UC support #19 July 2005

[ChildoftheMoon]

uc thread #1 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=100820)
uc thread #2 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=112500)
uc thread #3 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=129415)
uc thread #4 (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=142548)
uc thread #5 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=152121)
uc thread #6 (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=163941)
uc thread #7 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=171306)
uc thread #8 (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=177301)
uc thread #9 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=188939)
uc thread #10 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=202503)
uc thread #11 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=212605)
uc thread #12 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=223006)
uc thread #13 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=2469875#post2469875)
uc thread #14 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=2612859#post2612859)
uc thread #15 (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=2766768#post2766768)
uc thread #16 (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=2893953#post2893953)
uc thread #17 (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=3056346#post3056346)
uc thread #18 (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=3222320#post3222320)

roll call

andrea -- UC 8/03 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=751125#post751125)
Whit -- UC 11/03
2much2luv -- UC 1/04
thechrysalis -- UC 1/04
Mothernature -- UC 1/04
indigolilybear -- UC 3/04 pics (http://home.earthlink.net/~eaglefalconlark/ILB/ILBbirthphotos.html) (first UC 5/01 story (http://www.compleatmother.com/homebirth/elaine.htm) )
citizenfong -- UC 3/04 pics (http://www.teamconner.com/Emerson.html)
Carrieanders -- UC 4/10/04 story (http://pages.ivillage.com/carrieanders/)
Chaka Falls -- UC 4/04
rajahkat--(Kat) UC 5-7-04 (1st UC 9-6-01) story/pics (http://rajahkat.tripod.com/)
amyamanda -- UC 5/04 story (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=1428929#post1428929)
Karenpl -- UC 6/04 story (http://o-scientist.blogspot.com/2004_06_01_o-scientist_archive.html)
bookwormmama -- UC 6/04
wildthing -- midwife-attended 6/04 story (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=160091)
grnbn76 -- emergency cesarean, 7/04 story (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=164471)
Hathor -- UC 7/04 story (http://www.angelfire.com/comics/hathor/birthstory.html)
Mamajaza -- UC 7/04 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=167335&page=1&pp=20)
gr8fulmom -- UC 7/04 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=1786217#post1786217)
luna13mama -- UC 7/04
Chandar -- UC 7/04 story (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=189033)
Klothos -- UC 7/23/04 story (http://klothos.net/Birth.html)
madrone -- UC 8/19/04
TinyBabyBean -- midwife-attended 8/04 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=158478) (if you're still reading - you may want to relocate your birth story, as that forum is closing...)
violet -- UC 8/19/04
Oshunmama -- midwife-attended 8/04 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=198137)
lovemygirl -- UC 9/9/04 story (http://www.diaperbabies.com/birth_story.htm)
mellie-bellie -- UC 9/27/04 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=226633)
fourlittlebirds (formerly blueviolet) -- UC 9/04 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=2071991#post2071991) (first UC 7/01, story (http://home.earthlink.net/~eaglefalconlark/birth/philosophy/willow.html) )
JesseMomme -- UC 9/21/04 (first UC 11/02, story (http://unassistedchildbirth.com/jesse.htm) )
StacyL -- Hospital transport 9/19/04 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=2109114#post2109114)
4xmamamia -- UC 9/30/04
rachel -- UC 10/25/04 story (http://littlelovies.com/homebirth.html#joshie_birth_story)
lafemmedesfemmes -- UC 11/8/04 story (http://www.livejournal.com/users/lafemmedesfemme/110047.html)
DancerMom -- UC 11/12/04 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=2335018#post2335018)
Ame -- UC 12/9/04 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=231816)
laurata -- UC 12/10/04 story (http://smartaustin.com/~laura/elliottsbirth.html) (first UC 3/02, story (http://smartaustin.com/~laura/unabirth.html) )
Lula's Mom -- UC 12/12/04 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=227635)
AmyD -- UC December 04' story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=226242)
nikirj -- mw assisted 12/04 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=2431387#post2431387)
Asheville Mama -- UC 1/3/05
zonapellucida -- late January 2005
Chiromom -- 2nd UC 1/23/05 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=2625268#post2625268) (first UC 2/03 story (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=42323) )
Dandylion -- UC Feb 1 2005 story (http://unschoolingmama.blogspot.com/2005_01_30_unschoolingmama_archive.html#1107385226 44998000)
Mama2Lennon -- hospital 2-8-05
Hayliesmom -- UC 2-16-05
mehndi mama -- UC 2-12-05
KateSt. -- UC 2-17-05
Kinsey43-- 3-10-05
hawkfeather--unhindered w/mw 3-24-05 story and pics (http://www.hawkfeather.ca/birth/)
jenniebug-- mw 3-26-05
sprinkle pocket -- UC 3-23-05
Mamagaia (Rebecca)-- UC 4-1-05
liamandpipersmama (Laura)--UC 4-17-05story (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=276137)
FreeRangeMama -- UC 4-22-05story (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=3012955#post3012955) (first UC 9/03)
june'smom-- UC 6/3/05
cresorchid-- UC 6/29/05 story (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=3484833#post3484833)
SunflowerMama (Lisa)--UC 6/05 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=314215)
amandaanne--UC 7/05
Devaskyla--UC 7/15/05
Skim (Kim)--UC 7/18/05story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=3507837#post3507837)
ecurlycue (Elizabeth)--UC 7/26/05

