Week 40, Day 6 (Morning):
I feel SO huge and I’m so over being pregnant. I’ve been on maternity leave for two weeks, and I assumed by this point I’d be cuddling my baby. Instead, I’m lugging around a fully formed human in my body and I’m having a hard time getting comfortable.

Week 40, Day 6 (Afternoon):
I go to visit my OBGYN in the hopes that she will take one look at me and proclaim “THIS WOMAN IS IN ACTIVE LABOR!” Instead, it’s a routine appointment where she tells me that I’m showing no signs of labor.

BUT THEN, EXCITEMENT! She tells me that she is going to call the hospital to schedule my induction for tomorrow!

Week 41, Day 1 (8:00 AM): 
My husband Brendan and I arrive at the hospital and are shown to our room. A Labor and Delivery (L&D) nurse enters to get me set up and check my cervix for signs of dilation. If you’d never had your cervix checked, this is what happens:

1. With gloved hands a medical professional sticks two fingers into your vagina.

2. They get their fingers all the way up and back until they feel your cervix.

3. They check to see if your cervix is opened (or dilated) and do a measurement in centimeters on how open it is. Your cervix needs to go from ZERO to TEN centimeters wide in order for a baby to fit through.

The L&D nurse tells me to put the bottom of my feet together to make a froggy pose while she checks my cervix.

She tells me that I’m at maybe half a centimeter dilated. Then she gives me my first dose of misoprostol, a pill that will slowly make my cervix dilate and induce my labor (hopefully.)

Week 41, Day 1 (2:00 PM): 
My L&D nurse comes to check my cervix again and give me a second dose of misoprostol or “miso” as they call it. I am hopeful that my cervix is cooperating but I am still at a half centimeter dilated. She tells me that her shift is ending and introduces me to my new nurse.

This nurse is a lot older and definitely more seasoned.

One of the first things my new nurse says to me is this:

“When the time comes, you need to push. You need to push, push, push! So many people go through all of this dilating, they get all the way to ten, and then they can’t push. You need to push!”

I stare at her intently and swear to her that I will push when I am dilated to ten.

Week 41, Day 2 (2:00 AM): 
We’ve been at the hospital all day and into the night, and very little has happened.

Two L&D nurses come in to give me another dose of miso and to check my cervix. One of the nurses is training and is obviously nervous. She goes ahead and starts to check my cervix. I can feel her fingers shaking inside me.

While she is in there, she looks at her colleague and hesitantly says, “um…four?” to which I bolt up in total excitement.

Her trainer looks at her in disbelief and asks nicely, “Are you sure?” Then she checks my cervix. Turns out I’m still at one.

Week 41, Day 2 (8:00 AM):
A new, really great nurse comes in. Her name is Chris and she is definitely my favorite nurse! I’m now dilated to two!

Week 41, Day 2 (12:00 PM):
As I walk to the bathroom something falls out of me. It looks like a jellyfish blob. Chris is with me and she says, “Looks like you lost your mucus plug!” and then grab a paper towel and picks it up. I think about how grateful I am that people are willing to do this job.

Week 41, Day 2 (3:00 PM):
I am now dilated to four centimeters, and things are heating up. I’m starting to get cramps that feel like a really bad period. The nurses ask me what my pain management preferences are, and I say I prefer to not feel any pain! They call for the anesthesiologist to put in my epidural.

Week 41, Day 2 (9:00 PM):
Things are getting real. Here’s what’s happening:

  1. I am dilated near ten.
  2. To help speed everything along, the team has given me pitocin, and it makes me vomit. A lot.
  3. The intense older drill sergeant nurse is back! She gives me a look as if to say “Remember your training, do not disappoint me.”
  4. My OBGYN is having dinner at home with her family. What?!

Week 41, Day 2 (9:15 PM):
The nurses all agree that it’s time for me to start pushing. They are calling the doctor who is on her way.

The drill sergeant nurse takes over. She instructs Brendan to help me hold my knees back towards my ears.

The drill sergeant waits until my next contraction comes and tells me to hold my breath and push. They count to ten while I push and feel like my head is about to explode from the pressure.

Finally, my OBGYN comes running into the room.

Week 41, Day 2 (9:15 PM):
The doctor takes one look and says, “Oh! Hi baby! We can see the top of your head!”

The OBGYN tells me when my next contraction is and I push hard again. Each push is the most exhausting thing I’ve ever done, and I vomit after each one. But I hold my breath and bear down as they count each time.

I do one last, hard push and I feel the doctor pull what feels like a massive thing out of my body.

That thing is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. My son is born!

Week 41, Day 2 (9:20 PM):
Amazingly I stop throwing up and suddenly feel 100% better. As I hold my little goo-covered miracle I am filled with a sense of accomplishment. The waiting was worth it!

