Weekly Chat April 9 - 16 « Back to Group Discussions

[justKate]

Hi ladies, took the liberty of starting the new weekly thread since flavorfull1 and lots of the other chatting mamas have had their babies already and are (hopefully) busy with other things.  Hope that's okay!

I can't believe we're only 1/3 of the way through the month and already have so many new babies!  Its definitely making me anxious for this little one to arrive, although in some ways I know things will really change once she does--but that's life, right? I'm 40+3 today and hoping for baby to arrive sometime this week (except Wednesday, actually, because my parents have something to do).  I found this website last night while I was laying awake in bed: spacefem.com  It gives your daily probability of spontaneous labor according to your due date...so for example my chance of spontaneous labor by this date is 61.79% and my chance of labor starting today is 10%.  Anyway, something to fiddle with.

My DD was born at 40+2, so I'm officially feeling "late" now.  I'm having the weirdest temperature problems--I am sweaty all of the time.  Its sort of bizarre.  My skin is cold but I can't stop sweating at night, especially my chest/neck and legs/feet.  I don't have a fever...no idea what's up with this, but it sucks!  Having regular BHx contrax this morning, which is new for me; usually only have them in the evening and at night, so hopefully that's a good sign.  Today I promised to take DD to Chick-fil-A, then I have a midwife appt tomorrow.  That's basically my plan for the week!

Tara2--hope you got some rest!  I hear ya on not wanting labor to start when you're already feeling depleted.

Ravensong, glad things are okay with you.  Going past 40 sort of mentally sucks, doesn't it?  I hope you have luck with some nipple stim.  I haven't gone there yet, mostly because I don't want to make myself sore.  But I'm getting to that point too.

day, tell that baby to stay put for another day until your midwife returns!  Sounds like a productive day; good luck with DH's closet.

NicMom, that's interesting about the betacarotene in your colostrum.  I would have freaked out, but sounds like its all good. 

NCMtnMama, hope you've been able to relax some.  Stress is definitely not helpful, but sometimes its hard to feel anything else.  I hope that you're feeling alright today.

Hope everyone else is feeling as well as can be expected and looking forward to more baby arrivals this week!

[belacmsage]

Thanks for the new thread!

AFM: I had five hours of false labor yesterday. They were my first real contractions too so it was really weird. They were 10 minutes apart and lasted about 30 seconds with no change to matter what I tried. Called the MW to see what she thought and she told me to try a small glass of wine and nipple stim. That didn't work either. MW also said it could happen anytime now, probably this week. I'm hoping so because hours of false labor is not fun. Hope no one else is going through this but, if you are, anyone have any suggestions? I've already started contracting a couple times today and my uterus hurts from all the exercise it got yesterday.

[CarlyVHT]

Hi ladies. Am officially "ready" to go anytime now. I'd really love baby to arrive this week, otherwise I'll have to go back to work until he shows up after a few days off last week and this weekend, and I'm just not in the mood. All through the pregnancy, I felt like he would come this week, but now I'm not feeling as confident about that and think I may easily go past 40 weeks. I'll be 39 weeks tomorrow, so it could still be 3 weeks! Lots of menstrual like cramping which I assume is BH, sometimes for hours on end, but nothing more than that. My left hip hurts.

I started getting sick yesterday afternoon - the same stomach issues I had a couple of months ago. I am at a loss for what it is, the symptoms are so wierd. It lasts about 18 hours and includes 12 hours of sulfur burps and gas with a painful stomach, then turns into diarrhea, which is actually a relief because it clears everything out. I'm feeling better now but didn't get much sleep last night. I think it starts from eating too much unhealthy food and may be related to my gallbladder. It was a painful evening, so glad the stomach cramping is over.

It's strange, I feel like it has been so long that I sort of forget what contractions feel like. I've got the menstrual cramping/BH thing down, but the full on, whole-uterus contractions haven't hit me yet and I kind of forget what they are all about even though I have done this once before - 5 years ago!

[tarabelle]

I have to say, even though I can totally understand how frustrating it may be for all you ladies who want your babies in your arms, I sort of wish I could have the odd bit of false labour.  Last month I was having BH all the time, and I kind of liked it!  Sometimes it would feel uncomfortable but it was never more than a little painful and it made me feel like my uterus was in shape and preparing for eventual labour.  Now I am 39 weeks along and I had ONE BH contraction yesterday... what happened?  It seems silly, but those BH made me feel (and I feel like false labour would make me feel even more so) like at least my body was prepping for labour in some small way.  

