To the Momma's with CF

[jennylivingston]

I have a friend, also with CF, who has been asking questions about my pregnancy and how I feel it affected my CF. It got me wondering how you other mom's feel. To be more specific, she asked if 1) I feel that having a baby weakened my body and 2)If I'd do it again.

My answers:

YES, I do feel that pregnancy and the demands of taking care of a newborn had an affect on my body. Long story short, I had my first adult hospitalization 3 months after my baby was born. I don't think it was simply coincidence. Although there were also other factors: until recently I had a history of being non-compliant, disappearing from clinic for several months(if not a year or more) at a time, and taking my health for granted. I think those things played a bigger role than my pregnancy itself.

And, if circumstances allowed it, YES I would do it again. I'd be more careful and a second pregnancy would definitely be planned. When, AND IF, we felt it was safe for me. Also, I'd be sure that I went into the pregnancy as healthy as possible and that I did more to maintain my health during the pregnancy. All of this, of course, being under the condition that I'm ABLE to get pregnant again. We were very fortunate the first time around.

So, mommas, what do you think?

 

[jennylivingston]

I have a friend, also with CF, who has been asking questions about my pregnancy and how I feel it affected my CF. It got me wondering how you other mom's feel. To be more specific, she asked if 1) I feel that having a baby weakened my body and 2)If I'd do it again.

My answers:

YES, I do feel that pregnancy and the demands of taking care of a newborn had an affect on my body. Long story short, I had my first adult hospitalization 3 months after my baby was born. I don't think it was simply coincidence. Although there were also other factors: until recently I had a history of being non-compliant, disappearing from clinic for several months(if not a year or more) at a time, and taking my health for granted. I think those things played a bigger role than my pregnancy itself.

And, if circumstances allowed it, YES I would do it again. I'd be more careful and a second pregnancy would definitely be planned. When, AND IF, we felt it was safe for me. Also, I'd be sure that I went into the pregnancy as healthy as possible and that I did more to maintain my health during the pregnancy. All of this, of course, being under the condition that I'm ABLE to get pregnant again. We were very fortunate the first time around.

So, mommas, what do you think?

 

[jennylivingston]

I have a friend, also with CF, who has been asking questions about my pregnancy and how I feel it affected my CF. It got me wondering how you other mom's feel. To be more specific, she asked if 1) I feel that having a baby weakened my body and 2)If I'd do it again.

My answers:

YES, I do feel that pregnancy and the demands of taking care of a newborn had an affect on my body. Long story short, I had my first adult hospitalization 3 months after my baby was born. I don't think it was simply coincidence. Although there were also other factors: until recently I had a history of being non-compliant, disappearing from clinic for several months(if not a year or more) at a time, and taking my health for granted. I think those things played a bigger role than my pregnancy itself.

And, if circumstances allowed it, YES I would do it again. I'd be more careful and a second pregnancy would definitely be planned. When, AND IF, we felt it was safe for me. Also, I'd be sure that I went into the pregnancy as healthy as possible and that I did more to maintain my health during the pregnancy. All of this, of course, being under the condition that I'm ABLE to get pregnant again. We were very fortunate the first time around.

So, mommas, what do you think?

 

[jennylivingston]

I have a friend, also with CF, who has been asking questions about my pregnancy and how I feel it affected my CF. It got me wondering how you other mom's feel. To be more specific, she asked if 1) I feel that having a baby weakened my body and 2)If I'd do it again.

My answers:

YES, I do feel that pregnancy and the demands of taking care of a newborn had an affect on my body. Long story short, I had my first adult hospitalization 3 months after my baby was born. I don't think it was simply coincidence. Although there were also other factors: until recently I had a history of being non-compliant, disappearing from clinic for several months(if not a year or more) at a time, and taking my health for granted. I think those things played a bigger role than my pregnancy itself.

