March mamas

[melamama]

Hi everyone! How are you all? :flower

Just wanted to check in and see what's going on with other mamas.

This is my 24th week (edd.3/7) and I'm feeling this little one stretching and moving around all the time. It seems like my belly is so big but I know it's going to get so much bigger.

I've just begun explaining to my dd (2 1/2) that I can't carry her all over the place anymore-especially up the stairs- and it is getting better.

I have very little appetite, but am keeping the Dr. Brewer guidelines on the fridge and just check off stuff during the day.

what's happening with you ladies?:)

[Sofiamomma]

Hey, Melamama, the other thread kinda fell to the bottom, huh? My belly is getting bigger, too! It's starting to get harder to get up out of soft chairs. I starting going to a chiropracter because my pelvic bones are giving me fits. Dd has started giving the baby hugs all the time. Too cute!

Baby loves to roll around in there and kick anything against my belly, the counter, my hand, my arm, the table ledge, the mattress... Especially fun is to kick mom right in the groin, ouch!, or in the space where my muscles have separated slightly, now that just feels weird.

My appetite comes and goes. I've got the Brewer diet posted on my fridge, too. I did have to start taking iron, cuz my hemoglobin dropped two points. No wonder I was so tired!

[Melinda77]

Hey mamas!! Thanks for getting us back up.

I too feel sooo big already, and even need to buy a second pair of mat jeans already :eek Thankfully, I had my u/s last week or I would really be worried about more than one, but no, I'm just carrying her (yep, it's a girl, wasn't shy at all, and I said it before dr had a chance!!) all out front - the OB who did the u/s could find no reason why I'm measuring 3-4 weeks ahead, as she looks right on target for the edd I came up with based on my chart (which I just find cool LOL).

Oh, as for appetite, I would gladdly share some of mine!! I'm having the opposite trouble you ladies are, and need to remember to rein myself in a bit, as I feel hungry ALL the time lately.

Hope everyone is happy and healthy!

[seraf]

hmm, new things here... dp finally felt kicking, then my sister felt it the first time she tried. the fetus kicks constantly. s/he kicks low and it cracks me up. the braxton hicks are still going strong, today i was slouching and i had one and i could feel it on my ribs...

oh yeah, and i'm measuring 4 or 5 weeks big now, too. i've gained 6 pounds and i'm eating everything in sight (well, everything vegan, my little sister has become the vegan police, "are you allowed to eat this?")

umm, i'm still making colostrum like crazy. i had to cut some washcolths into circles and start wearing a bra! i was leaking thru 3 shirts and i'm getting annoyed with the staining (and the cold cold wind)

interview with a new midwife next week and we're both looking for new jobs and a house after moving to ohio from calif.

life and the preganncy are really good

[boobykinmamma]

I'm about 22.5 weeks. I've been measuring ahead, but at this week's midwife appointment was only one week ahead instead of the 2 or 3 I've been until now. I'm feeling lots of movement, sometimes from the outside, but of course it stops every time I call dh to feel it. My energy is really good now--I'm walking lots, doing a little yoga most days. I've had some sciatic pain, but stretching has helped it a lot. I'm beginning to feel the change in my balance, and my belly gets in the way sometimes. DS (2.5) is still nursing a few times during the day, although I don't think he's getting anything, except maybe a few drops of colostrum. I"m having a few braxton-hicks every day. This pregnancy seems to be going SO fast. It seems like I just tested positive, and now we're more than halfway there.

[Spooky Tuesday]

Thanks for starting this back up!
I'm not on so much anymore, but I love to stop by and catch up.

I'm 21 wks., and definately showing. It looks like I have a basketball attatched to my belly :bgbounce
The baby kicks everything too, especially the mattress! Every time I lay on my right side, it feels like he/she is rolling every knuckle/knee/elbow on my side.
Recently started to feel my braxton hicks w/o feeling my belly. They got painful w/ DD, haven't yet with this one. I get them usually when I get up from a sitting/laying position. This freaks my chiro out:)

I've been sick on and off, so my appetite is not where it should be, but I can tell I finally gained some weight (that'll thrill my midwives!)
I'll be having another u/s (1st was to check for twins) to check on a small subchorionic hemorrhage (blood clot in placenta) they found before. I haven't had any signs or problems, but we want to make sure it's the same size or smaller.

DD loves to pat/rub my belly, but she still doesn't understand that there's a baby in there. I can't wait until she's a little sis! :love

Krys

[Sofiamomma]

You mean a Big sis! :D hee hee

Anybody else have trouble getting their socks on?

[melamama]

no problem with socks, but I am starting to have second thoughts about shaving my legs.:eek

[Melinda77]

Yep, socks are officially an aerobic activity here!

[Sofiamomma]

Melamama, I sit on the side of the tub and use the shower hose! Usually though, even when not pregnant, in the winter I skip it anyway.

Can you play "games" with your baby yet? Like patting your belly to get him/her to kick in that particular place? I think mine is starting to do that a little bit. I remember having so much fun at the end with Sophia. She loved to have me pat her little bum! :D

[Sofiamomma]

I got a look-see at the belly bean today. Wow, having an ultrasound is so much fun! Being four-square against them, I didn't have any with dd, but this time around I needed to see that he or she is all right, due to my diabetes. He or she looked perfect and gave us a full on shot of his or her genitals, but the doc still wasn't sure what she was looking at. First she said girl, but then thought maybe it was not labia, but scrotum she was looking at. So I still don't know! Oh, well I guess I will know in about 3 1/2 more months.

[Spooky Tuesday]

Yes! Big sis! lol :p
I just know I'll sign our birth announcements with Syd being a "little sis"...lol

My u/s is scheduled for Jan., which I'm excited about just to see the baby. My DH doesn't want to know, and the more I think about it I don't either. My family will flip if I get another u/s and don't find out the gender, heehee!

I've recently started leaking colostrum slowly but surely. If it gets as bad as my 1st pg, I'll be wearing b/f pads in a month!

Sofiamoma, if you go to Ultrasound gender guesses (http://pregnancy.about.com/library/ultrasounds/blusindex.htm) you can see the gender differences (if you got a video or pic).
I can't believe we all only have about 3 1/2-4 months to go!

Take care everyone!

[Unreal]

I was just wondering if anyone else was going through a major energy slump. It seems like it happened just about over night! I was feeling all sorts of good and actually getting the house cleaned up some--and then all of a sudden its like I wake up ready to go back to sleep.

Of course it could be that even when I'm 'sleeping' now, I'm really just tossing around trying to find a way to lay for more than 30 mintues that doesn't make me have to go pee or leave half my body numb!!

I also noticed that I am definitely *not* chowing like I did with my first pregancy--there just isn't that much food that is appealing to me this time round. Think that might be part of it? Wouldn't I be hungry for more food if I weren't eating enough?

anyhoo...I'm 28 weeks...(While I can't believe it has been that long, I also can't believe there are still so many weeks to go!!)

Lauren :)

[Spooky Tuesday]

We're at 26w3d and the baby has had a couple of growth spurts in the last 2 weeks. I could tell b/c s/he was so quiet the last few days and today s/he is moving all over! It's crazy how pointy my belly is!:p
No 2nd u/s for us anymore. We talked about it (and w/ my midwives) and feel like if there was a prob with the hemmorhage then we'd know about it by now.

I'm kind of going through an energy slump also. I'll wake up and eat my norm breakfast & feed DD, then I have to sit for a couple hours and eat again before I do a lot. With the holidays coming up we've had a lot to do, but I've been so dizzy/lightheaded when I try to do too much now.
I've also had big time insomnia!! I had it w/ my DD a little, but every night I'm up forever (latest 4 am!!:eek ) and I still wake w/ DD. That could be contributing to my tiredness also ;)

I too am not eating like my first, not sure why though. I've gained good weight after my m/s went away, so I'm not too worried. Maybe it's b/c my cravings are different now, and most of them are for candy bars (:confused: hardly ate any before!) - and I'm not keeping up with that craving ;). With my DD I craved all my fav foods and I felt good eating them, so it was easy to eat!

Thanks for bringing this back up :)
Krys

[LukesMum]

Melamama
I am also due 3/7 and have a 2 1/2 yr old!!!!!!!! WE're doing ok. I've already gained 30 lb but this is the same as w/#1 and i lost it fast so no biggie, We are planning a home/ waterbirth...is anyone else planning a homebirth in March????????? I also am stuck on girls names...we won't decide until she's here but our list has
Lillian (Lily)
Kyra
Lane
Julia
would love some suggestions!

[Jennah_Gole]

I am .... well now that i think of it - i stopped keeping track of weeks cuz everything moves so slowly when i do...

but my due date is like march 11th....

my baby is kicking around alot but only wayyy down low - sometimes i could swear that she is already in my vagina - thats how low the kicks are. oh yea, i am saying 'she' cuz i found it its a girl.

i would love to have a water birth at home but they don't allow it here....i birthed my 2nd - ds- completely natural in the hospita.

anyways, i am really heavy and have gained alot of weight -sometimes i feel like i can't breathe. Sometimes i have trouble sleeping at night and sometimes my 1 and half year old has trouble sleeping so between the both of us its tough.

anyway, i dont know about you all but i can't wait to have this baby!

[Unreal]

I would love to try a water birth at some point, but I think with this guy I'm just going to be happy to try labor in the tub (we cheated too and 'found out', although we really didn't have much choice--the first image on the us was him mooning us :D ).
My whole experience with ds#1 was so typical hopsital/OB not wanting to sit around for a first time mom...I'm curious to try a water birth, but right now I really just want to see how a 'regular' birth w/o pit and having your water broken and having an epidural goes--kwim?

Sleep is definitely getting interesting--the other night I had the pillow I sleep with between my legs ended up beneath my hips and I rolled onto my back and I swear I haven't slept that well in months. And of course-tried it again the night before last, and I couldn't lay on my back for 30 seconds without feeling like I was going to suffocate. *sigh*
I usually end up half on my side, half on my stomach (with something like 7 pillows holding the rest of my body up, so I don't have any real weight on my stomach), but I'm sure that will end soon too.

Does the baby kicking wake you up? This morning it felt like he was trying to kick out my ribs (I'm not quite sure how he managed that, since I didn't think he was up that high yet). Other times he does kick WAY low, which is such a totally weird feeling (ds1 didn't do that at all!) :D

LukesMum, I like Kyra a lot ;)
We're down to 3 names for our guy, but I told dh that it was silly to pick one out now--with ds#1 I had a name all picked out, but then as soon as he was born and I looked at him I knew it wasn't the right name and changed to something I hadn't even been thinking about...of course I'm weird like that....

Here's to a quick (but happy and safe) 3rd trimester!!

Lauren :)

[melamama]

Is anyone else getting numbness in their legs at night? I'm a side sleeper but I find I can't stay on one side longer than a couple of hours and I wake up and one of my legs is asleep. maybe I need to do more pillow propping. I've also moved to that point where I have go get up to pee at least 3 times a night. ugh.

