Due Nov/Dec 2002 (part 4)

[lilyka]

Amy - congratulations!! I love the name!!

Smaug - >>"We actually got to be with this guy!!! No nicu or separation at all. "<< People who haven't been there just don't understand how awsome this is but iI can tel you, there was nothing more pleasing about my last birth than no having dd whisked of to the NICU. that is right up there near the top of the sucky things in list. I am so glad it went well for you.

Spiispy - thanks for the recepies!! How do you make your dumplings? i have a recipe for bisquick dumplings (I make my own mix) that are pretty good but I don't know how they wilol freeze. bannana bread is a great idea. i could live off that stuff and I do make a pretyy good loaf of bananna bread if i do say so myself.

I can't imagine it would be too difficult to make a sling in the maya wrap style. Just hem and thread. the only complicated part would be sewing the end to the rings. So long as you r machine can handle it it shouldn't be a problem. I make doll slings like a maya wrap and it isn't too complicated. he again they don't exactly have to be safe or comfortable :)


J&G's mom - sorry about the positive results. I find out tomarrow. Can't say i am looking forward to it. I have hardly had a week go by that I wasn't infected with one bacteria or another during this pregnancy so why should this wek be any different. :rolleyes: 4 hours on the IV antibiotics. i don't know if this labor will even last this long. i certainly didn't plan on being at the hospital for four hours before i pushed this baby out. I wonder how this will all work.

Casina - I had to laugh at your sister. i have "scheduled" this baby for the 14th of dec. I don't plan on being induced but I did write in my planner, in pen so , if she doesn't decide to come on her own then I will have to have a good talking to her about it. that is just a really convient day for me. And I wrote it in pen so she needs to know I am pretty serious ;).

Hey and just let me beg all of you, not to leave me here all alone. It really woudn't do well for my stamina at this point if I just kept coming over here talking to myself. To all the lurkers who are due the same time as me (I am due the 25th) I just wanted to say thanks for coming out of hiding. i feel better. I sorry but I just can't venture over to "life with a babe" until I am actually with babe. Just too depressing.

take care everyone.

[IfMamaAintHappy]

Congratulations new mamas, and welcome to Alekzander, Julian, and Jackson!!

[tea olive]

jeni, are the cabbage leaves cooking?:wag

congratulations debi!:banana :banana :banana :banana :banana
welcome samuel issac!


congratulations smaug!:banana :banana :banana :banana :banana
welcome julian elijah!


congratulations feather!:banana :banana :banana :banana :banana
welcome alekzander james!

my sil got her induction moved to the 12th today, i tried so hard not to show her how concerned this made me feel, i have my baby already, i have no right to say anything negative to her at this point. lilyka, my first one was born on the date i chose at the baby shower which was two weeks early on the perseids meteor shower. so you never know how these things work out.

well, i guess i should finally go check out life with babe.....

[XmasEve]

Well, when I decided I'd been spending too much time on the internet and I should try to cut back, I had no idea I would take it so far!

A super-duper CONGRATULATIONS to all who have "popped." (I have to get my husband to stop using that terminalogy, but I'm afraid he'll come up with something worse.) All the births sound like wonderful experiences. I hope I am so lucky when my baby arrives.

Speaking of which, my due date is next week. Yeah, we'll see. I could stand to be pregnant awhile longer-- I have so much to get done beforehand!

This is my first and we live in a small one-bedroom apartment. I know we don't have half the supplies we need, but at this rate we'll have so much baby stuff, we won't have any room left for the actual baby! Tell me, you experienced moms, how do you manage? What do you need, what don't you? Where do you put it all?

[APinUAE]

Well I am still here (mostly lurking I'm afraid)as well. I'm getting to the counting of day thing myself. I counted the "exact" days this morning -- 266 from the day of conception -- and I know my exact day was March 20. That puts me due on the 10th. So now I am beginning to feel the countdown thing. Previously I've just said Christmas time frame and been happy. That's because the last 3 kids have all been 2 weeks late. I am working this time (dh is at home until the summer) and it would be better for me to deliver at Christmas but geez I am getting anxious to hold this little guy in my arms. I can't believe it's been 7 years since my last baby and I am just plain excited. I want leaky boobs and buckets of nappies again -- hah see if I'm still as thrilled in a few weeks:)

I am spending lots of time on my birth ball doing wide pelvic rotations. My midwife says this might turn this little guy around as he's OP. My second son was also sunny side up and 10.5 pounds -- I ended up with a section about 26 hours of excruciating labor. So I'm worried that this one is also facing the wrong way. Anyone have any ideas of how to turn a baby around???

And on the dog behaving strangely thing - -yes my border collie/lab mix dog has been very clingy to me the last week or two as has the cat and youngest son!! They all follow me around more it seems like.

Congrats to all the moms already holding their little ones. And hang in there thoughts to the rest of us:)

[BabygirldueNov25th]

I feel like I have neglected you guys, but I have had a rough week, but are any of you with new babies not having it at least a little rough right now? ;)

Okay:

Megan was born on the 29th of November and weighed 6lbs 14oz. She was 20 1/4 inches long and have blondish/brown wavy hair and those dark blue eyes a lot of newborns have.

Birth Story:

My contractions started at 12am on Wednesday the 27th. (That's when I got on here and said "early labor" because they were regular at 5 minutes apart for 3 hours, and the midwife said to come in....it sounded like early labor)
I went to the birth center, and was 1 1/2 cm and 90%. But while there, the contractions slowed down to every 10 minutes. Midwife said they must have just been Braxton Hicks all along. So, we went home, and they started back up again, but the times apart were all different. Dan decided to go to work...told him he could, but I really didn't want him to. I had contractions all day, some regular for hours at a time, but this time I thought "Jeeze, I'm not calling them again until my water breaks!"
Dan got home, and seeing me in pain on the bed (and all of these were strong enough to moan about) felt really bad he'd gone. So, I had contractions all night (2nd night with no sleep), and called Midwives again at 5am (Thanksgiving) to say "PLEASE check me...I am going insane, and have been in labor now for 29 hours!"
Back at the center for the 2nd time I was 3 1/2 and 100%. Midwife said I could stay there, but since the contractions still weren't regular, it could be a while. We left by 11:30 am, with instructions to go to Thankgiving dinner, eat some turkey, drink a glass of wine, and try to get a nap so that if I was going to have the baby by the end of the day, I'd be better rested. So, at my parents house, the contractions were back to five minutes apart, and I ate my meal between them. I hollered and moaned, and when they were over (some lasting 90 sec), I'd open my eyes, and everyone was watching me.
I went home when contractions slowed to 20 minutes apart to try to nap, but they started to get closer.
My breaking point was around 7pm when I had a contraction with arms around hubby, and started sobbing afterwards. He started sobbing, and we just stood there crying for like 5 minutes. We decided to call midwives again, and this time say,
"If there's no progress, then we want to go to the hospital so I can be induced."
No progress, and this time, my blood pressure was really high, so they agreed the hospital was the best choice.
By 9:30pm I was in a bed and they were poking me for an IV (it took them 11 tries so I am pretty bruised up). They started the pitocin, and Dr. Neverauskas (the sweetest doctor in the whole world) tried to break my water, but it didn't break until he used the fetal moniter on her head. The contractions got worse and closer (Pitocin was working). By 5:30am the next morning I was 7 cm, and I was so tired of making noise (low moans, panting, and a lot of "Oh Gods!"), that I decided in my head that I need to shut up and conserve my energy for pushing. Everyone in the room thought I'd fallen asleep because I just breathed normally and didn't even flinch for the next two hours. When I say everyone in the room, I mean, my husband, parents, brother, his girlfriend, and then all the medical people. I wanted everyone to stay even though I originally just wanted my hubby and mom.
At 7:30 I was at 10cm, so the nurse called the doctor who'd gone home, and let me start pushing. My one leg was in a stirrup, other was held by hubby, and my mom was by my head and I used her as a brace (which she could only stand for 20 minutes, and had my dad step in because she has back problems, and I was pulling on her with both arms. I pushed three times with each contraction. By the time the doctor was in the room, 40 minutes later, I could see the entire top of her head in the mirror, and the nurse said "Oh gosh, just little grunts!" I had to hold her in until the doctor was ready. He sat down and said "Okay, you can push!" I really didn't have to push much at all because she just popped out. I heard her cry and they put her on my tummy. I couldn't see her very well, but my husband was crying....my whole family was in tears, and it was wonderful! I had a 2nd degree tear, and no epidural. The doctor gave me a great compliment when he said "I can't believe you've never had a baby before...you seem to know exactly what you're doing, and your pushing was really affective.
I knew I'd love her instantly, and already had the whole pregnancy, but I am so in love with her, and love having her depend on me for everything. It feels so good!

[XmasEve]

Jenni, I can't wait to hear what newborn nickname you give Megan Josephine. I was christened Meggity-Peggity when my dad announced to my mom that "Meggity-Peggity has ten perfect little toes!" in the delivery room. A name like her's lends itself to the cutest combinations.

And, Meggy-Jo, I can't wait to see what your momma's going to change her user name to. "BabygirlbornNov29?" Whatever she decides, don't influence her to change it to "Nosleepjustdirtydiapers," okay?


Kate, after a long struggle to get my baby to stay vertex, now he or she is too wiggly to stay anterior, so I'm also looking for a way to change that. I'll try the birth ball thing. I'm sick of crawling around on my hands and needs. It works for awhile, but isn't worth the dog slobber I have to wash off my face afterwards. As far as my dog being extra clingy, she's been that way since I married her (well, technically I married her owner, but she doesn't see it that way).

Meg (formerly Meggity-Peggity)

[crzymommy]

It's so exciting to see all these babies coming. The best to all you new mommas!

I had my Appt this morning, 37 1/2 weeks. Nothing happening downstairs yet. I have GD and the docs don't want me to go late so I have scheduled an induction for the 19th. Hopefully I will go on my own before that, but my daughter was 2 weeks late, so who knows.

I'm having lots of practice contractions, so I am hoping that they start to do something soon.
")

I need labor vibes.

Amy

[homegrownmama]

~*morning*~

i am new to this thread :) i'm due december 24th (no, not a christmas babe, i'm jewsih, lol!) and SO EXCITED!!

for freezing, i am doing lots of veggie/tofu lasagna, cut into individual pieces. i am also preparing some frozen sauces and frozen veggies separately so i can just defrost, mix and add some tofu or nuts (yes, i'm a vegetarian!!). also, some soups freeze well-- although not potato!! i find squash soups defrost nicely too. all i have craved during my whole pregnancy is indian food though, so i may have to enlist some friends to get me some of that :)

~*peace*~
homegrownmama

[lilyka]

I just erased my whole post :rolleyes:

I wanted to swing in and let everyone know that Ava Alexandria was born yesterday evening around 5:20 (dec.4). I started having contractons around 1:00 and didn't make it to the hospital. I had a prenatal schedul;ed for 5:30 but went in at 5:00 so she could see where I was. i was dialated to a 7cm and Ava was still really high. My water brke while she was checking me but my contractions were mild still. Since I was group B pos. I was going to go streight in to start the antibiotics. Didn't make it so we are stuck here for a while . She went to grab a wheel chair and I had a horrible contraction. dh went to get thenurse and when he poked his head back in the door I was pushing. She came out about 5 minutes later. No tearing or anything on me but she got prety beat up from the wild and crazy ride through my body. She wouldn't breath either and of course there was nothing to suction her with. My midwife was awsome. She acted as if people came in and had babies in the office every day.

gotta run Bean woke up.


