Now that it's been almost a month I have had some time to reflect on my birth experience.
PAIN: Did it hurt? Well...as my brother likes to say, Does a bear shit in the woods? Yes. It hurt. In fact, it was the MOST painful thing I have ever physically experienced. I actually NEVER shed a single tear either. Seriosuly. Not one tear. Until afterwards and those were tears of joy, so they don't count. There is a big difference between pain and suffering and I never suffered. I did contemplate drugs...for about 5 minutes...but NEVER the epidural. I was never going to have a needle stuck in my back. Ever. Even when my child's head was at the peak of crowning and it burned like a ring of fire and I wanted to die! I obviously did NOT decide to have any drugs because an internal check revealed I was 9cm +3 station and I was allowed to start pushing! As soon as her head was out, all the pain went away!
I pushed for less than 2 hours, which was amazing! Everyone birth experience is very different and everyone has a different sort of pain tolerance. But I did not find it to be a traumatizing experience or nearly as horrible as some women have described. Perhaps it depends on your mental, physical and emtional preparation. I will surely be doing natural labor for my future children!
HOSPITAL: I obviosuly did not get my water birth. I did not get to birth at the birth center. I birthed at the hospital. Am I disappointed? Actually, no. I had a successful, beautiful and natural birth and that is what really matters to me. Water would've been a plus, but I think the hot shower made up for it! I also like to think that while I birthed in a hospital, I did not have a "hospital birth." I did not have a doctor in the room, there were no funky instruments used to get my child out, there was no unnecessary medical intervention, no one being super pushy and annoying, etc. My birth team was exactly what I would have had at the birth center - my husband, my midwife, and a nurse. The only difference was, my nurse was someone who worked at the hospital full-time. I was, however, VERY LUCKY in that my nurse ALSO worked at the birth center part-time AND her mom is one of the lactation consultants at the birth center. My nurse tries to get as many as the birth center transfers as possible in order to allow for as many natural births as possible. Many of the other nurses are not nearly as understanding about natural birth/birth center transfers as she is.
So, I think the reason I'm not upset about my hospital transfer is because it didn't end up being all that different than I wanted. We were there to monitor Autumn more closely and that was all that was important.
OTHER RANDOMNESS: the stretchy gauze underwear should be sold in all department stores and become part of every women's underwear drawer because those things are the most fantastic and comfortable underwear i've ever worn and I never ever wanted to go back to my other stuff, but alas...the time for wearing the stretchy gauze underwear only lasts so long:o(
Showing posts with label birthing center. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birthing center. Show all posts
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Birth Story (very loooong!)
Got your popcorn & soda? Good! Because this is going to be a pretty long story!
6:30pm Monday (2/8) - I had JUST left work. Rob (boss-man) had come home that night since Ann had something work related to be at. He had given me "permission" to go ahead and have the baby "whenever!" because the grandparents were on their way back to the state, the mom's comferences were now over and some sense of normalcy was returning to the home where my need to be there was not urgent. So, I'm a few blocks away from the house and all of a sudden I felt three significant GUSHES of fluid. I'd been having leakage, which is normal, but this was entirely different! And I thought, "If this isn't my water breaking, I don't know what else it could be!" I had a feeling we'd be having a baby very soon. I called Rob to tell him that my daughter apparently listened to our coversation and decided she wanted to come out within the next day - I was likely not going to be at work the following day (and THAT is what you get for telling a pregnant woman she can go into labor!). I called Shawn, who was down the street from our house. He said he'd meet me at home. I called Boo who was just as ecstatic as I was. AND I called the birth center. Sarah was on-call. She instructed us to eat a decent dinner and call back by 8pm, about an hour later, and we'd make up a "plan."
We eat spaghetti. We went for a walk around the block - it was COLD! Shawn showered. Meanwhile I had had a few more significant gushes. My fluid was clear. None of my contractions were timeable and felt nothing more than my usual Braxton Hicks.
We called Sarah back at 8. We made a plan to meet at the birth center at 930 to be monitored. Shawn drove. On the way there I had maybe 3 contractions I could time at about 10 minutes apart, which is still very early in labor. We arrive and I get a dose of anti-biotics for my Group B Strep. That took about 20 minutes. They monitored Autumn to see if she would do some "tricks" - basically, that her heart rate would go up by about 10-15 beats per minute during my contractions. It took her awhile and she was kind of lazy about it, but she finally did enough that Sarah was happy. Because I was Strep B positive, she said she would NOT do an internal check because of risk for infection. Also, they generally like to see me in ACTIVE labor within 12 hours and have the baby within 24 hours. She sent us away with a shopping list: 4oz of castor oil, ice cream, & peanut butter cups. And rest! If I was not in active labor by 4am, I was to miz 2 oz of castor oil with 1 cup of ice cream and chase it with a peanut butter cup. And we were to arrive back at the birth center between 6-7am.
Not much had been happening in regards to contractions. Oh, and while at the birth center they had checked my undies - which I hadn't leaked in awhile - to test for amniotic fluid and it came up negative. So on the way home I was like, "Did my water really break? Or am I stupid and this is a total bust and I'm wasting everyone's time?" I was second-guessing myself completely. Then we got to Walgreens, picked up our shopping list, and while we were there ANOTHER 2 gushes came and went. I was SURE that this was a sign I was having a baby. We checked out, ran to Cookout for food because Shawn was hungry, and got home about 1145pm. Sarah called just as we walked in the door and now SHE was second-guessing that my water broke because she had looked at my chart and saw that I had questions about leaking the week before. But I told her that this was definitely a different feeling and that it had just happened again while we were at the store. She said that she believed me, she was okay with everything and we were to follow the plan.
I went to bed at 12am and woke up at 3:30am. No sign of active labor. I drank the castor oil milkshake - was it yummy? Absolutely not. Was it awful? Not really. I thought of it as a really gross protein shake for dieting that I just had to drink once and get it over with...and then I chased it with the peanut butter cup to get rid of the texture in my mouth.
Nothing happened. Well...about 20 minutes later I had some tummy rumbles and hit the bathroom, but it wasn't explosive or anything and afterwards I felt fine. Not even hard line contractions. I woke Shawn up at 5am CRYING because I thought everything was a waste of time and I was stupid and I was going to feel so embarrassed walking back into the birth center where they'd tell me I was NOT in labor:o( Shawn reassured me that I knew my body, my water HAD broken, and we were having a baby soon. He was exhausted and that's not a good combination with driving, so because I felt absolutely nothing going on with me, I drove.
Yes, I drove.
And about half way there I started getting some significant menstrual like cramping going on. While driving. Surprisingly, though, I felt very much in control. And it wasn't until we hit the birth center that the cramping was so bad Shawn had to help me out of the car! We got there at 630am. I spent the first 30 minutes in the bathroom trying to get rid of cramping that was a result of the castor oil. And then...
POP! Holy Niagra Falls!!!! I gushed fluid for almost a straight 20 minutes! My water had officially ruptured! When I felt a little better I got into the bed. I received another dose of antibiotics. Autumn's heart rate was high - PROBLEM ONE. So they gave me more IV fluid, too, to hydrate me. After another 30 mins I really needed to pee, so I asked Shawn to help me up from the bed and as he did I felt this flowing water from below me that I couldn't stop. I FREAKED OUT! SHAWN...help me up! Get me to the bathroom!
I was soaked! You know the movie Coneheads when her water breaks and floods the place? That was me! Somewhat embarrassed, but laughing hysterically at what had just happened. It was all clear, so that was a good sign. And they checked her heartrate afterwards and it was back down to normal - apparently she just wanted some more room, so the absence of all that fluid made her happy. I showered afterwards because I felt gross. By this time the menstrual cramps from the castor oil had subsided and the result - which is expected from the castor oil treatment - was the start of regular contractions.
After the shower things were just chill. I'd have contractions. Her heartrate went a little high again. Sarah went off duty and Leigh-Ann came on duty, this was around 730-8am. During contractions I enjoyed squatting a lot and leaning up against the bed. Shawn remembered from birth class that he could come behind me and squat with me and then pull my belly up during contractions and this helped a lot! At one point I was getting through contractions by rocking in a rocking chair. Leigh-Ann said she wanted me to go upstairs, if I could, to have the baby be monitored on the machines. I said, "Ok, I'm just enjoying rocking right now, it's really helping, give me a minute." So what did they do? I get upstairs and they had set up a rocking chair with the machine in the LIBRARY! Which also happened to the be there small staff room where they all get their morning coffee and breakfast. And here I am with a towel around my waist and robe around my top and nekid everywhere else...and did I care?! Nope! I had no modesty!!!! It went out the window when contraction hit, people! If they didn't care - I didn't care.
Good news was that PROBLEM ONE (high heartrate) was normal. Now we had PROBLEM TWO - she wasn't doing the "trick" where her heartrate was jumping during a contraction. She was sleeping through my contractions - lazy child! They tried to wake her up by honking this bicycle horn at my belly and it did nothing. So what did we do?
Me: "Shawn...don't you have your IPOD?"
Shawn: "Yea...what do you want me to do? Play her some Slayer?"
Me: "YES!"
Leigh-Ann: "It's worth a shot!"
So, yea...we played heavy metal into my belly via IPOD headphones and it WORKED! Within 5-10 minutes Leigh-Ann said her heartrate had done the jumping she wanted done. PROBLEM TWO was solved! Also, Leigh-Ann finally wanted to do an internal check - I was 3cm and +2 station (she was already pretty darn low!). This was around, maybe 10-11am. With all the issues solved we went back downstairs to labor, Leigh-Ann was sure we could have the baby at the birth center, everything was OK!
We got back downstairs and I hit the bathroom again. I was int hebathroom I'd say 80-90% of the time I had contractions. It helped pass a lot more fluid and I was just comfy there. All of a sudden I noticed some "green show" on my pads. Merconium. DAMMIT! Leigh-Ann said that "tipped the scales" and after a talk with Maureen, another midwife, the decision was to go to the hospital for better monitoring. They just needed to make sure the baby was okay and honestly, I didn't care where I birthed - I just wanted my baby to be ok.
We left between 11a-12p (I think). The car ride was the worst.five.minute.ride.ever.
Jessie was our nurse - she also happens to be the daughter of a woman who works at the birth center - so that was comforting that she knew how we hoped our birth would go and she wouldn't be a pushy hospital person. We were only in the room a short while before I hopped into the shower. I took a LONG HOT HOT HOT shower - for at least an hour. I would stand during my contractions. squat as they faded and sit while they were gone. I was just starting to think to myself, "How much more can I take? Will I ask for pain meds? Can I finish this out?" I hopped out of the shower and it was just Leigh-Ann and I in the room. She asked me, "If you ask for meds, what do you want me to tell you? Do you want me to say 'no' or try to talk you out of it? Or do you want me to give them to you?" I asked what my options were: 1) epi - to which I said NO! and 2) Stadol (sp?) which would take the edge off, but I'd still feel it all. I asked to be checked first, before giving an answer, to see where were at. It had only been a couple of hours since I was 3cm, so we weren't expecting a huge change, BUT Leigh-Ann did say, "If you are at 8cm, I'm not giving you anything!"
I was 9cm +3 station! HA! So much for even the idea of drugs. Not happening. Also, since I was far enough along and the baby was so low she gave me permission to start bearing down if it felt better to do so. And I did. I began pushing a little after 1:30pm!
Position 1 - I was flat on my back. It worked for awhile.
Position 2 - Leigh-Ann raised the head of teh bed so I was in a more squat-like position. It worked a little better.
