Starting to lose my overdue cool...

[phoebemommy]

If it were just about the dates, I'd be fine, but I can't have a midwife at a homebirth past 42 weeks here, so the clock is ticking. I'm at 41+2 now, not even that bad, I know, but my ds was 41+1, and I always thought you go a little early with the second. Also, my first labor came on very quickly and efficiently -- about ten hours of my belly getting hard (but no pain), and then a four hour labor immediately after my water broke. With this baby I've been having false alarms since 38 weeks. I haven't been checked and didn't have an ultrasound, so I have no concrete data about what's going on in there, but as much as my cervix has been pinching and stretching I'm pretty convinced I'm all primed and ready to go, now just waiting.

I'm doing accupuncture, some homeopathics, going for walks, sex, etc. My midwife has an herb and breast pump induction approach she likes, which I guess I'll try soon, though breast pumps are like medieval torture devices to me. But not worse than the hospital, that's for sure.

Also, my mom is visiting from thousands of miles away to help with my son and dogs. We really need somebody, particularly for the (big, in your face) dogs. She's leaving a couple days before 42 weeks. We have a friend who can do the same, but you know. It's my mom, she's here, and I've accidentally let myself "plan" for her to definitely be here, so my head is a little screwed up about it. We can change her ticket going home, but not for very long. It's all just a big snafu, and I'm thinking about it too much.

Thanks. I guess I just need to vent.

[donutmolly]

So sorry -- it's hard when you feel like the clock is ticking! And when you've made some plans for the birth that might need to be changed the longer you go!

I totally "get" it. I gave birth within days of my EDD for my first 2, and DD3 ended up being 2 weeks late, induced with castor oil (which I was really opposed to, but more opposed to giving birth in a hospital).

You've heard all the "relax" and "do such-and-such" to get the baby out, so I won't repeat it. But it does sound like your body is gearing up, and all the details will work themselves out.

[Vancouver Mommy]

I can so relate to your stress. I went 41+5 with my first and not only felt the clock ticking, but also had my whole family sitting around watching me not go into labour. Hang in there.

[OTMomma]

My second came 3 days later than my first. My 3rd child was a bit earlier, but that's another story.

It sounds like you are doing everything right. Take some deep breaths- your baby will pick the perfect birthday. Really.

Is there anything you can plan to take some of the stress out of this situation? Could you board your dogs somewhere if needed? Either way, enjoy having your mom there now, ask her to cook something and put it in the freezer for you to have after she leaves- there is nothing like a meal made by mom.

I wish you a blessed birth!

[cileag]

My Phoebe came at 41 and 3---here's hoping you have a babe today!

[thenaturefreak]

Originally Posted by OTMomma

My second came 3 days later than my first.

[aloneinid]

My second was born 10 days later than my first at 41+1. Are you sure that your midwife won't attend a HB after 42? i was under the impression that mine was legally allowed to, either, but when it came that close I asked her and she said she would still do it. Some midwives allow the option of you "refusing to transfer" and so they "have" to attend you no matter what the date. I know it is easier said that done, but worrying can prevent you from going into labor due to the stress hormones you are releasing. Maybe pick a date for a "natural" induction and then just rest until then. You will surely have a baby within a few days!

[spruce]

Hopefully things are quiet because you had your baby.

My 2nd was 19 or 21 days over (and big, for me) 14 years ago, with CNMs in Fairbanks.

Have you thought about whether you really conceived when you think you did? I mean, your chart could be a week off...wink, wink.

I did...EPO, cohosh, walking until I thought my hips would dislocate, sex, using a pump, you name it. The fact is she wasn't ready.

I did a NST the day I went into labor w/ my daughter. Since the midwives didn't do them then (and I don't know if they do them now...) I had to see a doctor I'd never met. That story is epic. She was born at the birth center, with midwives and her sister in attendance, at 2:38 in the morning after a nice, slow labor that night...just hours after the doctor I saw assured me that "We have to get to the hospital and get this baby out! She could DIE!" Urgh.

FWIW, post-birth we figured she really did "cook" a little longer...my first was 6.11, and this one was 8.0. The overdue one just looked plumper, less new-borny than usual, yk?

My 3rd was 8 days over, 4th 10 days over, 5th born on her due date (and my smallest).


I do think babies come when they're ready. Good luck, and congratulations!!