~Pregnancy Thread~TGIF, July 15th~

[metroames]

Jefinner...................Ezra Franklin .................Born 05/05/05
GoJackets................Hamilton Wood...............Born 05/05/05
mom2twoboys...........Melissa..................... ....Born 05/06/05
chels_hoff................Payton Wayne................Born 05/08/05
Mandyhoward..........Spencer Cole...................Born 05/23/05 @ 30 weeks
Denise85.................Paige Loralei...................Born 05/19/05
tekla.......................Zachary Alexander..........Born 05/26/05
azktycat..................Aeryn Rylee...................Born 05/30/05
kclynn.....................Reyli Donovan................Born 06/03/05
Miss Gigl...............Charlotte Muriel Elizabeth....Born 06/09/05
Luna.......................Abigail Rose...................Born 06/10/05
nbecker..................MacKenzie Grace.............Born 06/11/05
Vixendrop...............Kayden Ardria Kathryn.......Born 06/12/05
gilbabe75.................Luke Gregory.................Born 06/15/05
naerenaenae............Mackenzie Abigail............Born 06/17/05
allibaba.......Corrinn Helene & Griffin Edward......Born 06/24/05
jehcekah.................Benjamin Thomas............Born 06/27/05
Acutepenguin.............Daniel Zachary.............Born 07/03/05
thopki00......................Baby Boy...................Born 07/08/05

rooney.........................W42...............0 6/31/05....Boy
Tbugs..........................W38...............0 7/21/05
melos...........................W37............... 08/01/05
SmileyAmy....................W36...............08/05/05....Girl
meme123......................W34...............08/22/05....Girl
StarFire........................W32............... 09/05/05....Triplets !!!
Ketosisgirl.....................W30............... 09/22/05.....Boy
vjfreddi.........................W29.............. 10/01/05
jeepifer.........................W28.............. 10/04/05....Girl
Karingreen.....................W28..............10/08/05

jojolw...........................W?............... ..??/??/05
Tammeli........................W26...............1 0/17/05....Girl
Karalynne7....................W?.................? ?/??/05
Jai...............................W20............. ..11/27/05
Kaillean.........................W19.............. .12/06/05
cjthedog64 ...................W19...............12/10/05
Diabolique......................W16............... 12/24/05

jadefox26......................W?................. 12/??/05
Trailboss.......................W12............... 01/20/06
Louise...........................W11.............. 01/27/06
Portia...........................W11.............. ..02/05/06
abvidrine.......................W10............... 02/12/06
littlegunshots.................W7................. .03/07/06
brandyxoxo25.................W?..................? ?/??/06
Texoma.........................W7................. .??/??/06
Celia.............................W6.............. ....03/13/06
Sinnrah..........................W6............... ..03/15/06
Daisy73.........................W5................ ..03/18/06
boodsadel......................W5................. .03/16/06

lil miss.............................................. .....Trying!
StrawberryGirl.................................... .....Trying!
AnnieO............................................ .......Trying!
speckle........................................... .......Trying!
AZParalegal....................................... ......Trying!
DasiyNYC.......................................... ......Trying!
Nikole............................................ .........Trying!
LunaAshling....................................... ......Trying!
MrsIndpndent...................................... .....Trying!
jennifer-in-wv..........................................Trying !

[metroames]

Hi ladies!

Originally Posted by tammeli

Hi ladies!! I just got back from my honeymoon. We were in Las Vegas, Honolulu, Maui, and San Diego. Lots of fun!! I felt great during the whole trip, - 7 flights in 2 weeks! Whew!! Beforehand, my doctor assured me I'd be fine as long as I get up to walk on the plane every hour and drink a lot of water. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow for that diabetes test.

