January mamas?

[knitterma]

Anyone out there? I'm 27 weeks now. I was really enjoying this pregnancy, but it is starting to wear on me now. I probably have 3 months left! I just feel soooooo exhausted all the time and really cranky too. I don't feel like *me* anymore. My son is now 31/2. He's been so easy and fun since he turned three but now lately it seems like he's regressing.

How's everyone else doing?

Stephanie

[zacsmama]

I'm at 33 weeks today, so not too far off of where you are, and did notice an increase in crankiness and irritability over the past month. My ds is 3.5 too, and i could never tell if it was more he or me, but it seemed like all of the sudden he became more difficult. he's such a complete sweetie, but seemed to cry over little things, and just generally seemed more intense and needing constant attention. I think it's kind of a rough time because at month 7 or so you certainly are very big, having to deal with people's stupid comments all of the time, might be feeling more uncomfortable, yet you know how far off you most likely are from the actual date, so for me that just make me cranky. emotional too. i live in MN and we're dealing with the death of our beloved liberal senator and i just baul all the time, and while i think i would normally be upset, i think i'm a little more over the edge than usual. i found that doing a few things for me, things that are fun (like just had a real date with dh, had a babysitter and everything) helped to take the edge off, as did starting to actually prepare for the new babe, prepare her space, get stuff ready, etc (i'm so insane, i call the baby her even though we have no actual data to back that up, we just all think it's a she, mostly because that's what ds always refers to her as...):) take care

[knitterma]

Originally posted by zacsmama
all of the sudden he became more difficult. he's such a complete sweetie, but seemed to cry over little things, and just generally seemed more intense and needing constant attention.


Yes, that's EXACTLY how my son is acting! Glad we're not the only ones going through this

[marchmom19]

hi there... I am due mid-late jan (according to midwife...jan 20, according to ultrasound jan 27)...so somewhere around there.

I would be around 27 weeks by now. I dont know weeks...just say in 2.5 months. :) Time flies, amazing isnt it??

I have a 31 month old toddler who is teething 2 years molar...so that is keeping me on my toes, plus got a stiff neck from her nursing marathon due to teething. :(

Been doing labour breathing when I pull the inflamed muscles. So funny to do that now...still a while to go. But reality is starting to hit... soon I will have two little ones.

Am now searching for tandem stroller (contemplating on it) or using a scooter to attach to stroller. (we do have a sling too but it will be winter as well so lots to think about).

Also looking for an armchair that will be comfortable to tandem nurse in.

PRegnancy wise...am ok. Better this round than first time. I have lots of energy, eating healthier (helps being vegetarian too as am more creative), doing lots of crafts with my lil one etc.

Take care and hope everyone else is doing well.

Hugs
Stephanie
mother to 31 month old an due mid-end jan 03

[GB's Mom]

I was feeling great until just this week when I hit 28 weeks and how I feel like an elephant with aches and pains everywhere. I'm sure it didn't help that I just too the Bradley Teacher Training last week, which required basically sitting on the floor for the seminar for four days, 14 hours a day! I was aching so much, plus not getting any exercise in those days didn't help.

My belly is HUGE this time and even my hubbie (who knows what not to say to pregnant women) had to admit that I look at least 8 months pg, if not more. Great, what will I look like before it's all over.

This is really my first pg rant, as it's been great so far and I love freaking people out by telling them that I feel fantastic. Hopefully I can start saying that again soon. : )

We're working on the baby's room this weekend, although s/he will sleep with us of course. Just a place to keep 'stuff.' We finally told our 2 1/2 yo ds last night that I was pg. He was nursing at the time on my bare belly and it went in one ear and out the other, which is what I expected, but he will tell you that there is a baby growing in mommy's tummy now. At least we've laid the groundwork to start preparing him. I watched his birth video last night and think it would just scare him if I showed it to him. I was really loud with him and the screams don't really sound productive -- more like horrifying (hoping to be better this time in water at home).

Okay, I'm jabbering now. Talk to you all soon!

Tori

[marchmom19]

moving thread up.

Calling all January mamas... how is everyone doing??

Please lets stay in touch and keep posted. :)

Hugs
stephanie
mother of nursing toddler 2.5 and due end of jan 03

[GB's Mom]

Hey all! I was just thinking about all the January mamas as well. I'm 31 weeks now and am definitely feeling it! I'm huge!!!! The past couple of weeks have brought on tons more aches and pains, even some strange ones that I called my mw about, but all is well in pregnant-ville. We finally told ds (2 1/2, nursing babe) which has worked out well. He isn't intersted in watching any birth videos, but tells everyone that there is a baby in my tummy and talks about babies a lot. We've started setting up the baby's room (not that he/she'll sleep there or anything) which has helped ds comprehend that there is going to be a baby in the house. We've talked about how the baby will nurse too and for now he seems okay with it, but only time will tell!

My dh has suddenly decided that he really wants to have the u/s to determine the sex, but I'm still adamently against it and he's not pushing : ) Until recently my mw didn't even have an u/s machine, so it wasn't an option, but she shared an office with a holistic peditrician and a really great, naturalist OB, so now there is one. When he saw it, it just made him want to know. Thankfully we're entering the home stretch. Otherwise it might be hard to hold my ground.

Oh, and we're still totally nameless. We've thrown out all the names we started with and have pretty much nothing. I can't believe how relaxed I am about the whole thing either. With ds I needed everything to be perfect and in order. This time it's great to just focus on my healthy babe!

Weight update: It's hard to tell if I'm coming or going! I've stopped looking at the scale in my mw's office and just let dh weigh me. I think I've gained about 40 lbs. But I'm not giving up my peanut butter sandwiches : )

Can't wait to hear how you are all doing!

