Pregnancy Thread ----> Thursday, 1/29/04

[MrsIndpndent]

Name.............Week...............Due Date

Sylv.......................Beca..................B orn 11/10/03!
Epi_Doc.................Jack Thomas.....Born 11/22/03!
Diane24.................Ian Jameson.....Born 12/17/03!
Sjoy76...................Done??................12/7/03
Misbadu.................Samuel..............Born 12/27/03!

Kitimat2000............W38.............2/3/04.............Girl
Heidi-M...................W38............ 2/9/04.............Boy
Allesandra...............W37............2/16/04
Lowcarbinmama.......W35............3/1/04.............Girl
mstigerlily...............W34.............3/5/04.............Boy
3Diva......................W33.............3/13/04...........Girl
Araceli.....................W31.............3/25/04
Looper....................W31.............3/28/04..........Girl
ChristieJ..................W29.............4/11/04
Jefinner...................W29.............4/13/04..........Girl
Sinnrah...................W28.............4/19/04...........Girl
LessCarbsMoreMe....W27.............4/27/04
weezieworks............W25..............5/9/04

Sarajewel................W23............5/25/04...........Girl
PFgal.......................W23............5/27/04...........Girl
Cynicalcyn................W23............5/28/04..........Girl
Abbymommy............W23............5/28/04..........Girl
genifire6..................W21............6/07/04
Tracy2.....................W20.............6/13/04..........Girl
Trishagrrl.................W17.............7/07/04.........Boy
SunnieGirl................W15.............7/17/04
KatieN.....................W15..............7/22/04


Redjewel..................W13..............8/04...........Twins
AngelHope...............W13..............8/02/04
bwylde.....................W12...............8/6/04
wari.........................W9.................9/1/04
Trolly........................W8...............9/8/04
Thininmex.................W7................9/16/04
Teach2Live...............W7.................9/20/04
txaggie.....................W6..................9/27/04
babyblue26062........W5.................10/4/04
Mrs. Sarah....................................Trying!

[cynicalcyn]

Good Morning Ladies!

How is everyone doing?

I hope great!

WOW we had some interesting research to do w/ the borage based upon yesterday's thread. I'm going to do some of my own research because I too find this very interesting as does TigerLily.

Anyways just wanted to say hello and I took everyone's advice and I signed up for a breastfeeding class. MY SIL and I are going to take it together. That should be fun!!!

Today Senator Mike DeWine is coming to our job to discuss keeping jobs in OH regarding Wright Patt Air Force Base. We are a govt. contractor. Anyways just wanted to peak in before our day got started with him.

Take care!
Cynthia

[mstigerlily]

Cyn: Good job on the breastfeeding class. I was a mess last time, there were so many questions I had, so much I didn't know. Buy a good book about breastfeeding too if you can. I like Penelope Leach.

You know, I actually called my dr. yesterday to ask about evening primrose oil/borage oil. Maybe you could ask yours too. He did know all about it, which surprised and pleased me. He is a very cool ob actually, he was ok with the idea of low carbing (well at least not eating sugar and white flour and eating more protein which is how I explained it!) and having a doula too so I should have known he might be knowledgeable and open minded in other areas. He said "I know some women take it when they're overdue. I can't see how it could hurt - but you're not overdue so don't take it!" so I guess I've officially checked with my dr now. I guess he thinks it shouldn't be taken until you reach 40 weeks which is officially full term but I know the midwives recommend it in the last two weeks or even the entire last month to prepare the cervix for an easier birth.

Tigerlily

[Trishagrrl]

Hi Ladies!

I haven't been around the past few days because I was stuck at home with our big ice and snow storm. We first got a sheet of ice to cover things then got dumped on with snow. My boss closed the office and told everyone to stay home. I didn't complain

I think my belly grew overnight! I hadn't noticed any growth in probably 5 weeks and all of a sudden my lower abdomen seems huge. My husband even noticed. Kinda exciting, but still the casual observer can't tell I'm prego... pretty easy to hide behind my clothes and sweaters.

I spent some time catching up on all you guys wrote the past few days. Very interesting about the borage oil. Thanks for posting the info!

Angel: I must say I'm TERRIBLY jealous that you can feel your lil baby squirming around already. I'm almost 18 weeks and still haven't felt mine yet .

Well, it doesn't look like there will be any January babies unless Kit or Heidi get moving!!!