Love you guys,
SAndra

[spyiispy]

WAAAAHoooooo!!! Congratulations Sandra!!! The last one to have your baby, indeed!!!! Ava is such a beautiful name....I just love classic names. I'm so happy you're baby is here already...she certainly had other plans, didn't she?! Have you been taking your 5W all this time? I hope they work as well for me as they did for you. Were you in a lot of pain or was it manageable. I know, I know.....20 questions.....but I'm curious!! Wonderful news to wake up to!! Now don't YOU go leaving those of us who are still preggo. I'm checking in with our "Life with a Babe" thread....but primarily still posting here.

Welcome Megan Josephine......you've got a great name too! Jenni, you definitely have yourself a turkey baby. I have heard many times that the tryptophan in turkey can help kick-start labor. I've eaten enough turkey on Thanksgiving and during this subsequent week to birth 10 babies.....and nothing yet. Due date isn't til next Monday, though........so, I'm trying to remain patient and mindful, which is maddenly difficult to do when, everytime you call someone, their first question is...."Are you in labor????" Okay, I'm off to make some Belgian waffles for my guys :) Sandra & Jenni............wish I was close so I could bring you guys some yummy breakfast too :)

Lisa (due with Esme Anna-Rose on MONDAY)

PS...Those on the East Coast.....enjoy your snow!!!

[mamamoo]

OKay, I'm attempting to tell my birth story:

If anyone saw my post on Thursday night(of last week) about the mucus plug thing, I guess that's when things started. I noticed I lost a little of it, ran to the computer and asked about it. With my other two kids I lost it in the hospital after I had already been in labor a while, so I thought it was kind of weird that I was losing it already(especially because I wasn't due until the 13 of Dec.)

I went to bed and around 2 am woke up with a contraction. I went pee and started crying because I knew it was going to happen that day. I had pink tinged underwear and more mucus plug. I was crying because I was totally not prepared, I thought I at least had a week or more(my first was 3 days early and second was 4 days late)to finish cleaning the house, wash baby clothes, and just generally get stuff ready. We didn't even have the birthing tub yet. So at 2 in the morning I was on a mission, I had to go through 2 huge plastic totes of baby clothes that had to be washed and put away. I did that for 2 hours then made my hubby get up and clean/do the laundry. I went back to sleep around 4 am, and slept pretty good until about 6, only waking a few times with contractions.

I took a shower and folded all the baby clothes my hubby had washed so far. My mom and sister came to help with the kidsat about eight am. I was having contractions about every 15 minutes or so. I almost wondered if it was false labor because they weren't getting closer together. I called the midwives and my work just to let everyone know I thought it would be that day.
So for about 4 hours I kinda just breathed through the contractions they were pretty strong but very irregular. I watched "days of our lives" to get my mind off it for a while. By then the ctx were getting harder to deal with. I couldn't lay down because they hurt too much and I was getting tired. There were a couple of times I wondered why I had chosen to birth at home. I had epidurals with both of my other children, and the memory of how good it felt to be pain free and enjoy the fact that i was going to have my babe in my arms was starting to get to me.

My mom got the birthing tub, we got it set up and filled, but ran out of hot water and no one noticed so it was cold. I think that i freaked a bit. The thought of going through the rest of labor without a warm tub just killed me so we started boiling water. Finally we got the temp right and i called the mw to see when i could get in. she said not yet...grrr. i was so ready!!

My boss called I think around 2 or 3 pm to tell me she was coming to get the kids. Thank goodness for her!! I needed a break, they were just to wild and I was really starting to have good cntx. All the time they were home the cntx were only around 12-15 min apart. Within about half an hour after the kiddos got picked up they were 5 min apart then I called the mws at about 4pm. One of them had to drive an hour and a half to get there and I thought it was going to be soon. After I got of the phone with my second mw the con. were every 2-3 minutes.

My mw got here at about 4:30 or 5:00 and let me get in the tub. This whole time all she did was check my bp and listen to the baby. I did not have an internal exam my entire pregnancy. After I got in the tub the ctx got further apart but much more intense.

I started to freak out a little because I got the impression she thought it was going to be a lot longer. I told her I was scared and she asked me of what? I said of the contractions getting much worse, I couldn't do any worse. She told me very calmly it wouldn't get much worse(it didn't) and I was almost there. I was also feeling sick like I was going to throw up after each ctx. M<y mw said thats great that also meant i was getting close.I was sitting on my knees the whole time and moaning through the ctx. The moaning helped so much, it's like some of the pain was coming out of my mouth when I moaned. Next time I will start moaning sooner(I felt a little inhibited about it for some reason at first). My legs kept falling asleep because i was sitting on them, so finally i kind of laid back while my mom sort of supportedme. It was hard to concentrate on anything but breathing and moaning. I was in a trance and got very irritated when someone interrupted me. I think i was actually sleeping in between the cntx. or just zoning to save my energy. It was so real.

My second mw finally got there at probably 6pm. She checked me and asked if i felt like pushing, i didn't. I was all the way dialated but Had a lip of cervix on one side of my baby's head so when i tried to push it was excrutiating. Finally my mw decided to push it out of the way( that was the most painful part of the whole labor/delivery)then i felt the urge to push. I had never felt this before. I was crying and told them I didn't think anyone should have a hospital birth because i felt so cheated with my other two.
I started to push and i could feel him coming out of me, i got nervous and tensed up for aminute. they told meto grunt and loosen my mouth, it helped a lot this primal feeling came over me and i felt like a wild animal in a forest pushing and grunting. I felt the connection of every living creature ever bringing a l;ife into this world. After about three pushes i felt the "ring of fire" (not as bad as the lip of cervix thing) i did tiny pushes(that was sooo hard i just wanted to push all the way, i don't know how i stopped my self.) to get his head out, then one push and whoosh across the pool he went. I was told he looked like a torpedo. My husband was supposed to catch him, but once his head was out there was no stopping me!lol.

They laid my baby on me and i was in the best place i had ever been in in my life. I feel like my son gave me something I had lost when I had my first child. I had healed a part of me I didn't even known was still wounded.
I got out of the tub after delivering the placenta. No tears I felt wonderful. We didn't have a name picked out(i thought we still had time LOL) My hubby came in and said how about felix , i didn't feel like he was felix, then issac, i liked that but for his middle name, then he said how about samuel issac i said okay. that's it. It really fit him. Sam was 8lbs 4oz, 22.25 inches long, and born at 6: 27 pm on Nov. 29th.

Just a note...I had planned on having my other two children there, but when it came time to bring them back for the actual delivery part, I felt like I couldn't have them there. I needed quiet and consentration and with their excitement I think it would have been too much. Also I think I would have not been able to go primal( i needed that)with them there. They were just as happy to meet Sam right after he was born.BTW~they are 5 and 3.75.

I think that's all. sorry it is sooo long!!!
happy birthing everyone:love

[mamamoo]

:banana CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!:banana and :W to Ava and Megan(the 29th of Nov. was a great day!!:love )

[HeatherSanders]

mamamoo THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL. Oh, I SO needed to read both of your strength and your silent insecurities with your first natural birth. I felt robbed by my first child's birth, better about the 2nd, but SO just want this 3rd to be real . . . to be natural and to be so 'mine,' if that makes any sense.

Your story is powerful . . . thank you . . . thank you so much!

[Kermit]

Mamamoo! That was a BEAUTIFUL, EXCITING birth story!!! I LOVED reading it!!! Gosh I would love to have that freedom. I had in my birth plan to please not offer me medication unless I ask. Well, my OB went into this explanation of how women often think they can't change their minds, and if you are screaming and stuff, they are gonna offer! It just makes me feel like if I show I'm in pain, they are not going to like that and will want to shut me up with drugs, kwim? I love how you explained how it felt primal to grunt and how it felt like the pain was leaving with it. I experienced that almost involuntarilly with my second and you are right, it does feel good to just let it go!! I hope I can just feel free do do whatever I need to with my birth!!
What an awesome story!! Very inspiring.

[J&G's mom]

Wow, I can't beleive how many babies have been born in the last week! Every time I come here there is a new one. Congratulations to all of you, not that I imagine you have a lot of time to chat anymore.
I got on the antibiotic cream and once that ends, which should be on Monday, we will see if we can get labor going. I want to make sure all the infections are still gone by the time I go into labor. I would hate to go through treating all this only to have the baby come 2 weeks later and the infections to be back!
I am not really "due" until the 20th, but baby is at least 8 lbs. so I don't feel like doing some things to naturally start labor is too bad. Although, not really the way I wanted to go. But it is the lesser of two evils I suppose. I must admit that I don't really feel prepared yet, I think everything is ready (clothes, supplies, etc.) but I am having a hard time beleiving that I will have a baby in my arms in less than a month (at most!)

Why do I feel like I will be the last one?
How many of us are there left? Not many

J&G's mom

[HeatherSanders]

Nope, you have a few mommas here with you.

I'm due Dec. 14th.
Holly is due Dec. 9th
Beth, I believe, is also due Dec. 9th.

We are ALL 3 having major CXs and BHs and uncomfortable as all get out!

We've just been hiding out talking about birth over in the Diapering Forum.

[crzymommy]

Due the 22nd, but I have an induction cause of GD on the 19th.

Amy

[HeatherSanders]

Amy, you know we need to move our SOUND OFF board over here! I didn't mean to forget you!

How will you be induced?

[crzymommy]

I know you didn't mean to forget me! ") Gosh, who could keep everyone straight. I can barely remember my own name at this point, and I really should stay off the diapering board because it only makes me want to buy and make more diapers and covers, and you should see what's already on the changing table. I made 4 more one size diapers that I need like a hole in the head last weekend.

I will be induced with mysoprosil (sp) the night before to soften my cervix and then get Pitocin bright and early on the 19th. I was induced with my dd the same way, but I was 2 weeks late with her, and very ready to go. Partially dialated, had lost the mucus plug, etc.

Right now I am still closed up tight as a drum. My doula called today to see if I was in labor, said she had a feeling and is usually right, but I'm not LOL.

We have all this snow here, but no baby coming.

Amy

[HeatherSanders]

Amy, with my second, I went in at night and was 'induced' with cervidel (sp?). Anyway, that was effective enough to get me to a "2" (I'm the woman that never dilates until the last minute). I walked the halls some and then they broke my water. Went to a 4 almost immediately and then to a 10 only 45 minutes later.

Maybe they won't need the Pitocin?? We can hope!

[BethHG]

Mamamoo, that was really cool. I really don't think I would have the nerve for that. I didn't have an epidural with my first son, and I still remember the pain, and I really loved the epidural with my second, and I am going to get one with this one too.