This post originally appeared on The San Francisco Mama.
Sophie Campobasso Nolan
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Sophie is a San Francisco based Mom of 2 young kids on a mission to find and share the best kid friendly local stuff! 

Photo: Raw Pixel

Trying to conceive can be a very exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming! If you’ve started doing your research, you’ve likely encountered a ton of information and products out there—from pee strips to wearables to apps to supplements. While it’s great that there are a lot of resources out there, it can also make it difficult and frustrating to figure out where to start. 

That’s why I pulled together a list of things you can do to increase your chances of successfully conceiving as quickly as possible. And even better news—all of these are relatively inexpensive and can be done from home! This information can help you better understand your body, your partner’s body, and uncover up to 80 percent of what makes it hard to conceive.

For conception to occur, you need three things: sperm, an egg, and fertilization (when the sperm meets the egg). While this seems pretty simple, fertility is complex and sometimes things don’t always go as planned. However, by checking these boxes you can give yourself the best chances of successfully conceiving as early as possible and for as little money—and hopefully heartache—as possible. 

Tip 1: Figure out your fertile window. Fertilization is when sperm meets egg, also known as the moment of conception. To give the sperm and egg a chance to meet, it’s important to understand when your body is in its fertile window so that you can time intercourse correctly. 

There are several options to track suspected ovulation, including LH tests (ovulation predictor kits), cervical mucus monitoring, and BBT, among others. With these methods, you will know which days are your most fertile so you can time intercourse correctly and have the best chance at conception. 

Tip 2: Optimize your chances by confirming successful ovulation. No ovulation means no egg is present to fertilize, so without ovulation, you have no chance of conception. Checking to see if you are ovulating early on can save you from spending time and money on other hormone tests you may not need. 

Ovulation confirmation can happen in a couple of different ways. First, some women use BBT (Basal Body Temperature) to track the slight temperature rise associated with the presence of progesterone, which is the hormone released by the empty follicle after ovulation occurs. Progesterone blood tests can also provide a yes/no answer based on the numeric value result.

But ovulation is considered healthy when an egg is released and the empty follicle produces enough progesterone over time to support an embryo, should an egg become fertilized. So it is possible to ovulate and do so in a “weak” or “suboptimal” way. To confirm ovulation and make sure it was healthy as well, PdG testing can do the trick. PdG is the urine metabolite of progesterone. Because PdG tests track urine, they are non-invasive, can be done at home and multiple days in a row. This is important because progesterone and therefore PdG need to go up and stay up to indicate that ovulation was truly “successful” meaning that it gave the best chance at conceiving that cycle.  

What if I’m not ovulating or have weak ovulation? Not to worry. There is a lot you can do to improve it. If you suspect that ovulation isn’t occurring at all, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away as in these cases, ovulation-inducing medicine is often needed. 

If you suspect that you are ovulating but perhaps have suboptimal ovulation, you can chat with your doc as well or check out some natural ways to increase progesterone/PdG to improve ovulation quality:

Diet: While foods don’t directly contain progesterone or PdG, there are some foods that can help improve progesterone production like beans, broccoli, pumpkin, or spinach. 

Seed Cycling: Seed cycling involves eating different types of seeds during different phases of your cycle to help promote hormone balance. You can learn more about seed cycling here!

Herbs: Herbals like vitex, red raspberry leaf, and maca can all help support progesterone production and promote a hormone balance. 

Supplementation: Bio-identical progesterone supplements are widely available and are to be prescribed by a doctor. If you’re interested in a supplement, we recommend consulting your doctor. 

Tip 3: Check out his swimmers. Once you’ve got the fertile window and healthy ovulation covered, it’s important to understand what’s going on with your partner’s sperm. There are two main aspects of sperm that matter most: sperm count—meaning there is enough sperm—and sperm motility—meaning the sperm can get to where they need to be (the egg). There are many at-home sperm tests on the market that test sperm count but only a few that test count and motility, so look for a kit that measures both. 

If your partner’s sperm test results show he’s all good, then great! You can check this box and move on. If the sperm test shows low sperm count or motility, there are a few things you can do to try to improve results: 

Diet or lifestyle changes: Supplements like maca have both been shown to improve sperm count in men and nutrients like vitamin C, D, and zinc are all important when it comes to healthy swimmers. Exercising regularly can also help increase testosterone and sperm quality.

Sperm friendly lubricant: Make sure to check that your lubricant is “sperm-friendly.” Many lubricants contain ingredients or have a pH that can be harmful to sperm. Sperm friendly lubricants also mimic the viscosity and consistency of cervical mucus, making it an ideal environment for the sperm to travel. 

Try boxers: Does your partner wear tight underwear? Studies have shown that tight underwear may impair sperm production. Boxers fit more loosely and are preferred if you’re concerned about sperm. 

