SF New Baby Advice : Sometimes Sweet

Welcome to New Baby week here on Small Fry! We’ve been working tirelessly to put together a killer week that both supports, informs and spoils any mama or mama-to-be that reads this blog. We hope that the stories encompass the myriad of ways that we as women find ourselves as mothers. Each story more special and unique and important as the next. It’s the great connector and something that instantly bonds those who have experienced it.

Each day we’ll start the morning off with a favorite blogger’s birth story, a memory of when they had a new baby, and a few words of advice.

Then the spoiling will happen. (Follow along via #SFNewBaby and don’t miss today’s giveaway here!) But, first, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Welcome, DaniĀ Hampton, mother of two, and writer for Sometimes Sweet.

SF New Baby : Sometimes Sweet

1. What is one thing you would go back to tell your new-mom self?

I think the biggest thing would be to just relax. With this second baby I feel so much more laid back about things, and it’s not like I didn’t enjoy my time with baby Henry, but it was a lot different because I recall being worried a lot. With Charlie I’m much more go with the flow and in turn I’m able to relax more and just take it all in.SF New Baby : Sometimes Sweet

2. Was there anything surprising or shocking that happened that no one warned you about?

I think the biggest thing would be just how quickly time actually goes by. I remember when I got pregant with Henry people would always tell how time flies as a parent, and I would smile to myself thinking how silly that sounded- time is just time. But really, it does go so much faster. I suddenly have a 3-year old…and even crazier, a 6-month old. I swear I was just pregnant yesterday!

3. Do you have a lullaby you sing, a bedtime story, a special routine, that you’ve done with your kid(s) since they were a baby?

I’m the queen of making of silly little songs and diddies to go with every occasion, so yes, we have quite a few. I would say my most favorite song though is “Good Morning To You,” a special song my Mom would sing to my sister and me every morning, that I now sing to my own children. It’s so sweet and makes me so happy to see the way the boys’ faces light up when they hear it.

SF New Baby : Sometimes Sweet

The second time doing anything is always a little easier in a way, or at least when you’re talking about a c-section. The first time for me, with Henry, was an emergency surgery, something that was so far from any plan I had in my head, anything we’d even considered, that a lot of my experience was scary, at least in the beginning. But the thing about childbirth, no matter how you do it, is that you get this amazing prize at the end, and it makes anything you go through to get there insignificant. But this time, the second time around, there was no emergency. There were no two days of natural labor. There were no vitals dropping and being hurriedly wheeled in the operating room and getting a spinal between contractions. There was no crying, no shaking, no being terrified that something really, really bad was happening. There was none of that.

This time, Hank and I woke up in the morning, drove to the hospital, and had our baby. We knew what day. We even knew what time. And as unnatural as that would have sounded to us before, it felt perfectly right to us this time around.

The night before I wasn’t sure how I would sleep, knowing that in less than 12 hours I’d be holding our little boy in my arms. And like most women almost 40 weeks pregnant I didn’t sleep much, waking up every few hours to go to the bathroom. I did manage to get some rest though, and when my alarm went off at 5am I got out of bed quickly, full of excitement and nerves and noticing the tiniest touch of adrenaline that was starting to creep into my system.

My parents and sister had spent the night, so they stayed with Henry as Hank and I made our way to the hospital. We arrived at 6:45am as directed, two hours before my 8:45am surgery. We checked in and were pretty quickly brought back to my room, where our nurse came in and had me sign some papers, then inserted my IV and started fluids. And speaking of the IV, with Henry it took 6 different nurses a total of one hour to get the IV in my hand but this time we were one and done…THANK GOODNESS. I absolutely hate getting my blood drawn or IVs put in (the placement at the thin skin of the hand totally creeps me out) and inevitably someone will always say “but you have so many tattoos!” Let me set the record straight here, people- they are totally different things; different pains, different needles, different everything. So I was pleasantly surprised it took the nurse one second to get it over with. Thank goodness.

