Staying Fit While Pregnant

When I was five weeks pregnant, Kennedy and I were in a car accident.  Kennedy and I are okay, but I later learned that I sprained my back.  My back didn’t bother me until I was about 10 weeks pregnant.  I noticed my lower back started to hurt me while on a family vacation to Paris, France.  I’m not sure if it was the 10 hour flight to Paris, the extensive walking or the fact that my baby was growing, but I was no longer able to jog, walk long distances, sit for long periods of time or lift my toddler without my back hurting.  After I returned to Houston I started to see a chiropractor for physical therapy.  It’s been about two months and last week I was finally given permission to start jogging again!!! Well, they said I could only jog a quarter of a mile at a time, but I was excited.  I bought new sneakers and headed on out with my husband. I couldn’t even finish the quarter mile because I started cramping. I was so angry.  I worked so hard to get into shape after I had Kennedy and two months of no jogging has really set me back.  Instead of giving up I went back out again a few days later and I just split up the quarter mile into segments where I would jog for 1 block then walk one block.  This made it easier and I was able to complete the run on my terms.  I now realize I won’t be able to jog 3 miles 3 times a week while I am pregnant, but if I can run just one mile, then I’ll take it!  I also started to go to prenatal yoga twice a week.  I know exercises are very important to staying fit during pregnancy and can really help decrease the amount of time you are in labor. 

What are some things you did to stay fit during labor?




I Started Taking Montessori Toddler-Parenting Classes





I started taking toddler-parenting classes.  I know!  Who takes parenting classes with a 16 month old?  I realized that I needed some guidance in parenting.  Since becoming pregnant, I became the parent I never wanted to be.  I have not been as engaged with my daughter as I wanted to be.  My daughter was watching way to much TV or  she was playing with my Ipad or IPhone to keep her busy while I was watching TV.  We were not going out as much.  Play dates didn’t seem like my idea of a good time anymore.  It seemed as though I lost my passion for parenting.  Yes, I could blame it on my pregnancy but pregnant or not Kennedy only has one mommy and one childhood so I had to get my act together.  I have always loved the Montessori method and I’ve been practicing some of those methods with Kennedy at home.  Kennedy is also attending a Montessori school, so when I found out there was a reasonably priced parenting class being offered at one of the most prestigious Montessori schools in Houston, I signed up.  Kennedy and I have only been to one class and there has already been a drastic change in my house. 

Here are some positive aspects that the class has provided to us:

1.     My passion for being a mother has returned.
2.     Kennedy  (In my presence) has not watched TV nor  has the TV  been on for background noise in almost  2 weeks. 
3.     I removed most of her toys and books and put them in the guest room. We will now be rotating her toys and books. 
4.     She now has to put each toy back when she is done. This is only realistic because she only has few toys to choose from. They are now on an open shelf, no more toy bins. 
5.     Most of the time, I’m the one putting the toy back but she is watching me do it and has attempted to put a few back on her own.
6.     She has had a few temper tantrums during this process but I never have lost my cool so her tantrums are much shorter and less serious.

7.     I had more time to write this blog post!!!! Score!


Why I am choosing to have a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-section)...



First, I want to say, Kennedy’s surgical birth was not traumatic. C-sections are a blessing and I’m very grateful that my baby and I had a safe delivery.  You can read Kennedy’s birth story here http://www.imarriedatexan.blogspot.com/2012_09_01_archive.html


Now, I am choosing a VBAC for many reasons. 

I wasn’t sure how to write all my feelings, so I decided to write them in a stream of consciousness.

I choose a VBAC because…
I want to feel my baby come from my vagina. I want to know what it feels like to actually push my own child out. I would love for my husband or I to catch our baby.  I want to see my husband’s face the moment our baby takes its first breath.  I want the baby to be put right on my chest as soon as it is born.  I want to smell my baby before they take her away to be cleaned. I want my baby to know she is safe right away and that mommy is here. I want to see my baby’s little face clearly without being drugged up. I want to be able to walk to my baby’s bassinet in the hospital when it cries. I want to sleep next to my husband and snuggle with our new baby instead of sleeping in a chair when we first get home from the hospital. I want to be able to take a shower without anyone’s help. I don’t want to be cut open and my baby ripped out of me. I want my baby to come into the world peacefully… And the list goes on.

Emotionally and physically, I knew why I wanted a VBAC, but my next question was is a VBAC safe? If so, then what are my chances of having a successful VBAC? After doing a lot of research (internet, support groups and talking with obstetricians). I learned the chance of having a successful VBAC was very good and the chance of Uterine Rupture was less then 1%.  After weighing the risks and benefits my husband and I decided to go for a VBAC.

Please understand these are my thoughts based on my experiences. I know that some people love their C-sections and I know some people would never take the risk of a VBAC and I respect all of your wishes, so please respect mine and be kind with your comments.


Some sites I found helpful while doing my VBAC research.