Pregnancy Thread - Wednesday, April 13th

[Marthad]

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
shelly.....................Ethan Cole.................... Born 03/05/05
JennPayton.............Natalie Grace..................Born 03/09/05
blueyedgrl...............Reilly Grant ....................Born 3/23/05
Dar20.....................Alison Rozeta .................Born 04/06/05
Heather123..............Chad Avery....................Born 04/09/05

Marthad......................W40..............04/11/05......Boy
Jefinner.......................W39..............04 /16/05......Boy
GoJackets....................W37..............05/03/05
Hooligan......................W37...............05 /04/05
mom2twoboys..............W37...............05/07/05
chels_hoff...................W36...............05/15/05......Boy
Ravenly74...................W36...............05/15/05......Boy
Denise85.....................W35..............05/22/05......Boy
tekla...........................W35..............0 5/23/05......Boy
azktycat.....................W33...............05/30/05.....Girl
Luna...........................W32...............0 6/04/05.....Girl
nbecker.......................W30...............06 /17/05.....Girl
Vixendrop....................W30...............06/18/05.....Girl
naerenaenae................W30...............06/18/05.....Girl
jehcekah.....................W30...............06/22/05.....Boy
gilbabe75....................W29...............06/25/05.....Boy
Miss Gigl......................W29...............06/26/05.....Girl
rooney........................W29...............06 /30/05....Boy


Acutepenguin...............W27...............07/10/05
allibaba.......................W27...............0 7/12/05....Twins (Boy & Girl)
kclynn.........................W26...............0 7/22/05....Boy
Tbugs..........................W25...............0 7/21/05
Mandyhoward...............W24................07/30/05....Boy
melos...........................W24............... 08/01/05
SmileyAmy....................W23...............08/05/05....Girl
Ketosisgirl.....................W17.............. 09/22/05
jeepifer.........................W15.............. 10/04/05
Karingreen.....................W15..............10 /08/05
jojolw...........................W?............... .??/??/05
Tammeli........................W13..............10 /17/05

Karalynne7....................W?................?? /??/05
Jai...............................W7.............. ..11/27/05
saltire884......................W6................ 12/04/05
Kaillean.........................W6............... .12/08/05
cjthedog64 ...................W6................. 12/10/05

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

[Marthad]

Morning everyone!

Dena, great birth plan. I'll try to post mine, but am not sure about the formatting...I would much rather tear than be cut. Oh, and great point about asking them to wipe the baby off before handing it to you, I am SOOOO with you there!

LittleMagpie, so sorry about your loss

Dar, I was just reading last night that it's pretty normal for babies to go a couple of days with no BM, I wouldn't fret too much. Are you exhausted yet?

Heather, Chad is a doll! That was too funny, "still eating his burrito"! How lucky you are.

Chels, you are crazy! Dancing like a wild woman Has your belly popped out any more yet?

I can't believe I'm at the top of the list! I'm feeling very full of emotions of all sorts, from scared to anxious to excited. I'm supposed to call the midwife today since nothing's happened. My doula found a woman who does Tactile Stimulation, which is supposed to release endorphins and oxytocin, so I'm going for a massage tomorrow morning...she says a number of times labor started naturally in a day or two after the massage. Who knows, I'm not arguing about getting a massage--ever! LOL

Hi to everyone else, I'll try to check back in later!

Here's my birth plan (it lost the bold and color, but you get the idea):

Dear Hospital Staff,

This birth plan is intended to express the preference and desires we have for the birth of our baby. It is not intended to be a script. We fully realize that situations may arise such that our plan cannot and should not be followed. However, we hope that barring any extenuating circumstances, you will be able to keep us informed and aware of our options.

Please communicate with me in English.



Labor

I would like to be free to walk around and change position at will throughout labor.

I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.

I would like the environment to be kept as quiet as possible.

I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.

I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.

I prefer to avoid an IV if possible.

Monitoring

I do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of my baby.

