Real Women. Real Experiences. - Genevieve C

Q: Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? How many kids do you have?

A: Hi, I’m Genevieve, I live in St. Louis, and have 2 Boys, Noah 6 and Gabriel 4. 

Q: How was your pregnancy? The good? The bad?

A: Both of my pregnancies were different. I had horrible morning sickness through out both pregnancies. Both pregnancies put me in the hospital for IV fluids. During my pregnancy with Noah I had gestational diabetes. I didn’t have to take insulin, but I did have to check my blood sugar level 3 times a day following every meal and first thing in the morning. I loved being pregnant though even with all of the sickness. 

Q: How was your labor and delivery? Did you birth at home? Hospital? C-section?

A: I had 2 planned c sections. They were both extremely easy. I had no complications, and my recoveries were fine. I delivered at Mercy and had the best anesthesiologist that made me feel so safe during the surgeries. 

Q: Describe your postpartum experience. Did you experience postpartum depression? Postpartum anxiety? Postpartum rage? Were you aware of these things postpartum?

A: I had horrible postpartum with both of my pregnancies. After I had my first son, I didn’t even realize what was happening. I cried constantly but I just assumed it was my hormones. I finally realized something was wrong when I couldn’t cut a pizza I made and I threw the pizza cutter and fell to the floor crying. During my pregnancy with Gabriel I had depression. I wasn’t ready for another baby when I became pregnant with him, so the reality of another baby entering my life was devastating. I’ve been on Zoloft ever since and I thank god for my husband encouraging me to seek help. 

Q: Did you breastfeed? If so, how did that go for you? If it was challenging, what were your challenges?

A: I breast fed and pumped for about 6 weeks. My oldest had difficulty latching. My youngest had a milk protein allergy, so he ended up being on a special formula. 

Q: Did you have any pregnancy cravings?

A: First pregnancy I craved watermelon, mini pancakes, and cheeseburgers from McDonald’s. With my youngest I craved turkey sandwiches from Goodscents and tigers blood snow cones!

Q: What’s something you never knew about until you were pregnant?

A: How dark my nipples would get! Lol 

Q: What was something that surprised you about your postpartum journey?

A: That I had such a hard time breastfeeding and how my body looked after.  

Q: If there was a gift to give a new mom, what would it be?

A: One night of sleep uninterrupted. 

Q: If you could give a new mom some advice what would it be?

A: Give yourself time and grace. It takes time to accept your new mom body, and all of the changes in your life.