Yes, I am due on the 9th. I am getting to the point that being in labor is a scary thing, and being pregnant isn't sooo bad.:p I am tired of trying to guess when this child is going to be born. So, I am going to just wait and see, and try to organize some things and such. I'm getting bored, and I know I need something to start to fill my days.

I really need to start to spend some more time with my boys, even if it's just helping me clean the baby's room, and dusting the whole house! I'm afraid that I have been so impatient that I haven't taken advantage of the time I have now with them.:crying

Beth

[zacsmama]

i think there are more of us still pregnant than you'd think, we just tend to lurk more since we dont' have too much exciting to say yet! i know amy (abranger) is due 12/15, and i'm due 12/26...seems like there was someone else due right around when i am too. i think i may officially be the latest, so it will be a lonely or nonexistent board by then! i secretly think i'll be early, just because of the 3cm, 50% effaced, lost mucus plug, lots o' contractions business, but who knows, it might end up being another whole 3 weeks of this. does anyone else get tons of contractions at night while in bed? and sometimes it's more a general crampiness than actual contractions. my goal has just been to get over this cold before going into labor. i have inlaws in town (and staying at OUR house...what a drag, tried to hint that that wasn't appropriate and didn't have the nerve to just say STAY AWAY, so i'm stuck with them) 12/24-25, so in a way it would be nice to be in the hospital then, just so i could avoid that scene, mean i know! congratulations again to all of the new mamas, and hope the new mamas to be are doing well.
maren

[abranger]

still here due the 15th but starting to feel like things are happening. I had something like a panic attack yesterday without the racing heart. I was dripping with sweat and shaky. My midwife said it sounded like a hot flash maybe from a hormone dump. Hope that means things are happening! I also have been having my first BH cx and sone low back ache. I have my godchildren in town this weekend but I so hope to meet this little one the beginning of next week. I am so impatient anyway if I go late I will go CRAZY!

Amy:eek

[spyiispy]

Amy, Maren, Beth, Heather, Holly, homegrownmama, Meg, APinUAE....

welcome everyone! How has your day been? I've been away from the house all day, making Maya-wrap style slings (soooo easy, btw). I just had this urge to get on here and see who's still hanging around! I'm glad some of you Diapering divas popped on by and said hello....I was kinda thinking it would get lonelier and lonelier over here as the babies started to come. I'm officially due the 9th, which is Monday, but I have a feeling she'll be later than that.

Amy....I had a couple of those towards the end with my first baby. Its wasn't quite so much a panic attack as it was a need to be out in fresh air, away from people. Kinda like being extremely claustrophobic, heart racing, cold sweat & everything.

Maren...what a drag having your inlaws in town as you are trying to prepare for this delivery. Having to play hostess while I was anxious and uncomfortable would be a huge weight on my shoulders. Is it still too late to ask them NOT to stay at your house?? What if a bathroom remodeling project were to arise ;) No seriously, though....what if you have the baby before then (which sounds like a pretty good possibility)? Are they STILL planning on invading your house?

Mamamoo....that was just plain inspiring. One question.....he SHOT across the birthing pool like a torpedo??? LOLOL...the visual alone is pretty amazing :) How is he doing nursing?

Beth...I can totally relate with spending time with your other children. We have a 22 month old son and lately, I've just wanted to be "close" to him...cuz I know these are the last few days we'll have to ourselves. When he's playing by himself, I feel kinda guilty that I'm not right there....like, am I spending enough time with him??

Amy (can we call you crazy Amy since we have 2??) ....I know what you mean about the Diapering boards. I get all these wild inspirations & ideas (usually late at night) to make my own from those women! Not to mention diaper envy when someone reveals their latest find!! Hey, did you know misoprostol is Cytotec?? Its kinda a scary drug, not approved for inductions (lots of info on gentlebirth.org). If you wanted....you could try Evening Primrose oil capsules, vaginally....before your induction to get things moving along more naturally. Again, gentlebirth.org would have the instructions on that. If you can't find them...lemme know.

J&Gs mom......sucky news about the GBS and the infections. There is also a lot of valuable info on gentlebirth.org about "curing" infections, including GBS. How are they planning on getting things going for you once you end your antibiotics? I had also already decided, if I was GBS+, not to do the antibiotics. The risk is so small....and I know a lot of natural remedies if I had been +, additionally, just because you test - or + before delivering doesn't mean that you couldn't test the opposite during labor. Luckily, though...my test came back - and I didn't have that stress to deal with. Here's to a uncomplicated, beautiful birth :)

Heather.....are you also going to be at home, in a birth pool?? I'll be delivering at a freestanding birth center, hopefully in the big jacuzzi tub surrounded by candles...Mmmmm :) I'm anxious to hear people's waterbirth stories. I find it funny that Mamamoo's Samuel shot across the tub....hee hee hee! Still feeling pretty uncomfortable tonight? If you're feeling up to it....let us know how you're doing.

Meg....I laughed when I read how you "married" your dog. How are YOU feeling today??

APinUAE......wow, seven years since the last baby?? I know what you mean about leaky boobs (I LOVED nursing), but you can keep your buckets of nappies :) There are lots of threads on here about turning babies.....do a search, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. You can do it, though!!!

homegrownmama.......I have to laugh inside when people tell me we're getting a great Christmas present (our baby). We don't observe Christmas either, and although I'm not Jewish.....we do practice alot of "Jewish" teachings (the Sabbath, clean & unclean meats, etc). Sounds like you've been pretty busy in the kitchen!! I'll take some of that veggie lasagna (25215 Reith Road.......) :) Is this your first?

Holly........comments like your OB made would bug me. Are you comfortable with him otherwise?? Girl, you do what you need to do to birth that baby......forget him. I think alot of OBs are more comfortable when they can do something to "manage" birth (especially men) cuz babies tend to come anyway; they have to do SOMETHING to justify those enormous fees. (Let me add my disclaimer that I know there are plenty of good, decent OBs around that don't fit this description).

I must get some dinner going.......everyone take care! I'll check in later.....

Lisa

[lilyka]

HI!

Just wanted to send a little update aboutour condition. Ava came out very quickly with her arms crossed in front of her face. This has given her a lot of brusibg around her face, on her arms abd hands as well as causing her colar bone to snap. Also her white cell count came back high. After pokibg her with needles over 10 times they were unable to get blood so it will be even longer until we get to leave. So keep us in your thoughts. She seems to be pretty uncomfortable and screams whenever someone comes in.
Thanks guys.

[HeatherSanders]

Originally posted by spyiispy
Heather.....are you also going to be at home, in a birth pool?? I'll be delivering at a freestanding birth center, hopefully in the big jacuzzi tub surrounded by candles...Mmmmm :) I'm anxious to hear people's waterbirth stories. I find it funny that Mamamoo's Samuel shot across the tub....hee hee hee! Still feeling pretty uncomfortable tonight? If you're feeling up to it....let us know how you're doing.
Lisa

Oh Lisa, I wish I was going to be at home. The other evening when I was having some harder CXs, I was lying next to my husband (sort of spooned) and felt a peace . . . warm and snuggly in my flannel sheets, back being gently rubbed by my husband, his whispers and breath on the back of my neck. Just thinking that if I was birthing at home I wouldn't have to stir my children. Knowing that a bag didn't need to be packed, etc. . . etc. . . that would be so RELAXING.

But alas, I'm going to be birthing with a cnm at our local hospital. I think I'll labor at home as long as possible though. They have labor baths at the hospital in a new natural birthing wing, BUT I JUST FOUND OUT that they will not be available most probably because of some mix-up in wiring for all their electronic monitors. I was like, "Who cares, I've requested no electronic monitoring." But apparently, there are 'codes' to be met whether they are used or not. So, I'll probably labor in the shower and deliver standing or on the commode. Who knows.

I LOVE waterbirth stories - shooting 'torpedoes' and stuff - GREAT STORIES!!!! I've had back labor with both of my previous children, and I've always used water as a 'manager' of bad premenstrual cramping . . . so I'm certain it would be wonderful.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Either way, I'm ready to hold my little TYKE OUTSIDE the womb!

[HeatherSanders]

Originally posted by lilyka
HI! Just wanted to send a little update aboutour condition. Ava came out very quickly with her arms crossed in front of her face. This has given her a lot of brusibg around her face, on her arms abd hands as well as causing her colar bone to snap. Also her white cell count came back high. After pokibg her with needles over 10 times they were unable to get blood so it will be even longer until we get to leave. So keep us in your thoughts. She seems to be pretty uncomfortable and screams whenever someone comes in.
Thanks guys.

OMGosh, this is the first time I've heard of this . . . of course, I only got into this thread yesterday, I believe.

Prayers going out for your little Ava. God bless her in her healing.

Does she find comfort in breastfeeding?

[crzymommy]

Thank you thank you for telling me that! I would never have known. I will have to talk to my doctor about that cause I'm not taking it. Now I will be a nervous wreck.

I'll definitely do the evening primrose oil treatment before. I just keep praying that I will go into labor on my own and can avoid the whole issue.

Last time I was induced they gave me prostiglandin gel vaginally, so I will ask for that again if neccessary, or find out what else we can do. The doc I saw yesterday, which was not the doc that is doing the induction, said they don't use that anymore. Don't know why? The hospital probably got a good deal from the makers of misoprostol.

Amy

[spyiispy]

I am sooo glad I responded to that, Amy. I was kinda hesitant, cuz I didn't want to "get into your business." But misoprostol is one of those red flags when I read, ya know? Please don't let your doctor convince you it is safe.....it isn't.

I can guess why that dr. said they don't use prostaglandin gel anymore. Because Cytotec is MUCH faster. It causes hard & fast uterine contractions, sometimes lasting up to 15-20 minutes (for ONE contraction). Babies have a hard time being "squeezed" for that long and there is also the danger of uterine hyperstimulation & rupture. Basically, Cytotec is given for the convenience of the docs because it DOES make labor alot faster....but is that really a good thing???

Anyway, good luck. I also had the prostaglandin gel with my first. Can't say I really enjoyed it, cuz it WAS uncomfortable, but it did help to thin my cervix.

Let us know how it goes...

Lisa

[XmasEve]

Oh Ava, you made such a grand entrance and look where it got you! Every mothering feeling that I can't spend on my own little wombsleeper is being sent out to you right now. Let's hope this has convinced you to be a calm and quiet baby for at least the next few months.

Well, I dropped! I was starting to worry that I never would. And while I'm much more comfortable, I'm sad. I've been refusing vaginal exams so don't have that progress to go by, so this is the first signal that birth is really going to happen someday. But I'm not ready for it! Along with not having my house set up for baby AT ALL, I already miss being pregnant. I know once I hold my baby, that will go away and I'll just love my baby, but I'm afraid I might go into labor with this attitude and don't think it will be very beneficial. So I need to shake this feeling...

Meg

Hey, is anyone left here planning a Lotus Birth? I am, much to the horror of everyone around me, DH included, but after reading Casina's account of eating the placenta, I'm drawn to that as well. But even I think it would be in bad taste (ha! a pun!) to eat the placenta while it's still attached to the baby.

[tea olive]

well, even though i ate placenta, the lotus birth idea repels me, i even found the tree of life print weird and never got around to it. go figure. so i cant keep up with all these births, my head is so confused, i am dealing with a common cold. hang in there ladies!