Sarah: Still no TOM?! Very odd!

Cynthia: Thanks for bringing up the breastfeeding issue too! I have some questions of my own about that... now I know for sure I'll sign up for the class.

Has anyone worked full time and breastfed full time as well? All of my friends with kids have either stayed home and breastfed or have worked and chosen not to breastfeed. I'd really like to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months, but am concerned with how it will work since I have to work full time.

Anyways... I'm getting longwinded now. Hope everyone is doing well

[trolly]

Morning Guys,

I'm working from home today because I ordered cable and I'm waiting on the cable guy. I ordered it specifically for all the baby shows--A Baby Story and the other one...can't remember the name of it. I seem to be obsessed with pregnancy and childbirth! Have any of you guys managed to keep a regular workout schedule? I used to work out 6-7 days/week and right now it's more like 2 days/week because I'm so tired. Maybe I'll be able to pick back up with it after the first trimester.

Here's another question for those of you who have given birth before. I've really been pondering the epidural thing. I know that I have a seriously LOW pain tolerance and I'm wondering how quickly I'll fold in the face of pain. Any experience or insight would be helpful because it's hard to even imagine it, you know?

[mstigerlily]

Trisha: I would have found it impossible to BF and work full time. Some people do it though. I was just too insecure and worried about her getting enough milk and I wasn't able to get enough when I pumped so it didn't work for me. That's great that you want to BF though, good job!

Trolly: workout?? I did work out until morning sickness hit and I started back to nursing school. Then it was impossible. I don't think I've been in the gym since maybe...August or September? LOL.

Epidural: I fully intended on getting one the first time but didn't have time and found it wasn't so back. Second time, more pain (bigger baby) so I changed my mind and wanted one but yet again it was too late for me. Most women progress a lot slower and you have a good window of time where you can get an epidural (usually 4-7 cm) so don't worry. Just go in with the "wait and see" mindset and if you feel you need one, get one. If not, then just see how it goes. You never know what birth will be like for you until you get here.

Tigerlily

[babyblue26062]

Good morning all. Things are good here- I have been tired and have been going to bed as soon as I get my little one to fall asleep- but other then that I feel great.

Trishagrrl- My best friend breastfeed and worked full time with her baby. It seemed to work for her- but she has her own private office and was able to keep the door shut when she pumped. Will you have any maternity leave?

I had an epidural but it didn't take. My first birth was a bit of a nightmare. The epidural didn't take and I pushed for 6 hours- I ended up having to have a c-section. Then the spinal didn't take and I keep telling the doctor that I could feel him cutting me and he said " no that's just pressure".
Finally when I moved my leg they understood the spinal didn't take- so they kicked my husband out and gassed me. That wasn't how I wanted to give birth, but at least I ended up with a healthy baby. This time I will just scheduel a c-section.

Kristen

[trolly]

Yikes Kristen, how scary! I can understand how you wouldn't want to go through that again.

[Trishagrrl]

Trolly: I'd love to order cable for just that reason! I know we don't watch TV enough to warrent the cost and really don't have the extra $$$ for it either though. I should get my mom to record some of the birth shows for me though

Tigerlily: I'm with you on the working out! As soon as the MS and fatigue hit my dedicated work out routine went out the window! Since I'm still experiencing MS and just don't have the energy I haven't been able to convince myself to start back again. Oh well!

Kristen: Welcome and congrats on your pregnancy! I will have 6 weeks maternity leave if I deliver vaginally and 8 if it ends up being a C-section. I also have a private office and can lock my door if I want to. Thats great it worked for your friend. I really do want it to work for me too.

Hi to all the new people that have joined the last couple of days!

[lowcarbinmama]

Hi ladies!! I'm still here reading, I just don't have a lot of time to reply during the week, I'm staying busy trying to stay caught up on work since I only have 4 weeks left. YIKES!!!!

It seems I have more time to post on the weekends!

Just wanted you all to know that I'm still here and still reading and DYING for HEIDI to post that she's had her sweet baby boy!!

I'm enjoying all the info that TIGER is posting about the EPO too!!

TRISHA: Not sure if I told you this before but I was a late feeler too, I really started feeling the baby daily around 23-24 weeks!! Hang in there!

ALrighty, back to work!!

SARAH: I'm thinking about you a lot too girly, I hope your cycle works itself out soon so that you can get busy!