You really do have trouble figuring out how to push. Leigh-Ann would actually stick a few fingers "down there" and tell me to push her fingers out, which helped A LOT! It was as if X marked the spot! Also, I had a tendency to give out high pitched yelling screams, which weren't helping. Leigh-Ann said I either had to hold my breath and bear down or do low grunting screams. I can't grunt for my life, so holdin my breath and bearing down worked best. My contrations were at least 3, sometimes 4, right on top of one another before getting a break. This was very exhausting. Sometime during this a student knocked on the door and asked if she could come in to help/watch. I yelled "NO!" Generally I'm all for students. Education is awesome! However, I was already too far into pushing and I was comfortable with my birth team that I didn't want anyone else in the room or any other help. So we stuck with my three amigos - Shawn, Leigh-Ann, and Jessie.
Position 3 - Somehow I found the strength to turn around and get on my hands and knees up against the back of the bed. This position was probably the first in which I could feel I was moving her down. I was really starting to understand a GOOD PUSH and there were a few times that pushing did not, I repeat DID NOT hurt, but felt good. It was like a relief to get her moving down. I did not have many of those pushes, but when they did happen I thought to myself, "That really felt pretty good! I want to do one of those again!"
Position 4 - Leigh-Ann asked for the squat bar to be put across the bottom of the bed. I was SO tired and I hurt so much I told her I couldn't do it. I couldn't move myself to the edge of the bed, I couldn't pull myself up, and I certainly could hold myself up while bearing down. What happened? I did it all. It didn't work for long. We were having trouble getting her under my pelvic bone.
Position 5 - The head of the bed was still raised and we played tug-of-war! This was the BEST THING EVER! Leigh-Ann took a shoot and knotted both sides. Shawn & Jessie each took a leg to push back when I had a contraction. During the contraction I would hold my breath, bear down, and pull as hard as I could on the blanket while Leigh-Ann pulled the other side. This is when we were finally able to start seeing the head crown. They asked if I wanted the mirror and I said no. I really thought it would freak me out. Also, because my contractions were on top of one another and I only got a short, MAYBE 45sec-1min break, I was actually falling asleep in about 10 secs and then waking up again with the contractions.
I kept telling Shawn, "I'm so tired," "I want her to come out," "I can't do this," etc. But everyone kept reassuring me and in the back of my head I kept telling myself, "Just get her head out and you'll be done. The sooner her head it out it will all be easy after that. Push hard or this is going to take even longer!"
Position 6 - Things were progressing with every push, but we could not get her under my pelvic bone fast enough. They laid the bed almost all the way down again. I know they say this is the worst position to be in because it doesn't open up your pelvis enough, but it actually worked best for me. However, the last 20 minutes I do distinctly remember hearing a POP and asking "What was that?" but no one had heard it. More on that later...
The more I pushed, the more her head crowned. The finally told me I needed to see it and brought out the mirror. It did not freak me out. It really helped. Of course, when we got the point where her head was just sitting there stretching my vagina and it HURT, it was very hard to relax when I wasn't having a contraction. Seeing her head there I just wanted to keep pushing until she was out!
Due to the merconium at the birth center, NICU had been placed on-call. Leigh-Ann had been debating having them come in or not - she did not want other people in the room if it was unnecessary. Throughout 99% of my pushing I had had nothing but clear fluid, which was great. But near the end I had some more color and Leigh-Ann said she'd scold herself if she didn't bring NICU in the room - after all, the baby's safety was the whole reason we'd come to the hospital.
NICU arrive maybe the last 5-10 mins of my pushing. I was told that as long as the baby came out pink and crying and okay that I would get her immediately and NICU would leave asap. The women with NICU were very supportive - I could see them all in the room and made eye contact with each and every one of them, but it didn't bother me at all.
Then, finally, at 3:30pm she was born. Autumn was fine and came straight to my belly. She had had her hand up near her face & the cord was wrapped around her hand/face combo once - I really believe that her hand being between her face and the cord quite possibly saved us from any real emergency! Shawn said they threw her like a fish on top of me! She was making noises, but not screaming, so they wiped her down and sunctioned her while she was on my chest until they were happy with a single good cry. I delivered the placenta very quickly after that. I was a hysterical mess. I had never missed my Mom so much before. I told Autumn that her Grandma would have thought she was absolutely beautiful. Shawn was a crying mess, too. He was absolutely wonderful and supportive the entire labor. I could not imagine having to go through it without him. He was so strong and provided me with all the emotional support I needed.
After all was said and done NICU had to take her across the room for just a hot second - I guess it's protocol that if they're called in they have to do a few small checks on her. That's when we found out her weight was 9 lbs 4 oz. I had a small tear - not even my perinium. It was actually off to the side and Leigh-Ann gave me a local and stitched me up. Shawn said I should be thankful I didn't see what she was doing because the needle was HUGE and she was really sticking me hard, but all I could feel was pinches. I guess it doesn't really matter after you've just pushed out a 9lb baby! I do believe I received some pitocin to help with bleeding, but they were very please with my uterus getting firm and contracting right away, so it wasn't a major concern. The viatmin K shot was held off until I was breastfeeding her a little while later. We declined the Hep B & the eye goop.
Afterwards, well - phone calls, visitors, checkups from the nurses and doctors, etc. Our midwife, Sarah, came back in the morning to check in on us. She said she would fill out the paperwork to discharge us and we were leaving the hospital noon the next day.
Official stats: Autumn Dawn was born 3:30pm, Tuesday February 9, 2010. 9 lbs 4 oz, 21.25 in long, 13.5 in head cir. She passed her hearing! She breastfeeds like a champ! She sleeps awesome! And she's absolutely perfect<3
6:30pm Monday (2/8) - I had JUST left work. Rob (boss-man) had come home that night since Ann had something work related to be at. He had given me "permission" to go ahead and have the baby "whenever!" because the grandparents were on their way back to the state, the mom's comferences were now over and some sense of normalcy was returning to the home where my need to be there was not urgent. So, I'm a few blocks away from the house and all of a sudden I felt three significant GUSHES of fluid. I'd been having leakage, which is normal, but this was entirely different! And I thought, "If this isn't my water breaking, I don't know what else it could be!" I had a feeling we'd be having a baby very soon. I called Rob to tell him that my daughter apparently listened to our coversation and decided she wanted to come out within the next day - I was likely not going to be at work the following day (and THAT is what you get for telling a pregnant woman she can go into labor!). I called Shawn, who was down the street from our house. He said he'd meet me at home. I called Boo who was just as ecstatic as I was. AND I called the birth center. Sarah was on-call. She instructed us to eat a decent dinner and call back by 8pm, about an hour later, and we'd make up a "plan."
We eat spaghetti. We went for a walk around the block - it was COLD! Shawn showered. Meanwhile I had had a few more significant gushes. My fluid was clear. None of my contractions were timeable and felt nothing more than my usual Braxton Hicks.
We called Sarah back at 8. We made a plan to meet at the birth center at 930 to be monitored. Shawn drove. On the way there I had maybe 3 contractions I could time at about 10 minutes apart, which is still very early in labor. We arrive and I get a dose of anti-biotics for my Group B Strep. That took about 20 minutes. They monitored Autumn to see if she would do some "tricks" - basically, that her heart rate would go up by about 10-15 beats per minute during my contractions. It took her awhile and she was kind of lazy about it, but she finally did enough that Sarah was happy. Because I was Strep B positive, she said she would NOT do an internal check because of risk for infection. Also, they generally like to see me in ACTIVE labor within 12 hours and have the baby within 24 hours. She sent us away with a shopping list: 4oz of castor oil, ice cream, & peanut butter cups. And rest! If I was not in active labor by 4am, I was to miz 2 oz of castor oil with 1 cup of ice cream and chase it with a peanut butter cup. And we were to arrive back at the birth center between 6-7am.
Not much had been happening in regards to contractions. Oh, and while at the birth center they had checked my undies - which I hadn't leaked in awhile - to test for amniotic fluid and it came up negative. So on the way home I was like, "Did my water really break? Or am I stupid and this is a total bust and I'm wasting everyone's time?" I was second-guessing myself completely. Then we got to Walgreens, picked up our shopping list, and while we were there ANOTHER 2 gushes came and went. I was SURE that this was a sign I was having a baby. We checked out, ran to Cookout for food because Shawn was hungry, and got home about 1145pm. Sarah called just as we walked in the door and now SHE was second-guessing that my water broke because she had looked at my chart and saw that I had questions about leaking the week before. But I told her that this was definitely a different feeling and that it had just happened again while we were at the store. She said that she believed me, she was okay with everything and we were to follow the plan.
I went to bed at 12am and woke up at 3:30am. No sign of active labor. I drank the castor oil milkshake - was it yummy? Absolutely not. Was it awful? Not really. I thought of it as a really gross protein shake for dieting that I just had to drink once and get it over with...and then I chased it with the peanut butter cup to get rid of the texture in my mouth.
Nothing happened. Well...about 20 minutes later I had some tummy rumbles and hit the bathroom, but it wasn't explosive or anything and afterwards I felt fine. Not even hard line contractions. I woke Shawn up at 5am CRYING because I thought everything was a waste of time and I was stupid and I was going to feel so embarrassed walking back into the birth center where they'd tell me I was NOT in labor:o( Shawn reassured me that I knew my body, my water HAD broken, and we were having a baby soon. He was exhausted and that's not a good combination with driving, so because I felt absolutely nothing going on with me, I drove.
Yes, I drove.
And about half way there I started getting some significant menstrual like cramping going on. While driving. Surprisingly, though, I felt very much in control. And it wasn't until we hit the birth center that the cramping was so bad Shawn had to help me out of the car! We got there at 630am. I spent the first 30 minutes in the bathroom trying to get rid of cramping that was a result of the castor oil. And then...
POP! Holy Niagra Falls!!!! I gushed fluid for almost a straight 20 minutes! My water had officially ruptured! When I felt a little better I got into the bed. I received another dose of antibiotics. Autumn's heart rate was high - PROBLEM ONE. So they gave me more IV fluid, too, to hydrate me. After another 30 mins I really needed to pee, so I asked Shawn to help me up from the bed and as he did I felt this flowing water from below me that I couldn't stop. I FREAKED OUT! SHAWN...help me up! Get me to the bathroom!
I was soaked! You know the movie Coneheads when her water breaks and floods the place? That was me! Somewhat embarrassed, but laughing hysterically at what had just happened. It was all clear, so that was a good sign. And they checked her heartrate afterwards and it was back down to normal - apparently she just wanted some more room, so the absence of all that fluid made her happy. I showered afterwards because I felt gross. By this time the menstrual cramps from the castor oil had subsided and the result - which is expected from the castor oil treatment - was the start of regular contractions.
After the shower things were just chill. I'd have contractions. Her heartrate went a little high again. Sarah went off duty and Leigh-Ann came on duty, this was around 730-8am. During contractions I enjoyed squatting a lot and leaning up against the bed. Shawn remembered from birth class that he could come behind me and squat with me and then pull my belly up during contractions and this helped a lot! At one point I was getting through contractions by rocking in a rocking chair. Leigh-Ann said she wanted me to go upstairs, if I could, to have the baby be monitored on the machines. I said, "Ok, I'm just enjoying rocking right now, it's really helping, give me a minute." So what did they do? I get upstairs and they had set up a rocking chair with the machine in the LIBRARY! Which also happened to the be there small staff room where they all get their morning coffee and breakfast. And here I am with a towel around my waist and robe around my top and nekid everywhere else...and did I care?! Nope! I had no modesty!!!! It went out the window when contraction hit, people! If they didn't care - I didn't care.
Good news was that PROBLEM ONE (high heartrate) was normal. Now we had PROBLEM TWO - she wasn't doing the "trick" where her heartrate was jumping during a contraction. She was sleeping through my contractions - lazy child! They tried to wake her up by honking this bicycle horn at my belly and it did nothing. So what did we do?
Me: "Shawn...don't you have your IPOD?"
Shawn: "Yea...what do you want me to do? Play her some Slayer?"
Me: "YES!"
Leigh-Ann: "It's worth a shot!"
