Kara's Birth Story
We are very happy to share that Bryn Marais Greenstein made her debut today, weighing in at 5lbs 12oz and measuring 18.75”. Our little breech baby was a few weeks early but is healthy and sweet with lots of dark hair and bright eyes. Not surprisingly we think she is amazing.
Big Sister Ayla is having a grand time at home with Grammy and Grandpa, but made time earlier for a quick visit with her new sibling. She’s curious but a little wary too…Who is this tiny thing taking up so much of Mommy and Daddy’s time and attention?!
Bryn’s parents are feeling well – tired, but too excited to sleep so far (which we really, really need to do). Even though we’ve done this once before, it still feels awfully new, and we’re very much looking forward to the crazy, wonderful days and months ahead with our two Pisces daughters (Ayla celebrates her second birthday on Monday!).
a few days later.....I asked Kara more details about her breech birth...
Yes, Bryn was in a frank breech position from about 34 weeks. My doctor planned an external version at 36 weeks but we scratched that when my fluid continued to drop rather rapidly. I worked with a midwife on several positions that might coax Bryn around, but to no avail. Acupuncture was the next option and my doctor was supportive, but we never got there. My fluid dropped to a level that we were no longer comfortable waiting for a delivery so, not without a few tears, I was scheduled for c-section for 2/29. Since we had to “plan” the date, we decided to have a little fun and go with Leap Day.
The c-section experience surprised me in that it had as much positive emotion, love, and fulfillment as labor and vaginal delivery with Ayla, but what hasn’t been nearly as wonderful is the recovery. My body responded well (thank you yoga practice!) and we were able to go home after two nights but I am sore and will be limited in what I can do for at least a month. Very different from taking Ayla on three mile walks in the hills when she was two weeks old, and perhaps the hardest part is not being able to pick up and play with Ayla to my heart’s content.
The primary focus though is Bryn and she is doing great. We had trouble keeping up her blood sugar level and temperature for the first day or so in the hospital, probably because she’s such an itty-bitty thing, but gratefully she took to the breast almost immediately and my milk came in on Day 3 so she’s gaining weight nicely now. Having two little ones is definitely more challenging though and we’re glad my parents are here with us for a month. We are eating better and have a cleaner house than pre-Bryn!
We’re going to hold off on taking Bryn into the world much for awhile since she’s so small and prone to chilliness but as soon as I’m comfortable I’d love to stop by and say hello.
Take care, and thanks again for another pregnancy made easier and more beautiful because of prenatal yoga. I can’t believe how quickly it seemed to fly this time!