A few questions:
1. When did you begin childbirth classes?
2. How about childcare classes? (I'm starting to get nervous about taking care
of a baby!!)
3. How often does your baby move? I'm in my 26th week. Some days she is very
active and some days not. Is your baby consistent?
4. Who is planning on trying to give birth without an epidural? I'm off for the
summer (I'm a teacher) and want to spend a lot of time doing yoga,
meditation, and reading books to prepare myself mentally for birth. I would
love to do it without drugs, but I want to definitely keep my options open just
in case!

Hope everyone is doing great!!

Coming out of lurk mode to answer your question.

1. I didn't attend a formal birth class. I received private lessons from my doula that I hired which started around week 28 I think. It worked out great, because she was my birthing coach, so she basically familiarized me with her techniques. It sounds like the hospital classes are basically there to make you a good patient...I'm glad I didn't waste my money. You can get a hospital tour without the classes and IMO you can educate yourself sufficiently with books, videos and the internet without having a hospital bias.

2. Didn't take childcare classes. Although, my husband and I plan to get certified in a child CPR class coming up soon! We wanted to take it in early June, but they were booked up till the October class. Again, with the internet, books and friends and family you will get all the info you need. Also, parenting is a unique thing for each parent and you will find your own groove to do things.

3. My baby really didn't move much in utero. There were two distinct times that he was more active though. And if he wasn't active during those times it was usually because I was busy doing something. However, the baby seemed to always be really active during ultrasounds and I barely felt anything during them so maybe my nerve endings are numb and he really had to kick me to feel it.

4. Knowledge is power and a great support team is critical. If you want a natural birth the best thing you can do is educate yourself. My doula recommended the book "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Bith"....I highly recommend it. I started out in an OB/GYN's office at the beginning of my pregnancy, but after months of research and guidance from my doula I ended up switching to a certified nurse midwife at week 36 of my pregnancy. I'm convinced that if I wouldn't have switched I would have been strongly persuaded to have a c-section. I am so thankful that I switched to a midwife and had my doula at my side.

Grant was a few ounces shy of 10 pounds and I had a wonderful natural birth. It was very empowering. But Becca is right, you need to prepare yourself for it and if you decide for drugs beforehand you still need to be prepared for it! Mind over matter. The worse part of my experience was putting the IV in and the stitching up my episiotomy. Mainly because I was not prepared for that part and they missed a vein the first time they tried to put the IV in. I was determined not to have an epidural and I never even thought twice about having one. I also told my nurse NOT to ask me if I wanted drugs either so there were no temptations.

Really research the drugs too. They all have potential side effects. Both the baby and I were very alert and I felt great right after the birth. He took to breastfeeding beautifully in the hospital. Drugs are known to interfere with this. Also, a co-worker of mine had a shot of nubane with her first baby and an epidural with her second. After her second baby the lower half of her body was numb for a long time after the birth and she suffered back aches for a long time too. She regrets getting the epidural but had a good experience with the nubane. Research, research, research..... If you are determined to do it you probably can save for the rare complication....which btw are rare unless you use drugs.

Ames

[metroames]

Ok, you ladies are slackin' with the list upkeep!

I tidied up a little bit...

Originally Posted by thopki00

Hello! Thanks ketosisgirl for noticing that my due date has indeed come and gone! Can you believe still no baby?????? I'm getting quite cranky for this kiddo to come at this point. He must be pretty happy. LOL! If he doesn't get here by this Friday (July 8th), I'm scheduled for an 11:30 C-Section (My doctor doesn't want to induce since I've already had one C-Section). I'm 41 weeks now. At least I know he'll be here in 4 days then it's back to a better diet. I've not been such a good girl but oh well. I lost it once, I can do it again. I still weigh less that I did when I delivered my first son though so I'm pretty happy. Hope everyone else is well and congrats to all the newly expecting mommies. Sorry I've been MIA. I'll try to do better.

Thopki00 hasn't been on since this post on July 4th. I went ahead an bumped her up to the mommy list.

Rooney has not posted since March 14th, so maybe whoever starts the thread Monday can bump her up too, leaving ?????? for her delievery date since she's probably had her baby by now.

