Pretnancy Thread - Wednesday 03/02

[Jefinner]

Surfdol...................Catherine Emily Jean.........Born 12/21/04
BrattyChelle...........Elana Marie.......................Born 12/23/04
GetNSlim...............Jonathan Charles..............Born 12/31/04
Kay&Lydi................"Baby".................... .........Born 01/06/05
Shandril105............Elizabeth Skye..................Born 01/10/05
Viki........................."Baby Girl".......................Born 01/18/05
Nyanchan................Audrey Kay......................Born 02/09/05
MadameX................Madeleine Jane................Born 02/09/05
metroames..............Grant David....................Born 02/18/05
kimism.....................Megan Elizabeth.............Born 02/25/05


JennPayton..................W38................03/13/05......Girl
blueyedgrl....................W37................0 3/26/05......Boy
Heather123.................W36................03/30/05......Boy
shelly...........................W36.............. ..04/02/05......Boy?
Marthad.......................W34................0 4/11/05......Boy
Dar20..........................W33................ 04/16/05......Girl
Jefinner........................W33............... .04/16/05......Boy
GoJackets....................W31................05/03/05
Hooligan.......................W31................ 05/04/05
mom2twoboys.............W31................05/07/05
chels_hoff.....................W30...............0 5/15/05......Boy
Ravenly74.....................W30................0 5/15/05......Boy
Denise85.......................W29................ 05/22/05......Boy
tekla..............................W29............ ....05/23/05......Boy


azktycat.....................W27.................0 5/30/05.....Girl
Luna...........................W26................ .06/04/05.....Girl
Vixendrop...................W24.................06/18/05.....Girl
naerenaenae...............W24.................06/18/05.....Girl
jehcekah.....................W24.................0 6/22/05.....Boy
gilbabe75....................W23.................0 6/25/05.....Boy
Miss Gigl......................W23.................06/26/05.....Girl
rooney........................W23................. .06/30/05....Boy
Acutepenguin...............W21..................07/10/05
allibaba.........................W21.............. ...07/12/05....Twins (Boy & Girl)
kclynn..........................W20............... ..07/18/05
Tbugs...........................W19............... ..07/21/05
Mandyhoward...............W18.................07/30/05....Boy
melos...........................W18............... ..08/01/05
SmileyAmy....................W17.................0 8/05/05

jeepifer..........................W9.............. ...10/04/05
Karingreen.....................W9................. 10/08/05
jojolw............................W?.............. .....??/??/05

Green12........................................... ...Trying!
2BFitHourglass.................................... .Trying!
lil miss.............................................. ....Trying!
Nicole133......................................... ....Trying!
StrawberryGirl.................................... ..Trying!
AnnieO............................................ .....Trying!
speckle........................................... ......Trying!
Alissaliz......................................... ........Trying!
Aediekins......................................... .....Trying!
AZParalegal....................................... ....Trying!
DasiyNYC.......................................... ....Trying!

[Jefinner]

As far as C-Sections and Inductions go...

Cesarean - I couldn't unless it's life or death, but I'm deathly afraid of surgery.

Induction - I didn't have a big horror story, but my natural childbirth was much better than my induction.

Either way, do your research. Every type of birth has a horror story. I'm sure you'll hear about someone who endured 100 hours of natural labor, and then hear about someone who almost died during a C-Section. Follow your gut.

MANDY & JEC - Thank goodness my MIL isn't overbearing... She'll give you plenty of advice, but she doesn't force it on you. What's funny is that when I decided to use a midwife, MY mom was more hesitant (and she's 20 years younger) than my MIL. Of course, my MIL was born at home... That's how it was done back then.

DAR - In regards to the sex life after birth... Even though we'll have two babies a year apart, our sex life slowed down a lot. Not because of want, but because of being exhausted while taking care of a new baby. But, YOU do the research, and YOU decide how you'll have this baby. Give your husband all the research you can.

KIM - Megan is a cutie pie!

AMES - Grant is getting so big already. What a handsome little man.

CHELS - I missed you guys too!