Tori

[SerenityScott]

Hiya! We are 30 weeks now and feeling pretty good! I had two practice contractions last week, which was surprising but also encouraging! All systems are go, right? I can't wait to meet my baby! I am so excited but as GB's mom said, so relaxed at the same time! I love the security of knowing we have the things we need and it's comforting to be able to envision life with this baby more realistically than with our first.

My DH really wanted to get an ultrasound so we had one a week and a half ago. We didn't want to know the sex, just to make sure the baby had all the requisite parts for birth and life outside of mama. Well, I think I saw a little something something when we were looking at the thigh bones... so maybe it's a boy? All I could think at the time was I KNEW WE SHOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN AN U/S! But it made DH feel better about having the baby at home, which is good. He doesn't want to be irresponsible, which I can respect... we do try really hard to make the right decisions for our family and he thought this was one of them.

Anyway, good health to all! May the pillows of your bed ease the achings of your bellies! :D

[copslass]

Glad to hear from everyone else!
Due Jan. 9, it's been a fairly easy pg, till just a few days ago.
Suddenly, heartburn, rib and hip pain are keeping me up most of the night, and I get a bit light-headed when driving, etc.
Trying to work as long as possible, 40 min. commute to sit at a desk all day, nothing strenuous, but just the getting there before 8am, and getting home after 5:30pm is a challenge, kwim?
I called in today after being up half the night.
How do the other moms at the office work until the day they give birth?! ARGH!
Geesh, I'm going to bed as soon as dd turns off the d*#n vacuum! :)

Hang in there, everyone!

Tracy

[busymom]

We are doing well here. I can't believe it's 31 weeks already. She is definately getting bigger and stronger as I feel her more and more often. DD #1 just turned 4 and is becoming very clingy and demanding of my attention--I guess the birth of her friend's brother helped her realize what is going to happen here--at least a little bit. The amnio part of the pregnancy seems so long ago already, but I am glad I had it and have been able to enjoy what will probably be my last pg with one less concern.

We are 99.9% sure the babies name will be Jacqueline Olivia (I don't think Joyce would go along with a different name at this point)

Have to go--dd is calling.

[marchmom19]

hi check in with jan mamas! :)

How is everyone doing?

I am doing ok. Just dont like this flu season. Cant figure out if its pregnancy related or due to the viruses going around. Last week was suffering from terrible indigestion felt like a mini volcanoe and it was so bad at one point that I even threw up from it. I then read in pregnancy book to avoid yeast and breast...so I did and actually helped. But have been eating bread again and its ok. So perhaps I had a bit of a virus then? or uterus was moving up and pressing too much on my stomach muscle?

Lately its ok whew. Two more months of that would have been awful. Am keeping away from the acidic food though.

Am now 32 weeks along...due end of Jan. Last Sunday Dh finally painted a globe on my belly (like seen in bellyart.com) and we took some fun pics. For first pregnancy painted a happy dragon due to child being born in chinese year of dragon. :)

My friend is going to do belly casting. Was supposed to be today but forgot car was in for repair and she lives out of the way to go by bus. We will reschedule. I want to do it before the holiday starts and before I get too uncomfortable in Jan.

Otherwise things going well. Toddler is crying more and more clingy these days. Strange...where did my independent toddler go? We are doing lots of crafts too and sleeps lots too (since I am so tired I crash when she does too).

Take care and hope everyone is doing well. Looks like we have a small group of Jan mamas here. Which is unusual thought Jan mamas were normally the largest groups (spring conception) ;)

Hugs
stephanie

[GB's Mom]

Yup. The aches and rib pains are keeping me up too. Some days I feel great and others are really difficult. I'm 33 weeks now and getting very excited. My belly is really big and my 2 1/2 yo ds loves rubbing and kissing it. Too cute! Although, he too has become even more 'mommie-oriented' lately and has started night-waking a lot more. I have several other friends who are due around the same time and have toddlers and they are all going through the same thing. Aren't their intutions amazing???

I'm very much looking forward to our home waterbirth, but must admit that I'm remembering how nervous I was during our first birth, so I couldn't relax. As a result, it was much more painful that I ever imagined. I never just let go and let my body do it's stuff, thus making the labor much more difficult, I believe. I'm really focusing on surrendering this time, but still can't shake the fear/pain I had last time. I WANT to surrender so badly. DH is so super-supportive, and I think that being at home is going to make all the difference in the world, plus we have a great mw and doula/friend.

How are you other mamas feeling about the upcoming birth?

Stephanie: the belly cast sounds so fun. If I could paint or knew someone who could, I'd do one too!

Tori

[geogirl]

I'm right there with you guys. I'm 34 weeks tomorrow.:eek I feel like I can't believe that I'm already at that point. I am having a homebirth and am excited about that. GB's Mom I felt really out of control in my first (hospital) birth, and I am dealing with the same feelings as you. Have you been practicing relaxing? I must admit that I have procrastinated and have not. What are you guys doing to prepare for the birth in the last few weeks? I plan to begin perineal massage if I can figure out how, am trying to remember to drink rrl tea. I still have some supplies to get before the birth. I haven't got the baby stuff ready yet but I have started to worry about it :rolleyes:

Good luck everyone!!

