Mommy's Taking it Easy

My due date came....and went.  I did decide that Thursday would be my last day at work though.  Friday I cleaned like a mad lady.  Gotta make sure that my little one comes home to a clean nest.

I don't know how many of you may be writing your own birth plans right now, but I wanted to share mine with you in case you are.  There is so much to think about.

Birth Plan

For Hospital Admission:
We request:

·         To decline routine IV prep upon admission

·         To have the following persons present during my delivery: my husband and my doula

·         To decline discussion on pain tolerance or pain levels

During Thinning and Opening Phase of Labor:
We request:

·         The patience and understanding of medical caregivers to refrain from any practice or procedure that could unnecessarily stand in the way of our having the most natural birth possible

·         Only necessary hospital staff (no observers)

·         No discussion of pain or pain medication unless requested

·         To be free of blood pressure cuff between readings

·         In absence of medical necessity, only intermittent monitoring of baby’s heart

·         No internal monitoring in the absence of fetal distress

·         Freedom of choice to walk and move or not walk and move during labor

·         To change positions and assume labor positions of choice

·         Minimal number of vaginal exams

·         To let labor take its natural course without reference to “moving things along”

·         To be given the privacy to practice nipple stimulation to further the progress of labor if needed

·         To be fully apprised of and consulted for any medical procedure

·         No augmentation of labor via Pitocin, amniotomy, or stripping of membranes without discussion and explanation of need

·         To enjoy labor shower prior to ROM

·         To use my birthing ball

During Birth:

We request:

·         To allow natural birthing instincts to facilitate the decent of the baby as much as possible

·         Mother-directed breathing techniques without prompts

·         No pushing prompts

·         Use of birthing stool or birthing bar for squatting position

·         Use of perineal massage, warm compresses, and mother-directed pushing to decrease risk of tearing (no episiotomy)

·         Use of suction device instead of forceps if medically necessary

·         Use of mirror if requested

·         Father to remain with baby in the event of a surgical procedure

·         Allow natural placental delivery using immediate breastfeeding, uterine massage, and nipple stimulation

For Baby:

We request:

·         Have bright lights temporarily removed until baby is moved to mother’s chest

·         Use of soft cloth when stimulating baby

·         Delay cord clamping or cutting until after pulsation has ceased

·         Cord cut by father

·         Allow baby to remain with me (delay bath time) for 1-2 hours after birth

·         Delay use of antibiotic treatment to allow optimal sight for bonding

·         No Hepatitis B shot

·         Oral Vitamin K to be used if it is available; if not, delay injection until after baby is acclimated

·         Place a soft cloth or blanket between baby and scale

·         Father will stay with baby and mother throughout hospital stay

·         Breastfeeding several times during the first few hours after birth

·         Breastfeeding only.  No bottles, formula, pacifier, artificial nipples.

·         I would like to learn about of have demonstrated for me the following:

o   Proper bathing of the baby

o   Breastfeeding Techniques (by lactation consultant)

o   Umbilical cord care

We thank you in advance for your support and kind attention to our choices.  We know you join us in looking forward to a beautiful birth!

I know it seems like a lot, but it fits on the front and half of the back of one piece of baby pink cardstock.  I am not so naive to think that everything will go exactly as I have planned, but at least I have thought about what an ideal situation would be like.

Update:

How far along? 40 weeks

Total weight gain: 38 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Oh yeah!

Stretch marks? All of the sudden I have three little lines on the lower part of my belly.  I hope they will fade away after delivery

Sleep: I'm having a hard time sleeping.  Every position I try is uncomfortable, I have to pee every few hours, and every little move she makes convinces me that I am in labor.  I did go ahead and buy a waterproof mattress cover in case my water breaks in the middle of the night.

Best moment of the week: Having my last day at work on Thursday and knowing that stress is over for a little while.  My blood pressure had been a little high at my last two doctor's visits, so my midwife encouraged me to leave work and buy a blood pressure cuff for the house to keep an eye on it.  I already feel much more relaxed.