Selissa -- June/July 2005
Binah Yeteirah--July 2005
moonlightinvt--7-29-05
rainbowmoon -- August 2005
heldt123 (Jamie)--August 2005
ChildoftheMoon (Brandi)-- late August 2005 (planned uc born still 7/19/04 peacefully at home with mwstory (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=163941&page=14&pp=20))
hoppytoad (Karen)--Aug/Sept. 2005
Quickening--Aug/Sept. 2005
shell024--early Sept. 2005
teachinmaof3 (Heather)--early Oct. 2005
milquetoast--EDD 11-05-05
DreamsInDigital-- EDD 11-20-05
Mamaperk-- Due 12-05 (1st UC 6-03 story (http://ucbirth.com/ucstories/dylan.html))
Arora the Explorer--EDD 12-10-05
kynd mama--EDD 12-13-05 Planning UBAC
hottmama--EDD 12-28-05
Rockies5 (Carrie)--EDD 1-17-06
Aurora-- January 2006, 1st UC 10/03 story (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=152779)
yvonnemlv--EDD March 2006 (1st planned uc-mw 9/03 story (http://syzygybaby.com/yvonne/birthstory.htm))
amyjeans --EDD March 2006 (1st UC 10/9/04 story (http://thesillingspage.tripod.com/))



--


Please PM me to make changes or add new story links :D .

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brandi :love

[DreamsInDigital]

Woops. I just saw the July thread after I hit the post.
Add me to the list! My EDD is 11/20.

[ChildoftheMoon]

Welcome :love added you.

[gr8fulmom]

just checking in :) my uc babe is almost one!! hard to believe...

Brandi, I was thinking of you... I know your angel was born around the same time as my ds last summer... :hug I am also thinking of your upcoming birth and wishing you and your family a wonderful day welcoming your new little one :love

blessed be

Jen

[ChildoftheMoon]

Thank you Jen :love
Happy upcoming birthday to your ds!
Your sig line still brings me great comfort. I am getting anxious and excited about the birth of my son next month. Just taking it easy this month as I wade through all the emotions as my daughter's day approaches. Overall I am feeling at peace.
Brandi :love

[rainbowmoon]

:love I'm still here and eagerly awaiting the birth of this little one! sorry I have not posted a whole lot.

[yvonnemlv]

Please update mine too! EDD March 2006 I'm so excited and no one to gibber on about finally being pregnant again.

[TurboClaudia]

brandi: just thinking of you, too, now that july is here... sending you peace, love and healing... :love

warm welcome to all the new babes and wishing beautiful, peaceful and safe arrivals for all those awaiting their newest family members...

~claudia

[ChildoftheMoon]

Thank you Claudia :love

Yvonne-got you on the list. Congrats! :love

[Arora The Explorer]

Congrats, Yvonne! :champagne YAY!

Brandi, sending you peaceful freedom vibes.

I'm here and doing better I think. I'm 18 weeks pregnant and still throwing up but I'm getting more energy back. I'm feeling light movement. I'm in that between land of used to being pregnant, but not really thinking too much about birth. It's like birth is still so far away (and yet from experience I know it comes really quickly!). I'm dealing with some thoughts that keep creeping in and while I'm not holding onto the fear or anxiety that might bring up, I'm aware of them. I get the distinct feeling that there's not anything I can do one way or the other about them, so I might as well just acknowledge them and keep rolling until it becomes clear that I need to do something.

Glad we're keeping this main thread going. I love the experience, wisdom and full picture that it represents. :grouphug

[Arora The Explorer]

:balloons :balloons YAY CRESORCHID! :balloons :balloons

Happy Baby Moon to you and your sweet little boy!

[Skim]

Hey mamas!


Subscribing.