Rebecca

[GB's Mom]

Actually, we are relaxing much more than we did during our first pregnancy. DH knows how important it is and doesn't want me to go through the panic I did in the hospital. I know it will be different and much better at home, but there is still that fear factor in the back of my head. We even re-took Bradley classes and I've just completed the academic work to become an instructor, so you'd think we'd be okay! My DH knows that the hardest thing for me to relax is my brain, so we are just always trying to have good positive thoughts and continue our excitement, focusing on 'surrender' and knowing that we learned a lot during our first birth and will use that to make this one even better (hopefully . . . )

I'm trying not to panic about things out of my control, such as when I'll go into labor and what that will mean for my 2 1/2 yo ds. He still wakes at night to nurse and only nurses to sleep, so that's my primary concern. If things are happening during the day, we'll be fine, as my mom is here and they are best-buddies. Otherwise, I don't know. He LOVES his mommie and I don't think he'll be able to handle me not being able to give him my full attention. Plus, I can't even stomach the thought of being in active labor and hearing him cry for me. ******************see how easy it is to start worrying??????******************* Right now I'm biting the crap out of the inside of my mouth!

Okay, enough of that. It's out of my control. Positive thoughts to everyone. The birth will be as it should be and no matter what it will be beautiful.

That's better.

Tori

Oh, Rebeccca, we didn't do perineal massage prior labor, but did while pushing -- no tears or cuts. I've been drinking 'pregnancy tea' and some RRL, but I really prefer the pregnancy one. I just washed all of our new diapers yesterday so I feel like things are progressing. Try not to stress. All you really need for your babe is a breast and a blanket : ) How old is your first babe?

[copslass]

Quick note-
Try mixing the RRL with spearmint or peppermint, much more palatable!
I also throw in some nettle leaf or other leaf from time to time.

Tracy

[geogirl]

Hi again!

Tori, my son is a month older than yours. He will be 3 on February 21st. We'll have to stay in touch once our new ones arrive. How have you been preparing your son? Will he be at the birth? I think Mackenzie will be there unless I'm having difficulty with that. My aunt will come to help with him. We are considering a water labor/birth with a kiddie pool, which could be difficult because Mackenzie would want to play in it I'm sure. We have talked alot with Mackenzie about the baby. He seems to get the idea and asks constantly about if the baby is coming out. Who knows though.

Rebecca

[knitterma]

Hi january moms! All the sudden there's all these posts. Guess I haven't checked in in a while.

I'm 32 weeks now. Yay!!!! I went through this huge negative phase from about 24-30 weeks where I just felt yucky and wanted to not be pregnant anymore. I'm feeling a little more postive now, although I am uncomfortable. Feel like I'm carrying around a bowling ball.

My ds is 3 1/2 and he's been sooooo clingy lately. Also, this is his first year of preschool and he has been sick for a month!!! It's been really tough on all of us. Seems like I keep thinking he's getting better, then there comes the green stuff out of his nose again. On a happy note, he is making progress with potty training! He has pretty much refused to have anything to do with a potty, and I haven't pressed it but I was getting a little worried. But he is starting to use it and I *do* think he'll being using a toilet by the time he's 4 LOL!! Also, I think he is finally weaned, which is a huge relief. I didn't have much interest in tandem nursing. He's been going to sleep at night and naps without having to nurse first. These are huge milestones and are probably partly the reason why he has been so clingy.

Take care everyone!

Stephanie

[GB's Mom]

Yes, we'll definitely have to keep tabs on each other! We just told Griffin about the baby about a month ago. He was really starting to stare at my belly anyway, but we didn't want to start talking about too early. Now, we talk about it all the time, especially the fact that the baby will nurse too. I'm really afraid that he's going to freak when he sees that! What has really helped is that we set up the cradle and put things in the 'baby's room' (although she/he'll sleep with us). I think it's helping him comprehend that the baby will be a part of our family. When he's nursing he loves to rub my belly, but lately he's started saying "I want to see it." I just tell him that the baby is still growing, but will be here soon. He points out babies wherever we go and sometimes pretends to be a little baby, which is pretty funny.

We are having a water birth too. My mom is in charge of Griffin, so if he doesn't want to be here they can leave. I do not think he will want to be here. Knowing his temperment, it will be too different for him to really process. I have a zillion birth tapes that I've tried to get him to watch, but no dice. And again, I worry about the night time thing, but it is out of my control.

I'm also feeling very excited and anxious about Christmas, since it will be our last holiday as a threesome, you know?

It's nice to know there is someone out there moving along just about the same path!

Stephanie: How long has your son been in preschool? Did he start at 3? My DH is pushing for this, but I'm really apprehensive. I'm thinking next fall might be better, when he'll be almost 3 1/2. And congratulations on the milestones you mentioned! They ARE huge!


Talk to you soon-
Tori

[Enne la Chu]

Salutations!

I am 34 wks pg, due on the 17th, and have a 15 mo son who has also been unusually clingy and nursing more than usual... I had been blaming his new molars, but having read all your posts, I guess not. He is also fascinated w/ the belly, but prefers rasberries to kisses, lol. He has a hard time being gentle with it, too, which is trying. He kicks in his sleep, ouch. She (fetus) has started to respond to his external jabs -- already fighting back!

I am learning to drive so as to take a vacation (3 days to the coast) before its too late and vacation opportunities disappear forever.... Does anyone think I'm crazy for wanting to drive for 3 hours as a 9 m pg novice driver to get to a place as inhospitable as the pacific NW coastline in winter? My midwife gave me the go-ahead up to 38 wks (she wants to check me before I leave), but my dp is nervous.

Am doing a waterbirth in a birth center. Woohoo! My last was a hospital birth, and the worst thing (well, not the _worst_) was having to get out of the tub just when it was getting bad. The only thing I don't like about the birthing center is these idiotic pictures of cherubs on the walls -- I hope no one will be offended if I turn them to the wall during labor; I just can't stand the idea of those baroque, Anne Geddes- esque, precious little twerps staring up my yoni! ;-)

-Jenna

[GB's Mom]

I say if you feel like sitting in a car for 3 hours, go for it! As for me, DH and I went to a movie last weekend and I was miserably uncomfortable the entire time, long car rides are out of the question. Just make sure you make a few stops to stretch your legs.