Well, I went to the birth center for my chiro appt. tonight (since it's after midnight, I guess it was technically last night), and to my surprise, she worked a lot on my forearms and wrists... Then my neck and back. My arms are a little sore, but she warned me they would be. Now I'm supposed to put ice on them tomorrow for a little bit.

[Marthad]

Good morning!

Ames, great pictures of Grant! Thanks for sharing

Smiley, I don’t think your email was too harsh. Glad things seem to be working out.

Dena, my husband and I definitely have discussed changes “down there” He just tells me to do more kegels! but I definitely worry about getting all stretched out…eek

Karatejen, OMG mayo jar!!! LOL

Heather, that’s great that things are starting. Are you feeling anything happen down there? I’ve been having these pulling sensations around my cervix, and this morning it was itchy/tickling and hurt all at the same time…I wonder if something is starting to change down there…I hope you don’t have a bladder infectiton!

Dar, for what it’s worth…one of my friends in CT had a planned c-section. Only recently did she tell me she did that because she was raped, and can’t tolerate any pain what-so-ever in that area. I hope you can work things out *hugs*

Becca, good point about DH watching the birth…we’ve discussed that too. I keep worrying that he won’t ever see me the same after having seen baby come out. I mean, that is the kind of image that gets burned into your head forever. But, I think he wants to look…I’m not going to, though!!

Jehcekah, good to see you. My little one has his days when he’s really active too.

Ali, great pictures! You have fantastic legs!

Kim, awwww, cute pictures!

Luna, I can just picture that scene in VS!!

It’s 3 below this morning, brrr! But, at least the sun is shining and coming up earlier. Tonight we’re going to a “presentation” at one of the hospitals, so we can think about our preferences.

Has anyone felt any sharp pains? I keep reading pregnancy and labor shouldn’t have any sharp pains, but then I’m feeling something similar to round ligament pain, but for no apparent reason and it doesn’t go away quickly. I’m also feeling something different for lack of a better description, around my cervix—sometimes pulling, sometimes cramping, but it definitely hurts. Maybe I’m just being overly sensitive?

Hope everyone has a good day!

[Dar20]

Morning, ladies,

Thanks for the discussion yesterday. I appreciate it. Where to do research at? Unfortunately, DH thinks anything I find on the internet is either horror stories or something like that.. so where else to look?

DH did stain my new rocker last night. What a good boy.

Martha, I've been having more pain in my sides, which I think is round ligament pain. I had a rough night last night.. at night is when it's worse. And I can't decide what makes it hurt more - having my belly propped on a pillow or not.

When is your next appt? I have had no odd sensations down below except for the urge to pee. I keep on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary, though, now that we're getting closer.

Ali, great pictures! You have fantastic legs!

LOL.. I thought the same thing!!!

BBL.

[Marthad]

Dar, I saw the doctor yesterday, and she said it's not unusual...Asked my doula about it via email and she said things do start to change, but if I experience strong pain or bleeding to go to the ER...I'll ask the midwife about it on Friday, but I suspect she'll just say it's normal and shrug...

I know what you mean about getting and staying comfy at night...now I've figured out how to not have hip pain, but my shoulder gets stiff...oh, the joys!

[Jefinner]

MARTHA - What exactly does a doula do. I have an offer from a woman to be a doula for me, free of charge. She needs three more clients before she can get her certification.

And I'm a doof... I just noticed the typo in my title. DUR!

[Dar20]

LOL, Jenn, I just noticed it for the first time, too.

How cool.. a free doula. A friend of a friend is working on being certified, too. She asked me if I had one. I just can't afford it. It would be nice, though, not having any family nearby.

[GoJackets]

Chelsea - When is your next 3D? I keep debating about getting one...I think we've decided we are just going to have some portraits made of me and DH and the "belly".....kind of a farewell to our old life and welcoming our new one. How is the room? Did you finish it yet?

SmileyAmy - You know, I had a problem with the coughing/peeing early on. I was surprised that it would happen so soon. But, I can tell you that it never got any worse in the last three months. Or maybe I am more prepared and cross my fingers, toes and legs when I have to sneeze!

Darlene - Hope things are better and you and DH will be laughing about all of this in the near future. Funny about DH and the vet videos.....mine is not a fan of that kind of stuff so I think this is going to be a shock for him. But, I don't expect him to be too involved in the actual birthing process.