I had three things I was totally freaked out about going into the c-section, outside of the surgery itself- getting the IV in my hand, having the catheter put in, and the spinal. So as soon as the IV was in I felt a huge relief that one of the three was checked off the list. I also made sure to ask to have the catheter put in after the spinal so I wouldn’t feel it, so I mentally checked that one off too, even though it hadn’t been done yet.

The two hours went by so, so quickly and before we knew it Hank was in his scrubs and they were wheeling me down to the operating room. They have the husband wait outside while they do the spinal, so Hank sat outside in a chair while the anesthesiologist did his thing. You should know that I was terrified of this part. Even thinking about it days before the operation I would get queasy, and I told the anesthesiologist this and he assured me it would feel like a bee sting, at worst. When I had gotten the spinal for Henry (I never got an epidural) I had already been in labor and in so much pain, that I don’t remember what it even felt like. But this time going in completely fresh and coherent was a whole new ball game. I was part nervous, part terrified. The shots they did first actually hurt worse than the spinal, and when he was done I was SO surprised that it didn’t hurt at all.

Hank came back in at this point and I made the huge mistake (seriously, never do this), of looking over at all of the tools on the table. Whoa. At this same time the spinal was starting to do it’s thing, and I started to lose feeling in my feet and then my legs. Telling your lower half to move, and then not being able to move isn’t a pleasant feeling, and because you’re numb to your chest it feels like it’s hard to breathe. The best way I can describe the sensation is that it’s almost like drowning in yourself. But if you just don’t think about it, it’s no big deal…just don’t do what I did and check out all of the horribly scary-looking surgical tools and then focus on the fact that your chest feels like it has a huge weight on top of it. Mistake. But I got it together and started to relax, did some deep breathing and before Hank and I knew it they were operating on the other side of the sheet.

Time seemed to go slow here, and for awhile I just closed my eyes. During a c-section you can’t feel a thing, except for a lot of pressure. I knew we were getting close to Charlie making his entrance as the pressure starting getting a little more forceful, and suddenly I felt them tugging and pulling…and then, in an instant, heard that sweet, sweet sound of our baby’s first cry. Truly, there is no better sound in the world. Hank and I just looked at each other, tears in our eyes, and within a moment they had him on the other side of the curtain to show him to me. It was beautiful.

They then brought him over to the table to check him out and do all of the weighing and measuring, then back over to me so I could love on him for a minute before he and Hank went back to the recovery room to wait for me to finish getting sewn up. Right after having Henry I had been shaking insanely hard to the point of my arms being out of my own control, but this time I didn’t have that shakiness at all, thank goodness. So my doctor quickly finished up, then they wheeled me back to the room where Charlie was placed right on my bare chest and started to nurse. Like Henry he took right to it, and right there…that was bliss.

Charles Stephen was born at 9:13 that Friday morning, and we spent the rest of the day in the happiest cloud of smiles and laughter and some tears too, especially when my family brought Henry in to meet Charlie for the first time. We’d been talking to him the entire pregnancy about being a big brother and what that meant, but still- you never know how an almost-three-year old will react. When he walked in though, the proud smile on his face killed me. He was so incredibly excited. Henry came right up to the bed and said “Hello, Charlie! I’m your big brother Henry.” In that moment my heart might have stopped from happiness; it was really one of the sweetest moments of my life.

To be perfectly honest, it’s still a bit weird to me to have had my babies this way. I’m someone who doesn’t even take headache medicine or drink caffeine, so the idea of having a plethora of strange drugs pumped through my body, a spinal block in my back, and an IV drip going for a full day makes me incredibly uncomfortable. But when all of my plans shifted so rapidly when I had Henry, and then I realized the best option for baby number two would be the same route, I accepted the fact that sometimes, we do what we have to do. I’ve never felt like this way of birthing is lesser-than, or that I missed out on anything. I’ve always felt a strong sense of pride that I was able to safely have my first baby, and now my second, whatever way it had to happen. So when I type all of this out, and it’s missing so much of what I thought I would have included had you asked me years back to describe my ideal birth, it just reminds me that childbirth, like much of life, is unpredictable. And really, that it’s best to focus on that happy ending, no matter which way it comes.