Oh, and definitely, definitely cover up those Anne Geddes pics! Gak! : ) Sorry if any of you other January mamas are fans, but frankly, her pics just freak me out.

And ditto on the pg belly raspberries. I get at least five a day!

Tori

[LunaMoom]

due 1/20th and feeling enormously huge! This morning I was woken by a wicked charlie horse cramp and then found a hemmorhoid! Oh what fun! Being pregnant at 36 is not like it was in my 20's,that and maybe the haze of time makes the other pregnancy seem all earth-mama-happiness in retrospect. I'm just so grateful for my dh who has been amazingly supportive during these last few difficult weeks,without him I'd be a mess.

[SerenityScott]

Hi! We're 34 weeks now and still feeling good - although today I was SOOOOO tired. Fortunately dd aquiesed to my request to take a long nap so we slept from 1-4 this afternoon and felt much better after that.

We just got back from swimming which felt so nice, but I so wanted to crawl into the hot tub! Oh well, only a couple more months... I am proud to announce that I am finally big enough that I can wear my maternity swimsuit without looking silly! :D I never got to wear it before! Has anyone else been swimming during this pregnancy? I had seen and read stuff about the baby moving differently when the mom is in the water... just wondered what other people's observations were. I haven't noticed anything at all...

I am also really excited because the pregnancy is still totally healthy and normal (knock on wood) and as of this coming Monday we'll be entering "uncharted territory" since dd was born at 34.5 weeks! I am so excited to see this baby - but given our history I'll be very content to wait until it's good and ready to come out and meet us! Only a couple of weeks and we'll be good to have a home birth anytime!!! Hooray!

[Enne la Chu]

OK, so I passed my drive test yesterday! I was planning on taking that trip to the coast this weekend, but am still feeling unsure. Plus, the car's in the shop.

We just put up the Xmas tree and ds is sooooooo impressed with it. I haven't enjoyed a holiday this much since I was a kid. Trying to decide what our stance on sugar intake is... tone it down, be somewhat strict? Let him go nuts, but only on Xmas day? relax and go with the flow? So far, he's actually satisfied with dried fruit, so I guess I'm just creating problems out of nothing.

How is everyone else doing?

-Jenna

[marchmom19]

I had a lousy week. I got the stomach flu that was going around in my neighborhood and town. Friend thinks its the water...the only few days I drank from the tap since I ran out of bottled water. Bummer. But then again it could also be the flu too since its going around quite rapidly. Dh and dd fortunately didnt get it. Was hard for me with my diabetes though...had so many hypos...one time it went for a whole hour I was afraid that I would go into a coma (never experienced that) but it was not going up no matter how much sugar I drank, ate etc... it was the worst experience (esp after having thrown up then to feed myself so much sweet). Should be a rule that pregnant women should never get the stomach flu and let alone pregnant and diabetes women! :(

Anyway so that passed. Battling the hypo still which is apparently not only from the sick days but also due to my insulin intake is too much. Got that under control finally by today. Whew.

Otherwise baby is kicking rapidly in there. Had another ultrasound on Tuesday. Visited the birthing room and the afterbirth area where the mother and child goes. Seems like a nice area... nursing room for mothers who need to pump for special situations, weighing room, breakfast buffet room to brunch with other moms or with your family. Looks nice and makes me feel more at ease. Plus they have the intensive care unit right at the end of the hall (last hospital I gave birth at dd had to be transported to children hospital since the hospital couldnt give her the infusion she needed). So hopefully this baby wont have hypo but just in case...good to have everything together and not be separate from my lil one.

I am so nervous though... not having experienced being in same hospital with lil one. Am nervous about what to do when child is born and at night when we sleep. If she will sleep in my bed (which I assume is quite small) or in the crib beside me. silly things to think about. I know I will want child with me all time.

plus I have tons of christmas cards and gifts to finish and send out. So behind. What a week.

Christmas will be relaxing one for us here. Which we need.

Take care and hope everyone is doing well. Dont get too stressed out, dont want those babies too early. :)

hugs
stephanie

[marchmom19]

how's everyone doing?

anyone think their baby gonna makes their appearance earlier than predicted? :)

I sorta think that. Although I hope not over the christmas season... wait another two more weeks. :)

Going to start packing my suitcase and my dd suitcase (if she should need to spend the night at the neighbor or something then she has all her things. :)

Dont get too stressed out over the holidays and wishing you all a wonderful season.

stephanie

[GB's Mom]

Oh I'm getting so excited!!! I'm 36 wks now and huge, but loving this baby more and more each day. Our doula came over this weekend and we practiced relaxation and just had a great time talking about our visions for the birth. It was so pampering! She had all this great massage stuff, plus aromatherapy and lotions. She wanted me to choose what scents I liked. She and Dh really gave me the royal treatment! She was our Bradley instructor for our first birth, so we're both really comfortable with her and excited that she'll be a part of our birth.

And we are very ready for Christmas. Our 2 1/2 yo ds sings Christmas carols all day long. It's just the most beautiful sound on earth! Last night we put him in his pajamas and went driving around looking at all the great lights and decorations. He loved it!

We decided to take it easy this holiday -- no traveling and no house guests. Just us and my parents, which will be great. The focus is all on ds anyway, and it's so much fun. Dh put together his Radio Flyer tricycle last night. It's perfect!

I hope everyone is feeling as great as can be expected! Relax and enjoy the holiday and make sure those babies are getting all their protein (mixed with a few yummie holiday treats of course!)

