Parenting Baby #3

When we moved into our own place (a rental) and out of my in-laws, we knew we wanted to have another baby. In between our second born and our third born we had a "chemical pregnancy." I hate that term because I feel it diminishes the value of babies not yet born. I took a test, and it was faintly positive, then about 5 or 6 days later, I experienced heavy bleeding and cramping. We had already begun celebrating the little life inside, only to discover that the little life was gone. 

Two months later we discovered we were pregnant with our third born. We were so excited! The pregnancy was pretty normal health-wise but was dramatic in the insurance/doctor aspect. Long story short, our "insurance" suddenly didn't cover our doctor's office or doctor and we were left from weeks 20-30 of the pregnancy with no prenatal care while we searched for a doctor AND doctor's office AND hospital that were all in-network. We finally did and then we discovered that I had Gestational Diabetes. It felt like such a blow, I thought it was my fault, and was nervous I'd need insulin. I did some research and found an amazing book about nutrition and Gestational Diabetes, which helped me to control it through diet alone, no insulin or metformin needed.

This baby was born through a scheduled C-Section, and it was actually the best surgical experience yet! (The recovery was a bear though! I felt a lot more pain than I did with the first two) I experienced no nausea on the table, I didn't feel like I might pass out, there was no uncontrollable shivering. As soon as the baby was out and had a quick check of his vitals, he was placed on my chest while they stitched me up. Having him there was the BEST feeling! I experienced such peace with him resting on my chest, he stopped crying, and I think he was at peace too!

During the pregnancy I made a plan to exclusively pump for him. I knew that I couldn't control the birth or much of anything else, but I could be prepared to make milk for him. I sought help from a true expert in all things pumping and found success this time around. Though there were naysayers from the Lactation Consultants in the hospital, "A pump can't empty you like a baby. You won't make as much milk. You'll have an oversupply and end up with mastitis. You'll miss out on the bonding experience." Yet I made more than enough milk, was able to donate to at least 6 babies, never had mastitis, and have a wonderful bond with my baby. We made it a year exclusively pumping and I have no plans of stopping soon!

This baby was such a peaceful baby, he has been go-with-the-flow, easy-going, and chill! He has been such a contented baby. I truly enjoyed the newborn phase this time around. Even though I missed out on sleep, he pretty much stuck with a schedule from week one and it worked for us. He is a sweet baby and his brothers fell in love pretty much right away. I love the closeness of the age gap between the first two boys, but this most recent age gap is full of sweetness. They definitely recognize him as a baby and actually appreciate his cuteness (I think a lot of it is them copying what they see us modeling).

This transition from 2 to 3 kids has been the easiest transition so far. We were extremely blessed by our church family during the pregnancy and afterward. I had friends who were able to watch the boys while I went to prenatal appointments. Those same friends and church family brought us many meals after the baby was born. So much good food for about 3 or 4 weeks! We have never been so well loved by a church! It is such an encouragement and comfort knowing that others are praying for us, and for the salvation of our children. We love our church and our 3 boys!