It's Mothers Day! (just fyi) and besides my regular mommy day festivities I decided to do something mamarific for baby Shea! I didn't physically pack yet... but I did make my list! What to Bring to the hospital:
If nothing else: #1= THE LAPTOP For Mommy:
* Robe and slippers for walking in early labor * Warm socks? * Toiletries (shampoo, soap, deodorant, body lotion, lanolin, lip balm) * Barrette/band/ hair ties * Eyeglasses? * Mouthwash/toothbrush/toothpaste * Bra (nursing bra if breastfeeding) * Loose-fitting clothes to wear home
For Coping with Labor:
* Focal point: object, picture? maybe? * MP3 player * Deck of cards, magazine, book * Paper, pencil * Gum * Lotion, oil, hand massager for massage/backrub * lil Pillow? pillowcases? * Hand fan, mirror * Stress ball
For Daddy:
* Mouthwash/toothbrush/toothpaste * Extra change of clothes * Snack(s) * Any necessary medications * Sleeping attire * Change/money for vending machines
Miscellaneous:
* Prenatal education binder? * Phone numbers, people to notify of birth * Change/money for vending machines * Camera/video recorder loaded with film and new batteries
Items for Baby:
* Approved Car Seat * Baby book (if you want the footprints in it) * Outfit for going home (include undershirt) * Outerwear (lightweight blanket and hat.)
Ok, like I said I am done with my old doctor!! And decided also, that I don't want a doctor... instead I'm looking for a midwife! Why? Well I think it would be a better fit for me. Here is some internet stuff (info):
The term midwife reflects a philosophy of care; one that is directed at the woman and her individual reproductive needs. A midwife usually offers a variety of options and seeks to eliminate or minimize unnecessary interventions. The midwives model of care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes.
The midwives model of care includes: * Monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle * Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support * Minimizing technological interventions * Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention
Midwives Reduce the Use of an Epidural (Regional Anesthesia) With close one-to-one care during childbirth, mothers who choose a midwife may discover that their need for pain medication is not as great. The Cochrane Review did find that mothers tend to use epidurals less frequently during labor if there was a midwife as the primary provider. Midwives generally offer different options for pain relief and provide much needed reassurance to mothers that they have the ability to cope with labor, thereby reducing the use of epidurals.
That's reassuring, I really do wish I would have done this sooner :(
So I went to my hmo online and searched for a close CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) that accepts my insurance. I found one that I liked... hopefully she will take me! Her name is Jess Diermeier. She is located in West Bend which isn't that far..but isn't that close either
So today I went to go check out St. Joesph's West Bend, and I took grandma with me. (because If I do get her as my nurse, that is where she delivers. It is really nice there.I wouldn't say that it is better then st. marys, I would say they just have a few differences. I really liked the nurse who gave me the tour. And they had some cool fetchers I liked:
The clinic where my midwife works is attached right next door to the hospital. you just walk threw the set of doors and your there!
The baby and mama monitors are in the hallway on a tv screen, so the nurses can keep an eye on you with out being all in your business.
right next to every room you have your own nurses station (...kinda like the icu)
They have an "online nursery" where they take a picture and post the baby announcement with all the info online for you! (if you want...and I do)
They have pretty murals in every room
every room has it's own whirl pool tub for labor
AND (the part Matt will like the best) They have an awesome Daddy couch! It's pretty darn big... and comfy!
And the big seller! ... (If we feel up to it) they have no problem with Kyla staying overnight with us in the room!!!
The nurse who gave the tour said every birth she has seen Jess do went very smoothly and she is a good choice. :) But I still have a concern that I may not be able to switch doctors at this point because really I only have like 5 weeks to go.. but the nurse who gave the tour, said just call on Monday and tell them the problems you have been having. I'm sure she will accept you. So that's a relief to hear. ...but it still isn't a yes. The office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00, so I'm going to call right away on monday at 8am! My HMO says she accepts my insurance and that Information is current as of 05/03/2010. So fingers crossed! The drive out there isn't too bad, and I really finally feel ok with everything so I hope this works out!