Oh, as far as coming early, ds was 8 days early. I'm hoping to at least hit my due date (18th), but no one thinks I will since I'm so huge. I don't really think that matters. Dh's guess is the 10th, so I'll keep you posted. Can't wait to hear all these birth stories!

Warm wishes -

Tori

[GB's Mom]

Hey Ladies! It's January and that means we're about to pop! I'm 38 wks now with no real signs of anything happening. Ds was 8 days early, so I wouldn't be surprised if this babe was too, although I know that doesn't really mean anything. I'm feeling good and hope you all are too.

We set up our birth tub this weekend and it's fantastic! Ds loved swimming in it and it's soooo relaxing. Can't wait to bring our babe into the world in a warm bath!

Can't wait to share stories!

Tori

[Enne la Chu]

Woohoo!
Went to see the Two Towers tonight and had really strong, regular Braxton Hicks throughout the first two hours. I kept on thinking, "oh no, I'll have to name her Eowin!" But they stopped; I think it was the Milk Duds. :-)

Tori, your doula sounds so cool! We're also doing a waterbirth, but at a birthing center, so ds doesn't get to swim, sadly.

I'm so nervous! I seem to remember feeling much more confident last time. I'm seeing my midwife tomorrow and am so looking forward to having my fears of a breech being allayed. Also, she's so mobile! Changes position all the time, and makes these sweeping motions that I thought they were supposed to be too cramped for this late (I'm due the 17th). I'm afraid she must be teeny to have room to dance like that!

Oh, but isn't it wonderful for all that... All the fear turns to exhilaration and the nerves to grand determination on the point of a dime! It's like looking down a ski slope before you push off (this might be a particularily apt simile if you, like me, are afraid of heights!)

Good luck to all!
-Jenna

[GB's Mom]

I share your nervousness this time! While I'm excited and comforted by knowing we're going to be at home and in water, I still feel apprehensive because I know how it FELT! I keep telling myself that it will be better this time, but I'm just a worry-wart at heart.

Two hours of braxton-hicks! That happened with ds when we went to a Lyle Lovette concert when I was about this pregnant (I'm due on the 18th). I though I was going to have to name him Lyle for sure!

I had a few real contractions this morning, about 25 minutes apart -- but very mild. Nothing more so I think my body is just testing it's ropes. Everyone thinks it will happen this weekend, as ds was 8 days early. Who knows. But, this baby has seriously dropped. I didn't really notice it with my first, but this time it's amazing.

We did a belly cast the other night too. Pretty funny, fun and easy. Dh had a good time. The only bad part was rubbing myself down with cold vaseline! (Although I think that was dh's favorite part . . . tee hee!)

You're right though; this is a wonderful time and we should cherish every moment.

Positive vibes to everyone!

Tori

[marchmom19]

Hi there

I am due jan 26th... but on the 26th-27th of Dec was having cramping sensation. Thought for sure was going to be an early one...then nothing for 2 weeks and again last night cramping sensation. I think the cramping sensation is the baby being pulled more toward the pelvic area.

What is braxton hicks? How does one know they have that? I understand its like false contraction. I dont think I had it with the first or with this one...just the cramping sensation.

Last night while nursing my toddler to sleep I got the cramping sensation and I had to breathe through it for an hour since massaging the area didnt help. Not sure if its due to how I was lieing on my side and from the pressure or if it was actually mini contractions.

I am excited and can't wait till the baby comes. I have finished many of my projects. Just two more things to do... get a belly cast done (friend was gone last week...speaking of that...got to phone her to make an apt to get it done this week!).

Question with belly casting...I am very hairy (like an ape)... can I just wear my bathing suit and put jelly on that?? What about the nipples? They are soooo sensitive at this time... wouldnt it be a bit painful? I read that some people put plastic on the hairy area.

Thanks for tips.

Take care and good luck everyone and hope your babies have a safe journey into this world! :)

Hugs
stephanie

[Enne la Chu]

Stephanie, Braxton Hicks are painless, "practice contractions" that help your uterus tone and prepare for labor. They don't hurt, just feel like your muscles are hugging you really tight, and your belly gets hard.
Menstrual-like cramping is probably (guessing of course) your pelvic floor muscles beginning to stretch.

Does everyone have their names list ready? My favorites change every day. Today I like Maura.

Jenna

[geogirl]

I guess I was one of the first of us January moms to go! Caeden is doing great, he is 6 days old. I just love his smell and his sweet little sounds. His big brother is doing ok but his nose is defintely out of joint. No wonder though. Dh was home this week, I'm getting very nervous about next week with both Mackenzie and Caeden. Wish me luck!

I can't wait to hear about all the birth stories and new babies...

Rebecca - waiting for the rest of the January mama's to join her in post partum!!:D

[geogirl]

Oh Stephanie I forgot to write that I think the bathing suit thing would work ok. I used saran wrap over my hairy parts and lots of oil. I worked well. It was really fun to make. We did ours 6 days before Caeden arrived. Good thing we got to it. Now I have to decide how to decorate it!!

Rebecca

[acsw]

Hi everyone!
I haven't posted in ages. Things were crazy here over the holidays--dh is a pastor and it is a very busy time. Anyway, I just wanted to let anyone who remembered me know that I had our little girl--Sarah Grace on Jan 6, 2003. She was 11 days early and 8lb 13 oz!!!!!!! It was a pretty easy labor, the last hour was more intense than with #1 but I only pushed for 30 minutes rather than 3 hours. Anyway, I am thrilled. It was non medicated. low intervention just like I wanted. I did hemorrage, though and will be on iron for a while.

