Weekly Chat Feb 17-23 - Page 3 « Back to Group Discussions

[spughy]

Originally Posted by scruffy too 

Any of my Canadian buddies see the new Kinder Surprise commercial FOR GIRLS?!  I was drifting off to sleep last night, while watching/listening to the tv, and I thought I was dreaming/hallucinating!!  What was wrong with the gender neutral Kinders?  Oh my goodness.  This is just plain silly (and probably smart marketing, since I'm sure they did their research before releasing this new product, and I guess not everyone feels it's crazy like I do...) 

WTF?????  My GIRL loves kinder surprises - and I've never noticed them to be appealing to one gender or the other!!!  That is STUPID.  I like them too but only because DD doesn't like the chocolate bits.  So I get the chocolate, she gets the toy, it's a win all around.  But if they're going to be doing stupid marketing like that...well.  My 7-year-old is pretty marketing-savvy, she'll see through that sort of thing in an instant.  And most likely be disgusted.  Maybe the US is right to ban them, LOL.

We don't have TV at our house - I'll ask DD if she's seen that commercial at Grandma's. 

In other news, I think my uterus has been encouraged by the I'm/She's in Labour thread.  I've been having much stronger BH in the past few days.  I still don't dare hope that this baby will come BEFORE its due date, but maybe it won't be 10 days late...?

Clumsy I'm sorry your boy is in such straights... poor little guy. 

[maydaymom10]

I'm so excited that we're finally getting babies!! It's just so exciting to see the posts on other threads. But, it looks like I'll be definitely welcoming 39 week for sure. I just got back from my mw appointment and everything looks good. Baby girl has dropped -- I personally think that she's on her way to engaging pretty soon seeing that I can feel her burrowing down in there. I told my mw about the days of period-like cramping, and she was happy. Says that it means my cervix is softening & effacing. She doubts anything will happen anytime soon, but says that it's a really good sign. I'm fine with that. We decided not to do any cervix checks until 40 weeks, and I'm actually feeling really good about that. For now I just need to focus on resting and getting some sleep at night (if possible). I think I"ll just try to take it easy the next few weeks. I'm so conflicted because there's a part of me that is so ready for this pregnancy to be over, and at the same time I don't feel like I'm quite ready yet. I think I just really need to "me time" to focus on the end of this pregnancy and birth. Hopefully I can find that time.

[SlimP]

Aw Clumsy, your poor little man, hope he feels better.

I'm gobsmacked that we're actually having babies.....it's been such a long journey in some ways that I still can't believe I'll have a new baby myself in a coupla weeks.
Like Spughy, my uterus certainly seems to be practicing for 'something', lots of Braxton Hicks, grand when I'm lying down but the pain radiates down into my butt when I'm standing, which really hurts. Maybe it's something to do with my haemorrhoids, which are a thankfully minor problem so far, or maybe baby has a limb way down into my cervix.....it sometimes feels like I'm being groped from the inside!!
His position still varies but I'm not worrying until labour starts, although I take care not to recline and spend most nights on my hands and knees or leaning forward on my yoga ball.
I've been sleeping really well, DH has really upped his caring game there insisting I lie in as well as stepping up his housework contributions.
I feel blessed to have only a few discomforts bothering me at this stage but that might mean a ways to go yet.
My midwives want to do a sweep next week at 39 weeks by their reckoning, a bit sooner by mine, but I'm gonna decline. DH is away for 3 nights, no way I'm chancing starting anything without him but we'll maybe consider it later if it's means avoiding a chemical induction. I'm starting into a regime of natural induction methods next week!!

[writermama12]

SlimP, I'd love to know what your "regime" entails. 

Sugar Plum, I feel so bad about your little guy. SEeing him in pain must be so hard. I hope you can find the space to relax and feel peaceful for a little while with your new baby. 

Babytoes, I hope you are doing better. 

I had my 37 week appt today. My MW said baby is totally head down and in a good position. She is not worried at all about his moving a little now and then and told me not to worry either. That was really reassuring. So I am now fully preparing my mind for a natural birth in water. I am getting soooooo excited, really. We cleaned the house well today and then DH mentioned he would like to pain the kitchen. So we spontaneously decided to pick out a color (bright red-orange) and I went and got it and we are now in the middle of painting the kitchen. It looks fabulous, too! I love being spontaneous with him. We don't get many chances to do it anymore, like we did before we were married, so it was a fun surprise today! 

