the abdominal circumference, and the thigh bone length to get baby Derrick's weight. 
And the weight is 4 pounds 14 ounces (4.75lbs) way below the norm. According to his gestational age, he should be at LEAST 5.25-5.78 pounds...
This baffled me and the husband because I've been on a crazy junk food binge, and we were so sure that we'd gained weight!
So she guesses that we have slight IUGR, the Intra Uterine Growth Retardation- this does not mean that there is anything wrong with his other developments, it just means he stopped gaining weight- she said in severe cases, the baby stops growing skeletally too, which we are not in danger of yet. So she wants me to eat and sleep and not move around. 
I've been doing that too, like it's my job. I eat, take a nap. Wake up, snack, nap, go to bathroom. That's my routine. 
Well. Another thing the ultrasound revealed is that baby Derrick is what fancy medical term refers to as "oblique breech"- basically he's lying diagonally instead of vertically. So his head is not down into my pelvis, but sort of on top of it to the right, and his legs are not right under my sternum but sort of into my left ribs. I knew he wasn't vertical for the past few weeks because every time I came out of the shower my tummy looked REALLY FUNKY. 
So she said we still have about 3.5 weeks until the due date, and if the baby doesn't seem to be changing position, we might have to do an elective c-section because: one of Derrick's arms is stuck towards my cervix, and the doctor fears if my water breaks, the pressure and the force of the water breaking might cause his arm to pop out, which might affect his growth later when he's born. OK that kinda freaked me out. 

SO- this OB visit was a bunch of terrifying news- well for my husband, the in laws and my parents. I am a bit concerned, but I have faith in myself and baby Derrick and of course God that everything will turn out fine in the end. 
My OB seemed sad she couldn't give us any facial ultrasound pictures of baby Derrick for us, but we didn't care :] we already know he's going to be beautiful. He just needs to get out of his skinny jeans and GAIN SOME WEIGHT!
Right after the visit, we went to a Korean BBQ place, grilled some meat, and I pigged out. I told Derrick he needs to take all the meat and get fat! Let's see if he's a good boy and listens to his mommy :]

And if it is in God's plan, whatever that may be, I hope for the best possible solution for baby Derrick and me, whether that is natural birth, or c-section. God is good and He will provide the best for both of us. 
The next OB appointment is in a week, and the doc gave me homework: GAIN AT LEAST 2 POUNDS. Man- I've never been given that kind of homework! 
Now it's time for me to go munch on some snack!

Until the next post, please keep us in your prayers!

Love is in the Air

Today is officially the last day of week 34. 
Sunday marks week 35 and that means exactly 4 weeks left until due date, and 2 weeks until considered full term. YAY! Can't wait to meet Baby D.

Well-
Since it was my birthday and Valentine's day, I had a wonderful time with my dear husband. It felt so good to just have 'us' time. Romantic dinner, flowers, gifts... Personally for me, the break from all the baby stuff was a breath of fresh air :] Thanks hubby for making me feel special before baby Derrick takes all the attention away from me!

Feb 13: My birthday-
Started with gifts. Hubby got me a handycam- to record all the milestones for Baby D.

Parents in law gave me a Louis bag- may be used as a diaper bag :]

Then the day ended with a nice romantic dinner at Ruxbin, cousin Jenny and Edward's restaurant. We went over how fast we fell in love, how fast we got engaged, how fast we got married, how fast we got pregnant with baby #1, how fast God blessed us with Baby Derrick... and how blessed and loved I felt.... it was good having a night to reflect and be thankful. 

And here's to a happy 28th year of my life!!

Feb 14: Valentine's Day

I got into the festive mood and dressed myself up in representative colors :]

Little fun with my nails 

And annual flower delivery 

Two days dedicated just for me! Felt great :] 

Now for the baby stuff. Derrick's nursery is finally complete!

First of all, Jenny, the unnie who threw the shower for me, MADE this blanket; HAND MADE, cross stitched! Like I said, she's super talented. We love it and so will baby Derrick. 

Here is the custom frame with the poster we love so much, and Derrick's little shelf of books and such. Air humidifier, sterilized and ready to be used, with a lamp and lion doll.

Air purifier; we live in the city and also right next to a major road. A must with all the dust and allergens around...

Changing station, and drawers filled with baby clothes, booties, onsies, hats, socks, mittens... and a storage unit for the diapers, wipes, wipe warmers, lotion, qtips.... and on the far right, and diaper pail.

Baby Derrick's crib, mobile, blankies, and the decal we worked so hard to put on the wall, and the baby monitor camera

The most awesome rocker/recliner and the breast pump on our little stand thingie :]

Now we need Baby Derrick to come occupy his nursery!

Each passing day is a step closer to meeting Baby Derrick and husband and I are so excited to meet him. 

Here is a belly pic

It looks bigger on one side because Derrick likes to stay on one side- what an amazing little weirdo :]

Oh and thank you mom and dad for sending me awesome cute hoodies/sweaters (like the one I'm wearing in the picture) and my new glasses for my birthday!!