Mandy - will you have any help after the delivery?

Heather - Glad to hear you are progressing! You are at the top of the list with our other two gals.....who is it going to be? I have a baby shower Saturday too....my first one....it's a couple's shower....DH's friends and wives will be there.

Jenn - everything is well with you!!
Hope to hear from you soon. I can't believe you are sooo close.

Hey Becca and Ames!!!

Jehcekah - Can't wait to see pictures of the nursery! I have to say that I am blessed with a wonderful MIL. But, DH and I kind of drew the line early on in our marriage so she would know our boundaries. My baby doesn't move that much....well, I don't feel it much. It has been getting busier about 2:00pm everyday for the last week. I'm not sure if it is because I am sitting up at my desk....but I have so much fun watching it. Just wish it would do it at night so DH could see it too.

Alli - Great pictures, and I agree with everyone else.....GREAT LEGS!!!

Kim - She is gorgeous, you must be proud...can't wait for more pictures!!!!

Hi Luna!

Hi Jefinner!!

Martha - Sorry about the pains. I'm probably worrying more about "changes" then DH.....or at least I am being more vocal about it. Can't be too bad....lots of 2nd and 3rd babies on this board.

I'm going to submit this before I lose it....and then post my dilema. I'm trying to multi task.

[karatejen]

Originally posted by Dar20

Thanks for the discussion yesterday. I appreciate it. Where to do research at? Unfortunately, DH thinks anything I find on the internet is either horror stories or something like that.. so where else to look?

Dar~have you looked up the topic in any books? I know State Farm offers a free Mayo Clinic book on pregnancy and baby's first year. I have it at home and of what I have read, it is very thorough. What type of class are you taking? We took just a basic childbirth class offered by the hospital and even though DH has 2 kids, he said he learned so much that he never knew. I really think it helped him help me during delivery.

Martha~yep, the joke is a mayo jar. The doc offered to set up a mirror for me when I was pushing him out so I could see what was going on down there. All I could think about was mayo jar and I wanted to stay in complete denial that I was going to stretch that big. To see it would have made me accept that I was that elastic .

Kim~I think you are doing great with the breastfeeding. Relaxing can really help. I wish you success.

Ok, I will go back to lurking mode.

[Dar20]

Originally posted by GoJackets
Darlene - Hope things are better and you and DH will be laughing about all of this in the near future. Funny about DH and the vet videos.....

I hope so. It was not discussed last night. But we were both busy.

And it isn't videos he's seen. He used to assist in surgery on a daily basis at his old job. Hip replacements and other major surgery for animals.

[GoJackets]

My mother was going to be here for the delivery. I wanted my mother and DH. My grandmother was there when I was born, and I figured she would be there when this one is born. I'm the only daughter, and I have two older brothers. One brother has two kids (my mother's two grandkids). They are 10 and 11. So, I am the next one to have a grandbaby since my brother had his two....and my mother wasn't part of that.

She has two very large greyhounds and travels with an RV. We figured she would stay at a local camp ground and when the time comes, meet us at the hospital....leave the greyhounds in the RV (it's HUGE).

Well, she sold the RV (which is a very good thing, but that is another story). So now we have been discussing how we are going to arrange it logistically for her to be there without being at my house. I have it in my mind that DH and I want to be home alone. I could handle my mother there, but I am not coming home (to my home) to two large greyhounds. They are great dogs....one you wouldn't even notice, but the other is a nipper....when she gets excited, she nips you in the butt. Yeah, me with a newborn worrying about getting nipped. No thank you. And most importantly, I have three cats that are going to need to make an adjustment to a baby....anyone who knows anything about greyhounds know that they don't get along well with cats....so the cats would have to be locked up....and I'm not doing that to my babies. It is very important that they get to roam freely and get used to things. Me being gone a couple of days, lock them up, bring in two greyhounds AND and new baby? Could you imagine the chaos?

She knows how I feel about it, so we started looking into some pet friendly hotels. There are several close by. I feel bad sticking her in a hotel. Potentially, she could some up for a few days by herself and leave my step dad at home with the dogs....and then come back later.....after everyone is settled in...come back with Pop and the dogs.....