Miss anything? Having patience.  I feel like my discomfort has made me a bit of a grouch the past few weeks.  My hubby deserves a reward (besides having a beautiful healthy little girl) when all of this is over.

Movement: Not as much as before, but it's getting a little cramped in there I'm sure.  She usually goes crazy right after I eat dinner.

Food cravings: I know this isn't really food, but Dunkin Donuts decaf pumpkin coffee tastes A-mazing to me right now.

Food aversions: No big ones lately.

Gender: Girl

Labor signs: When I went to the doctor on Wednesday, I hadn't made any progress since my last visit.  Talk about a let down.  I have been trying everything to get labor started (sex, nipple stimulation, walking, evening primrose oil, spicy food).  Last night we got some eggplant Parmesan and raspberry leaf tea since both of those things are supposed to help too.  No news yet.

Symptoms: I have definitely experienced lightening.  I am having some pinky show from her head pushing down so much and of course there is the constant running to the bathroom.  My swelling goes up and down.  Some days it seems better and some days I'm right back to having elephant ankles.

Belly button in or out? Pretty much flat.

Wedding rings on or off? I'm still faking it with my aquamarine.

Looking forward to: Seeing and holding my little girl for the first time.  Every day past her due date feels like an extra week.

 

Nesting Away

As I wait for the little one to come, I find my nesting instinct kicking in a little.  I decided that I would put my birthday money to good use and finish up some things that had been bothering me about the house.  After living in our house for a year and a half, we finially have curtains downstairs!  And our couch pillows actually match the color scheme in the living room.  It's the little victories that can make all the difference.



Our Entryway



Curtains in the Dining Room



Curtains in the Office



New Pillows in the Living Room



Curtains in the Living Room (and lots of baby things of course)

We found a doula that we both feel really comfortable with.  She was a referral from a friend.  Since she is still getting her license, we are getting an amazing deal.  She has already come out to the house twice to meet with us and she will be here as I am laboring at home.  She has already significantly reduced mine and Eric's stress levels about delivery.

She let us borrow a book called Birthing from Within.  I've been reading it and really enjoy it.  It talks about home births, birth and pregnancy art, how to distract yourself during labor, labor positions, and more.  I have decided to paint a little birdhouse to hang in Aubrey's room during my labor.  Crafting really relaxes me and I think that would be a good story to share with her later.

Speaking of crafting, here's a little sign I made for her door:

Here's my update:

How far along? 39 weeks

Total weight gain: 36 lbs.

Maternity clothes? You bet!

Stretch marks? So far, so good.

Sleep: I toss and turn and take pee breaks every 3 hours or so.  I'm also having night sweats.  It always scares me, because I wake up thinking my water has broken.

Best moment of the week: Getting sweet hugs and cards from my students telling me how much they will miss me when I leave.  It feels so good to have all of my sub plans finished and know that my long-term sub is going to be a great fit for them while I am gone.

Miss anything? Oktoberfest is a no go this year since the little one is making her arrival right around the same time. I feel like I should be doing the chicken dance.

Movement: She is still on the move.  I'm trying to encourage her to move a little farther down.  Mommy is ready to meet her.

Food cravings: Anything pumpkin or apple.  Gotta love the fall.

Food aversions: No big ones lately.

Gender: Girl

Labor signs: I have been losing my mucus plug and having my pinky show.  On Wednesday when I went to the doctor, my midwife said I was 1 cm and 70% effaced.  Aubrey is low and head-down.

Symptoms: I found a solution to my hearthurn.  Thank God for Prilosec!  At least that isn't what's keeping me up at night anymore.

Belly button in or out? Pretty much flat.

Wedding rings on or off? Off, but I stumbled across this aquamarine ring my grandmother had given me to wear on my right hand a while ago.  It lets me fake it a little better.

Looking forward to: Going into labor.  Making you uncomfortable at the end must be God's way of getting you ready to do any and everything to no longer be pregnant.

 

9 Months

Oh my goodness.  I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post.  There is so much to tell.  Here are some of our maternity photos taken by my good friend and free photographer, Joy:

We are planning on taking a few more outside pictures this week since the weather wasn't really cooperating when we took these.