[cynicalcyn]

Hey Ladies

Kristen- welcome! I didn't mention it before but congratulations on your upcoming baby!

Trisha- I plan on staying at home and breastfeeding but my friend only stayed at home 8 weeks and she breastfed. She keeps alot of milk in the freezer and pumps while at work. I'm sure I could get more details for you.

Trolly- I had an epidural with my son and I was in labor for 16 hours. However I cannot tolerate pain so once again I will be having an epidural but I really wanted a water birth but it's not being offered at my delivery hospital anymore. As for working out, yeah right. I am doing good to come to work and walk up all these darn stairs everyday. I have to walk 2 flights of steps each time I have to run to the restroom. I need a break in the middle at times. LOL

Tiger- I am going to ask my OB on my next appointment. Not that I'm near my delivery time but I still think it's quite interesting.

Hi to everyone else. Will check back later

Oh BTW the senator didn't talk about much. I'm not a huge fan of his so maybe that's why I just wasn't interested. He kepts saying he proposed a plan to save 100 jobs in the gov't facilities however OH has lost 115,000 since 2001. It's just not adding up.

Take care!
Cynthia

[AngelHope]

Good Morning~

Cyn: I think you will learn a lot from the bf class. Its amazing something so NATURAL is sometimes sooooo difficult in the beginning. If the class you are going to is part of the hospital system you are delivering at be sure to ask about the lactation nurse - mine was wonderful!!

Tiger: Thanks for all the useful info on the borage seed oil. I am going to bring this issue up in my next midwife appt!

Trish: I remember those "growth spurts". One day you will go to work and someone you see everyday will say "I didn't know you were pregnant!!!" LOL You will feel your little bean soon - it usually takes longer in your first pregnancy! No worries! On the issue of bf while working, with my first I was working part time (3 days a wk) and I pumped at work for maybe 2-3 wks but then as Tiger said, my milk supply went downhill (its usually a little tricky with your 1st) but I did have a coworker who was completely successful at keeping her milk supply up with pumping!! Everyone is different - I say its worth a shot!

Trolly: I had an epi with my 1st b/c I wouldn't progress past a 2. I wasn't planning on one and the pain was completely manageable with breathing BUT my oh my it was wonderful having the break!! You really don't feel a thing when they give you one, mainly a bee-type sting when they deaden the area but other than that it was nothing. I do recommend turning from side to side every 20-30 minutes to make sure both sides stay deadened... my dh was great at making sure I keep switching sides and I had no problems, I have heard horror stories about this though. I slept pretty much until it was time to push LOL (while my family was sitting around wringing their hands.) Explore all your options - talk with your dr's office...

Kristen: Do you know if you will have to have a C-section with this baby? Hopefully this experience will be better than the last!!

Not much going on - my back issues are getting worse. I knew they would. I am making a chiropractor appt soon to try to work things out. I was sitting in the floor of the nursery sorting Maggie's clothes she has out grown and I COULDN'T get up, the nerve pain was unbearable!! I couldn't roll onto my hips to get up, I finally grabed ahold of the glider and inched my way onto my knees.... I must have been a sight!! Glad I didn't have to rush for an emergency or something b/c there was no way I could! I had similiar types of problems with my previous 2 pregnancies. Sometimes I couldn't even drive b/c I couldn't press the accelerator down LOL. Oh well.... this too shall pass

[Jefinner]

About breastfeeding and working... I *think* JeannieB (who mainly posts on the PG) did it up until her daughter was a year old. That's how long I want to BF this time around.

I need to find some classes... I think I'll just ask my midwife about that Saturday.

About the Borage Seed Oil/Evening Primrose Oil - I think I'll be taking those once I hit 36/37 weeks, because I don't want to be overdue. Plus, I doubt I'll have to worry about size either... My daughter was 9lb 3oz, and they induced me two weeks early, and Hank's son was also a 9 pounder. LOL! (Hank teases me that this one will be 13 pounds... I just look at him like this when he says that.)

Okay guys… I’m going to sound like the worst mother on the face of the earth… Hank told me last night, that he’s hoping that I can stay home with the baby. He thinks that he’ll be making enough money for me to be able to… Is it bad that this scares the bejeezus outta me? I know it’s best for little Anna if I can, and the thought of leaving her at a day care scares me too… But… I’m so afraid that I’ll go nuts. I just told him that if that’s the case, that Anna would have to learn to be an outdoorsy kid. We will be going to the park and walking and stuff. (I really want this jogging stroller system… OH, it’s awesome… I’ll find the link in a sec.)

