My Birth Story - Postpartum Recovery - 1st vs 2nd Child 

My “baby” turned 40 last month, and yet listening to your birth story brought the births of my two boys into crystal clear focus. In comparison to your experiences, my labors were much easier…10 hours the first time, 3 hours the second. They were 4 years apart, both hospital births, but completely natural and unmedicated with the first a posterior presentation. At 7:30 am, my nurse came in at the shift change and told me she hoped I’d have my baby before she returned to worked at 11pm that evening. I remember being horrified that my labor could go on that much longer. Three hours later, my precious son was born. Absolutely nothing could have prepared me for the love I immediately felt for that child. My husband felt the same. The second time, I worried that I couldn’t possibly love another child the way I loved my first. The second birth was very quick and easy with the exception of maybe 15 rough minutes before I realized I was in transition. I delivered in a foreign country where no one in the hospital except my doctor spoke English and he arrived minutes before I delivered. The moment he placed my screaming baby in my arms, he immediately stopped crying and just gazed into my eyes. Once again, boundless love. Your Zander reminds me so much of him…energetic and absolutely full of himself. Your children are so beautiful and they both have the “look” of children who are showered with love. I’m astounded by how much you get done, how great you look, and how patiently you take everything in stride. I wouldn’t have dreamed of attempting an outing with a newborn and older child as you did. I’m sure Zander will remember that day when he’s older. You’re so real and so sweet. All the rest can wait. Just enjoy your family and allow yourself time to heal from the rigors of childbirth. I loved this video.

You are wonderful! After the ordeal with my first delivery it did not stop me from having 2 more children. I was told I'd be lucky to carry any baby full term let alone have any. No matter the pain and ordeal I greatly appreciate the blessings God granted me. To make it even more exciting, I now have 10 grandchildren! Children are a gift from God and I am so glad he saw me fit to raise three of his blessings. ❤ Keep strong in the faith. You are doing a wonderful job.

I remember the “baby blues” I went through after my son was born. It was awful and I feel like I was deprived of the joy I should have experienced for those first few weeks😥 My situation was basically the same as yours, in that, I had no “baby experience” and I was scared to death the day we came home. I remember looking at my baby on the car ride home, and thinking “I have no idea what I’m supposed to do! I’m totally responsible for raising another human being and I’m clueless and scared to death!” It was just me and my husband and no one else to help. Our parents all worked, so they couldn’t help. My great Aunt called me one day to see how we were doing, and I guess she could tell by the sound of my voice that I wasn’t the greatest (this was about 6 weeks in). She told me to load up my baby and come visit her. She was only about 30 mins away. That visit was my turning point! Everything I was going through was what she had also gone through! All I needed was someone who could relate to my feelings. I thought I was the only one that ever felt the way I did! Believe it or not, the drive home was completely different than the drive to her house! I had done a 180😊 I was forever grateful for her wisdom and I always try to be that bright spot to other new moms. I’m sorry this was so long🫤 God Bless🙏

I remember when you were worried about being a girl mom. Girls are so special! The look of love on your face and your happiness are heartwarming. Thank you for this video. Looking forward to more about you and your little ones 💓

Being a mother of two looks good on you. ☺️ You seem to be glowing during this video. So happy you’re all doing well.

31 hours of labor...all natural...no drugs, no pitocin, no epidural....no ultrasounds done during pregnancy back then (unless the docs thought a problem existed). When my son was born the nurse said he had the most perfectly shaped head she had ever seen on a newly delivered baby (they usually come out misshapen). I was so blessed! Yes, it hurt (I was tiny back then) and he weighed over 7.5 pounds...but God saw me through! A lot of it may have been because I was a runner back then. I ran on Thanksgiving Day for the final time before his birth and he was born December 15th, which, by the way, was his due date! He's 42 years old now with three children of his own! So blessed!!!