If sperm and ovulation are healthy and you are having intercourse during your fertile window, but still not getting pregnant, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can test you for less common causes of infertility like blocked fallopian tubes, genetic factors, or structural abnormalities within the uterus.

 

 

I'm Amy Beckley. After my experiences with pregnancy loss and IVF I used my PhD in Pharmacology to create MFB Fertility, Inc. and invented the Proov test in my basement, which now allows women to confirm successful ovulation by tracking PdG in 5 minutes, at home. I want to empower women.

 

Photo: pixabay 

Believe it or not, when it comes to trying to conceive there is a “sufficient” way to ovulate. You probably already know that ovulation is needed for pregnancy. After all, without an egg, it is impossible to get pregnant. But there’s a “right way” to ovulate? It may sound strange but making sure you are ovulating sufficiently is critical to increasing your chances of successfully conceiving.

 

What Is Sufficient Ovulation?

Sufficient ovulation is a phrase used to indicate the fact that a woman is not only ovulating, but she also has enough progesterone to support conception. Progesterone is the hormone released by the corpus luteum or empty follicle after the egg is released. Its presence confirms ovulation, as, without an empty follicle, the body won’t produce progesterone. Progesterone is critical to preparing the uterine lining, so it is ready to receive a pregnancy. Without enough progesterone, the embryo either cannot implant at all or implantation is insufficient to support it. So low progesterone can lead to lack of conception or miscarriage.

But when a woman both ovulates AND has sufficient progesterone to support conception, she is ovulating sufficiently—meaning that she not only has an egg present for fertilization, but she also has enough progesterone to support implantation should the egg be fertilized. To successfully conceive, it is critical that a woman has both an egg AND enough progesterone to support implantation of a fertilized egg.

 

Can I Tell If I’m Ovulating Sufficiently?

It’s not that difficult to figure out if you are ovulating sufficiently, which is great news! But since there are so many ovulation testing options—which can get confusing—it’s important to take a moment to explain the differences.

Predicting Ovulation: Predicting ovulation is very important because it helps couples trying to conceive find the fertile window and therefore better time intercourse. There are actually only 5-6 days each cycle when a woman is fertile so it’s really important to time intercourse correctly when trying to conceive. Methods include: Ovulation predictor kits (luteinizing hormone or LH tests), cervical mucus monitoring, or saliva ferning patterns

Confirming Ovulation: Although it may seem like you’re good to go if you’ve predicted ovulation, prediction does not always mean something will happen. For example, a weather forecaster may predict that a storm is coming (using sophisticated scientific tools, I might add), but we don’t know if the storm actually happened until we observe it. And we can probably all agree weather forecasts aren’t always accurate. As such, much like the weather, confirming ovulation is an important next step. Methods include:  Basal body temperature tracking, single progesterone test

Confirming Sufficient Ovulation: As we mentioned earlier, sufficient ovulation—meaning that a woman is ovulating AND has enough progesterone to support implantation—is critical when trying to conceive. While basal body temperature is great for confirming ovulation, it falls short of being able to confirm “sufficient ovulation.” That’s because basal body temperature looks for a slight spike in temperature – 0.5 – 1 degree Fahrenheit but the temperature spike does not correlate with the amount of progesterone present. So, getting a spike of 0.5-degrees does not necessarily mean you have low progesterone and getting a spike of 1-degree also does not mean you are good to go.

To confirm sufficient ovulation, it’s critical to ensure that progesterone levels are elevated to 10ng/ml in the blood—the level widely accepted as the minimum threshold to support conception—throughout the 3-4 day implantation window. This means it’s important to test progesterone multiple times during the luteal phase, or second half, of the cycle to make sure progesterone rises and stays elevated at a sufficient level such that conception can occur. Methods include: Multiple days of progesterone testing

When trying to conceive, making sure you are ovulating is good, but it may not be enough. Confirming sufficient ovulation can get you one step closer to ruling out what may be causing issues and to successfully conceiving. Testing progesterone can help you make sure you are ovulating properly and that you have enough progesterone to support conception!

Amy Beckley is the founder and CEO of Proov, the first at-home rapid response urine progesterone test, a hormone critical to fertility and general wellness. Proov was developed from Beckley’s personal infertility experience. Using her PhD in Pharmacology and passion for helping others, Proov empowers women with the knowledge to better understand their bodies.

Editor’s note: Any medical advice presented here is expressly the views of the writer and Red Tricycle cannot verify any claims made. Please consult with your healthcare provider about what works best for you.

There are lots of ways to predict ovulation—from temperature trackers to cervical mucus monitoring to ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) that measure luteinizing hormone. These methods are great for answering the question “If I’m trying to conceive, when should I have intercourse?” Timing intercourse correctly is critical for conceiving and these tools are very important when trying to get pregnant. The good news is, there’s a lot of information already out there on predicting ovulation!