I also would like to be able to meet up with other moms, so that I could have some adult contact… Especially, since I’m away from my family. I dunno… Is it bad that being a SAHM scares me?

STACY - HOW EXCITING!!! YOU'RE GETTING SO CLOSE TO HOLDING BABY CASS!!!!

Hola to the rest of the mommies!!!! I'll come back for a more personal reply!

[Mrs Sarah]

Trisha- Still no TOM! However, had I been regular last month, I would start sometime in the next week or two. So, we'll see. I've had back aches and my right breast is sore. Could be TOM.

[babyblue26062]

Trish- I would at least give the BF thing a try, It doesn't hurt to try.

Angelhope- No offical word from doctor yet, but I couldn't push Jessica out because my pelvic bone is two small and she wasn't that bit (7"8).

Jefinner- I don't think you sound like the worst mom at all. That is a big change. I am happy for you that you can do- I would love to stay home, but am unable to. I would suggest that you do something on your own at least once a week, Go to the gym, maybe take a class- Just so you still feel like you. Good luck with it.

Kristen

[AngelHope]

Jenn - LOL I am laughing b/c you are me approximately 2 yrs ago when we decided I would be a SAHM!!! Its not awful of you and you should talk about your concerns!! Being a SAHM is NOT easy. I felt that b/c I had gone through all those years at college, had a great career I loved that leaving it would make me feel guilty. I was GREAT at my job, LOVED my job, and felt NEEDED at my job - I was soooooo scared I wouldn't be/have any of those things once I became a SAHM. And I am going to be truthful - I was anything but GREAT at being a SAHM in the beginning.... but I worked through it and things started falling into place. Another misconception with being a SAHM is that you don't have any interaction with the outside world LOL - There are plenty of Mommy and Me type groups where believe me they "say" that the mothers are doing it to socialize their children but really its b/c we ALL need to get out of the house and have interaction And about those that say you are "wasting and education" - HARDLY, why would it be wasting when you are choosing to do this? My education definitely comes in handy when dealing with my girls, running our household, and homeschooling. Being a SAHM is not for everyone and some cannot financially afford to do it, but I think that if you CAN you should at least try it and see, especially during the early years - there are sooo many things you can miss. I wish I could have afforded to become a SAHM early on with my 1st, I see with Maggie the things I missed with Erin (and I was working 3 days a week) They change every single day. JMHO - Just wanted you to know what you are feeling is COMPLETELY normal

[Trishagrrl]

Thanks everyone who responded about the breastfeeding... I do intend on trying it. I just wish I could find someone who did work full time and do it successfully who I could sit down and talk with. Find out all the tricks and helpful hints I like to be prepared!

Jennifer: I don't think thats awful to feel that way! I must admit, I am a little jealous though. In some ways I'd love to stay at home, but its not possible at this time. I think I'll be really jealous of my husband when I leave for work and he gets to stay home with our baby. He will probably go to school 2 days a week and my mom will fill in on those days, or I'll work from home. He works part time in the evenings, so I'm hoping it will work out so we don't have to do the daycare thing.

Stacy & Angel: Thanks for the reassurances! I know I'll feel the baby sometime... hopefully soon. It didn't help that a friend freaked out that I hadn't felt the baby yet because she had felt hers at 15 weeks and thought I was totally abnormal!

Sarah: That is so crazy that TOM hasn't started yet... very very odd. I wonder whats going on. I'm sure it has to be very frustrating. I hope it isn't stress.

[mstigerlily]

Jefinner: I'd be one of those going crazy staying at home too. I am taking the semester off of course so I'll be off until he's 6 months old, then I'll be in school (which is part time) until he's about 9 months. Then I hope to work part time for a year or so until he's 2 or 3. Then I will work full time. That is the way I've managed to do things with my other girls and it worked out great. I feel it's really important to be home the first year or so, especially if you are trying to BF. But definitely by 3 yrs my kids are sick of me and I'm sick of them and there is nothing they enjoy better than 2-3 days of preschool a week! But that's just me, some people are so happy at home, even until their kids are high school or beyond. Not me though! Just do what you feel like doing, there are no rules when it comes to something like this and you can ALWAYS change your mind - either way.