Lukesmom, I like your names they're all very sweet. We had a list last time and waited until dd was out to decide too. She definitely was her name and not any of the others on the list. I'm trying to get together a list of boys names but I have one that keeps sticking-but dh still says he needs convincing on. My father asked if we had names picked out yet, dh said we have 2 lists--his which are mostly comical and mine which are mostly bizzarre. :rolleyes:

[LukesMum]

I am having pain around my tailbone!!! It really aches when I get up from sitting. Off to the CHiropractor!

[boobykinmamma]

Hi, mammas! I'm 28 weeks--due around march 18. I'm almost as big as I was full term with ds, but he was tiny. My uterus measures on target, but I look so much bigger than last time. I never got to the point of feeling huge or uncomfortable with ds, but I'm getting there now, with 3 months to go still. My biggest complaint is heartburn, which happens no matter what I eat, even small meals. DS is still nursing, although I'm really trying to limit it--it still hurts, and he seems to have forgotten how to latch on correctly--feels like his little teeth are clamped right around my nipples--ouch! Baby is kicking, rolling, and squirming lots. I love it and never get tired of feeling it. I'm starting to get excited about the birth--a home waterbirth. Time seems to be flying with this pregnancy. Before we know it we'll all be posting about our births!

[Unreal]

Lukesmum--does the chiropractor seem to help with that?
My lower back and tailbone have been killing me (cooking Christmas Eve and Christmas didn't help AT ALL!! ). My midwife told me I should try going to the chiropractor, but with all the other running around and appointments and things, I just keep putting it off.
A few hours lounging in the recliner watching dh and ds kill their brain cells on the nintendo seems to help lots, but as soon as I'm up and moving around again or sitting anywhere else, the pain comes back (including when I'm in bed!! :( :( )

Other than that, all is going good. Babe is already getting himself all sorts of on a schedule (wakes me up kicking every morning at 6:30 :eek). Monday starts my every-two-week-checkups. I remember with DS that from that point to the end, time just *flew*. I keep thinking about we really haven't done anything yet to get set for this babe. Still have to bring all the babe furniture in from the garage and replace all the things that need to be replaced....I can't wait to go shopping for babe stuff!! I'm trying to behave and just window-shop online, but its getting harder and harder.

[Melinda77]

Boobykinmama - Me too!! In fact all over the past few days with family, I have heard over and over how big I am LOL

No real complaints right now other than a lack of sleep - we have been going going going for a week now to get all the family in for the holidays, and I am one TIRED mama.

Hope everyone is happy and healthy!

[LukesMum]

Yes, the chiropractor helped...I feel much better. It should help you significantly with the lower back back and the tailbone can be a result of tight gluteal muscles kind of playing tug of war with you tailbone (or coccyx-anatomical term) I practice yoga which has kept my back straight and I'm a prenatal massage therapist. I think EVERY pregnant woman should get prenatal massage!!!! So, i recommend one or the other or both. Problem with chriporactic is they will want to start you on a regime (maybe 2-3x a week) for the first month) and you may just not feel like that much right now. A massage can do wonders!!!

[Unreal]

Okay, I have to admit I have been dreaming about going for a prenatal massage, but I've been holding off just because I can't imagine how on earth they would be able to arrange a position that would be comfy enough to last for the duration of the massage!
Now...if they had a table with a big ol' hole cut out for my belly, so I could actually just lay on my stomach for a little while, I would be there in a heartbeat!! :) :)

[melamama]

boobykinmamma-for the heartburn have you tried papaya capsules? (actually they may be chewables) I had a lot of heartburn my last pg and I think they helped a bit.

I'm big too, my mom was joking (?) "well maybe it's twins" :foot that was just the most unhelpful comment I've heard in a bit.

I want a prenatal massage too, I'm just trying to time it so I'm not completely desperate for another. I had a pedicure the other day and that was pretty great.

[birthinglau]

ljkelly-

they do make a table with a big old hole in the middle for your belly! they do! so, find a massage therapist that specializes in prenatal massage, and schedule one. :) I can testify that it is heavenly.... this is making me want to schedule one.
-Lau

[Unreal]

they do make a table with a big old hole in the middle for your belly! they do! so, find a massage therapist that specializes in prenatal massage, and schedule one. I can testify that it is heavenly.... this is making me want to schedule one.

WooooHoooo! I'm calling tomorrow to set up an appointment ;)
I think only the one therapist at the place I go to does prenatal massages...I wonder if she'll be in tomorrow (I REALLY shouldn't get my hopes up, but boy would it be nice...)

And that solves the question of what to do with the money my parents gave dh and I for Christmas ;)

Well...its that or diapers. But I'm trying to hold off on buying covers and things till I know how big the babe is going to be. Ds1 was over 20 lbs before he hit 2 months. I don't want to buy a bunch of newborn covers and AIOs (for my parents and dh...oooh and maybe ds1??) and have them be too small after a week.

So, gosh darn it, it looks like I'm calling for the massage ;)
Muhahahhaha

[LukesMum]

FYI ..Not all prenatal massage therapist use the pregopillo as they call it which is a thing that goes on the table with the hole in the middle.....most are originally trained in side lying massage which is you lying on your side with a pillow or bolster between your legs, one against your chest and one under your head. It's very comfortable and much easier to get to all areas of the body this way (not just the back) I have been practicing prenatal massage for 5 years and have always used the sidelying method

[Unreal]

well after completely PIGGING out while pregnant with ds1...and gaining something like 45 pounds (which I never lost, mind you..*growl*)...this time round I haven't had the massive food cravings, and if I do its mostly for veggies or cheese (and the occaisonal need for chocolate ice cream). Anyhoo...my total weight gain so far has only been 15 lbs, and everything is going good. I am SOOOO relieved.

I started out in August talking with my midwife about the fact that I was concerned about gaining too much weight. I don't think my poor back/hips/knees could take it if I gained like I did with ds1. At the same time, I don't want to not gain enough weight, ya know?

Anyhoo, I actually feel like after this guy is born, I might be about back where I was when I got pregnant--despite the fact that I am AT LEAST two times bigger in the belly than I was with kiddo #1. I didn't even have to buy maternity clothes with him till I was in the end of the 8th month! This time round, I've been in maternity clothes since month 3!!

Sorry for the babble...but I just went to see my midwife today, and I'm so happy to hear that everything is going good with babe :)

AND....the hospital we are going to be having the babe at...they are starting water births in February!!! YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY!!!

on that note, I think I had better get some sleep.
I hope all is well with the rest of you :)

Lauren

[magdala]

Also planning on a homebirth in March - and going to have our hot tub prepared in case I feel like laboring in there - this is the first pregnancy that I have reached the third trimester for (yea!!)and have gained so much weight! at least 35 lbs. already - yikes! I think I was anxious to look and feel pregnant and certainly do! Any advice for this last trimester? I don't want to deprive baby of nutrients now but with increased protien, etc. I feel like am eating nutritionaly but the weight just keeps going on! I suppose I should relax and trust my body knows what it's doing but it sure seems like it will be hard work to get the weight off later! Happy New Year and Third Trimester to you all!

[Unreal]

it sure seems like it will be hard work to get the weight off later

Bah! :) :)
I know its different for everyone...but if I had just listened to my body with ds1, I would have been fine. I gained, like I said, something like 45 lbs when I was pregnant. I continued to CHOW while I was nursing him, so I didn't lose any of it then either. At 9 months, he was eating enough solid foods so that he cut back on nursing quite a bit. In probably a bit over a month I lost something like 30 lbs. It was totally amazing. I even went out and bought myself all new clothes (the kiss of death for any weight loss!!).
The problem is that I never re-adjusted my food intake, and just kept on eating like I had been...and I slowly put all the weight back on. Totally my own fault.

I think it helps a lot this time that I haven't wanted any meat at all and too much sugar makes me feel sick. Of course, the meat thing makes me continuously nervous about my protein intake, but I eat/drink lots of soy and dairy products and try to munch on stuff like Luna bars when I am hungry (instead of going for those absolutely delicious chocolate chip cookies that are calling my name). :D

Btw, that is very cool about the homebirth! I'm being too much of a wuss to try it this time. Ds1's birth was so invaded by the annoying, obnoxious OB :sinister that I really have no idea what to expect from a natural childbirth. I want to try it in the hospital at least once before I try it at home.
I am going to stay home as long as possible though. DH is a bit nervous about that, since we are a 25 minute drive to the hospital. I keep reminding him that he was an EMT and can deliver the kiddo if need be. Somehow that doesn't make him feel any better about it :lol

BUT...I am SO looking forward to trying a water birth though! It just seems like it would be so much more relaxing than all the other options. :) :)

[Aoife]

BUMP! To join all of you. :D

I'm due March 29 with #3 ~ this one is a boy after two girls. We are thrilled! We found out via ultrasound since I'm high-risk and was having preterm contractions so we had to check my cervix for thinning or funneling. I'll probably go early though, since preterm labor has struck me again (had severe cases of it with both girls -- strict bedrest, hospital stays, terbuteline pump, the works for 10 weeks each) and had them early.

I'm on modified bedrest and now have meds to take "just in case", but so far, this is my BEST pregnancy yet! I'm able to enjoy it instead of being bedridden, drugged up, and scared!

I'm happy to have found all of you!

[Sofiamomma]

Congrats, Mama, on your pregnancy, and on it going so much better this time! :D

I still don't know what I'm having. I'm having my 32 week appt tomorrow and I'm hoping I'm not measuring too large for dates. My OB will really want me to have another ultrasound for sized estimation and I do NOT want to do that. They are notoriously inaccurate and I don't want any decisions made (like induction) based on that! Also my BP was up slightly at my last appt and I've been chowing on the protein since then, to make sure it'll be down this time.

