Motherhood is exhausting!
In the first 2 weeks we have had a lot happen.
2 pediatrician appts because Noah was jaundiced and she was worried about his weight (both with improved from the first visit to the second).
I ended up with mastitis and a 103 degree temp.
Friday night the power went out, meaning we had no heat, no lights and no breastpump! we packed all of our stuff to go to paul's parents and of course as we finished packing the power came back on.
Very stressful week.
On the upside today is our wedding anniversary and things seem to be settling down!
Here is hoping i can get the hang of this and get a routine before I go back to work in 2 weeks....
Sunday, November 29, 2009
LABOR
Here are all the details of my labor and delivery if your so inclined......
On Tuesday 11/17 my water broke at 1:00 am. I was not having any contractions but went to the hospital since my water broke. I started having contractions around 2:30 am. We spent the night at the hospital walking in circles and using the birthing ball desperately trying to get my labor going because I did not want to be put on pitocin.
At 9:00 am I was only 2 cm dilated =( so i got put on pitocin to speed things up because once your water breaks you are on a timeline to deliver.
By 3:30pm I was freaking miserable! Labor on pitocin sucks! I went without pain meds as long as i could but my midwife checked me and I was only 6 cm. I needed some rest so I got an epidural. Once I did that my body relaxed and I dilated pretty quickly. By 5:30 pm we were ready to push. So I am thinking ok we are almost done! WRONG!
Noah was delivered at 7:25 pm.
I pushed for 1 hour and 40 minutes.
My total labor was 18 1/2 hours.
He weighed 6 pounds 14 oz and was 19 inches long.
I ended up with a 3rd degree laceration from the delivery (mostly because his arm was up by his head on delivery).
It was a long and hard labor but TOTALLY worth it!
I was very blessed to have a great midwife and avoid any other medical interventions.
I guarantee an OB would have done internal fetal monitoring, antibiotics and started talking c-section but she hung in there with me, and was in the room the entire time i pushed (which is very rare).
Overall I am very happy with how it turned out. it wasnt ideal but we made the best of the circumstances.
On Tuesday 11/17 my water broke at 1:00 am. I was not having any contractions but went to the hospital since my water broke. I started having contractions around 2:30 am. We spent the night at the hospital walking in circles and using the birthing ball desperately trying to get my labor going because I did not want to be put on pitocin.
At 9:00 am I was only 2 cm dilated =( so i got put on pitocin to speed things up because once your water breaks you are on a timeline to deliver.
By 3:30pm I was freaking miserable! Labor on pitocin sucks! I went without pain meds as long as i could but my midwife checked me and I was only 6 cm. I needed some rest so I got an epidural. Once I did that my body relaxed and I dilated pretty quickly. By 5:30 pm we were ready to push. So I am thinking ok we are almost done! WRONG!
Noah was delivered at 7:25 pm.
I pushed for 1 hour and 40 minutes.
My total labor was 18 1/2 hours.
He weighed 6 pounds 14 oz and was 19 inches long.
I ended up with a 3rd degree laceration from the delivery (mostly because his arm was up by his head on delivery).
It was a long and hard labor but TOTALLY worth it!
I was very blessed to have a great midwife and avoid any other medical interventions.
I guarantee an OB would have done internal fetal monitoring, antibiotics and started talking c-section but she hung in there with me, and was in the room the entire time i pushed (which is very rare).
Overall I am very happy with how it turned out. it wasnt ideal but we made the best of the circumstances.
MIA
Ok I know I have been MIA for almost a year now, but with the arrival of our new baby decided to start the blog back up to keep people posted on our life with a little bundle of joy!
So first off a catch-up:
We moved back to Columbus and I started practicing at an office there and I LOVE it. My bosses and co-w0rkers are great! Definitely a good move.
I was pregnant for most of this year and we just delivered our little man last week. (another post with more details on that).
Other than that not much is new.
Well I am back and am committing to keeping this blog current!!!!!!!!!
So first off a catch-up:
We moved back to Columbus and I started practicing at an office there and I LOVE it. My bosses and co-w0rkers are great! Definitely a good move.
I was pregnant for most of this year and we just delivered our little man last week. (another post with more details on that).
Other than that not much is new.
Well I am back and am committing to keeping this blog current!!!!!!!!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
personal care products
A few months ago I decided to switch all my personal care products over to organic and natural products. I did this to be healthier and with the specific reason of trying to have a baby and not putting toxic substances on me. I switched my shampoo and conditioner, lotion, soap ect. I still have a few things to switch over mostly toothpaste and face scrub but I am most of the way there and am pleasantly surprized. I like all the new stuff. The only thing I am not super crazy about is the deodorant, which I have used before. It just doesnt work as well/last as long but as long as you re-apply during the day you are ok. I did even make a great discovery I am in love with Jason's vanilla lotion. It smells amazing and works great! I have never had a lotion that worked so good on my dry winter skin!
