daily thread - wednesday, july 30

[mamamerle]

I had my 38 week appointment today. My midwife did my first internal exam. My cervix is soft, but not dilated nor effaced. She thinks I'll go full term for sure and possible over my EDD. No big deal.

She couldn't feel the baby's head so we got a little peek with the sonogram to check positioning. Seems the little one is head down, but curled up a little. That's ok for now. Blood pressure is good and I'm shocked I've only gained one more pound.

Another appointment next week.

[mama parrot]

Well, I'll probably be having this baby soon. I'm having bloody show and irregular fairly painful contrax. so nothing huge, but we are definitely on our way.
I'm getting some last minute cleaning out of the way, dishes and laundry, that sort of thing.
My son's b-day is tomorrow so he'll get a baby brother for his birthday!:

[~Megan~]

Today is my "gestation due date" meaning its the day of gestation I was at when my other kids were born. Unless I'm having a quick labor I don't think it will be today. I've not had the same symptoms that I had with my other labors.

So I guess I get to wait and break my trend!

I have a chiro appointment in a couple of hours and a home visit after that.

dh has been off work on bereavement but today is his last day. We had joked today would be a good day because then he could just go directly to patenity leave. Oh, well! I think he is taking dd out for special time. ds would like having me all to himself too. He's been clingy lately. I think he knows something is up.

[ashley1972]

Ok I'll post. I'm trying not to be dissappointed that at my 38 appt I was 1cm and 50% effaced and at my 39 week appt I was still the same. Midwife didn't want to check me because she predicted I'd be dissappointed but I insisted... humph.

Really hoping not to go past EDD this time, last time I faced an induction at 42 weeks and this time we have family flying in to help - arriving on due date. I'd hate to have their whole two week visit before the baby arrives...

I am obviously anxious.. sigh.

[Shiloh]

well I am finally having loose stools but not extreme evacuation runs..
I think I am on track for Friday...right?
Except my mother is threatening to visit...sigh...
and hte kids are home sick today....never a dull moment

[not now]

I woke up around 5AM with some more-painful-that-usual contractions. I wasn't moaning or anything I just couldn't sleep and thought "This hurts way more than usual..." I tried to get comfortable and debated if I should jump in the shower and wake up the man. They started to ease up and I fell asleep.

Question for everyone: Who are you allowing at the birth? Be it home birth, birth center or hospital.

The man's mother is one who just "stops on by" without notice. I hate when people do this. She'll "happen to be in the neighborhood" and knock on the door. First of all, you live four blocks from us you are always "in the neighborhood." Second, please call so I can decide if I want company or not. If I'm sweaty from cleaning, siting on the couch eating Doritos while watching TV I probably don't want visitors. The man's father said "it's gonna get worse" when this kid comes. I don't know how to handle it. My mom has a key to the house and knows the code to open the garage door yet she calls every time before she comes over to make sure it's ok. She could live across the street from me and she would still call before coming over. I don't know how to tell his mom to back off without sounding like an a**hole.

So, we are not telling anyone but my mom when I go into labor. I'm telling her so she can drive over here (she lives 30 min away) and hang out at our house with the pets until after he's born. She offered to wait in the waiting room "I'll bring a book to keep me occupied.." but I know how much she hates hospitals so I offered up my home. My best friend thinks she's gonna be in the room but I'm not calling her either. I just want to be left alone. Me and the man.

[sapphire_chan]

Originally Posted by Shiloh

well I am finally having loose stools...

same here, and I was like "maybe??" and then I realized that dinner yesterday involved onions, spices, and potatoes all steamed in oil. So I bet that has more to do with it than possible labor.

RE: Not Now's thread question:
I'm allowing the baby at the birth. Dh is required to be in the apartment, but isn't allowed at the birth unless I ask for him.

[Shiloh]

ah yes setting boundaries for inlaws..
you should just not answer the door.
I was napping, eating, not expecting anyone important next time please call from your cell phone...and I will let you know if its a good time.

or tell your dh to grow a set and do it for you, or take a clue his mother wants to be involved MORE...send her to run baby errands, buy baby things..

[Surfer Rosa]

I hate drop ins too (even though I'm a social person)! Luckily I am pretty vocal about this-so we don't often have them

Birth will attended by MW, DH and that's it.

[AKA_PI]

Had some more ctxs today and crampiness in the stomach. I think those are the practice ctxs. I feel a little uncomfortable, loose stools (like nothing stays in me at all!), great fetal movement but he did slow down a little earlier. I've also had some pain 'down there' but I don't know it's dilation or not. I figure DP and I could DTD tonight since I have my doctor's appt tomorrow afternoon. I've officially turned in my last day notice at work so friday is my last night.

Not now's question: my mom, my aunt (the godmother) and DP will be in the room for me. My mom because, well, she's my mother and I really want her to be there for my first birth; my aunt because she will be his godmother and i need her for spiritual support and DP because it's his child. LOL

[jule924]

Originally Posted by not now

The man's mother is one who just "stops on by" without notice. I hate when people do this. She'll "happen to be in the neighborhood" and knock on the door. First of all, you live four blocks from us you are always "in the neighborhood." Second, please call so I can decide if I want company or not. If I'm sweaty from cleaning, siting on the couch eating Doritos while watching TV I probably don't want visitors. The man's father said "it's gonna get worse" when this kid comes. I don't know how to handle it. My mom has a key to the house and knows the code to open the garage door yet she calls every time before she comes over to make sure it's ok. She could live across the street from me and she would still call before coming over. I don't know how to tell his mom to back off without sounding like an a**hole.