(and trying not to count the days before my EDD on 7/22...)

[ChildoftheMoon]

Arora-wow, 18 weeks already! Sorry you are still feeling pukey. I was pukey for much longer this time around too, but it did pass.

Skim-you are so close. Sending you peace and patience.

I am 32 weeks, getting bored and restless. That may be because I have a sick kid and my van is in the shop so I am totally homebound, and it is over 100 degrees, so going out of doors is stifling. I may start washing dipes and clothes to pass the time, finishing up on some sewing projects too. I have been reading diaper free, it is fascinating, I may not be using many of my cloth dipes after all. Have not thought too much about birth myself. This will be the fourth time, so nothing new you know. I will probably blow up the fishy pool the beginning of August to have it ready to go. Other than that the only supplies I need to put out are some towels and some goodies for my girls. I would like to have herbs mixed up to make tea for my bum for afterward. So soothing! I have not torn before, but it is still nice to have the tea for rinsing off with.
I can't wait to be holding my wee babe in my arms.
Brandi :love

[yvonnemlv]

I have been reading diaper free, it is fascinating, I may not be using many of my cloth dipes after all.


We used CDs for the first 4-5 months then I learned of diaper free and we've not looked back since! Well, except to use CDs as back up when travelling and at other people's houses. We're both so happy we went this route with DS. Plus, not having to carry diapers around is great, lol. My boy can hold the need to go much longer than I ever will be able to. *sigh* :p

Arora - I hope your nausea eases up soon! I had it till 25 weeks last pregnancy. This one I have not puked yet, but I seem to be getting the nausea under control by eating 170 grams of protein a day (I literally eat a meal every 2.5 hours) plus 1000 mg of ProEPA from nordic naturals. I REALLY hope this keeps working. Even some of my extreme fatigue is letting up. :thumb

Lots of fun easy labour vibes for those of you who are getting so close!

[Skim]

ChildoftheMoon - who is the author of Diaper Free?

[ChildoftheMoon]

ChildoftheMoon - who is the author of Diaper Free?

Ingrid Bauer.
:love

[hottmama]

Hey everyone! I'm 15 (and a half) weeks and the only symptom I have is painful nipples. It's so strange, it's like my pregnancy isn't real yet. I'm going to get a stethoscope and start looking for a heartbeat next week, and hearing that will be really exciting. I really want an ultrasound to see the baby but my partner is keeping me on the right track. Umm, nothing much going on here- can't wait til I'm really pregnant.

[Hayliesmom]

Hi all,

Wow I have been super busy lately but I've missed you guys. I can't believe my little bug is almost 5m. He's sitting and rolling over and wants so bad to chase his older brothers and sister. Summer is 1/2 over and then I'll have more computer time. We might be moving to Austin, TX. I should know in a few weeks. I hope so because that will mean a promotion for dh and it should be our last move.

I've also been working through some things with Peyton's birth. I believe his placenta detatched way too early and that we are just very lucky I can get them out fast. I think that explains my near to panic to get him out fast.

Still working on getting his birth certificate too. No hassles other than they didn't eally know what they wanted and then they are very picky. Its a pain.

So how has everyone been doing?

Stacey

[cresorchid]

Hey Hayliesmom, moving to Austin? That's where I am. We'll have to get together sometime if you move out here. My little one was just born a week ago, but in a couple of months the age difference will mean nothing.

I plan to EC but haven't started yet. Some days I feel like I could take on the world and having a baby is no problem. Today was awful though. Having latch problems with the little bug today, which seem to be intermittent. When he is very hungry or upset, it's difficult to impossible, but when he's calmer he has not problem. Making me a little nuts.

Everything else seems to be out of control as well. I'm sure it's just a bad day and tomorrow I will think everything is lovely again. Must be those darned hormones.

Anyway, subscribing to the thread. Need to keep in touch with all you wonderful women!

[ecurlycue]

You can add me too if you'd like.
Elizabeth
Due Begining of Aug.
I am planning to stay at home and do it all on my own. I have posted in some other threads. For a recap though my dp doesn't know I am planning to stay at home. I am gonna have to do an oops I waited too long. I know when the time comes everything will work out how its supposed to.

I am about 35 weeks now and having tons of those pesky BH. Yesterday they were coming about 2-3-4 minutes apart for 6 hours! I drank so much water I swear I was peeing every 5 minutes. THen I took a shower and went to bed and they calmed down. IT got me a little excited though. I have a box with all the birth stuff I need prepared now. Sterile scissors, new cotton shoe laces, puppy pads! they were way cheaper, A towel, a baby potty bowl(I do EC, and am starting from birth this time!!!), some receiving blankets.