Dd had her first sibling class the other night. OMG, she is a hoot! It will be interesting to see what it's like to have her at the birth. This is very serious business for her and she *intends* to be there! She had my dad, who will be her support person, and the childbirth educator practically on the floor laughing at her antics. She was quite demonstrative and graphic about the whole process. heh heh

[Unreal]

Tendertushies--
Congratulations! and a big Wow!! I am so glad to hear that this pregnancy is going well!! :) :) :)

Everyone is set on this babe coming early, since dh was due in March as well, and was born in the beginning of Feb. With my luck he'll decide to prove everyone so wrong, he'll go 42 weeks ;)

Everyone was rather shocked when I told them I was 31 weeks--somehow March seems far away, until you start counting it in weeks ;)

Dh is started to get stressed over the whole thing, I think. And I just can't wait to have the babe here. :D

Sofiamomma--what type of 'stuff' do they do in the sibling class? Ds is 7 and right at the edge of being too old to go, so we haven't signed him up for the classes. I wonder if it might be useful. He's not expecting to have a insta-playmate, but does seem to think that the babe will turn toddler within a few months ;)

[Sofiamomma]

Well, my appt went well. I was measuring right on for dates. It's funny, I looked up in my records from Sophia and I did the same thing with her, was measuring a couple centimeters ahead at 29 weeks and then right on for dates at 32 weeks. I also noticed in one of the texts at work that the growth curve for fetuses peaks at 29 weeks. How about that? I've always said, I'm so textbook, lol! My bp was fine, too. Whew!

ljkelly, the class we went to was "Siblings at Birth" and was a private class just for us. The instructor explained the process with pictures and gave dd an idea what I might be feeling, how I might look, what faces and noises I might make and stuff like that. She also showed a nice video of a natural birth, in what looked like a birth center setting. The next class we signed up for is "Big Sib, Little Sib", which is a group class where they talk about what it's like to become an older sibling. They'll talk about what will happen (i.e. Mom will go to the hospital, you will stay with so-and-so) and how the kids can help at home, depending on the age. They also talk about how much little babies need and how it might be hard to share Mom and Dad. Sophia's experience will be a little different and I know the instructor plans to point those differences out. I also know Sophia will get a little chart with "jobs" she can do to help out. She knows we're getting a baby, and knows what a newborn is like, but I think she too is expecting toddlerhood to happen almost instantly! It's good she has a little cousin, so she gets a nine-months ahead preview of what's to come where her new baby is concerned. HTH!

[Unreal]

Yay on the great check up! :thumb It's always a relief when you hear that everything is going good! There were 3 check ups in a row where my midwife kept commenting about my bloodpressure measuring high and that I needed to reduce the stress in my life (I have NO idea how one is supposed to reduce stress in grad school...). Of course hearing that just made me more stressed out...
Everything is good now though (imagine that--school is out for winter break :) ) My next appointment is Monday...
I keep trying to remember all the things I want to ask, but my brain is still soooo lost-- I'm lucky I can remember my name.

We decided not to have ds with us at the birth--mostly because he has a REALLLLLLLLLLLY hard time dealing with people who are hurt. I think he would freak out with me in pain and not being able to 'fix' it. (Although I imagine it would really have him thinking twice about having unprotected sex when he's a teenager!! :D)

I hoping we'll have a few days after the babe is born before we get flooded with relatives so that ds can get used to the baby and we can get some sort of routine-type thing going (okay, to be honest, *I* am hoping for a few months before we get flooded with relatives...but then again I'm selfish...I want the baby all to myself!! I don't want to share!!!) Please tell me the rest of you are starting to get some anxiety over silly things like that!

[melamama]

I hoping we'll have a few days after the babe is born before we get flooded with relatives so that ds can get used to the baby and we can get some sort of routine-type thing going (okay, to be honest, *I* am hoping for a few months before we get flooded with relatives...but then again I'm selfish...I want the baby all to myself!! I don't want to share!!!) Please tell me the rest of you are starting to get some anxiety over silly things like that!

before dd was born this was stressing me too, but we had a babymoon. It was a week (more like 5 days because mil invaded at day 5, but that's another story) that was just for us-dh, me and the new dd. We explained it to our family (who mostly didn't understand, but they didn't understand homebirth either, so they just think we're wierd) Anyway it was wonderful to just get the hang of things as us . We will do the babymoon this time too. Dh gets a week of paternity leave, and we'll just nest.

[boobykinmamma]

checking in at 30.5 weeks. Glad to hear we're all doing well. I've been kind of on the tired side this week, and I'm really starting to feel BIG--my belly is constantly in the way. Heartburn still sucks--I"ve tried papaya, and it doesn't really work for me, unfortunately. Just something to get through, I guess. Nursing continues to be uncomfortable. I've started limiting ds to 20 seconds per side, and what's really cute is that he unlatches himself with his finger at the end of the count. We plan to have him present for our home waterbirth, if that works out, so it's probably time to start preparing him for it soon. There's a great waterbirth video at our library that we plan to check out and show him several times.

I'm measuring right on for dates too, and my bp has been perfect. I took my gtt test at my 29 week appt. Don't have the results yet from the lab, but I'm sure they'll be fine. I'm at that point of biweekly appts. now--starting to get really excited and looking forward to meeting this new little one.:love

[seraf]

hey everyone.

things around here are going alright. i have a nassty yeast infection, but otherwise things are great

the fetus still has no semblance of a name, she kicks like crazy (don't know she's a she, but why not?), and i sleep like i'm in a coma. i've gaiined 12 pounds, so far, but my new midwives aren't concerned about that, which i like.

jen is nestiing more than i am still, we have tons of baby clothes and it looks like both our moms are throwing showers.

oh yeah, i tried to do some marketing research thing and they said i wasn't qualified for the thing b/c i was planning on buying or registered to recieve a crib. hahahahhahaha

happy pregnancies
seraf

[Jennah_Gole]

Hello everyone

i think i am around 31 or 32 weeks....and i am having terrible pain around my tailbone. I waddle like a duck because of the pain. It wasn't that bad until i fell down. I was sitting on a broken chair that was rigged....and it fell from my weight.....so now the pain is sooo much more worse. I didn't bother going to the doctor since i thought what could they really do....

otherwise things are going well....but as i have said before its just going soooo slow this time around - can't wait for it to be over.

[Jennah_Gole]

Hello again march mammas....

my husband is going out of the country for one whole month....i am trying to stay positive but its so hard to think that i might have to birth this baby on my own....or even drive myself to the hospital depending on the time i go into labor....and my two kids....now i have to leave them with someone....now i am worried, uptight, and scared about this labor.

i am trying not to make a big deal out of things...and he keeps reassuring me that I will be 38 weeks when he comes back and I went full term with my first two kids so it will probably be that way with this one. Oh I wish he could delay this trip but he cant.

And i keep thinking that this baby is going to come early cuz my braxton hicks are painful...and with my other two my braxton hicks were not painful at all....and my labor is quick....my dd took 6 hours and then my ds took around 4 hours....and my contractions with both immediately started at 5 minutes apart...

i have some major fears...

anyways, besides all this mental stuff i can't sleep at night...lots of aches and pains like the rest of you....i wanted to paint my kids room and put up a border....but time is running out

[birthinglau]

well, it's been along time since I've posted anything, but it's been an eventful time none the less....

two days ago I rear-ended someone at 20 mph (it was slippery, some not so aware person decided to come to a complete stop, causing all the cars behind them to come to a complete stop, except me, coming around a blind corner to a green light intersection on an icing road...) and because of the jolt, decided to go to the hospital to get checked out. baby and are are fine, but she doesn't like to be on the monitor, so of course it took them almost 4 hours to get a 20 min. test strip. my car is not so fine, which is a hardship, since this comes on top of an accident my husband had on dec. 20, making our other car undriveable. luckily we had a beat up 3rd that we were trying to sell, so we are using it.

the pregnancy is great, I've gained about 25 lbs, normal bp and so on, getting the homebirth supplies ordered this week, hoping I can locate an inflatable kiddie pool in cincinnati in below freezing temperatures. :D have a really great backup dr. lined up, and my birth team of husband, my mom, and my sweet friend loma the non-practicing CNM are all really loving and supportive, as is my HB midwife.

a very exciting thing occurred today. I think the baby dropped just this afternoon, her butt is much lower when I palpate, and her hiccups are coming from inside my pelvis instead of above. maybe she wanted to get situated and comfortable after all the trauma we've been through. I don't blame her, though I feel somewhat guilty for putting her through the experience of a car accident.

how is everyone else, now that we are in the final chapter?

two_kids_uae: I am sorry about your husband going out of town. maybe you can both talk to the baby, and ask her/him to wait until daddy gets back? I think they listen to those things. but I know what it is like to feel unsettled in the pregnancy - a time when you are most wanting things to feel settled so you can feel safe to birth. my positive thoughts are with you.

-Lau

[Unreal]

I have to admit that my two biggest fears are my getting into a car accident sometime between now and March and dh not being around when I go into labor....
It's funny, since I am typically a very mellow person and just go with the flow of things...if it happens, it happens...KWIM? This pregnancy has me on edge over about 40000000 things!

2-kids: I went through my pregnancy and labor and delivery with #1 alone--it wasn't always fun, but it wasn't all that terrible either. I think the most important thing is to plan ahead and find someone who can be with you while you are in labor. Being alone kinda stunk (not to mention the hospital bullied me into so many things that way...). Hopefully the babe will wait for Daddy to get back home though!! :hug

And...has anyone found any remotely comfortable positions to sleep in????? If I sleep on my side, I wake up in EXTREME pain from my hips, despite sleeping with pillows. For the past week or so I've been piling my pillows up into a ramp going up to the head of the bed. If I sleep against that, I can do some sort of modified job of sleeping on my stomach. Sometimes that doesn't work either and (promise you won't laugh?) I end up sleeping with my butt up in the air like they used to put babes to sleep--kind of on all four, with my torso supported by pillows and my hips kind of splayed....hey, it works...and dh knows that if he laughs at me, He'll be in as much pain as I am in ;)

[galadriel]

Hello everyone!

I am due ~March 25 with Baby#1. I am coming down with laryngitis for the second time in 3 months (ugh!) but I am assuming it's pregnancy related, as I never get sick! (Maybe every 2-3 years). Otherwise I feel great!

I'm planning a midwife-assisted homebirth, possibly in water. I am SO looking forward to meeting this little person!!!!

:hippie :D :love :thumb

[boobykinmamma]

birthinglau--you can get an inflatable pool online at www.redspools.com. They're on sale. I need to order mine, too!
They're really nice, sturdy ones.

[birthinglau]

thanks boobykinmama! those pools are great. now to figure out how big of a pool I can fit in the living room of our one bedroom apt ;)

-Lau

[Sofiamomma]

I peeked! I just found out I am having another girl! Sophia is absolutely thrilled. She *really* wanted a sister. I totally thought it was a boy, so it was kind of a shift I had to make in my thinking. I was actually really starting to look forward to having a boy, whereas in the beginning I was nervous about having a boy on my own. I'm really excited either way, though, and can't wait to "meet" her!

I'm 34 weeks tomorrow, and plan to start taking PN6. I only have one bottle and I've heard you need two. Whole Foods says the manufacturer doesn't make it anymore. Anybody know where else to get it?

Wow, it's coming up fast, huh?!

[melamama]

Sofiamomma congratulations on your girl!
I'm 34 weeks too. I'm pretty sure this is a boy, but either would be lovely.

Yesterday at my midwife appt. she said that I will probably get my 9 pounder! (dd was 8lb14oz) I'm measuring 35. I've been right on target all along so I think we had a bit of a growth spurt. I finally ordered my birth kit, and my mw will give me one of her tubs in a few weeks. I can't believe it's almost here.

could someone remind me what PN6 is, I remember a discussion a while ago, but can't find it.