Thank you for sharing your birth story and your honesty about everything. You hit a lot of truths that so many women don’t talk about openly. 💕

I always love to hear about birth stories. I have 3 now adult children that were born by C-section so to hear stories about natural births is amazing to me. (Sounds wierd but I feel I missed out on something. I am grateful that my babies were born safe and healthy. My first was an emergency C-section and back in the day... 37 years ago that is just what they did...once a c-section always c-sections for the next babies that come. Exciting thing now, my childrren are having children and we are to blessed to be grandparents to two boys and a little girl and one on the way! Blessings and enjoy your family!

I always felt guilty or weird to say that I really did not like being pregnant! Absolutely love everything else that goes with being a mother. That 3rd trimester though! ugh! Thanks for making me feel that I was normal.

Thank you for keeping it real. I loved what you had to said. We’ve all been through it as being first and second time mom’s but not to many moms keep it real like you did. I’m a grandma now but back in my day when I was a first and second time mom to have someone telling me what they are going through as a mom would of help me knowing I wasn’t a lone.

I loved hearing your story, Jenine. I’m one of those who arrive at the hospital delivering. Easy births and good babies. So it was interesting to hear how very different it can be. You’ve been a trooper, as has that guy you hang around with. Time now to relax and enjoy that beautiful little family.

Thank You for taking the time to create and share this wonderful video with us all ❤️

Very well stated… we’re all different, pregnancy, children… you’re doing so well and you are sincerely so honest and transparent… genuine🙏🏼

That bike looks so cool! Thanks for sharing we enjoy keeping up with you. Congrats on baby Lexi🍼💜🦼

I loved this! Loved the details and the honesty. ❤️ I didn’t wear my babies much at all, I also was surprised with my impatience in the beginning! So much of what you say I can relate to. I had postpartum blues after birth with 5 babies and then with 2 I had them during pregnancy. It’s so crazy what our bodies do! Babies are a gift from God and Lexi is beautiful. Love watching Zander with his sister. 😊

You are awesome, so genuine and honest! Give yourself lots of time to recover.

Ahhh, such beautiful children!!!! Thanks for being so open in sharing your stories and feelings with us. I am so glad you've been doing well after the birth. Just praying the colitis stays at bay for you. Have a wonderful weekend!!!! Oh! by the way, you are glowing in this video!!!!

I enjoyed Lexi’s commentary during the description of your experience… you are mommy of the year!!! You are now receiving blessings every moment of your life… keep up the good work Jeannine - you are an inspiration to everyone, and you are glowing!!!

I have a chronic illness and I relate to you so much with this. Pregnancy is total misery physically it's spiritually mentally overjoyed. The baby's 1st year of life before they're walking I feel like I'm fighting for my life. But it's also so amazing and awesome to see your baby grow and see God's wisdom and care in making them. I just had my 3rd child 3 months ago though when she came out it was like every cell in my body was rejoicing that I never had to do this again lol. Sorry for typos - talking text while nursing

So grateful with you for your sweet baby girl. My experience with my first born son was much the same as yours. He was hungry all the time! Then he was sooo busy and always impatient for the next thing. He is 18 now. With parenting, you just roll with what comes. Never say never!

Lexie seems such a happy child, just like her brother! Your children are precious and it is obvious they feel very loved!

Oh, Jenine! I LOVE hearing other women's birth stories. Labour is such a powerful, transformative and difficult-to-express experience. I felt for you! I think it's really important to talk it through as we process the intensity of these experiences. I can relate to the strong leg pain you describe. I have terrible varicose veins and leg issues during pregnancy that have only intensified with each baby and age. You are a strong woman and I love how funny and REAL you are. Bravo!

Great birth story, so very honest! When you shared about being frustrated when you didn't know what to do, I thought finally I hear others did it also. Dont feel quite as alone knowing that, usually you just hear the really great things of parenting. Believe me there are more really greats then those kind of moments!! Being a mom is truly the best experience!!!!

I finally came back to finish the last 10min of this video and A-MEN to the children stretching you!! Parenting is the most sanctifying role I have ever had, whew! I like Tripps stuff too. Here's a mom to mom high five, 👋, keep on keeping on, you are seen and loved!