Is there anything else you guys think I should have in there?

Thanks for all the support so far!

Elizabeth

[rainbowmoon]

:w Elizabeth! we are due around the same time! (I'm just about 36 weeks) sounds like you are well prepared!

[ChildoftheMoon]

welcome Elizabeth. I added you to the list :love I am about 2.5 weeks behind you.....
Brandi :love

[ecurlycue]

Thanks for the warm welcome! I have a dd who was born Jan 26th so shes about 17 months old, I saw your siggy line!

[moonlightinvt]

Add me to you list. I am very late in the game in getting involved in the UC forums :irked: The second half of this pregnancy has been nothing but hectic and I never get a chance to get online. I really have to play catch up now. I will be reading many of the threads and I am finally gathering up all my birth supplies.

I am 37 weeks (dd 7/29/05)--so anytime now. Despite not being able to educate myself through this site much, I am lucky to have a GREAT friend who UC'd in Nov--"AmyD" (a frequent poster) who has passed along many books, resources and advice. I have planned on a UC throughout this pregnancy but did receive some prenatal care with a hb midwife who has been very supportive.

I will enjoy reading the many UC birth stories in these next few weeks and all the best to those preparing for the journey. :thumb

[Hayliesmom]

Hey Cresorchid, I have a question for you. What are he property taxes like there? It seems they are way higher than here, is there a homestead exemption?

Stacey

[BinahYeteirah]

I just want to say "Hi" to everyone. Welcome Elizabeth and moonlightinvt!

I'm 38 weeks and 2 days now. I wouldn't say I'm impatient to birth; it wouldn't bother me much to go "overdue" a week or more. Still, the birth is on my mind. I know it is close and I can't wait. I guess that doesn't make sense: I'm not impatient, yet I can't wait. I'm just excited and I know it won't be long. Baby is moving around, but is running out of room, so that gets uncomfortable.

I eced my first. I admit I found it rather frustrating at times, but in the end it was so worth it. I started when dd was 2.5 months old. She never got really consistent with signaling, but after she learned to walk and could get herself on the potty without help she was quite reliable at home if she could be naked. We didn't "take the plunge" and encourage her to "graduate" until right before her 2nd birthday. When we did, though, she quickly realized that it is better to use the potty when out and at night. She'll be 3 in a couple days, so he 1-year graduation anniversary is coming up. I want to start earlier this time. I hope I can be more laid back about it this time, too. That's my goal, and my advice (to you and myself). I hope not to get frustrated when we have many "misses" and not to feel I am doing something wrong if baby isn't as successful as other ecing babies.

[cresorchid]

Hey Cresorchid, I have a question for you. What are he property taxes like there? It seems they are way higher than here, is there a homestead exemption?

Stacey

Property taxes do seem pretty high here. I pay about $2700/year, but I know people in ritzier areas of town end up spending $15,000/year. I think it depends on the kind of neighborhood you move into, but it is worth asking about when you are looking for housing to make sure that you can afford the taxes as well as the home itself.

I'm planning to EC but haven't been keeping my baby naked. I haven't noticed any signs that would cue me in to his needs either. I suppose if he spent time naked I might be more aware of the signals he sends. But right now I just want to get the breastfeeding down and worry about EC once I am really comfortable with the breastfeeding. Hopefully everything will come together in a few weeks and I can start to work on EC. It's funny how many people on this list are doing EC as well–I wonder if that is just chance or not. I had never heard of EC until I joined MDC. And I had only ever heard of one person to UC before finding MDC.

[Devaskyla]

Hi everyone. Just checking in. Still planning my UBAC for whenever this baby decides to make an appearance. Little worried because I'm not getting b-h and never did with ds, either, but I guess it could just be the way I am.

FINALLY managed to find someone to get the forms sent to me to register the baby's birth. I really didn't like telling them that it was going to be unassisted, I skirted around it as much as possible, but the forms are different than for a regular homebirth. I'm just glad that I'm going to be getting them, hopefully this coming week.

Other than that, I need to get some second hand towels for the mess and I would REALLY like to get a birth pool, but we still haven't found anywhere to get a fishy pool. I don't even know anyone I could borrow it from.

Have all my baby clothes clean, just need to put them away now.

Not much else to say. Baby is very active still, which is very reassuring.