Do I sound ridiculous?

 

I hope everybody else is doing well and not feeling too under the weather as our birthing days approach (or pass!)

[kaismum]

Carly - Hope that you are feeling better soon! That sounds really unpleasant and I can't really imagine dealing with that plus impending labor. 

It has been five years for me also and my labor with our son was induced, so I am really really unsure of what to expect. 

belacmsage - I wish that I had some advice for you. I keep wondering if that is the boat I will end up in as I have been having BH sort of all the time for weeks. Hopefully things kick in for you after you have had some time to rest. 

AFM: I had my baby shower this weekend and we were lucky to receive the two biggest things on our must have list: a co-sleeper and a car seat. So, aside from making some exchanges and smaller purchases we have everything that we felt like we needed to have. We are doing a trial pump up of the pool to see if it will fit anywhere upstairs since that is where our only bathroom is located. Plus, then our son will be able to hang out somewhere that am not all labory if it is during the day if he needs. My mom keeps pretending that I haven't told her that I won't be calling her while I am in labor and has asked for a third time when she will be called to come. Annoying. I was really, really clear with her this time and it was in an email, so she cannot misinterpret what I said and if she does I can redirect her. 

Nesting has hit with an insane level of urgency. I almost feel like I am having a mild panic attack at all times thinking about what needs to be done and what I can attempt to accomplish in a day without tapping all of my possible energy. I keep trying to do too many things in one day and end up really emotional and sore at the end of the day. Is anyone else feeling like this? Like you must get your shmit accomplished/purchased/washed/put away/moved/sorted/etc or you will explode? 

On that note, I have to run a couple of errands prior to lunch. :) 

[chiromama01]

just kate, i was just thinking about you.  It's so hard mentally to go past 40. with dd, i was 42 weeks, and felt like my body failed me...why did i never experience spontaneous labor?  what was wrong with me? would it *not* happen again? was i destined for another induction? and on and on and on.  I started with that at about 37 weeks with the pregnancy.  It can drive you nuts, and i'm so sorry you're still in it.  i hope things start progressing soon!  I think the most healing aspect of Collin's birth was learning to trust in and believe in my body again, and I truly hope you get that too.  

kaismum-- yay for the great shower! always nice to see those big ticket items wrapped up as a gift! You crack me up with your description of nesting, but i totally get it.  i was that way for about a week before ds was born, and now, well, things have all gone to hell :0  oh well...

bela-it sounds like things are moving along! hopefully you'll have a baby in your arms soon!

AFM--Collin is an awesome baby, he sleeps like a champ, and nurses like a maniac! He cluster feeds, like all day long, every 45 minutes or so, but then sleeps all night long.  With only a week off work, I'll take the extra rest! Although, my breasts were so painful this morning i did have to wake him up to nurse! I'm really enjoying the time off with him and dh.  I didn't realize how much time we (dh and I) *don't* get to spend together until you get a whole week off.  Dh will be here for 3 weeks so thats good, he's be a great help.  My parents took dd to the beach this week, and she'll likely be gone till Friday! I don't know if I can handle it! I miss her so much already! But I'm trying to take advantage and use this time to bond with Collin.  

anyone have suggestions for dry/cracked/bleeding nipples?  lots of fun...

good luck to all the laboring mamas and i can't wait to see your babies soon!

[adoremybabe]

test post

[adoremybabe]

Yay! I can finally post again!!!!! It's been since last week Wednesday. Apparently there was some sort of update done on mothering that left me unable to submit any posts. For me it was easier to wait patiently then delve into why I couldn't post.

I'm still pregnant. I am 40+2. I feel overdue and anxious even though I might actually be 39+2. Today it's hard for me to move around so cleaning up the house hasn't exactly happened.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend. Congrats to all of those mamas out there who are cuddling their little ones!