I do not want an internal monitor unless my baby has shown some sign of distress.

Labor Augmentation/Induction

I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially unless signs of fetal distress require internal monitoring.

I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and other natural methods (walking, nipple stimulation) before oxytocin is administered.

Anesthesia/Pain Medication

Upon admittance, please administer a Heparin/Saline Lock, should IV become necessary.

Please do not offer me chemical pain relief. Should I wish, I will ask for it.

Cesarean

Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.

Episiotomy

I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for the baby's safety.

I am hoping to protect the perineum. I am practicing ahead of time by squatting, doing Kegel exercises, and perineal massage.

I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so the perineum can stretch.

If possible, I would like to use perineal massage and/or warm compresses to help avoid the need for an episiotomy.

Delivery

I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting, hands-and-knees. I wish to avoid being flat on my back.

I would like my husband Alex and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage.

Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming my baby is not in distress, I would like to try to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.

I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.

I would appreciate having the room as quiet as possible when my baby is born.

Immediately After Delivery

I would prefer that the umbilical cord stop pulsating before it is cut.

I would like to have my baby evaluated and bathed in my presence.

I plan to keep my baby near me following birth and would appreciate if the evaluation of my baby can be done with my baby on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, unless there is an unusual situation.

I would prefer to hold my baby rather than have (him/her) placed under heat lamps.

I do not want a routine injection of oxytocin after the delivery to aid in expelling the placenta. I wish to be given time to push the placenta out myself.

Postpartum

I would like a private room, if available.

Unless required for health reasons, I do not wish to be separated from my baby, but do not intend to co-sleep.

Breastfeeding

I plan to breastfeed my baby and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.

Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to my baby (including glucose water or plain water).

I do not want my baby to be given a pacifier.

I would like more information about breastfeeding.

Other

My support people are my husband, Alex, Katarina Rhen, doula, and my mother Yvonne deWindt and I would like them to be present during labor and/or delivery.

I would prefer that no students, interns, residents or non-essential personnel be present during my labor or the birth.

[mom2twoboys]

Hi Martha and Everyone Good Morning, I am up doing laundry at 4 am, Yikes do you think that is a sign. Anyway your birthplan is similar to mine. Take a look.

We look forward to sharing our upcoming birth with you. Following is a statement of our childbirth desires. We have created the following birth plan to help you understand our preferences for the upcoming labor and delivery. We understand that complications do arise and in such instances there may be situations in which our choices may not be possible. We trust the nurses and physicians to make the necessary decisions. We do not want to replace medical personnel, but instead want to be informed of any procedures in advance, and to be allowed the chance to give informed consent. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in realizing our plan and hope that you will help us to move toward our goals as much as possible to make this labor and birth a great experience.
Thank you,
Maria & Mike McCulloch


During labor and delivery the only family I would like present is my husband Mike, if a cesarean is necessary I would like him in the operating room with me. I would like my older children to visit after the baby is born.

Labor
I would like to be free to walk around during labor and to be able to move around and change positions throughout labor. I would like to use the birthing ball, sitting, squatting, on hands and knees, & straddling a chair what ever feels best at the time.
I would like to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids and using ice chips, and do not want IV fluids unless I become dehydrated.

I would prefer to wear hospital gowns, especially if they are available in extra large. I would prefer not to undergo internal exams unless they are medically necessary. As long as the baby and I are fine, I would like to be free of time limits and not have my labor augmented.
I do not want residents or students to be present during my birth.

Anesthesia/Pain Medication
To manage pain I would like help with breathing, relaxation, visualization/imagery, also the shower/tub, massage/touch and heat. I realize that pain medications exist - I'll ask for it I need them. If I do choose to have an epidural I would like to have the amount of medication decreased as I reach the final stage so that I can feel the urge to push.

Episiotomy
If possible, I would like to use perineal massage and warm compresses to help avoid the need for an episiotomy. I prefer a small tear to an episiotomy, and would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless a large tear is imminent. I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so the perineum can stretch.