[shell024]

Hey everyone! :love This thread makes me feel great. When I start to get into that "alone" feeling with the whole UC thing, I always remember that all of you are here and DO exist. :LOL

Trying to find a place to live at 33 wks isn't too much fun. The good thing is that it's keeping me pretty damn busy! So thankfully, time is flying a little quicker. But then again, I get that overwhelming feeling sometimes!
Finally looking into infant seats, dipes & stuff. (Since MIL is trying to help out with stuff NOW...lol...otherwise babe & me would have been stuck in the house naked for several weeks...wait--that sounds pretty good actually :LOL). Got the pool already, but I want to inflate it NOW and get in NOW :irked: . But noo...we're moving in the next couple of weeks....so I just have to hold the urge--cause there's no getting me in a YMCA pool...

WHOA...it just hit me RIGHT NOW. hahaha...one of those "oh ****, I'm having a baby!" moments... As I am writing. I'm so excited!!!!
Worried family members (my mom knows what we're planning, same with some close friends) are trying to "prepare" me...but I keep telling them I'll be FINE. I don't want them to prepare me for the experiences THEY had. I'd like to go in with a full positive attitude.

oops this is getting long :bag:
excuse my pregnant brain for wandering. Baby is moving SOOO much nowadays. He feels like he's trying to get out---through my bellybutton! :bouncy

Peace & Love everyone!!!!!

[ecurlycue]

Man oh man I am wondering where the heck my patience has gone. Out the window I suppose! I am so irritable the past two days. MY 17 month old dd is wearing on my last nerve. My 8 year old is pushing my buttons....and they aren't doing anything besides being kids! I have been really wanting to get the house straightened up and its not working. We moved in here in May and there is no kitchen(we have two plastic make shift cuppboards) and a make shift counter which has a sink in it finally! I haven't got many places to put things and my dd has figured out how to move chairs to climb up on them to get to things she couldn't reach before! She is also ever so helpful and leaves a trail of items on the floor! Its so hard to bend over to pick things up at this point that I just try to kick it all into one spot so I can pick it up later.

I am still nursing dd and she has been waking up crying in the middle of the night for milk. This added to the fact that I am getting up every 2-3 hours to pee and some how not being able to get back to sleep after my 4 am trip to the bathroom. I guess its no wonder I am out of patience! I just figured it out. lack of sleep!

I think I am getting a bit yeasty down yonder too as my parts are pretty irritated. What the heck to do about that? Ill have to post a new thread for that one.

Ok now I am rambling thanks for reading if you made it this far!
Elizabeth

[milquetoast]

add me to the list ladies, i am planning a UBAC and we are due 11-5-05...ish ;) this community has meant so much to me! being able to read posts refelecting my own feelings and beliefs has been so reaffirming. the support i recieve from lurking :shy around these discussions has really helped reinforce that this is absolutely the right decision for myself and my family :love i am loving my pregnancy right now, (well except for the constant hunt for the next bathroom :blush ) and am looking forward to a ~nonmedical, sacred, natural birth~

-blessings,
milquetoast
"be who you are, be who you appear to be" --Rumi

[milquetoast]

ecurlycue,
add some tea tree oil to your bath, it has wonderful anti-fungal properties :thumb make sure to "air dry" well afterwards--maybe using your hairdryer on cool to make an inhospitable place for the yeastie-beasties.


milquetoast
"be who you are, be who you appear to be" --Rumi

[ChildoftheMoon]

Welcome milquetoast!

We have so many of us due soon! I can't wait to start hearing everyone's birth stories :D I have 7 weeks until due date, starting to feel ready.

We are taking a trip to the coast next week. Needing to get away somewhere peaceful to just be together as a family and remember our daughter. Her death anniversary/1st birthday is July 19th. It is hard right now, but I am doing well as can be. Such a mix of emotions--missing her and the excitement of my son's upcoming birth, and the fear and anxiety that gets me in the vulnerable moments.

I am 33 weeks and babe is changing movements, slowing down. Feeling more stretchs and rolls and no more summersaults and arobics. Lots of hiccups too. I am going through a hungry time again too. Eager for the weeks to pass quickly.

Gentle joyful birthing vibes to all you getting close :love
Brandi

[ecurlycue]

I have some on hand though don't know how much would be appropriate to put into the bath. Thanks for the suggestion.

[shell024]

i'd go ahead and put about 30 drops (ha, I dont actually count drops, I just dump about a teaspoon or two in...eyeballing.) You'd wanna put it in early as the bath fills up, under the faucet area and get it nice and swished all around to evenly disperse.

[amyjeans]

howdy all...chiming in... :love

oh and...

