But what about confirming ovulation? A key point of distinction of “ovulation kits” or “ovulation predictors” is that they are only predictive of ovulation. Similar to predicting the weather, we only know if the prediction is right when we see what happens. The weatherman can predict that it’s going to rain tomorrow, but until tomorrow comes, we won’t know if the prediction is correct. It’s similar in that way to ovulation prediction methods, many of which fall short of actually allowing us to see that ovulation has happened.

So how do we make this critical observation? After all, problems with ovulation are the number one cause of infertility. Making sure the body is ovulating properly and the right level of hormones are present to support conception is another critical piece of the puzzle. There are a couple of ways to confirm that ovulation has happened and, as you might suspect, they all lead back to the super hormone, progesterone.

Ovulation Confirmation Method 1: Basal Body Temperature or BBT tracking

During the first part of your cycle, your basal body temperature (BBT), or your body’s lowest resting temperature, usually ranges between 97.0 and 97.7 °F. Before your ovary releases an egg, your BBT will dip a little. The day after ovulation, your BBT will generally increase at least 0.2 °F over the previous 6 days’ temperatures, and then stay high for a few days or more. The second half of the cycle, the luteal phase, typically sees temperatures in the range of 97.7 and 98.3 °F. Note that these numbers are just examples and every woman’s body is different.

This spike in temperature is driven by the underlying rise in progesterone that happens after ovulation. See, the empty follicle, or corpus luteum, produces progesterone and progesterone causes the temperature spike. If no egg is released, there won’t be an empty follicle to produce progesterone.  As such, a spike in temperature, caused by progesterone, indicates that ovulation has occurred.

Ovulation Confirmation Method 2: Progesterone Monitoring

As explained above, the spike in temperature that confirms ovulation using the BBT tracking method is a direct result of progesterone rising in the body after ovulation occurs. Monitoring progesterone itself is therefore another way to confirm ovulation. Without that empty follicle or corpus luteum, there won’t be a rise in progesterone. So, no rise in progesterone = no ovulation.

But do you need both methods?

The simple answer is YES—especially when it comes to trying to conceive. Based on how your temperature and hormone levels change throughout your cycle, it might seem like you only need to measure one thing. But, the most complete picture comes from using both tracking methods.

BBT tracking is most powerful when used to track the cycle over time. By confirming ovulation using temperature tracking, BBT can be used to accurately calculate the timing of the next fertile window.

While basal body temperature tracking can be used to measure the slight increase in body temperature caused when progesterone rises and can, therefore, be used to confirm ovulation, it falls short of telling you if you have sufficient progesterone to conceive. As mentioned before, basal body temperature typically rises 0.5 to 1-degree Fahrenheit after ovulation from the presence of progesterone. But the temperature spike does not correlate with the amount of progesterone present. So, getting a spike of 0.5-degrees does not necessarily mean you have low progesterone and getting a spike of 1-degree also does not mean you are good to go.

To determine if you have enough progesterone to confirm sufficient ovulation, meaning you are not only ovulating, but also have enough progesterone to support implantation and early pregnancy, you need to test base progesterone levels.

To truly maximize your chances of getting pregnant during the fertile window, you should not only know IF you’ve ovulated but also know if your progesterone levels are where they need to be.

Amy Beckley is the founder and CEO of Proov, the first at-home rapid response urine progesterone test, a hormone critical to fertility and general wellness. Proov was developed from Beckley’s personal infertility experience. Using her PhD in Pharmacology and passion for helping others, Proov empowers women with the knowledge to better understand their bodies.

Let’s face it, parenting is messy. We’re not just talking about the cracker crumbs in the bottom of your purse or the muddy footprints tracked throughout the house—we’re talking all of the boo-boos, scrapes and ouchies that come in between. In order to help you be prepared for whatever the day brings, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about stocking a first-aid kit for your home. Keep reading to find out more.  

iStock

According to the Centers for Disease Control, every year more than 9.2 million children are treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries, including burns, falls and even poisoning. The best way to prepare yourself? Assemble a home first aid kit. "Appropriate members of the household should know where the kit is stored and how to use each item," says Greg Walker, MD, of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "The items in the kit will be of little use unless you know how to use them."

While you're assembling your kit, The Red Cross advises being sure to include any "personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest," as well as all of the items listed below. 

2 5x9 absorbent compress dressings

25 adhesive bandages in assorted sizes (see these biodegradable bandaids

1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

5 antibiotic ointment packets (one gram or more)

5 antiseptic wipe packets

Pediatric-approved pain reliever (such as Children’s Advil)

1 emergency blanket

1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

1 instant cold compress (there's also this kid-friendly hands-free version)

Nonlatex gloves (two pairs, size: large)

2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (one gram or more)

1 3 inch gauze roll (roller) bandage

1 roller bandage (4 inches wide) 

5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads

5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches) 

Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass), also within the Deluxe All Purpose First Aid Kit

2 triangular bandages

Tweezers

Emergency First Aid guide

Your At-Home First Aid Kit Is Assembled—Now What?

first aid
3dman_eu via Pixabay

We rounded up a few tips and tricks—everything from having back-up kits in your vehicles to natural remedies—that'll help make caring for your kids easier. 