To make a long story, longer....I get this:

"I was just wondering if you would consider if when the baby is born, that I come up after it's a couple weeks old, or wait until you call me??? I think that this is a really special time for you and Jonathan and just the two of you should share it. I can always be there for the next one, but I would much rather be there to help you when you really would want and need me. I would not be disappointed at all to wait. There is only one first baby and I think you guys should share that alone. What do you think? Would you consider that? I would rather do it that way-next time you will have to beat me off to keep me away, but this time should just be you guys, the time in the hospital is so short these days that you should be as relaxed as possible and really treasure each moment. I love you! "


Now, I don't know if she sent this because she just doesn't want to fool with the dogs or because she really means it....my mom can say one thing and mean another. I don't know how to reply. What if I don't have any more kids? I want a peaceful house.....BUT...... Oh yeah, it's important to note that my dad wasn't at any of our three births.

[GoJackets]

Originally posted by karatejen
Martha~yep, the joke is a mayo jar. The doc offered to set up a mirror for me when I was pushing him out so I could see what was going on down there. All I could think about was mayo jar and I wanted to stay in complete denial that I was going to stretch that big. To see it would have made me accept that I was that elastic .

This is me.....I think I am going to pass on the mirror.

[GoJackets]

Originally posted by Dar20
I hope so. It was not discussed last night. But we were both busy.

And it isn't videos he's seen. He used to assist in surgery on a daily basis at his old job. Hip replacements and other major surgery for animals.

I'm queazy about stuff like that.....is he the type that will watch or is it different when it is his wife?

[Dar20]

Originally posted by karatejen
Dar~have you looked up the topic in any books? I know State Farm offers a free Mayo Clinic book on pregnancy and baby's first year. I have it at home and of what I have read, it is very thorough. What type of class are you taking? We took just a basic childbirth class offered by the hospital and even though DH has 2 kids, he said he learned so much that he never knew. I really think it helped him help me during delivery.

I do have the Mayo book.. also got it from State Farm. I haven't looked at their chapter on birthing, but I did look at What to Expect and Week by Week. They didn't help me much, because they both said something along the lines of, "cesareans are much safer now than they used to be." NOT what I want to show DH! I

We are also just taking the basic childbirth class at the hospital. From what friend's who have taken it have told me, it's very enlightening and they learned alot, too.

[GoJackets]

Originally posted by karatejen
I know State Farm offers a free Mayo Clinic book on pregnancy and baby's first year. I have it at home and of what I have read, it is very thorough.

This reminded me:

If you join the baby club at Publix, they send you some good coupons and the baby's first year book.

[Dar20]

Originally posted by GoJackets
I'm queazy about stuff like that.....is he the type that will watch or is it different when it is his wife?

He probably won't watch the actual delivery. I'll probably pass on the mirror, too. I'm sure it will be different because it's me, and he knows that.. but at least I know in advance he doesn't get queasy at the sight of blood.

In regards to your Mom, it could be she's just saying that. But, she probably doesn't want to stress you, or her dogs, out. If she truly weren't okay with being there with you, I would hope she'd tell you. If you REALLY want her here, I think the option of her coming alone and leaving the dogs home for a few days is best. And just let her know that you really REALLY want her there. She obviously understands your concern, and so do I. It's going to be stressful enough in the house, and your cats don't deserve to be locked up.

How far away is she? Will she make it there for the birth if she's at home and you call her?

If you join the baby club at Publix, they send you some good coupons and the baby's first year book.

Yep, got that, too... (somewhere....)

[GoJackets]

Originally posted by Dar20

How far away is she? Will she make it there for the birth if she's at home and you call her?

Well, if my first birth is like the majority....she could make it. She is six hours away. But, I could end up with a c-section...and it wouldn't matter, right? Don't they just let one in the room?

I'm thinking she should come early and stay until the baby is born....go back home....let the dust settle....and then come back when the novelty has worn off.

She is jealous of my MIL.....that might be part of it too...

[Dar20]

Originally posted by GoJackets
Well, if my first birth is like the majority....she could make it. She is six hours away. But, I could end up with a c-section...and it wouldn't matter, right? Don't they just let one in the room?