:+ :snap :broc: :drum: :carrot :violin :jammin :banana

[rainbowmoon]

woohoo! congrats Amyjean! :love

[ChildoftheMoon]

Congrats amyjean!!!! :love :love :love
Brandi

[amyjeans]

thanks!
you can add me to the UC list for March 26th, there abouts...
oh my...3 babies.....
headspinning!

[ecurlycue]

Thank you for the suggestions for the yeasties!
I think I have it under control now. I used garlic in gauze and inserted it for two nights in a row so far, and it has helped already. I may do it one more night just to be sure. I went out and bought some mens boxers to wear so I could get more airflow in an attempt to keep it dry down there...that has helped too. I should have thought of wearing them sooner because man are they comfy! I started taking my probiotics, I had forgooten about them... and rinsed the outside with teatree oil in water in my peri bottle. I also used some gse in water too. I shaved all teh hair off which was no easy task as I like to say I had to shave by braille! That made it so much easier to keep it dry down there. I cut most sugar out of my diet, can't say all of it cause just about everything has sugar in it...but I am going to be working on that! I am feeling much better yippe!

I have also been having a bunch of the pesky BH contractions, and the more active i get the more i seem to have. I have been trying to take it easy for about one more week at least. Then I will resume walking.

I took castor oil with my dd and it really cleaned me out, which I atually enjoyed. Sounds terrible but I felt so much better afterward. I took it right at 37 weeks, and then again 3 days later. THe second time I took it at 7:30 am and that night at well 12:30 (guess it was the next day technically) my water broke, and dd was born at about 3:44 am. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to how to clean yourself out without the castor oil. I dont want to induce myself neccesarily this time like I was trying to last time, but I would like to get the good old body cleansed out before hand.

[Skim]

Congrats amyjeans!

No advice about the "cleaning you out", ecurclycue, but I hope you get some good advice.

My chiropractor says my body's ready to birth this baby. My EDD is next week (7/22), but dd was early (with herbal labor encouragers) so I'm not surprised. Baby has dropped a bit, even though it's still posterior during the day. Having more frequent, mild BH today, and am planning on walking later once it cools off to see how I feel. No real signs of labor, though - I'm not sure I really believe the chiro, but maybe tonight is another matter... Intuitively I can believe it. One thing I know for sure: I am so not interested in getting my hopes up for labor now only to wait and wait. So I'm not holding my breath, but I'm not discounting her experience, either. We'll see...

AND my chiro agreed to fill out my "birth corroborator" (sp?) form required here, and which I have to file with baby's birth certificate in the paranoid state of WI to prove I didn't steal the baby from some other mama. :LOL I get to fill out all the medical stuff, but she will examine and adjust the baby after birth and fill out the required form. I was worried about it, but I'm glad because now I don't have to take an otherwise healthy newborn (knock on wood) to the hospital/clinic so that a dr. can say, "yep, that's your baby all right".

On another note, we won't have to worry about harvesting and putting up all of our green beans because the rabbits finally ate them all. :( Oh well. This is a blessing in disguise, right?

[ChildoftheMoon]

Sending you gentle joyful birthing vibes Kim :throb

I will be gone next week, not sure if I will be able to check in tomorrow or not. So I will catch up on the thread when I get back.
Brandi :love

[Skim]

Well, labor started last night when my waters broke and I lost my plug in about two hours' time. However...

Contractions have been difficult but not productive, and I am tired and discouraged. I've tried everything I can think of, from a warm bath to changing positions to working with the contractions to ignoring them, to staying hydrated and fed. I'm going to try to lay down now and sleep a bit and try again when I feel a bit refreshed.

I'm pretty discouraged, as I was hoping to have my baby in my arms by now. :(

Hopefully later on today will allow me some energy for this birth.

[amyjeans]

and I am tired and discouraged.
Oh...this sounds way to familiar....
You are not alone in your efforts Skim.I'm thinking your baby has only one direction at this point...out!
So, that being said, don't give up on yourself....its happening right now and you ROCK Mama!

huggs kisses and "baby come out and play" vibes coming your way! :throb :throb :love :love

[KateSt.]

Oh, Skim -- sending you lots of gentle and loving birthing vibes!
I also felt like I had many difficult and unproductive contractions -- out of a 17 hour labor, 15 of it was active and exhausting. But I was so glad I stuck it out and *so* glad no one was there except me and dh. When it got really tiring I'd ask (universe, goddess, etc) for strength and energy and I always got it. And I also found a lot of strength from remembering the mamas on this thread. Thinking of you today! I'm so excited for you!

[KateSt.]

Joining this thread again to keep checks on Brandi and Rainbowmoon, to congratulate Amyjeans -- CONGRATULATIONS!-- and now to keep Skim company. Missed you mamas! :love

[KateSt.]