I hate the "pop in". I told dh early on and he passed the message on to his mom. She's very respectful and always calls first. (They live about 10 min. away). I say get "the man" to do it - she's his mom!!

As for who will be at the birth - it will be m/w, hopefully a cool nurse (I've been lucky so far), doula and dh.

I have a question for anyone drinking rrl tea. Does it ever make you feel a little "funny"? I think it makes me feel a bit off. Especially if I don't eat right before I drink it it makes me feel a tiny bit nauseous. And it also seems to make me feel a tiny bit light headed, too. It's not exactly enough to stop with it, because I do like it and I think it does good work. I'm wondering if it's just me . . .

[robertandenith]

Originally Posted by ~Megan~

He's been clingy lately. I think he knows something is up.

how funny, mine is been like that too... too much kissing and smooching how funny is that?

I been having painful/crampy contractions today, really uncomfortable but I am been doing some house chores too so I will not be surprise if they are the cause of those cntx. I will keep it up just to help move things along. It's raining/thundering in here, will be kinda like a good day to give birth but I am trying not to think about it, maybe it will not be today after all...

lots of loose stools here too...

[~Megan~]

Originally Posted by not now

Question for everyone: Who are you allowing at the birth? Be it home birth, birth center or hospital.

The man's mother is one who just "stops on by" without notice.

I think you just need to be honest with her. It should be a conversation that you have with her and your partner there together, presenting a united front. Explain that you love to see her and are happy that she is so excited but you really need a phone call before she comes by so you can be a better hostess. Explain that you prefer to be showered and rested before you have social visits. Also explain, perhaps reminding her what it was like when she had her babies, that you will need time for the 3 of you alone to adjust to having the baby. Tell her that your provider has approved visits to only last 20 minutes long for the first month and if she wants to stay longer than that she needs to be doing something to help like cooking a meal (and cleaning it up), doing laundry, dishes, vacuuming, etc.

For my labor I'll have my midwife (I don't think the apprentice is coming), dh, and my other 2 kids there. Last time dh and dd hung out in the living room while I was in the birth pool in the kitchen. They came in while I was pushing.

[jennykilbo]

Originally Posted by not now

Question for everyone: Who are you allowing at the birth? Be it home birth, birth center or hospital.

My MW and DH ONLY, at the birth center. I made it clear to everybody (mainly my mom) from the beginning that we were intending on having a very private experience. Didn't keep her from asking a few times though!

[meredyth0315]

not now: Just DH, the boys, my mw & MIL will be there. My MIL lives with us now and she's going to help with the boys if they need her. But it's ironc you posted about this - my mom & I are just not close and she called yesterday to see about taking the boys when I go to the hospital : Prime example of why she isn't going to be around. I told her that wouldn't be necessary as we're having a HOMEBIRTH and the boys will be fine with us. Never ceases to amaze me.....

I think you should be honest and say you're not sure how you're going to feel, so you just want it to be you & DH and if you change your mind you'll call. She needs to respect your birthing wishes - it's all about you & what makes you comfortable.

[robertandenith]

Originally Posted by not now

Question for everyone: Who are you allowing at the birth? Be it home birth, birth center or hospital.

DH, mom, kids, MW and probably the godmother of the baby she is my best friend. I do want to give birth unassisted then call my mw and my friend, we'll see...

[Sarah W]

Originally Posted by not now

Question for everyone: Who are you allowing at the birth? Be it home birth, birth center or hospital.

Only DH and either my OB or one of the midwives at her practice. No one else. Thankfully, everyone lives too far away to just "drop in". When we told everyone we were pg, they all wanted to come down for the birth. We talked about it, and basically told everyone that they're welcome to visit, but not until at least a week after I have her. We wanted time for us and we weren't willing to share it.

[Klynne]

As far as people being around for the birth; dh, dd, mw, mil, and possibly a friend to take pictures, my beloved mamma will be watching from above this year. I would love to have more family around but everyone lives too far away. Last time we had a nice sized party with family and friends a few hours (8 or so) after the birth, it was great. I got to lay in bed with dd in our room and hear the murmur of joyful voices stuffing themselves with yummy food and cakes my mom and MIL had prepared... *sigh* those were the days!

Home visit sometime this week or next. I think my mw is just as relaxed as I am, since I've chattering on and on about UC in her office.

No girl name yet we all think it's a boy but I'll be caught with my pants down, er off, if it's a girl and we don't have a name!

IN LAWs: If it were my mil I would just ask her next time she popped in if she couldn't call before coming over. Of course I don't know her or you so... she may just think it's super cozy when people drop by her place and therefore does the same. Have you chatted with dh about it? He could maybe give you some in's as to why she enjoys popping over. :


So, so happy for all of you that are dilating! : wish it was me!

[AmyLaz]

Just me and DH at the birth (plus OB and nurse - it will be in a hospital). When we check in we will tell the L&D front desk not to confirm that we are there or give out our room number so that there will be no drop-ins at the hospital. My friend or DH's mom will keep our older kids at our house.

[Chula13]

At my birth it will be me, DH ,midwife , midwifes assistant(ew), doula and the kids will be in the house .I'm leaving it up to them whether they want to be at the actual birth or not.