You're an inspiration, I'm hoping to have a 2nd child and there are so many similarities that you and I share , so hearing your story has been quite helpful, thank you for sharing your story. ❤🙏 May God continue to bless you and your family

So glad you are doing well, Jeannine ❤️ I too have an autoimmune disease with 5 kids; I completely understand 🙏

It was so good to hear of your experience with Lexie n Xander. Gosh Janine, it’s been so long since my second boy was born, it’s been almost 50ty years n 521/2 yr since my first. I will admit after their born you surprisingly forget the awful pain you went through to bring them into this world. Unfortunately my first born I lost him at almost 19 yrs. old from s car accident. But both boys were so different as babies. Jamie would sleep about 4 hours n wake to eat but Shawn he was a colicky up every 2 hrs n took 2 hrs to get him back down to sleep. He slept most of the time in a stroller with a pillow inside n I’d just roll it back n forth. I have to admit it was tough at times. Having a 21/2 yr old n a new born. I never knew what rest was. We got through it praise God. I really enjoyed you sharing with all of us. I truly admire you. Xander is going to be a great big brother. I’m just so happy your doing well n you finally have your little girl. Much love n prayers to you n family. ♥️😊👍👍

Loved hearing your birth story! Congratulations on your beautiful family!!

Thanks so much for sharing your stories Jeanine!!! Your children are amazing and you are a wonderful Mama!!!! Sending love & prayers 🥰🙏🏻❤️

My autoimmune problems started at 6 weeks after my last kiddo. Pregnancy is so hard for me! I hear you mama.

She's so cute! You are so blessed! Can't wait to get more baby advice from you :)

You are doing a wonderful job with your babies. They are both so precious. You birth story will help a lot of mothers know they are normal. Glad you made it with out a C Section. Recovery’s definitely a lot easier. Thank you for sharing.

She is a little beauty and seems a happy girl. Tell Zander he is an awesome big brother! Thanks for your war story, I was so blessed with my two, labor was painful but took only 4 and 6 hours. They slept pretty well 8 and 9 pounders with natural birth I hope things continue with blessings and happiness.

Thank you for this video, I'm due soon with our second and this just made me feel very positive for labor and postpartum💕

You are wise beyond your years! Your children are so blessed to have you as their Mommy!

What a gift from God she is both your children. Loved her smile it made my day.

My first son was easy 4 hours hardly any pushing . Second son I was on bedrest the last month , we moved to my hometown bc my husband was military and had to train somwhere else, I caught the flu and delivered early at nearby Army base he was also about 6 hours labor. Then came the third ha he was stubborn , I had to be induced and labor was almost 24 hours !! I too felt like in a haze with my two last sons I never felt well and as soon as I delivered I felt fine . After my last I said no more . Now anyday now we will soon be Grandparents first time I pray she has a smooth delivery. I went natural with all 3 , now I cant tolerate a cramp!! Beautiful family you have

She is precious. Xander feeding her creates such a bond. Making eye contact with each other is their love language that they will always have.🥰

Jeanine you look so good, you are glowing and such a proud mommy. Lexi is so adorable and precious! She’s definitely sounds like a good baby! It looks like Xander is taking his new roll as big brother perfectly! God bless! ❤️❤️

I have Birthed 14 Children. 7 boys and 7 girls. I had all of my children at home. I lost my second one at Birth. And was a Surrogate once. I never did have the Baby Blues. Which I am very thankful for.Al I can say is that God is good All the time, And All the time God is good. God Bless you and your family.

Thank you for sharing your story . . . I love hearing birth stories. I've had 4 myself, each one was different, but all resulted in a beautiful healthy baby ❣️

Thanks for sharing your labor! Praying 🙏🏻 the Lord continues blessing you as you enjoy Zander & Lexi!!

She's adorable! You look so pretty and I'm glad you're doing well. - Shel

You’re a champ! I’m so glad you’re doing well and enjoying precious little Lexi. I loved this stage when they were plumping out and melting your heart with those sweet gummy little smiles. ~ Linda

So happy for you. Wishing you continued good health and lots and lots of happiness.