Along those lines here is an article about the things to look out for in personal care products, and how toxic this stuff really is to us.
The Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics
by Catherine Zandonella
September 18, 2007
Beauty is only skin deep, but the products we use to attain it contain chemicals that may penetrate far deeper. The average adult uses nine personal care products a day, with roughly 120 chemicals spread among them, many of which are incompletely tested for toxicity.
Below we've listed 12 chemicals that are best avoided. A single exposure to any of them is unlikely to cause harm, but daily exposure over a lifetime may add up. When shopping, be prepared to spend some time reading labels; even brands that advertise themselves as "natural" or "botanical" have been known to include some of these.
1. AntibacterialsOveruse of antibacterials can prevent them from effectively fighting disease-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Triclosan, widely used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs.
2. Coal TarCoal tar is a known human carcinogen used as an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, used in mouthwash, have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies when injected under skin.
3. Diethanolamine (DEA)DEA is a possible hormone disruptor, has shown limited evidence of carcinogenicity and depletes the body of choline needed for fetal brain development. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as cocamide DEA.
4. 1,4-Dioxane1,4-Dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and ingredients that include the terms "PEG," "-xynol," "ceteareth," "oleth" and most other ethoxylated "eth" ingredients. The FDA monitors products for the contaminant but has not yet recommended an exposure limit. Manufacturers can remove dioxane through a process called vacuum stripping, but a small amount usually remains. A 2007 survey by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that most children's bath products contain 10 parts per million or less, but an earlier 2001 survey by the FDA found levels in excess of 85 parts per million.
5. FormaldehydeFormaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. Yet it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.
6. FragranceThe catchall term "fragrance" may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates by selecting essential-oil fragrances instead.
7. Lead and MercuryNeurotoxic lead may appear in products as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica, one of the ingredients in toothpaste, and lead acetate is found in some brands of men's hair dye. Brain-damaging mercury, found in the preservative thimerosol, is used in some mascaras.
8. NanoparticlesTiny nanoparticles, which may penetrate the skin and damage brain cells, are appearing in an increasing number of cosmetics and sunscreens. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent. When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. You'll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels.
9. Parabens(methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-) Parabens, which have weak estrogenic effects, are common preservatives that appear in a wide array of toiletries. A study found that butyl paraben damaged sperm formation in the testes of mice, and a relative, sodium methylparaben, is banned in cosmetics by the E.U. Parabens break down in the body into p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has estrogenic activity in human breast-cancer cell cultures.
10. Petroleum DistillatesPossible human carcinogens, petroleum distillates are prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics in the E.U. but are found in several U.S. brands of mascara, foot-odor powder and other products. Look out for the terms "petroleum" or "liquid paraffin."
11. P-PhenylenediamineCommonly found in hair dyes, this chemical can damage the nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions. It's also listed as 1,4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.
12. HydroquinoneFound in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, hydroquinone is neurotoxic and allergenic, and there's limited evidence that it may cause cancer in lab animals. It may also appear as an impurity not listed on ingredients labels.
Along those lines here is an article about the things to look out for in personal care products, and how toxic this stuff really is to us.
The Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics
by Catherine Zandonella
September 18, 2007
Beauty is only skin deep, but the products we use to attain it contain chemicals that may penetrate far deeper. The average adult uses nine personal care products a day, with roughly 120 chemicals spread among them, many of which are incompletely tested for toxicity.
Below we've listed 12 chemicals that are best avoided. A single exposure to any of them is unlikely to cause harm, but daily exposure over a lifetime may add up. When shopping, be prepared to spend some time reading labels; even brands that advertise themselves as "natural" or "botanical" have been known to include some of these.
1. AntibacterialsOveruse of antibacterials can prevent them from effectively fighting disease-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Triclosan, widely used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs.
2. Coal TarCoal tar is a known human carcinogen used as an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, used in mouthwash, have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies when injected under skin.
3. Diethanolamine (DEA)DEA is a possible hormone disruptor, has shown limited evidence of carcinogenicity and depletes the body of choline needed for fetal brain development. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as cocamide DEA.
4. 1,4-Dioxane1,4-Dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and ingredients that include the terms "PEG," "-xynol," "ceteareth," "oleth" and most other ethoxylated "eth" ingredients. The FDA monitors products for the contaminant but has not yet recommended an exposure limit. Manufacturers can remove dioxane through a process called vacuum stripping, but a small amount usually remains. A 2007 survey by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that most children's bath products contain 10 parts per million or less, but an earlier 2001 survey by the FDA found levels in excess of 85 parts per million.
5. FormaldehydeFormaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. Yet it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.
6. FragranceThe catchall term "fragrance" may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates by selecting essential-oil fragrances instead.
7. Lead and MercuryNeurotoxic lead may appear in products as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica, one of the ingredients in toothpaste, and lead acetate is found in some brands of men's hair dye. Brain-damaging mercury, found in the preservative thimerosol, is used in some mascaras.
8. NanoparticlesTiny nanoparticles, which may penetrate the skin and damage brain cells, are appearing in an increasing number of cosmetics and sunscreens. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent. When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. You'll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels.
9. Parabens(methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-) Parabens, which have weak estrogenic effects, are common preservatives that appear in a wide array of toiletries. A study found that butyl paraben damaged sperm formation in the testes of mice, and a relative, sodium methylparaben, is banned in cosmetics by the E.U. Parabens break down in the body into p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has estrogenic activity in human breast-cancer cell cultures.
10. Petroleum DistillatesPossible human carcinogens, petroleum distillates are prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics in the E.U. but are found in several U.S. brands of mascara, foot-odor powder and other products. Look out for the terms "petroleum" or "liquid paraffin."
11. P-PhenylenediamineCommonly found in hair dyes, this chemical can damage the nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions. It's also listed as 1,4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.
12. HydroquinoneFound in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, hydroquinone is neurotoxic and allergenic, and there's limited evidence that it may cause cancer in lab animals. It may also appear as an impurity not listed on ingredients labels.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year, New Outlook
My new years resolution is to change my outlook on life. I know I picked a hard one but its something that is needed.
2008 was rough year. We moved to somewhere we like less, my work situation is not good and we have had some real personal struggles and losses this year. All in all no fun. BUT these trials and tribulations have shaped who I am so I cant wish that they didnt happen I just have to learn from them and go on.
I will be the first to admit I have been in a funk for a while now and that I have been having a super pity party but that has got to change.
Some things I need to keep in mind...
Only I can make myself happy
Things dont happen to me, they happen because of me
Live in the now, dont worry about the past or future (read Power of now, amazing book)
Relax and follow gods plan
These are all things I need to remind myself on a daily basis =)
I am really gonna try and relax, enjoy life and move forward to all the good things waiting for me. Here is to a great 2009.
2008 was rough year. We moved to somewhere we like less, my work situation is not good and we have had some real personal struggles and losses this year. All in all no fun. BUT these trials and tribulations have shaped who I am so I cant wish that they didnt happen I just have to learn from them and go on.
I will be the first to admit I have been in a funk for a while now and that I have been having a super pity party but that has got to change.
Some things I need to keep in mind...
Only I can make myself happy
Things dont happen to me, they happen because of me
Live in the now, dont worry about the past or future (read Power of now, amazing book)
Relax and follow gods plan
These are all things I need to remind myself on a daily basis =)
I am really gonna try and relax, enjoy life and move forward to all the good things waiting for me. Here is to a great 2009.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Update
Man time flies. Its already christmas. well atleast in a few days it is. I am freezing my butt off here. It was 1 degree this morning with a windchill of -17. BRRRRR. I hate this weather but what can i do but endure.
Not much exciting going on here. Things are about the same except there has been a development at work. I am meeting with the boss lady this week to discuss our hours. She has decided that I am not working enough hours. That more hours will equal more business (which it wont) so her plan is for me to work 8:30-6:30 5 days a week and maybe more hours than that. Fun fun fun. As if I dont hate this place enough already. UGH.
I guess time will tell what happens with all this. I am trying to stay positive and get motivated but it is so hard.
Here is hoping for some great holidays and a fantastic new year!!!!
Not much exciting going on here. Things are about the same except there has been a development at work. I am meeting with the boss lady this week to discuss our hours. She has decided that I am not working enough hours. That more hours will equal more business (which it wont) so her plan is for me to work 8:30-6:30 5 days a week and maybe more hours than that. Fun fun fun. As if I dont hate this place enough already. UGH.
I guess time will tell what happens with all this. I am trying to stay positive and get motivated but it is so hard.
Here is hoping for some great holidays and a fantastic new year!!!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Genetically Modified Corn Lowers Fertility
Check this study out. This is scary.