So, yea...we played heavy metal into my belly via IPOD headphones and it WORKED! Within 5-10 minutes Leigh-Ann said her heartrate had done the jumping she wanted done. PROBLEM TWO was solved! Also, Leigh-Ann finally wanted to do an internal check - I was 3cm and +2 station (she was already pretty darn low!). This was around, maybe 10-11am. With all the issues solved we went back downstairs to labor, Leigh-Ann was sure we could have the baby at the birth center, everything was OK!
We got back downstairs and I hit the bathroom again. I was int hebathroom I'd say 80-90% of the time I had contractions. It helped pass a lot more fluid and I was just comfy there. All of a sudden I noticed some "green show" on my pads. Merconium. DAMMIT! Leigh-Ann said that "tipped the scales" and after a talk with Maureen, another midwife, the decision was to go to the hospital for better monitoring. They just needed to make sure the baby was okay and honestly, I didn't care where I birthed - I just wanted my baby to be ok.
We left between 11a-12p (I think). The car ride was the worst.five.minute.ride.ever.
Jessie was our nurse - she also happens to be the daughter of a woman who works at the birth center - so that was comforting that she knew how we hoped our birth would go and she wouldn't be a pushy hospital person. We were only in the room a short while before I hopped into the shower. I took a LONG HOT HOT HOT shower - for at least an hour. I would stand during my contractions. squat as they faded and sit while they were gone. I was just starting to think to myself, "How much more can I take? Will I ask for pain meds? Can I finish this out?" I hopped out of the shower and it was just Leigh-Ann and I in the room. She asked me, "If you ask for meds, what do you want me to tell you? Do you want me to say 'no' or try to talk you out of it? Or do you want me to give them to you?" I asked what my options were: 1) epi - to which I said NO! and 2) Stadol (sp?) which would take the edge off, but I'd still feel it all. I asked to be checked first, before giving an answer, to see where were at. It had only been a couple of hours since I was 3cm, so we weren't expecting a huge change, BUT Leigh-Ann did say, "If you are at 8cm, I'm not giving you anything!"
I was 9cm +3 station! HA! So much for even the idea of drugs. Not happening. Also, since I was far enough along and the baby was so low she gave me permission to start bearing down if it felt better to do so. And I did. I began pushing a little after 1:30pm!
Position 1 - I was flat on my back. It worked for awhile.
Position 2 - Leigh-Ann raised the head of teh bed so I was in a more squat-like position. It worked a little better.
You really do have trouble figuring out how to push. Leigh-Ann would actually stick a few fingers "down there" and tell me to push her fingers out, which helped A LOT! It was as if X marked the spot! Also, I had a tendency to give out high pitched yelling screams, which weren't helping. Leigh-Ann said I either had to hold my breath and bear down or do low grunting screams. I can't grunt for my life, so holdin my breath and bearing down worked best. My contrations were at least 3, sometimes 4, right on top of one another before getting a break. This was very exhausting. Sometime during this a student knocked on the door and asked if she could come in to help/watch. I yelled "NO!" Generally I'm all for students. Education is awesome! However, I was already too far into pushing and I was comfortable with my birth team that I didn't want anyone else in the room or any other help. So we stuck with my three amigos - Shawn, Leigh-Ann, and Jessie.
Position 3 - Somehow I found the strength to turn around and get on my hands and knees up against the back of the bed. This position was probably the first in which I could feel I was moving her down. I was really starting to understand a GOOD PUSH and there were a few times that pushing did not, I repeat DID NOT hurt, but felt good. It was like a relief to get her moving down. I did not have many of those pushes, but when they did happen I thought to myself, "That really felt pretty good! I want to do one of those again!"
Position 4 - Leigh-Ann asked for the squat bar to be put across the bottom of the bed. I was SO tired and I hurt so much I told her I couldn't do it. I couldn't move myself to the edge of the bed, I couldn't pull myself up, and I certainly could hold myself up while bearing down. What happened? I did it all. It didn't work for long. We were having trouble getting her under my pelvic bone.
Position 5 - The head of the bed was still raised and we played tug-of-war! This was the BEST THING EVER! Leigh-Ann took a shoot and knotted both sides. Shawn & Jessie each took a leg to push back when I had a contraction. During the contraction I would hold my breath, bear down, and pull as hard as I could on the blanket while Leigh-Ann pulled the other side. This is when we were finally able to start seeing the head crown. They asked if I wanted the mirror and I said no. I really thought it would freak me out. Also, because my contractions were on top of one another and I only got a short, MAYBE 45sec-1min break, I was actually falling asleep in about 10 secs and then waking up again with the contractions.
I kept telling Shawn, "I'm so tired," "I want her to come out," "I can't do this," etc. But everyone kept reassuring me and in the back of my head I kept telling myself, "Just get her head out and you'll be done. The sooner her head it out it will all be easy after that. Push hard or this is going to take even longer!"
Position 6 - Things were progressing with every push, but we could not get her under my pelvic bone fast enough. They laid the bed almost all the way down again. I know they say this is the worst position to be in because it doesn't open up your pelvis enough, but it actually worked best for me. However, the last 20 minutes I do distinctly remember hearing a POP and asking "What was that?" but no one had heard it. More on that later...
The more I pushed, the more her head crowned. The finally told me I needed to see it and brought out the mirror. It did not freak me out. It really helped. Of course, when we got the point where her head was just sitting there stretching my vagina and it HURT, it was very hard to relax when I wasn't having a contraction. Seeing her head there I just wanted to keep pushing until she was out!
Due to the merconium at the birth center, NICU had been placed on-call. Leigh-Ann had been debating having them come in or not - she did not want other people in the room if it was unnecessary. Throughout 99% of my pushing I had had nothing but clear fluid, which was great. But near the end I had some more color and Leigh-Ann said she'd scold herself if she didn't bring NICU in the room - after all, the baby's safety was the whole reason we'd come to the hospital.
NICU arrive maybe the last 5-10 mins of my pushing. I was told that as long as the baby came out pink and crying and okay that I would get her immediately and NICU would leave asap. The women with NICU were very supportive - I could see them all in the room and made eye contact with each and every one of them, but it didn't bother me at all.
Then, finally, at 3:30pm she was born. Autumn was fine and came straight to my belly. She had had her hand up near her face & the cord was wrapped around her hand/face combo once - I really believe that her hand being between her face and the cord quite possibly saved us from any real emergency! Shawn said they threw her like a fish on top of me! She was making noises, but not screaming, so they wiped her down and sunctioned her while she was on my chest until they were happy with a single good cry. I delivered the placenta very quickly after that. I was a hysterical mess. I had never missed my Mom so much before. I told Autumn that her Grandma would have thought she was absolutely beautiful. Shawn was a crying mess, too. He was absolutely wonderful and supportive the entire labor. I could not imagine having to go through it without him. He was so strong and provided me with all the emotional support I needed.
After all was said and done NICU had to take her across the room for just a hot second - I guess it's protocol that if they're called in they have to do a few small checks on her. That's when we found out her weight was 9 lbs 4 oz. I had a small tear - not even my perinium. It was actually off to the side and Leigh-Ann gave me a local and stitched me up. Shawn said I should be thankful I didn't see what she was doing because the needle was HUGE and she was really sticking me hard, but all I could feel was pinches. I guess it doesn't really matter after you've just pushed out a 9lb baby! I do believe I received some pitocin to help with bleeding, but they were very please with my uterus getting firm and contracting right away, so it wasn't a major concern. The viatmin K shot was held off until I was breastfeeding her a little while later. We declined the Hep B & the eye goop.
Afterwards, well - phone calls, visitors, checkups from the nurses and doctors, etc. Our midwife, Sarah, came back in the morning to check in on us. She said she would fill out the paperwork to discharge us and we were leaving the hospital noon the next day.
Official stats: Autumn Dawn was born 3:30pm, Tuesday February 9, 2010. 9 lbs 4 oz, 21.25 in long, 13.5 in head cir. She passed her hearing! She breastfeeds like a champ! She sleeps awesome! And she's absolutely perfect<3
Monday, February 15, 2010
Jaundice Update
We still aren't liking her color. We waited all day & finally at 4:30 I put a call in to the birth center. I talked with one of the nurses. Good news: her "output" sounds awesome to them...and the fact that a few hours later she had a MASSIVE explosion just adds to the "output" happiness. Also, when jaundice happens it starts at the top and goes down....but when it is fading it works its way from the bottom-up...so her face and eyes would be the last to fade. It started to sound like they weren't going to want to see her, which was somewhat distressing because I would just FEEL better if a professional could look at her and say "ok" or "not ok." However, the response I got over the phone was, "This doesn't sound like we need to see her this evening as an emergency, but she should come in." First off, I had told the receptionist I just wanted to see if we could get her in the next day, so I'm relieved that out situation did not sound "emergency" - then I would have been upset.
They want to see her because she isn't/wasn't cluster-feeding. She was doing short feedings...maybe only 5-10 minutes, MAYBE 15, and then going right back to sleep. I actually had to ask Shawn to keep her awake for awhile because she had JUST taken a 3 hour nap and did not need to be passing out after a 10 minute feeding. Lethargy is a definite sign of jaundice and so this concerned me. As well as the midwife apparently...her short feedings would be nothing to worry about IF she was feeding every 1-2 hours & waking herself up for them. But she's not. She's having a short feeding and then sleeping 3-4 hours....generally waking herself up, but not all the time. This is not okay.
So, we set up for a visit tomorrow morning.
Now, of course, since I called the birth center, my child overheard my conversation and has decided to change up her schedule. She ate for 10 mins on each breast...she slept for 45 minutes...we had visitors and she got extremely fussy - had the MASSIVE poop - and then proceeded to scream until they left (very bad host, I'll tell ya!)...because she was HUNGRY! yes, after 45 minutes my baby decided she wanted to cluster-feed...finally.
So, she fed on each breast again for 10 mins...now she's napping. And we'll see what happens next. I'm supposed to make sure she is awake and feeding every 3 hours if she doesn't wake herself & somehow I'm supposed to time her feedings so that she goes to the center hungry, so we can feed there. And I get to show off my breast-feeding skills....talk about pressure!
They want to see her because she isn't/wasn't cluster-feeding. She was doing short feedings...maybe only 5-10 minutes, MAYBE 15, and then going right back to sleep. I actually had to ask Shawn to keep her awake for awhile because she had JUST taken a 3 hour nap and did not need to be passing out after a 10 minute feeding. Lethargy is a definite sign of jaundice and so this concerned me. As well as the midwife apparently...her short feedings would be nothing to worry about IF she was feeding every 1-2 hours & waking herself up for them. But she's not. She's having a short feeding and then sleeping 3-4 hours....generally waking herself up, but not all the time. This is not okay.
So, we set up for a visit tomorrow morning.
Now, of course, since I called the birth center, my child overheard my conversation and has decided to change up her schedule. She ate for 10 mins on each breast...she slept for 45 minutes...we had visitors and she got extremely fussy - had the MASSIVE poop - and then proceeded to scream until they left (very bad host, I'll tell ya!)...because she was HUNGRY! yes, after 45 minutes my baby decided she wanted to cluster-feed...finally.
So, she fed on each breast again for 10 mins...now she's napping. And we'll see what happens next. I'm supposed to make sure she is awake and feeding every 3 hours if she doesn't wake herself & somehow I'm supposed to time her feedings so that she goes to the center hungry, so we can feed there. And I get to show off my breast-feeding skills....talk about pressure!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
More Frustration...
So I think pregnancy horomones are definitely kicking in this last week. Today was pretty wonderful, up until about 30 minutes ago:o/
Mucus plug = signs of progress. Maybe not immediate progress, but SOMETHING. Then I had an awesome massage, felt some body changes, had good chat with Cheryl and left feeling very relaxed and encouraged. I had an awesome Subway lunch and took a lovely 1-1.5 hr nap. Then I sat in the rocking chair while reading all the baby books I've been collecting.