At 9:30 I had my doctor appointment... Not much there. He didn't tell the heart rate, he just said it was good. I asked how big I was measuring and he just said ask the nurse on your way out... and that was it! by the way, still don't know how big I'm measuring. He said last time that this week he would could tell for sure where the baby is laying... He didn't even check! I am so pissed! I know it's late and I only have 6 weeks till the due date (and also that I may go early) BUT I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!!!! I am going to look for a new dr!!! another thing I don't like (MAJORLY) is that I said I don't want the epidural this time. mainly because I was told that it would be risky because my spine is a lil squished from the car opps. ...but still I asked him what are my other options... and didn't really get ANY info! I asked about where I could take birthing classes... again no real info, he did say st. Marys but I couldn't get in there... so what are they the only place that has classes in Wisconsin?!? So what, I'm suppose to just walk in sometime in june and just go au natural? with no pre planed techniques or anything? AHHHHH! He is so in and out, and as people have said before, the doctors just catch the baby, it's the nurses that take care of you... well I don't even want him to catch. I feel like he is a complete stranger...and he didn't wish me a happy mothers day...and I heard him say it to someone else!
please pray that I find a new dr!!!!
My Baby On a different note, even though the doc doesn't give a toot, I have been poking the belly and feeling around and I think this is how the baby is sitting:
Left Occiput Transverse
The left occiput transverse (LOT) is one of the ideal starting positions for labor. Talking the talk: A Left Occipital Transverse baby has her
1.) Back leaning into mother’s left;
2.) Head down, and
3.) She's facing mother’s hip and kicking mother’s upper right abdomen. We say she is LOT. ...but she moves..alot!
Baby’s Growth at Month 8 Baby is practicing her breathing movements, even though she’s not actually breathing air yet. Feel those rhythmic jerks? Those are her hiccups! She’s reacting to light, testing her lungs, and getting cramped for space. Fingernails and toenails have grown so much that she’ll need a clipping when she arrives. She’s begun a routine but sleeps much of the time! I said it before and I will say it again... This kid moves ALOT!
My Body Missing out on those ZZZs? No wonder -- with your gigundo belly, baby's kicks, bathroom runs, leg cramps, heartburn (the list goes on and on), sleep is a hot commodity for many preggo ladies now. But you can rest easier. It may even be as simple as experimenting with different sleep positions or -- surprisingly -- boosting your nutrient intake. Adjusting with your routine a bit should help you nod off faster by tonight! Ok, I tried the whole 'nutrient intake' thing. no not really :P we have been eating out alot lately. and I'm sure that doesn't help any. and another thing that doesn't help is I had to throw out my memory foam mattress topper :( ...it was one of the dangers of co-sleeping! but anyway, I have been using Bailey as a back support, and that seems to help... as far as being gigantic and the heart burn... I'm never really comfy! Feel that tightening? It’s a Braxton Hicks contraction and completely normal during your last trimester. At first, you might think contractions have started and you’re going into labor, but it’s just a practice run. These uncomfortable cramps are your body prepping for actual labor! I know! I've been having these so randomly! ...and mostly AT WORK! Nervous About Labor? YES! Know These 3 Things! Labor has three stages: The first is considered a three-part process in itself (during which your cervix effaces and dilates) and includes the early, active, and transitional phases that bring you to full dilation (10 cm). Then comes Stage Two: birthing Baby! Finally, the third stage is placental delivery. Whew! Well, my doc my not care if know about labor, but at least I have the internet to help a lil bit!
My Life This week or next, it's a good idea to break out baby's car seat and pimp your ride for that first trip home from the hospital. This contraption can be surprisingly tricky to install properly, so take it from us -- give yourself enough time to get it right. Here, eight ways to ensure you don't mess up. sigh* yeah I should go dig that out... and I should clean out the car... and I should pack my bag... as far as getting anything else ready, I'm gonna wait until she gets home... how very Jewish of my lol!
How are those hips holding up? Don't be surprised if they're more sore than usual -- pelvic and hip pain is a major sign that your body's loosening up those joints to make room for baby's big debut! Soothe the aches away with a calming nightly soak in the tub.
Nightly soak.... that sounds nice, but I don't really fit in the tub! How are the hips holding up? yes they are sore! and yesterday, someone said i had a cute pregnancy waddle. -and since when is that a compliment?
It's never too soon to start thinking about child care options if you're gonna head back to work after the baby's born. (Wish you could afford to quit for good?)