One new symptom I've been having- 

I'm having more frequent bowel movements. My guess is since I've been getting strong uterine contractions, it's helping my digestive system, or at least pushing on my rectum more so I can go more often. No complaints there! I love pooping! So much better than being constipated :] It may also be my body's way of getting rid of toxins before Derrick comes. Either way, I'm thankful I'm not constipated, and I haven't been this pregnancy. Thank you Lord :]

This coming week we have another OB appointment, and breastfeeding class. I will update more on those visits later. This sunday we are trying out a new Korean American church (I've been attending a non-Korean church for quite a while now), where hopefully Derrick can form a sense of community and his identity as a Korean... If not, we will keep looking for a good Korean American church.

Until the next post- keep us in your prayers!

Getting Ready for Baby D for REAL

First legit pregnancy scare occurred at week 33 and 5 days. 
The previous night (33 weeks and 4days) I had real bad contractions, didn't feel like Braxton Hicks, it felt like a real one, 
and I cried and my husband got scared and kept asking me if I was having our baby.
I don't know... 
Then the day after, I was on the toilet, I had pooped, cleaned myself up, and then cleaned my vagina, there was a green discharge with a tinge of blood. I got so scared, I told my husband, and I called my OB's office. 
They told me to come in and the OB checked my blood pressure and my weight. I had gained another 3 pounds since two weeks ago. So currently I'm at 144lbs!
Then the doctor hooked me onto some machines that measures the baby's heart rate and any contractions I have. 
I was on the machine for about 15 minutes. Then the doctor did an internal exam. 
NOTHING WAS WRONG! Cervix is still closed, and mucous plug is still there. 
She suspects that the green discharge was dried up build up in my vagina that just got discharged. 
Husband and I sighed a sigh of relief. 
However, I AM still feeling really strong Braxton Hicks that still confuse me, I'm not sure if it's a real contraction or not. I have a lot of pressure down there, and I definitely feel the weight of the baby getting heavier. My limbs hurt, they feel like steel bars, and it's hard to lift my arms or lift my legs. 
But, I'm not complaining, and I don't feel that "I'm done being pregnant" feeling yet. I'm pretty content ;]
On 33 weeks 6 days we had Olivia and Addison's birthday to attend-
I dressed up for the occasion; who says you can't be fashionable and pregnant? :]

It was Addison's 1st birthday, so they had the traditional table set up, and also Olivia's 4th, so there were jumpy things, and kids were having a blast. Helen and Oliver, were running around, and my husband and I realized that's gonna be us soon!

Here is the husband and I having a little fun ourselves at the party :]

Currently we are at 34 weeks and 2 days... and it's 2 days before my 28th birthday and 3 days before Valentine's Day :]

Here is a gift I got from Mom and Dad in law

I think I'm gonna end up using it as a diaper bag :] it's roomy enough!

And we got more baby stuff for Baby Derrick! Husband loves these Jordan booties :]

My mom and dad also sent tons of stuff, which I will post up soon!

I am feeling loved, and I'm sure Baby Derrick is too. 

I can't wait to spend some adult time with the husband- we've been so focused on preparing for Derrick to come, we haven't really had time with each other :]

Oh, and we bought newborn diapers and baby wipes at Costco- and more baby stuff from the baby registry is still arriving! I think the diapers made it even more real for both me and my husband that Baby Derrick is on his way and coming soon!

Until next time, keep us in your prayers!

Let's Talk about Sex, Baby

Earlier Week 32

Me: Babe, what do you do when you get horny? We haven't had sex in about nine months now. 

Husband: Stop asking stupid questions

Me: Do you jerk off? When do you do it? Do you do it when I'm asleep first? In the shower?

Husband: Stop asking stupid questions 

Me: I think we should have sex- I'm horny, you're horny, the baby won't get hurt

Husband: No Babe, we will not do it until Derrick comes out

Me: But I will be tired and my fufu will be all messed up...

Husband: I'm sure it will be as good as it always was. 

Me: Awww

Still Earlier week 32

I come out of the shower, I look at myself in the mirror and my body had just changed so much I was telling my husband about how I can't get used to this new body of mine

Me: babe look at my huge boobs with huge nipples

Husband: you have the African woman boobs

Me: omg what the heck.... 

Husband: I"m just kidding 

Me: (I started tearing up) you don't have to already make me feel bad about my body! I already do

Husband: I'm sorry babe I won't say things like that anymore, you look beautiful

Me: (bawling now) I hate you!

Husband: you look beautiful

Me: Look at me! Look at my body! it changed so much...bwaaaahhh

Husband: (kisses the baby bump)

Me: and my belly button looks funny

Husband: you look beautiful 

Me: (sniffles) ok :]

Talk about hormones...

Now, at 33 weeks and 2 days

I think I'm finally accepting my body, and that husband is set on being abstinent until baby Derrick comes, and I respect his decision. I think I'm actually thankful that he doesn't want to anymore because now my vaginal area is very sore, lots of pressure build up. 

We are 3.5 weeks away from being considered full term at 37 weeks and 6 weeks from the due date!

Here is a belated week 32 pic