Keep a First Aid Kit in the Car

hans-2 via Pixabay

According to the CDC, "road traffic injuries result in as many as 50 million injuries per year," so it never hurts to be prepared on the go! The Mayo Clinic suggests all vehicle first aid kits should include adhesive tape, assorted bandage strips, super glue, eye shields and patches, cold packs, cotton balls and swabs, non-latex gloves, petroleum jelly, safety pins, scissors, tweezers and even duct tape. 

Ask for Larger Medication Refills

Pixaby

For any prescriptions, either you or your family members take, consider asking your doctor for 60 or even 90-day refills instead of a month's supply. "That way, you’re more likely to have extras on hand for your [first aid kit]," says Geoffrey C. Wall, Pharm.D., professor of pharmacy practice at Drake University. Bonus? It could also save you money! And, don't forget to always store medicine in a safe place, away from kids' reach. 

Invest in a Good Thermometer

thebetterday4u via flickr

"If your child feels warmer than usual to your touch, is sweating, shivering or seems ill, you will want to take his or her temperature before calling the doctor," recommends Nationwide Children's. "It can also show if a certain medicine is working to fight an infection." Invest in a good thermometer that can take rectal readings if you have a newborn (digital ear thermometers aren't recommended for newborns, according to the Mayo Clinic) or a digital thermometer as these are best suited for all ages—newborn, infants, children, and adults.

Keep a Variety Over-the-Counter Medicines on Hand

wuestenigel via flickr

Over-the-counter medicines like an anti-histamine for allergic reactions, as well as a pediatric-approved pain reliever (such as Children’s Advil), should be kept on hand for pain relief. Remember that "aspirin should not be used to relieve flu symptoms or be taken by children," warns Dr. Greg Walker, MD of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Stock Congestion Relievers

bradscheid via flickr

Your little one might be struggling with congestion, but it's important to note that many over-the-counter cold medicines can cause serious harm to small children. Instead, stock your first aid kit with a bulb syringe (or the ever-popular Nose Frida) to remove liquid from your child's nose. You can also use salt water (saline) nose spray or drops to loosen dried mucus in kids, per the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Put two to three drops in each nostril. Do this one side at a time," says the AAP. "Then suck out the liquid or have your child blow his or her nose." If you don't have saline spray, warm water will work just fine.

Be Ready for Wound Care

joelwinter via flickr

Childhood is full of scrapes, cuts, burns and occasionally, larger wounds. The Mayo Clinic recommends cleaning the wound with water (not hydrogen peroxide as this can be irritating!) and removing any debris with tweezers sterilized with alcohol. 

Download First Aid Apps

Courtesy of CVS Health

Sick kids? Yes, there's an app for that too! There are dozens of helpful apps that provide information on treating little patients, like the Baby and Child First Aid App from the British Red Cross. There is even a CVS MinuteClinic Video Appointment where you can see a doctor right from your phone! 

Don't Forget the Natural Remedies

melz via flickr

While you're revamping your home's first aid station, it's important not to overlook the natural remedies you can use for basic ailments. Adding a bottle of elderberry syrup to your kit can help ease your child's cold symptoms, while baking soda can treat bee stings, and honey will soothe a sore throat! Essential oils (like these kid-safe blends from Oilogic) can also provide relief from various ailments, including allergies and bug bites. See our other first aid hacks here

—Kaitlyn Kirby

 

RELATED STORIES:

First-Aid Hacks That Will Save Your Summer

12 Mom-Tested Home Remedies to Fight Colds & Flu

What Every Mom Has in Her Purse

 

Check your medicine cabinets: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced a children’s cough syrup recall for DG/health Naturals baby Cough Syrup + Mucus. Kingston Pharma, LLC (the manufacturers of the cough syrup) did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

Audit testing revealed the presence of Bacillus cereus/Bacillus circulans, bacteria that could cause gastrointestinal illness. Read on to learn more about this recall.

photos: Courtesy of U.S. FDA

Recall Product Description: DG/health Naturals baby Cough Syrup

The current recall includes DG/health Naturals baby Cough Syrup + Mucus bottles sold in Dollar General Stores across the country. The 2-fluid ounce bottles have the expiration date Nov. 20 (marked as 11/20) and the lot number Lot KL180157  on the back of the label as well as on the bottom of the carton.

