Daily Thread - March 3rd

[Septagram]

I'm still up at almost 2am eating almonds. I think I've peed ten times since we got home at midnight. I've had a few contractions today, but nothing is happening. Boy oh boy.. When is the baby coming? I'm freaking out a little here.

I'm scared that I've never had a natural labor. I haven't ever had a natural contraction, I was Pitocin induced (cause, you know that leaking water is a life threatening situation, right?) and the pain was absolutley unbearable. The monitor wasn't on correctly. They were giving me a lot more than I needed. I went for drugs because I couldn't handle it anymore.

The logical part of me knows that it won't be as painful this time. I can listen to music, I can change positions, I can take a shower or bath, I can go for a walk, I can eat, I can lay down, I can get massaged, I can move around, or whatever. I will be at home, comfortable, in charge, and safe.

Anyway, that's my little deep dark secret fear. How's everyone else holding up?



Any new babies born overnight?

[smokeylo]

i'm here nursing robin. we had an ice storm overnight that might keep my mom here an extrra day.

i really hate the hormone rollercoaster post partum. some moments i feel like i'm doing awesome; some like this is impossible.

[cicely_m]

Here eating breakfast.
I felt really, really weird last night, and then had contractions from about midnight to 3 AM, but they seem to have stopped. I was convinced that this would be the morning I would tell my husband not to go into work..... sigh...
I dunno. As awful as this is, I can understand why women just go to the doctor and say "I'm ready, induce me, take it out."

[gingerbane]

I feel like I understand so many different situations now that I have been through the birth experience that I had. I used to be so smug thinking about how I was going to do everything natural and therefore be the best. Now I understand that there is so much more than that. I'm just stuggling now to not keel over from exhaustion half the time.

Smokeylo - My mom just g-mailed me that it was blizzarding in Iowa. Man I miss Iowa sometimes.

[guestmama 9918]

40 W 5 D

Hi Ladies,
I haven't been an active part of this due date club, because I didn't find it right away. Just wanted to post a note and say that I was due February 27 and so far no signs that I am having a baby any time soon.

I am delivering via HBAC, so I feel some extra pressure to get this baby out before the dreaded "42 week cut off." Other than that I have been feeling fine with the pregnancy, even so late in the game. I've been sick as a dog though these last few days with a sinus cold, and I have a feeeling that the baby knows to wait until I am feeling better before deciding to come.

I enjoy reading all of the labor posts here and send ELV to those of you out there who are still waiting.

[mamabutterfly]

cicely, kkj, septagram... Thinking of you all. I'm sure those babies are enjoying the cozy homes you've made and they know the perfect time to be born into the world. Wishing you wonderful peaceful births. Septagram... my first labor was all natural and I still had several fears about whether I "could do it" this time, so I totally feel you. Good to write and talk about thosefeelings, they are all part of it. I was struck towards the end of labor that I was *dreading* pushing. Like, I considered refusing and not giving birth after all (ah, transition brain, lol!). Fortunately my body ignored my head and did it without me. Yours will too!

Best, mb

[Teenytoona]

Hey there everyone! to all of you still waiting. I know it is so difficult, but you will all get there! Living proof is this little Peachy-peach girl I've got snuggled in my wrap with me right now (who is wanting to wake up soon, I think for some nursing).

It may take a long haul, but you will do it!

Septagram, you can do it! Your body will take you there when it's ready. You've already handled the worst of pitocin, so now you will be ready for your body's natural progress. You will rock! Just keep positivity in your mind!

Smokeylo I hear you on the postpartum coaster. Boyit is strange. You feel great for a while, then you're crying along with the babe. we will get through it though.

Cicely_m I know about that induction tempation. The waiting is soo hard, and the second guessing sometimes really gets to you, doesn't it? You will get there, though, momma!

Gingerbane, you are one incredible momma. I know you got through giving birth, and you will get through this. You are terribly amazing, and do not ever forget that!!!

kkj323, good to see a new face! Sending you good wishes for a best labor at home! :

Mamabutterfly, isn't it wierd how we have those little mental blocks about different things? Good to see you!

[CalebsMama05]

Originally Posted by Septagram

I'm scared that I've never had a natural labor. I haven't ever had a natural contraction, I was Pitocin induced (cause, you know that leaking water is a life threatening situation, right?) and the pain was absolutley unbearable. The monitor wasn't on correctly. They were giving me a lot more than I needed. I went for drugs because I couldn't handle it anymore.

I felt the same way...I had back labor with ds1 (op and huge) and got the epidural early...it turned into back labor with ds2 and I got the epidural...but you know what? I did it all by myself with DD! and you will too

[Septagram]

Thank you so much mamas. :cry I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed. I'm going to paint something later on and journal a little. Maybe talk to my midwife about my fears and feelings.. She's so reassuring.

Thank you guys so much!!!

[cicely_m]

Ok-- I'm off to an acupuncture appointment! : Also stopping by the doula's to pick up some homeopathic tinctures... She and I had a conversation about what seemed safe to try, as in, "if the baby's not ready, it just won't work," so I'm taking the next step. Here's hoping that all these go-nowhere contractions I've been having have been getting my cervix nice and ready...

[darciedoodle]

I'm still here. I told my husband we should have a dinner party because the house is so clean! I am as caught up on laundry as I'll ever be. Made out the deposits and sent husband to the bank. I don't have any bills to pay. My piles of papers are almost all sorted out. It isn't sunny today so I can't work in the garden. I'm running out of things to do here. I thought I had read somewhere about pineapples bringing on labor, so I told my husband to go get one, sounds good to eat anyway. My midwife said she would offer to strip my membranes on Wednesday, I hope that isn't necessary. I'm not sure how I feel about it.

[eilonwy]

Originally Posted by gingerbane

I feel like I understand so many different situations now that I have been through the birth experience that I had. I used to be so smug thinking about how I was going to do everything natural and therefore be the best. Now I understand that there is so much more than that. I'm just stuggling now to not keel over from exhaustion half the time.

I felt that way after my first was born. I was such a sanctimonious twit before then... Today... well, let's just say that I rarely post in the Birth & Beyond forum. :

Rynna, who is her third c-section baby.

[alijased]

40 + 3 days

I was talking to my doula today and she said the "average" pregnancy lasts 41 weeks. So I am almost there!