Thank you for sharing your story. I can relate to many things you shared. I must say being real, honest sharing is so wonderfultruly look forward to your videos each week. When you shared about nerves and noise levels, I quickly went straight to problems only because I have one as well often times we are more sensitive to noise levels and things around us nerves are on edge at times. so happy you haven't had a flair up Be. Truly enjoy this time with and Lexi they do grow so very fast. Be Blessed and prayers for you.

I had a lot of anxiety before both of my girl’s births and depression after. Both of my children had medical problems right after the birth (my oldest is disabled) and I pushed myself to much to be social when I needed to rest. My advice it to rest. So glad it all turned out well. She is beautiful.

Fun fact: the nerves to your legs run on the inside of your pelvis. Baby is supposed to lay on those in labor, to dull the pain. You’re a trooper! Thank you for sharing.

Being honest about your feelings is the best part of humbling ourselves. They grow so fast and you do your best. Parenting doesn’t have a rule book. They are all different which is so enlightening. We also learn as they grow, which makes us grow too. I’m a gramma(AMMA) now and I’m still learning. Take care and be blessed.

Beautiful baby,beautiful Mom,Beautiful family! Thanks for sharing your story!

YOU HAVE SAID "IT" SO WELL. I HAD THREE KIDS FIVE AND YOUNGER. I WISH I COULD GO BACK AND RE LIVE THOSE TIMES..I WAS SO BUSY, AND NOT MUCH HELP AT ALL FROM MY HUSBAND, I SURE WOLUD DO MANY THINGS DIFFERENT.

That little smile had Xander written all over it. What a doll.

Thanks for sharing! It brings back memories for me & each one of my four children’s births were different, as well as their personalities! I’m so happy that you’re feeling well! Lexi is so beautiful & Zander has love in his sweet eyes when he looks at her🥰 Many blessings to your family 🤗❤️🇨🇦

You’re such a wonderful person and thinking of others when you are in the midst of motherhood. 💗 My youngest just turned 8 weeks old today🥰

I’m so happy that you are doing ok. I pray your colitis stays at bay. Praying for your healing! God bless you and your sweet family!

The first is hardest in so many ways IMO, particularly because you have so much to learn. It's hard learning how to juggle when there are siblings, but you're right, you've already learned how to play the game in a lot of ways.

So enjoyed you birth story. I could relate completely. Thank you for sharing.

Janine ,I get it about getting feeling lousy all thru pregnancy and it does effect your mental state SO, when the baby comes you start feeling better everywhere ! I agree better to have a lousy pregnancy and then feel better with baby ! I, too have 2 kids 4 years apart ! Ellen Austin your TX friend ❤️

I was blessed that my deliveries were easy but my pregnancies were not so good. I was sick the whole time. You are so right you don’t remember any of that once you hold the special gift. ❤️

Your baby girl is beautiful and so sweet. You are so blessed. Thanks for sharing your faith too. All my children are grown and on their own. My oldest is 55 and my youngest is 45. We had 4; each one is so different. 78 is a great age to be. Blessings.

Thanks for sharing ! I didn’t think you over shared, it took me back to our first one almost forty years ago ! Very similar born at home with a great midwife. I was opposite after morning sickness I usually felt wonderful and happy , then struggled a bit with postpartum, no fun !PS I love your dress 🥰

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story ❤️

Thank you for sharing. Mama hood ain’t easy. The kiddos are ultra adorbs!

Thank you for sharing your birth story as I'm sure it will be helpful to so many. So happy to hear God has answered prayer and you are all doing well. You have a beautiful family and you are awesome parents and I truly wish you all the best. Blessings to you from Beth in East Tennessee.

I just found you and love your videos! Love your family ❤️❤️

Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful daughter.

As a retired RN, I remember loving materity especially NICU. Your childbirth experiences are very helpful. I know alot of women with very varied experiences. Xander is adorable feeding Lexi. My mom had 9 children and I was third one born. We grew up 8 children as their second child, a girl passed 8 days after being born. We grew up as if she was still apart of us all and she still is. God Bless and protect you always.

I also have ulcerative colitis. I experienced the same thing- while pregnant and had no flares, and then experienced flare ups. I tried to make dietary changes to manage. Praise God for His healing! You have a beautiful family and are truly blessed!