[crzymommy]

I talked to my doula about it, and she recommended that I ask for cervadil, which she said is not cytotek and is on a string (?) so they can just pull it out if they need to.

I have to sign a consent in order for them to give me the misoprostol and I just won't sign it. I DO like and respect my doctor, so hopefully he will work with me on this.

Last time when I had the gel, I was already partially effaced and dilated like 2 cms, and having very mild contractions (which I had been having for like a week) and I didn't notice any difference with the gel. They only gave me one dose though, then started me on Pitocin in the middle of the night on the lowest dose, which gave me a nice slow start to labor at least. It was uncomfortable, like bad menstrual cramps, but not really painful.

Here's hoping I go on my own!!!!!! Come on baby!

Amy

[Cygnet09]

More babies! Welcome, and congrats mamas!

I am happy to say that I am no longer pregnant! Hooray! Olivia Rose was born December 5th at 11:17AM. We had her at home and she is a waterbaby! Labor was short (about 6 hours) and she is almost two pounds *lighter* than DD1 - Livvie weighs in at 7lbs 2oz. She is tiny, nursing like a fiend and we are so happy to have her here. DD1 is doing really well - that makes the transition from one to two a lot easier. I'll write out the birth story at some point and share it with everyone. Just wanted to take a minute and share the good news! Can't wait ti hear about the other arrivals!

[HeatherSanders]

Originally posted by crzymommy
I talked to my doula about it, and she recommended that I ask for cervadil, which she said is not cytotek and is on a string (?) so they can just pull it out if they need to.
Amy

I was 'induced' with my dd2 with cervadil. I went in the night before, it was 'placed' on my cervix and then I wasn't checked for quite some time. Nothing happened. Figured out that when I got up and went to the bathroom it slipped off the cervix (which apparently is a common thing). So, if nothing 'gives' after you've moved about, you might want to ask to be 'checked' to see if it is still where it should be.

When it was replaced I moved to a '2' and then walking the halls got the progression going. Fortunately, neither pitocen or cytotek was offered/suggested! I would have refused . . . have a horror story with a pitocin induced birth with my first and I promised myself I would NEVER do that again . . . not in a million.

Excited to just wait on 'whatever happens' with this one - to have that opportunity. Who knows if I'll have another. I just want one chance to go into labor without intervention.

[lilyka]

Congratulatons everyone!!!

Woo-hoo what a party around here. :D :D

We are finally home today.Feels good to be home. I am afraid my sweet 2 yo "baby" has grown into a terribly large child in the last two days. I swear the little buger shot up 3" and gained 20 pounds. She is so sick too and all she wants to do is love oin her baby sister. poor girl. :(

Ava seems to be doing better. Today was a better day for her. The nurses and lab techs either convinced the Dr. to give up on the blood work or just refused to do it (you could tell they were drawing straws back in the lab to see who the terribly unlucky person was who had to be a meanie to such a sweet baby). Anyway., she is obviously healthy so they let us go so long as we come in on Monday. Her bruising looks better too. I don't think that hurts her but it does look quite alarming just because of its location (mouth, nose, fingers and lower arms - makes her look like she isn't breathing)

My midwife made jokes about calling up the TV stations today. She said that they love this kind of story :) I wasn't going to but hey, it wouldn't be a bad idea to tell the world that birth really doesn't have to be that bad.

[J&G's mom]

spyiispy, Not sure what we will do to get labor going...I have an appiontment with the midwives on Monday and we will talk about it then. I hope that all it will take is some nipple stimulation, but am doubtful. Nothing else about this pregnancy has been that easy :rolleyes:
If we were just dealing with the GBS I don't know whether or not I would have decided to go with the antibiotics but the E.Coli has me a little freaked. I really want that gone, just the sound of it grosses me out. My midwives also recommended that I take echinechea, usnea and vitamin C to help fight the infections and keep my body more even. Let me tell you the echinechea and usnea tinctures are so nasty! Not as nasty as the feverfew tincture which I have been taking for headaches, that is beyond nasty!
Anyhow, baby is getting bigger everyday, and Christmas looms closer. I too have a MIL and BIL coming to stay for the holidays. I am okay about MIL coming because I honestly think she'll be such a help with the older 2, but we didn't even invite BIL this year. I suppose if you invite someone for 3-4 years in a row they just assume they are invited forever. I made dh talk to him about the fact that if I am in labor, he may get booted out to a hotel. Don't know how he felt about it but OH WEll. MIL is very excited about maybe being here for the birth but I am soooo hoping this baby arrives before the 20th which is when she will be here. So next week is my brillant plan, hear that baby!! Next week!!!

J&G's mom

[tea olive]

people get attached to the idea of being around a birth but hopefully they will find it to be unpleasant and annoying for them to stick around. i am annoyed that you even have this problem! i think if you are completely open to your midwives about how you feel, they will deal with any intruders when the time comes.

i really think the raw garlic, cut into pieces, swallowed, is what cured my uti and mastitis problems, though i can say i really hate taking it, i took some today cos i'm tired of my cold and am worried i'll have a secondary illness. maybe some garlic pills could help you. the echinacea tincture is not tasty but you could get the kids spray version which is flavored with honey.

i'm enjoying the five minutes i have right now alone, quiet.

[BabygirldueNov25th]

Here are photos of our precious Megan!!



http://babymegan.faithweb.com/photos/megan/photosmeg.htm

[ekblad9]

What a beautiful baby!!!:D

[homegrownmama]

~*morning*~

thank you all for the warm welcome!!

yep, spyiispy, this is my first, sorta-- well, i consider this my second (i miscarried 11.15.01 with my first) but people usually don't understand when i try to explain it..... :( although everyone i've told on these boards seems to totally get it~~ ((feels like family))
i am 37 1/2 weeks, still puking and still loving being preggie!!

i also adore making slings-- i've actually been making slings, breastfeeding clothes and preggie clothes for a few years before i got pregnant, selling them to friends and at festies. it's been really exciting to finally get to make some stuff for me. not that i have time......i really just want to stitch baby stuff and SLEEP :)

i love everyone's pics and am sending out some (((((~*loving vibes*~))))) to little ava and newly arrived olivia!!

~*peace*~
homegrownmama

[lilyka]

Megan is just beautiful!! I love that name too. That was in our top three list. Ava was almost a Megan.

Spiispy - I forgot to answer earlier. I was taking the 5W. I had onlyu been on it for 2 weeks and still wasn't taking very much. If that is what helped make labor so easy I truely recomend it to everyone!! I will be passingthe rest of my bottle on to my SIL with hopes for a very easy labor for her.

G&Bs mom- Are youu having your baby in the hospital? If I had known how much blood work, poking and proding that Ava would have had to endure I would have gladly taken the antibiotics to spare her. I had no idea she would have to go through so much to prove she was healthy (OK it wouldn't have been so bad except her first cbc came back with an elevated white cell count and then she was suspect :rolleyes: ) Anyway in the end a few rounds of antibiotics for me seemed like a small thing to do. The trick is getting to the hospital on time ;) Have you tried the Herbs for Kids echenatia (sp?)? My dd really liked it and would take it streight. I think it is in glicerine which is a little more pleasent tasting than alcohol. When I take herbs I put them under my toung. I forget the reason for this (something about being absorbed directly into the blood stream) but it cut back on the taste a lot (still nasty) and pretty much just numbed my mouth for a couple of minutes. Much more pleasent than putting it on my tounge or drinking it mixed with water.

If your family is around send them to a movie and dinner. It will be an expense but a worthy one. Or get her set up in the kitchen making you a life time supply of frozen stuff. If nothing else, don't wait till the last moment to bring it up with her. If she seems really dissapointed, try giving her a list of really important things to do while you are in labor (grocery shopping, cleaning in a part of the house that you are not, knitting a blanket for the baby :) ) Good luck on having her before they get here. That was our plan, to either have her before they got here or wait till everyone left. She did well :). If you want I could have 2yo dd give your baby a ring so she could do the "Baby, get out!! " chant. Worked for us.


Ava is doing so much better :) Despite her sisters crazyness she still seems much calmer in this environment than at the hospital. She is jaundice and has slept non stop for the last 24 hours. Guess it is time to find a sunny window. My milk came in and so now she is baby heaven just nursing and pooping (she smiles realy big everytime she poops :thumb Oh, yeah, she is my dd alright.).

[J&G's mom]

lilyka, no we are not having a hospital birth, this will be our first home birth. Our first was supposed to be born at home but that is a long story that I don't have the energy to go into. I would much rather put antibiotics into my body than have the baby be sick or even just poked, etc. The echineachea is nasty but it was also sorta spendy so I think that I will stick with what I have...but next time I will try getting the Herbs for Kids brand, thanks for the info. I have been doing Garlic a lot this pregnancy too.
I don't know how we will handle things if MIL and/or BIL are here for the birth but my midwives said all I have to say is the word and they will send everyone away for me. I love your idea about sending her to the kitchen to cook but the birthing tub will be set up there. Which makes all of it a little harder because it is the center of the house, but I don't want to feel like I need to stay in the bedroom, it's my house, you know?
Congrats on your baby and I'm so sad for her bruising, I'm sure she is getting better everyday. I can't wait to hold mine! Oh how I hope he/she will cooperate with my next week plan.

J&G's mom (I guess I'll have to come up with a new name soon):D

[HeatherSanders]

We use the Nature's Way (Sambucol) For Kids - it is a combination of Elderberry Extract and Echinacea purpurea and angustifolia. They have it in both adult and kids strength and my girls (29 months and 6 years old) will take it straight.

They call it berry juice, since that is exactly what it tastes like. We always get it and the Vit C out right before the 'yuck' hits at school and take it for 6 weeks on and then 2 weeks off.

J&G's mom, definitely let your mw take the 'heat' with your MIL and BIL. That way there is no hard feelings between you and them AND it keeps you from being stressed at a time when you need to do nothing more than relax!

lilyka, I have been keeping up with your story b/c I've recently done some research on the Strep B for myself. Because I have dealt with 'yeast issues' in the past I was concerned about the antibiotics causing problems for me (breasts/vaginal) if I came back positive and they admin. them to me. I was also worried about thrush for my baby. But I haven't tested positive for Strep in the first two, so I went ahead with the test. Knowing what you've gone through, I think I would rather deal with the 'alternative' than deal with what you've had to go through.

[XmasEve]

I just posted my maternity clothes in the Trading Post, so I put up a little webpage to showcase pictures. I put one of myself and the "greenfaerie" up too. If you're curious, check us out!

http://home.att.net/~meghanshea/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html

I got to thinking last night what a lucky group of women we are to have our babies and each other.

:grouphug

Meg

[lilyka]

I guess since we have been on so many antibiotics this preg (six rounds since conciveing, one before and the last two, consecutive rounds were finished just 2 weeks ago) that yeast was a given :) Heck I have yeast problems when i don't take antibiotics :rolleyes:. That never really factored in. I just figured we would be fighting yeast one way or another. Also if the first blood sample comes back ok then it is all you will need. Unfortuantely ours came back high and the resulting mess was because her veins refused to cooperate after that. (we don't do anything the easy way around here ;)

[lilyka]

I just wantted to check in and say hi to all of you mamas still hanging in . I was so worried that I would be stuck here talkin gto myself at this point. Just wanted to make sure that every mama here had someone to chat with untill the very end.