[justKate]

tarabelle, I totally get the feeling.  1 /12 or 2 weeks ago I felt like things were really gearing up--lots of mucous, etc.--and now everything is sort of steady. Grr. 

chiro, thanks for the encouragement!  re. nipples, I guess the only recommendation is lanolin, but I worry about using it because I'm so scared that it might contribute to thrush, b/c it sort of keeps your nips damp.  Maybe its just par for the course and will go away?

adoremybabe, I was wondering about you!  Sorry you're uncomfortable but glad to have company in the over-40-weeks camp. 

[Carolyn_mtl]

Im feeling more "ready" now that I am officially full term (hit 37 weeks last Friday). I see my dr tomorrow, and I'm curious to know if there has been any more progress. At 34.5 wks I was 3 cms, last week I was 4 cms and 80% effaced. I was a little worried baby was going to come too early, so Im happy to be approaching 38 wks. DD was born at 39+4, with her I was dilated to 3 cm at 38 weeks, so I know its not uncommon to be dilated early, but this time seemed a little "too early".

I have some mixed emotions, as excited as I am to meet dd2, I'd be fine if she stayed inside another week or two. I'm a little sad that my time with just dd is almost over. Im also a little nervous about going from one to two..but at the same time I cannot wait to see my girls together. DD is so excited for her baby sister, she asks me all the time if "baby Care (Clare) is ready to come out", gives my belly kisses, talks to her, tells me all the things she wants to do and share with her.. I'm hoping the enthusiasm sticks around after Clare is born!

[hazelbranch]

Still pregnant here at 39+1 now.  My water broke with DD at 39 weeks exactly, and she was born the morning of 39+1 so it seems this little guy has decided to cook a little longer than she did!  I thought this one might come a touch earlier but I guess not, so now I'm just waiting...

My parents came for a visit on the weekend and offered to bring me and DD back to their place for a few days, but considering they live 2 hours away I figured it was not a good idea.  I really didn't want to end up in labour at their place and get stuck in a car for 2 hours trying to make it back here.  But instead we sent DD home with them for her first ever night away from us... well, me specifically since she has been away from DH overnight.  This is very new to me and I'm missing her like crazy but she's having loads of fun and doesn't seem to be having a hard time at all.  The current plan is to have her stay with them for a few days, maybe even til Thursday if she continues to do well without us.  DH had today off of work for the holiday so we did some shopping, LOTS of walking, and had lunch together.  Tomorrow he will be back to work and I'll be... wondering what the hell to do with myself! LOL  I'm looking forward to it and hoping I get at least one day to myself before one (or both) of the two children decide to pop into the picture.  Otherwise I am feeling ready for this little one to make his appearance... I think. 

[moss]

chiro~i always go to kellymom for breastfeeding problems.  http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/nipplehealing/  hope you find something there that clicks for ya :)

i started listening to some hypnobabies cd's.  anyone else using them?  they remind me of meditation tapes i used to listen to a zillion years ago.

[Marnica]

Chiro - you have to order it from Australia  via the internet but paw paw ointment is the bomb for sore, cracked nipples! I just got some so Im all ready to go in case I need it.

AFM Im 39w 3 days. I had my appt yesterday and they started talking to me about what to think about in case I'm late and approaching 42 weeks. I was kind of annoyed by this. I mean do we really need to start discussing this before it is even an issue?? I felt like just talking about it was jinxing me yk? They also requested I make an ultrasound appt for the end of next week (4/20) "in case I haven't had the baby yet and because appts can be hard to get" to check fluid levels ect (I would be just about 41 weeks at that point). Again this kind of annoyed me. I don't want to be scheduling u/s post date unless I have to! I know they are just trying to be efficient and cover all their bases - and maybe Im just hormonal, but I find dwelling on what ifs is pointless. I feel like I really need to maintain the attitude of lets cross that bridge is and when we come to it.

Ive found that Ive been more irritable the last few days....anyone else?? No signs of labor. I get BH daily, but have been for several weeks. I don;t get cervical checks so I have no idea what going on down there!! My son was 12 days late. I really hope this girl is not that late. I feel as ready as Ill ever be for this and am just very uncomfortable and tired physically.

Also annoying is that I just had to get new brakes on my car and I also need 4 new tires (apparently they are so bad they are illegal at this point!). Financially this could not come at a worse time. I feel like when it rains it pours, but this is not stuff I can put off until later....sigh. Hope you are all hanging in there!!