[SlimP]

WriterMama, basically I want to do everything I can to kickstart labour naturally and to help me in my labour. My 'regime' consists of upping my prenatal herbs, EPO and decreasing wheat, dairy and sugar intake. I want to try to apply EPO, or semen, to my cervix, to help ripen it and might do a little perineal massage and stretching while I'm at it, nothing strenuous, just gentle lubrication of tissue.
I want to increase my water intake and get a good walk in everyday to help baby adopt a good position.
Phase 2 will involve nipple stimulation, sex, labour-inducing herbs and homeopathics, reflexology, acupressure, bumpy car rides, etc. I'd love to not have any intervention but I'm resigned to the fact I'll be under pressure from next week.

[LightForest]

SlimP, I'm confused about why your midwives are already wanting to sweep your membranes? Seems premature to even have that discussion till you hit 41 weeks, unless there's something about your pregnancy that throws your situation outside of the norm...

[buko]

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing?

FWIW-- don't know if I've posted this here yet, about EPO:

http://vbacfacts.com/2012/11/13/evening-primrose-oil-dont-use-it-if-you-are-pregnant/

Findings suggest that the oral administration of evening primrose oil from the 37th gestational week until birth does not shorten gestation or decrease the overall length of labor. Further, the use of orally administered evening primrose oil may be associated with an increase in the incidence of prolonged rupture of membranes, oxytocin [Pitocin] augmentation, arrest of descent, and vacuum extraction.

Also FWIW, my good friend was advised by her hospital CNMs to take/apply EPO nightly for at least a week or two before her EDD.  Just anecdote, I know, but her water did break before labor started (at 40w1d, IIRC) and they did try vacuum extraction twice-- she ended up with a C/S.  Just speaking from my MWs POV, but before I could mention or ask about the study, they told us don't generally recommend EPO.  They are CNMs but very much of the belief that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," so they don't actually recommend much to help labor along or baby to come "sooner," especially before 41 or 42 weeks.

Again, you may have a specific need for baby to come earlier, but just sharing for everyone's information. 

[LightForest]

To balance your anecdotal experience, Buko, I took EPO (orally) from 37 weeks through 41 weeks, 5 days with my last pregnancy. Birthed baby at 41w6d, membranes ruptured during pushing, an hour before she was born.

My experience certainly didn't convince me that EPO might help my body to begin laboring especially quickly, but I'm taking it again this time anyway. (I'm not much of a salesperson, am I?) All I can say is that my last labor/birth experience was, overall, a pleasant and pain free one. So this time around I'm doing as many things the same as possible. (Same prenatals, same EPO, same RRL/nettle tea.)

[sunshinelove]

Clumsy--ouch, poor little guy!! . I've heard so many stories of doctors forcing a boy's foreskin back, it makes me so angry! If they were doing this to adults you know there would be a lot of lawsuits. Fortunately, from what i've read, most of the time it heals within a few days if taken care of properly. The vaseline probably wont do much in the way of healing, though, you need something with antibacterial properties like neosporin or even breastmilk. The vaseline is great for making sure the wound heals properly but since its an open wound in a sensitive area, you need to put some antibiotic ointment on it to ensure speedy healing (the longer the wound takes to heal, the greater likelihood that there will be permanent damage). If i have a boy i'll be watching his doctor like a hawk to make sure this doesnt happen (as well as stating how important it is not to retract the foreskin). I hope your little guy feels better soon!

I am also feeling excited about out babies being born! I cant get over the fact that 2 were born the same morning!!
Edited by sunshinelove - 2/20/13 at 7:09pm

[buko]

Oh, sure, LF-- I have no idea, and there's only been one study, anyway.  I admit I am just one not to use much of anything (drugs, supplements, even probably-harmless techniques) to "augment" the process-- at least not preemptively.  So that is my bias anyway.

[spughy]

I looked into cervical ripening acupuncture - a friend did it and said it was great, I think she ended up going right around her due date after being super late with her first - but it's SO expensive and I don't think it's covered by DH's extended health.  I will check though - I am 36 weeks now and could totally be done next week.

In other exciting news, DH knocked one of DD's teeth out tonight.  She's happy - got on the phone right away to tell grandma all about it - but I think he's still a bit traumatized.  The tooth was hanging by a thread and they were wrestling - bit of a foregone conclusion if you ask me, and I'm relieved I don't have to look at a nasty snaggletooth for days.

