The day of and the day after my daughters birth were marked by significant and abrupt changes. My body underwent a tremendous transformation in a matter of hours. The most obvious of course was that I was no longer pregnant. I still felt heavy in my abdomen and pelvis. I experienced a lot more discomfort after my daughter’s birth than I did with my son’s birth. Thankfully, I was able to rest with my newborn while my husband and family attended to our needs. The only time I had to stand and walk around (which seemed more difficult the second time around) was to use the bathroom which involved changing pads and switching ice packs. I napped when ever I felt the need often with my sweet baby girl by my side. My midwife directed me to keep my knees together for the next ten days, which is particularly difficult for me as I like to seat Indian style even while sitting on the sofa. I also had to take my vitals and monitor both my daughter’s and my own temperature. We kept the house quite warm at seventy eight degrees Fahrenheit, which was warmer than I liked but exactly what our daughter needed. I basically lived on the sofa for those first two days. The only time I ventured upstairs was at bedtime. I particularly enjoyed the realization that only a day before I was pregnant and in labor. In retrospect of only a day labor went quickly and is hardly a thought as I finally hold my daughter in my arms! It was on the next day after my daughter’s birth that my placenta capsules were ready to take. I took two capsules in the evening with dinner not knowing what benefits I would experience. The midwife also came over to our house the next day to check on the baby and myself. Her lungs were nice and clear and her vitals and temperature were all good. My uterus had already decreased to three fingers below my belly bottom, which is apparently really good progress. With every feeding my uterus contracted fairly intensely. I am just happy that my baby is born!