[Sofiamomma]

PN6 is a capsule of herbs you take, starting at 34 weeks, one pill a day for the first week, 2 the second week, 3 a day the third, and so on until your due date. It's supposed to help you go into labor "on time" (which is a concern for me because of my diabetes), and make labor more efficient. There are six different herbs in the formula, hence the 6, and I guess PN stands for prenatal. The brand I have is "Nature's Way", but they don't make it anymore. I'm pretty sure there's another way to get it, I just don't know where. I think I'll start another thread.

[Jennah_Gole]

I think I have said it too many times...this is by far the hardest and longest pregnancy I have ever had. I think I am around 33 weeks now due March 11th.

For the past week, I have had the worst excruciating pain right where my pubic hair starts - it feels like the bone in there is aching constantly. i called my midwife who said that the pubic bone comes together there to form an arch and that area is covered with ligaments? and they get soft during this time to make more room for the baby. So sometimes a misalignment occurs which causes excruciating pain and there is really nothing you can do besides hot baths, hot compresses on the area and keeping your legs parallel and close together at all times and taking a painkiller.

I have been doing all these things and have gotten a little better but there are times I feel paralyzed and can't even get up or move my legs. Sometimes the pain shoots down my left leg to my knee...ooooh its the worst when i try and sleep...i haven't not slept at night at all from the pain.

Anyone have any suggestions for pain relief?

i hope March 11th comes quickly! I am surely ready.

[Unreal]

two-kids: I get this too! I thought I was going to cry one day when dh, ds, and I were playing around on the bed--I straddled dh to climb over him and suddenly the pain was SO intense I couldn't even move. It felt like someone had taken a baseball bat and hit my pubic bone!! :( :( :(
Luckily, it isn't usually that bad. I don't know what I would do if it were.

I actually found that sleeping with a pillow, not between my knees, but as high up as I can helps some--but that seems to go against the idea of keeping your legs close together :confused: For the most part, I've just been sleeping as much on my stomach as possible, since that doesn't seem to cause as much pain.

I also noticed that if I massage that area, right on top of the bone, it helps some. It feels kind of like massaging a bruised area, but the discomfort is always less afterwards. I'll have to try a hot compress--I never think of doing things like that :rolleyes:

Just think of it this way (which completely FREAKS dh out!)--you're actually what...33 1/2 weeks now (almost 34 weeks!!). A babe born at 37 is considered full term, and that is only 3 to 3 1/2 weeks away :jaw
And from there--it is only 3 weeks until you hit your official due date!
Not that I am impatient or anything and trying to find ways to make the time seem to go quicker! (I'm due the 13th :) )

[melamama]

two-kids is it possible to go to a chiropractor or someone like a massage therapist or accupressurist that might have healing hands? if it's caused by a misalignment maybe someone like that could give you some relief.

a great tip I got that I would use if we had a microwave is to fill a sock with rice and chammomile or lavender, sew up, then microwave for a bit-it creates a good smelling, moldable, hot compress.

[Sofiamomma]

I second Melamama's suggestion of a chiropractor. I injured my tailbone badly as a teenager and I think it made me carry my first dd a little "off". It felt like my pubic bone was bruised. When I got about halfway thru this pregnancy I was having excruciating pain in my tailbone and could barely walk. I went to a chiropractor and she helped me tremendously! She not only adjusted my tailbone, but also my pubic bone. I need another adjustment soon though, since I think it has come back out a little and dd2 is rubbing her little head on my pubic bone and it is starting to feel bruised.

[Jennah_Gole]

ljkelly: yeah thats what it feels like most of the time with me. Its soo hard also since I have these two kids to take care of and my husband is in the UK now and won't be back until I am about 37 weeks.

mellamomma&sophiamomma: i never thought of that....yeah I will check out a chiropractor cause I seriously need some help.

sometimes its not so bad and i do some walking and then all of a sudden it hits and i literally start screaming....i didnt scream when i was in the hardest labor!

i immediately run in the hot bath and keep a hot water bottle on it all night.

oh i am wishing for some relief. after i get off the computer i am immediately going to call around for a chiropractor.

thanks a bunch!
:love :D

[Melinda77]

Hey all, just got back from my 34 week appt and have a question so I thought I'd bump us up!

My q - I've been measuring 1-2 weeks ahead this entire pg, last appt was at 32 weeks and I was 33cm, then this time I measured 37cm! My midwife was cautious saying that it could be the position of the baby, but if I'm that much ahead next time we will talk about scheduling an u/s to check fluid levels. Anyone else gone through this or have any insights for me?

TIA

PS with my son, I was always right on for dates, so this is all new to me!

[boobykinmamma]

Is anyone else sick of eating all the time? I get so hungry, but then there's almost nothing I feel like eating. I've been craving soda, sour candy, sweet doughy carbs. I'm still eating well, but it's an effort sometimes. I started out this pregnancy following the Brewer diet pretty closely, but I really haven't stuck to it. I still pack in a lot of protein. I am SO sick of eggs for breakfast and have been eating other protein sources in the morning. Green veggies can still be challenging too (MAJOR aversion to them for the first 16 weeks or so). I only like salad at a restaurant or if someone else makes it. Okay, enough whining! Overall, I'm feeling really well at 34 weeks. I decided to wean ds, 33 months--nursing has been painful throughout this pregnancy, and I don't want to start out with sore nipples with a new nursling. If ds asks to nurse again once the new baby arrives, I'll probably let him, but right now we've cut way back. He's doing really well with it.

Got my birthing pool (inflatable kiddie pool) and need to start shopping for birth supplies that don't come in the birth kit. I'm getting excited and a little impatient to meet this new little one!

[seraph]

I am so with you on the sick of eating thing. I'm at 36 weeks. I wake up at 4:30 am and I have to eat something, then when I get up to go to work I have breakfast again. I'm so tired of having to find something to eat all the time. I'm not gaining an excessive amount of weight and I think my eating habits are fine, but the smaller meals more often thing is making me crazy. Not to mention the heartburn...

[melamama]

I know what you mean about the eating. I'm 36 weeks and had been doing scrambled eggs or omelettes in the am., now I'm just hard boiling them so I can just down the whites. I am tired of eating too.

Last night I was showing off my belly to dh, and he says "you know we might have another one with a february birthday" my belly is that huge. I have to try on dd's belly cast for a size comparison.

Melinda77-at my 34 week appt. I measured 35, and came home and tried to find info on measurements (of course now I can't find the source) but I think the measurements can be +/- 4cm and be ok.

[Unreal]

you know, it is scary when you realize you've hit the point in your pregnancy when you can count the days until your due date....

Well, it's actually exciting, but we still haven't done *anything* to get the house ready for the babe!!!

We don't even have the car seat yet!

Maybe I should quit procrastinating :)

Things are going really well here, other than the fact that my belly feels like it is going to split in half if it gets any bigger!
I could do without the B-H contractions too, but at least I know my body is getting ready, right?

I hope everyone else is doing well too!

[Jennah_Gole]

i finished painting the kids room.... but the stenciling is really killing me. I have only completed two walls. Two more walls to go and four more weeks before my due date. I wanted to do my room also but i am going so slow in the kids room I am not sure if I will be able to.

I am soooo extremely happy my pubic pain has subsided. You can't imagine how bad it was....i think its because the baby is now deeper in my pelvis (at least thats what they said when they did the scan). She is head down and face down and ready.

Well its only sleepless nights and waiting for hubby to return from his trip. He should be back in 12 days and that means I will be two days away from being 38 weeks.

my sister-in-law just had her baby - 2nd baby - she was in labor for 7 hours. I managed to convince her to go completely natural and I told her its all the intervention that delayed her the first time. Now she swears that because of the pain she will never have anymore kids. I was like Oh No - now its my turn.

[Unreal]

Originally posted by two-kids_uae
i finished painting the kids room.... but the stenciling is really killing me. I have only completed two walls. Two more walls to go and four more weeks before my due date. I wanted to do my room also but i am going so slow in the kids room I am not sure if I will be able to.

Boy...you are wayyyyy ahead of me. We keep talking about painting or wallpapering the room, since right now it has two AWFUL floral prints on the walls (two walls one print, two walls the other *sigh*). It might happen in the next few years ;)


my sister-in-law just had her baby - 2nd baby - she was in labor for 7 hours. I managed to convince her to go completely natural and I told her its all the intervention that delayed her the first time. Now she swears that because of the pain she will never have anymore kids. I was like Oh No - now its my turn.

Well, I don't think I would want to think about the next kiddo right after I just had one. Maybe with time she'll realize the pain is really short-lived--especially considering the reward at the end :) Of course, it's easy for me to say this...with ds1 I had an epidural ;) I feel much more prepared for this guy, and I'm hoping that will make a big difference in how things go. :)

I'm glad to hear it is only 12 days till your dh returns :D As much as he drives me insane, I'd be really sad if dh weren't here. Not to mention him missing my nightly gymnastic attempts to get comfortable....

[Jennah_Gole]

LJKelly:lololol, you reminded me of the times dh would finally give up[ on me getting comfortable and give me his back after I tossed this way and that way and itched here and there and still couldn't get comfortable...i would be like "oh thats nice, just turn ur back and sleep" I mean he never meant anything bad - sometimes I would stay awake for hours and just watch him asleep. I would think that he is sooooo lucky to be a man.

So where are the rest of our March Mamas....this is the time we need to stick close together and let each other know what is going on....time is ticking and we don't have long to go...so lets keep in touch.

[melamama]

well, here's my update-had a midwife vist yesterday and since she thinks this one might get big (10 lbs by 40wks) she said that next visit-next week she might strip my membranes (I'll be 37 wks. then). From what I've read this is like other (not pit or breaking waters) induction techniques, it depends if your body and the baby are ready. I'm still not sure how I feel about it, I always believed that the baby comes on it's birthday, but dd was 10 days past the edd, and if I go that long this one might get very big.

on the positive side, this baby is so big (and currently facing the right direction) I don't think he's got room to turn posterior like dd-so hopefully no back labor this time

otherwise, I've picked up my tub and have all my homebirth supplies. we just need a new hose to fill the tub. now I'm just worried that we'll have time to fill the tub-last house we emptied the hot water tank 5 times. this tank is bigger so hopefully it won't take as long.

that's all that's going on with me-now I just need to get rid of this cold!

what's happening with everyone else?:)

[Melinda77]

Two-kids, I agree, lets keep each other updated now that we're getting so close!

Here's my quickie update - had my 36 week midwife appt today, got the GBS culture one and talked about laboring at home with my doula (finally picked one!). This time I measured 38 cm, so not a huge gain again (went from 33cm at 32 weeks to 37cm at 34 weeks) so no worries there anymore, we probably just caught a growth spurt.

Is anyone who is having a hospital birth packed yet? I plan to start that this weekend, and ds is having his first over-night stay and Grandma's this weekend (he's more ready for it than I am!) so I'll probably wash the newborn diapers and sort the baby clothes while he's away.