Around 5-530 I got up to pee and noticed a rather not-so-small wet spot on my jeans. Fluid leakage has never progressed past my panties, so this caught me off guard. However, I didn't want to see like the crazy first time preggo - I mean, IF it was my water breaking, wouldn't I have noticed when it happened?! How did I miss this?! So I changed. I had been sitting a lot and thought a walk might help me determine if anything was going on, so I walked around the block. Nothing major occurred. Shawn left for a Superbowl get together. I soon followed after I finished packing "the bag" in case we decided we needed to leave the Superbowl festivities for the birth center.
At the Superbowl GTG nothing major happened. I was still leaking fluid, but not massively and it wasn't all clear, which amniotic fluid is supposed to be - unless it's pink = cervix change or green/black = merconium. So I'm thinking still just regular discharge. I was not having contractions that could be timed or seemed significant, but of course there were pangs here and there and pushes/nudges closer to the pelvic area than usual. So the whole time I'm think....hmm...we'll see. THEN I start getting legs cramps. Granted, I'm not walking or sitting anymore than usual. All night I did some sitting while eating or watching the game and then would get up and walk around to talk to people. So this cramping was weird. It's from the back of my thighs down to my knee and occasionally I can feel it all the way to my feet....more on my right side than my left. Now I'm more like...HMMM...what do we do?
First, called the bff and got her opinion, which said to be safe than sorry and call the birth center. Also, e-mailed the birth teacher who is also a doula to get her opinion. Never got to her response before I decided to just go ahead and give the birth center a call. I didn't want to call. Really I didn't because I had a feeling I'd be told "No, you're fine, stay home" but I also feared "Sure, come in, we'll check" and THEN get told, "nothing, go home" and I would feel like I wasted everyone's time on a Sunday night. But I CALLED! And who do I get?! "K!" DAMMIT MAN!
Immediately I'm not thrilled. Go back to the other posts about "K" and you'll be reminded that she's my least favorite midwife. (SIDE NOTE: For as prepared as I am my cell phone was just about DEAD so in the middle of a phone conversation as I'm driving home I kept losing her and had to wait to get home to call her back...talk about wanting to smack yourself in the head!) So her opinion: it doesn't sound like your water breaking, but your body is probably reviing up for birth but it's REALLY early, watch for color changes in your discharge, get some rest. I have a problem with NONE of this advice - it's what I called her for right? Her professional opinion?
But
1) she just saw me on WED and I could tell she had NO CLUE who she was talking to. I understand a lot of patients come in and out of the office, but they only take so many per month to try to make sure they don't have an overwhleming number of births going on at once, SO...don't you think if you're on duty you should have an idea of who might be nearing the 40 week mark since you're likely to hear from them more often than your other patients?!
2) she has one of those tones of voice that is SO NICE, but you feel she's being condescending, but you can't call her out on it because she's being so nice. DAMMIT!
3) Everyone has personalities that clash with others. I'm sure "K" does a great job at births. I'm sure I'd survive if she was my midwife. After all, we don't get a choice to see who is on call, so whatever happens will happen. BUT, she's not my favorite. She's my least favorite. And I feel somewhat bad about that, but I can't help it. She has more professional, clinicalness to her than bedside manner and that is not what I want in my birth. So, I respect her opinions and I certainly do TRUST them - by no means do I think she should have said something different. But, AGAIN, after talking with her I don't feel great. I feel discouraged and frustrated and I really wish I had gotten to talk to someone else.
I've now showered. And I'm going to lay down. And go to bed. And we'll just keep an eye on things. And tomorrow I will feel better and things are going to work out the way they are supposed to and I won't have to feel "lost" anymore during this pregnancy.
Mucus plug = signs of progress. Maybe not immediate progress, but SOMETHING. Then I had an awesome massage, felt some body changes, had good chat with Cheryl and left feeling very relaxed and encouraged. I had an awesome Subway lunch and took a lovely 1-1.5 hr nap. Then I sat in the rocking chair while reading all the baby books I've been collecting.
Around 5-530 I got up to pee and noticed a rather not-so-small wet spot on my jeans. Fluid leakage has never progressed past my panties, so this caught me off guard. However, I didn't want to see like the crazy first time preggo - I mean, IF it was my water breaking, wouldn't I have noticed when it happened?! How did I miss this?! So I changed. I had been sitting a lot and thought a walk might help me determine if anything was going on, so I walked around the block. Nothing major occurred. Shawn left for a Superbowl get together. I soon followed after I finished packing "the bag" in case we decided we needed to leave the Superbowl festivities for the birth center.
At the Superbowl GTG nothing major happened. I was still leaking fluid, but not massively and it wasn't all clear, which amniotic fluid is supposed to be - unless it's pink = cervix change or green/black = merconium. So I'm thinking still just regular discharge. I was not having contractions that could be timed or seemed significant, but of course there were pangs here and there and pushes/nudges closer to the pelvic area than usual. So the whole time I'm think....hmm...we'll see. THEN I start getting legs cramps. Granted, I'm not walking or sitting anymore than usual. All night I did some sitting while eating or watching the game and then would get up and walk around to talk to people. So this cramping was weird. It's from the back of my thighs down to my knee and occasionally I can feel it all the way to my feet....more on my right side than my left. Now I'm more like...HMMM...what do we do?
First, called the bff and got her opinion, which said to be safe than sorry and call the birth center. Also, e-mailed the birth teacher who is also a doula to get her opinion. Never got to her response before I decided to just go ahead and give the birth center a call. I didn't want to call. Really I didn't because I had a feeling I'd be told "No, you're fine, stay home" but I also feared "Sure, come in, we'll check" and THEN get told, "nothing, go home" and I would feel like I wasted everyone's time on a Sunday night. But I CALLED! And who do I get?! "K!" DAMMIT MAN!
Immediately I'm not thrilled. Go back to the other posts about "K" and you'll be reminded that she's my least favorite midwife. (SIDE NOTE: For as prepared as I am my cell phone was just about DEAD so in the middle of a phone conversation as I'm driving home I kept losing her and had to wait to get home to call her back...talk about wanting to smack yourself in the head!) So her opinion: it doesn't sound like your water breaking, but your body is probably reviing up for birth but it's REALLY early, watch for color changes in your discharge, get some rest. I have a problem with NONE of this advice - it's what I called her for right? Her professional opinion?
But
1) she just saw me on WED and I could tell she had NO CLUE who she was talking to. I understand a lot of patients come in and out of the office, but they only take so many per month to try to make sure they don't have an overwhleming number of births going on at once, SO...don't you think if you're on duty you should have an idea of who might be nearing the 40 week mark since you're likely to hear from them more often than your other patients?!
2) she has one of those tones of voice that is SO NICE, but you feel she's being condescending, but you can't call her out on it because she's being so nice. DAMMIT!
3) Everyone has personalities that clash with others. I'm sure "K" does a great job at births. I'm sure I'd survive if she was my midwife. After all, we don't get a choice to see who is on call, so whatever happens will happen. BUT, she's not my favorite. She's my least favorite. And I feel somewhat bad about that, but I can't help it. She has more professional, clinicalness to her than bedside manner and that is not what I want in my birth. So, I respect her opinions and I certainly do TRUST them - by no means do I think she should have said something different. But, AGAIN, after talking with her I don't feel great. I feel discouraged and frustrated and I really wish I had gotten to talk to someone else.
I've now showered. And I'm going to lay down. And go to bed. And we'll just keep an eye on things. And tomorrow I will feel better and things are going to work out the way they are supposed to and I won't have to feel "lost" anymore during this pregnancy.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Feeling Frustrated - 39 week appt
SO our appt went okay, but not great. Wake County schools were closed AGAIN, so in order to make sure my awesome bosses didn't have to take more time off in the mornings I took the two kiddos to the appt with me. Not a big deal, really, but making sure a 4 year doesn't take out every.single.toy in the play area and make it a "tripping zone" for other preggos does make one a little crazy.
I got there early since they've been extra busy it seems. Sure enough today was busy, too, so I was actually seen downstairs by "K" in the green room.
I'm up another 1.5 lbs, just like last week, so that's a total of 171 l bs, up 39 total.
My blood pressure was higher than normal the first time is was taken. "K" didn't like that, so by the end of the visit she took it again and it was back to normal.
"K" took forever finding the heartbeat. Knowing that my child was a little sluggish this morning and then her taking awhile to find the heartbeat made me very nervous. Normally if they can't find it right away on one side they move the dopplar around to find it elsewhere. No. She didn't. She stayed in ONE spot and when she finally found it, it was awfully quiet sounding - like very far away sounding. She probably would have gotten a stronger "thump-thump" if she had moved the other side of my belly, but no.
Also, she said the baby's head is a little "cock-eyed" over my pelvis instead of being lined up straight-on. This is why the baby isn't dropping. She gave me some suggestions on how to get her to move, which I'll be trying adamently in the next week. This make me very nervous. I have one week to change her position and get her to drop. After full term I think I have only two weeks before they send me to the hospital - and really the extra bills that I'm pretty sure come along with that are not something I'm looking forward to.
Also, I can still go into labor at anytime. Which is what I've wanted. But now I'm worried about her being in the right position. I'm sure if I went into labor the midwives would do everything and anything possible to help her move into a good position for laboring naturally, but if they don't think she's going to come out the way she is now and they can't get her to move - I'm not looking forward to dealing with that.
I'm sure it doesn't help that "K" isn't my favorite midwife. I know - we don't get to pick and choose, but still. Shawn said it perfect, she a little "cold and clinical." I think I would have felt more warm and fuzzy and somewhat less discouraged if I'd had someone else.
I'm off to go e-mail my massage therapist and my Bradley teacher to see if they have more suggestions to get her into position. Let's hope she moves soon and drops down.
I got there early since they've been extra busy it seems. Sure enough today was busy, too, so I was actually seen downstairs by "K" in the green room.
I'm up another 1.5 lbs, just like last week, so that's a total of 171 l bs, up 39 total.
My blood pressure was higher than normal the first time is was taken. "K" didn't like that, so by the end of the visit she took it again and it was back to normal.
"K" took forever finding the heartbeat. Knowing that my child was a little sluggish this morning and then her taking awhile to find the heartbeat made me very nervous. Normally if they can't find it right away on one side they move the dopplar around to find it elsewhere. No. She didn't. She stayed in ONE spot and when she finally found it, it was awfully quiet sounding - like very far away sounding. She probably would have gotten a stronger "thump-thump" if she had moved the other side of my belly, but no.
Also, she said the baby's head is a little "cock-eyed" over my pelvis instead of being lined up straight-on. This is why the baby isn't dropping. She gave me some suggestions on how to get her to move, which I'll be trying adamently in the next week. This make me very nervous. I have one week to change her position and get her to drop. After full term I think I have only two weeks before they send me to the hospital - and really the extra bills that I'm pretty sure come along with that are not something I'm looking forward to.
Also, I can still go into labor at anytime. Which is what I've wanted. But now I'm worried about her being in the right position. I'm sure if I went into labor the midwives would do everything and anything possible to help her move into a good position for laboring naturally, but if they don't think she's going to come out the way she is now and they can't get her to move - I'm not looking forward to dealing with that.
I'm sure it doesn't help that "K" isn't my favorite midwife. I know - we don't get to pick and choose, but still. Shawn said it perfect, she a little "cold and clinical." I think I would have felt more warm and fuzzy and somewhat less discouraged if I'd had someone else.
I'm off to go e-mail my massage therapist and my Bradley teacher to see if they have more suggestions to get her into position. Let's hope she moves soon and drops down.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
38 week update
I'll make this short b/c I'm actually really tired and don't feel like typing today.
Weight up 1.5 lbs in a week
Heartbeat 160s.