Once the ladies get bumped up to the second trimester list, I used to send them a friendly pm to see if they were still around for those that hadn't posted in a while. If they didn't reply to me or post within a couple weeks I took them off the list so they wouldn't get bumped up to the third trimester list and had everybody wondering what happened to them. I also checked their usernames using the search tool to see when the last time they posted was. These ladies might need a pm, since they probably haven't been on in a while as their due dates are still unknown:

jojolw...........................W?............... ..??/??/05
Karalynne7....................W?.................? ?/??/05
jadefox26......................W?................. 12/??/05

Sorry I'm a little anal about this....I did it for a good 6-7 months, so don't mind me, LOL!

Ames

[tammeli]

Wow, Ames. Thanks for all of the info. I do spend all of my time reading about pregnancy and birth, but now that I have the whole summer off, I plan to take action as well. I am interested in birthing centers and plan on investigating further into them and visiting. I do worry, however, about complications with the birth if they should arise. So, I am keeping my options open right now about the hospital I will give birth in if I choose.

At my doctor's visit today, I plan on talking to her about her opinions on birthing positions and episiotomies. It seems to me that giving birth while lying on our backs would be very difficult and uncomfortable. It is already uncomfortable for me to lie on my back (not that I do it often since I know it is not good.) Plus, you don't get the benefit of gravity. It makes more sense to me to give birth squating or at least sitting up.

I also do not want an episiotomy. I've done research into this and have found that the doctors usually cut more than is necessary and they not only cut the skin, but the muscle too. Giving that you had a natural birth, I was a little surprised that you had one done. Is that a normal procedure? Why didn't they just let you tear?

[Marthad]

I'll quickly echo what Ames said. I had a 9 1/2lb boy naturally and it was great. Highly recommend being prepared. Stitching up from my tear--internal and very deep--was almost worse. It took almost an hour, and now has healed improperly, so I'm freaking out that they're going to have to cut me. ugh

Kaillean, sorry and LOL about the Herm thing....I guess I have Harry Potter on the brain and was thinking Hermione...hehe

[cynicalcyn]

TAMM- I had my birthing class at around 32 weeks- I had been through labor before but I took them for DH...Most of what they tell you, I knew due to reading books.

My baby moved when she wanted to. No sudden pattern but your OB will tell you to "monitor" your baby...if the baby does move in a certain amount of time they will make you take the stress test...if you are worried you can drink a mountain dew or grape/apple juice with sugar to get the baby moving!!!

Didn't do a natural birth as I dont like pain......so I decided no pain and a beautiful baby...that's the way for me! LOL Epidurals are much safer than people think! The most common problem is the rising of blood pressure sometimes but it only happens in 1-2% of all cases. Also, I had an epidural and I BF my daughter immediately with no complications at all. The only "issue" I had was for 1-2 hours after birth my legs were still numb but I didn't want to get out the bed anyways. I was enjoying holding my baby!!! I would do some research on natural births if you have one BUT have a back up plan...I had an epidural but I knew that if I couldn't get one I had to do it natural and I had my mind set on that as well!!!

Cyn

[metroames]

Originally Posted by tammeli

Wow, Ames. Thanks for all of the info. I do spend all of my time reading about pregnancy and birth, but now that I have the whole summer off, I plan to take action as well. I am interested in birthing centers and plan on investigating further into them and visiting. I do worry, however, about complications with the birth if they should arise. So, I am keeping my options open right now about the hospital I will give birth in if I choose.

At my doctor's visit today, I plan on talking to her about her opinions on birthing positions and episiotomies. It seems to me that giving birth while lying on our backs would be very difficult and uncomfortable. It is already uncomfortable for me to lie on my back (not that I do it often since I know it is not good.) Plus, you don't get the benefit of gravity. It makes more sense to me to give birth squating or at least sitting up.