Tigerlily

[kitimat2000]

Morning ladies!!
Trolly = After watching those babies shows your going to want all the drugs they can give you!!! ONly problem I had with the epidural was that the moron that was doing it put a hole in my spinal colum.. I ended up with a spinal migrain, for 2 days I could not move at all. Finally the doctor figured out what had happened and I was rushed in for emergency surgery to close the hole. All I can say though is that epidural was my favorite word!!!! It beats the hell out of me to think why a women would want to put herself through more pain then is nessasary. If anyone is too tell you " well I did it naturally" Tell them good for you and then take any and all medical devises that will make you not suffer so much. If someone tells you it wasn't that bad (child birth) Tell them they are full of ****!!!

Can you tell I'm really not looking forward to the pain of it all!!
Only 5 more days!!! I'm booked at 745 or 9am I'll find out tomorrow.

OK on that note have a great day all!!!
cheers kit

[Sarajewel]

Hi All-

I have been so busy here. Lots to lern in this new job. Hoping I get the hang of it soon.

I have been really interested in all of the information about borage oil, breast feeding classes, and epidurals. I didn't even know that there were breastfeeding classes. I'm a total goof physically - its amazing I can walk and talk at the sam time - so I'm gonna check those out. I'm also in the "wait and see" camp re epidurals - I'll try to do without, but if its too hard I'll do it.

I totally look like a pregnant woman. I'm having a day where I think my belly is cute, which is nice. But I'm not happy with all the snow we are getting. We are supposed to get 4 feet by the time this storm winds down tomarrow - we got 8 inches during the day yesterday and a foot last night... Walking in snowy, icy parking lots I waddle.... *sigh*

Hope everyone is happy and healthy!

[lowcarbinmama]

TRISHA: I'll be working 30 hours a week and plan on breastfeeding as long as I can, I bought the book "Nursing Mother, Working Mother" and it has lots of helpful tips & info for working moms. I bought a used copy of the book from Amazon for around $5.00. Well worth it.

JEN: Lucky you, I would love the opportunity to be a SAHM, unfortunately we need my income too badly right now.

[MrsIndpndent]

Originally posted by cynicalcyn
regarding Wright Patt Air Force Base. We are a govt. contractor.

I'm a contractor also, and deal with some folks at Wright Patt. often.

[MrsIndpndent]

Originally posted by trolly
Here's another question for those of you who have given birth before. I've really been pondering the epidural thing. I know that I have a seriously LOW pain tolerance and I'm wondering how quickly I'll fold in the face of pain. Any experience or insight would be helpful because it's hard to even imagine it, you know?

If you know you'll end up with the epidural, there's no sense 'toughing it out' for any longer than you have to. I knew I wanted it the last time, and got it immediately. Same goes for this time. It's one thing to wait if you're trying to go natural and end up caving and getting it...but if you pretty much know you want it, no sense in waiting. Just get that sucker as soon as you can!

[mstigerlily]

Kitimat: I'm sorry to hear you had a spinal migraine where you were unable to move for 2 days! That idea terrifies me!

As someone who went unmedicated, you probably think I am full of it but I didn't think childbirth was as bad as some pain I've experienced - except for the last 2 cm. I gotta admit it: going from 8-10 cm was pretty bad - just basically a blurry haze of pain. Luckily that only lasted about 30 minutes for me. My mindset was this: I understand wanting as much pain relief as possible if you're getting say...a root canal. But when I thought about it I just kept thinking about how childbirth was natural and how all those women did it throughout the last million years and I wanted to experience the birth and I was so afraid the epidural would effect me negatively. Drugs seem to effect me very strongly and a opiates in general make me nauseous (they usually put an opiate in with the numbing agent into the epidural - also anti-nausea drugs too though) so I was afraid I would be drowsy, nauseous, dopey, unable to move or risk a headache or something. I think I was more worried about the needle in the spine thing than the pain!

However, getting an epidural is such a personal choice. I think anyone should get as much pain relief (or not) as they want. It's not a race or a contest with other mothers! Every birth is special and unique and belongs only to the mother laboring and her baby - whether it is a c-section, epidural, homebirth, whatever works to get that baby out safely and keeps the mother comfortable and happy is a good thing!

Tigerlily