Thanks Julie! The whole observer/participant thing in labour is kind of crazy, isn't it? One part of your brain is totally focused on the work of birth, and some other small part is sitting in a corner listening to the conversation in the room, watching the midwives faces for signs of worry/approval, realizing that the shaking, panicky feeling you've got probably means you're in transition... etc.

Yes, our boys are fairly close in age - my little man was born in September 2010, and is now just about 16 months old. Super cute age, isn't it? Learning a few words, toddling around, giving kisses.... He's my only snuggly child - the girls never were!

My recovery after that birth was actually quite good. I was VERY sore initially. More than with my first even, I'd say. But it was all just swelling and bruising - nothing really damaged, and no tears. Do you see a chiropractor or physio or something? Because if your hips/pelvis are out of line, then the whole body can twist a bit to compensate, and that can cause major issues. A friend had that happen during her last pregnancy, and it ended up causing such terrible back spasms that she was totally unable to function for a few months after the birth. She went daily to physio and the chiropractor until she could walk again. One thing that helped me out a bit with my pregnancy and recovery was doing a prenatal exercise DVD as often as I could manage it throughout the pregnancy. And, about 2 weeks after the birth, I started a (very gentle!) post natal exercise program designed to move in stages from birth to 1 year post partum. Being pregnant again now though, and feeling the aches of over-relaxed joints anew, I think that each pregnancy relaxes everything a little bit more, and exacerbates those aches and pains. Age probably contributes too, although I'm only 31 now. I have sacral pain, sciatic trouble on the left side, and some issues with SPD, (although not as bad as some women do!). Anyways, I'm glad to hear that you're feeling more on top of things again. That's a good feeling, isn't it? Good to feel like yourself again. 8 months is sure a long time to wait for that though!

Bummer about the supply issues! That's really frustrating and disappointing as a mother, isn't it? Sometimes our bodies just do odd things, don't they? I guess that's when we can be thankful that other options are available, if they are needed.

Anyways, enjoy life with your lovely family! I should start a new thread and ask about life as a doula with a young family. I'm considering training and certifying as a doula, but I think I might have to wait a few years. My babies are still to little and require too much of my time right now...