And, if circumstances allowed it, YES I would do it again. I'd be more careful and a second pregnancy would definitely be planned. When, AND IF, we felt it was safe for me. Also, I'd be sure that I went into the pregnancy as healthy as possible and that I did more to maintain my health during the pregnancy. All of this, of course, being under the condition that I'm ABLE to get pregnant again. We were very fortunate the first time around.

So, mommas, what do you think?

 

[jennylivingston]

I have a friend, also with CF, who has been asking questions about my pregnancy and how I feel it affected my CF. It got me wondering how you other mom's feel. To be more specific, she asked if 1) I feel that having a baby weakened my body and 2)If I'd do it again.
<br />
<br />My answers:
<br />
<br />YES, I do feel that pregnancy and the demands of taking care of a newborn had an affect on my body. Long story short, I had my first adult hospitalization 3 months after my baby was born. I don't think it was simply coincidence. Although there were also other factors: until recently I had a history of being non-compliant, disappearing from clinic for several months(if not a year or more) at a time, and taking my health for granted. I think those things played a bigger role than my pregnancy itself.
<br />
<br />And, if circumstances allowed it, YES I would do it again. I'd be more careful and a second pregnancy would definitely be planned. When, AND IF, we felt it was safe for me. Also, I'd be sure that I went into the pregnancy as healthy as possible and that I did more to maintain my health during the pregnancy. All of this, of course, being under the condition that I'm ABLE to get pregnant again. We were very fortunate the first time around.
<br />
<br />So, mommas, what do you think?

 

[mamaScarlett]

1-I do not feel that preg weakened my body, or breastfeeding. I feel that caring for a 1-2 yr old weakened me however. I'm very compliant, so I can't imagine how hard (scary actually) it would have been for me if I wasn't.
The hardest impact it had on me was emotionally though-worrying about me, worrying about my lo, worrying about not being able to give her a brother or sister...I didn't have post partum depression (I did see a mental health specialist often and was evaluated), but I did have what I call 'new-parent fear' I guess. For me, living with cf, it was just times 10.
Another thing I regret is that I didn't simplify my life more during the first year-2 years after my lo's birth. When she was 6 months old we moved out of our home to renovate it (it didn't seem like a bad decision at the time bc I was so healthy)-but it was a bad decision. The stress that put on me was too much and I got very sick.
So my mantra is that (for me), mothering is safe and fine-but only if I stick to my schedule, and basically maintain an 'at home', simple as possible routine.

2-Yes, I would do it again. We've been ttc for 6 months, and hope to have another in the near future. Again, though, I would keep my life and routine more simple and just stay at home as much as possible.

 

[mamaScarlett]

1-I do not feel that preg weakened my body, or breastfeeding. I feel that caring for a 1-2 yr old weakened me however. I'm very compliant, so I can't imagine how hard (scary actually) it would have been for me if I wasn't.
The hardest impact it had on me was emotionally though-worrying about me, worrying about my lo, worrying about not being able to give her a brother or sister...I didn't have post partum depression (I did see a mental health specialist often and was evaluated), but I did have what I call 'new-parent fear' I guess. For me, living with cf, it was just times 10.
Another thing I regret is that I didn't simplify my life more during the first year-2 years after my lo's birth. When she was 6 months old we moved out of our home to renovate it (it didn't seem like a bad decision at the time bc I was so healthy)-but it was a bad decision. The stress that put on me was too much and I got very sick.
So my mantra is that (for me), mothering is safe and fine-but only if I stick to my schedule, and basically maintain an 'at home', simple as possible routine.

2-Yes, I would do it again. We've been ttc for 6 months, and hope to have another in the near future. Again, though, I would keep my life and routine more simple and just stay at home as much as possible.