[Chapsie]

I haven't had time to read through the boards today, but just wanted to share that it's been a great day so far!  It's my birthday today (28 years young haha) and I get to share it with VeganYogaMomma's baby girl and JodieAnne Anton's baby boy AND my friend in real life also had her baby today!!!  

This  makes me giddy with excitement!  

I took my kids to the mall today, and my son REALLY REALLY wanted to get these fake mustaches at urban outfitters.  Haha!  He cracks me up.  I had a fun time with my adorable kids.  Today was a day where I really liked being a mom.  

[scruffy too]

Chapsie - what adorable children you have!!  Interesting how the different coloured mustache completely changes your DS's look!

[SamSarah]

Originally Posted by spughy 

WTF?????  My GIRL loves kinder surprises - and I've never noticed them to be appealing to one gender or the other!!!  That is STUPID.  I like them too but only because DD doesn't like the chocolate bits.  So I get the chocolate, she gets the toy, it's a win all around.  But if they're going to be doing stupid marketing like that...well.  My 7-year-old is pretty marketing-savvy, she'll see through that sort of thing in an instant.  And most likely be disgusted.  Maybe the US is right to ban them, LOL.

We don't have TV at our house - I'll ask DD if she's seen that commercial at Grandma's. 

I wish your girl strength - sometimes that's a tough order with such crazy forces. Not only are they marketing towards girls they've teamed up with barbie and hot wheels (which are blue in case you were wondering).  You'd think we were past this.  Perhaps it's time to start a amazon review of them similar to the bic pen for women - which if you haven't perused, is worth the time: http://www.amazon.com/BIC-Cristal-1-0mm-Black-MSLP16-Blk/dp/B004F9QBE6

[sunshinelove]

Aww, your kids are so cute, Chapsie! Your daughter looks a lot like you

Been having a lot of fairly intense contractions tonight, blah. I know its not actual labor yet so they just bug me. I try to tell myself this means my body is preparing for the real thing but all i feel is exhausted. C'est la vie...

[Chapsie]

Originally Posted by sunshinelove 

Aww, your kids are so cute, Chapsie! Your daughter looks a lot like you

Been having a lot of fairly intense contractions tonight, blah. I know its not actual labor yet so they just bug me. I try to tell myself this means my body is preparing for the real thing but all i feel is exhausted. C'est la vie...

Sunshine-- I just found out that yet ANOTHER friend in real life that was due a week after us just had her baby this morning!! Ah!  Babies everywhere!  I am so not ready!!  

[babytoes]

Is anyone else feeling ready to snap? I am usually so patient with my kids, and they usually make me laugh because they're both such comedians. But for some reason I have been snapping at them, and even the tiniest things, like Peyton singing Gangnam Style and dancing in the kitchen last night, makes me cringe and feels like nails on a chalk board. I don't get it! It bothers me that I am reacting this way, but at the same time I don't feel I have any control over it.. 

[maydaymom10]

Originally Posted by LightForest 

To balance your anecdotal experience, Buko, I took EPO (orally) from 37 weeks through 41 weeks, 5 days with my last pregnancy. Birthed baby at 41w6d, membranes ruptured during pushing, an hour before she was born.

My experience certainly didn't convince me that EPO might help my body to begin laboring especially quickly, but I'm taking it again this time anyway. (I'm not much of a salesperson, am I?) All I can say is that my last labor/birth experience was, overall, a pleasant and pain free one. So this time around I'm doing as many things the same as possible. (Same prenatals, same EPO, same RRL/nettle tea.)

Just to add to the EPO conversation. I took it orally & vaginally with DS & didn't have my water break until I was pushing and DS was born at 40+5. So, I wasn't very convinced of it's effectiveness. Then during my doula training I heard about the study that Buko mentioned and so haven't really been giving an opinion either way. I was also told that there is a study out there linking perineal massage to an INCREASE in tears during birth - and I had a 3rd degree vaginal wall tear with DS. Who knows though. I discussed it with my mw a few weeks ago (both EPO & massage), and I'm basically doing a low dose of EPO daily (2 orally, 1 vaginally) and then some light massage to break up my scar tissue more than anything. I really think it's up to what you and your OB/MW choose. As far as the EPO - I don't really think it can help speed up going into labor. Your body's hormones decide that. But, maybe it can help the cervix dilate a little better - like semen. 

Originally Posted by sunshinelove 

Been having a lot of fairly intense contractions tonight, blah. I know its not actual labor yet so they just bug me. I try to tell myself this means my body is preparing for the real thing but all i feel is exhausted. C'est la vie...

Ugh. I had these earlier this week. They've died down the past couple of days. I upped my calcium & magnesium intake, which I think helped. My mw recommended a bath or hot pack (rice filled), to put on my abdomen if they start again. I was right where you are now. Hang in there. Hoping they give you a break.

AFM - well, my left pubic bone is shot. I cannot do anything that requires straddling my legs in any form without sharp pain to the pubic bone. It stinks. I was teaching my yoga class last night and it was the first time that I had to bow out of doing a pose with the students. But I knew I was just doing more harm than good. I think it's time that I go on "leave" and let my replacement take over. I'd love to get some walking in, but it just causes more inflammation and soreness. I am not dealing with it well - psychologically. I consider myself an active person and it's just so hard to accept that I need to take a break. Sigh. I guess I won't complain if that's all I have. 

We got some decent snow last night, so I'm taking the day to chill and get some more things ready for the baby. 38+4 now. I wonder when she'll decide to make her entrance.

[buko]

I was also told that there is a study out there linking perineal massage to an INCREASE in tears during birth - and I had a 3rd degree vaginal wall tear with DS.

I think I've posted this before, but in case it's helpful:

http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/?p=5899

I felt kinda meh based on that and other things, and decided to forego it this time (my first).  It's funny because I mentioned this offhand when we were discussing birth plans in BlissBorn, and my instructor, who is also a doula, was semi-insistent that it's "really helpful" and I should "be open to it" and "trust my care providers."  I think she thought I was being a little bit of a control freak.  (She's very sweet, really, and does personally know my HB MWs.)  I assured her that I was very open to my MWs suggestions, was not "married" to any one decision and was flexible... but was also not willing to do just whatever they suggested if I felt my research led me to a different choice (and if what my MWs said wasn't particularly compelling).  Not that I thought that would be a problem, as my MWs are SUPER respectful of patient autonomy.  But anyway, I told my BB instructor I would ask my MWs about it.

A few days later, we have a MW appointment and before I could even bring it up, they talked about things like EPO, perineal massage, etc., and they basically said, of massage, "It hurts (is physically painful for) many women, and we don't think it particularly helps, so we don't recommend it, though you're welcome to do whatever."  I gave DH a kind of triumphant look, LOL.  Not that there is such ample evidence it's harmful, and IMO it's really to each her own, especially under special circumstances (like maybe with scar tissue, IDK).  But I thought it was funny that, once again, my MWs and I were on the same (very low-intervention) page.

FWIW, the main thing my MWs believes helps prevent tearing is having mom reach down and hold/put pressure on her perineum/the baby's head during crowning.  They are getting their intern to compile statistics, but they believe that they've seen significantly less tearing since they've started planting that suggestion in moms' minds at 34+ weeks (and then reminding them of it during pushing).  They posit it just allows you to be more in touch with what's happening and ease the baby out more comfortably, based on intuition, because you instinctively "know" where to put counterpressure, how to work with the fetal ejection reflex, etc., when you have your own hand on things.  Worth a shot! 

Edited by buko - 2/21/13 at 9:40am

[Chapsie]

Originally Posted by buko 

FWIW, the main thing my MWs believes helps prevent tearing is having mom reach down and hold/put pressure on her perineum/the baby's head during crowning.  They are getting their intern to compile statistics, but they believe that they've seen significantly less tearing since they've started planting that suggestion in moms' minds at 34+ weeks (and then reminding them of it during pushing).  They posit it just allows you to be more in touch with what's happening and ease the baby out more comfortably, based on intuition, because you instinctively "know" where to put counterpressure, how to work with the fetal ejection reflex, etc., when you have your own hand on things.  Worth a shot! 

Once again, Buko, thanks for the link!  I will definitely look more into perineal massage.  I did it in my last pregnancy (both prenatally and my MW did it while pushing) and I had a tiny first degree tear... almost nothing at all.  But, of course, I'd like to have NO tearing this time, so it's something I will research!  (I REALLY appreciate all your thoughtful research that you share with us!  You are a HUGE part of why I love our DDC so much. )

In theory, this sounds like a great idea--- mom helping to provide perineal support when crowning... I just wanted to share that when I was crowning, I COULD NOT MOVE, haha, to even touch the baby's head for encouragement because of the intensity of the sensations.  There was no way I was going to be able to help at all with that!  LOL.  (of course as soon as she was out, I felt amazing, but those few minutes of crowning were INTENSE!)