Real Women. Real Experiences. – Ashley N
Q: Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? How many kids do you have?A: My name is Ashley Nordman and I am a Licensed Medical Aesthetician, CEO, health and wellness expert, and momma to my lovely daughter named Everlee! I am from the small town of Oregon, Illinois and currently reside outside of St. Louis, Missouri in the town of O'Fallon! My daughter just turned one year old in October, and my husband (Coleman) and I got married last year! We also have two fur babies, Remi and Summer.
Q: How was your pregnancy? The good? The bad?
A: My pregnancy was honestly amazing. I am the woman that everyone hated because I didn't even seem like I was pregnant. My body simply loved it and I had hardly any issues besides the lovely low back pain! The worst part was probably the back pain and my baby girl sitting on my sciatic nerve.
Q: How was your labor and delivery? Did you birth at home? Hospital? C-section?
A: My labor was WILD! I was only in labor for a total of 4 hours! I almost gave birth in the car on the way to the hospital because it all came so fast. I started laboring around 8:30PM and Everlee was born at 12:53AM! I really wanted to birth at a birthing center but I loved my OB and also chickened out, so I did a hospital birth. I had a really bad experience in the hospital and with the L&D nurses, and I don't think I want to give birth in a hospital next time I am pregnant. The nurses ignored my wishes over and over (I didn't want an IV for example but they kept insisting I get one - I got my way and didn't get one needle pricked in me!), they kept pressuring me into an epidural (I don't even know how because I was in the hospital for a total of 5 minutes before I gave birth, but the moment I walked in they threw a giant epidural needle in my face telling me to get one), and they were not calm and inviting. Thankfully, I was very firm in my wishes and stood my ground, and even though they wouldn't let me give birth standing like I wanted, I ended up having the perfect birth doggie-style in the bed, ha!
Q: Describe your postpartum experience. Did you experience postpartum depression? Postpartum anxiety? Postpartum rage? Were you aware of these things postpartum?
A: In hindsight, I think I did go through a little depression and anxiety. What REALLY got me the worst was that I was SO hard on myself and the mom guilt was extremely hard to handle. I constantly felt like I wasn't good enough or doing enough, and it really killed my confidence. I was not prepared for the guilt that I felt for the first 9 months of her life.
Q: Did you breastfeed? If so, how did that go for you? If it was challenging, what were your challenges?
A: I breastfed for 4 weeks. It was the hardest and most painful thing I had ever done! My nipples were so sensitive and I was in pain every single time she fed. I have Raynaud's and I think that contributed to the pain I was in. I also had a really weak supply (probably from under-eating) and she was hungry 24/7. I would nurse every hour and it was so mentally exhausting for me. Switching to formula was the best decision I ever made!
Q: Did you have any pregnancy cravings?
A: I craved frozen grapes ALL the time!
Q: What’s something you never knew about until you were pregnant?
A: I never knew about lightning crotch until I felt it constantly! I also never knew that my tailbone would be sore all the time!
Q: What was something that surprised you about your postpartum journey?
A: I was SHOCKED by how fast my body went "back" to how it was before I gave birth. But I was equally as surprised by how fast I DID NOT go back to my old self when it came to my breasts and nipples.. they were forever changed, ha!
Q: If there was a gift to give a new mom, what would it be?
A: A physical gift? My SNOO! Lol!
Q: If you could give a new mom some advice, what would it be?
A: Everyone is going to have an opinion, so do what is best for YOU and your family! And remember that worrying means you are a good mom, so never doubt that!