Measuring 37.5 cms - she hasn't dropped again, but she's definitely lower than last week, so it's just a waiting game.
VERY active & excited at her appointment today.
I'm Strep B positive. Not a big deal. If my water breaks I'll likely be asked to go in right away & start antibiotics - if I am in labor w/ just contractions & my water has NOT broken yet, I'll still labor at home, but not for a long period of time like I would if I didn't have Strep B. They just want to make sure they get antibiotics into me at least 4 hrs before the baby is born. They'll put in an IV, give me the meds, unhook me after the first dose and let me be as mobile as I want and only continue to provide meds if I'm in labor every four hours.
Also, instead of a max of 6 hrs, we'll be staying at least 12 hrs AFTER the birth to monitor the baby and make sure she doesn't get Strep B. Should be fine. Means extra quiet time at the center, extra guidance and care w/ the midwives & extra help in taking care of a new baby.
They also checked to make sure my fluid leakage from yesterday wasn't my water breaking - it wasn't. Just excess preggo fluid:o) Fun stuff! No real yay or nay on when she might come, but they're ready when I'm ready...so we just need Autumn to be ready!
OH! And I met the new student midwife & I really like her! I know she did her first waterbirth last week that went great, so that makes me very excited if she is around when we go into labor!
Weight up 1.5 lbs in a week
Heartbeat 160s.
Measuring 37.5 cms - she hasn't dropped again, but she's definitely lower than last week, so it's just a waiting game.
VERY active & excited at her appointment today.
I'm Strep B positive. Not a big deal. If my water breaks I'll likely be asked to go in right away & start antibiotics - if I am in labor w/ just contractions & my water has NOT broken yet, I'll still labor at home, but not for a long period of time like I would if I didn't have Strep B. They just want to make sure they get antibiotics into me at least 4 hrs before the baby is born. They'll put in an IV, give me the meds, unhook me after the first dose and let me be as mobile as I want and only continue to provide meds if I'm in labor every four hours.
Also, instead of a max of 6 hrs, we'll be staying at least 12 hrs AFTER the birth to monitor the baby and make sure she doesn't get Strep B. Should be fine. Means extra quiet time at the center, extra guidance and care w/ the midwives & extra help in taking care of a new baby.
They also checked to make sure my fluid leakage from yesterday wasn't my water breaking - it wasn't. Just excess preggo fluid:o) Fun stuff! No real yay or nay on when she might come, but they're ready when I'm ready...so we just need Autumn to be ready!
OH! And I met the new student midwife & I really like her! I know she did her first waterbirth last week that went great, so that makes me very excited if she is around when we go into labor!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
37 week appointment
Needless to say my child is a PITA. Or as Aunt Becky says "tricky."
They took blood & my iron levels are up, but barely. However, I've been taking iron supplements as well as my pre-natals, but iron takes a few weeks to work into your bloodstream, so all should be well when baby comes. The midwife, my FAV, "A" didn't even say anything about my levels, so she obviously wasn't so concerned. Blood pressure is fine, as usual.
We went over the birth plan. She liked it. It'll be awesome. I do need to remember to draw a map & write down directions for when the nurse visits my home the day after.
We did the Strep B test. No big deal. Results soon.
Heartbeat - strong & healthy!
Then we checked on baby. Oh Autumn! She is no longer "engaged" or dropped. She is still head down, which is great news, but I'm measuring back at exactly 37 weeks - right on time. It seems she didn't like being engaged so early, so she came back up to just swim around the top of my pelvis. It doesn't mean anything, really, but it does explain why I still feel her so much in my ribs - moreso than I did when she dropped - and it's basically because she's back up. She can still come at anytime and while she is uncomfortable and it's getting harder to get comfy, I'm a very patient person - really, I am!
I've gained 5 lbs in the last 2 - 2.5 weeks, so I'm officially at the 35lb mark:o) I've been doing nothing but eating, so I'm not surprised:o)
I was told I can start taking Evening Primrose oil to help things move along. I've set up my WEEKLY appointments for the rest of the pregnancy...next one is on Wed - my Mom's birthday - which is the same day I keep telling everyone she's going to be born, so we'll see!
And that's about it. Shawn was at this visit & it made it a lot more fun and enjoyable. I'm so glad I have a loving and supportive husband and I am 100% confident in his ability to help me through labor and the rest of the parenting process we're about to endure. I'm so excited & I hope Autumn is ready to come out soon because I can't wait to meet her!
They took blood & my iron levels are up, but barely. However, I've been taking iron supplements as well as my pre-natals, but iron takes a few weeks to work into your bloodstream, so all should be well when baby comes. The midwife, my FAV, "A" didn't even say anything about my levels, so she obviously wasn't so concerned. Blood pressure is fine, as usual.
We went over the birth plan. She liked it. It'll be awesome. I do need to remember to draw a map & write down directions for when the nurse visits my home the day after.
We did the Strep B test. No big deal. Results soon.
Heartbeat - strong & healthy!
Then we checked on baby. Oh Autumn! She is no longer "engaged" or dropped. She is still head down, which is great news, but I'm measuring back at exactly 37 weeks - right on time. It seems she didn't like being engaged so early, so she came back up to just swim around the top of my pelvis. It doesn't mean anything, really, but it does explain why I still feel her so much in my ribs - moreso than I did when she dropped - and it's basically because she's back up. She can still come at anytime and while she is uncomfortable and it's getting harder to get comfy, I'm a very patient person - really, I am!
I've gained 5 lbs in the last 2 - 2.5 weeks, so I'm officially at the 35lb mark:o) I've been doing nothing but eating, so I'm not surprised:o)
I was told I can start taking Evening Primrose oil to help things move along. I've set up my WEEKLY appointments for the rest of the pregnancy...next one is on Wed - my Mom's birthday - which is the same day I keep telling everyone she's going to be born, so we'll see!
And that's about it. Shawn was at this visit & it made it a lot more fun and enjoyable. I'm so glad I have a loving and supportive husband and I am 100% confident in his ability to help me through labor and the rest of the parenting process we're about to endure. I'm so excited & I hope Autumn is ready to come out soon because I can't wait to meet her!
Monday, January 18, 2010
My last "safe" day
I got some awful news today in regards to a friend of mine that gives a totally new meaning to the word "safe," but that's for another post. This post is something that I thought about all the way home and I still feel should get written for the mere fact that despite the fact that in a second everything can change, the world still moves on and nothing will ever change that fact.
On the way home today I thought about how tomorrow is my last "safe" day of pregnancy. Why? Because at 12:00am on Wednesday morning I will become a nuerotic human being. I have no idea whether this will be blatantly obvious on the outside or if I will contain it on the inside, but either way - I'm going to be a nutcase. Because at 12:00am my child can come at any second of any day...and there's nothing I can do about it. That's that. Pregnancy done. Labor begins. I'm pushing a baby out of my vagina and I will be coming home with a little girl. That is what will eventually happen sometime after 12:00am on Wednesday.
Yes, I know, technically she could have come at any point during this entire pregnancy. We don't get to choose when and where it happens. Every mother, at some time or another, fears pre-term labor. We fear NICU visits. We fear our child coming out so small and fragile that we're afraid there's no way such a tiny living thing could make it. I, too, have had these fears. I, too, recognize that sometimes we are not in control. But at the same time, we all hold onto some naive thought of "never me." And I'll even admit to my own selfish thoughts - while I've been reassured by research and midwives that IF my baby girl was to have been born in the past few weeks she most likely would have had little to no complications - I really didn't want to go into pre-term labor because I didn't want to go to a hospital. Healthy baby, of course, is all that matters, but being reassured that everything would most likely be okay, my thoughts then turned to the one place where I have been trying to avoid this whole pregnancy. I feel like Shawn and I have dedicated so much time and thought to the birth center that ending up in a hospital would be like disrupting part of our dream. Like I said - selfish - but I'm human enough to admit it.
So yes, ANYTHING could have happened before. But nothing did. And I'm thankful each and every day. But Wednesday I become FULL-TERM! Something I've looked forward to for so long. A part of me feels like I can breathe easy while the other part of me is thinking "WHERE THE HELL DID THE TIME GO?! NOT YET!" On Wednesday some big fears get packed away for another pregnancy and the almight epiphany of "OMG! I COULD HAVE A BABY TODAY!" will arrive.
I think there are some huge milestones in every pregnancy that get acknowledged with justice: the positive test (and the three to five tests that follow), the first appointment, the first listening of the heartbeat, the first kick, the arrival of "the bump," the first maternity clothes being worn, the first ultrasound, the shower, the bulging belly, etc etc. But I don't think "the last day of not full term" and the "officailly full term day" receive enough importance. Surely these thoughts consume other preggos. Surely.
And so tomorrow will take on great meaning for me. And I will enjoy it. And Wednesday will come. And I will glow...while also trying not to hyperventilate. And soon...so soon...my Autumn will arrive.
On the way home today I thought about how tomorrow is my last "safe" day of pregnancy. Why? Because at 12:00am on Wednesday morning I will become a nuerotic human being. I have no idea whether this will be blatantly obvious on the outside or if I will contain it on the inside, but either way - I'm going to be a nutcase. Because at 12:00am my child can come at any second of any day...and there's nothing I can do about it. That's that. Pregnancy done. Labor begins. I'm pushing a baby out of my vagina and I will be coming home with a little girl. That is what will eventually happen sometime after 12:00am on Wednesday.
Yes, I know, technically she could have come at any point during this entire pregnancy. We don't get to choose when and where it happens. Every mother, at some time or another, fears pre-term labor. We fear NICU visits. We fear our child coming out so small and fragile that we're afraid there's no way such a tiny living thing could make it. I, too, have had these fears. I, too, recognize that sometimes we are not in control. But at the same time, we all hold onto some naive thought of "never me." And I'll even admit to my own selfish thoughts - while I've been reassured by research and midwives that IF my baby girl was to have been born in the past few weeks she most likely would have had little to no complications - I really didn't want to go into pre-term labor because I didn't want to go to a hospital. Healthy baby, of course, is all that matters, but being reassured that everything would most likely be okay, my thoughts then turned to the one place where I have been trying to avoid this whole pregnancy. I feel like Shawn and I have dedicated so much time and thought to the birth center that ending up in a hospital would be like disrupting part of our dream. Like I said - selfish - but I'm human enough to admit it.
So yes, ANYTHING could have happened before. But nothing did. And I'm thankful each and every day. But Wednesday I become FULL-TERM! Something I've looked forward to for so long. A part of me feels like I can breathe easy while the other part of me is thinking "WHERE THE HELL DID THE TIME GO?! NOT YET!" On Wednesday some big fears get packed away for another pregnancy and the almight epiphany of "OMG! I COULD HAVE A BABY TODAY!" will arrive.
I think there are some huge milestones in every pregnancy that get acknowledged with justice: the positive test (and the three to five tests that follow), the first appointment, the first listening of the heartbeat, the first kick, the arrival of "the bump," the first maternity clothes being worn, the first ultrasound, the shower, the bulging belly, etc etc. But I don't think "the last day of not full term" and the "officailly full term day" receive enough importance. Surely these thoughts consume other preggos. Surely.
And so tomorrow will take on great meaning for me. And I will enjoy it. And Wednesday will come. And I will glow...while also trying not to hyperventilate. And soon...so soon...my Autumn will arrive.
Monday, January 4, 2010
35 week appt
Ok..ALMOST 35 week appt! 34 weeks and 5 days. And things are getting interesting!
I met with "A" again - who I loved at our second visit and I still love! She's just awesome. I told her I was getting concerned about her being so far ahead in measurment and the conflicting due dates between my last menstrual cycle and the 7 week ultrasound. I mean - it's a 2 week difference and God forbid I go into labor before the 2/10 due date says I'm "full term" I'd be forced to deliver in the hospital...which would suck.