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74 Comments

  • Sarah Hubbell
    February 16, 2014 at 10:38 am

    So sweet, Dani!!

    Reply
  • Jennifer
    February 16, 2014 at 10:42 am

    As a first time mum- thanks for those tips!! I can’t believe my babe is 2 weeks old today!!!!

    Reply
    • Denise
      February 16, 2014 at 7:21 pm

      My second baby is two weeks old today, too! šŸ™‚

      Reply
  • Alexis
    February 16, 2014 at 10:47 am

    This carseat and stroller look amazing!

    Reply
  • Mckae
    February 16, 2014 at 11:17 am

    This is so sweet! I totally agree, time goes by way too fast.

    Reply
  • Anne
    February 16, 2014 at 11:32 am

    I love Dani’s blog! Super fun to read this

    Reply
  • Jessica
    February 16, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    Need this!

    Reply
  • Nikala
    February 16, 2014 at 12:16 pm

    I have heard this is the best stroller. I need it in my life! Crossing my fingers and hoping to win. Nikala.t.86@hotmail.com

    Reply
  • Stephanie
    February 16, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    LOVE this post especially because I’m expecting my first in 4 months!!! Thank you!

    Reply
  • Amanda
    February 16, 2014 at 12:24 pm

    I just had a baby boy a few weeks ago and our old stroller isn’t holding up well. Would love to get my hands on this baby šŸ™‚

    Reply
  • Carolina
    February 16, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    Hope to win for my daughter! Had her in august and have no stroller!

    Reply
  • Kristina
    February 16, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    Thanks for a great blog! I’m enjoying following!

    Reply
  • Alexis
    February 16, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    Nothing I love more than hearing birth stories and mother’s advice. Being a mom to a 2 and 3 year old is my greatest joy!!

    Reply
  • Anna
    February 16, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    Love your blog!! I just had a baby and this stroller would be amazing!

    Reply
  • Noelle Kilgore
    February 16, 2014 at 12:48 pm

    Love this blog and the orbit products!! Have a baby coming through adoption next week. Hoping to purchase one soon.

    Reply
  • liz tetley
    February 16, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    Would love this stroller! My email is liztetley12@gmail.com

    Reply
  • Amy Landis
    February 16, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    Would adore to push my babe in this stroller!!!

    Reply
  • Blaire
    February 16, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    This would be such a blessing to our family. Have always loved this stroller but could never afford the price! Thanks! blaire_hart@hotmail.com

    Reply
  • Macy
    February 16, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    Oh my gosh!!! This stroller is amazing.

    Reply
  • Belinda
    February 16, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    I’d be on cloud nine if I won this system! My husband would appreciate the amazingly stylish new stroller as well!

    Reply
  • Stephanie R
    February 16, 2014 at 1:35 pm

    I love this storyline, this blog and the stroller! You ladies kill it every time! xo

    Reply
  • Tarryn
    February 16, 2014 at 1:51 pm

    We love Small Fry & think this stroller would be awesome for baby sister coming this summer! mccormickrt@gmail.com

    Reply
  • Jordan
    February 16, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    Love following you on instagram, you have such fun and interesting products. Would love to have this stroller!! Thanks for the awesome giveaways

    Reply
  • Jessica
    February 16, 2014 at 2:12 pm

    These look awesome!

    Reply
  • Holly
    February 16, 2014 at 2:16 pm

    I am searching for a stroller as I get ready for a new baby! I had twins first time around so I’m ready for a single-baby stroller!