 

[mamaScarlett]

1-I do not feel that preg weakened my body, or breastfeeding. I feel that caring for a 1-2 yr old weakened me however. I'm very compliant, so I can't imagine how hard (scary actually) it would have been for me if I wasn't.
The hardest impact it had on me was emotionally though-worrying about me, worrying about my lo, worrying about not being able to give her a brother or sister...I didn't have post partum depression (I did see a mental health specialist often and was evaluated), but I did have what I call 'new-parent fear' I guess. For me, living with cf, it was just times 10.
Another thing I regret is that I didn't simplify my life more during the first year-2 years after my lo's birth. When she was 6 months old we moved out of our home to renovate it (it didn't seem like a bad decision at the time bc I was so healthy)-but it was a bad decision. The stress that put on me was too much and I got very sick.
So my mantra is that (for me), mothering is safe and fine-but only if I stick to my schedule, and basically maintain an 'at home', simple as possible routine.

2-Yes, I would do it again. We've been ttc for 6 months, and hope to have another in the near future. Again, though, I would keep my life and routine more simple and just stay at home as much as possible.

 

[mamaScarlett]

1-I do not feel that preg weakened my body, or breastfeeding. I feel that caring for a 1-2 yr old weakened me however. I'm very compliant, so I can't imagine how hard (scary actually) it would have been for me if I wasn't.
The hardest impact it had on me was emotionally though-worrying about me, worrying about my lo, worrying about not being able to give her a brother or sister...I didn't have post partum depression (I did see a mental health specialist often and was evaluated), but I did have what I call 'new-parent fear' I guess. For me, living with cf, it was just times 10.
Another thing I regret is that I didn't simplify my life more during the first year-2 years after my lo's birth. When she was 6 months old we moved out of our home to renovate it (it didn't seem like a bad decision at the time bc I was so healthy)-but it was a bad decision. The stress that put on me was too much and I got very sick.
So my mantra is that (for me), mothering is safe and fine-but only if I stick to my schedule, and basically maintain an 'at home', simple as possible routine.

2-Yes, I would do it again. We've been ttc for 6 months, and hope to have another in the near future. Again, though, I would keep my life and routine more simple and just stay at home as much as possible.

 

[mamaScarlett]

1-I do not feel that preg weakened my body, or breastfeeding. I feel that caring for a 1-2 yr old weakened me however. I'm very compliant, so I can't imagine how hard (scary actually) it would have been for me if I wasn't.
<br />The hardest impact it had on me was emotionally though-worrying about me, worrying about my lo, worrying about not being able to give her a brother or sister...I didn't have post partum depression (I did see a mental health specialist often and was evaluated), but I did have what I call 'new-parent fear' I guess. For me, living with cf, it was just times 10.
<br />Another thing I regret is that I didn't simplify my life more during the first year-2 years after my lo's birth. When she was 6 months old we moved out of our home to renovate it (it didn't seem like a bad decision at the time bc I was so healthy)-but it was a bad decision. The stress that put on me was too much and I got very sick.
<br />So my mantra is that (for me), mothering is safe and fine-but only if I stick to my schedule, and basically maintain an 'at home', simple as possible routine.
<br />
<br />2-Yes, I would do it again. We've been ttc for 6 months, and hope to have another in the near future. Again, though, I would keep my life and routine more simple and just stay at home as much as possible.

 

[jennylivingston]

Christian,

About that 'stay at home' part... That's another condition for me. I currently work full time, plus we share custody of my husband's four year old. It's hard enough to balance everything now, another baby would definitely tip the scales if I weren't able to spend more time at home. (I have my hands very full with a 7 month old right now, so it's not like we're thinking about another anytime in the near future, anyway.)

And as far as being compliant, my experience made me realize how vital it really is, and now I'm super compliant! So, I guess my experience was ultimately a good thing, I just had to learn the hard way.

Good luck ttc, by the way!

 

[jennylivingston]

Christian,

About that 'stay at home' part... That's another condition for me. I currently work full time, plus we share custody of my husband's four year old. It's hard enough to balance everything now, another baby would definitely tip the scales if I weren't able to spend more time at home. (I have my hands very full with a 7 month old right now, so it's not like we're thinking about another anytime in the near future, anyway.)