But "A" confirmed that u/s at 7 weeks is actually very accurate - usually only off by 3 days at the most - and that's why they'd stick with the 2/10 due date. She felt confident that I'd make it to full term. And that makes me feel better.
HOWEVER...she does NOT think I'll be making it to my due date. At my last visit (33 weeks) I was measuring 2 weeks ahead at 35 cms. This week I was only measuring at 32 cms. Why this drastic 3 cm change? Because she's already dropped! A lot. She's low. Very low. Which, honestly, I could have told anyone considering this weekend I thought she was trying to punch her way out of my girlie parts!!!! Not the more comfortable feeling, I assure you!
"A" said that generally, once the baby drops, the baby has about 4 more weeks. So, depending on WHEN she dropped since my last visit I could possibly only have another 3-4 weeks to go (anywhere from the 37-39th week). I'm not surprised. Well, I am. I mean I knew she was low. I've always said she was coming early. But someone giving you confirmation that it's actually possible - totally different!
Then again, knowing my silly luck, she'll end up being like a week late! HA! Wouldn't that be funny?! No, not really. But again, it's always possible! Talk about driving someone who's always been a planner compeletely crazy!
And that it. In 2 weeks I go back for my Strep B test and then I begin going to the center weekly!
Here are the basic stats:
Weight - 5 lb gain; total 30lbs in 34.5 weeks
HB - 150bpm
Position - head down! and very low
Belly measurement - 32cms (dropped)
I met with "A" again - who I loved at our second visit and I still love! She's just awesome. I told her I was getting concerned about her being so far ahead in measurment and the conflicting due dates between my last menstrual cycle and the 7 week ultrasound. I mean - it's a 2 week difference and God forbid I go into labor before the 2/10 due date says I'm "full term" I'd be forced to deliver in the hospital...which would suck.
But "A" confirmed that u/s at 7 weeks is actually very accurate - usually only off by 3 days at the most - and that's why they'd stick with the 2/10 due date. She felt confident that I'd make it to full term. And that makes me feel better.
HOWEVER...she does NOT think I'll be making it to my due date. At my last visit (33 weeks) I was measuring 2 weeks ahead at 35 cms. This week I was only measuring at 32 cms. Why this drastic 3 cm change? Because she's already dropped! A lot. She's low. Very low. Which, honestly, I could have told anyone considering this weekend I thought she was trying to punch her way out of my girlie parts!!!! Not the more comfortable feeling, I assure you!
"A" said that generally, once the baby drops, the baby has about 4 more weeks. So, depending on WHEN she dropped since my last visit I could possibly only have another 3-4 weeks to go (anywhere from the 37-39th week). I'm not surprised. Well, I am. I mean I knew she was low. I've always said she was coming early. But someone giving you confirmation that it's actually possible - totally different!
Then again, knowing my silly luck, she'll end up being like a week late! HA! Wouldn't that be funny?! No, not really. But again, it's always possible! Talk about driving someone who's always been a planner compeletely crazy!
And that it. In 2 weeks I go back for my Strep B test and then I begin going to the center weekly!
Here are the basic stats:
Weight - 5 lb gain; total 30lbs in 34.5 weeks
HB - 150bpm
Position - head down! and very low
Belly measurement - 32cms (dropped)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
33 week Birth Center Appt!
Autumn is rockin and rollin! Met with "S" today. She was the last midwife I had yet to meet. She's not timid. She's got this attitude that's somewhat unpleasant and doesn't make me feel all "happy and cheerful" around, but it doesn't put me off. She REALLY reminded me of a few friends that are really cool people, but have "tough" attitudes and sometimes I just can't stand to be around, but most of the time I don't care. She's definitely no nonesense and I'd be cool with her being my midwife if that's the way things worked out.
I lost 2 lbs. ::GASP!:: Lol! Just another reason I LOVE the birth center...they didn't really care. I know some doctors would probably freak the heck out if a preggo woman lost 2 lbs at 33 weeks. But, hoenstly? There's simple explanations. 1 - my last visit was in the morning so I was bundled in jeans and a huge, heavy sweatshirt when most of the time my visits have been in light clothing, 2 - b/c the last visit was in the morning i was likely still retaining all my morning water weight and what not compared to everything that's already been flushed out by 230pm and 3 - it was RIGHT AFTER THANKSGIVING! I mean sheesh - 8 lbs in 3 weeks? The turkey, stuffing, and PIE had something to do with all that weight! Obviously I have not been eating like that consistently since my last visit and I've been more active since then. SO, a 2 lb weight loss? Not a big deal!
Also, Autumn has been active enough for me not to worry. AND she's measuring TWO WEEKS ahead! That's right. Belly measurement is at 35cm. Two weeks ago it was 31cm. She's gone 4 cm in 2 weeks...what could cause this? Oh, let's be the nice midwife who says, "It could just be her positioning today." Yea...I doubt that. Considering everyone who has seen me in the past week says my belly has gotten HUGE, I'm thinking this isn't a positioning thing...this is...I'm having a big baby. Or she is coming early. Or both. FUN!
They're not worried about me going away for the holidays. I've been given a copy of my records just in case something happen while we're up there, but we should be fine. I have to get out of the car every 2 hours to walk and stretch.
Next appt is in two weeks! And that's about that. Here are the overal quick stats:
Belly Measurement: 35cms
Weight: 158lbs
Heartbeat: 140s bpm
Position: still HEAD DOWN!
I lost 2 lbs. ::GASP!:: Lol! Just another reason I LOVE the birth center...they didn't really care. I know some doctors would probably freak the heck out if a preggo woman lost 2 lbs at 33 weeks. But, hoenstly? There's simple explanations. 1 - my last visit was in the morning so I was bundled in jeans and a huge, heavy sweatshirt when most of the time my visits have been in light clothing, 2 - b/c the last visit was in the morning i was likely still retaining all my morning water weight and what not compared to everything that's already been flushed out by 230pm and 3 - it was RIGHT AFTER THANKSGIVING! I mean sheesh - 8 lbs in 3 weeks? The turkey, stuffing, and PIE had something to do with all that weight! Obviously I have not been eating like that consistently since my last visit and I've been more active since then. SO, a 2 lb weight loss? Not a big deal!
Also, Autumn has been active enough for me not to worry. AND she's measuring TWO WEEKS ahead! That's right. Belly measurement is at 35cm. Two weeks ago it was 31cm. She's gone 4 cm in 2 weeks...what could cause this? Oh, let's be the nice midwife who says, "It could just be her positioning today." Yea...I doubt that. Considering everyone who has seen me in the past week says my belly has gotten HUGE, I'm thinking this isn't a positioning thing...this is...I'm having a big baby. Or she is coming early. Or both. FUN!
They're not worried about me going away for the holidays. I've been given a copy of my records just in case something happen while we're up there, but we should be fine. I have to get out of the car every 2 hours to walk and stretch.
Next appt is in two weeks! And that's about that. Here are the overal quick stats:
Belly Measurement: 35cms
Weight: 158lbs
Heartbeat: 140s bpm
Position: still HEAD DOWN!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
GOOD GIRL!!!!
What an awesome checkup! I loved having my sister-in-law with me. It was so awesome to show someone in the family what Shawn and I have been doing the past 31 weeks. After the visit we re-toured the birthing rooms, so I have a fresh idea of which room(s) I prefer and it makes me look forward to the birthing process that much more. We also went into the boutique, which is always fun with female family member - just ooohing and aaahing over the cute baby stuff.
The visit was with "J." Shawn & I briefly met her our first visit, but the majority of our checkup was with a student midwife, so "J" wasn't with us very long. My initial impression of her was...unpleasant. Kinda bitchy. This time around she had a more pleasant attitude, but she's took quiet for my liking. And her handshake was the WEAKEST EVER...and I'm just not a weak-handshake kinda girl. Sorry, but weak handshake = you are NOT strong enough to be helping me deliver a baby. This isn't some pansy thing we're going through - I need a strong, tough attitude, "let's get this baby out" kinda person and she's just not it. Seriously...if she's our midwife when the time comes she won't be in our room very much because I just don't feel confident with her. She was far from unpleasant...very sweet, VERY quiet, and answered all my questions...just not "man enough" for my labor, IMO!
Stats: 31 cms = RIGHT ON TIME! HEAD DOWN!!!!! (awesome news...although she can go back and turn again, once they're really head down the chances for them moving out of place is unlikely and she seems pretty comfy, so I'm hoping she stays this way). HB in the 150s.
And then there's weight.....I was 152 lbs (total of 19lb gain) last visit on Nov 19. I'm supposed to be going every 2 weeks, BUT due to scheduling issues this visit was 19 days later...almost 3 weeks. With Thanksgiving in between, need I remind you! And I gained 8 lbs!!!! LOL!
So, I'm 160 lbs. With a big bulky sweater and jeans at 930 in the morning after a bowl of cereal and coffee. Normally I have barely had lunch or it's later in the morning and I wear more loose clothing...so this 160 number...not final in my book:oP
Either way I'm not unhappy. 160lbs means 27 lbs total gain in 31 weeks. I'm okay with that, I'm still on target...and I don't look fat, so who's complaining?! Baby's happy. I'm happy. And yes...I will probably eat just as much pie come Christmas time:o)
The visit was with "J." Shawn & I briefly met her our first visit, but the majority of our checkup was with a student midwife, so "J" wasn't with us very long. My initial impression of her was...unpleasant. Kinda bitchy. This time around she had a more pleasant attitude, but she's took quiet for my liking. And her handshake was the WEAKEST EVER...and I'm just not a weak-handshake kinda girl. Sorry, but weak handshake = you are NOT strong enough to be helping me deliver a baby. This isn't some pansy thing we're going through - I need a strong, tough attitude, "let's get this baby out" kinda person and she's just not it. Seriously...if she's our midwife when the time comes she won't be in our room very much because I just don't feel confident with her. She was far from unpleasant...very sweet, VERY quiet, and answered all my questions...just not "man enough" for my labor, IMO!
Stats: 31 cms = RIGHT ON TIME! HEAD DOWN!!!!! (awesome news...although she can go back and turn again, once they're really head down the chances for them moving out of place is unlikely and she seems pretty comfy, so I'm hoping she stays this way). HB in the 150s.
And then there's weight.....I was 152 lbs (total of 19lb gain) last visit on Nov 19. I'm supposed to be going every 2 weeks, BUT due to scheduling issues this visit was 19 days later...almost 3 weeks. With Thanksgiving in between, need I remind you! And I gained 8 lbs!!!! LOL!
So, I'm 160 lbs. With a big bulky sweater and jeans at 930 in the morning after a bowl of cereal and coffee. Normally I have barely had lunch or it's later in the morning and I wear more loose clothing...so this 160 number...not final in my book:oP
Either way I'm not unhappy. 160lbs means 27 lbs total gain in 31 weeks. I'm okay with that, I'm still on target...and I don't look fat, so who's complaining?! Baby's happy. I'm happy. And yes...I will probably eat just as much pie come Christmas time:o)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Taking a Break
I'm calling a "time-out" so I can pay attention to my blog. I haven't updated in a few weeks with anything substantial. This week we'll be 31 weeks pregnany...which means...6-9 weeks left! I'm actually really calm over this realization, which makes me worried. In no way am I prepared, but I also look at it as "hey, who ever is 100% prepared for a child being brought home into their life?! You're about as well off as anyone else, so suck it up buttercup and let the good times roll!"
Classes are out, but I still have 1/4 of a paper to write and 2 final exams to take in the next week and a half. I'm completely slacking on the studying effort...and I really don't care. I had the most relaxing weekend in awhile. No homework to stress over. I spent Friday night with my wonderful hubby who made an awesome dinner and then we went out til 12:45 AM! WOW! I spent Saturday cleaning and cooking. And yesterday I chilled out, took a nap, and hung out at the in-laws to watch football.