Why It Was Recalled

The recall was issued after the presence of Bacillus cereus/ Bacillus circulans was found during routine testing. Bacillus cereus/Bacillus circulans can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Infants, young children and anyone with a weakened immune system is at risk for developing a severe, and possibly fatal, GI illness from this bacteria.

How to Tell if Your Baby Cough Syrup Is Part of the Recall

If you have this medicine, check the lot number (Lot KL180157) and expiration date (11/20). The affected products are also identified by the UPC code 8 54954 00250 0.

What Parents Can Do

Do not use this product. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have questions, contact the manufacturer at 1-844-724-7347 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Public Domain Pictures via Pixabay

 

RELATED STORIES

Recall Alert: Chef Boyardee Microwavable Bowls Have Undeclared Allergens

2 More Chicken Products Added to Growing List of Chicken Nugget Recalls

Recall Alert: 1.1 Million Honda Vehicles Recalled for Airbag Issue

I had an elected c-section. There it is.

I’m in no way ashamed of my decision, although I was shamed for it—and I hope sharing my story will help others not feel like crap if they decide it’s the best decision for them. Also, hopefully it’ll help the people on the other side understand and again: stop making c- sectioners feel like crap!

I’m 5 feet 1 inches, about 135 pounds. I’m just a little person overall. I’m short and I have small hips and shoulders. Now, some of you may have stopped reading at this point because you think I’m bragging, but I promise you this information lends itself to my story. (And, just for the record, I have a jiggly belly and my boobs have been ravaged by breast-feeding, not that I should have to defend just how my body is.)

When I got pregnant, I started showing pretty quickly. I got big…really big. But, when you’ve never had a baby before, your judgment of what’s normal and what’s not is just off because you’ve never been through it. Plus, every pregnant woman and every pregnancy is different. That’s 100 percent true. That’s why pregnancy advice can be so annoying because what’s true for you just may not be true for the next person.

I was 36 when I got pregnant which is considered high-risk. But, for some reason, I wasn’t ordered to have a lot of ultrasounds or extra appointments. I guess because I wasn’t having any complications? I don’t know, I’m not a doctor.

So, I saw my baby at the all-important 20-week ultrasound and then I didn’t actually see him again until 36 weeks. 16 weeks…nothing. No info given, just a “Oh, I hear a heartbeat.” Uh, okay, cool. Well, it wasn’t really because at 36 weeks I was told, for the first time, that my baby was big. Four weeks from the promised land and I’m informed of this for the first time.

The word “macrosomic” was mumbled by one awful doctor I saw and when I googled it later, it basically said I was having a bigger than average baby. By the way, my husband and I decided not to find out what we were having, and when you tell someone they’re having a macrosomic baby, a simple google search, to find out what the heck macrosomia means, will tell you that most macrosomic babies are boys. Cool spoiler, bro.

Dr. Awful wasn’t my regular doctor, but I was told I needed to meet all the doctors in my group because any of those docs could be on call the time I happened to go into labor. Besides basically informing me of my baby’s sex, Dr. Awful also mentioned my size and weight. Oh yeah—forgot to mention that. I gained 60 pounds. Yep, 6-0! I didn’t really care that much, but Dr. Awful sure did and said to me, “If it looks good, smells good or tastes good, you can’t have it.”

He said this to a very pregnant woman, carrying her first baby. He’s lucky he’s still alive and standing so he can be awful to other patients.

I did not start watching what I ate…I was pregnant, get out of here. But, I did start getting my vagina ready for this baby since almost every one of his body part measurements was in the 90th percentile. As a pregnant woman, you read about things like massaging your vagina with olive oil to help prevent tearing. So, I did it. It was weird, but I was prepping. I got the highly-recommended Tucks medical pads for after baby and special stuff to put in the bath to help in the after weeks and with hemorrhoids. Was I ready? Of course not, but I guess my medicine cabinet was.

One morning, two days after my due date, I started leaking fluid and lost my mucus plug (sidebar: um, gross…can we come up with another name for that?). I already had an appointment scheduled the see how big the baby was, so the doctor on call said to just come in.

We checked in at the front desk and the receptionist asked me if I was in labor. “I think so?” I don’t know, I’ve never been in labor before. And my contractions were very mild and spread apart.

Once we were in the room and had the ultrasound, we were informed my son was measuring 10 pounds 2 ounces. Now, they tell you these measurements can be off as much as 20 percent either way. So, I could actually have an 8-pound baby…or a 12-pounder! Even though I had not really imagined myself having a c-section, it was very clear to me what was the best choice for me, my small hips and my son. The doctor informed me that I was leaking fluid, so I needed to go straight to labor and delivery (or, the mechanic).

My regular OBGYN happened to be on duty when I arrived. I loved my OB and still do to this day. She is sweet and never made a big deal out of the 60 pounds I gained, unlike Dr. Awful. She had learned from the nurse that we were opting for a c-section and came into the room we were in.