Anne
Mom to Josiah 11-00 and Sarah Grace 1-03

[Rollermommy]

Well, I hit 37 wks. tomorrow and I'm soooo excited. I was having some really good contractions last night, I even had to leave a pampered chef party. I really thought it might be time, but then they stopped:( I've been having some pretty strange pains this time that I don't remember with my other 2, or maybe I wasn't paying attention. Sometimes I feel this weird burning sensation, like someone is ripping my cervix apart (ha!:D I guess that's exactly what she's doing) Does anyone else fee like their baby is going to pop right out of their butt!!?? Anyway, I can't wait to hear all your beautiful birth stories, and a big congrats to you mom who already gave birth this month:love

[SerenityScott]

Hey everybody! Congrats to the two new mamas! It's so exciting to hear everybody gearing up for(or winding down from) their births! DH had predicted that we would have this little one "between the 10th and 12th" and I'd say it's a little too late for that. I do hope he isn't right on the dates but for the wrong month! February is a long way off still... still, that is the end of our "window" since we are due the 21st of this month.

Does everyone have the weird problem of people getting all antsy and saying things like "still here, eh?" This drives me nuts! It's not even the "due date" yet! But I guess my baby bulge is getting pretty impressive! We had family pictures taken last week - can't wait to get the proofs back next week! Hope they are good.

Enjoy this time, ladies! I am trying to soak up as much time with dd (and DH of course) as I can before new baby arrives! I still think we have a week or two at least here... although my midwife reports that we are effacing nicely and that the baby's head is quite low. So... who can say? Well, I think I'm going to go enjoy some natural induction with DH... can't hurt, right?

[GB's Mom]

I'm definitely tired of the 'still pregnant' thing too. I look "super-pregnant", but it's just so annoying. I'm feeling great now that the baby has dropped, so why won't people just let me enjoy this time and quit rushing us? Oh, I know . . . because most people don't recognize how wonderful pregnancy can be. They view it as a burden, a pain, an illness that you want over as soon as possible. If I wasn't feeling so good, I might be a little more rushed, but right now I'm just soaking up these last days as much as possible.

I've started telling people who ask when I'm due - "soon, so it could be today, tomorrow or two weeks from now. who knows?"

Ds loves my tummy and dh is being such a doll.

I'm due on the 18th and feel like this babe is happy to hang out for a while. I was 8 days early with ds -- water broke and contractions started immediately, so it there was never the anticipation of 'is this it?' I've had a few contractions over the last few days and am enjoying just relaxing and wondering if it's time and imagining how it's all going to unfold. With our birth tub set up and ready to be filled right in our dining room, I feel totally relaxed and prepared.

Hope you mamas with babes are feeling great and for the rest of us 'in waiting' just enjoy this time!

Tori

[marchmom19]

hi everyone...I am 38 weeks. Discovered I have high blood pressure and water retention. Been a bit stressful with that (you might have read my other posts on that).

Midwife came last night and did acupuncture and already baby has dropped. I do hope that I can have this one early...(thought it was going to be an early one but its still snuggled safe and sound inside me). We just started to have snow so its probably warmer inside me. ALthough my body is ready and would like to welcome this bundle of joy.

(Dr doesnt want me to go beyond due date and due to hbp may have to intevene more than I had hoped). Will try the natural methods of 'sex' and the oil my midwife recommended for me to try.

Both dh and dd is ready and want the baby to come now. :)

Hugs and wishing everyone a safe birthing journey with your little one.

stephanie

[marchmom19]

Hi! I gave birth on Jan 14th! I used variety of natural induction due to high blood pressure. It worked! Baby came two weeks early of due date. Not sure what triggered it.

I did acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, sex, moved furnitures. :)

I had a wonderful waterbirth too!! I am so happy I didnt need any induction and that I was able to have my dream of waterbirth. So nice to give birth in a Germany hospital and yet feel like its a natural birth!! No intervention due to my diabetes. yay!

DS is so cute. My DD looks so big now compared to her lil brother. :)

I am home after 4 days. We had a rocky start to nursing as ds is not a strong latcher.

Will write more later.

Glad to be home though.

stephanie

[GB's Mom]

YEPPPPEEEEE!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

You should be so proud of yourself for sticking it out in the face of so many interventions. You did great and now you just get to enjoy your new babe and beautiful waterbirth experience.

Way to go!!!

tori

[SerenityScott]

Congratulations Stephanie!

Our little boy made his appearence Sunday morning! My water broke at 3:30 and I was having serious contractions by 4:15. He was born at 9:37 right in our own bedroom - it was a truly beautiful birth -and an HBAC!

We've named him Eli Franklin Scott. He's as perfect as can be and a champion nurser! DH is going in to work for the first time tomorrow morning... so cross your fingers for me! I am feeling quite well though, so I think it will be fine.

Hope everyone is well! :D

[Rollermommy]

:love Congratulations:love How exciting, a HBAC!! You must be so proud. Blessings to you and your new babe! BTW, that's an awesome name.

[marchmom19]

Congrats!! Welcome Eli!!

Glad you got to have your wish come true. Sounds like it was a fast labour too. :)

Wishing all the other moms still in waiting lots of luck. Big Hugs

My son is doing well. One week old yesterday. He is getting better with nursing but still chomp down! Yike! And he doesnt even have teeth its so painful when he does that! Got to work on his latch and getting him to open his mouth wider.

Everyone seems to say that boys are generally lazy latcher. Is that true?? I never heard that before.

Anyway so taking it easy (trying to). I have a almost 3 year old toddler so its bit hard. She wants to nurse all the time and also doesnt want to nap and go to bed. so its a struggle. :(

stephanie

[marchmom19]

Congrats!! Welcome Eli!!

