Weekly Chat Thread - March 10th-16th - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[storygirlcindy]

Nearlyelated, AMAZING news! What a brilliant baby!

Sunshine, your post made me laugh - I am so in the same boat. Last week I had a checkup at my OB's office and then an NST at the hospital next door. The first appointment had gone a bit over for various reasons and so I was trying to hurry to get next door so I wasn't too late for my NST. At one point I distinctly thought, "Hmm, maybe I should try to walk a little faster?" and then immediately after that went, "Nope. This body is ONE SPEED ONLY right now!" So I continued to make my leisurely meandering way (puffing hard the whole time of course) to the hospital.

I mean, let's face it, at this point granny walking FEELS like speed walking, right? 

[scruffy too]

I feel a lot of downward pressure when I try to walk at any speed except slow.

Anyone else's baby get really quiet for a couple days?  This weekend my LO was so quiet I had to go lay down and focus to make sure everything was ok, which it was, but not a lot of big moves.  The baby picked up again yesterday though.  Maybe because I was a little under the weather?  I thought I remember reading something about baby's getting quiet preparing for their journey out...

Today I'm taking my first born, Dawson (12 year old Bullmastiff / Great Dane cross) to the vet.  Since he's old and big, he's pretty lumpy, but on Friday night, one lump on his neck started bleeding a LOT while my MW was here (and she helped clean up, how cool is that!?!)  Anyway, since I rarely ever take my animals to the vet, I figure we'd go this week to get checked out.  I don't know if he scratched himself, or what, but I figure I'll be too busy later this month to deal with it, so we'd go now.  And I figure (financially) that if he needs surgery to remove said lump, it'd be cheaper than if he bleeds like that again, but when I'm not home, and wrecks the couch or something.  So that will be fun for us.  I'm excited to see his face as soon as he realizes it's just him and I in the car and that his brother (10 year old Rottie) is staying at home - he'll be so excited!!!! 

And then I'm going to do as much shopping as I can.  My parents arrive tomorrow and I only want to run into town to get them, not stay to shop, so I'll try and do that today.  And then I'm thinking sushi for my birthday supper. 

[RainGardenMama]

Light forest- we are still working on a name. It is so hard to decide!

I was noticing some very slow walking toward the end, ladies. It is very annoying but at least you are still moving!

And now I really really want blueberry pancakes!

[storygirlcindy]

Scruffy, my (incredibly, INCREDIBLY active) babe has gone through periods of quieter days in the last month and a half or so. It first started at about 34 weeks - there were a few days in there where she just wasn't her normal spaz-tastic self. It had me really worried until I did my first (and only, LOL) kick count and got 6 movements in 25 minutes - they were just, like you said, smaller and more subtle. Since then she's had a day or two here or there where she's just not as active. I think for us it comes down to a lot of things... sometimes if I have a really bad night and am exhausted myself, I notice that she will be quieter too. Sometimes she is quiet all day and crazy all night (we are going to have some trouble sorting out her days and nights when we get here, I can already tell!). She's usually quieter for the first half of the day (because of the nocturnal lifestyle!) and gets more active throughout the day. Sometimes she's just quieter for no apparent reason. I think a lot of it just has to do with her getting bigger and having to be more deliberate if she really wants to move - although my extra fluid does help her have more wiggle room than she would otherwise. I've read that sometimes babies slow down to gear up for the big day too, but I've also read people saying their babies were especially active before labor, so I suspect it's one of those 50/50 things! I've thought a few times maybe my LO was slowing down to "conserve her energy" but she's still in there and always ends up being super active again. 

[chocolatechip]

I'm not sure what I do can even be called walking any more - it's definitely a waddle! And slow. A slow waddle. I am managing to still get myself out regularly for a waddle, however, so that's good.

Scruffy, hope Dawson gets all fixed up okay!

Two days ago I had a day where it felt like baby moved ALL day. Yesterday it was pretty quiet, and today it's quiet again. But I find if I start to get worried, I can push on one of the lumps, and then baby will wiggle around to resettle. I do wonder if sometimes it's more tired when I'm more tired, like storygirl said.

Oh, and I forgot, after most of a day of being pretty quiet yesterday, I laid down to go to sleep for the night and *immediately* could feel the baby hiccuping. And I have a really hard time falling asleep through hiccups! LOL. At least I was pleased at the activity at that point, so less annoyed than normal. 

[spughy]

Happy Birthday Scruffy!  And I hope your puppy is okay.

I just got back from my US/NST and everything looks GREAT.  My fluid levels are perfect, baby's responses during the NST were perfect (and I was even out of there in the minimum 20 minutes after baby responded well to cheese), and the ultrasound even showed that baby is perfectly positioned and isn't huge, which is a massive relief.  Estimated weight is currently 7 lb 15 oz at 39 weeks, and the US tech told me that L&D's feedback on babies delivered within 24 hours of a scan was that generally, the US is measuring about 8 oz over.  So it looks like I won't have a giant baby after all!  Unless I go to 43 weeks...

I'm walking better now than I was 2 weeks ago, but still nowhere near my normal speed.  At least I'm no longer waddly. The chiropractor appointments really helped.  Actually I'm pretty comfortable right now, which is good because I don't want the baby arriving this weekend!  After Monday he/she can show up whenever - and I'm going to ask the MW for a sweep on Tuesday I think.  I feel pretty ready, and my due date is next Wed.  And I would SO love to have a baby under 8 lbs...

Tip for pancakes, everyone - make a big batch, and freeze most for later, separated with wax paper so you can eat one or two at a time.  Just pop them in the toaster straight from the freezer - theyr'e not *quite* as good as fresh-made but sometimes when you need a pancake, you need a pancake.  And a slice of bacon takes 45 seconds to cook in the microwave between 2 sheets of paper towel.  Just sayin'.

[sunshinelove]

You guys made me feel better about my granny walk and thigh rubbing . You're right, storygirl, at this point granny walking does really feel like speed walking! . I laughed at your story of trying to go faster but realizing nope, i've got just one speed right now lol. This was me yesterday--it dawned on me that it doesnt matter how hard i try, i'm not going any faster! Kind of trippy but what can ya do.

Happy birthday, scruffy (or is it tomorrow?). I hope your dog is okay. He definitely sounds very well loved!

Yay, spughy, for such positive results and having a moderately sized baby . I'm sure you're feeling good and relieved now.

[Tear78]

"when you need a pancake, you need a pancake" That hit my funny bone. Great tip!

eta - we have blueberry pancakes every Sunday nowadays. LOVING this new tradition and they're pretty easy to make. We froze a bajillion blueberries last summer.

[SlimP]

Happy Birthday Scruffy! And shower your first puppy-kids with affection before you have to turn your attention elsewhere for a while.

Spughy, good news, I didn't realise scans could be so accurate regarding weight. You realise you've started a blueberry pancake craze (inadvertently, and in someone else's dream I know, but still.......)

I've got the 'waddle' going the last few days and huge pressure if I walk a lot. Just hoping that's all working on my cervix.
So so exhausted in the evenings now, I'm useless after dinner. I haven't even been enjoying hanging out with DH after DS goes to bed, he has to pretty much put me to bed as well !

[eternalw]

Yeah!! Happy Birthday, Scruffy!! :)

Not much happening here. The acupuncture last week pretty much stopped the prodromal labor. (Thank goodness) My hip is a mess and I, like many of you, am getting around with a slow waddle. Ha ha!  My midwife is a good friend and she wanted to take me out for lunch and a pedi today but plans changed when another mama due went into labor. Oh well. Like she said, We have plenty of time...

Loving all of the stories and baby pics!!

[RainGardenMama]

Hugs to all the mamas waiting and waddling, craving pancakes all over the world.
Happy Birthday Scruffy!!!!

[Chapsie]

Happy birthday, Scruffy!!!   I hope you had a very relaxing, peaceful, and enjoyable day!

I had this conversation several times this morning at Bible study and while picking DS up from school:

"So, you're pretty close to your due date right?"

"Yep... I'm due next week."

"Are you going to give up and get induced?" 

"So, your due date is next Wednesday?"

"Yep!  She's almost here!"

"Is that officially "the day"?  Are you scheduled yet?"

"What?  Scheduled?  No... I like to do things the old fashioned way and have the baby come when she decides."

It's almost funny... but it's not.  It's not funny because this is a totally acceptable thing for people to assume-- because it is so mainstream and "normal" to have a scheduled birth.  

I've also had various forms of this conversation:

"So, now, you've had one cesarean and one vaginal birth, right?"

"Yep! I got to VBAC my daughter!!  It was great."

"So which one are you going to pick for this baby?  Are you going to plan a c/s this time?"

WHAT?  Of course not!  Haha.   

I am still pretty mum about my homebirth plans when out in public.  I am so excited about being able to talk about it once the baby is safely here!!!

[cabbitdancer]

Happy birthday, Scruffy! That is one old Dane. I hope you can get the lump taken care of. Those things are so gross. ;)

My chiropractor reminded me, today, that I really need to be walking, walking, walking, to try to get this kid to turn, so my mom took that to heart and had me wandering all over the area--definitely waddling! My mom told me I look like a penguin. I bought the last of the infant prefolds I needed, today. I'm very excited!

[scruffy too]

Thanks for the birthday wishes.  It was a nice day.  My boy did fantastic at the vet - an impromptu minor surgery (she just numbed the area and quickly snipped the growth off, looks fine.)  He's tired now, he had a busy day in town being told how handsome he was all afternoon - LOL!!!

[SamSarah]

Is anyone else having a hard time walking? I cant walk my normal speed, no matter how hard i try. This is frustrating because i'm used to basically speed walking if i want or need to. Now i feel like a little old lady hobbling down the sidewalk, complaining if DH goes too fast lol. I also get out of breath really easily!! Its ridiculous. My thighs also rub together something 

Yes!  My midwife says to walk often and lots, so I'm trying, but everything gets swollen and really tired - and I too get out of breath really easy. 

Also - anyone else getting hot flashes, these just started today for me (other than when sleeping).  

I just thought to open up the liner to the birth pool today - just to check that it's actually the right one.  WOW - off gassing!  It's in the nursery with the door closed and the window open -- it's enough to make us all sick.  If anyone has a liner in plastic, I suggest getting some air on it.

Lightforest: congratulations.  I wish you and your body well in the transition.  

[Chapsie]

Origught to open up the liner to the birth pool today - just to check that it's actually the right one.  WOW - off gassing!  It's in the nursery with the door closed and the window open -- it's enough to make us all sick.  If anyone has a liner in plastic, I suggest getting some air on it.

thanks!

[maydaymom10]

Catching up on all I've missed (again). Congrats to the new mamas in the group and I'm sending peace & relaxation vibes to those who are still patiently waiting. And hugs to you waddling mama.   I got to the waddling stage right before Darcy was born, so I didn't have to deal with it for long. The Wednesday before she came I taught my yoga class and realized that I couldn't do half of the postures anymore, and then couldn't walk well afterwards. I called the owner of the center the next day to let her know that she should call in my sub to begin the next week. Good thing I did since Darcy made her appearance that Sunday. 

AFM - things are going OK here. I'm settling into my roll as mom to 2 kids. We've had an OK week on our own, although I know that poor DS is so bored. The weather was beautiful yesterday, so we went on a short walk and trip to the park. I know DS needed it. He's been acting out a little bit since Darcy came, but it's offset by his obvious love for his new sister. Just frustrating for me after a long day. 

So my bummer story is that yesterday I found out that I have a mild uterine prolapse. This may be TMI for some, so feel free to skip it. I've been having some hemorrhoid issues this week, so yesterday after a sitz bath I decided to check things out down there to see what was going on with my bottom. So, as I had the mirror out, I noticed that there was a some sort of mass at  the opening of my vagina. So of course I kinda freaked out, and after I checked it out, I called my midwife. She was on a mini vacay, so she had her backup call me (who I'm actually friends with). Anyway, I went over to the other midwife's office to get checked and she found that my uterus has dropped into my vagina and that my urethra was swollen (she said that was normal) . I think what I actually saw was the urethra, but never having "looked" down there after DS was born, I had no idea that happens. Anyway, it was good that I went in and that she discovered the prolapse. For now I'm just supposed to take it easy (so much for my walking playdate today) and do some manual exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor again and hopefully encourage the uterus to stay back up where it belongs. I also can't pick up DS, which is going to be the most challenging since he is so needy right now.

Has anyone one else had this condition? Did it resolve on it's own, or did you have to do more? Just curious.

I'm not too worried at this point, but it definitely doesn't help my cabin fever and desire to get out and get some air. I guess I'll just drive us all to the park instead of walking there. Boo!

[LightForest]

maydaymom i do hope you can get the rest you need to recover fully!

i got a major slap on the wrist yesterday when my midwife found out i was doing laundry and dishes at 3 days postpartum. After having my first baby, I had a persistent dull, aching pain in my crotch every time i'd over exert myself, which didn't go away for almost 5 months. My midwife wants me to begin seeing a physical therapist asap to keep this from happening again. blerg...

[chocolatechip]

spughy, yay for babies that are the size you want 'em! And for pancakes in the freezer. I haven't done that in a long time...

eternalw, yeah, you have plenty of time, until suddenly you don't!  I'm finding myself trying to figure out how I can fit in everything I wanted to do before the baby gets here this weekend, just in case, after being caught off guard by sudden contractions last night. I think I just have to be okay with whatever gets done, does, and whatever doesn't, doesn't!

Chapsie, Seattle's not a "scheduled birth" sort of place, as far as I can tell, and I *still* am careful who I talk about having a homebirth too. Most people seem to be able to run with it, but it's definitely still not common!

scruffy, I'm glad you had a fun birthday, and super happy the doggie's fine!

SamSarah, I got really warm and flushed last night, but it seemed totally related to having regular contractions. I think I might have had an occasional random one (hot flash) over the last few weeks, though.

maydaymom - yikes! I would totally have freaked out if I saw something like that too! I've never had something like that happen, but I'm thinking of you, and sending you good healing vibes. 

LightForest, my midwives have said basically no chores for at least the first week or two. And I'm pretty sure they say that because it really does help with healing.  Take care of yourself!

As for me, my brother just left after his little visit. It was so nice to see him, and it was a good mellow visit, interrupted by the several hours yesterday of "ohmigod is the baby coming?" He rolled with it all quite well.  He was even willing to change his plane ticket home if the baby came, so that he could help out for a few days! But, no baby. Too bad he doesn't live closer than a plane flight! Him being here *did* get me out to go on a good walk all three days, which was good for me, and can be hard for me to get up the motivation for when it's just me. I do feel ready for a nap, now, but I think that's more a result of only getting about 6 real hours of sleep last night. Hopefully things will be calmer tonight. 

[eternalw]

Originally Posted by chocolatechip 

eternalw, yeah, you have plenty of time, until suddenly you don't!  I'm finding myself trying to figure out how I can fit in everything I wanted to do before the baby gets here this weekend, just in case, after being caught off guard by sudden contractions last night. I think I just have to be okay with whatever gets done, does, and whatever doesn't, doesn't!

yeah, I had my "off guard ctx" last week. Got my stuff done and new am in the holding pattern. :) I have nothing on my to do list... Well, except adding sleeves to a romper I am knitting. Ran out of yarn and a friend mailed me more today... so... yeah. LOL