Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Our Little Burkling

Announcing the birth of Margaret Naomi Burk. She was born on November 17th, at 5:41 PM. She weighed in at 7 lbs, 9 ounces, and 20 inches long. She has long, dark brown hair, blue eyes, and a dimple on her right cheek. She hates getting her diaper changed, loves getting her hair washed and combed, loves sleeping on Mom’s chest at night, and loves to nurse. Did I mention that she already has a double chin? Pretty good for 2 and 1/2 weeks early!

4 days old... Ok so I love taking pictures, and now I have the cutest model...
Here is a prego picture 2 days before I had her:

It is really difficult to put into words and describe the day of her birth. It was the most difficult but also the most rewarding and the most beautiful days of my life. I had spent a lot of time researching the best way to bring her into the world- and had come to the conclusion that I wanted to go natural. I have had enough surgeries… and really wanted to avoid anything that might make it more possible to have a C-section. As I read and studied about epidurals and petosin, I was horrified at the effect that it had on the baby, and on labor in general. (A great documentary to watch if you are interested in this is The Business of Birth) I learned that these medical “helps” many time lead to an unwanted c-section- because they both lengthen, and intensify labor- leading to fetal distress…etc, etc. I could go on for paragraphs about this- but anyhow I felt that for me – I really needed to go natural. I do realize that everyone is different- and so for many people, and epidural might be the best option… but for me- I just had this gut feeling that I needed to go natural.

An hour or so after her birth...Dan picked out her bow.

In preparation for this labor- I spent a bit of time reading and studying the Hypnobirthing method and the Bradley method. I also spent a great deal of time doing pre-natal yoga- all of which made a huge difference in my labor. (essentially they deal with getting into a relaxed state so your body can labor without fear- which tightens your muscles and makes labor more painful and more difficult) I also had a Doula to help me during my birth (a Doula is like a birthing coach who is there your whole labor to guide you in different positions, massage and apply pressure, and just help be your advocate for a better labor)

But even with this preparation, my labor was a very intense 18 hours- and I progressed slowly. There were many times that I wanted sooo badly to take that epidural- but thankfully with my great support team, (Daniel, My mom, My doula Sarah, my friend Brittany, and my awesome midwife) I was able to keep going and stick to my birth plan. I walked around, got in and out of a birthing tub, used a birthing ball… and just tried to stay relaxed and calm. Finally after 16 hours of labor I was only to a 6.5…. and so my midwife decided to break my water…. And Maggie was born two hours later-. Those two hours were excruciatingly intense, and I was so focused that it all kind of seems like a haze now- but I pushed for 15 minutes, and she was out, very alert, and very calm….

Those are the details of the labor- but it is impossible to describe all the emotion that I felt. It was one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had- it was so fulfilling and just so rewarding to be able to go through this process.

Moments after birth...
I was so glad my Mom was able to be there- Yay for flights!!
Nonna Bev with Maggie.
My Midwife Kathryn, a few minutes after birth.
After our first nurse..
Daniel in the Nursery with her.

My great labor support team- Brittany on the left, my Doula Sarah on the right.

5 Days Old.

She loves Daniel's voice.


She was born one 8 days before our year anniversary... what a crazy year!

The cutest little model in the world!


So there you have a little bit of my birth story. It still feels inadequate to describe that day, but I suppose it will have to do :)



23 comments:

  1. Melanie! I am so happy for you! I'm so glad you shared about your experience.

    Congratulations on your growing family!

    ReplyDelete
  2. She is ADORABLE! Oh Melanie (& Daniel) I am so excited for you. Yay. I can't wait to meet her. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. P.S. I love how you can see the abundance of love felt. And you can totally seen in Daniel's eyes that love of not only his firstborn, but the love of a father for his little girl. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh Melanie, she is so beautiful! Thanks for the pictures. Congratulations Sweetheart, I can't wait to meet her. Give her a kiss
    from Auntie Michelle : )

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congratulations! She is beautiful! Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING. You have a lot to be thankful for!

    ReplyDelete
  6. BAHHH!!!! I am sooo sooo sooo happy and excited for you guys!!! What an adorable little girl Maggie is. Congrats!!

    PS- You do not look anywhere NEAR 9 months pregnant in that picture of you 2 days before Maggie was born. I hope I'm like you someday.

    PPS- Happy Anniversary! =D

    PPPS- I can't believe how much both our lives have changed in the past 1.5 years since we were roomies. Crazy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. She is gorgeous, and you look great! Yay for natural births!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations! She is beautiful, and so are you. So glad your mom was able to make it there- I heard it was a close call :) Hope to meet baby Maggie in the near future. Luv you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. MELANIE... I am SO SO SO HAPPY for you three! I'm so glad you blogged about Maggie's birth. I've been so anxious to hear about it. I'm sorry it took 18hours... but like you said... it's work every minute of it. I wish you three the Happiest Thanksgiving.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Just beautiful. I heard she is just so sweet and darling. As soon as I don't have a cold I will come and see you guys.
    Love you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congratulations Melanie! I hadn't heard yet about Maggie's arrival... yeah for blogs!!! I am amazed at your strength and determination to have her naturally, you should feel like superwoman! Maggie is beautiful and you look amazing too! Congrats, congrats, congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  12. cried again :)

    i've never seen a mother look as beautiful as you right after labor - and maggie! oh darling beautiful maggie. mel you are my hero. we need to talk again soon - i've been nervous to call you, i don't want to disturb! but i will soon :)

    love love love you all.

    ReplyDelete
  13. MEL! she's perfect!! andrew and i want to come and meet her! please let us know when we can stop by.. we know post baby time can be kind of crazy, and tiring and whatnot, so take your time!

    love you lots, she's so beautiful, good work cus. (:

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh melanie, This is such a beautiful summary of such a special event! I am so grateful I was able to part of it. I love you so much...Dan and Maggie too!
    love, mom

    ReplyDelete
  15. Cousin! I'm so happy for you and that everything was able to work out how you wanted it to. Maggie is such a cutie! Congratulations and can't wait till we get to see you next!
    -Ash

    ReplyDelete
  16. My goodness! She is ADORABLE! I have never seen such an adorable newborn! I am so proud of you and so happy that Maggie is here safe and sound. She is one of the luckiest girls in the world to have you and Dan as her parents. Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh congrats again, Mel! She's beautiful and I'm so proud of you for making it. What an amazing experience it is, isn't it? Enjoy your beautiful little girl!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh yay for all your pictures too! Yay yay yay!! And might I just say, you look AMAZING. the fact that you just had a baby and look that incredible is a little disgusting mel. seriously, you're all so beautiful (yes, even dan). love you felster.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congratulations! Maggie is beautiful :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Melanie!
    I just found your blog and I am dying over your newest addition. That hair of hers is amazing. What a blessing she is to you and your hubs. I totally miss you but am soooo happy that you have joined the mommy club. Nothing in your life will ever be the same. It's about to get sooooo GOOD!! Enjoy your new bundle of joy and I hope to see you soon. Maybe on the 13th at Kristin's house??

    Love you! Congrats. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Mel! I know your doula!! She is in my old ward! Crazy.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks for the shout-out love. I loved every minute of it and was so grateful to be part of such a beautiful and moving experience. Yay for you - your strength, your power, your resolve. such an example!

    ReplyDelete

 

blogger templates | Make Money Online