So how are ya feeling? whats the weather like? Are you ready?

:love :love

I look forward to hearing your birth stories and I am praying for all of you.

[crzymommy]

I had a non- stress test and ultrasound and doc appt today. I failed the non stress test but passed the ultrasound. It made me nervous but the doctor was not overly concerned. He scheduled me for another non stress test Thursday AM.

The good news is that I am 70% effaced and 1-2 cm dilated! :p The baby is REALLY low too. (of course, I knew that, cause I can literally barely move)

I have an induction scheduled on the 19th, but he doesn't even think I will go that far. Tonight would be good, I've been contracting with crampy contractions all day. But it doesn't seem to be getting worse, just sort of staying the same. But I think something is happening. :D

So, any and all labor vibes welcome here.

I am really hoping that I will go in the next few days. OF course, with my dd I walked around dilated for like a week at least. Ended up last and was induced with her.

Amy

[lilyka]

I felt crampy and it didn't get worse untill 3 minutes before i pushed her out. Luckily I was having a visit with my midwife at the time :) Just because it doesn't suck doesn't mean this isn't it. You may still have it tonight :D

[XmasEve]

Well, today is, or was, my due date. Nothing happening on this front. That doesn't bother me. I know exactly when I conceived, so I know the due date was accurate, but I don't go in for them. Babies come eventually.

But what's giving me real anxiety is that my doc has had bad personal experiences with overdue babies, so she's already jumpy. Constant phone calls from family and friends is one thing, but my doc always talking about stillbirth risks is something else.

So I have an appointment on the 16th, I would be 6 days over due then. She wants to "massage" the membranes, do an ultrasound, and NST. No vaginal exams for me thanks! so that's out. I think amniotic fluid is highly variable at this point in pregnancy (if I manage to sleep more than 3 hours and don't drink anything, I can tell a difference just by feel), and I drink about 2 gallons a day. And I know my doc expects a perfect NST result or she gets even more nervous.

I've told DH that I'm not going to do any unnatural interventions until the 20th (that is, if I still feel well and baby still has a good heartbeat and is reactive). And if the ultrasound and NST are good but they're still pushing for intervention, I'm going to make them do it on Christmas, so there.

Wow, sorry this is so long! You can see it's been weighing on my mind.

[spyiispy]

Hang in there, Amy!! That's how it usually starts.....a general crampiness that starts to form a pattern. Lilyka.....you didn't get any worse than crampy-feeling til you had to push?? That's wonderful!! OHh....and I would NOT be letting them stick any more needles into my baby. My goodness...how many times has she given them blood now??? Bilirubin is normally high for a newborn......yikes, c'mon....its perfectly normal. Its not a big deal. I think you have every right to be a protective mama and say enough is enough! Greenfaeriedog.....I am right there with ya on interventions. I've heard of too many membrane "massages" becoming amniotomies "accidentally." I was due yesterday.....so today was my official first day "overdue." Dontcha love that word......like you're an overstuffed turkey someone forgot to take out of the oven....hee hee :) I took a look at your pix.....you've got a gorgeous pup there!! I think I asked this before, don't know if you responded.....but is he following you around, everywhere?? Kinda like guarding you?? Our boxer (9 months old) has been up my butt continuously for about 4 days now. Even laying outside the bathroom door while I go!!

Take care all.....will be reporting in when there is "something" to report!

Lisa

Well, I should run......take care all!!

[crzymommy]

the crampiness seems to have diminished somewhat. I had a couple of good contractions last night, but things are relatively quiet this AM.

I am going to try to do some big walking today and see if that helps.

Hello everyone who is still hanging around like me!!!

Amy

[HeatherSanders]

Today is the 11th, right? So, I'm 3 days from my 14th EDD. I have woken up now for about 3 or 4 nights in the last 3 weeks with contractions. Once for 3 1/2 hours and the other times just general crampiness with mild contractions throughout the night.

Usually a shower ends it and I go back to bed. I'm loving the hot showers, but it wreaks havoc on my dry skin when I get out. I've taken over my 'soon-to-be-born-babe's' supply of Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil! :)

I am frustrated though . . . figured with all I've been feeling I'd be holding my li'l guy by now. Last night I got so little sleep that I kept my Kindergartener home today so I could sleep in. How's that for lazy. AND . . . I'm letting the VCR babysit her and her 29 month old sister while they watch SPIRIT (y'know, the horse). I swear I'm doing things I said I'd never do, but I'm wiped out!!!

I haven't stopped MOVING - except at night, so I know I don't need to get out and about. Some men at church keep chiding my husband that he needs to get me in the minivan and take me over speed-bumps. *men*

So, that is my update . . . now that Holly and Beth over at Diapering have had their babies I'm hanging in there and praying for my little delight too!

BTW, this is the first time I've even KNOWN to do things naturally. So, I'm not even always sure (even after two kids) what it is going to really 'feel' like when I AM in labor. I have never gotten this far in my pregnancy, if you can believe that. Plus, with it being the 3rd, I'm experiencing all the discomforts from that darn Relaxin hormone (which by the way, is inappropriately named).

Anyway, I have not allowed my midwife to check me for dilation or effacement and she isn't interestd in an NST until I've passed my due date by a week or more. I'm measuring fine and all else seems to be on track - no 'massages' for this momma - it only irritates the crap out of my cervix for 24 to 48 hours and I already have irritation.

Oh, and one last thing - I know the thread is long. My midwife gave me the most awesome 'belly' massage last Friday. I nearly fell asleep to her touch and Kenny (my li'l guy) kept rolling into her hands. It was so soothing!

[crzymommy]

I don't really know what to expect as far as natural goes either!

I never got past the general crampiness last time before I was induced.

They are doing all the tests this time because of the GD. Last time I had no tests or anything at this point in my pregnancy. In fact I never has a NST last time, just an ultrasound at the end to check my fluid levels.

I want to go into labor BAD though.

Amy

[XmasEve]

Lisa, my dog is my shadow, but she always has been. I haven't noticed any change in her behavior since I got pregnant. I'm not even sure she realizes what's in the belly, even though it's kicked her a few times. I'm NOT looking forward to her reaction to not being my "baby" anymore. On one hand, she loves kids and always behaves around them, but on the other, she's even resentful of my relationship with my husband, and she was his before she was mine! I have no experience with Boxers, but they seem like lovely dogs. I don't envy you having a puppy though! My dog's a 14-year-old Siberian Husky. I don't think I'll over own a Sibe again, and NEVER a Sibe puppy. But I do have my fingers crossed that this baby will be an animal lover like its momma.

I'm starting to wonder if I'll know what labor's like... Kind of silly, I know.

Meg

[tea olive]

um. you'll know what it is when it's here! i wondered even after two natural labors and felt silly when the third started. relax as much as you can during contractions, they are easier to handle when you are relaxed, low note moans help too. let it ebb through you like ocean waves and surrender. your baby will be here soon.


i want to thank y'all for hanging in there, my sil is getting induced in the morning, her due date is the 26th. inductions are commonly done around here for no reason but impatience, she has never felt labor and this is her third baby. i feel a little worried about her messing with mother nature in this way, feel protective over her unborn for getting her out before she's ready.

[XmasEve]

Casina, I hope your sister's induction goes well. The idea of "scheduling" a birth is quite prominent in my family.

On a related but not connected topic, I've heard that it's better for a baby to experience a "trial of labor" before interventions such as a c/s take place. Does anyone know if this is true? And if so, why? Or if not, why not?

[tea olive]

trial of labor, do you mean that labor should start on its own?

[XmasEve]

Yes, I *think* that's what it means.

Two days overdue now. Not a sign of impending labor. But the phone calls from friends and family have increased to every 5 minutes. Is it any wonder I'm spending so much more time online? :wink

I was bored yesterday so I tried some nipple stimulation to see what that would do. It did bring on a long line of Braxton Hicks, but nothing lasting or painful.
My nipples could only take it for 10 minutes, tho, and a day later these kittens still hurt like :firedevil !

Lisa, are you still overdue as well? Anyone else still hanging out with me?

[HeatherSanders]

I'm hanging out with you. I am due on the 14th, but have been miserable since the 35th week. :LOL Seriously though, these last two weeks have been sleepless with a lot of night-time CX that peeter-off to nothing.

VERY FRUSTRATING as two of my diapering forum mommas have already had their precious bundles and mine doesn't seem to want to do anything but press on that darn Ferguson nerve or whatever its called.

[spyiispy]

Yupper.......I am still here also. Thanks, Casina, for taking the time to check in with us when you've got little Ruby to take care of, the boys, and not feeling well on top of that. I went to a Mamaworks meeting on Tuesday (group of like-minded women here in Seattle)....and we had a guest speaker. The topic was "Natural Remedies for Winter Illnesses." I had to leave 1/2 hour before it was over (midwife app't)...but it was excellent. Our speaker was a homeopath & an herbalist and gave a lot of good info on things you can do at home. She also spoke on the energy surrounding an illness vs. the energy of being well. Energy, does, indeed, get stuck; and where its stuck is where you'll be experiencing symptoms. Anyway....could talk about that all day.... Here are a couple easy things to try if you're blocked somewhere: Use thyme oil (in a carrier oil) for upper respiratory problems; fry a couple onions in olive oil, just to take the sting out of them. Let them cool, mash them up and make a poultice out of them. Put them on your skin and let there overnight. Try contrast hydrotherapy: heat or warmth on an area, then cold. The ratio is 3:1 (meaning, for ever 1 unit of cold, you need 3 of heat; i.e. 1.5 minutes of heat to 30 seconds of cold). the idea is that by alternating cold and hot....you bring fresh blood (white blood cells) to an area. Sometimes just the fluid movement will get energy unblocked and be enough stimulant for your immune system to kick the illness. Ahh, I'm wayyy off-topic.....

Greenfaeriedog.....we love our boxer, even though he's technically still a puppy. He's not overly rambunctious and is very protective of our 22 month old; yet very tolerant of ear-pulling, being crawled and stepped on, etc. We got him when Indy was a year old and they are the best of buds.

Was gonna write more, but my little guy needs some attention...

Take care all......

Lisa

PS...Heather, I just read your last post. Maybe you should change his name from "Kenny" to "Ferguson!!" Just imagine...you could call him Fergie!! Smile, darlin'....it won't be long yet....I promise!!!

[lilyka]

Yes it is better that a baby experiance a trial of labor before a c-sec (unless of course it is a true emergancy). Even if the labor is induced a few contractions will help the baby prepare to be born. Kinda like a warning and little warm up. A baby goes through a lot of physical changes while being born. Stuff gets squeezed out, there is a hole in the heart that closes withint a few hours of labor starting and some other things ( I know there are some involving the lungs). even if the contractions are stimulated it can set off the triggers to start everything going for labor. It must be quite shocking to a little babe to be going about thier business and suddenly be grabbed by a hand and plunked into the world. Give the poor kid a little warning.