I also do not want an episiotomy. I've done research into this and have found that the doctors usually cut more than is necessary and they not only cut the skin, but the muscle too. Giving that you had a natural birth, I was a little surprised that you had one done. Is that a normal procedure? Why didn't they just let you tear?

Well, the reason I had the episotomy was two-fold.....First, as the baby was decending down the birth canal he was hitting my stiatic nerve that went down my right leg. So every time I had a contraction I would have shooting pain down my leg and then in-between contractions my leg was numb. By the time I was ready to push my leg was so weak I couldn't get in any position except flat on my back. We tried, believe me, we tried. Therefore, the vaginal area circumference wasn't as large as it could have been. Second, Grant had a big ol' head and my perineum just would not budge. I even did the perineal massage for 8 weeks before he was born and it didn't help. After the midwife realized that I was not progressing any further she told me I could continue to push as long as the baby was doing well. After another 4 contractions I was really getting tired and still no progression so I ok'd the episiotomy. He had a big ol' dent on his head where he got stuck for a good week after he was born. Both my midwife and doula said that even though it is rare it was probably necessary in my case. Since Grant paved the way, hopefully I won't have to get one for my next baby! It still hurts down there at times 5 month postpardum! Don't do it if you don't have to!

Ames

ETA - I labored in the upright position sitting in a rocking chair with my doula rubbing my right leg...what a sight! But I couldn't sit there and push him out for obvious reasons! Definately don't labor on your back. The few cervical checks I had while on my back were aweful during the contractions.

[BrattyChelle]

Originally Posted by cynicalcyn

Didn't do a natural birth as I dont like pain......so I decided no pain and a beautiful baby...that's the way for me! LOL Epidurals are much safer than people think! The most common problem is the rising of blood pressure sometimes but it only happens in 1-2% of all cases. Also, I had an epidural and I BF my daughter immediately with no complications at all. The only "issue" I had was for 1-2 hours after birth my legs were still numb but I didn't want to get out the bed anyways. I was enjoying holding my baby!!! I would do some research on natural births if you have one BUT have a back up plan...I had an epidural but I knew that if I couldn't get one I had to do it natural and I had my mind set on that as well!!!

Cyn

Agrees completely. Plus a fact most people don't know.....epidurals are used for many common place surgeries/procedures that are not pregnancy related so they are safe and very common. They are used more than we realize. Do your research, be prepared for anything because even the best of intentions sometimes fall through and being unprepared/uninformed only leads to panic which may delay a healthy birth even further.

[Sinnrah]

Just wanted to pop in and say good morning. I had some more spotting last night..then woke up w/ a swollen gland under my chin. Gotta love those right?

but my husband and I seem to relatively confident that what I am experiencing is normal...so we are still scheduling to keep our appointment next week.

[SmileyAmy]

LOL...We have been invaded by mommies!!!

Hi to all of you and thanks for your insight!

Ames ~ Sorry we aren't doing a good job at keeping your list nice and tidy...

Becca ~ *fingers in my ears* La, la, la... No, seriously, thanks for your insight on the epidural. I know there is always a chance.

Tiffany ~ Glad you are relaxing a bit when it comes to the spotting.

So, I am 37 weeks today!!! Time sure is flying.

I don't know if you all remember me telling you all at the end of May about my friend who's 2.5 year old passed away? Anyway...they wrote an article on him in a local paper. Don't know if you care to read it, but here it is for those who remember.

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/l...rticleid=59943

Well, BBL!!

[Dar20]

Thanks for the article, Amy. It's so sad.

[Celia]

Morning everyone. Its interesting reading all your comments on epidurals, birthing positions, episiotomy etc....

I have question: How many weeks along were you before the doctor heard/saw a heartbeat? What is normal?

I won't have my first doctor appointment and ultrasound until around 10 or 11 weeks. They should be able to hear a heartbeat by then, right?