“I get it,” she said. “You’ve been carrying this big baby around for 40 weeks and you’re done. I get it. I mean…I’m gonna get a slap on the wrist and I don’t get compensated as well for c-sections, but I get it.”

Ummm…what? Didn’t see that coming. When we tell people the story, people ask my husband if he said anything to the doctor. I guess to defend my honor. His answer is always something like, “No! She was about to take my baby out of my wife!” What was the guy going to say to her? Rip her a new one as she walked into the O.R. right before she grabbed a scalpel?

It did get worse though. She came up to my husband as I was getting prepped for surgery and said something like, “Hey, sorry for what I said earlier. I mean, I will get a slap on the wrist and I don’t get compensated as well so..sorry not sorry I guess.”

Oh boy.

On the bright side, my surgery went well and my son weighed in at 9 pounds 11 ounces. The nurse who weighed my son didn’t believe he was only that much because of how big he was and reweighed him just to be sure. Once he was out and my doctor saw how big he was, she said I made the right decision. But…I knew I did. I know I did.

Bill Maher does a segment on his show called “I don’t know it for a fact, I just know it’s true”.

I don’t know that I’d labor forever with that baby, not be able to actually push him out and have to have a c-section anyway for a fact, I just know it’s true.

My son was born into a world of no stress while Jack Johnson was being played. People in the room were casually chatting and then all of a sudden, there was my son. I know some people have bad c-sections. A friend of mine got a staph infection after hers. So I, in no way, think it’s the easy way out. It’s just not. All I’m saying is that I knew, in that moment, it was the right choice for me and my son. And there ain’t no shame in that game.

I'm a producer and writer who moved to the DC area in April 2018 from Los Angeles. I have a very active toddler and a great husband. I really don't have spare time, 'cause I'm a mom, but I like to read and watch shows. I'm also a true crime addict!

Every day, each person’s respiratory tract produces mucus to protect itself from unwanted viruses, bacteria, and other potential health threats. But as WebMD reports, if your child has a cold, the flu, allergies, or other respiratory problems, the mucus can become excessive and cause pain in the sinus passages, ears, or throat.

Children with these problems often suffer from sinus drainage, either in the form of a runny nose or in the form of a post-nasal drip where the mucous travels down their throat and into their stomach, frequently causing problems with nausea or even vomiting.  This can be distressing for your child and frustrating for you to deal with. However, there are a number of ways that you can help your child’s sinus problems right at home, mostly using techniques and ingredients you probably already have around the house.

Use OTC Medications

The Web MD site notes that there are a variety of OTC medications that can help treat this pain and pressure of sinus problems. Among these are antihistamines (such as Benedryl or Zyrtec) to control allergic reactions if that is the cause of your child’s problems. If you suspect that your child might have allergies (especially environmental allergies such as dust, dander, or pollen), it is a good idea to have them tested to find out if this is the problem.

Other medications that can also help include nasal decongestants (like Sudafed) and medications that break up and thin out excess mucous (like Mucinex). However, it is recommended that parents talk to their child’s doctor beforehand about what medications are best for their particular child’s needs.

If, however, the problem is a bacterial sinus infection, the doctor might need to prescribe antibiotics in order to clear the sinuses up.  However, in most cases, these problems are caused by a viral infection and antibiotics will not do your child any good.

Keep the Respiratory Tract Moist

When treating your child’s sinus problems, it is also important to keep the respiratory tract moist.  According to Healthline, there are a number of ways to accomplish this.  These include:

Staying hydrated. Encourage your child as much as possible to drink plenty of water or other clear liquids (as long as they don’t have any caffeine). Staying hydrated will keep the mucous thinner and easier to get out of the sinus tract – and also helps all the body’s systems work better, including its immune system.

Steaming it up. Having a vaporizer or humidifier in the room or going into the bathroom and turning on the shower to get the room steamy. Keeping the air moist will also help to loosen excess mucous and make it easier to get rid of. If your child can tolerate it, adding a few drops of essential oil like eucalyptus or camphor oil can also help to open the respiratory tract and make it easier for your child to breathe.

Applying warm compresses. Laying warm compresses across the forehead or nose and cheeks is also a good way to gently open the sinus passages and keep the tract moisturized as well. Sometimes it is helpful to alternate this with 30 seconds of a cold compress to every three minutes of a warm compress.

Nasal irrigation. There are different methods of nasal irrigation to help moisturize the respiratory tract: a neti pot, bulb syringe, squeeze bottle or even just nasal spray can be used for this purpose. However, if using the pot, syringe, or bottle it is very important that only sterile water be used to avoid the risk of serious sinus infections. You can buy a saline solution at the store or make it yourself at home.