I just want to go on record that when my midwife accidently broke my water it truely was an accident. She had just barely touched it. She felt really bad about it. I am not familiar with "massaging the bag of waters". is this anything other than a mask for trying to break them?

Don't underestimate what all these braxton hicks contractins and crappiness may be doing. You never know how far you may be or just how prepared your uterus may be getting. :)

Ava is done giving blood (OK she is done getting poked - she was done giving blood a long time ago ;) ). i insisted that her Dr. treat her and not her paper work. He was agreeable to that at least. We have another appointment in a week and that will be our last with that Dr. he is the one my midwife regularly recommends (they have an agreement abuot some things like early discharge, respecting opinions and no interventions) and I will be sure to let her know that he relys so heavily on blood work when a little peek at the baby is all that is really nessecary. he isn't her ped (who you can't get into to save your life unless you have connections :) ) just one she recommends because he doesn't mind taking patients for just the newborn part. (due to competitiveness between hospitals people can't always recieve the best care from Dr. the like :rolleyes: )

[HeatherSanders]

Originally posted by spyiispy
PS...Heather, I just read your last post. Maybe you should change his name from "Kenny" to "Ferguson!!" Just imagine...you could call him Fergie!! Smile, darlin'....it won't be long yet....I promise!!!

Right! Well, I met Fergie at a polo match once in Houston, TX and let me tell ya . . . she was no charmer. HA! So, maybe it is appropriate!

Okay, I'm going to go and convince myself that all these CXs are moving me forward slowly, but surely! Thanks for the encouragement ladies! :)

[spyiispy]

Wow, Sandra.....your bag of waters must've been almost ready to break anyway! It sounds like your midwife was very respectful of your body and her reaction would've comforted me. When I went into deliver Indy....I was already at 6 cm. My midwife ask me if she could break my waters and I let her. It took quite a few tries with that little hook-thing. She said I had the strongest amniotic sac she'd ever seen; like leather.

Heather...here's an affirmation (from unassistedbirth.com) to repeat to yourself on tough days:

**I believe I am a flower opening my petals to the warm rays of the sun**

1. My body is designed to give birth naturally.

2. I trust my body to do what it is supposed to do.

3. I trust the Lord to watch over me and the baby and keep us safe.

4. I will have the birth I want.

5. I will have an easy and quick labor.

6. This is a beautiful gift from God, and I show my respect for it by surrendering to it and not interfering.

7. I belive childbirth is supposed to happen naturally and gently.

8. I am not afraid of what-if's. Whatever happens was MEANT to happen.

9. I will not let others' fears determine my reality.

10. I am a vessel for which my baby is using to enter this world. I will not let the focus of the birth be about me or my pain.

11. I will pant through my contractions, breath deeply and moan if necessary.

12. I am not ashamed of my body.

13. I am powerful and lovable.

14. I am not fighting this in any way.

15. I will deliver a healthy, beautiful baby.

I like to say these aloud, so that our little girl can hear my voice and know that I have confidence in her AND that God is watching over both of us during her development and impending birth. I also visualize/meditate on my cervix as a rose bud....tightly closed at first....but through many days of sunshine & rain (CONTRAX!!), slowly, slowly opens, bit by bit, until a beautiful flower emerges (our baby girl). I love roses and I see this baby as a Peace rose (light yellow rose, flushed with pink) because she truly has brought peace to our lives (already!). It just makes me feel better during all those contractions. Here's a picture of the peace rose:

http://www.justourpictures.com/roses/peace1.html

And here's the romantic story of the rose:

http://www.rose-2002.org/peace.html

Alrighty....gotta get the munchkin to bed...

Lisa

[HeatherSanders]

Lisa, thank you . . . I'm cutting and pasting that into WORD to print out. I need something to repeat to myself in those late hours when my poor attitude takes over and I begin to feel as if this will NEVER happen.

I truly do not want any intervention and love my midwife for respecting me and not instilling any fear in or around the situation. My husband has been supportive as well - and as long as I stay away from everyone else *ha*ha* I do well on keeping away from negative comments like, "Well you are going to induce soon then aren't you?" Ignorance . . . ugggh.

From the book Easing Labor Pain, I always think of this large wine jug moving into the shape of a mayonnaise jar (thin, slender passage to a wide open rim). I'm liking your analogy much better - a bit more romantic! ;)

I'll read the story of the Peace Rose after I put my munchkins down later - then I'll have 'peace' to actually think through it!

[spyiispy]

Well girls.....don't know if it was the sex, the blue cohosh or the mad bout of cleaning I did today....but things are definitely stirring!! Got some uncomfortable cramping that's increased in severity over the day. Don't think anything's happening in the next couple hours.....but, I'm hoping!

Just wanted to let y'all know....

Lisa

PS...I could be totally off-base. Lets hope not.

[lilyka]

That's how it went for me. Took some herbs, had some sex, started cleaning like a lunatic and bam! Crampy contractions :). Hmmm, maybe I should keep taking those herbs. Our house was really clean . . .

Yes, my water was about to break. She said it was bulging out. I felt it snap. That was wierd. :) I said earlier (right after I got pregnant) somehting about I would rather have a hospital birth with my midwife than a home birth with a Dr. and someone thought I was crazy. They hadn't met my midwife. .:love

Since everyone else is posting affermations I thought i would leave you ladies with this tonight. It was supposed to go with me to the labor room but since we never made it, ta know :).

Fear Not the time is coming
Fear not your bones are strong
fear not help is near by
fear not God is near
Fear not the baby is at the door
fear not he will live to bring you honor
fear not the hands of the midwife are clever
fear not the earth is beneath you
fear not little mother
fear not mother of us all.

That is from The Red Tent. If you haven't read it yet, it is perfect for passing the time until your baby comes

[tea olive]

lisa i found the energy being stuck and related info very interesting, thank you for putting it down.

your babies will come out. i waited for clay whose edd was dec 13 and he came out jan 6 2001. by then i was convinced i would be pregnant for an additional year, i was so stumped that the year had changed and no baby yet. they will come out!

[HeatherSanders]

Lisa . . . oh, I hope it is time for you!!!
DO keep us posted!

[spyiispy]

I'm still here! Contracting like mad......cannot sleep for the life of me. I know I should be getting some rest in case this IS it.....but I was up the entire night before I had Indy. I think you're so hyped up on adrenaline......sleep doesn't matter much (if you have a relatively short labor). I'm not seeing any show or anything else to tell me this is it.......so don't get too excited, guys.

Casina.......telling us you went a grand total of 24 overdue with Clay is NOT comforting!! LOL!! Glad you liked the "energy" stuff...how are you feeling lately?

Well, I'm gonna TRY to get some rest. Baby girl has been awake and squirming around all day. She knows something's up too. IF I do go into labor, my sister on the East Coast (hoppytoad) will let y'all know.....

Until then.....

Lisa

[HeatherSanders]

As much as it is hard to say I am jealous for your 'labor' . . .
I AM JEALOUS FOR YOUR LABOR!!

I dooooo hope that it was to a beautiful 'end' though and that you are progressing as I type.

Hoppytoad - stay up with this ya li'l frog.

Oh, and I'm with ya Lisa, knowing I could go over until the New Year was NOT comforting either! Tee Hee :LOL

[crzymommy]

OH! How exciting! Maybe we will have another one today!

As for me, I passed my mucous plug and had contractions off and on all day yesterday. But things quieted down over night and here I sit. Tried a shower, walking, and some nip stim (MAN was that irritating, I could not keep it up) I don't want to do herbs as I am not under a midwife's care and my doc knows nothing about that.

So, I will wait. I am making some Buckeye candy today, to eat after the baby comes (I have the GD) and I'm going to clean and do laundry and maybe go shopping. Is it possible to shop a baby out?

Anyway, hang in there guys!

Amy

[HeatherSanders]

Amy,

What was your official date? Mine is tomorrow (as official as a due date can be anyway).

I believe it is quite possible to 'shop' a baby out. Some of my stronger contractions have come from walking about the mall. Possibly b/c it is just so darn stressful. I haven't been back since Christmas started though - once I saw they had Santa there on Nov. 6th (BEFORE THANKSGIVING) I wanted to gag!

Okay, a bit of Bill Cosby here,

Push it out . . . push it out . . . PUUUSH . . . PUUUSSHHH!!!

[crzymommy]

My official date is not till the 22nd!!!!

But if I don't have the baby by Wed night I will be going in to be induced.

I know you are the 14th! Tomorrow!!! I keep thinking about you.


Maybe I will hit the stores today. I have a couple things I need to pick up. I am running out of projects though. If the baby is still not here this weekend I may have to start some sewing projects again. How many diapers can one baby use again?

Oh this made me laugh!!! Thanks.


Push it out . . . push it out . . . PUUUSH . . . PUUUSSHHH!!! [/B][/QUOTE]:eek

Amy

[Née Née]

I thought it would never happen....but I finally had my baby...on Dec 2nd at 8:35pm Tristan Todd Andrew was born in water in our dining room!!! After 18hrs of labour and about 2 hrs of pushing he came fast and furious with his fist beside his face (ouch).... he is just beautiful (with a full head of hair)and loves his big brother Jack and "the boob" the best of all!! He was 8lb 14 oz and was already up to 9lb 2 oz this past Tues!!

Just wanted to send congratulations to all the new moms and easy labour vibes for those still waiting!! Waiting has got to be the hardest part...I was 9 days overdue so I know the feeling!!

[mamamoo]

Congratulations!!!! and :W baby Tristan!!!!

[HeatherSanders]

BEAUTIFUL!!!

[crzymommy]

Congratulations!

Who's next?

Amy

[HeatherSanders]

:wave :wave Me! Ooh . . . oooh .. . ME!! :wave :wave

[lilyka]

Congratulations Renee and Tristen!!!:thumb

[spyiispy]

The contractions stopped around 4:00 this AM and I got some sleep. Alas, no reason to be jealous, Heather......I am still just as preggo as all y'all. Just wanted to check in... in-laws are coming across a dangerous mountain pass from eastern Washington tonight (3 1/2 hour trip)....because they are convinced I will have this baby this weekend. Talk about pressure!!!!

Gotta get some dinner together......

Congrats Renee......when do we get to see pix?? I bought the cutest little soft-soled sherpa boots at Old Navy today. Have you guys seen them? They have them in a light beige, pink and blue. Adorable! That was my consolation prize.

Check in later.....

Lisa

[HeatherSanders]

Originally posted by spyiispy
The contractions stopped around 4:00 this AM and I got some sleep. Alas, no reason to be jealous, Heather......I am still just as preggo as all y'all. Just wanted to check in... in-laws are coming across a dangerous mountain pass from eastern Washington tonight (3 1/2 hour trip)....because they are convinced I will have this baby this weekend. Talk about pressure!!!!

Okay, would that be the pass between Ellensberg (sp?) and Seattle? My dh and I did that pass in some severely bad weather when looking into different graduate programs back in '94. I swear I saw Woolly Mammoths frozen in cliffs! HA! Texans with no snow chains should NEVER be on passes in Northern states. We had no idea how fast things got bad!