Besides some tidying here and there, there isn't a whole lot more I can do to prepare for Autumn's arrival until after my shower. Money is tight and Christmas is upon us, so spending money on stuff for her will just have to wait:o( We'll see what we get from our friends & family for the shower and from there we'll pick up the essentials. The house is a disaster, despite my efforts to tidy, because the Christmas stuff came in and has exploded all over the living room. Fab.u.lous.
Tomorrow is another check up, but since Daddy has to work Autumn's awesome Aunt Tara is tagging along for the ride. I'm hoping they'll let me give her a tour of the birth rooms, since I'd also like another review before we go into labor. Childbirth classes start up again, which we haven't had in two weeks due to one absence and the holiday week.
OH! I've already started to go into paranoid/proactive mommy mode. I'm contemplating having testing done on our water, since I'm 99% sure we have lead/copper pipes. Friends of ours had this same issue about a year ago before they moved to FL - they only found out because they recognized their son having developmental problems at a young age and it was due to his exposure (bathtime & tap water for drinking/cooking) to lead. They had no idea their house had lead soldering used on the pipes and so I need to talk to the hubby and figure out how to test and what to do if testing shows anything. A part of me thinks I'm being paranoid. And another part of me says it will be a serious issue IF the testing results come back too high. If they're moderate I'll be okay, but I'm worried about high test results.
I'm making lists of stuff that needs to get done or that we still need to buy. And then I throw the list out. Because 1) it will never all get done and I'll start getting frustrated with it all or 2) I'll never be able to list every little thing I need....I just need to realize that if it's important it will get done and if it doesn't get done, then it obviously wasn't that important!
And that's about it. Looking forward to tomorrow's appointment - hoping we have a head down little girl!!! Stats to come tomorrow afternoon!
Classes are out, but I still have 1/4 of a paper to write and 2 final exams to take in the next week and a half. I'm completely slacking on the studying effort...and I really don't care. I had the most relaxing weekend in awhile. No homework to stress over. I spent Friday night with my wonderful hubby who made an awesome dinner and then we went out til 12:45 AM! WOW! I spent Saturday cleaning and cooking. And yesterday I chilled out, took a nap, and hung out at the in-laws to watch football.
Besides some tidying here and there, there isn't a whole lot more I can do to prepare for Autumn's arrival until after my shower. Money is tight and Christmas is upon us, so spending money on stuff for her will just have to wait:o( We'll see what we get from our friends & family for the shower and from there we'll pick up the essentials. The house is a disaster, despite my efforts to tidy, because the Christmas stuff came in and has exploded all over the living room. Fab.u.lous.
Tomorrow is another check up, but since Daddy has to work Autumn's awesome Aunt Tara is tagging along for the ride. I'm hoping they'll let me give her a tour of the birth rooms, since I'd also like another review before we go into labor. Childbirth classes start up again, which we haven't had in two weeks due to one absence and the holiday week.
OH! I've already started to go into paranoid/proactive mommy mode. I'm contemplating having testing done on our water, since I'm 99% sure we have lead/copper pipes. Friends of ours had this same issue about a year ago before they moved to FL - they only found out because they recognized their son having developmental problems at a young age and it was due to his exposure (bathtime & tap water for drinking/cooking) to lead. They had no idea their house had lead soldering used on the pipes and so I need to talk to the hubby and figure out how to test and what to do if testing shows anything. A part of me thinks I'm being paranoid. And another part of me says it will be a serious issue IF the testing results come back too high. If they're moderate I'll be okay, but I'm worried about high test results.
I'm making lists of stuff that needs to get done or that we still need to buy. And then I throw the list out. Because 1) it will never all get done and I'll start getting frustrated with it all or 2) I'll never be able to list every little thing I need....I just need to realize that if it's important it will get done and if it doesn't get done, then it obviously wasn't that important!
And that's about it. Looking forward to tomorrow's appointment - hoping we have a head down little girl!!! Stats to come tomorrow afternoon!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
28 week update!!!
Like I said yesterday, we're going to stick with the Birth Center's scale. It's not digital, it's the "old fashioned" slider scales that the midwives say is actually more accurate - digital scales can change everytime you get on one! So, here's the updated info on Autumn & Mommy!
Weight - 152 lbs; up 4 lbs from the last visit - up total 19 lbs!
HB - 150s - healthy & strong
Position - she's working her way to being head down or may be there already. We'll find out at our u/s on Saturday.
Movement - constant, which is a wonderful thing!
Belly Measurement - exactly on time! 28 cms = 28 weeks!!!
We met "M" today. Oh yea, Shawn didn't have work, so he was able to come with me, which was great since he had to miss the last two appointments. So..."M"...we've heard a TON of good things about her and sure enough, she's awesome. Our favorite thus far!!! She's actually from the same area as we are - she's NY, we're NJ - so there's a bond there. She got along with Shawn GREAT! She's funny, easy going, and you can tell she just has a passion for her job.
Oh, iron levels are a little low, as suspected. I'll have to work on the diet. And that's about it!!!!
Weight - 152 lbs; up 4 lbs from the last visit - up total 19 lbs!
HB - 150s - healthy & strong
Position - she's working her way to being head down or may be there already. We'll find out at our u/s on Saturday.
Movement - constant, which is a wonderful thing!
Belly Measurement - exactly on time! 28 cms = 28 weeks!!!
We met "M" today. Oh yea, Shawn didn't have work, so he was able to come with me, which was great since he had to miss the last two appointments. So..."M"...we've heard a TON of good things about her and sure enough, she's awesome. Our favorite thus far!!! She's actually from the same area as we are - she's NY, we're NJ - so there's a bond there. She got along with Shawn GREAT! She's funny, easy going, and you can tell she just has a passion for her job.
Oh, iron levels are a little low, as suspected. I'll have to work on the diet. And that's about it!!!!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Water Birth Video
We're hoping to do this at the birth center if all goes well:o)
VIDEO (note: somewhat graphic...what do you expect?)
VIDEO (note: somewhat graphic...what do you expect?)
Monday, September 14, 2009
18-19wk update @ Birth Center
Everything is great!
Weight ~ 143 lbs, meaning I've gained a total of 10 pounds in almost 19 weeks of pregnancy
Heartbeat ~ in the 140s
Misc ~ around 20 weeks my uterus growth should be reaching my belly button and it's just about there, so that's a good thing; the twinges of pain I've been feeling is just my body stretching - the pain can be eased by making sure I stretch more often, tylenol, and cold/hot compresses; all bloodwork came back normal, but I need to make sure my iron levels stay up, so I'll be working on my diet in order to prevent the need for supplements
I forgot who I met with today - isn't that awful? It was 830 in the morning and I just couldn't remember her name:o/ So I called the Birth Center & asked. We shall call her "K." Original, right? She was more "doctorly" than the other midwives I've met. Young - maybe mid-30s, very sweet, but had a more serious side. I have no good or bad feeling about her. I feel confident that I wouldn't mind her being our midwife when I go into labor, but I think "A" is still my favorite thus far. Shawn couldn't make this visit, but I think he'd prefer "A" too since he seemed to have good conversation with her and "K" is more cut & dry.
Weight ~ 143 lbs, meaning I've gained a total of 10 pounds in almost 19 weeks of pregnancy
Heartbeat ~ in the 140s
Misc ~ around 20 weeks my uterus growth should be reaching my belly button and it's just about there, so that's a good thing; the twinges of pain I've been feeling is just my body stretching - the pain can be eased by making sure I stretch more often, tylenol, and cold/hot compresses; all bloodwork came back normal, but I need to make sure my iron levels stay up, so I'll be working on my diet in order to prevent the need for supplements
I forgot who I met with today - isn't that awful? It was 830 in the morning and I just couldn't remember her name:o/ So I called the Birth Center & asked. We shall call her "K." Original, right? She was more "doctorly" than the other midwives I've met. Young - maybe mid-30s, very sweet, but had a more serious side. I have no good or bad feeling about her. I feel confident that I wouldn't mind her being our midwife when I go into labor, but I think "A" is still my favorite thus far. Shawn couldn't make this visit, but I think he'd prefer "A" too since he seemed to have good conversation with her and "K" is more cut & dry.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Gender Predictions (Take 2)
With some new updates - some new opinions. Let's check it out
So, let's take a look at all the old wives tales and see what gender our baby is going to be:
Chinese Gender Chart (http://www.babygenderprediction.com/chinese-gender-chart.html)
- Conception Month - May, Conception Age - 24 = GIRL
Carrying High vs Low
- It's hard to tell now, but when the midwife was checking me on my last visit she said she could feel my uterus popping "here" and "here" was pretty low = BOY
- Update 8/21 - I still feel like I'm carrying low when my belly is all puffed out = BOY
Heartbeat 140+ is girl, 140- is boy
- on June 25 hb = 156bpm = GIRL
- on July 28 hb = 140bpm = neutral?
- Update 8/21 hp = 150sbpm = GIRL
Cravings: sweet is girl, sour is boy
- neither, i actually crave crunchy stuff
- Update 8/21 - I've actually been craving things like ice cream, milkshakes and chocolate cake = GIRL
Husband putting on weight with you?
- highly doubtful = BOY
I STILL refuse to do the Drano/Urine test...gross. I STILL haven't done the ring/pendant motion test. And I'm STILL not telling which boob is bigger:oP
People Opinions:
Aunt Becky - Boy
Aunt Jessi - Boy
Aunt Tara - Girl
Me - Boy
Mom & Grandma's intution from beyond - Girl (lol!)
Lana - Girl
So it seems really up in the air right now. Your thoughts?!
So, let's take a look at all the old wives tales and see what gender our baby is going to be:
Chinese Gender Chart (http://www.babygenderprediction.com/chinese-gender-chart.html)
- Conception Month - May, Conception Age - 24 = GIRL
Carrying High vs Low
- It's hard to tell now, but when the midwife was checking me on my last visit she said she could feel my uterus popping "here" and "here" was pretty low = BOY
- Update 8/21 - I still feel like I'm carrying low when my belly is all puffed out = BOY
Heartbeat 140+ is girl, 140- is boy
- on June 25 hb = 156bpm = GIRL
- on July 28 hb = 140bpm = neutral?
- Update 8/21 hp = 150sbpm = GIRL
Cravings: sweet is girl, sour is boy
- neither, i actually crave crunchy stuff
- Update 8/21 - I've actually been craving things like ice cream, milkshakes and chocolate cake = GIRL
Husband putting on weight with you?
- highly doubtful = BOY
I STILL refuse to do the Drano/Urine test...gross. I STILL haven't done the ring/pendant motion test. And I'm STILL not telling which boob is bigger:oP
People Opinions:
Aunt Becky - Boy
Aunt Jessi - Boy
Aunt Tara - Girl
Me - Boy
Mom & Grandma's intution from beyond - Girl (lol!)
Lana - Girl
So it seems really up in the air right now. Your thoughts?!
Baby...STAY!
Today was our second appointment at the birth center. We saw a different midwife, we'll call her "A" and she was AWESOME! She's older, so I was a little worried she wouldn't be "cool" and I was totally wrong. She commented on my diet - I need more fruits and veggies - knew that was coming! She asked if I could feel any movement, which I can't yet. My files from the hospital visit in NJ had been transferred, so we went over that in some detail, but she wasn't concerned since I haven't had any dizzy spells or spotting since. She also enjoyed Shawn's humor and seemed very receptive to his questions and thoughts on certain things, which makes us both feel like he's really being a part of this and not just an outsider. She's not worried about me traveling for Thanksgiving AND Christmas (more to come on this later).
And then we got down to the fun stuff - the dopplar! When I laid down she was on my left side and she put the dopplar across from her on my right side and at first I heard nothing. I had about 3 seconds of panic! I know sometimes it can take a few seconds, but last time it was RIGHT ON, so there was no wait. She moved the dopplar closer to her on my left side and there it was! BUT, when she tried to time it, it got quieter and all of a sudden we heard a "whoosh" and she said "well, there's some movement!" And then she traced the dopplar ALL THE WAY back over to my right side where we found a very strong heartbeat she was able to time.