OH Yeah I Wish I Could Quit For Good! ...but I know I can't. And as far as child care goes, I think we're all set. I don't know when I will go back to work, but baby should get to go with Kyla to Kindercare...when they are ready. :)
Choosing to bottle-feed? No mother should ever feel guilty for bottle-feeding. Maybe nursing’s not right for you, you’re supplementing so your partner can help, or you’re returning to work. Your pediatrician can recommend a good formula and bottle. (Rumor has it, bottle-fed babies go longer between feedings!)
yeah, going to do both. I want to breast feed, but I know it didn't work out with Kyla, and with daycare I should just give them formula. but at home it shall be boobies time :)
Between all the stress of planning, the crazy new body changes, and the laundry list of dos and don’ts that come along with pregnancy, it’s no wonder why having a baby can bring along a ton of new worries. But while some fears may be totally warranted, let’s be honest; we’re all probably guilty of letting at least a few irrational ones freak us out more than they should.
1. Laying on my belly (and squashing baby): No; I know she will be safe in her little water world :p
2. My face changing: A little bit, but not until it was mentioned. I do remember my nose spread towards the end with Kyla, but the puffiness when away. Yeah the acne tho! I hate having such a 'greasy' complexion. ewwwww!
3. Eating something that would harm baby: Sorta... I try to limit my salami type meats, and only have tuna once and a while. some people have a no deli meat at all while preggers but not me :P
4. Losing the baby: yeah, I was afraid of that a lot in the beginning. and now (because of a full moon or something) I've been hearing about a lot of premature babies, and yeah that's pretty scary too. but even if I have her now she would be safe. So ... yeah that's always a scary thought.
5. Baby will be deformed: no, I had a good ultrasound, and i just feel like she will be healthy :) ... but she will probably have mommy and daddy's attitude issues so... :P
6. That the baby weight will never go away.: OH Yes! I have been trying really hard this time not to gain any extra non baby weight this time! With Kyla I used the eating for two excuse way to much... and that was definitely not all baby weight!
7. My water breaking in public: public-no, but work yes.
8. Going into preterm labor: I use to be, but at this point the doc said the baby would be fine, so with the heartburn, kicks to the stomach, ribs and bladder, and the back and hip pain... sure labor would sound good. :)
9. Peeing my pants in public: umm, not really?
10. Being able to care for a newborn: with Kyla yes, but this time around I don't know about the whole 'handling two thing' ... I want them both to feel like they important and loved.
You are one hot mama -- literally. A 20 percent metabolic rate increase throughout pregnancy can leave you begging for a cool breeze no matter what the weather is like. Distract yourself with an exercise in blind identification. Try to distinguish between baby's feet, fists, knees, and elbows -- all doing some major pushing and nudging inside of you.
Oh great...I'm going to be a walrus and it's going to get all hot out, and now I'm naturally going to get toasty? BOO. and as far as the baby position I found this AWESOME site!
So today I had my doctor appointment. I weigh 202lbs... not good. I gained too much weight, but they said nothing about it! Plus Matt went too, this is his first time to a doctor’s appointment, and the doctor didn't even say as much as a hi, to Matt. which was frustrating. But on the up side, Matt heard the heartbeat for the first time, it was 137. (Anything over 130 is good) I was thinking about changing doctors, because the doc just isn't that into... anything! It always seems like he has somewhere else more important to be... and he spends a MAX of 15 minutes with me, which only happened once, and you could tell he didn't like to spend that much time with me. Usually he only spends like 5 minutes max with me. But some of my 'online mommy friends' made a good point: The nurse is good, and always has time, so at least I'm getting answers. And when I do get to deliver the nurses at the hospital are the real ones taking care of you. All the doctor has to do is show up and catch the baby. So that is a good point. On the plus side we did find out that the baby is head down.
Luckily I had my county nurse appointment right after the doctor appointment. She is real good, and explained everything to me. :) One of the things the doc said was that I made it to 30 weeks, and it would be ok to deliver at this point, but I should try to make it to 35 weeks... WAH!? The nurse said don't worry about it, he probably just thinks the baby will be a little early and he was just letting me know that the baby had to be 35 weeks to deliver at St. Mary's. Plus she said the weight gain was not so good, and I should only gain a total of like 24 lbs... So I need to watch that, because it may be water weight and that can put a stress on the heart and I could get preeclampsia again. So I should watch my 'puffiness' and when I go to the grocery store or something just check my blood pressure for good measure.
And I am so exited! It finally happened!!!!! AN ELBOW WENT ACROSS MY TUMMY!!!!! And then as if that wasn't cool enough, she rearranged herself...and I got to catch it on video! I had the window open so the whoosh sounds are the noisy cars going by. And I'm not really sure if you will think it's cool or gross, but I'll share anyway. :P
If nothing else: #1= THE LAPTOP
please pray that I find a new dr!!!!
Left Occiput Transverse
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