We have now had a few showers, so now we have lots of empty baby things around the house.

 

Some of my baby clothes made an appearance at the shower.

I was so emotional when I opened the tiniest pearl bracelet I have ever seen.

Lots of stuff for Daddy to put together.

My mom, my childhood Sunday school teacher, and I.

Guests recieved mini champagne bottles to POP when Aubrey is born.  Instead of a guestbook, friends wrote encouraging messages for mommy and daddy to read as we start changing diapers.

Hairbow making station

More good stuff for Aubrey

I have one more shower next week that my co-workers are giving me.  I feel so loved.  Looking at the empty carseat, stroller, pack n' play, swing, bassinet, and nursery every day is really making me anxious for this little one to arrive.

Here's an update:

How far along? 36 weeks (9 months!)

Total weight gain: 30 lbs.

Maternity clothes? All bottoms and most dresses and tops.

Stretch marks? No.  I'm hoping they won't rear their ugly head right at the end.

Sleep: I am waking up more in the middle of the night to pee.  I am also having a hard time getting comfortable.  My feet are supposed to be above my heart to help with the swelling, but if I'm not sitting up my acid reflux really bothers me.

Best moment of the week: Seeing Aubrey via ultrasound on Monday.  Her current estimated weight is 6 lbs. and 2 oz.  She is head down and healthy.  It looked like she was sucking her thumb in part of the video.

Miss anything? Being able to get a full night's sleep.  I'm sure that's only going to get worse.

Movement: I'm mostly feeling her rolling.  Space is getting a little more cramped in there.  Her head keeps burrowing into my pelvis.  Hopefully she knows that is not her exit route.

Food cravings: Nothing specific.

Food aversions: No big ones lately.

Gender: Girl

Labor signs: I am feeling lots of pressure down there.

Symptoms: I finally broke down and bought some compression stockings to wear when I get home to help with the swelling in my feet.  They are helping some.

Belly button in or out? Pretty much flat.

Wedding rings on or off? Off.  I have been faking it and wearing stretchy rings.  It just wasn't worth risking having to have my engagement or wedding band cut off.

Looking forward to: My birthday this Sunday!  We are also meeting with a doula on Sunday.  If everything goes well at the meeting, we will have an expert in the delivery room with us to help us through labor.  I'm sure that will be worth every penny.

 

Feeling....Confident

 

Saturday we attended a full day of childbirth class.  Our class was through Confident Childbirth of Atlanta.  They teach a mixture of lamaze, hypnotherapy, and the Bradley method.  We left feeling more prepared for labor and delivery, and I would recommend them to anyone in our area.  I also left knowing that I need a much larger birthing ball; mine was comedically smaller than everyone else's. 

Here is my update:

 

 

 

How far along? 32 weeks (8 months!)

Total weight gain: 24 lbs.

Maternity clothes? All bottoms and most dresses and tops.

Stretch marks? No.  I'm hoping I can keep them at bay long enough to get some maternity photos in.  Here are some of the pics I love:

 

Sleep: I have been waking up in the middle of the night with some major Charley horses in my calfs.  Once I have a cramp, my legs stay sore for at least the next day.  I have been trying to have a banana every morning, get plenty of calcium, and stretch before going to bed.  It's helping a little.

Best moment of the week: Eric has been so wonderful.  At birthing class he practiced every breathing technique with me and learned techniques to help me through the back pain associated with late pregnancy and labor.  I know he is going to be wonderful for the birth.

Miss anything? Having a lap.  I feel like my belly is taking over.

Movement: I'm still feeling movement low.  Hopefully she will make her way head-down soon.

Food cravings: Sweets...mostly ice cream and chocolate.

Food aversions: No big ones lately.

Gender: Girl

Labor signs: I've had a few more intermittent Braxton Hicks contractions.

Symptoms: Still really swollen in my hands, legs, and feet.  I have been trying to sit as much as I can at work, but it's really hard when you have gotten used to walking around when you teach.

