32 Weeks and Michigan Womyn's Music Fest??

[auntbeabea]

This is my first pregnancy. I am committed to going to Michfest this year, but I will be 32 weeks pregnant! Its a 7 - 8 hour drive.

Has anyone been to Michfest that pregnant? Any resources? I tried to find some info on the Michigan forums but couldn't. Let me know!

[Italiamom]

I don't know anything about Michfest specifically, but I do know that at 32 weeks pregnant you shouldn't be to the really miserable end phase yet (and you may never get there).  You will be beautifully blossomed, but not quiiiiite at the point where you won't want to be out and about. 

A few general festival/camping and pregnant tips:

-By that point in your pregnancy, I would plan on making lots of stops on that 8 hour trip.  Plan to stop at least once an hour to pee and walk around and stretch.

-If it's a camping event, make sure that you've got a very comfy air mattress, and LOTS of pillows.  You will be at a stage by then where comfort is important.

-I'd also make sure to keep a healthy distance from the speakers.  The womb amplifies sound, and your little bebe will certainly be able to hear by that point (but should also be able to enjoy the music too)!

-If you don't want a lot of women touching your belly, make yourself a t-shirt that says so.  Most women are really good about boundaries, especially at an event like this.  But a lot of people aren't, and if it's not your thing to be touched by strangers, mark your territory loud and clear!

-If it's going to be hot, make sure you have access to water at ALL times.  Hydration at that time in pregnancy is VERY vital!!

Happy festing!

[Ravin]

Well, I've never been to that festival, but I just did Estrella War at 39 weeks pregnant. My advice:

Get yourself the most comfortable sleeping arrangements you can. If you can swing a motel or cabin or something, do it. If camping, well, I took an actual mattress with me, not an air mattress. Only thing that would have made it better is if I'd had a frame to get it up off the ground so I didn't have to get up and down from there.

Stay hydrated. Water, water, water

Plan so that you don't overdo the walking. Not as much a prob at 32 wks as at 39.

Make sure you have seating. A chair with a carry strap, if chairs aren't plentiful, would be advisable.

No advice for the long car ride, as I only had to travel 1 hour.

[penstamon]

I've never heard of that fest, but I did both the Dead and Sasquatch last time around 31-33w pregnant and it was awesome.  We were in 85-90F weather in the sun but we came well prepared with healthy food (no fried festival food), a misting fan thing, scarves that I got soaked and wrapped around my shoulders/head, lots of water and my giant preg pillow for camping.  I did fine and loved it.  Unfortunately Sasquatch is happening when I would be 41w this time, so its a no go. FWIW, people were very respectful at both fests.

Just be prepared for weather, don't overdo it and make sure you are comfy for sleeping/camping.  Enjoy!

[auntbeabea]

Thanks all! I was starting to worry that maybe it was too far away or something. I am traveling with a dear friend who would be more than willing to deal with a lot of stopping and/or special arrangements. I already told my sister to start screen-printing tank tops for me that say things like "beware of dog" or "private property" although this fest is uber-feminist and sister supportive so I'm not so worried about that here. More like in everyday life!

I will definitely focus on hydration, sleeping comfort, and taking it easy. Food is provided and all vegetarian (read: healthy!). Although, if that's the point in the pg where I am feeling great, I can't imagine anywhere better to be than surrounded by strong womyn whom I love! I realllllly hope I'm not at the miserable point yet!! Fingers crossed!!

[Italiamom]

Originally Posted by auntbeabea 

I realllllly hope I'm not at the miserable point yet!! Fingers crossed!!

Ravin's suggestion about bringing a good chair should ease your mind.  If you are indeed miserable by that point (which I don't think you will be), then either you'll be grumpy and uncomfortable in a chair in your house, or you can be less grumpy and uncomfortable at a festival with wonderful music and people!  I know that REI makes these chairs (recliner camp chairs), which are expensive, but outrageously comfy.  We spent many hours happily napping away the hottest parts of the day in them at festivals before we had DS.  I bet you could find something similar somewhere cheaper, and then you could plop your big pregnant butt in your camp recliner and just relax!

[Monarchgrrl]

I love Michfest! Oh how I miss it!  I used to go every year, but haven't been in the last few years or while pregnant. There are usually quite a few pregnant womyn there each year. I agree with what the others have said regarding water and comfort while sleeping and bring a good chair. Also bring VERY comfy shoes and try to camp near the porta janes (potties). I'm not sure I would love using those facilities with a big belly, but I'm sure you'll be fine. It's very hot and humid at fest every year so maybe bring a fan that sprays water? Just stay hydrated, for sure.

Have fun, you festie virgin! ;)

[jengacnm]

So how was it? :)