[homegrownmama]

:D :D :D :D

((((((((((((((((((((CONGRATULATIONS))))))))))))))) ))))))))))
that's so wonderful mama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


i am not due till the 24th but i want to go SOON!!

is it possible that my bebe weighs 40 pounds?????? i haven't gained much weight at all (sore point, i have bad naseau) but i feel like my munchkin has extended from my neck to my bootie!!
i did drop though :)

~homegrownmama

[APinUAE]

Congrats to everyone who's already got little ones in their arms. And everyone else -- my understanding sympathies:)

I am only 4 days past my due date and the other 3 were all about 2 weeks late, but it doesn't get any easier with practice. I was taking my oldest son for acupuncture today and my lovely Chinese doctor had an opening right after so she gave me a long session. She had electrodes hooked up to the needles and was cranking those puppies up. I have to go back tomorrow if needed but we'll see. I am slightly more crampy than usual and my back hurts. I also feel very weepy and hormonal but sure has heck don't feel like cleaning:) Nor have I any show so who knows.

I haven't been able to sleep well for the past few nights as I seem to start obsessing about things and then get kind of hormonally heavy like extreme PMS -- anyone else done this?

Well hang in there everyone. These extra few days will seem insignificant in a few more weeks I guess.

Contracting thoughts to all.

[HeatherSanders]

Originally posted by APinUAE
I haven't been able to sleep well for the past few nights as I seem to start obsessing about things and then get kind of hormonally heavy like extreme PMS -- anyone else done this?


YES!!

In fact, I'm emberassed to admit this, but I felt so 'smothered' the other night by trying to keep up with laundry, bathrooms, meals, dishes, etc. . . that I literally had a breakdown. My poor husband had to calm me b/c I nearly started hyperventilating.

I don't know what 'sparked' it, but I walked into the kitchen with a hamper in my arms, saw the dishes piled in the sink, heard my 29 month old crying for YET ANOTHER sip of water (should have been asleep for an hour by that time) and I just 'lost it.' Literally threw the clothes on the floor, sat down in them and started weeping and weeping until I couldn't breathe.

Dh, precious man that he is, helped me up to my feet - got me breathing regularly and put me to bed. Woke up to folded clothes, children taken care of, dishes in the dishwasher and floor swept. And today he took my oldest to her Christmas party and has the youngest out with him running MY errands.

THANK YOU LORD!

[spyiispy]

Can I have him for a couple weeks, Heather???? LOL How about starting a business..."Husband for Hire." And yes, that's the pass I was referring to...its called Snoqualmie Pass. Inlaws made it over okay last night....roadways were just bare & wet. Boy, oh boy, did we have a houseful last night: Kelly's best friend & his brother for dinner, a houseguest (a friend's girlfriend from Germany who flew in to surprise him), Kelly's parents and their little dog and kitty...then this morning, toss in SIL for breakfast (no, we didn't eat her).

Still contracting......nothing new....

Lisa

PS...Greenfaeriedog....ya hangin' in there??

[HeatherSanders]

Okay, I remember the name of the pass now. I remember how terrified we were and how ga-ga the townspeople were when we left so late . . . they warned us!

We were so stupid - stupid college kids.

We also visited Snohomish Falls while there - great 'dating' picture that cracks me up when I look at it now.

Nope, can't hire him out - he might get tired of all the hormones and leave! HAHAHAHA!

[XmasEve]

CONGRATS, RENEE! 9 days overdue, huh? How did you pass the time?

I'm still pregnant. Not even counting how many days "overdue" I am now. I actually told my family today that the Dr. miscalculated the due date and it's not really until Christmas. Hopefully that will give me some peace.

The baby has definitely decided to be posterior. If I work hard at it for a long time, it'll flip, but only for a few minutes, literally. I guess I'll trust that he-or-she knows best. I'm consoling myself by saying that my next baby will be anterior, and so THAT labor will seem like a breeze!

So we should start celebrating still being pregnant! Umm, how would we go about doing that?

Meg

[lilyka]

All of mine were posterior. I didn't think it was so bad. That must just be the only way they fit in me. Get on your hands and knees and have your dh push with all his might on your lower back. It helps quite a bit. this last time it relieved almost all the pain (he had the routien down by now :) )

Sending everyone happy labor vibes :)

[APinUAE]

Glad I'm not the only hormonally unbalanced one then! It's getting worse than PMS really and I can't read or see anything upsetting or I'm off in tears.

As for the posterior babies, well my 2nd was one plus he was 10.5 pounds. I never got past 3cm so ended up with section.

This 4th baby has also been posterior -- not completely, more side facing. My midwives have me doing pelvic rocks on the birth ball and the hands and knees position. BUT the thing that I "think" has changed the situation is acupuncture. My Chinese doctor put a needle in each of my little toes and twiddled them for about an hour. Then later that night (and tonight again) I was given charcoal sticks which I have to light and then place near the toes -- without burning them! Sounds crazy but I really think the baby has turned. She also said you can massage your toes -- it's kind of on the top towards the outside of the toe. So if you can reach them:) perhaps you could give this a try.

Still waiting to see if labor is going to come on with the acupuncture. Nothing yet.

Kate

[XmasEve]

So I've had nearly constant Braxton-Hicks all night, but those don't hurt. It's the backache that's doing me in. It's as bad as any period backache (I have [had?] a tipped uterus, so I always got menstrual backaches not cramps [maybe that's why baby wants to be posterior?]). Does this mean something is happening? I'm sorry if I sound silly, but this is my first and I'm starting to jump at shadows.

Well, I appreciate the ideas but I can't reach my toes or my back, so that job falls to DH and he's, unfortunately, woefully bad at massages. He justs pokes painfully hard at you with fingers and knuckles, like you're an insolent lump of bread dough. This labor will have to get pretty bad for me to turn to him for pain relief.

So who's left on the pregnant roll call? Kate, Heather, Lisa? Amy and homegrownmama aren't due yet, right?

Lilyka, it's sweet that you're still checking on us preggo-s.

Meg

[ekblad9]

"Well, I appreciate the ideas but I can't reach my toes or my back, so that job falls to DH and he's, unfortunately, woefully bad at massages. He justs pokes painfully hard at you with fingers and knuckles, like you're an insolent lump of bread dough. This labor will have to get pretty bad for me to turn to him for pain relief."



:LOL That is my dh too!

[lilyka]

Hey Meg - Don't under estemate those back pains. (this coming from the queen of underestimation :) when it comes to labor pains ) That is all I have ever had. Oh and pain in my legs. Both of these with my period too. Actually my periods are worse than any of my labors (Minus transition). Maybe it was just that I knew my labor wouldn't last for 10 days like my periods that made it seem not so bad. Anyhoo, be mindful of the back pain. If it comes in regular spasms and there are any other signs of inpending labor consider it time :D.

[homegrownmama]

~*evening mamas*~

yep, i am due the 24th-- almost, almost. right now i feel like i will be later though......i do have braxton hicks (mine kinda hurt sometimes!) and some crampies, but whenever they happen i just *know* that it's not quite time. i have a big paper due on the 19th (which i think is a full moon too) so that would be a great day also.......right now i am just waiting and trying to make sure everything is in order.

did anyone else spend WAY too long obsessing over what type of thermometer to buy?? or obsessing over just about EVERYTHING?

my doula says preggie womyn, especially close to due date, operate on a different plane-- i think she is right. maybe even another universe, lol! :D

~*peace*~ and lovely labor vibes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
homegrownmama

[HeatherSanders]

Okay, officially a day late . . . but then, it is a 'due month,' so I'm trying to keep it all in perspective.

Got on a whim today and had to clean the ol' mini-van. We pulled all the chairs out, scrubbed the carpets free of stains, re-organized, vacuumed, cleaned . . . cleaned . . . cleaned it!!! Yahoo! I love driving a clean vehicle.

Anyway, now I'm crazed . . . got into the house and started it here too.

Parents were due in on the 16th, but they have decided to drive to GA tonight from TX and be here around the time my oldest gets released from school.

Wondering if all the details are coming together for a purpose? Ah, patience . . . God's timing . . . patience . . . God's timing.

I'm reminding myself over and over that as much as I LONG to be free from the pains of this time, that I'll never hold my little guy quite this way again.

[homegrownmama]

Originally posted by hlsanders
I'm reminding myself over and over that as much as I LONG to be free from the pains of this time, that I'll never hold my little guy quite this way again.

~*evening again*~

yep, i agree-- i can't wait to hold my bebe in my arms, but i will SO miss that sweet movement in my belly, and those little itty-bitty contractions that tell me the time will come sometime soon.
sometimes when people ask me when i am "due" i want to say "my baby *knows* when to be born and he/she will come when the time is ready and i am at peace with that" :)

~*hugs*~
homegrownmama

still sending more loving labor vibes out to y'all

[spyiispy]

Hey guys.....yes, I'm still here. Contractions have been getting steadily more uncomfortable; but they've been at the same level now for about 24 hours. The in-laws went back home tonight. Now I'm "not allowed" to have her til Wednesday.....MIL timing (she works Monday & Tuesday). I also had some pinkish show this AM....but none since. WTH???? This little is sure taking her slow, sweet time. Maybe that means she'll be a relaxed, mellow baby??

I've been reading everyone's posts and "symptoms" lately and a thought crossed my mind. Why do they never portray labor & birth like this on television & in the movies?? The woman's water always breaks and then IMMEDIATELY she has mondo-contractions and the baby shoots out in minutes. That is a total misrepresentation of the whole event and I think it fosters misconceptions.

Okay...we've had a bit of a baby drought these past couple days......someone needs to go next....who's it gonna be, hmmm???

[spyiispy]

"Woefully bad at massages....." Ya know what I think???? I think they do it on purpose...just so we don't bug them for massages. My husband is the SAME way. He LOVES massages and, picture this, I am still giving him massages at 9 months pregnant. See anything wrong with that little scenario??? But when I ask him for a massage, there is lots of stalling and sighing....

Sound familiar???

Lisa

[HeatherSanders]

Originally posted by spyiispy
I've been reading everyone's posts and "symptoms" lately and a thought crossed my mind. Why do they never portray labor & birth like this on television & in the movies?? The woman's water always breaks and then IMMEDIATELY she has mondo-contractions and the baby shoots out in minutes. That is a total misrepresentation of the whole event and I think it fosters misconceptions.

Okay Lisa, are you in my head? I was completely and totally thinking about this yesterday as the girls and I were headed away from the video store!! I was thinking of renting one of those fun "I'm Pregnant" movies, but then thought it would be a 'downer,' because IT DOES NOT happen that way in the majority of cases.

I too have wondered how long 'symptoms of labor' can drag on without BABY!

I'm thinking if you are having 'show,' that you will most likely go next. No show here, but then I don't believe I'll have show before actual labor (why? . . . b/c of the past). Both times my water didn't break until I was at least a 4 and by the time I get to a 4, I've only about 45 minutes 'til I reach a 10. Wonder if the pattern will be the same this time? Hmmmmm . . ..