Glad you got to have your wish come true. Sounds like it was a fast labour too. :)

Wishing all the other moms still in waiting lots of luck. Big Hugs

My son is doing well. One week old yesterday. He is getting better with nursing but still chomp down! Yike! And he doesnt even have teeth its so painful when he does that! Got to work on his latch and getting him to open his mouth wider.

Everyone seems to say that boys are generally lazy latcher. Is that true?? I never heard that before.

Anyway so taking it easy (trying to). I have a almost 3 year old toddler so its bit hard. She wants to nurse all the time and also doesnt want to nap and go to bed. so its a struggle. :(

stephanie

[knitterma]

Congratulations Stephanie, Tori, and Serenity!! I'm happy for all of you!

I am "officially" due on the 29th. My son came a week early...probably not this one. I have to admit I am impatient. I don't do pregnancy well. Ordinarily I feel quite strong and healthy but this pregnancy has been difficult for me these past few months. Also, I have high blood pressure again(did with my first baby too).

My mw stripped my membranes on Wed the 22nd. I agreed to it b/c with my borderline high bp I know it's better to get this baby out soon. I found the procedure to be fairly uncomfortable. Then had lots of bloody show/mucuous plug yesterday(3 days after having my membranes stripped), but no contractions at all.

Sooooo, anyone else not had their babies yet?

Stephanie
due 1-29-03
ds 3.5 yrs old

[chellemarie]

Stephanie...I'm hanging in there with you. I'm due the 30th and doc wants to induce due to his guess at baby's size. He's letting me make the decision though.

This would be a good time NOT to be a Libra, let me tell you. IfI could make a solid decision and stick to it...well, I just wouldn't be ME, I guess. Yesterday I was fine with waiting it out. Today my husband and I discussed calling the doctor. I decided if I get the house in order, I'll call and say meet me tomorrow.

It's 3pm and I've changed one load of laundry. That should keep me from making that phone call. (This place is filthy!)

There was an hour last night where contractions were fifteen minutes apart...four perfectly-timeable contractions...but they stopped. Once it gets that sperm in there and starts cooking a baby, my uterus turns into one giant tease.

[SerenityScott]

Hang in there ladies! Your babies will come when they're ready. Try to enjoy these last moments of your pregnancies - this is such a poignant time!

Stephanie, is your baby doing better with nursing? I'm sending happy latching thoughts your way!!! Make sure you get lots of help as long as you need it. Persistance can overcome very nearly any breastfeeding difficulty! Good luck to you!

DH posted pictures of Eli on www.cymbre.com - in the first one he is just 15 minutes old!

[chellemarie]

Today I have a back ache and I feel more of a pull at the top of my belly when I have what I've been calling Braxton-Hicks.

I only had 90 minutes of sleep last night, though. I might be delusional!

[marchmom19]

Sending out Birthing Power to all moms in waiting. :) Wishing you all a wonderful birthing experience and hope your babies have a safe journey into the world. :)

I am doing well. My son is nursing better each day. It helps to have a nursing toddler as she helped to relief the engorged breasts. Now my breasts feel back to normal. It is strange to do tandem nursing as my toddler is so heavy. Did she get heavy overnight or is it cuz my newborn is so light compared to her? (perhaps also during pregnancy I always nursed her lieing down and not on my lap so didnt realized how heavy she was).


Big Hugs! Hope the other January Mamas are faring well too.

Stephanie

[chellemarie]

Stephanie...I'm glad to hear nursing is getting better for you and thanks for the positive vibes.

The one thing I always say I wish someone would have told me when I had my second child, is how enormous my oldest would feel after I'd held the baby. He felt bigger, he looked older, his baby talk sounded clearer. I think I cried for a week over losing my "baby" because he felt so big!

I hope the nursing continues to go well! Congratulations on your newest addition. :)

[SerenityScott]

I thought I was prepared to have my perception of my little girl change when the tiny babe came... and I thought that having her here during the birth would temper that somewhat... but the first time I picked her up the night after Eli was born I was SHOCKED at how heavy she felt to me! But compounded with the little baby coming, it turns out she actually has gained two pounds or so in these last couple of weeks!

She's really interested in nursing even though she weaned 5 months ago. I tell her she can drink the milk if she wants to, and she'll lean forward with her mouth open but I think she can't figure out how to do it. She does really enjoy sitting in nursing position with Eli and I and claiming a breast as hers even though she doesn't seem to know what to do with it! :D Silly girl!

[captain optimism]

I've been feeling really happy today because I lost my mucus plug last night. I know that doesn't mean I'm going into labor right away, that it could even be weeks! But I must say that I was starting to feel like I might never go into labor at all! So the fact that my cervix is starting to dilate finally is just great! I'm still two days away from my official EDD.

I am so psyched that I actually brought an extra pair of pants and underwear to work in case my water should break here! Not that I think it will, but just in case, you know? Work is seeming more fun and manageable, too.

As long as I was worried about whether I would go into labor in a timely way, I was feeling scared of labor. which is weird, because I haven't been scared of it for the whole pregnancy. Now that it's starting to seem more real, I'm not scared again. I almost feel like I'll be the most relaxed at the first moment when I realize I'm actually in labor?

Oooh, I'm feeling a little obsessive about the labor thing! I just can't wait to see this baby! I know it's right here in my body but it feels like waiting in the airport or on the train platform for the beloved to finally finally arrive.

[chellemarie]

captain...YAY for losing your plug! It has to feel good to know there's some progress, eh?

I haven't seen mine yet, but my SIL walked around at 3cm for weeks and never ever saw hers. I'm still hopeful.

Good luck to you, girlie!