Delivery
I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth. I would like the nurses to help support my legs as necessary during the pushing stage. As the baby’s head crowns I would like a mirror available so I can see the baby's and the chance to touch baby's head. Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming baby is not in distress, I would like to try to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase. I would like to have baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

Immediately After Delivery
I would like to have Mike announce the sex and cut the cord.
I would like to hold baby while I deliver the placenta and while tissue repairs are made. I would like to see the placenta after it is delivered.
I would prefer to hold baby rather than have (him/her) placed under heat lamps. If possible we would appreciate if the evaluation of baby to be done with baby on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, If this is not possible then evaluated in my presence. We would like to video record the first bath.
If our baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my husband Mike or some other person I designate will accompany baby at all times. If I can't be with my baby for newborn procedures, Mike would like to stay with the baby at all times.
I plan to keep the baby near me following the birth and unless there is an unusual situation.

Cesarean
If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and participate in the decision-making process. I would like Mike present at all times. If circumstances allow I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia. I would like the screen lowered just before delivery of baby so that I may view the birth and I would like to have one hand free to touch the baby. If baby is not in distress, the baby should be given to my husband Mike immediately after birth. We would like to videotape and photograph the operation and baby coming out. I would like to have immediate contact with the baby, if the baby is in good health.

Postpartum
If health reasons permit I do not wish to be separated from baby. I would like to have the baby 'room in' 24 hr.

Breastfeeding
I plan to breastfeed baby and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth. Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to baby, if possible please administer any fluids via a syringe. I do not want baby to be given a pacifier. I would like my baby fed on demand.

Photo/Video
I would like to take still photographs & video recording during labor and the birth. We would also like to record the baby’s first bath.

[BrattyChelle]

heather... to Chad! He's adorable and I can't believe all that hair!!! What a surprising labor Hope you both are doing well.

Dar....gorgeous baby girl!!

magpie.... So sorry for your loss.

[Snapdragon]

Hi all,

I've been lurking for some months now (your stories are so interesting!) but I've finally given in and decided to post.

I am pregnant with triplets, and am due on September 9th. So, if you could add me to your list, I'd be grateful to you all.

I've already got a little monkey at home; he's three. Keeps me on my toes more often than not. He spends time between his father and myself. The funniest thing happened. About a week before I found out I was expecting, monkey kept asking for a baby. I wonder if he knew before I did? Then, when I told him there were going to be babies, ne told me he only wanted one, and I should give the other ones to my friends. *shakes head*

I'm excited about getting to know you all better.

[BrattyChelle]

StarFire.....congrats on TRIPLETS!!! OMG...you're going to be one busy woman! Too cute about the lil one and the babies

[GoJackets]

Congrats on the triplets!!! Woo Hoo!

Thanks for posting the birth plans!! I don't know how effective mine will be, I know sometimes you go in there and all heck can break loose.

I think what made me lean toward tearing was an example of how hard it is to tear fabric....until you cut it a little, and then it tears easily....OUCH!! I don't want my butt to be like that.

Morning Michelle!!!

Heather, I couldn't see the pictures.....is anyone else having problems?

[lizzyd]

Hi Mommies,

How's everybody doing?

I still lurk every now and then, and just thought I'd jump in and say congrats to all who have delivered and good luck to all those whose dates are imminent. Especially you GoJackets. You've really surmounted some challenges with such grace and humor. You deserve all the joy in the world on the arrival of your littlejacket.

My jellybean, Henry, will be six months old on Friday. I can't believe it! It's been such a blur! Take lots of pictures everybody and savor every moment because it's gone in the blink of an eye.

I've been low-carbing and exercising very strictly for the last few weeks. I'm not weighing myself just yet. Taking off this baby weight is like chiselling stone! I'm committed though.

Great to see every one!

Take care,
LizzyD

[SmileyAmy]

Hi all, just doing a quick drive by. I am taking Friday and Monday off because of us moving so I need to get my butt in overdrive.