    Reply
  • Melissa
    February 16, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    Love this blog!! Love everything you post! Thanks for introducing me to all these amazing baby things! My first baby is coming in July!

    Reply
  • Melanie Raney
    February 16, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    These strollers are so versatile and they’ve been very well engineered! I would absolutely love one for my baby on the way!!

    Reply
  • laurel
    February 16, 2014 at 5:14 pm

    I saw my sisters orbit baby over christmas. Oh my word. I love this!

    Reply
  • Devon Schuchart
    February 16, 2014 at 7:09 pm

    Just had my first baby, a little boy, and this would be perfect! DevonAlanaS@gmail.com

    Reply
  • Jessica Lewis
    February 16, 2014 at 7:19 pm

    Love this stroller and Dani’s blog!

    Reply
  • Breanne Hester
    February 16, 2014 at 7:29 pm

    Love this design! Excited for our first born! šŸ™‚

    Reply
  • Katie
    February 16, 2014 at 7:37 pm

    What an amazing prize this is, we could definitely use it! Xoxo

    Reply
  • Ashley
    February 16, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    Would love this for baby number 2. Such amazing quality and design!!

    Reply
  • Emma
    February 16, 2014 at 7:58 pm

    I loved this story! It brought tears to my eyes because the birth of my son was a planned c section because of some complications and I had such a terrible experience. I wish I could be so at peace the same way that Danielle is- I’m jealous! I love reading other mothers’ both stories. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  • Lexi
    February 16, 2014 at 8:55 pm

    Hubby and I are saving our pennies to purchase the G3 for our baby girl, Finley due to arrive mid-April! It would be so amazing to win! Lexirosene@gmail.com

    Reply
  • Mckenzee Taylor
    February 16, 2014 at 9:14 pm

    I would love this for my baby that is coming in July!!

    Reply
  • Ivy
    February 16, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    Yes! My infant car seat is long outdated and would be awesome for the 3rd babe

    Reply
  • Felicia
    February 17, 2014 at 5:31 am

    As a first time mom, I love hearing others’ birth stories. My husband and I are coming up with our birth plan, but it helps me to remember that it might need to go out the window and we have to be prepared for anything. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Lauren
    February 17, 2014 at 5:32 am

    Just test drove a few strollers for the newest babe on the way and would love to win this one! Amazing giveaway!

    Reply
  • lindsay
    February 17, 2014 at 7:04 am

    I’d love to have this for my little one coming in April!

    Reply
  • Aurianna
    February 17, 2014 at 7:35 am

    I was a student of Dani in her first year of teaching. She was such an inspiration then and now that we are trying for baby number 2; with the first being by c-section, this story is definitely inspiring and eases a lot of fears. Thank you so much Dani and Small Fry!!!

    Reply
    • Danielle Hampton
      February 18, 2014 at 4:37 pm

      Aurianna,

      You are so sweet and it’s so nice to see a comment here from you. Sending you a huge hug and lots of baby dust for #2!

      <3

      Reply
  • Katrina Ycaza
    February 17, 2014 at 7:46 am

    Best stroller system out there. I love how it can grow with your family and hold up to 4 children. I need this for our growing family.

    Reply
  • Carly
    February 17, 2014 at 7:52 am

    I could so use this for baby number two!!

    Reply
  • Kelly
    February 17, 2014 at 8:51 am

    I love this blog and winning this stroller would be incredible!!!

    Reply
  • erin v
    February 17, 2014 at 10:23 am

    this is awesome.

    Reply
  • Andrea M
    February 17, 2014 at 11:19 am

    Wow, what an amazing stroller! Would love to win this!

    Reply
  • Brittany Peck
    February 17, 2014 at 11:40 am

    Would love to win! In desperate need for a new car seat too! bpeck11@gmail.com PS–not sucking up, but I love this adorable blog!