Skim, just wanted to add that I can also relate to your discouragement -- at 9am in the morning my contrx were so strong both dh and I were sure we'd have our baby by noon...but he didn't come until 2 minutes before midnight! I think I had too much in my head that I was going to have a short labor (I was sure it would be only 5-7 hours! ha!) but baby had his own timetable, that's for sure! Try to let go and just listen to your babe.
Sending you love, strength and perserverance....

[Skim]

Well you all are so awesome! I heart you all. :throb

Baby is apparently transverse now, still posterior, and I am soooo over it.

We're talking to the baby, asking for strength and endurance, and patience. My first labor with dd (who was pleasantly vertex and anterior) was only 7 hours; I'm feeling the lessons here.

[cresorchid]

Oh Skim, I can so relate. My labor was much longer than I expected. I had thought it would be between 4 1/2 and 7 hours, but active labor was 13 hours. And the contrax were much more tiring and wearing than I would ever have expected.

I'm hoping that you are able to get some rest this morning so that when things really start moving, you will have the energy you need and feel strong/able to handle everything.

We're all thinking of you and sending gentle labor vibes.

[rainbowmoon]

skim- sending you positive labor vibes. hope you are holding your little one soon! :D

[ecurlycue]

Skim
I am thinking of you and sending positive energy. Hoping you have you babe in arms already!
Elizabeth

[majazama]

Skim~ Have patience! Babies *do* come out eventually! Wishing you a glorious uninterrupted birth!:dust

[Devaskyla]

1ht

Baby arrived Friday. Mostly ua, had a friend there for last hour or so. Long, painful labour. Ds came out ot, facing my hip.

My mom is freaking out and coming to visit today. Hope I can stay strong w/o being mean!

[amyjeans]

Thank you KateST- and its nice to see you again!
Congrats Devaskyla!
C'mon BabySkim!!!!!!!

[Skim]

Tata posting for Skim.


DD born today at 12:10PM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Woo-Hoo!

[rainbowmoon]

Congratulations skim!!!!!!!!!!!! welcome baby! :banana




today is a great day to be born btw, it just so happens to be my bday too! :D

[KateSt.]

Skim, Your baby came exactly 2 hours after your last post!! :D
Congrats and welcome to the world little one!!!! Way to go, Mama!!

[KateSt.]

Lisa-Marie -- Congratulations!!! Though your last post is making me thirsty for more details!! Hope you and baby are well and that your mom's visit goes okay....

[ecurlycue]

Woo Hoo! Welcome to the world beautiful babies!!!!
Go laboring mama's:-)

[amyjeans]

Okay- first off-- Hooray Skim!!!!
2nd, what up with her laboring and surfing the net? Holy crow- 2 hrs after her last post, she delivers! Now that's a birthin Mama!
God...please let my next labor be that quick!
lots of love and hugs and kisses and cuddles and warm squshy feelings all around!
(just ate a monster bowl of icecream and feeling goooood)

[cresorchid]

Congrats everybody. Seems like the babes are coming pretty quickly now. It's great to hear all your successes.

[hoppytoad]

I'm so happy for you guys! So glad everything worked out in the end... enjoy your new little ones. :love

(can't wait until it's my turn.... I can hardly breathe anymore.. there's no more room!)

[Aurora]

Congratulations mamas and welcome sweet babies! :love

Brandi~Thinking of you and your beautiful daughter. :candle

[hottmama]

Wow! Welcome to the world, new babies!
I am also amazed at the laboring mama on the internet... I could barely keep up a spoken conversation during my labor!

[cresorchid]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I finally posted my birth story. If you're interested in reading it, you can find it here:

http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=3484833#post3484833

If that link doesn't work, it's "Chandon's Birth"

[Arora The Explorer]

Yay Skim!!!! Welcome New Little One! :throb

Wow, oh, wow is our thread hopping! I need to check in more often!

Cresorchid -- off to read your birth story, thank you for posting it! :D

[majazama]

CONGRATS!!! Devaskyla and Skim~~ :love :thumb :kewl :throb

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've been MIA from this thread for awhile. I hope you all don't mind me joining in again. I like to help support you wonderful women!

[june'smom]

Congrats, Skim.

You were one tough mama. I am proud of you.

Hugs to your family,
Louise :birthday: :champagne

[shell024]

I second the :champagne :love :love :love congrats mommies!

Ooh, and I got some good news. We FINALLY got our apartment! Now I have about 5 weeks to move in, and attempt to get all organized and set up and feel "prepared" by the time baby comes. :nut

[Skim]

Thanks so much for your good wishes everyone!