[Unreal]

I probably should get stuff together for the hospital...(as much as the homebirth sounds soooo nice!).
I finally got the cloth diapers last week, cpf's--so they are all going through the wash now. I'm debating over using them from day one or if I should wait a few days so they don't get stained. I'll probably just cut up some fleece we have around the house and make some liners. I really want to have him in cloth diapers from the get go! I can't wait to see them on him!! (Can you tell that I've been reading way too many posts in the diapering forum? They've already got me addicted!!)
I still have to get all the newborn clothes out of storage and get them washed. Maybe that will be my goal for this weekend.

Dh got completely freaked out on Monday when the midwife said that I would be full-term in 10 days. :eek I've been telling him that 37 weeks is full term, but I guess it sounds different coming from the 'expert'. :rolleyes:
I'm alllllll for having this guy as soon as he is ready. Everything aches and I swear I'm getting bruises on my ribs from him kicking. At least after he is born I can have some input on where he kicks.

ds1 was right on time though, so I'm not getting my hopes too high for an earlier birthday. It is nice to think about though :D

Other than that, I'm just waiting for the snow to melt. I love winter and all that, but enough's enough!

Melamama--I hope the cold passes soon. :hug I *just* got over an awful one that ds gave me...


Lauren :) :down :)

[boobykinmamma]

I'm at 35 weeks. One more week until I'm in the clear for homebirth! Our midwive's student came to our house yesterday (midwives were at a birth), for the home visit they do before the birth. She estimated that baby is around 5 pounds, and slightly posterior, but still has time to move. I'll start taking evening primrose (orally and vaginally) next week to begin ripening the cervix, and we'll do the group B stress culture next week as well. We have our pool but still need to buy/borrow a pump, and we need a new hose.

My wonderful mamma friends had a beautiful blessingway for me yesterday evening. We ate good food, everyone gave beads and blessings to the baby and me, they painted my belly with henna, soaked and massaged my feet, did a facial masque, and just totally pampered me. It was such a sweet experience, one I'll never forget.

It's hard to believe we're all in the homestretch!

Hoping all is well with all of you, boobykinmamma

[melamama]

boobykinmamma-your blessingway sounded fabulous! what great mama friends!

just wanted to pass on some info about avoiding a posterior baby-and the accompanying back labor (my dd was born posterior and I had accompanying back labor and have been doing everything to avoid a repeat)
*try to reduce the amount of time you spend in a recline position-sitting back, you want to focus on leaning forward
*spend some time (1/2hour/day) on all fours-pelvic tilting or just hanging out
*and even riding in a car you want to be upright or slightly forward--these things make it less comfortable for baby to go back to back with you.
you may know this already, but a posterior baby presents with a different part of the head-so it is like birthing a baby that is a pound larger (!)

ljkelly-thanks for the well wishes, I think I am over the worst of it

I hope everyone is healthy and feeling good :)

[Jennah_Gole]

melamama: thanks for that info on posterior babies...both of mine were posterior and I have been doing some of the stuff you said. At the ultrasound, the lady told me that the baby's face was facing my back so I assume that she will stay that way.

I think I will be 37 weeks in three days.

As far as hospital stuff, I don't know why I have no interest in preparing anything. Here, we have to prepare the clothes the baby will wear in the hospital cuz they will put the baby in a towel and then when its time to bathe they ask you for the clothes....

I should be getting ready cuz yesterday i thought i was in labor...i kept on having bhixs plus crampiness under my belly button and it kept on going for about a couple of hours but then it went away....

I was glad it went away cuz dh is not due back for another 8 days. I have this awful feeling when I think about laboring without dh by my side.

My next midwife appt is the 16th of Feb. which is in 2 days. I was wondering if the bhix did anything down there but I don't think she would do an internal.

[elfie]

Haven't posted in a while.....but will be 37 weeks on Monday and just having a really hard time with the home stretch this time.
I'm pretty short so baby is really low and that straddle/waddle is making getting around hard (especially with a 3 yo) Last midwife appt at 36 weeks was an internal and I was 2cm and 80% effaced. I panicked for 2 days at that because we have NOTHING ready and the house is more than just messy. But with my dd I walked around at 2 cm, 90% and 0 station for 3+ weeks and finally delivering almost 2 weeks after due date! I'm preparing to go late w/this one too because it was so frustrating with #1 after everyone saying I would for sure go early. But in the back of my mind is the hope that the 2nd has to go at least on time as I'm already dialated and effaced and low and only measure 34 at 36 weeks! Hmmmmm....famous last words.

My dd was posterior as well and it took me 6, yes 6 hours of pushing (after 19 hours of labor) to get her out. I'm trying to get on all fours as much as I can but it is so uncomfortable! I will try the other suggestions as well.

Anyone else worried about the political situations and having our babies? I'm trying not to let it get the better of me, but I live pretty close to D.C. and I just can't help it.

What a tense post :) I better take a deep breath and be thankful for such a healthy pregnancy or this baby is surely not gonna come early:rolleyes:

Good luck to all and blessings!

[LukesMum]

Elfie-
I'm 50 miles south of DC and let me tell you-going tinto town and seeing armed guards with machine guns at the capital is very strange!!! I'm not worrying about it-I always say worry is a useless emotion....just trying to stay wrapped up in the "joy" of baby! I'm also 37 weeks!

[Unreal]

I didn't even think about how location could cause stress! :(
I think the most we have to worry about here are the cruddy roads that are only half plowed...

I'm finally going to meet my doula today--we've been talking on the phone so far--but today is the first day we could both meet. I'm really looking forward to it :) :)

I've got to go get kiddo #1 started on his schoolwork. His workload keeps getting smaller and smaller as I get bigger and bigger. Amazing, isn't it? These are the times that I like to remind myself that in 2 hours at home you can cover as much as the school would have in the entire day...at least it sounds really good :)

May you all have an absolutely wonderful, relaxing, nice and cozy Valentine's Day :) :)

Lauren :love

[seraph]

I'm 38 weeks tomorrow, and still feeling really well although my blood pressure went up and my labs came back looking suspicious for pre eclampsia so no homebirth for me. :( The homebirth CPM has transferred me back to the CNMs I saw in early pregnancy. I'm rather sad about it but am trying to keep a positive outlook. The hospital where we will have the baby is where my mom works as a nurse so I know they will treat me very well, but I was really hoping to have the baby at home and my husband wanted to help catch. Now I'm trying to mentally reframe my vision of a good birth in the hospital and of everything going well. Bedrest brought my BP down enough that they're not talking induction this week, but would like me to do what I can to encourage labor - walking, acupuncture, etc.

[Sofiamomma]

Seraph,I feel for you about the loss of a homebirth. I had a beautiful homebirth with dd1 and am very sad about going to the hospital this time. I am trying to envision a lovely birth there as well. I work there, so will be surrounded by friends, but it just isn't the same. I do believe that the experience can still be what I make of it and am trying to be positive about it. Good luck to you! Maybe they will still let your dh catch. I've seen that in a hospital before. Are you eating lots of protein, and cucumbers, and drinking nettles tea?

[Jennah_Gole]

well i had my 37 week checkup - nothing new - got a swab done to see if I have Group B strep since I tested positive like 3 months ago...

I had some jelly-like discharge....i dunno if thats the mucous plug or what

but i must say for some reason i am scared this time...I don't have the motivation that I had with my previous child and I am afraid that I might not be able to handle the pain and everytime I think about it....i get stomach cramps.

of course, midwife says just take it one day at a time and it will be okay.... i know it will be but I am not sure where this fear is coming from...well it could be that I know how much pain it was when I had my last child....it was almost unbearable....

anyway, i have been having diarrhea everytime I eat something...


{four more days till hubby is back}

[Unreal]

Two-kids (soon to be three-kids! :) )

You've already gotten through childbirth two times-- I'm sure you'll do great this time too!

I had an epidural with my first one (lonnnng story), so I never got a chance to find out if I could make it without massive pain medication.
I'm a little nervous about that...but I feel SO much better this time around--both with how my midwife visits have been going (as opposed to a pig-headed OB) and how my body feels. I'm trying to focus on the feeling good, rather than the nervousness.

Having said that, I still really wish that I knew that I could make it through labor without drugs--so you are a BIG step up from me!

And YAYAYAYAY only 4 days!!! That has got to be a HUGE relief.
:hug :hug


I'll be 37 weeks on Thursday....I'm just really wishing there were a way to tell the babe that 37 weeks is 'full term' :) Speaking of which...gotta call the midwife. We're snowed in...no way I'm making it to my appt today :( :(

Lauren :love

[Jennah_Gole]

Thanks LJ for the booster -- I feel a little better.

btw, I had an epidural with my first baby (dd) -- long story also, I really didn't know any better...episiotomy and all.

so with ds and finding the mothering boards besides being in completely new relationship (i mean I got divorced after dd and remarried 2 years later - then a year later got prego with ds) I decided to read and do a lot of research which helped me decide to go natural and realize that it should be the only way to go.

believe me LJ you can do it and your body can do it -- you just have to let your body do it....you have to go through the pain and just concentrate and breathe...I did it once and I hope to do it again.

ooooh how I miss snow....it doesn't even rain around here...and when it does it is a rare occasion - everyone gets dressed and runs outside in the rain...it happened once last year.

Yeah i really wish to have this baby now but with my last two I went to 40 weeks...we will see this one could be different.

I appreciate all the support I get from these boards...I couldn't do it without Mothering and you of course lj...thanks.

I think i am getting sappy -- talk about mood swings -- one minute i am sad, the next happy and now I am in tears.......................:crying :D

[Unreal]

I know what you mean about MDC...there are so many nights where I'm so stressed about everything else in life, I just want to hide. I end up sitting here reading most of the night and feeling so much better. Everyone here is so wonderful :D

I've decided that I can deal with holding off on the babe until the 3rd (he's due the 13th), but that is as long as I'm waiting :p
Think about how cool it would be to have your birthday be 03/03/03 :bouncy

I spent all day yesterday on the couch, I was sooo uncomfortable. I felt like the babe was up under my ribs. Today is better though, thankfully. At least I can deal with sitting at the computer :)

I've been going through laundry left and right, getting all of ds1's baby clothes out of storage. I forgot how much stuff I had! We are SOOOO stocked on baby clothes--at least newborn through 18 months! Ds was born in Sept, so he and this guy's birthday's will be 6 months apart. That means that the clothes we bought for him in the fall will work for the new babe in the spring--not bad, eh? The only problem I see are all the Christmas clothes that will be fitting the babe in the middle of summer :rolleyes:

I also bought a bunch of nursing stuff for me. At least enough to get us started. Somehow I managed to nurse ds1 for almost 2 years without any nursing clothes. I think I just did the whole yank the shirt up thing, but I can't even remember. How is that for pregancy brain?

*sigh* :D

:hug to everyone!

Lauren :love

[boobykinmamma]

Hi, everyone! Had my 36 week mw appointment yesterday. I was only measuring 34 cm after being right on for dates for awhile, so she did an internal to check positioning, and the baby was pretty low, although she said my cervix is still pretty long. Well, that explains my constant need to pee--it's getting riduculous!