Dena ~ I checked in on Ziggy. I guess he is kinda confused. He walks around my moms not quite sure what to do or where to settle down. Ever so often my mother hears him let out a little whine. Plus there are two other dogs in the house which he is not used to and one of them a female who is having puppies any day now keeps stealing his bed. Ziggy is not aggresive at all, so he sits there and just looks at her and whines until my mother shoos her out of his bed. He will be okay. I am sure he is just a bit confused. I feel so bad.

Oh, and my pains seem to have pretty much gone away! Woo, hoo! So that is good.

Well, I will try to pop back later! TTFN!

[GoJackets]

Originally Posted by lizzyd

Especially you GoJackets. You've really surmounted some challenges with such grace and humor. You deserve all the joy in the world on the arrival of your littlejacket.

My jellybean, Henry, will be six months old on Friday. I can't believe it! It's been such a blur! Take lots of pictures everybody and savor every moment because it's gone in the blink of an eye.

Take care,
LizzyD

Thank you for your kind words! I am grateful to have this thread....I really think the support here made a difference. This is a wonderful group of women.

Now where is a picture of Henry???

[GoJackets]

I just got back from my doctor's appointment. She reviewed my birth plan and seemed fine with it. I did test positive for the Strep B so I will have to have the antibiotics twice (every four hours) during delivery. Doesn't sound like a big deal, and I can have a hep lock so I'm not attached to the IV which is good.

[Mrs Sarah]

Dena: Glad your visit went well. My goodness, it's coming right up isn't it?!

[gilbabe75]

Wow, all these birth plans make me feel like I didn't think very hard about labor. LOL

With my first I just went in knowing I'd probably need an epidural. I walked as long as possible...I agreed to have my water broken because I was stuck at 3cm. I had a very long labor and pushed for 3 hrs. I did tear (2nd degree) and would not have agreed to an episiotomy unless things got stuck. But I had none of this in writing. I had to have forceps but the Dr. actually let me push longer than I even wanted to. Baby was face up. Nurses were very good throughout labor offering things and advising. Dr. wanted me to look, I said "I'm too tired!" Placenta just came out on its own. Pitocin afterward helped expell more fluid more quickly. IMO

Second baby I was in labor for only 7 hrs total. By the time I got to the hospital I knew I was going to have an epidural, knew I was strep positive so I changed, got the IV...had one vaginal exam...got my epidural, had my water broken, layed on my left side and labored that way. I never would have wanted to walk around or stand. BUT...my body doesn't deal with any illness/procedure/stress/birth well. This was best for me. They put Alyssa on my tummy as soon as she was born and wiped her off then...automatically offered for DH to cut the cord. Placenta came out on its own again and then gave me pitocin to expell more fluid and such. I was never given pitocin to expell the placenta.

I had my both of my babies go to the nursery. I really needed to rest and with the first I wasn't able to stand and care for him by myself to have him room in. They brought him to me to nurse or when I wanted to see him. Took him back for me to shower. Same thing with DD. I think I was lucky in that my hospital is very good about asking you what you want and not pushing things on you. They are very supportive.

I don't plan on writing a birth plan with this baby either as I kinda know how it goes now and how the hospital and Dr. are and my wishes are part of their "ways" anyway.

One thing....just a note...with my second they had larger rooms where the nurse that cares for you directly postpartum is bathing and evaluating the baby. Problem was...I needed a straight cath because my bladder became full and I began to develop clots. The nurse was taking care of the baby and not me, after all she is only one person. DH had to watch baby while nurse came and extremely painfully pushed on my stomach to expell the clots while I SCREAMED, yes screamed. I hate to say it but I preferred the baby being bathed and evaluated with my DH in the nursery and me being in the delivery room being taken care of. Both ways I was able to bond and nurse. And when the baby was bathed in the nursery...my parents, inlaws and sisters were able to watch.