And as far as being compliant, my experience made me realize how vital it really is, and now I'm super compliant! So, I guess my experience was ultimately a good thing, I just had to learn the hard way.

Good luck ttc, by the way!

 

[jennylivingston]

Christian,

About that 'stay at home' part... That's another condition for me. I currently work full time, plus we share custody of my husband's four year old. It's hard enough to balance everything now, another baby would definitely tip the scales if I weren't able to spend more time at home. (I have my hands very full with a 7 month old right now, so it's not like we're thinking about another anytime in the near future, anyway.)

And as far as being compliant, my experience made me realize how vital it really is, and now I'm super compliant! So, I guess my experience was ultimately a good thing, I just had to learn the hard way.

Good luck ttc, by the way!

 

[jennylivingston]

Christian,

About that 'stay at home' part... That's another condition for me. I currently work full time, plus we share custody of my husband's four year old. It's hard enough to balance everything now, another baby would definitely tip the scales if I weren't able to spend more time at home. (I have my hands very full with a 7 month old right now, so it's not like we're thinking about another anytime in the near future, anyway.)

And as far as being compliant, my experience made me realize how vital it really is, and now I'm super compliant! So, I guess my experience was ultimately a good thing, I just had to learn the hard way.

Good luck ttc, by the way!

 

[jennylivingston]

Christian,
<br />
<br />About that 'stay at home' part... That's another condition for me. I currently work full time, plus we share custody of my husband's four year old. It's hard enough to balance everything now, another baby would definitely tip the scales if I weren't able to spend more time at home. (I have my hands very full with a 7 month old right now, so it's not like we're thinking about another anytime in the near future, anyway.)
<br />
<br />And as far as being compliant, my experience made me realize how vital it really is, and now I'm super compliant! So, I guess my experience was ultimately a good thing, I just had to learn the hard way.
<br />
<br />Good luck ttc, by the way!

 

[Kristen]

I can speak up to the point I am at right now - I'll be 32 weeks pregnant in two days, and this pregnancy has been great so far. I went into it w/ an FEV1 of 113% and, at my last clinic visit two months ago, my FEV1 was 110%, which is w/in the range of normal fluctuations for me. The only CF-related complications I've had so far is a sinus infection that required 10 days of Ceftin. At about 5.5 months, I did have to cut back my hours at work from 40 to about 25-30 to make time for doctor appointments, treatments, and rest - I'm sure I wouldn't be doing so well if I hadn't done that. So far I've gained about 30 lbs, but I'm PS, so that's probably why weight gain hasn't been an issue for me.

Oh, and one thing I wanted to add is that I am carrying low and I don't think the baby is squishing my lungs as much as she could be, so that may be helping a lot.

I am not going to go back to work after the baby is born. I don't see how I could keep up w/ a newborn, marriage, a job, and taking care of myself. I am still a little nervous to see how my health is affected after the LO arrives. Thankfully, I will have someone around to help me all the time for the first 5-6 weeks, between my husband taking time off work and family coming to visit.

No regrets here so far! I am so excited!

 

[Kristen]

I can speak up to the point I am at right now - I'll be 32 weeks pregnant in two days, and this pregnancy has been great so far. I went into it w/ an FEV1 of 113% and, at my last clinic visit two months ago, my FEV1 was 110%, which is w/in the range of normal fluctuations for me. The only CF-related complications I've had so far is a sinus infection that required 10 days of Ceftin. At about 5.5 months, I did have to cut back my hours at work from 40 to about 25-30 to make time for doctor appointments, treatments, and rest - I'm sure I wouldn't be doing so well if I hadn't done that. So far I've gained about 30 lbs, but I'm PS, so that's probably why weight gain hasn't been an issue for me.

Oh, and one thing I wanted to add is that I am carrying low and I don't think the baby is squishing my lungs as much as she could be, so that may be helping a lot.