Way to go girl! You rock!

Thanks for sharing your experiencce with the birth of your precious Lexi. It sure was quite an experience but we are so glad that both she and you are safe and sound. She is a gorgeous baby girl and you are an amazing mum. God bless your family 🥰

I love hearing your stories…Every birth is different…some easy, some difficult. My first was long but rather easy and my second was a miracle because he had the cord wrapped around his neck twice… God blessed him because he never dropped so when labor was induced and he finally dropped into the birth canal the problems started but God saved him and now he is a handsome 38 yr old man. I too have an IBD…Crohn’s. I will be 70 next week and have had it since I was 21 but it has been in remission for several years now. Pray yours doesn’t flare back up..

I feel for you. I too started my labor on Saturday and Sean was born on Monday at 10:51 am, all natural! For my daughter, it was only twenty hours, I asked for Demerol shot and swore it wasn’t working, Shannon was born on a Wednesday at 10:15 that night. I had nursed my daughter and showered and in my room at 11:30🙂. God bless you and your beautiful family!

You are a warrior lady so proud of you. Enjoy everyday as you look at your perfect Lexi. And son. God gives us the ability. And so glad it turned out great. Love your videos thanks for sharing

Thanks for sharing your experience! So glad Lexi is doing so well for you. She'll probably adore her brother! Makes me miss that cuddley baby stage (a little bit🌝) I think my last one was the hardest adjustment. She is 9 years behind the other 3. My husband and older children really helped out when she was a newborn. Love your realness!! I love a quiet house too!!❤ Jolynne Weaver

I had a C-section. Baby was breech with his feet over the cervix. Doctor cheered me up By saying that 100 years earlier we both would have died!! U you oh are a trooper for going through that

I can't imagine having that long of a labor with both back labor and thigh pain. You are a superstar! (And both your children are beautiful).

Thank you Jeannine for an honest beautiful vlog. I had 4 babies in the 60’s, we were all ignorant then about babies, I loved all my babies but felt very lonely a lot of the time. Fathers in that time were no help at all, at least mine wasn’t, very seldom did fathers change nappies or help much.

Thank you for sharing your birth story. I enjoy hearing other's experiences. I have 2 children. Enjoyed the pregnancy part. Up until the end, when you can't breath or move around very well. Both my births were VERY different. Baby girl was all natural, close to 24hours labor. 18 months later here comes baby boy. My plan was to have a natural birth again, well... He was weighing over 9lbs at my last check up and was breach. Dr wanted to schedule a C-section, I said let's wait 1 more week to see if things progressed on their own. I did different exercises that were supposed to help get the baby turned. Nothing.. Went in a week later in the evening, Dr manually turned the baby (that was a different feeling). Sometime in the night he flipped back around. In the morning I was given Potosin to get things moving. My contractions were very long and painful. Dr comes into check me after a few hours of this, discovers feet are engaged and states we are going into emergency c-section. I was hysterically crying! Not what I wanted. Within the hour a healthy 10lb baby boy was placed in my arms.❤ He is now 14 and nearly 6ft tall.💙 You are blessed with beautiful children. Just love Xander's smile and cheerfulness. You and your husband are doing a great job, parenting is no easy task.

Beautiful story and your kids are adorable ❤️

My kids are grown up and I'm always amazed at how everything has changed. I had to stay in hospital for at least 10 days after they were born. It was natural for grandparents to come stay because of that if it wasn't your first. I do remember the pain because it was etched into my mind. Epidural was not a thing, in fact we didn't get any medication to help with pain. That's why I say it's etched in there 😂😂. Lexi has grown so much since the last time I saw her. She is absolutely adorable. So good to hear you are doing great. God bless!

Bless your heart, sweet lady! I remember telling my husband during my labor to go to McDonalds to get a breakfast because I was going to get mean! I also told him that I wanted to go home and not do this!! Too late!! Our babies are worth it - Lexi is a beautiful baby with those Gerber baby eyes! God bless!!

