I’m a new aunt! My sister-in-law welcomed a baby girl, Catherine, into the world yesterday. She is just adorable. I had a chance to run over today to meet her for the 1st time. Sweet little face and hands. Oh the memories of my babies at that time. I couldn’t help but have a few tears. : )
It made me start to think. Will I have more babies? Do I want more babies? Well, with my reaction to Catherine – I think my heart knows. Yes. Yes, but I am not one of those women that just pushes them out and is fine and walking around an hour later. I, unfortunately, have to have cesareans. Well, I don’t HAVE to…but my babies don’t seem to come on their own.
Ella was almost 2 weeks late and when her fluid was low…we induced. Long story on that one..but 27 hours later and an emergency c-section and two blood transfusions for me, she made her entrance into the world safe and healthy.
With Andrew, I wanted a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). 
Labor would start and stop, start and stop for 2weeks. On his due date..nothing. So, to avoid being induced and an emergency, I opted for the repeat c-section. That one went as well as a c-section could go and I was able to hold my baby and breastfeed him right away. Which was VERY important to me.
I know they say that “it doesn’t matter how they get here, as long as they’re healthy”. But it does matter. It does matter to me! I wanted the experience of having a natural birth. And with my history, it doesn’t look like that would happen next time around either. Plus, surgery is scary. So many things to go wrong for mom and baby. I know, I know…it’s a controlled delivery. Some doctors would say it’s safer than a vaginal birth. But, us moms know better.
I know that there are many women out there that love knowing when their baby will be here and can plan their appointments around the delivery. But, I am not one of them. I loved the excitement of not knowing when the baby will come. I loved it all. But, knowing you are destined for surgery and then the weeks of pain, having people (my husband) taking care of the other kids, bringing the baby to you when you’re too sore to get up, and even helping you into and out of bed. It’s just not for me.
Ultimately, I know the delivery choice of my baby is not going to decide whether or not more children enter our family, but rather our desire to bring a new baby to love home and into our lives.
I guess just being around my niece today has brought back all these memories of my children and when they were first born and it has made me think about our future as a family. I know that in time, the right time, we’ll decide if a new baby will be joining us. But for now, my baby boy just slept through the night for the VERY FIRST time last night. (yes, he’s 13months old!) Maybe I should just enjoy some sleep for a while before I think about bringing home a new baby!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Your children are adorable!
I always thought we’d have more than 2 but I feel like I can’t handle the stress already, lol, so no more kids for me. Plus I had a bad scare of preterm labor with Leah and had to be onOahu for 3 weeks – away form my first born.
So we are content.
I haven’t had a c-section. Vaginal deliveries can be tough too! My first born, I was in pain for 9 weeks. It was horrible. BUT, worth it!
Your kiddos are adorable, and a new little baby so cute…can you tell I want one badly LOL
My delivery was vaginal, total hours in labor 21 and so much pain…worth it, but still pain. I was so scared of the c-section still am. My daughter was a week over her due date and I was afraid things will go wrong.
We’ll see with the next one (when that happens…hopefully soon) I hope everything will be ok.
Some days (most!) I feel like I can’t handle 2 and much less 5! (the total kids I have in my daycare) It is the most stressful, exhausting job I’ve ever hand – AND I answered to a board of 12 people and 150 members in my last job. I think maybe the timing may have to be right if another one comes along. I also HATED being away from my 1st born during my hospital stay. I couldn’t imagine having to be gone for a long period of time.