Apparently our baby wanted to kick at the dopplar and run away...all the way across to the other side! Heartbeat was in the 150s, which is awesome! So much movement made me happy - and "A" said that she finds the babies that move away from the dopplar are often boys - which made Shawn very happy.
Our next appt is Sept 14. And the UNC hospital should be calling us soon to set up our big u/s in a few weeks! YAY!
And then we got down to the fun stuff - the dopplar! When I laid down she was on my left side and she put the dopplar across from her on my right side and at first I heard nothing. I had about 3 seconds of panic! I know sometimes it can take a few seconds, but last time it was RIGHT ON, so there was no wait. She moved the dopplar closer to her on my left side and there it was! BUT, when she tried to time it, it got quieter and all of a sudden we heard a "whoosh" and she said "well, there's some movement!" And then she traced the dopplar ALL THE WAY back over to my right side where we found a very strong heartbeat she was able to time.
Apparently our baby wanted to kick at the dopplar and run away...all the way across to the other side! Heartbeat was in the 150s, which is awesome! So much movement made me happy - and "A" said that she finds the babies that move away from the dopplar are often boys - which made Shawn very happy.
Our next appt is Sept 14. And the UNC hospital should be calling us soon to set up our big u/s in a few weeks! YAY!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Officially Second Trimester!
Today I am 14 weeks along, officially out of that first trimester ickiness! And ::poof:: the magic abundance of energy comes back...right? Tomorrow? Maybe? No? We'll see:o(
I am feeling ok and trying to eat healthy and stay fit, but let's face it - I'm a lazy woman. I have been in the pool twice this week and while watching mucnhkins be crazy I've sat in the shallow end and did some stretching...now if only I can remember to do it during the day!
My best friend is totally awesome - in a manner of days she's introduced me to two awesome websites. Buybuybaby.com, which is an affiliate of Bedbathandbeyond...which means I get to use the hundreds of coupons I've been savingup. And the other website is theburthsurvey.com. Basically a site where you can review your birth center, hospital, doctor, midwife, etc. My birth center has awesome ratings, for the most part, AND when I looked up midwives in my area (I don't know all the midwives names at my center), ANY midwife that had the same address as my birth center came up with 4 stars or more on a 5 star-rating system. That's GREAT news!
What else? Paperwork for baby finances is completely taken care of, which is a huge relief. I'm in the process of cutting some deals with women from my local Bump board and Craigslist on cloth diapers - I'm trying to stock up by the end of this month to get that taken care of.
Oh, and I feel fat. Yea, sure, I'll post a pic this week to show you. I feel blobby. No real belly action going on - just blob.
And NEXT Friday is our next appt at the birth center - YAY!
I am feeling ok and trying to eat healthy and stay fit, but let's face it - I'm a lazy woman. I have been in the pool twice this week and while watching mucnhkins be crazy I've sat in the shallow end and did some stretching...now if only I can remember to do it during the day!
My best friend is totally awesome - in a manner of days she's introduced me to two awesome websites. Buybuybaby.com, which is an affiliate of Bedbathandbeyond...which means I get to use the hundreds of coupons I've been savingup. And the other website is theburthsurvey.com. Basically a site where you can review your birth center, hospital, doctor, midwife, etc. My birth center has awesome ratings, for the most part, AND when I looked up midwives in my area (I don't know all the midwives names at my center), ANY midwife that had the same address as my birth center came up with 4 stars or more on a 5 star-rating system. That's GREAT news!
What else? Paperwork for baby finances is completely taken care of, which is a huge relief. I'm in the process of cutting some deals with women from my local Bump board and Craigslist on cloth diapers - I'm trying to stock up by the end of this month to get that taken care of.
Oh, and I feel fat. Yea, sure, I'll post a pic this week to show you. I feel blobby. No real belly action going on - just blob.
And NEXT Friday is our next appt at the birth center - YAY!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
First Birthing Center Appointment
So on Tuesday I made the big announcement to the world of our pregnancy and mentioned that we had our first appointment at the birthing center, but I didn't go into great detail.
Can I just tell you that I can't take my husband anywhere?! Actually, I think most of the women we saw in the office that day just thought he was hysterical - we certainly won't be forgotten by any of them anytime soon! I wouldn't be surprised if they went home or out for dinner that night and discussed him over drinks. When we walked in he immediately struck up a fun conversation with one receptionist while I got checked in and filled out paperwork. It certainly wasn't quiet like a doctor's office, either. There was another couple there with their newborn and toddler-age little girl who was just talking and playing around, and all the staff were just "chat chat chat." It was nice not to be in a "silent" environment.
The lab technician was funny, too. Very sweet. "T." I like her and look forward to seeing her at our other visits. I've actually gone up a pound or two to about 135-136, but that's still in my normal range, so it's like I've barely gained weight. I think I'll start counting pounds once I hit 140, since that's usually my highest weight in any given year. We got a packet of information and a new book to read and they took our picture together, so they can remember each couple - which I thought was very personal!
Then we were led to an office. I'm not sure if she was one of the midwives or one of the RNs, I wasn't paying attention. She seemed...stiff. I didn't not-like her, but she didn't seem to have a sense of humor like the other; maybe Shawn just overwhelmed her with his fun attitude. She did look at him kind of weird. We'll call her "J." Luckily, we weren't with her our visit; she asked if a student midwife could come in and do the whole appointment, which we agreed to because we're all about helping others out and it wasn't a big deal to us. So, we met "H" and she was COOL! I WISH she actually worked there because I would love it if it were possible she could be at the birth, but alas, she is just a student.
We spent a good 40 minutes going over family history, what's offered at the center, what can be offered thru the hospital down the road, and all the genetic testing that is available to us. I think there was more joking around than work getting done - we must have gone well over our time limit.
Then we got down to the nitty-gritty. They did a breast exam and everything looked normal, which is something I keep a look out for often since breast cancer runs in the family. Then they checked the size of my uterus, which is about the size of a grapefruit - right on schedule for being 12 weeks along. And then we got to hear the heartbeat - the ONLY reason they say anyone ever goes to an appointment:o) They actually told me, "It's still early, so we may not be able to hear it yet with the dopplar." Guess what?! They stuck that thing on me and in 2 seconds flat we heard the baby! That's what I call STRONG! 140bpm and going strong:o)
Shawn was just giggling in his sit while I laid there with an ear to ear grin. So all is well and I'm a happy mommy with a healthy baby and our next appointment is on August 21!
OH - I almost forgot - the boutique across the hall! Can I just tell you that I think men should be offered a baby-product class!!! We walked through the small boutique and Shawn just couldn't keep his hands off stuff - asking what it was, saying "this sounds cool, let's get it!" when it really wasn't something I needed. It was unbelievably adorable and funny! Daddies are so cute!
Can I just tell you that I can't take my husband anywhere?! Actually, I think most of the women we saw in the office that day just thought he was hysterical - we certainly won't be forgotten by any of them anytime soon! I wouldn't be surprised if they went home or out for dinner that night and discussed him over drinks. When we walked in he immediately struck up a fun conversation with one receptionist while I got checked in and filled out paperwork. It certainly wasn't quiet like a doctor's office, either. There was another couple there with their newborn and toddler-age little girl who was just talking and playing around, and all the staff were just "chat chat chat." It was nice not to be in a "silent" environment.
The lab technician was funny, too. Very sweet. "T." I like her and look forward to seeing her at our other visits. I've actually gone up a pound or two to about 135-136, but that's still in my normal range, so it's like I've barely gained weight. I think I'll start counting pounds once I hit 140, since that's usually my highest weight in any given year. We got a packet of information and a new book to read and they took our picture together, so they can remember each couple - which I thought was very personal!
Then we were led to an office. I'm not sure if she was one of the midwives or one of the RNs, I wasn't paying attention. She seemed...stiff. I didn't not-like her, but she didn't seem to have a sense of humor like the other; maybe Shawn just overwhelmed her with his fun attitude. She did look at him kind of weird. We'll call her "J." Luckily, we weren't with her our visit; she asked if a student midwife could come in and do the whole appointment, which we agreed to because we're all about helping others out and it wasn't a big deal to us. So, we met "H" and she was COOL! I WISH she actually worked there because I would love it if it were possible she could be at the birth, but alas, she is just a student.
We spent a good 40 minutes going over family history, what's offered at the center, what can be offered thru the hospital down the road, and all the genetic testing that is available to us. I think there was more joking around than work getting done - we must have gone well over our time limit.
Then we got down to the nitty-gritty. They did a breast exam and everything looked normal, which is something I keep a look out for often since breast cancer runs in the family. Then they checked the size of my uterus, which is about the size of a grapefruit - right on schedule for being 12 weeks along. And then we got to hear the heartbeat - the ONLY reason they say anyone ever goes to an appointment:o) They actually told me, "It's still early, so we may not be able to hear it yet with the dopplar." Guess what?! They stuck that thing on me and in 2 seconds flat we heard the baby! That's what I call STRONG! 140bpm and going strong:o)
Shawn was just giggling in his sit while I laid there with an ear to ear grin. So all is well and I'm a happy mommy with a healthy baby and our next appointment is on August 21!
OH - I almost forgot - the boutique across the hall! Can I just tell you that I think men should be offered a baby-product class!!! We walked through the small boutique and Shawn just couldn't keep his hands off stuff - asking what it was, saying "this sounds cool, let's get it!" when it really wasn't something I needed. It was unbelievably adorable and funny! Daddies are so cute!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
We're PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For those of you who didn't know before, WELCOME to our baby blog!
Yes, it's true, Shawn & I are having a baby! We are almost 12 weeks along, so almost out of our first trimester, and we had a checkup today. After hearing the heartbeat (140 bpm) and knowing that all is well we feel like the ENTIRE world may know now! Feel free to keep this link for any future updates of our pregnancy and, of course, after the baby is born I will continue to update. Also, feel free to take a look around the blog and catch up on past posts, which give more details of what's been going on thus far. (WARNING: sometimes there is WAY too much information, so be prepared!!!) If you just want the quick rundown - here it is:
January 2009 - starting trying to conceive (TTC)
May 31 - got our big fat positive (BFP)
June 25 - hospital visit due to some minor concerns, first ultrasound (u/s) and hearing the heartbeat
July 28- first birthing center visit, heartbeat via dopplar 140bpm
Aug 21 - next appointment
Feb 10, 2010 - Estimated Due Date (EDD)
We WILL be finding out the gender. We WILL be trying to have a med-free, au natural birth at a birthing center rather than a hospital. Check out the rest of the blog entries for more info:o)
Yes, it's true, Shawn & I are having a baby! We are almost 12 weeks along, so almost out of our first trimester, and we had a checkup today. After hearing the heartbeat (140 bpm) and knowing that all is well we feel like the ENTIRE world may know now! Feel free to keep this link for any future updates of our pregnancy and, of course, after the baby is born I will continue to update. Also, feel free to take a look around the blog and catch up on past posts, which give more details of what's been going on thus far. (WARNING: sometimes there is WAY too much information, so be prepared!!!) If you just want the quick rundown - here it is:
January 2009 - starting trying to conceive (TTC)
May 31 - got our big fat positive (BFP)
June 25 - hospital visit due to some minor concerns, first ultrasound (u/s) and hearing the heartbeat
July 28- first birthing center visit, heartbeat via dopplar 140bpm
Aug 21 - next appointment
Feb 10, 2010 - Estimated Due Date (EDD)
We WILL be finding out the gender. We WILL be trying to have a med-free, au natural birth at a birthing center rather than a hospital. Check out the rest of the blog entries for more info:o)
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