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE ANY OF THE ABOVE AS A CRITISISM OF ANY BIRTHPLANS POSTED IN THESE THREADS. Just my experience and opinions.

Also, none of the birth plans address straight catheters. If you are eating ice chips or clear fluids, your bladder may fill...which can impead the progress of the baby's head and or afterbirth. You may all want to look into having your bladder checked or having a routine straight cath every few hours or such. A straight cath hurts like a MOFO when the baby's head is descending. I felt horrible pain even with an epidural.

Okay, is that a mess of a post or what?

Oh and on my tear....I had a terrible time recovering from my first. Since I pushed for so many hours, I had terrible swelling and hemmroids along with my stitches. It took weeks to heal from the tear and it took years for the scar to not be sensitive. HOWEVER...I stretched nicely with #2 and had no epis. or tear. I wouldn't have had an episiotomy either way.

[GoJackets]

Originally Posted by gilbabe75

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE ANY OF THE ABOVE AS A CRITISISM OF ANY BIRTHPLANS POSTED IN THESE THREADS. Just my experience and opinions.

Never!! I always appreciate the opinions of others....especially those who have been through it already.

I cut pasted my plan from others....I really don't have high expectations. I don't want to be disappointed, but my doctor did ask for my wishes, so I wrote mine under the "perfect" scenario for me....BUT what %'s of births go according to our "plan" in the end?

I'm prepared for whatever, well not prepared...but.

My biggest fear is a pitocin induction. I've heard too many bad stories about 24 - 36 hours of labor that ended up as c-sections. If that happens often, I feel like they should skip the induction and just do a c-section. Why go through such hard labor for little progress? So, you ladies that have good stories about induction, please share them so I will feel better.

[gilbabe75]

Actually GJ, I got pitocin with my first after they broke my water and I was still going nowhere. I still was in labor for 10 hrs or so after they gave it to me...it was a big help for me. Could have made my tear worse...but heck after 22 hrs in labor, if I was going to stretch...I probably would have. I was very vocal with the nurses on the strength of contractions with the pitocin, they were very good at lowering the dose, etc. I really don't think I could have done it without it. DS#1 was face up and I was having back labor... I was thanking god for pitocin.

I might actually have induced labor if my cervix is ready and I'm close to my due date because DH works so far away and I went fairly quickly with my 2nd child. I need to be able to get him to the hospital, me to the hospital and my kids a babysitter. Not sure if I will do this or not...but I'm not at all wary of pitocin. Hope that makes you feel a bit better.

[Marthad]

Becca, no criticism taken here either. Here they give pitocin injection as routine to expel the placenta, I would rather try without first...I'd also probably prefer they take the baby to the nursery, but they don't have nurseries here--they encourage co-sleeping and I'll be lucky to get a bassinet or crib for him so I won't have to share my bed. Good point about the cath...I don't know what the routines are here--somehow I have a feeling they don't do it unless you've had an epidural and are having some difficulties I'll ask the doula about it.

As always, I think it's great to discuss these things, because you can get a different prespective on things and become more informed.

Dena, I agree with you on that pitocin--epidural--c/s spiral. I'd rather just go straight to the c/s and skip all the pain and trauma too. And the cutting fabirc analogy is exactly why I would rather tear too. A severe tear or cut is my biggest fear--apart from a problem with the baby, of course.

Well, I'm off to get dinner on the table

[chels_hoff]

Heathers pics from yesterday...






all that was wrong was the . after the jpg *wink*

[chels_hoff]

just reposting what i posted last night......

Originally Posted by GoJackets

Anyone have any thoughts on the episiotomy versus tearing? I'm supposed to have my birth plan for my doctor...and I don't know how I feel about this....I know Ames wanted to tear, but had difficulties because the perinium was so strong....Ames, you out there? You end up with stitches either way, right? I'm leaning toward tearing.

I'm going to go read up on it.....