Genetically modified corn has been linked to a threat to fertility in an official study that could deliver a hammer blow to controversial 'Frankenstein Food'.A long-term feeding trial commissioned by the Austrian government found mice fed on GM corn or maize had fewer offspring and lower birth rates.The trial has triggered a call from Greenpeace for a recall of all GM food crops currently on the market worldwide on the grounds of the threat to human health.Most of the research on GM crop safety has been conducted by biotech companies, such as Monsanto, rather than outside independent laboratories.GM advocates have argued that the fact the US population has been eaten some types of GM food for more than a decade is proof of its safety.However, these reassurances have been turned on their head by the study commissioned by the Austrian Ministries for Agriculture and Health, which was presented yesterday at a scientific seminar in Vienna.Professor Dr Jurgen Zentek, Professor for Veterinary Medicine at the University of Vienna and lead author of the study, said a GM diet effected the fertility of mice.GM expert at Greenpeace International, Dr Jan van Aken, said: 'Genetically Engineered food appears to be acting as a birth control agent, potentially leading to infertility.'If this is not reason enough to close down the whole biotech industry once and for all, I am not sure what kind of disaster we are waiting for.'Playing genetic roulette with our food crops is like playing Russian roulette with consumers and public health.' The Austrian scientists performed several long-term feeding trials with laboratory mice over a course of 20 weeks.One of the studies was a so-called reproductive assessment by continuous breeding (RACB) trial, in which the same parent generation gave birth to several litters of baby mice.The parents were fed either with a diet containing 33per cent of GM maize, a hybrid of Monsanto's MON 810 and another variety, and a normal feed mix.. The team found changes that were 'statistically significant' in the third and fourth litters produced by the mice given a GM diet. There were fewer offspring, while the young mice were smaller.Prof Zentek said there was a direct link between the changes seen and the GM diet.A press release from the Austrian Agency for Health and Nutrition, said the group of mice given a diet of genetically engineered corn saw a significant change in fertility.It said: 'The number of litters and offspring decreased in the GE-fed group faster than in the control. In the GE-fed group more females remained without litters than in the control group.'Monsanto press offices in the UK and USA were unable to provide a comment on the findings.CropGen, which speaks for the biotech industry, claims GM crops have been accepted as safe by Government authorities on both sides of the Atlantic.British scientists recently unveiled a GM purple tomato they claimed could help people avoid developing cancer. The tomato is high in antioxidants - naturally found in other fresh produce such as blueberrys, cranberries and carrots - which are seen as a protection against ill health.http://www. dailymail. co. uk/health/article-1085060/Why-eating-GM-food-lower-fertility. html#
Genetically modified corn has been linked to a threat to fertility in an official study that could deliver a hammer blow to controversial 'Frankenstein Food'.A long-term feeding trial commissioned by the Austrian government found mice fed on GM corn or maize had fewer offspring and lower birth rates.The trial has triggered a call from Greenpeace for a recall of all GM food crops currently on the market worldwide on the grounds of the threat to human health.Most of the research on GM crop safety has been conducted by biotech companies, such as Monsanto, rather than outside independent laboratories.GM advocates have argued that the fact the US population has been eaten some types of GM food for more than a decade is proof of its safety.However, these reassurances have been turned on their head by the study commissioned by the Austrian Ministries for Agriculture and Health, which was presented yesterday at a scientific seminar in Vienna.Professor Dr Jurgen Zentek, Professor for Veterinary Medicine at the University of Vienna and lead author of the study, said a GM diet effected the fertility of mice.GM expert at Greenpeace International, Dr Jan van Aken, said: 'Genetically Engineered food appears to be acting as a birth control agent, potentially leading to infertility.'If this is not reason enough to close down the whole biotech industry once and for all, I am not sure what kind of disaster we are waiting for.'Playing genetic roulette with our food crops is like playing Russian roulette with consumers and public health.' The Austrian scientists performed several long-term feeding trials with laboratory mice over a course of 20 weeks.One of the studies was a so-called reproductive assessment by continuous breeding (RACB) trial, in which the same parent generation gave birth to several litters of baby mice.The parents were fed either with a diet containing 33per cent of GM maize, a hybrid of Monsanto's MON 810 and another variety, and a normal feed mix.. The team found changes that were 'statistically significant' in the third and fourth litters produced by the mice given a GM diet. There were fewer offspring, while the young mice were smaller.Prof Zentek said there was a direct link between the changes seen and the GM diet.A press release from the Austrian Agency for Health and Nutrition, said the group of mice given a diet of genetically engineered corn saw a significant change in fertility.It said: 'The number of litters and offspring decreased in the GE-fed group faster than in the control. In the GE-fed group more females remained without litters than in the control group.'Monsanto press offices in the UK and USA were unable to provide a comment on the findings.CropGen, which speaks for the biotech industry, claims GM crops have been accepted as safe by Government authorities on both sides of the Atlantic.British scientists recently unveiled a GM purple tomato they claimed could help people avoid developing cancer. The tomato is high in antioxidants - naturally found in other fresh produce such as blueberrys, cranberries and carrots - which are seen as a protection against ill health.http://www. dailymail. co. uk/health/article-1085060/Why-eating-GM-food-lower-fertility. html#
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