Eat the Right Foods

Diet can also play an important role in keeping your child comfortable during a cold or flu or allergy attack. Healthline reports that the old standby, chicken soup, has actually been proven to help relieve chest congestion, probably because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  The Search Home Remedy site also notes that the use of certain spices, either in the soup or in other foods, can also help to open up the sinus passages and help to clear them out. In particular, black pepper, hot peppers, and hot peppers like jalapenos can help get the nasal passages flowing. However, some children tolerate spicy foods better than others and this may or may not be the right choice for your own child.

In short, postnasal drainage can be a real problem for kids when they come down with a cold or flu or are having problems with their allergies.  However, the good news is that there are a whole variety of ways that parents have at their disposal to help treat this condition and keep their children comfortable during an infection or bad round of allergies.

Brian Wu, PhD is a current medical student at the Keck School of Medicine and a proud parent. He founded Health Stories For Kids to educate and entertain kids and their families about different health topics. Check out more at www.healthstoriesforkids.com

The new exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History, “Life at the Limits: Stories of Amazing Species” is astounding, fascinating, and just truly revolting. In other words, it’s perfect for tykes who love to say “Ewwww! That’s gross!” — that is, pretty much all of them. Even if your kid isn’t obsessed with the grotesque, this exhibit is guaranteed to wow them with crazy cool examples of the most hard core beings on earth. (P.S.: you will love it too, especially if you have a penchant for the mesmerizing/ingenious/repulsive adaptations of living things.)

photo: © AMNH/D. Finnin

What’s It About?

As the title of the exhibit indicates, “Life at the Limits” takes an up-close-and-personal look at the creatures living under some of the most extreme conditions planet earth can dish out. Inhospitable environments include extreme heat and cold, salt and acid, the deepest ocean depths and darkest of caves. The result is a veritable freakshow of living things equipped to handle (and thrive in) some of the harshest environments and conditions  through the phenomena of natural selection and adaptation.

photo: © AMNH/D. Finnin

OK, but will I see that horrifying fish with the light on its head? 

You will — well, you’ll see a picture of one. (It’s called an Angler Fish for obvious reasons, and should you fall hard for it, you can purchase an Angler Fish plushie in the gift shop.) Because so many of the stars of the show live in extreme conditions, most couldn’t make the exhibit. However, a few do, including the axolotl, an amphibian that sports frilly gills and can repeatedly regrow limbs; the mantis shrimp, which packs a punch at the speed of a .22 caliber bullet when smashing the shells of prey, and a nautilus, which uses jet propulsion to move about.

The live examples are a nice touch, but the majority of the show surveys the wild and wacky creatures of the world through specimens, models and images, and the experience is both engaging and engrossing. “Life at the Limits” explores adaptations in breathing, sight, hearing, sensing, feeding and surviving (i.e. hiding really well) and more.

Extremely Cool

The virtually indestructible microscopic tardigrade (which can even withstand radiation and the vacuum of space) greets visitors in the form of models 200 billion times life size hanging overhead; around the corner a 20-foot model of an elephant seal —  an animal included for its ability to hold its breath for as long as two hours — floats in an ocean-like scene.

Things just get weirder from there. A dip into the dark, domed structure dedicated to cave-dwellers reveals translucent snails; colorless, blind fish equipped with large fins to help them climb waterfalls, and a bacteria dubbed “Snotites” that look like…take a guess.

Visitors can sniff the stench of the enormous and infamous “Corpse Flower,”  marvel at blood in hues of purple and green, and stand amongst a “seascape” featuring giant tubeworms, which live on hydrothermal vents in the depths of the ocean — so deep that the creatures were only discovered in 1977! But wait, there’s more: the Black Swallower fish, which lives so deep in the ocean it must swallow prey whole when a meal presents itself (it can unhinge its jaw); the lizard that squirts blood out of its eyes to scare off predators, and the lungfish, the gilled fish with the ability to wait out droughts underground by covering itself in mucus and breathing air through a hole, only to slither back to water when rain returns.

Beyond Gross

Ok, yes, it’s gross. In other words, your kids are gonna love it. But beyond showcasing some outer-limits  and amazing earth dwellers, “Life at the Limits” does a great job of explaining and illustrating the concepts of adaptation and natural selection, as well as showcasing the astounding diversity of species and environmental conditions on the planet. As much as the show is an introduction to some of the most unusual species on earth, it’s also a tour to remote corners on every continent with the reminder that weird and wonderful things are happening all around us. Plus, even though these extreme beings can’t really take credit for their adaptations, it’s hard not to be inspired by their resilience and plain old will to live.

Life at the Limits: Stories of Amazing Species
The American Museum of Natural History
Through January 3, 2016
$22/adults; $17/students/seniors, $12.50/children
Central Park West at 79th Street
Upper West Side
212-769-5100
Online: amnh.org

Have you check out Life at the Limits? Tell us what you thought in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor