Crazy question-need advice-

[avasmomleigh]

This is nuts, but I need other mama's opinions-I am overwhelmed!

Okay, I just deleted the novel I was writing to explain the situation, here is the abriged version

I am moving cross country from Florida back to Washington. I am ready to go anytime (well, except for packing and planning-whatever!) I HATE flying. I take loads of valium, and that just gets me on the plane, I still have a panic attack-but it goes away within 15 minutes or so.

I can go quick-like next week-on the train or driving-my dad would drive (i'm 36 weeks). I have a mw and hospital at home I can go to.

Or, I can stay put and wait till after the baby-maybe 2 weeks? But when can babies travel like that? When can mama's travel?? I am (of course) assuming no c-section, had a relatively short labor with dd at 40+3 and delivered in less than 1 push-so this baby could fly out anytime. If you had this choice, which would you choose? I am going to get my cervix checked this week, but I don't think anything is happening yet, he is still bouncing all over.

Help! Thanks in advance--

[XanaduMama]

I would fly, but as much as I dislike flying, I'm not phobic. The car ride would be SO uncomfortable, esp at this stage--and what if you went into labor halfway across the country, or in the middle of nowhere?? Train might be slightly better, but then you're still captive, so to speak. The shorter flight def sounds better to me, and maybe being so focused on baby would help you get through the anxiety?

Baby would be fine at 2 weeks, IMO--take a sling and keep baby in it the whole time, nurse a ton, and just rest. I'd think you would be ok by then too--talk to your MW or doc about clots, but I'm sure it's no problem.

[KristyDi]

Will the airlines even allow you to fly now? I think they have a cut off for how pregnant you can be. They do not want you in labor or delivering on the plane.

My first instinct is to stay put until baby comes. You could wind up in labor driving through the middle of a corn field or miles and miles from somewhere to stop. And you said your last labor was fast.

Would you be alone on the train or would you have someone like a dad or partner or friend with you. I wouldn't want to be in labor and deliver surrounded only by strangers.

If you wait till after the baby comes would you drive, fly or go by train?
If you fly, would the Valium affect breastfeeding? I personally don't know, but it's something you'd need to look into.
If you drive you'd have to be prepared to make frequent stops to care for baby's needs, feeding, changing etc.
I think train might be your best bet for after the baby comes. You could feed, change, walk baby all the while continuing toward the destination.

Those are just the thoughts off the top of my head. Feel free to ignore. Hope you're able to make a decision that works for you. I'm sure it's not an easy one.

[Pinky Tuscadero]

I don't think the airlines are picky about pregnant women flying but they are sometimes particular about babies. When we flew with a newborn they wanted him to be 6 weeks old. I'd fly now if I were you.

[lilkat]

I agree with PPs that it'd probably be pretty miserable to drive or go by train now

It's generally not recommended that you fly if you are more than 34 weeks pregnant. I looked at the policies for Northwest, and they say if you are within 30 days of your EDD you need a signed note from your doctor saying it's safe for you to fly. They don't have any regulations about newborns or post-partum mamas.

Valium does leech into breastmilk, but you could pump and dump. You'd have to bottle-feed your baby pumped breastmilk during your trip, though, which would not be ideal if s/he is only a couple weeks old.

I'd still think that waiting until after your baby is born would probably be easiest. My MIL moved from Seattle to Minneapolis when DH was only 2 weeks old; she said it was hard, but she just made sure her only responsibility was to get herself and DH on the plane That was 30 years ago, though...

GL!

ETA: I just found this on a pediatrician's website: "Babies must be at least 7 days old to fly on any airline."

[New_Natural_Mom]

I would wait and deliver the baby where you are. I used to be on Xanax to fly and am now phobia free due to acupuncture. It is a very safe alternative to drugs. It took a couple of visits (not actually why I went, but an awesome side benefit) and now I can fly no problem.

[Bellejar]

I would wait until the baby was 2 months if you are flying. I would never unless it was an emergency want to expose a newborn to plane germs. Recirculating air is the devils playground. I think your perenium would suffer if you drive. I drove from maryland to missouri and back (32 hours) over christmas and although I have only one hemeroid related to my preganancy, it almost killed me. I would be hesitant to make the trip after giving birth, even with a donus pillow Good luck!

[Lolafanana]

As someone that is also crazy phobic about flying, wait until baby comes or take the train. All the stress involved with flying can't be good for you or for baby. At least with the train, you can walk around, read, put your feet up (if its not too packed) knit, whatever.

Let us know what you decide

[Trinitty]

I think you are too late to fly at this point, I doubt a carrier will let you on without a doctor's recommendation.

I'd take the train.

Trin.

[azzuranotte]

I drove from Texas to NJ at 7 months pregnant with ds. I would not recomend it. Very uncomfortable, not to mention the frequent potty breaks. I'd just wait until after the baby is born.

[CherryBomb]

If you're only 34 weeks I'd go ahead and drive out there. It wouldn't be comfy but I wouldn't want to fly or take a newborn on a plane (enclosed space with so many germs and strangers, eek!)

[CherryBomb]

Oh sorry, you're 36 weeks. I'd still drive, but that's just me, unless you think you'll go early.

[avasmomleigh]

Thanks Mamas! You brought up things I hadn't given enough thought to-I appreciate it! Still no decision-I go to MW today and am asking for an exam to see if anything is happening, still have to do some legwork to see if we can get out of lease, etc-thanks so much for your support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!