We finally have everything we need for our homebirth--which I'm in the clear for (legally) as of yesterday, yay! We did the group b stress culture yeserday, too. I'm having lots of braxton hicks contractions--they started around 13 weeks this time, and have been fairly uncomfortable all along, but never regular.

Happy final weeks to all the March moms! :love

[samsara]

Hi all! i'm kristen in baltimore and i'm expecting our first DS on 3/11. i was convinced for a while that he would come early (or maybe i was just hoping, i dunno!), but it looks like he'll be on time if not a little late, based on the latest:

i'm 37.5 weeks; around 34 i developed BV and during my pelvic, the midwife remarked that i was 35% effaced and the boy was at zero, which didn't surprise me since my thighs hadn't touched in a week previous, LOL. the next week, at 35, i was about 50% and he was still really low, so low that i was measuring small (about 33). i started, during the giant snowstorm, to have really strong contractions, some of them painful but inconsistent; when i went for an NST (i was starting to worry), she said that he'd climbed back up, that i was still 50%/1cm but that my cervix is completely posterior. for some reason, the contractions have stopped being painful (they are still strong, but they don't hurt) and now i worry that i'm somehow regressing! could it be?

so glad to see so many other march mamas; thanks for having me!

[Unreal]

Two-kids--How are things there? Is dh home safe and sound?

Kristen-- Hi! and Welcome :) :) Maybe your guy just decided he didn't want to come out and see all that snow? :D

I'm also hoping my guy (due the 13th) will decide to come early. I'm soooo ready for him!! The waiting is going to drive me batty. With ds1 I had all sorts of new toys to play with to keep me busy--and of course we had to go out and buy one of everything in the baby stores. This time around we are using ds1's stuff for the new babe and have only bought stuff like diapers and a new car seat. There are only so many times you can ooh and ahh over a car seat and prefold diapers.....

Not to mention it would be nice to be able to sleep without getting the near-constant internal jabs and pokes.

I'm off to pretend to be productive....
I hope everyone else is well!

[Jennah_Gole]

LJ: thanks for asking....YES!!! he is home safely and I am so relieved.

and WELCOME TO U - Samsara

Last nite from midnite to 6am I was having what I thought were contractions....I am still not sure if they were really contrax and they stopped or they were braxton hixs... let me describe them: backache plus tightening in lower stomach with pain all the way through my vagina....but i thought they were real but they never got any stronger than they were.

but it scared me b/c both of my kids were posterior and i all i ever knew was back labor so I know how to go through that and handle it but the stomach pain - I am not sure how I will handle that if thats what I get this time. I wasn't handling it very well last night when it wasn't that bad and I can't imagine what to do or how I would have handled it if it was worse.

now technically we really have 2 weeks left!!!!! Oooooh i hope it happens sooner than later too....its so difficult to do anything.

[samsara]

hi, thanks for the welcomes! my rotten kid :love has no excuse now -- it rained almost three inches yesterday and the snow's practically gone, the car's dug out and it's warmed up -- come out!

seriously, i'm getting so impatient; i don't know how i'm going to survive the next couple of weeks!

two_kids, those pains sound like something i was having last week and the shooting vaginal pains were kind of scary, but they subsided just like yours and now i'm just back to the rock-hard painless BH. my opinion (based on "scientific" assumption, LOL), is that they were the "true" practice contrax; that is, when they're real, i'm told, they hurt lower and around the back, unlike the BH which supposedly tighten the whole uterus.

ljkelly, my fella sleeps when i sleep, to speak, and he doesn't poke me overnight -- quite different than a lot of women i've talked to. when i wake up, he's usually still asleep and i get out of bed all lopsided -- my right side is totally deflated. it's pretty funny and it takes about 1/2hour for him to right himself; sometimes it hurts while he gets in day mode, he's so contorted!

[boobykinmamma]

Well, it looks like Ive become a February mama! Our little girl, Leela Prashanthi, surprised us by arriving at 36 weeks, 2 days. We had an amazing home waterbirth--I'll post the birth story soon. She weighed 5 lbs, 11 oz, 19 in. long, is doing great, and we're madly in love.

[Unreal]

YAY!!! Congratulations!!!
:) :D :love :bgbounce :bouncy :banana :balloons :hug :heartbeat :baby :sunshine :thumb

[Melinda77]

Woohoo!! Welcome Leela Prashanthi!
:D :love :D :banana :throb

[samsara]

oh, that's fantastic! big congratulations and a welcome to leela!:balloons

[melamama]

congratulations!:hearts :baby :hearts how wonderful!

[elfie]

Congrats on the birth!!!

CONSTIPATION----ugh, it is causing those crampy low pains so I don't know if it's labor at night or just my lovely end-of-pg symptom.

Big but not so big news.....another internal last Wed. has gotten me to 4 cm, 90% effaced and 0 station! Ok so logically I know I could walk around like this for a few more weeks, but come on...2nd babe, almost 38 weeks, anyone wanna tell me "of course you'll go early!"

Frustrating only because every little contraction gets me worked up. But I'm doing the same thing everyone else is----going back and forth between those low crampy contrax and the Braxton Hicks. I also go for a few days with spurts of regular contrax and then maybe 2 days of very little of anything. Being 4 cm, I figure that when I go, i'll go.

Mucous plug question--- w/my first I think I remember seeing a little brown tinged discharge about a week before birth, but nothing like a glob of anything. Today I've been having a little thicker discharge than usual, but could be just that. Has anyone ever gone into labor without noticing any plug at all? I do pee in the dark in the middle of the night so who knows:confused:

So good luck to all of us on these last few weeks.....and to help me remind myself that babies come when babies come!

[samsara]

hiya, elfie (it's me, kristen)! so glad i saw your post; i'll call you tomorrow (monday) so we can chat about our event.

i'm having the same exact contrax as you are; oddly, the boy had engaged and really lightened up on my lungs and esophagus, but then he jumped back up! i picture him doing a handstand on my pelvis, holding himself away from the bottom...little brat:wink so i had about ten days of horrible heartburn and compromised breathing, but it seems that he's dropped again because i was actually able to eat a full meal tonight and i still feel hungry, with no indigestion. plus i've got that lovely can't-close-my-legs feeling, which is really fun.

[Sofiamomma]

It's so much fun to come here and see everyone else going thru the same things! I'm also going back and forth between the crampy, low-back aching, sharp, shooting vaginal pains and the rock-hard, painless BH. She dropped sometime late yesterday. My heartburn has miraculously disappeared and I can eat more at a sitting. I also feel like I'm walking around a bowling ball. Last week I was 1 cm, and thick, but anterior. I'm 38 1/2 weeks. I lost some of my mucus plug on Saturday. With Sophia I never did see much of it. I think it came out during labor and I just was too busy to notice. I also never had contractions or bloody show with her either until I was in true labor. That certainly isn't true this time!

Congratulations on your February girl, boobykinmama!!

[melamama]

Hi, anyone else feeling impatient?
I've run all my errands, even got my hair cut (like a twice a year event). For the last 2 weeks I've had Bhs and the low front and back crampiness, the shooting pains that make me think the baby is doing head spins on my cervix. I didn't have any of that last time so I really thought I was more ready to go. At first they were only at night, but now they're throughout the day, so I'm guessing it's getting closer.

We filled the tub for a test run yesterday, it was good because it took less time than we thought it would.

Dd was 10days past the edd, so I know that baby's come when they're ready, but I really thought I'd go early with this one. Now I answer the phone and everyone is like "how are you?" Like I'm going to be in transition and answering the phone.:rolleyes:

[Sofiamomma]

Yes, very impatient! But at the same time, I'd like to wait another week until everything is in place. (Dd's room painted and her moved into, finished working so my leave won't be cut into, done with a bit more schoolwork, having my OB back in town,that kind of thing) My arms have started to ache to hold my new baby. That happened last time, too. They physically ache. The babies at work, and pictures of new babies create a really poignant sense of longing. It's almost painful. It's also hard when I take care of mamas who were due after me! They are at least very sympathetic. :) Twelve hour shifts are near to being unbearable. I need the next day to recuperate. I pray I don't go into labor after one of those!

Hang in there everyone, we're in the home stretch!

[Melinda77]

Hiya ladies.

Well, I've had a stressful week! My father had a heart attack last Thursday (his second in 2 months!) and had a double bypass on Friday, but recovered amazingly well and came home yesterday - whew! It's tough, he's alone and I had to keep the rest of the family informed, pick him up, etc. At least now he's home, and my aunts and uncles can visit on the weekends to check on him.

With all that, I managed to gain 4lbs in a week!! Ugh! can you tell I'm the type to eat under stress? LOL

My midwife wasn't concerned about that at all, thankfully. At my 38 week visit today she said baby is well engaged (no joke! somedays I think she's trying to break my pelvis in half!). I asked her to try to strip my membranes (since dad is home and I have help for him, thought it couldn't hurt to try to go now) but no such luck. I'm only 1cm and 50% effaced, back to waiting impatiently!

[Unreal]

Melinda, I'm glad to hear that your dad is okay...I can't imagine going through that right now, although it must be a relief to know that he is okay.

and....Yeppers. It sounds like we're all just playing the waiting game....(all except Boobykinmamma!!)

My good news for the week is that my GBS test came back negative :D
I also got the thumbs up to start using evening primrose oil...Although I don't know how much it will help. I need to convince this kiddo that it is actually pretty nice out here.
He has dropped down *some*, but I swear he just used that space to stretch out his legs. He is STILL under my ribs, and makes sure I know it every single time I try to lay down.

I think we've actually got everything ready here now. Well, minus the washer/dryer...but those are getting delivered monday (YAY!!! My FIRST EVER brand new washer and dryer!!! I can't believe I'm this excited about it hehehe)

My mom is still completely freaked out over us not setting up a crib or anything for the babe. Every time I talk to her, she asks about it. DS1 used the crib maybe 3 times before he was a year old--and that was just to put him in while I was doing stuff in his room when I couldn't hold him (like hanging curtains)! Seems like a whole lot of space to waste for a big old laundry basket :)

We did completely splurge though and get a queen size mattress to put next to our old queen mattress. It was only a little more than a twin or a full would have been, and it means that ds1, aka Mr. BedHog, can still come in our room if he wants/needs to.

Speaking of which--I wanted to ask how you moms prepared/are preparing the soon-to-be siblings for the babe. Ds says he is fine with it, but after not sleeping in our bed for almost 2 years (he is 7 1/2), he is suddenly back in there every night. I don't mind..I love snuggling with the little bugger (despite the fact that he is a major bed hog!), but it makes me worry about how the baby is going to affect him.
Any ideas? I've tried talking to him about it...giving him words for things he might be feeling, but he was mr. mellow about the whole thing and insisted that he wasn't worried or anxious or stressed about it at all. *sigh*

Lauren :love

[melamama]

Melinda, sorry about your father. Good to hear that he's home and ok.