[Rollermommy]

Well, after several days of "false labor" and finally giving up I think I may have actually made some progress today. I was beginning to think I might just have a rapidly growing tumor:D But the last 2 days I've had diarhea (sorry, for being gross), and a little bit of spotting tonight. So maybe this week sometime. I better pop this kid quick--my birth "helper" is going on a week long ski trip on Saturday:eek
Good luck to everyone

[busymom]

Congratulations to all who have had their babies. I am still waiting. My official edd was a week ago (1/22) I have been having contractions daily for about two weeks now and was at 2.5 and 60% on t he 22nd. Saturday the contractions became very strong and regular but it was not the real thing. I see my midwife this afternoon to see how things are going--hopefully this little girl will be here soon.

[GB's Mom]

good luck everyone! sounds like any of you could go at any time. happy labor vibes!!! (someone please tell me how my babe is already 9 days old??????)

[chellemarie]

Well, today's the day I WON'T be having a baby, apparently. *L* Last night's back ache was from standing at work most of the day, I guess.

I have an appointment with my OB today and I'll probably ask him to strip the membranes. We'll talk about induction, as well. Hopefully I'm already making some progress on my own, but I haven't seen any signs of that, so I'm not holding my breath. It will probably be a very emotional morning.

Good luck to all my due date buddies! I hope you're reading this in a week or two when you're back online to share your birth stories. :)

[Rollermommy]

Well, today's our day:rolleyes: These last few weeks have been absolute torture! I went to my midwife yesterday--she said I'm 80% and 2cm, my mucous plug is gone and she stripped my membranes a little. I had contractions all day yesterday but nothing consistent. I'm so frustrated and emotionally exhausted I could just lay on the floor an cry:crying Please somebody have a baby today even if its not me!!! Sorry for the whiney post

[captain optimism]

I'm at work today, also my due date. I have scheduled an accupressure "induction" for Sunday if things don't get moving before that. I have made progress but that doesn't mean that everything's going to just move. But I'm not in any particular danger of anything, so I am willing to wait the two weeks or so after the due date if I don't go into labor. Here's how I'm thinking about it:

1) the baby's estimated weight is about 7.5 lbs. Until and unless it gets over 10 lbs., no pharmacological induction for me. My pelvis can handle a big baby! I am woman, hear me roar! Etc. etc. ad nauseum.

2) As soon as the midwife thinks it's an issue, I would get the placenta checked. One of the big issues of going past date is that the placenta can crap out (technical term?) and the baby won't be nourished. As long as it's working, I don't need to be induced because the baby is OK. I am woman, etc. etc. etc. blah blah blah.

3) I can wait at least 5 days after my due date, because when I had the midterm ultrasound they said I should adjust my due date five days. It's true that my groin is increasingly painful, but I'll just use heat or cold or whatever. Or learn more cowboy songs. Or scream and cry, that's always good.

4) I can wait seven days after that, I'll just count them down. Though I might not want to work at that point! By then I will stand a good chance of delivering on dh's b-day, which would be cool. At that point I might try the castor oil or stripping the membranes. One of my co-workers said his partner used the castor oil in o.j. before she went into labor with their dd. He said it was fine. (bleh.)

At 14 days past due, they can give me the damn artificial oxytocin.

Of course, my water COULD break at work today! I have planned for that contingency and brought sweatpants just in case!

Chelle, whatever you decide to do, at the end of it, you will have a baby. If you get the pitocin today, it might be hard, but at the end--baby! To me, that is the MAIN THING. You are under some pressures that I'm not, since you have two older children and a lot of responsibilities. But don't let your nice doctor pressure you into anything... if anything is pressuring you into a decision, it should be the baby's HEAD!

[chellemarie]

captain...you might be my most favorite person today. You can be Thursday's hero.

I'm crying because I'm so very very discouraged. I shouldn't be but I'm pregnant and emotional.

For all of you who clump OB's into a nasty-bad-icky pile, let me tell you, I have a champ of an OB. I told him at my first appt that I didn't want to be induced and when I went in today all but screaming "GET IT OUT!", he encouraged me to wait and discouraged induction tomorrow morning.

Thick, closed, baby's head is high...can't strip membranes if you can't get into the cervix. So here I am. I hate it that I'm using maternity leave with no baby at home, but I guess we'll deal with that later. I'm too touchy today to go in and hear "You're still here?" and "No baby yet, eh?" all damn day. Maybe tomorrow I'll feel better and go in. I doubt it, though.

Not sleeping is wearing me OUT.

I'm going to pick dd up from the sitter as soon as I pull myself together and then we'll spend the day doing fun stuff. I've been avoiding eating as much as I want and what I want because I didn't want to be puking it up if these BH turned into the real thing, you know? We're seriously pigging out today.

gaiamom...hang in there, honey. You're really, really close...and you know your body is doing something!!! That has to be at least a little exciting. Do lay on the floor and cry, though. It'll make you feel better and maybe you'll relax enough after to let that baby out.

[marchmom19]

hi ladies... wanted to do a roll call to check in and see if everyone had their babies and how everyone is doing.

hugs

[GB's Mom]

good idea! we're doing great. you can see us at

http://www.thetechnologystore.net/baby/index2.htm

hope all is well with everyone and that your new babes are loving life outside the womb!

Thanks to everyone for a wonderful thread!

Tori

[Enne la Chu]

Theadora Joy was born on the 17th (her due date) after 2 1/2 hrs of labor (!). It was easy, but scary. Too fast! She is beautiful and healthy and sleeping. More later! Congrats to all the other happy moms!
-Jenna

[busymom]

Congratulations January moms!

Jacqueline Olivia was born on 1/31. It was not my ideal labor situation but the birth itself was wonderful and empowering. She is doing well -- I am enjoying watching her change a little bit every day.