    Reply
  • Lesley
    February 17, 2014 at 12:07 pm

    So glad that I found you!! My daughter and son in law are expecting their first child.. He is in the Army and they are further away then I would like, but I plan on being there for the delivery… Thank you for these amazing giveaway opportunities.. x

    Reply
  • Sara Bogdan
    February 17, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    I have always wanted this stroller since I first saw it. Never been able to even think about purchasing it because of the price. It would be such a blessing to have this amazing stroller. sara_saroni@yahoo.com

    Reply
  • ShawnaMommy
    February 17, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    This brought tears to my eyes! What a beautiful birth story. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • marissa m
    February 17, 2014 at 4:08 pm

    Would love to win this stroller! Ultimate baby luxury

    Reply
  • Kristen Calhoun
    February 17, 2014 at 4:54 pm

    Love your blog, and super love Orbit! I’ve been stalking this stroller, and I’m desperate for one!

    Reply
  • Kerri hoang
    February 17, 2014 at 5:48 pm

    I love Orbit!!! Had the G1 and now the G2 stroller system, G2 toddler car seat and the side kick!!! Would love to upgrade to a G3!!:))

    Reply
  • Kelly Taylor
    February 17, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    Great advice!

    Reply
  • Courtney Messick
    February 17, 2014 at 6:02 pm

    Such an amazing giveaway! Would love to finally get my hands on one of these šŸ™‚ thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
  • Dana
    February 17, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    I would love to win this stroller!! It’s not something I could ever buy myself, so to win it would be amazing! Dsanta49@gmail.com

    Reply
  • Ashley L
    February 17, 2014 at 6:46 pm

    This is an amazing giveaway! I would just love to own this stroller!

    Reply
  • Thuy N
    February 17, 2014 at 6:53 pm

    This would be a lifesaver with my first baby!! Thank you for a chance!! Sprinkleofsweet@live.com

    Reply
  • Tara
    February 17, 2014 at 7:22 pm

    Oh, please pick me. I really need this!

    Reply
  • Tessa Denney
    February 17, 2014 at 7:42 pm

    As a teacher & coach I know first hand about juggling mommy role and teacher/coach role. Sometimes juggling both means needing a stroller and seat to bring the Little LoveBug Madison to work like to the track to help my other kiddos work on their running skills!! This would be quite useful and quite FUN… ABSOLUTE LOVE IT!!!

    Reply
  • Lauren
    February 18, 2014 at 12:06 am

    Would b cool to win!! Dancerdivaof08@yahoo.com

    Reply
  • Marlo
    February 18, 2014 at 3:23 am

    I love your thoughts on birth and csections. My first one ended in an emergency csection and there are still instances where people will comment about it not being natural. No, it wasn’t, but I have my sweet child in my arms and I have zero regrets about that! It was too close for comfort! šŸ™‚

    Reply
  • Lindsey S
    February 18, 2014 at 8:46 am

    I love these little tips! Keep up the great work!

    Reply
  • Johanna velasco
    February 20, 2014 at 11:25 am

    I love your blog and the orbit stroller!! I will loveee to win this stroller for my baby girl (Mia)

    Reply
  • Leah
    February 20, 2014 at 11:40 am

    I’d be so thankful!

    Reply
  • Laura
    February 20, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    what an awesome giveaway! I would love to win a good, sturdy reliable stroller for this 4th baby on the way .

    Reply
  • Sharice
    February 20, 2014 at 6:55 pm
  • Aura
    February 21, 2014 at 8:21 pm

    Such a beautiful stroller! Would love this for my baby!

    Reply
  • Andrea Smith
    February 22, 2014 at 2:41 pm

    You have the best posts, tips and tried and true life stories . Thanks!!!

    Reply
  • sheena childs
    February 22, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    So awesome!!!

    Reply
  • Olivia
    February 22, 2014 at 6:49 pm
  • Faith Kezos
    February 22, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    NEED THIS for my son Teddy!!! <3

    Reply
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