We are thrilled to announce the newest member of our family, "Little Man", arrived on August 16th. He weighed in at 3.3kgs (7lbs 4½ozs) and measured 50cm (20 inches). Mum and baby are both doing well, and Peachfuzz is enjoying being a big sister. Papa Bear has been amazing and is holding down the fort while we rest and recover and get to know each other.
This is mostly just for my own records and may not make a lot of sense to some people. But here's the latest update on my pregnancy. I'm now on weekly visits with the midwives until Tiny decides to make his/her appearance. I had an amazing appointment today with two wonderful midwives. I left feeling very positive about the birth of this baby, and hoping that I get one (or both!) of the midwives I saw today at Tiny's birth. At my last appointment, two weeks ago, they told me that Tiny was posterior (spine to spine), and gave me some tips on things I could do to encourage him/her to turn. I am pleased to report that Tiny has started to turn, so all being well, I will not have to experience posterior labour!
Everything is going along really well at this stage. I am booked in for another ultrasound first thing tomorrow morning, to check the position of my placenta, which was lying low at 18 weeks. Despite that, I've still been given the go-ahead to birth this baby at the hospital of my choice, and also to have a waterbirth, which had been in doubt. So all is looking good, and now all we have to do is wait.
I took my birth plan to the appointment today, and we discussed it and there were no major issues. I had written that I would like for Papa Bear or I to "catch" the baby, which for various reasons may not be possible, but they will certainly try and let one of us guide him/her out once the head is out. We also discussed the possibility of delivering the placenta without the help of syntocinon (drugs, basically), which I had thought they would advise against since I am anaemic and it may result in more blood loss. They are happy for us to wait and see on the day how things go, and I may be able to try to deliver the placenta naturally, something I didn't do last time. I'm actually really looking forward to this experience!
I've been spending my days tying up loose ends before Tiny arrives, or at least thinking about it. There's still plenty to do, and the reality is starting to hit that Tiny could arrive at any time. My current to do list looks something like this:
- stock up the freezer with meals and snacks
- order more cloth nappies and covers online
- buy a gift for Peachfuzz from Tiny and vice versa
- pack hospital bag
- write birth plan
I'm sure there's more than that, because at times it all seems very overwhelming, but at the moment that's all I can think of. I've already washed all our gender-neutral newborn clothes and we have a carseat ready. I hope I'm not forgetting anything important!
Only a handful of people know that I am still breastfeeding Peachfuzz, and have plans to tandem feed her and Tiny. This is not a decision I am ashamed of by any means, simply something that, until now, I haven't tried to either hide or promote. But I feel like it's time to "come out of the closet" so to speak.
Breastfeeding a toddler is not strange or abnormal. In fact, it is the normal practice in much of the world. It seems to be only in the Western world that we think there is something wrong with breastfeeding past a child's first birthday. An article at babycenter says that "extended breastfeeding is not only normal, but preferred."
"It's not so unusual to be breastfeeding at 2 or 3 years old. Worldwide, the average age of weaning is somewhere around 3 to 4 years. Your child will stop breastfeeding when she's ready. Described as "child-led" weaning, this is the most effective and gentle way to wean. As long as you're both are enjoying breastfeeding, then by all means continue what you're doing."
For the full article, go here.
When I found out I was pregnant with Tiny, I fielded a lot of questions about when I was going to wean Peachfuzz, or if I had started weaning her yet. I would give vague answers and try to avoid talking about it with people. I got lots of comments that I should stop "before she can ask for it" (though I still maintain she's been asking for it since the day she was born, just not verbally). People have not tried to set limits for me, but have made comments in front of me about their opinions on people who breastfeed their children well into toddlerhood. Well, let's get this out there then.
The fact of the matter is, Peachfuzz and I are both quite happy to continue our breastfeeding relationship. I have always intended for her to wean when she is ready (child-led, as mentioned above). If this means I am still breastfeeding a three-year old, then so be it. It's normal, and I wish more people would consider extended breastfeeding. And if there's anyone out there who's thought about it, but is unsure or feels a lack of support, know that there are many women around the world who breastfeed their toddlers. I am proud to be one of them.