Lauren, I don't know what we're doing about the bed issue. Dd had a crib, but never slept in it-even after we took the sides off and it converted to a toddler bed. Now we've got a puppy so I thought we'd bring the crib down so I could have a safe place to put the baby down.

We were asking Dd where baby would sleep she said "in the crib in my room", then we asked where she would sleep and she looks at us like we're loony and says "in bed with you guys". We explained that she never slept in the crib and this baby will sleep in our bed too. She sort of blew that info off. All I can think to do is let her know how things will be. In the last week she has gotten really clingy. I can't count how many times I've heard "mama hold me". I was hoping she was in on some good information and the baby would be here by now.

We've also been talking about how I'll be tired and not able to do much, the nursing, and the fact that the baby will be tiny and sleep much of the time (not like the 1 year old 'babies' that she knows). It's so abstract. I've been trying to read her books about new sibs. The new LLL catalogue has several, but I think by the time I ordered them and got them we'd already be there.

off to my mw appointment, she mentioned stripping my membranes-we'll see.

[samsara]

hi all. melinda, i'm glad to hear that your dad is doing well. ljkelly, i'm so happy for your new appliances -- it's cool to be excited about them.

it's just been snowing here nonstop since, like, thanksgiving; i've managed to have my last two mw appts cancelled due to inclement weather and my mw being a single mom who's gotta pick up her kids at school...sigh. it's frustrating at 38 weeks to have to play pioneer and resign myself to, "well, when it happens, it happens," and not have any idea at this point where i stand for effacement and dilation. i rescheduled for tomorrow but that's when we're getting the brunt of the snow, so i'll probably have to wait out the weekend with no idea of how i'm doing.

my hips are crazy loose and it hurts to get up in the night to pee -- that walk down the hall is really graceful, i tell you. strange twist: my hands hurt, like i have arthritis something awful. bending my fingers and making fists are out of the question for longer than it takes me to write this post. wtf?!?!

i had a panic yesterday when my sister's dog had an adverse reaction to his lyme disease vax (don't get me started!) and his liver enzymes shot to "immeasurable levels" -- he could have died. all the while i'm in this awful worried state of, "he can't die, he just can't;" i cried and cried and it struck me: is this what it's like to worry about your child? i'm so in for it.

[Jennah_Gole]

I also became a February momma!!!!

I had my beautiful little girl, khadijah, on 24th of Feb. I went into labor at 5:20am and she was born at 7:02am. Very quick, very intense and natural but i couldn't move around or anything because of GBS I had to take antibiotics.

I hope you all have a wonderful experience.

LJKelly: u still hangin in there or what?

[samsara]

congratulations! that's great news...welcome, khadijah!

[Unreal]

two-kids--
YAY!!!! Congratulations!! :) :thumb :love :bgbounce :bouncy :banana :balloons :hug :hearts :sunshine

You must all be so excited! And I am so glad that Khadijah waited for dad to be home :D
Of course, now you really do have to see about becoming three-kids_uae :Winky

I'm still waiting waiting waiting
I've been having more frequent stronger contractions, but nothing regular. :rolleyes:
Could be worse though, right? :)

Snuggle those Feb. babes for the rest of us!

Lauren :love

[Melinda77]

welcome, khadijah!!

Definately snuggle these Feb babes for those of us waiting! :love

[SunflowerMama]

Well, my name is Lisa/Sunflower. We are due with baby #4 on March 19th!! We are all so excited. We are having this one at home like our daughter. Our boys were born in the hospital. Baby is head down and low! Everything is going good other than the fact that I have gestational diabetes, but it is diet related. So, as long as I watch what I eat I am fine. I can't wait to get to know all of you and here about your birth stories.
Congratulations to all of the mama's that have already had thier little one join them!!

[LukesMum]

Hi All
I'm 39 weeks--got curious last week and had my mw check me (avoiding vaginals like the plague) and she said "nothing going on!" UGH No major contractions, no mucous plus....and my ribs still hurt. Maybe this baby is gonna take her time!!

I know it is hard being patient , but I'm surprised at so many mamas wanting their membranes stripped!!?? Just curious , why?? Other than just being "ready". For me the less I have someones hand in me-the less chance of infection etc....

[Melinda77]

I know it is hard being patient , but I'm surprised at so many mamas wanting their membranes stripped!!?? Just curious , why?? Other than just being "ready". For me the less I have someones hand in me-the less chance of infection etc....

:( Well, since I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who has mentioned it, I'll re-state my reason (it was in my original post too) My dad got out of the hospital after a double bypass on Tuesday, he is single, lives alone, and I am the only person available Monday-Thursday to help him. Since he is home, and I have aunts and uncles who can check on him Thurs-Sun, I thought it would be a good time to try to get baby moving. And, not that it matters but I'm feeling picked on a need to defend, that was my first internal since my pap (which I was due for in the 1st tri) unless you count the GBS swap (but no one's HAND was up there then, just the swab). And really, since I wasn't dialated enough for stripping to happen, my first interal at 38 weeks is the same as the one you say you had last week too, so we now have the same "chance of infection etc...."

:angry Grrr. I don't mean this to be an attack, but reading back I really can find only my own post in this thread about this, and I'm feeling very picked on. I'm sure you meant the best, but I feel judged. I should think the best, and assume that you read more than just this thread before making that comment, but hey, I'm totally stressed and at the end of my pg, being gracious is hard right now :rolleyes:

[LukesMum]

Wow--so sorry you took offense...none intended!! I have read in several places on these boards about membranes being stripped and about being "checked" alot for dialation. I am so sorry about your family situation especially at this time in your pregnancy...not a time when you need it. Make sure you take care of yourself[B]and again, I'm sorry this struck such a personal note. I'm a homebirther w/ a CPM and vaginals are held to a minimum if at all--I had my first since my original pap last week when I went to a "med-wife"and it caught me off guard. With my last pregnanacy I was "checked" all the time and in labor lots too--I find it very uncomfortable and for me, it stressed me out. I have a friend who walked around for 3 week at 4cm!! SO , I guess I have just in my mind dismissed being checked for the most part.

Hope everyone is feeling well-Peace:hippie ::

[Sofiamomma]

I may get my membranes stripped as well. My doc was gonna do it yesterday, but she was unable to. I had my last baby at home with a midwife and was never checked except for a couple times in labor (while pushing). However, I am now diabetic and for that reason I have to have my baby early or on time, so will be doing everything possible to encourage her to come without the need for cervidil, AROM, or pit. I've been taking EPO, and PN6 and will try a heating pad on my breasts tomorrow night, as well as nipple stim on Monday morning. From there I will move on to the cohoshes, either tinctures or homeopathic remedies or both, and castor oil rubs. Taking castor oil internally is my last resort.

Any positive labor vibes anyone wants to send me will be greatly appreciated!

[LukesMum]

sofiamomma-
We had a move schedule to SIngapore 3 weeks postpartum last baby--I had to be on time as well. I did internal castor oil on Wed and delivered on friday. I've heard horror stories but it didn't bother me...I think my colon was pretty healthy and clean from the get go. Also...talk to your baby! I know it sounds simple but I really believe that connection is there...I'm a massage therapist and have talked to lots of babies who have looked at me after their birth with an "I know you" look. It's beautiful. I will be thinking of you!

[melamama]

I think I also may have mentioned having my membranes stripped. I am also using a CNM who really doesn't seem believe in vaginal exams, but at 36 or 37 weeks became concerned about the size of my baby- as in "I don't think you need to deliver an 11 pound baby, maybe we'll do an internal in two weeks and I'll strip your membranes". Then the next week when she was feeling my belly she decided that she didn't think he'd get that big. So no internal until she got to my house and I was having cxs 3 minutes apart and I ended up being 8cm dilated.

short birth story since I'm still tired--after 2 days of nothing labor (6-8 minutes cxs 30-45sec) I took a bath and things speeded up, called mw and since it was 8pm she said to have a glass of wine so I could sleep and have the baby the next day. I threw up the wine, cxs 2-3minutes apart, lasting longer than a minute. Called the mw back, she got here at 10:30, walked, pushed on the bed (felt very nonproductive I couldn't even focus on the cxs or pushing while on my back), got into the tub, squatted, tried not to push for 2 cxs (to let them build since the ones on the bed were not helpful), then on the 3rd couldn't not push and pushed him out in one--so fast our mw didn't even have gloves on yet, I caught him and brought him out of the water. He's great, 8pounds, 14 ounces (at 39weeks). He latched on immediately which was so cool.

Big sister is pretty excited-only once yesterday did she say that she didn't want to be a sister, then she crawled up on my chest and fell asleep. Otherwise she wants to hold him (all the time) and change his diaper. She was the only one thrilled with the meconimum.

Hope everyone is feeling well, .:hearts and good strong labor vibes to everyone who's close to the end

[boobykinmamma]

Congratulations to you, twokids! Wow, what a fast labor. Just wanted to jump on while I had a moment (not many of those anymore with a 3 year old and a newborn!) to wish everyone well in these last weeks!

[Unreal]

Congratulations Melamama!
:) :D :thumb :bouncy :bgbounce :flower :banana :hearts :heartbeat :baby :sunshine

Do you have a name picked out for him?
Did you actually make it to March? :)

I can't wait for it to be my turn!!!!

(we really need an 'impatient' emoticon)


Lauren :love

[elfie]

Had my baby!!!!:) :) :) :love :love

Will right a birth story later, but it was quick and a great water birth on March 2nd to Simon 7 lbs. 7 oz. 10 days early. Boobs are sore but he's been eating like a champ from the start. LOVED that tub!!!

Good luck everyone!

[samsara]

Oh! I'm so very excited for you; call me if you get a moment (but of course it's no rush -- i was hoping that was why i hadn't heard back...!).

[boobykinmamma]

congratulations to efie and melamama!:love

[Sofiamomma]

Congratulations!!

[Unreal]

Yay Elfie!!!! :) :D :thumb :banana :baby
Congratulations and Welcome Simon!! :hug :heartbeat

I've been having mild contractions every 10 minutes for the past few hours.....nothing major--but enough to get my hopes up!!
We've been telling the babe all day that today would be a great day to be born :)

[Melinda77]

Welcome new babies!!

ljkelly, I'm right with ya, contractions regularly since 5pm, and just now my system emptied, hoping this is it and I have a babe in arms this time tomorrow!

[LukesMum]

I am jealous-due today and no sign s of anything!!!!!!!!!!! The birthtub is set up , family and friends are on "stand by", dh is working from home....come on baby-we're ready!

[Melinda77]

Don't be too jealous, it's just prodromal labor for me :( Going on day 3 now and no babe in sight, wishing the contrax would either get it together or give me a break.

[Unreal]

Same here....no babe yet :crying
*sigh*

Contractions are definitely getting more intense as time goes on, but nothing major is going on.