[Marnica]

I listen to my hypnobirth cd's every night. I usually fall asleep to them

 

Originally Posted by moss 

chiro~i always go to kellymom for breastfeeding problems.  http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/nipplehealing/  hope you find something there that clicks for ya :)

i started listening to some hypnobabies cd's.  anyone else using them?  they remind me of meditation tapes i used to listen to a zillion years ago.

[ReadingRenee]

Originally Posted by Marnica 

Chiro - you have to order it from Australia  via the internet but paw paw ointment is the bomb for sore, cracked nipples! I just got some so Im all ready to go in case I need it.

AFM Im 39w 3 days. I had my appt yesterday and they started talking to me about what to think about in case I'm late and approaching 42 weeks. I was kind of annoyed by this. I mean do we really need to start discussing this before it is even an issue?? I felt like just talking about it was jinxing me yk? They also requested I make an ultrasound appt for the end of next week (4/20) "in case I haven't had the baby yet and because appts can be hard to get" to check fluid levels ect (I would be just about 41 weeks at that point). Again this kind of annoyed me. I don't want to be scheduling u/s post date unless I have to! I know they are just trying to be efficient and cover all their bases - and maybe Im just hormonal, but I find dwelling on what ifs is pointless. I feel like I really need to maintain the attitude of lets cross that bridge is and when we come to it.

Ive found that Ive been more irritable the last few days....anyone else?? No signs of labor. I get BH daily, but have been for several weeks. I don;t get cervical checks so I have no idea what going on down there!! My son was 12 days late. I really hope this girl is not that late. I feel as ready as Ill ever be for this and am just very uncomfortable and tired physically.

Also annoying is that I just had to get new brakes on my car and I also need 4 new tires (apparently they are so bad they are illegal at this point!). Financially this could not come at a worse time. I feel like when it rains it pours, but this is not stuff I can put off until later....sigh. Hope you are all hanging in there!!

I am right there with you!  Even down to being 39 weeks 3 days today.  Except that my first was one day over my EDD and my second was 5 days before EDD.  So now Im feeling like any minute hopefully.  I have to schedule a US at 41 weeks too which is annoying.  And yes to all the BH and being much more irritable. Sigh...

Originally Posted by Marnica 

I listen to my hypnobirth cd's every night. I usually fall asleep to them

 

I also listen to my hypnobirth CD's every night.  I did for my last pregnancy and it really helped me relax through contractions.  Hoping it does the same thing this time around too!

[piratemere]

Chiro - I'm so sorry you are having the trouble with your nipples.  It's a blessing he's such a good nurser, but the cracks are no fun.  It is most likely due to latch.  If you are producing a lot, and he has a strong suck, he may still be getting enough milk even with a bad latch. Dr Jack Newman has some great resources on latch.  Check him out. Have you checked Colin for tongue tie?  If his latch is perfect, regardless of the state of your nipples, nursing should not hurt - it may for the first few moments while he's drawing the milk, but after that it should be comfortable.  However, if you are certain latch is not a problem, the other major culprit is often thrush.  Again, Jack Newman has good resources on that. I hope you figure that out soon, as I know how miserable it can be.

I have been having some more powerful BHs, but nothing consistent and nothing too uncomfortable.  Every night I go to sleep hoping that I will wake up in labour.  Alas. I have my 39 week appointment with the MWs today, although according to my honest dates I will be 40 weeks tomorrow.  It's so hard to be patient, for some reason, despite all my understanding that EDDs are bunk. I've pretty much decided it's time to stay out of public though, because I'm getting really sick of the random "When are you going to POP?" and "Are you sure you don't have twins in there?" comments.  To the "POP" question I just respond, "I have no intention of popping, that would probably hurt, don't you think?" and then walk away. 

On the other hand, I am managing to keep my house so clean, my laundry done, and I've been getting some home projects that have been on the back burner for months done.  Another week or two and I'll have a home fit for a magazine.  Speaking of such, I've got to go mop my floor!

[lalazap]

Originally Posted by moss 
i started listening to some hypnobabies cd's.  anyone else using them?  they remind me of meditation tapes i used to listen to a zillion years ago.

I'm listening to the Hypnobabies stuff too. I haven't done the whole program but I did a few private sessions with a hypnotherapist friend of mine who teaches the course. So I've gotten the Coles Notes techniques. I'm really enjoying the CDs and I think they are helping me keep a (mostly) positive headspace. If nothing else I am having some great naps - er, hypnotic amnesia! - when I lie down to listen. I am not a great napper usually so this alone is a great triumph!!

