Hello Jessica, hope you are well.

I didn't mean to disappear, I think Chay had mentioned that my doctor felt I
could go into labor the last Friday of February, I panicked! I hadn't gotten wipes, diapers, made my frozen pads.....My due date being March 16.

Well I walked and walked trying to help my baby girl make her way out of my womb, the magical moment happened March 15, at 2:30am my water broke while I was sleeping, I rushed off to the Cedars, by 7:30am I was out of energy considering my major walk the evening prior and having only slept 1 hour, and I was hungry and thirsty,(they don't allow any eating or drinking once you are admitted). I broke and took and epidural, after my doctor confirmed that in a most recent study, pediatricians could not tell the difference between epidural vs non epidural babies. Well with that I was ready for relief. One thing the ladies should know is that with epidural comes IV, which slows your contractions, then you have to be given pitocin, I couldn't feel my legs and was getting nervous that pushing time would come before I was able to feel. Fortunately everything went smoothly, when the time came 6:15 to start pushing I was able to feel and work my body to help Lila into our world. She was born at 7:34pm on March 15.

So advice for the ladies, rest and eat well so you are ready for when the
time comes. Also I didn't have any problems in the arms, my aches were in my legs, the thighs, quads and buttox! The position of choice is basically a horizontal squat, legs up with each foot pushing against your birthing partner and nurse/duala/midwife...with each hand under each thigh, then tucking your chin to your chest and pushing from the upper abdominal to the back wall! I pulled my neck muscle so stretching that area is a must. Pushing is during contractions, 3 counts of 10 is about all that is realistic.

I also wanted to mention the benefits of being in a hospital with an OBGYN delivering my baby. Lila was 8lbs 2oz, and I tore internally and needed quite a few stitches, also with testing positive for GBS, I had to have antibiotics through out the labor. Adults can live the cultured GBS, it is considered normal to have this bacteria, it usually lives in our intestines, with 30% of women having it in their vaginal area. It is life threatening if a baby contracts GBS. It is important the blood test happen within about 6 hours of birth to confirm that the bacteria was not passed to the baby.

Also wanted to break down breast feeding, I did take the lactation class, it was helpful that I know what I was supposed to do, but implementing that
information was a world away.

1. Newborns must eat every 2-3 hours, a 4 hour stretch is okay throughout the night, providing they have been feeding regularly during the day. Each feeding time should be approximately 30 min, 15 one breast burp baby, 15 other breast. Each baby is different so with the 30 min rule adjust to how the baby responds. For instance, my Lila, will do 15-25 one side burp she may take the other breast or needs a 15-45 break and will feed again.

2. Do not be feel guilty about waking the baby, they will sleep for 20 hours if you let them. It is essential that they feed regularly, and will fall right back to sleep once fed. To wake the baby, interact with him/her, remove the warm blanket, hat, and clothes if you have to. Check the diaper, chances are high that in the last 2-3 they need changing, this is the best way to wake them up, and they love to be fed after.

3. For positioning, the baby needs to be horizontal with mouth directly in front of the nipple, areola area. To make this happen pile as many pillows as you need to, usually 2 is sufficient.

4. For the latch on, if the baby is horizontal facing the left nipple, take right hand and clasp behind the babies head so that when his/her mouth is open wide enough mother can quickly place on nipple/areola. To help baby open his/her mouth with your left hand c cup breast, and rub nipple on babies mouth motioning horizontal (from nose to chin) like magic the babies mouth will open, quickly place baby onto nipple. The lower lip of the baby must also be out, for the best latch, this is easily accomplished by taking your thumb and pulling down on babies chin while he/she is sucking.

Well taking your class was essential for my pregnancy and labor, I made friends and felt strong and focused. You are an amazing instructor, I look forward to seeing you in the future! Thanks for being U. Love Peace Sheinina

ps I just wanted to add an important step 5,

Babies will suckle for 10-15 times and will stop for about a 5 breath count.
If baby doesn't continue to suckle, tickle their feet, rub their back, touch their chin, lift elbow up and down, it works like a charm.

Cedars has a lactation specialist that visits each new mother, she saved my baby from starvation! Anyway take good care. Love Peace Sheinina