And if dh asks me if I'm in labor yet one more time, I might be hormonally compelled to whack him upside his head with a cast-iron pan....

[LukesMum]

Ok, I know due dates are crap but my ds was born on his due date and I was hoping for the same. I've got nothing happening except I want to sleep sleep sleep!! I went for my swim today and could barely make it 20 minutes. I'm also cranky cranky cranky :angry and can't seem to get out of this mood. I know that I could go up to 2 weeks overdue and be comfortable and not freaking out, atleast as far as safety for the baby, but I can't imagine going another week!! I've gained 45 lb on a very small frame and ya know, this pregnancy is hurting!! Ok, vent vent vent..peace and love to all!:hippie

[samsara]

Lukesmom, i could have written your post. so very tired, 45lb weight gain on my tiny body, awful, awful disposition...somehow the only person who's not getting on my nerves is dh (okay, the baby's not annoying me, but i would like him out, please). the mw said there was no change over last week, 75% effacement/barely 1cm.

thankfully, it's warm today so we can walk walk walk. i had some really strong contrax last night but they obviously went away; hopefully i can instigate some more on our walk today.

hang in there, mamas -- it can't last forever (can it?:confused: )!

[LukesMum]

samsara-WHen was you edd?? Mine was 3/7. I was in Towson for the first 6 months of my pregnancy-where are you delivering???

[samsara]

LukesMum (sorry -- got your handle wrong first time around), i'm due 3/11, so technically i'm not late but i somehow crossed a line of total impatience in the past week, so my lack of progress is really frustrating me. i was so grateful for the good weather today so that i could put down my book and leave the house.

i'm delivering at Union Memorial -- one of the last births, as they're closing their L&D to make way for a cardiac wing. another mama i know just delivered there last week and said it was really fun, that the nurses are all so sad to be leaving that they're really making these last days count. i spoke to one of the nurses there, who said that every birth these days is like a party -- as it should be!

so where are you now if you're not in Towson?

[LukesMum]

We are in Fredericksburg, Va. which is lovely but I'm feeling isolated. I have 1 friend who is a CNM and crunchy but otherwise-AP is almost unheard of here!:( The one hospital and the CNM's here are all very medically managed...so we're planning a homebirth. I still am having a few contractions here or there but wake up everymorning thinking-is this it?? My midwife is coming down today and I may let her check me--for no other reason than curiosity!! I have mixed feelings about it.....but she is over an hour away and I think she wants to know how I'm progressing (if at all) I'll let everyone know!

Sad about Union-I know Kathy Slone is moving all her waterbirth stuff over to Mercy...

[Unreal]

Well after an incredible 90 minutes of labor (:eek :eek) ds2 was born on the 8th at 6am :) :) :)

All I can say is that if you have the opportunity to do a water birth, DO IT! It was SOOOOO incredible!

I just escaped from the hospital (UGH!!) and I need to go get some sleep. I'll post more details later--as much as one can have details about 90 minutes (25 of which were the car ride to the hospital...)


Lauren :love

[samsara]

oh, that is great news! what a great name; so glad it went fast and that you're home already. looking forward to the story.

slainte, eoin!

[samsara]

heck, i'll go again...it's my due date. i know it's simply an estimate, not an appointment, but still...i'm feeling a bit sad that i am sitting here pregnant with nary a sign in site other than the same old BH i've been feeling for two months! i guess when i thought of 3/11/03, i thought my son would be here by now. my body tends to not hold onto stuff for very long; i purge illness quickly and i shun most medication because the half-life, for me, is a joke -- i never get more than say, an hour out of cold medicine, so i don't bother. which is why i figured he'd be here at least on time, if not early.

i'm doing my very best to trust his instincts and to not put my personal stuff on him, but DAMN! i'm just so anxious to meet him.

how's everybody else doing? it looks like march is dropping off the charts, here! congrats to ljkelly, lea, and elfie...who's next?:love

[birthinglau]

well, I've got a week and 2 more days before the EDD (3/21).

B*tchiness has set in, though it ebbs and flows. I forgot how easy going most of these pregnancy hormones have made me, until I started screaming at the cat. My momma says she thinks I must be getting close from all the moodiness, and I have to agree. Her judgement is good, she's always known what's going on with me, even when I don't. From what I can feel of my posterior cervix we are effacing nicely, baby is -3 or -2. I still think I'll be birthing around full moon time, so I guess by that estimation, we only have another week. A week does seem longer than it used to however...

Friends are coming over today to disinfect my inflatable pool and thermometer with bleach, rinse it and dry it so we can bag and label it. When the time comes, dh will bust out his air compressor, and attatch the garden hose to the kitchen faucet. I find the whole scenario amusing when I think about it. dh stumbling around in the middle of the night with hastily pulled on steel toed boots, down in the basement hooking up his gadgets, then me sighing in pleasure as I sink into the now full of warm water cartoon aquarium paradise that is the pool, complete with plastic floating seal thermometer.

I feel kind of like I'm spectating this stage of the pregnancy. A little bit loopy and strange.

-Lau

[Jennah_Gole]

oooh congratulations LJKelly!!!!

wooohooo....wonderful....waterbirth!!!! i dream of a waterbirth....thats great and awesome.

congrats again.

can't wait to read ur details later.

:) :D :p :love

[Melinda77]

Delaney Gwen is here!!

She was born 3/10/03 at 5:30 pm mt via c-section. Short story -after I had been complete and pushing for 2 hours, I swelled back up to 8, stopped pushin for an hour - OMG is that HARD - but was still an 8 and swollen, agreed to an epi and pit to see if we could get back to pushing....and 8 hours later we did the c and never getting farther than 100% and 9 but still cervix all around baby's head, we did the c. (quick side note, I am 5 ft flat, and while not tiny, definately not big, more a petit/medium frame, and my first son as a c-sec for a persistant brow presentation at 6lbs 15oz). Anyway, out came baby girl, and I said "she's huge!" And my midwife (who helped during the surgery) told me that she had been more off to the side than we had thought (we thought she was just turned a little to the right) AND she had had her hand up by her face, and oh, by the way, she weighs 8lbs 6oz.

Anyway, we're finally home, she huge and healthy and I'm healing much better than last time.

[seraf]

congrats to so many!


update here, we just moved 2 weeks ago and finally have the house ready again. i'm due in 2 days and i can't stand it. well, i can stand it more than my partner. she's so disapointed that the baby's not here yet that she hasn't gotten up yet today. weird.

so yeah, we're completely ready, jsut waiting around. maybe even 2 weeks to go. the baby has dropped, but she came back out a couple of days ago and turned posterior, but then turned right back around when the midwife started talking about it. it was funny.

good luck to everyone left!

[Sofiamomma]

Eleanor is here! And she is safe and sound. She was born by emergency C-section on 3/11/03 at 5:12 am. She had a true knot in her cord and was smart enough not to try to come out the usual way. She is absolutely beautiful and Sophia and I are just totally in love with her! I am home now and recovering, and will post more later. Congratst to those who've had their babies and good luck to the ladies in waiting.

[samsara]

we are all moving right along! Fergus was born on Thursday, 3/13, @809pm; my birth plan was shot to hell but i couldn't be more in love...i cannot believe he's in my arms.

congrats to everyone! we are rockin'!

[elfie]

Yeah....congrats samsara----I will call you next week to see how things are. Great name!

And congrats to all other March mamas!

[seraph]

Hi march mamas, I hope you are all doing well. Here's a brief synopsis of my birth story. :)
We had planned a homebirth, but my blood pressure went way up in the last few weeks of pregnancy, so we ended up having to do the hospital route. My BP hit 170/110 on 2/28, so my CNM decided to induce on 3/1. We went in to the hospital in the evening and they put in cervidil, which gave me regular mild contractions and softened my cervix overnight. We spent a few hours in the morning walking around and trying to dodge the pitocin, but around 1:30 pm they finally started it at a low dose. The next 12 hours I was in early labor - really mild contractions, they upped the dose really slowly. At around 1am, active labor hit, and I say hit because it felt like out of nowhere suddenly I was in intense pain! Because of the pit, I had contractions every 3 minutes. The only thing that got me through them was to stand up and sway back and forth while making low oooooh sounds and chanting to myself. MY DH stood up with me for every contraction and held me while I swayed back and forth. I could sleep in between but he stayed awake to be there for me - we hadn't gotten much sleep in days so he was so tired, but he stood up every 3 minutes for 7 hours to hold me through the contractions. He only missed a few when he went to go get some coffee because he fell asleep on his feet! At about 8:10 am, I felt the urge to push, so I got into the bed and started pushing. She was born at 8:40 am on 03/03/03 (a lucky birthday!) - first the intact sac was born, it burst with a gentle pop, and then she followed a few minutes later. My perineum was intact but I tore a bit on the right side because her left hand was on her right cheek. Her cord was compressed under her arm briefly while she was being born, so she came out floppy. My mom was there, she's a NICU nurse at the hospital we were at, so she was able to bring the baby up to my chest and rub her and give her some oxygen by mask so she could be with me right away. Her apgars were 5 and 8, she eventually pinked right up and wailed. She was 7 lbs 14 oz and 20.75 in long. It was a great birth despite all my fear about being induced, I was really afraid the pitocin would make things harder than I could handle but I did it! We opted for early discharge - I'd had enough of the hospital - and we were home by 5pm. She is wonderful and healthy and I'm so amazingly happy. You can see some photos of her at http://www.queue.com/kaia.

[LukesMum]

Hi all and congratulations!! Our server has been down or else you would have to hear all my drama!! So, you get to hear it a bit delayed. I'm 41 and 3 days --UGH!! Tried to induce with castor oil yesterday and it stirred up some good contractions for about 10 hours then quit!! I ended up dehydrated and on the toilet for most of the night--not fun!! I'm getting very discouraged. I have been planning a homebirth--we're ready to go. At this point, I'm big, exhausted and not ready to labor physically or emotionally. I did go to to OB and get a non stress last week and a sonogram--shes a perfect 10 and I have lots of fluid so we're fine. I'm 37 yo and just wondering if my small body is really strong enough for all this--I am literally hardly able to move. They say the baby weighs 9 lb 13 oz (realzing this is a sonogram and the error zone) Today, the easy births my friends have had with their epidruals and pitocin is sounding really nice. My poor 3 yo is parked in front of Sesame Street (the TV is rarely on in our house) and dh has been working from home for 2 weeks...waiting is killing us. I can't get it together and go out becuase I just feel like crap. Ok, enough--come on baby!!!:love

[birthinglau]

Lukesmum-

you can do it. I promise you, there is nothing wrong with your body, it is doing what it needs. I am glad to hear that baby sounds so healthy, that is a wonderful thing!

I can sympathize, my body feels puffy and achey and as big as that almost full moon, and I while I love being pregnant, I'm beginning to wish it was all done. my EDD isn't until friday.

my soon-to-labor thought