[abranger]

I am still here also...... Yesterday was no due date (although my midwife says its tomorrow) so I guess I could go anytime. I haven't been having any contractions that I can identify but since this is my first I may just not know what they feel like. I feel come very large baby mvmts that may be contractions. I really want this little girl to come soon. We usually spend xmas in Vermont and are still planning to go if she arrives by the 23rd. I go from totally frustrated and sick of being pregnant to a zen-like come out when your ready little girl state several times a day........

At least I know it won't be long now

Amy Branger

[APinUAE]

Well lets hope that my labor takes off the way it's protrayed on TV!

I just got back from my 3rd acupuncture session, walked down the hall and thought my bladder was finally shot. Got to the toilet and realized not bladder but water breaking and goopy show.

Now an hour later I'm having a few mild contractions or tightening but nothing heavy yet. I really want a bath but will have to take a shower until contrxs are heavier I guess. This is just weird because last times my contraxs started first and then the bag popped. I'm hoping this might mean this one is fast as opposed to the others:)

So just ordered pizza for the kids as it's dinner time here. It's our favorite night on TV so we'll all hunker down and relax for awhile I guess (except when I keep leaping up to put another load of laundry in or put something in my bag:)

Hang in there everyone and remember acupuncture!!

[HeatherSanders]

Kate, wow . . . your message came through 10:30 our time, so I'm guessing that we are literally across the ocean from one another.

Anyway, when my water broke there was NO WAY I could have 'held' it to get to the toilet. It just poured out . . . no restriction with either girls. Are you sure that was your water . . . you my lady have INCREDIBLE control!

I hope it was/is and that you are in labor - a smooth delivery! Oh, so jealous!

[homegrownmama]

(((((((((((KATE))))))))))) i am sending you mad, lovin' labor vibes for a gentle, easy birth and a short time until your new babe is in your arms!!

yep, i am trying to shop-on labor, to clean-on labor and, my personal favorite, to SEW-ON LABOR!!!! i am trying to make myself some more maternity tops, ever wondering how much these boobies are going to expand (pregnancy already caused some fun growing spurts!!)

i am also doing my own birth announcements (yes, i am a crazy, weird artist with no sense of time) :hippie and working on those. they are really simple though, and won't take too much work.

going back a bit, yes, going into labor "naturally" before a c-section is better for bebe and mama-- less shock for the baby and quicker recovery for the mom-- but sometimes it's not possible and induction needs to happen quickly (like a life/death emergency kinda thing). when i thought my baby was breech, i BEGGED to do into labor naturally and my mom thought i was nuts (she had two Cs)-- because she wanted calander scheduled births, but i wanted to be suprised :)

does anyone else CONSTANTLY get asked/told:
1) when is your due date?? you look too big/too small
2) i think you are going to have the baby XX/XX/XX
3) you must not be doing the right things (to bring labor on)
4) your due date is apparently written in stone by the g*ddess herself
5) what happens if you go over your due date??-- oh i think you should be induced immediately

it's not just total strangers for me either, even my sweet friends are starting to view my birth as a calendar event, rather than a bebe-initiated procoess that will happen when my BEBE is READY and not when they are ready......mostly i just smile and hug them and tell them to enjoy the last few days/weeks of me running off to pee, but i am starting to feel POLICED a bit :(

the 19th is a full moon, right?? maybe the pull of the moon on our waters will initiate labor :p

[HeatherSanders]

Originally posted by homegrownmama
i am also doing my own birth announcements (yes, i am a crazy, weird artist with no sense of time) :hippie and working on those. they are really simple though, and won't take too much work.
Oooh, I want to see . . . can you scan 'em?
does anyone else CONSTANTLY get asked/told:
1) when is your due date?? you look too big/too small
2) i think you are going to have the baby XX/XX/XX
3) you must not be doing the right things (to bring labor on)
4) your due date is apparently written in stone by the g*ddess herself
5) what happens if you go over your due date??-- oh i think you should be induced immediately
1.) Yes 2.) Yes 3.) Yes 4.) Not yet . . . but I'm waiting. 5.) Yes
. . . the 19th is a full moon, right?? maybe the pull of the moon on our waters will initiate labor :p
Hey, thanks for reminding me . . . I had forgotten. Although my father had a dream that I was to deliver on the 22nd. He has powerful 'dreams.' I used to call them visions as a child b/c he would wake me in the middle of the night and ask me very specific questions that NO ONE KNEW. My guardian.

[homegrownmama]

(((((((((((((heather))))))))))))))))

that is so beautiful about your grandpa!!

yes, i will scan in my announcements!! i am also hoping to scan in some BELLY PICS :)

right now the announcments are on handmade paper with leaves and flowers pressed in, and the top has a silver snowflake i stamped on and under it the text reads: "winter bebe" i am just having a few details, like name, date, weight/height, mama, and a short quote. i'm printing them on my computer too, so no copy fees and no handwriting either......i just found a font i really like. i may add a piece of featherweight handmade paper that also has pressed leaves which is really sheer overtop, and tie with a ribbon, but it's sounding like a lot of work. the upside is that i have a VERY small family and so i don't have to make that many (hopefully less than 30 or 40!)

my DREAM is to be able to run my sewing/herbal body product making business at home to support my soon-to-arrive little one, but financially i don't think i could swing it, since i am single and have no partner for added income.

another ramble, sorry mamas!!

~*hugs*~
homegrownmama

[HeatherSanders]

homegrownmama, actually that is/was my dad. And I think I might have liked it (at times) to have been my grandpa, because boy did that man KNOW everything. I see it as 'protection' now, but 'interference' then (ah . . . teenagers).

Yea . . . would love to see those cards . . . sound beautiful. And ONLY 30 or 40 . . . now that is a LOT of announcements to hand-make!!

[J&G's mom]

Well, I'm still here and still pregnant too. My "next week plan" didn't work out so well considering now it is the following week. Thought Saturday was going to be the day. Had some good contractions coming 5 minutes apart but as soon as I called the midwife and she decided to come over they of course stopped completely. My due date isn't technically until Friday but the sooner the better as far as I am concerned. I go in for another visit today and can either get another swab for the GBS and E.Coli or get on another round of antibiotics. I am leaning towards the swab. I just wanted babe here so I wouldn't have to deal with this every Monday.
MIL arrives on Friday and BIL on Saturday, I so would love to have the baby arrive before they get here. Last Friday was the first day that I could truly say to myself that I was ready, mentally ready for the baby. I was really hoping that was what would do it, but apparently not. Maybe the full moon will do it on Thursday...although today would be just fine with me. The birth tub is set up in our kitchen just waiting to be filled and my midwife left most of her supplies here....now we just need the baby to decide to come out and meet us. Genevieve keeps kissing and talking to my belly "time to come out baby" but so far it doesn't seem to be working.
And anyone else have stretch marks that are starting to split? I have little scabs on one where my skin is just so thin now. One more reason for the baby to come sooner than later.

J&G's mom

[crzymommy]

I have a stretch mark splitting too, right above my belly button.

Went to the doc today and he stripped my membranes. Having contractions now, but have to wait to see if they turn into anything or not. I'm pretty uncomfortable. STill 70% effaced, and 1-2 cms.

I'll go in the hospital Weds night and be induced Thurs AM if I don't go before then. No misoprostol (YEAH) but they might do some prostiglandin gel and a low does of Pit until Thurs AM when they turn it up.

When I was induced with my dd, that's what they did and it worked out fine.

Amy

[XmasEve]

Wow, Amy B., talk about traveling with a newborn! You should change your user name to "ambitious mommy." I can't wait to have this baby so I can hole up in my apartment and stop being pestered by everyone. The grocery cashier today said "so no baby yet, huh!" and the bagger beat me to the punch by saying "that's a pretty astute observation."

Kate, I'm calling the acupuncterist tomorrow morning! That sounds much more pleasant than the things my Dr. is hanging over my head. I hope to hear from you and your baby soon! That goes for Crazy Amy and J&G'sMom too! And I'm not going to leave out Lisa and Heather, of course.

So I'm at a rock and a hard place. My Dr. is going out of town tonight for the rest of the week. I DO NOT like the Dr. that will be handling OB until she gets back. But if the baby doesn't come by the end of this week, I've agreed to do all the intervention-y things I detest. What to do, what to do. I guess I'll just keep on keepin' on. I do hope this baby comes sooner rather than later, and if that happens, I might just hide in my bedroom and try for an unassisted childbirth. A thread this big needs at least one UCer, doesn't it? And since Lilyka *narrowly* missed that title...

[spyiispy]

Checking in, everyone........one week "late" as they say and I'm also trying hard to maintain that "zen" attitude (she'll come whenever she's ready)....but its difficult with practically everyone around you projecting deadlines. My little guy was 10 days late....no big deal. If this little girl wants to stay in there longer than that....I am NOT gonna stress. There is a good reason for it, I am certain. Greenfaeriedog.....what is your dr hanging over your head?? That sounds ominous! Stick to your guns.....if you don't want interventions, don't agree to them. We definitely need a UCer on here...I'd love to hear the birth story. If you feel comfortable in that and you've got a good support person (husband/partner/friend)....go for it! I am totally comforted in the fact that the God of this universe who has knit these tiny bones and tissues together in such a perfect manner is big enough to take care of the details of their arrival into this world. Dontcha think??

J&Gsmom & Amy....ouch on the stretch marks. That sounds really painful & itchy!! I did discover one little stretch mark....on my side. I feel pretty fortunate not to have gotten covered in those little buggers.....although, I've been trying to do my part at keeping them at bay (LOTS of water, shea butter skin conditioner & Vitamin B6). Anybody else managed to avoid em?? What's your method (or is it truly in the genes)?

Gotta run...hubby is requesting (oh so sweetly) an Irish cream latte. Lemme get my pregnant butt out of this chair and get right to that, honey......lol...

Lisa

PS...Kate, how ya doing??

[HeatherSanders]

Those stretch marks that 'split' - those came with dd1. In fact, right above my pelvic were deep red ones that never 'silvered' like the rest. Then, I have stripes all the way up to my waist line. Did not get any new ones with 2nd or 3rd pregancy though -skin stretched enough with the first!

I am now 3 days past my EDD and surprisingly, I have been MORE comfortable in the last two days than I have been in the last 2 weeks! The weight of this child sometimes feels 'extreme' by the close of the day, but other than that and the sore hips, I haven't experienced the CXs that I had off and on for 3 weeks!

I'm not sure what 'intervention' would even be suggested to me by my midwife . . . I'm hoping that I've made it clear enough that I only want to do that in the case of my baby's safety, but as I have been wearing a pad now for about a week, I'm also wondering if I'm leaking fluid or if the 'extra' is just normal 'watery' like discharge. Kind of gross . . . but can anyone else say what they are experiencing like that? Oh, and last night I was bra-less for a while and started 'leaking.'

[crzymommy]

>>> I'm also wondering if I'm leaking fluid or if the 'extra' is just normal 'watery' like discharge. Kind of gross . . . but can anyone else say what they are experiencing like that?<<<


I haven't experienced anything like that. Just the mucous from the plug. Can't she give you a strip of some kind so you can check the fluid and see if it is amniotic fluid? I don't think it involves an internal exam or anything.

Oh, Mama, you are soooo ready! I hope you go soon. Sending labor vibes.

Amy