Wednesday, March 26, 2014
1 Month!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
En Caul
Many people have asked what exactly "en caul" means- aside from the previously stated "born in her amniotic sac" and occurs only once in every 80,000 births.
En caul birth's happen relatively rarely due to both the fact women's water generally breaks or is broken prior to getting to the "pushing" stage of birth. It occurs less and less frequently due to interventions taken by medical professionals but every once in a while women slip by and give birth to a baby en caul.
There are two types of en caul births. The first is total en caul, how Natalia was born; the amniotic sac is not broken and the baby is delivered still completely enveloped. The other is called a "veiled" birth which occurs more often than the total en caul. Veiled births occur when the baby is delivered with part of the amniotic sac on their face or head, and without the fluid present. Both hold many beliefs and superstitions that go with them.
En caul babies are considered "lucky" in many cultures. Among seafaring cultures they are associated to people who can't drown and who are drawn to water. In Romania they are associated with vampires. Thus far we have found that the being drawn to water is the most true- nothing calms Natalia like running water, or a bath.
Although I had no control over her being born en caul, I do find it a point of pride. Something about doing something so rare, even unintentionally, is really really cool. Not only did I do an almost completely natural birth (minus an hour of synthetic morphine to get me to the pushing stage), but my daughter was born in a very special way. Its silly to be so proud of it, but there it is. I'm proud of my water baby.
En caul birth's happen relatively rarely due to both the fact women's water generally breaks or is broken prior to getting to the "pushing" stage of birth. It occurs less and less frequently due to interventions taken by medical professionals but every once in a while women slip by and give birth to a baby en caul.
There are two types of en caul births. The first is total en caul, how Natalia was born; the amniotic sac is not broken and the baby is delivered still completely enveloped. The other is called a "veiled" birth which occurs more often than the total en caul. Veiled births occur when the baby is delivered with part of the amniotic sac on their face or head, and without the fluid present. Both hold many beliefs and superstitions that go with them.
En caul babies are considered "lucky" in many cultures. Among seafaring cultures they are associated to people who can't drown and who are drawn to water. In Romania they are associated with vampires. Thus far we have found that the being drawn to water is the most true- nothing calms Natalia like running water, or a bath.
Although I had no control over her being born en caul, I do find it a point of pride. Something about doing something so rare, even unintentionally, is really really cool. Not only did I do an almost completely natural birth (minus an hour of synthetic morphine to get me to the pushing stage), but my daughter was born in a very special way. Its silly to be so proud of it, but there it is. I'm proud of my water baby.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Postpartum Depression
Its almost impossible to admit when you need help for mental illness. Its so stigmatized and even looked down upon in our society.
But last week I got up the courage and told my doctor that I needed help. I had reached a point where I was afraid of the thoughts that would intrude into my mind when dealing with stressful situations. Details aren't important but I will tell you that they shocked me and made me put Natalia in her crib and sit on the porch out of fear.
I was afraid that my doctor would report me to CPS and they would take Natalia, but in reality he wanted to help me. He was quick to understand that I needed the help I was seeking and started me on an anti-depressant and referred me to a counselor. My doctor praised me for my courage and told me that it took an exceptional person to come forward with my fears. I new it took a little courage but the fact that most new mother's never come forward is sad.
Within days of starting the anti-depressant I felt incredible. It didn't make me happy, it didn't make me numb, it helped me feel balanced and it gave me hope that those awful thoughts were a chemical imbalance and not my true feelings popping up. The metallic taste in my mouth faded and my outlook on the world continued to improve.
I would never ever hurt my baby girl. She is my world and I would die for her, but wonky chemicals in my brain made me resent her. I'm glad that I sought help and encourage new mom's to seek help even if they may not need or want an anti-depressant. Counseling has helped immensely also.
I was so ashamed when I started fearing my own thoughts and confided in David that I thought I needed help. With his encouragement I was able to talk to my doctor. Accepting attitudes and offering help instead of shame is the key to helping women with postpartum depression.
But last week I got up the courage and told my doctor that I needed help. I had reached a point where I was afraid of the thoughts that would intrude into my mind when dealing with stressful situations. Details aren't important but I will tell you that they shocked me and made me put Natalia in her crib and sit on the porch out of fear.
I was afraid that my doctor would report me to CPS and they would take Natalia, but in reality he wanted to help me. He was quick to understand that I needed the help I was seeking and started me on an anti-depressant and referred me to a counselor. My doctor praised me for my courage and told me that it took an exceptional person to come forward with my fears. I new it took a little courage but the fact that most new mother's never come forward is sad.
Within days of starting the anti-depressant I felt incredible. It didn't make me happy, it didn't make me numb, it helped me feel balanced and it gave me hope that those awful thoughts were a chemical imbalance and not my true feelings popping up. The metallic taste in my mouth faded and my outlook on the world continued to improve.
I would never ever hurt my baby girl. She is my world and I would die for her, but wonky chemicals in my brain made me resent her. I'm glad that I sought help and encourage new mom's to seek help even if they may not need or want an anti-depressant. Counseling has helped immensely also.
I was so ashamed when I started fearing my own thoughts and confided in David that I thought I needed help. With his encouragement I was able to talk to my doctor. Accepting attitudes and offering help instead of shame is the key to helping women with postpartum depression.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Presenting to the World- Natalia Mae Fugiel
Natalia Mae Fugiel
Entered the world
At 4:40 am on
February 24, 2014
8 pounds, 21 inches long.
We are so amazed by our precious little girl and what an amazing entrance she made! Natalia was born after 43 hours of total labor, in her amniotic sac (en caul) in the presence of 4 nurses and no doctor. Her en caul birth is a 1 in 80,000 births, chance. The nurses were all very excited and although neither her daddy or I got to actually see her prior to her sac being broken it made her all the more exciting!
Our first week was crazy but with the help of my mother we are starting adjust and get into our new routine. We can't wait to see what adventures await us!
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