As far as laboring on the internet goes... my DP posted the first request for information as I dictated. The second time I was just plain worn out and contrax were slowing down, right before I attempted to rest. The support we found here was wonderful. :throb

No long birth story yet - but I will say that the length and stress of this labor was completely unexpected. I have never felt so close to the end of my rope. That's transition for you! After June's Mom came over with the second dose of pulsatilla and the magic toe pressure point, things really got intense. When I finally felt her head descend, not just poop, (tmi, I'm sure) I knew I could push a whole watermelon out of my birth canal, ladies. It was *that* good. ;)

Will lurk for a while until I get two handed typing time again.

OH and we now have her name: Pearl Melissa.

[Arora The Explorer]

Welcome Pearl Melissa! What a beautiful name!!! :throb I love it! :D Thank you for the details, Skim! :hug Goodness, those labors that take a long long time building... they're a bugger aren't they!?!? GREAT work making it through!!! :D

I'm having trouble with my DH. He has cold feet and I feet they won't warm up!!! Arg!!!! He wants to hire a MW, but he doesn't like how much she's charging. He just feels it's too much pressure on him to deliver our baby. I keep explaining that it's not him delivering our baby, but he sees it differently. I'm so upset and feel so frustrated!!! And, I seem to have lost our copy of Emergency Childbirth. I would love to give that to him to read again as a refresher. I feel like there must be some magic bullet to help him understand the need to have a UC. I fear I won't find the magic bullet and that I will end up unsatisfied/pressured with this birth. I know, know, know that I'm the one birthing this baby, but I also respect my husband's concerns. I love birthing with him and do not want him to be full or fear, doubt or anger (nor do I want to be full of these things either).

Advice???

[ChildoftheMoon]

Thank you Aurora :throb

Congrats to the new sweet babes! I think I have the list all up to date.
We had a wonderful trip away this week to the ocean. I feel very peaceful and ready to welcome this baby into our arms.
5 more weeks, or less, I don't think more.
Brandi :love

[Hayliesmom]

Congrats Skim! That's my birthday too :)

Cresorchid, thanks for the tax info. We're still waiting to hear if we will be moving and its driving me nuts. One more question for you. Do you know the vaccination rules/exemptions?

Hi Kate! How's the little guy doing? peyton has two teeth now and is very active and strong. He's a happy thing too and such a blessing :)

Stacey

[cresorchid]

"Do you know the vaccination rules/exemptions?"

I don't know the exact vaccination rules. I am pretty sure that there are 3 reasons one can exempt their families from vaccinations and all 3 are accepted in Texas. At the same time, the authorities like to keep track of who has exempted their children from vaccinations.

I handle the situation by homeschooling my children so that they don't have to sign any slips to get by in school or anything like that. The only time the issue would come up is if we wanted to travel internationally or if one of the children became sick and had to be taken to the hospital.

Good luck–and let us know if you move to Texas.

[Skim]

I finally got Pearl's birth story done:

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=3507837#post3507837

[ChildoftheMoon]

Hello all! 4 more weeks for me to go (give or take some of course!)
I am going to take a break from doing the upkeep of the support thread for a while. Amyjeans will be taking over (Thank you!) :D
I am beginning to notice the subtle changes going on in my body, gearing up for birth. I am so ready to hold my sweet babe in my arms and nurse him.
I will have a fishy pool set up for another water birth. I just have blankets and towels and string and scissors for supplies. Plan to eat my placenta this time. I have been nesting-washing and sewing and cleaning. Feeling ready!
Brandi :love

[Arora The Explorer]

Ooh, Skim! I just read your birth story! Thank you so much for sharing it! :throb So, I'm thinking that perhaps the "non-envasive dilation" detection wasn't working well or in the case of many other women, just doesn't mean a silly thing?!?! What's your take on it?

Brandi -- Oooh! A baby for you soon! :love Yay!!! I just am aching to read your birth story! :LOL Thank you for upkeeping our thread for so long!

Amyjeans -- thank you for taking over the thread!

[majazama]

I'm looking forward to your birth story too, brandi :love. we were due around the same time last year, and I'm so happy for you that you are having another little one, and a boy at that. :wink

[amyjeans]

Hey- Thanks for entrusting me to "the" best thread in the forum!
Look how we've grown!

Sending squishy, warm, tender, happy baby thoughts to you Brandi!

lots of love
:love

[amyjeans]

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=3543282#post3543282

here's August's thread if you all want to come on in!

lots of love