Jill's Birth StoryWe are excited to introduce Elanor Brynn Townley Pruitt who joined our family (on the outside) March 7th, 2008 at 7:04 am in Portland. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 12 oz. and measured 20" in length.
Our family is adjusting nicely to quartet-life. Zoe enjoys helping as the big sister (getting Mama water, telling Dada the time on the clock, giving big hug/kisses, and 'assisting' baby sister open gifts). Mama, Dada and baby are gently remembering the dance steps to the eatin'/sleepin'/diaper changin' life-with-infant shuffle. We look forward to the time when each of you meets Elanor in person.
Our family is adjusting nicely to quartet-life. Zoe enjoys helping as the big sister (getting Mama water, telling Dada the time on the clock, giving big hug/kisses, and 'assisting' baby sister open gifts). Mama, Dada and baby are gently remembering the dance steps to the eatin'/sleepin'/diaper changin' life-with-infant shuffle. We look forward to the time when each of you meets Elanor in person.
A few weeks later Jill wrote her birth story.....
Well, it has been a whirlwind 3 weeks since Elanor was born. Yes, the birth update. We did it and had a VBAC--vaginal birth after a cecarean up at OHSU. It was a much faster birth than Zoe, about 13 hours from when the contractions changed to 5 - 8 minutes apart. We were at the Thai restaurant in Multnomah Village at the time (Thai Herbs--I would recommend the Panang or Pumpkin Curry to speed up the contractions). I went in at about 11 p.m. Thursday night to OHSU and was 6 cm dilated at that time so I got right in the tub and into the "birthing zone". I had a couple of great midwives who took wonderful care of me and a fabulous doula and birthing team.
It was definitely more intense this time and the baby was somewhat posterier so the difficult part was that I had a long transition and had to fight the urge to push (is that impossible or what?). At the point I was asking for some help with pain and to stave off my urge to push, I was, thankfully, fully dilated (5:30 a.m. or so) and Elanor came out at 7:04 a.m. Friday, March 7th. With no meds it was more intense and painful this time, but I felt more connected to my body and the fierce and primal urge to push and get that baby out helped me to stay very focused. Elanor finally came out with a rush and the cord wrapped around her neck 4 times. Having the cord around the neck is not uncommon and they were very adept at quickly unwrapping her and she was just fine. One thing positive about having to be monitored as a VBAC, yet mobile, was that they were able to keep track of her vitals though the pushing which helped in this situation.
Now we are transitioning into the sleepless-breastfeeding stage. With my second, I thought that breastfeeding would be easier--but I am finding that it does depend upon the baby. So we are working through some latch, sucking issues that are breaking down my nipples. Elanor is doing great, and growing well and getting the milk that is needed. Though the feeding is painful and frustrating at times, I have had some great lactation help--so if any of you need any suggestions of people that will come to your home, or someone to commiserate with during this time, feel free to give me a call or e-mail.
Thanks again for the yoga support Vittoria and I look forward to meeting up with other new moms soon!
Now we are transitioning into the sleepless-breastfeeding stage. With my second, I thought that breastfeeding would be easier--but I am finding that it does depend upon the baby. So we are working through some latch, sucking issues that are breaking down my nipples. Elanor is doing great, and growing well and getting the milk that is needed. Though the feeding is painful and frustrating at times, I have had some great lactation help--so if any of you need any suggestions of people that will come to your home, or someone to commiserate with during this time, feel free to give me a call or e-mail.
Thanks again for the yoga support Vittoria and I look forward to meeting up with other new moms soon!