Belly button in or out? In but very shallow.

Wedding rings on or off? 1/2 on. I can only wear either my engagement ring or my wedding ring. They both won't go on anymore. I also have to wash my hands at night to get them off easily.

Looking forward to: A long weekend escape to the lake.  We are also planning to take some maternity pictures on Monday if the weather cooperates.  Oh and the beginning of football season on Saturday.  Goooo Dawgs!



Life's a Zoo

I have definitely missed blogging!  Every since we got back from vacation, life has been pretty hectic.  Being in a car for 14 hours really takes a toll on a pregnant lady's feet.  I don't think my hands or feet have been the same since we left for Wisconsin.  My life also changed in another way while I was gone.  My Great-Aunt Peggy passed away the day after we arrived.  While it was a little chaotic to fly back home to Atlanta and then out to Michigan in a two day window, I am so glad that I was able to make it to her funeral.  My Nana has always been there for me, and it felt great to be there for her when she needed me.

While we were away, we went to:

• Capital Brewery
• The University of Wisconsin
• German Fest

After German Fest, we drove over to a pier.  That's lake Michigan behind us!

• Milwalkee County Zoo

I went a little picture crazy at the zoo.  I haven't been to a zoo since my senior year of high school.  I can't wait to be able to take Aubrey later.

These little monkeys were my favorite.  They look like little owls in the face and are really hyper.  I want one.

Peacocks roamed the entire grounds.

Oh!  By the way...I got a haircut.

It's hard work being king.

The buzzards were really creepy.

• Katie and Josiah's Wedding at the Little Gem Theater

It was a truly beautiful wedding.  Josiah and Katie have an adorable little boy, August, who made their ceremony that much more touching.

The happy couple.

As soon as we got back from vacation, pre-planning started and I continued my search for a pediatrician.  Great news...we found one we love.  We will be taking Aubrey to Kennesaw Pediatrics.  Their office is very kid-friendly, the doctors are great, and they understand our choice to use an alternative vaccination schedule.  The only down side is that the office is 20 minutes away, but I think it will be worth it to have a pediatrician who is on board with our parenting methods.  I had one doctor basically tell me that I should really do some research before I make a decision that would harm my child.  She also launched into a full fledged debate with me about the safety of vaccinations during which she claimed that chicken pox could put our child in danger of contracting a flesh-eating bacteria.  Was she off her rocker or what?!  I'm afraid it's those kind of far-fetched scare tactics that may be driving Americans to over-vaccinate.  We can't protect our immune systems from ever having to work!  I will step down from my soap box now to give you an update.

How far along? 30 weeks

Total weight gain: 21 lbs.

Maternity clothes? All bottoms and some dresses and tops.

Stretch marks? No.

Sleep: I toss and turn pretty much every night and it seems I can never get the temperature in the room to be comforatble.  It's always too hot or too cold. 

Best moment of the week: Meeting my new students on Monday.  I can tell that this is going to be a great school year and a wonderful bunch of kids. 

Miss anything? Beer.  It was very difficult to enjoy a brewery tour and German Fest without being able to participate in the festivities.  My husband has been raving about a beer only sold in Wisconsin (Spotted Cow) every since he first tried it, so we returned to Georgia with a case of it and I can't partake in that either. :-(

Movement: She is constantly turning and kicking.

Food cravings: Pumpkin anything...I made a pie tonight.  I just couldn't fight the urge any longer. 

Food aversions: No big ones lately.

Gender: Girl

Labor signs: I've had a few more intermittent Braxton Hicks contractions. 

Symptoms: I'm having cramps from my right butt cheek down to my calf.  And I am majorly swollen.  My fingers look like sausages.

Belly button in or out? In but very shallow. 

Wedding rings on or off? 1/2 on.  I can only wear either my engagement ring or my wedding ring.  They both won't go on anymore.  I also have to wash my hands at night to get them off easily.

Looking forward to: Our childbirth class on Saturday.  I'm hoping the class will have me feeling a little more relaxed about labor and delivery.  I can't believe there are only 10 weeks to go!!!