Hi loves,
My Feature Friday column gets me so excited every time I’m ready to publish because I just love connecting with other moms, let alone from around the world! It is so wonderful that we can all share our experience with one another. You never know what we can learn!
With that said. I am so happy to introduce my second Feature Friday Mom, Ashlee Tibbetts. Ashlee resides in Southern California and is a Stay At Home Mom with her two girls. Please enjoy her interview below!
How far along are you in postpartum?
10 weeks postpartum.
In a brief summary, tell us your birth story.
I started having steady contractions at 35 weeks. I went to L&D to be checked and I was dilated to a 2, and baby girl was very breech. They gave me meds to stop the contractions, but I continued to have Braxton Hicks very often. At 36 weeks and 4 days, my feet and palms started itching really bad. After some testing, my OB discovered I had cholestasis. She decided it was in the best interest of the baby to get her out sooner than later so she was born via scheduled c-section at 36 weeks 6 days. Natalie Lousie Faith was 6lbs 12oz and 17.5 inches long, and super healthy despite being born a little early!
While you were pregnant, were you conscious of the types of foods you were eating for fetal development?
Yes, I watched what I was eating but had occasional treats.
How about exercise?
I tried to walk every day.
Did you add or exclude anything particular from your diet? Why or why not?
I didn’t have deli meat or any raw meats because of the bacterial risks.
Did you change anything in your regular routine to have a healthier and happier pregnancy (i.e. exercise, sleep)?
I tried to take a daily nap for an hour or two especially in the third trimester.
In a brief summary, tell us about your postpartum recovery.
Recovery with a c-section was much harder for me than recovery from a natural delivery with my first baby. I was in major pain at the hospital and my first few days home. At around 2 weeks, I finally stopped taking any pain meds, but I really didn’t “feel myself” until around 6-7 weeks postpartum. I still have a heard time working out or moving faster than a walk.
Are you breastfeeding? Did you have any issues with it (i.e. latch, milk supply)?
Yes, no issues this time around!
Have you changed anything in your diet to better accommodate your milk supply?
I try to eat whenever I’m hungry and drink tons of water. I also eat Oat Mama granola bars and drink their tea.
How many children do you have? How old are they?
I have two daughters. Baylee is going to be 4 in two months and Natalie is 2.5 months old.
Did you find your postpartum recovery harder this time around or easier?
Physical recovery was much harder this time, however, mentally I felt better faster this time. I didn’t have the baby blues at all like I did with my first and I found myself being much less stressed about newborn care!
You can learn more about Ashlee and her family by reading her blog at www.coffeeandgraceblog.com or by following her on instagram: @coffeeandgraceblog