From my research i would rather tear than be cut, tearing only seems to go though layers of skin, cutting goes into muscle. My friends mom is going in for her 3rd surgery because when they cut her they went into her rectum. I can live with a bit of tearing... thank you very much!! Great job on the birth plan, i still have all the old ones that have been posted here over the last 10 months.... now where did i save those too?? Do you have a phone buddy yet???

Originally Posted by Luna

I got a travel system from my parents today. Those things are pretty cool. I had to test the stroller with my cat but he was not amused with the ride. It's not like I strapped him in or anything.

Images of you zipping through your house with a terrified kitty in your new stroller are going through my head....too funny!!

Heather ~ send me an invite to your album and i will get those gosh darn pics up for you if i have to host them on my website!! LOL, speaking of photos...you ever get all you pics ordered??


xoxo Chelsea
*Pregnant with Our First*
It's a Boy!! Cant wait to meet you Payton Wayne !!


Baby's Web Page
Mom & Dad's Website

[SmileyAmy]

Just popping in real quick...

Haven't heard from Mandy in a few days. I hope everything is going good still!

[allibaba]

Hi Ladies,
Just popping in quick. I'll do personals later.

We had our u/s yesterday and they are BIG according to the measurements. 2 lbs 13 oz EACH! I'm going to look and see what ds's measurements were to see how accurate they were. I love seeing them in there. If you look at the pictures, I think the first one has a little yellow picture in the corner. That is how they are positioned, except Baby B has his legs up by his ears! I hope he moves them, I'd hate to think of him stuck like that . The tech said he's got room to move his legs down.
All still looks good, Baby A is still a girl LOL. The doctor still won't change the due date and it's ticking me off LOL. Up until today, they've been measuring a week earlier and now they're measuring 2 weeks early!!! I know for a fact that's impossible because I remember AF and I passed my GCT with flying colors. My cycle is a short one so the week early is accurate. I've been starting to swell pretty good too. Tonight we took ds and the cousins to the pool and I was sitting on a counter type thingy, my legs were hanging down and my feet just ballooned up like crazy! No more rings either. Sorry to complain!

Baby A = Girl with no name yet!



Baby B = Boy


I'm also wondering about Mandy and hoping all is well!!!

BBL
Alli

[Jefinner]

About tearing vs. episiotomy... I've had both. I would rather tear, and to be honest, I think I only tore (with Anna) BECAUSE I had the episiotomy. I happened to tear right on the epi scar. Okay, and the little turkey came out with one hand on her face. LOL!

I have my birth plan too... Looks like a lot of us went to birthplan.com... LOL!

Labor
I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.
I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.
I wish to labor in the tub much of the time.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delivery
I would like to try to deliver in a hands-and-knees position.
I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.
I would like to have Ezra placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.
I would like for my husband, Hank, to catch the baby, if possible

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Immediately After Delivery
I would like to have My Husband, Hank cut the cord.
I would like to hold Ezra for at least fifteen minutes before he is photographed, examined, etc.
I plan to keep Ezra near me following birth and would appreciate if the evaluation of Ezra can be done with Ezra on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, unless there is an unusual situation.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breastfeeding
I plan to breastfeed Ezra and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Circumcision
I would like to have Ezra circumcised by the Rabbi recommended by the birth center at 8 days old.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo/Video
I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other
My support people are Other apprentices and my husband... Husband may be caring for youngest daughter though... and I would like them to be present during labor and/or delivery.
My daughter wishes to stay with me the entire labor, if at all possible

[Jefinner]

ALI - Have they given you any dietary recommendations for being pregnant with twins... I don't know a darned thing about being pregnant with twins, but my midwife will only take a woman who is pregnant with them if they promise to eat very healthily and eat every hour, except for when they're sleeping. She says this is the best way to get them to go full term. Until I talked to her, I thought that almost all twins were born via c-section.

AMY - Good to know you're feeling better!

STARFIRE - WOW! Triplets... I need to stop complaining about my singleton being uncomfortable!

Okay... Gotta go for now... Miss Anna needs me!