I'm thinking she should come early and stay until the baby is born....go back home....let the dust settle....and then come back when the novelty has worn off.

She is jealous of my MIL.....that might be part of it too...

Then again, my friend Caryn who had her baby on Monday gave birth after only about 5 hours.

Why is she jealous of MIL? Is MIL very close to you guys? Is MIL going to be there? I would rather die than have my MIL anywhere near me during labor.

[GoJackets]

My MIL won't be at the delivery. She will be at the hospital, but not in there in the delivery room.

When I say she would be jealous....what I mean is that once we got home and DH's parents were visiting...she would be jealous of the interaction of them and the baby....and she thinks I would be worried about trying to accomodate them (I'm generally a good hostess, but it will be furthest from my mind - I'm passing the crown to DH).

So, knowing her, if she waits a few weeks and the novelty wears off....DH will be back to work and she will have the baby (and me) to herself. Make sense?

Here is my reply:

"Neither Jonathan nor I have a problem with you being at the house when we come home from the hospital if it means you will be there when the baby is born. We just don’t want an audience.

Why don’t you just come up by yourself when the baby is due. I will be out of work, and at home bored. You can help me get ready…washing clothes….maybe precooking some meals….etc…..and then once the baby is born….you could go back home….then, when we are all ready….you and Pop and the dogs could come back once everyone is settled?"

[Dar20]

Sounds good.. let us know what she says.

I'm afraid (seriously, afraid) of what my MIL is going to be like. She has not had to share her three grandchildren with another grandmother, since my BIL's family is in Tunisia and has never been to the US.

[Karingreen]

Jennifer: A Doula is a couch, she is there for you, to help you in any way she can. They usually know a lot of little tricks for pain and good positions for you to be in. You could ask her for all the details and she could tell you what all she offers. If you don't mind the extra person seeing you deliver a doula is a great thing to have.

Kim: Since you have to pump, let me suggest like someone else did to have the baby beside you, relax, and let me add try to get the baby to cry, a baby crying is a natural way of getting your milk to let down. With one of my babies my milk would pour out at church, in public whereever if any baby starting crying. Also you probably already know but the more you try to pump even if your are just getting a drop or two, the more you will get eventually, pump every two hours if possible.

Hello to everyone else, to the ladies with MIL problems so sorry to here, I have had a very bad experiece with my MIL when I was first married 16 years ago, but other than that she has been great and never overbearing, now my mom is a little overbearing, but it is easier to take coming from your own mom, and she is not that bad.

I am doing really good, I am not sleeping to well. I toss and turn all night, I am thinking to much about wanting to have this little one right now, I am like a kid at Christmas, and I am only 8 weeks, how will I ever manage.

I hope everyone has a great day.

[Karingreen]

A doula is a coach, not a couch, don't sit on her. LOL sorry for spelling

[Jefinner]

LMAO KARIN!!! I'm glad I'm not the only one with typo issues today!

[JennPayton]

Just Checking In...

I haven't had a chance to catch up on the thread since last week...I need to do that and then come back and do some personals!

I just wanted everyone to know that I am still around and still pregnant. As of Friday, 2/25, I was 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Then, on Sunday, I lost what I thought was my mucous plug. Well, now I am wondering if it was my plug since nothing new has really happened. It was large, pinkish brown and definitely mucous...but I feel so naive...maybe it was just discharge from my exam on Friday?

I've had what I think are contractions off and on, but nothing regular or steady - so I guess just braxton hicks. I've also had some lower back pain, but it always just goes away with some rest. I had some diarrhea last night, but that obviously didn't mean anything...So...I continue to wait...

I am drinking raspberry tea (have been for about 2 weeks now). Any other suggestions???? I wish I could walk more, but my hips and pubis hurt so bad, I can't really do anything longer than 5-10 minutes without compensating for my hip pain by tightening my back muscles, which then causes my back to cramp up.

I hope you all are doing well! Congrats to KIM! I just knew you would beat me!

I am working from home until my next appt. (Friday), so I am not online as much, but I will go back and read up...

Lots of Love!!

[Jefinner]

OH JENN!!!! Your body is starting to get ready. You very well could've lost your plug.