I’ve often hoped that if I ever have a second it will be a little easier, the change in becoming a mom felt so huge with my first baby! I 100% did pregnancy for the end reward and not at all cause I enjoyed the 9 months of pregnancy….thanks for sharing❤️

Your daughter is beautiful! Zander is so good with her. You look great. I think you got all under control.👍❤️

True words. Lovely. Thank you for sharing.

Love Lexi’s chubby little legs...reminds me of my kids. Both of my babies were over 9 lbs., but they seemed so tiny to me. There were problems with both of my deliveries, including meconium and a slow heart rate during late stage contractions with my first one. It’s so frightening because you and the baby have made it safely to the end of the pregnancy and labour, yet the possibility of something tragic happening in the final moments exists.. Thankfully in our case, both babies were fine. My heart goes out to those for whom things don’t go as well. I agree that there’s something special about having your first child and entering the roller coaster ride of parenthood. You experience so many firsts with that child that you’re learning and growing together. On the other hand, we knew that our second child would likely be our last, so in some regards we savoured our experiences with him in a way that we didn’t necessarily with our first child. I’ve never heard of leg pain during labour. Mind you, I also never knew that I’d feel pain during my labour in 3 places at once, (back, belly and rear end), yet that’s what happened. They didn’t mention that in any of the pregnancy books that I read!! The books also never mentioned that postpartum it would feel like you were squatting over a campfire. Yikes!

Had two sons at home and would do it again. Thanks for sharing.

You are one brave soul…Lexi is absolutely adorable and beautiful..Thanks for sharing this story …😘💖🌟

I think the surge of estrogen can be very awful, worrisome as your pregnant and afterwards-wow, you are you again! Great job Mom. Another beautiful baby. So sweet to see her smile. Congratulations.

Beautiful birth story, blessings to all you.🙏🙏🙏🥰🥰

Love your dress. Also enjoyed your video . You are a strong woman, birth is such a miracle. 💗

She is so precious 💕

So happy for your positive experience!!!! I definitely panicked with the second birth because of how long and painful the first was but my second came within a couple pushes so it was totally unnecessary. My first was an active boy whom angels were around because he was born with the cord around his neck. My second was a sensitive girl (took us a while to figure out she didn't like the brightness of the world/lights and had to grow into that) and she was a "delicate sipper" while my boy was like Xander. Every two hours, if I was lucky he was gobbling his milk! lol. My boy was zooming even as an infant and wanted my attention always. He didn't play for ten minutes by himself without wanting me to join him. That was hard for me. I thought he should be able to handle 20 minute stretches or so, but quiet play held no interest to him. My girl would sit with her toys happily playing for long times - like 45 minutes - by herself (in the same area with me). I was amazed. Don't know if these are sex linked traits, but could be. Neither of mine wanted anything to do with a bottle, so glad Xander gets to feed her and probably your husband too. Enjoy the journey!

She's trying to verbalize are already, so adorable and sweet.

Lexi sounds alot like my 3 month old which is my 3rd baby. He started sleeping all night @ 3 wks old. He goes 4 or sometimes 5 hrs between feedings. I'm so glad since I have 2 other children to take care of. He usually settles @ 9pm n doesn't usually wake up till anywhere from 5-7am to eat. I don't struggle with baby blues. There are a few days I feel overwhelmed knowing I have a baby to take care of. All of that is worth it since he is a content happy little guy. He usually has a smile for everyone.

You told your birth story beautifully Jeanine! 🐾🥰

You are a breath of fresh air.Your children are beautiful .From a seventy year old fan.🇨🇦🥰

You are a wonderful mom! Love how you said Your love expands with each baby! So true, even after number 4😉🥰😘

i love this vlog so much, our Son did the same, feeding evrey 2 hours and not sleeping at night well for 10 months, our 2 Girls did feeding evrey 3 or 4 hours iin a day, they did start from the first night sleeping all night long. i had postpartum deprssion and baby blues just at mi first baby, mi friend had her depression for all there 3 kids at her pregnancy, the minute baby was born her depression was gone.

What a n experience. You did so well despite it all. Congratulations and You look fabulous and I’ll be praying you stay well. God bless you and your family

🌸Lexi is precious! You are blessed with a beautiful family