Originally Posted by jennyvangy 
It's so hard to be patient, for some reason, despite all my understanding that EDDs are bunk. 

Yup. I'm 39+6 and I KNOW that my baby will come when it's ready, and I trust my body to maintain a perfect environment for him/her until that time ... aaaand - I really really really hope that baby comes before the post-dates hype starts to ramp up around 41w. I just don't want to have to discuss or decide about the monitoring and ultrasounds, induction, etc. So hard to hold space for all these different perspectives. Ugh.

[moss]

trying not to get stressed about possibly going overdue and facing induction.  had a crappy mw appt today, and left feeling really bummed about my options if i go over.  she talked about encouraging the cervix at my next appt (at 40 weeks), like with a stretch and sweep, already!.  ...and she talked about rates of stillbirth going up at 42 weeks.  sheesh.  why do they have to go there?  i hate being coerced by fear based motivations.  we also talked about options if i end up in the hospital being induced instead of the home waterbirth that i'm wanting.  maybe that's part of why i'm so bummed.  is it horrible that if i have to go on a pitocin drip that i want all the drugs that i can get my hands on? 

anyways, it's good to come here and read about all of you other mama's and how you're dealing with the same issues.  and it's really good to read some grounded ideas about edd's and all of that.  makes me feel better anyways.

jennyvangy~~i wonder if you're on that 'just before labour' surge of nesting!!  i'm so spoiled, my husband cleaned the house from top to bottom over the weekend.  the house is ready, even if the baby isnt LOL

[Mom2SammyJoe]

Another one at 39 + 3 here. I was induced with my first at 41 wks, and DD came at 40 +4. All last week I was saying "it'll be the middle of next week." Now I have no idea. This baby is lower than either of my others were before labor, but I don't have that bowling ball between my legs feeling or anything. I am getting lots of BH and low pelvic pressure, especially at night. But that is really it. With DD, I really had no signs until one night I had a contraction, and it hurt. Then they just kept coming. I never really wondered "is this it?" It was very much it from the start, and ended with a baby 18 hours later. I keep expecting labor to start the same way this time- to be sitting on the couch watching TV and have contractions start. But really, who knows? I just keep trying to remember that I had no real signs before, and I still went into labor and had a great HBAC. A week ago I was not ready to have this baby. Now I am very ready.

I saw my midwife yesterday. I love how trusting and low pressure she is. She was genuinely excited to feel my belly and feel how low the baby's head is. She didn't talk about any monitoring or anything. She didn't even want to schedule another appointment. She knows she'll be here soon for the birth. She doesn't routinely do cervical checks. She asked if I wanted one yesterday, but I really didn't. I know it doesn't say much as to when labor will start, and since I haven't had any mucus or anything, I don't think I am am too far dialated. It is so nice not to be doing dual care this time around!

[jess in hawaii]

Aloha everyone!

I finally got online again, for today anyway... I got a new phone, an Android, and it allows me to read MDC but not post. So I have been checking in a bit, but not able to say anything.

I am feeling soooo done. I don't really expect my baby before my due date, and I really need the time to wrap up my legal business, but geez, I have never felt this big, heavy, sleepy, and uncomfortable, not to mention the frequent BH which I never have with my others, so part of me is wanting to actively do things to encourage labor but not really ready to all the same. I had a big surge of nesting, and I am trying to keep it going, but I'm so sleepy all the time (except when I'm having late preg insomnia, lol)

Moss- all my pregs have been 42+ weeks. The first few, I got that same rap about risks, options I wasn't comfortable with, and general coercion to HAVE THAT BABY NOW. I induced myself with castor oil a few times just to avoid worse scenarios, but now I know that what is right for my body and my babies is going however long they need to. I know it can be confusing when you have a high pressure HCP especially if they start telling you that they won't do HB after a certain day, but I encourage you to stand your ground and also look at all the options you personally have control of, such as herbs, acupressure, homeopathy etc. before you even go so far as letting your MW do anything. But really, hold out as long as you can. Some babies need a little longer.

In other news, I am going to be a grandmother! lol. I will be 42 with a 6 month old when my eldest son and his girlfriend have their little surprise