[cynicalcyn]

Originally Posted by Celia

Morning everyone. Its interesting reading all your comments on epidurals, birthing positions, episiotomy etc....

I have question: How many weeks along were you before the doctor heard/saw a heartbeat? What is normal?

I won't have my first doctor appointment and ultrasound until around 10 or 11 weeks. They should be able to hear a heartbeat by then, right?

At 5 weeks they saw the heartbeat. I had to have a vaginal ultrasound due to a car accident and I was bleeding ALOT!!!!

So I am sure they will listen to the heartbeat, it's usually on the first appointment....

Cyn

[cynicalcyn]

Originally Posted by SmileyAmy

LOL...We have been invaded by mommies!!!

Hi to all of you and thanks for your insight!


I don't know if you all remember me telling you all at the end of May about my friend who's 2.5 year old passed away? Anyway...they wrote an article on him in a local paper. Don't know if you care to read it, but here it is for those who remember.

http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/l...rticleid=59943

Well, BBL!!

Yes the mommies are invading...I lurk here often...I remember when you were trying to get pregnant. WOW!! Amy ! Did you get your bags packed?

So sorry about your friend

CYN

[cynicalcyn]

Originally Posted by BrattyChelle

Do your research, be prepared for anything because even the best of intentions sometimes fall through and being unprepared/uninformed only leads to panic which may delay a healthy birth even further.

THIS IS SO SO SO SO SO SO TRUE!!!

Cyn

[cynicalcyn]

Originally Posted by Sinnrah

Just wanted to pop in and say good morning. I had some more spotting last night..then woke up w/ a swollen gland under my chin. Gotta love those right?

but my husband and I seem to relatively confident that what I am experiencing is normal...so we are still scheduling to keep our appointment next week.

Hi Tiffany--

We are still on the mommy board waiting for pics of Emily!!!!

Cyn

[SmileyAmy]

Hey Cyn...I remember you popping in every so often when I was TTC. The bags have started getting packed. I have all my toiletrees, Sara's two going home outfit options, and some misc stuff. Its getting there...

[Sinnrah]

Cyn-I know you girls are waiting..sorry but I have been such a slacker.

I ended up calling the doctors office about the spotting. I am Rh negative and from what I have read that if there is any spotting/bleeding at all that I need to call the doctor...so I did and am now waiting for a call back.


I am hoping they will tell me to just wait until next wednesday...I sure dont want to get out in the rain today.

[Sinnrah]

Here are some pictures of my little girl

[SmileyAmy]

Tiffany ~ OMG, Emily is ADORABLE!!!

Quick question...my tummy at least the upper part is slightly numb. Is that normal? Not numb, pins and needles, just when I scratch it, it feels funny - just slightly numb.

[Dar20]

Amy, Sara could be pushing on a nerve ending or something making it numb?

OOOOoooo, she's gonna be here before you know it! Did they do an internal at your last appointment to check the cervix?

[allibaba]

Hi everybody,
Life it totally crazy here as you can imagine. SIL took older ds out for a few hours so that's helpful. Just wanted to say hi and let you all know I'm still alive LOL.

Amy - My stomache was that way for most of this pregnancy. It was so stretched out, I was told it was normal.

Alli

[SmileyAmy]

Alli ~ Thanks for the info. It isn't horribly numb. I only notice it when I am rubbing or scratching it. How are you doing? Glad you get a bit of a break with one child out for a while. Can't wait to see more pictures.

Dar ~ Yup, they did an internal. Nothing...I am not worried too much about it. My mother said with both me and my brother the doctor said she wasn't dialated or effaced and she went into labor that night. So, I know it doesn't mean much, but it would be nice to be that much ahead of the game. LOL It is getting really close isn't it?? I keep thinking it could be anytime. I will begin cherishing my weekends more starting tomorrow. Boy, I am going to miss my sleep.

[Friendship]

Amy- Mine went numb around 38 weeks......