I am not going to go back to work after the baby is born. I don't see how I could keep up w/ a newborn, marriage, a job, and taking care of myself. I am still a little nervous to see how my health is affected after the LO arrives. Thankfully, I will have someone around to help me all the time for the first 5-6 weeks, between my husband taking time off work and family coming to visit.

No regrets here so far! I am so excited!

 

[Kristen]

I can speak up to the point I am at right now - I'll be 32 weeks pregnant in two days, and this pregnancy has been great so far. I went into it w/ an FEV1 of 113% and, at my last clinic visit two months ago, my FEV1 was 110%, which is w/in the range of normal fluctuations for me. The only CF-related complications I've had so far is a sinus infection that required 10 days of Ceftin. At about 5.5 months, I did have to cut back my hours at work from 40 to about 25-30 to make time for doctor appointments, treatments, and rest - I'm sure I wouldn't be doing so well if I hadn't done that. So far I've gained about 30 lbs, but I'm PS, so that's probably why weight gain hasn't been an issue for me.

Oh, and one thing I wanted to add is that I am carrying low and I don't think the baby is squishing my lungs as much as she could be, so that may be helping a lot.

I am not going to go back to work after the baby is born. I don't see how I could keep up w/ a newborn, marriage, a job, and taking care of myself. I am still a little nervous to see how my health is affected after the LO arrives. Thankfully, I will have someone around to help me all the time for the first 5-6 weeks, between my husband taking time off work and family coming to visit.

No regrets here so far! I am so excited!

 

[Kristen]

I can speak up to the point I am at right now - I'll be 32 weeks pregnant in two days, and this pregnancy has been great so far. I went into it w/ an FEV1 of 113% and, at my last clinic visit two months ago, my FEV1 was 110%, which is w/in the range of normal fluctuations for me. The only CF-related complications I've had so far is a sinus infection that required 10 days of Ceftin. At about 5.5 months, I did have to cut back my hours at work from 40 to about 25-30 to make time for doctor appointments, treatments, and rest - I'm sure I wouldn't be doing so well if I hadn't done that. So far I've gained about 30 lbs, but I'm PS, so that's probably why weight gain hasn't been an issue for me.

Oh, and one thing I wanted to add is that I am carrying low and I don't think the baby is squishing my lungs as much as she could be, so that may be helping a lot.

I am not going to go back to work after the baby is born. I don't see how I could keep up w/ a newborn, marriage, a job, and taking care of myself. I am still a little nervous to see how my health is affected after the LO arrives. Thankfully, I will have someone around to help me all the time for the first 5-6 weeks, between my husband taking time off work and family coming to visit.

No regrets here so far! I am so excited!

 

[Kristen]

I can speak up to the point I am at right now - I'll be 32 weeks pregnant in two days, and this pregnancy has been great so far. I went into it w/ an FEV1 of 113% and, at my last clinic visit two months ago, my FEV1 was 110%, which is w/in the range of normal fluctuations for me. The only CF-related complications I've had so far is a sinus infection that required 10 days of Ceftin. At about 5.5 months, I did have to cut back my hours at work from 40 to about 25-30 to make time for doctor appointments, treatments, and rest - I'm sure I wouldn't be doing so well if I hadn't done that. So far I've gained about 30 lbs, but I'm PS, so that's probably why weight gain hasn't been an issue for me.
<br />
<br />Oh, and one thing I wanted to add is that I am carrying low and I don't think the baby is squishing my lungs as much as she could be, so that may be helping a lot.
<br />
<br />I am not going to go back to work after the baby is born. I don't see how I could keep up w/ a newborn, marriage, a job, and taking care of myself. I am still a little nervous to see how my health is affected after the LO arrives. Thankfully, I will have someone around to help me all the time for the first 5-6 weeks, between my husband taking time off work and family coming to visit.
<br />
<br />No regrets here so far! I am so excited!