crapola need your help update-x6

[Spark]

see my signature "MY WATER BROKE. PLEASE SEND BABY STAY IN VIBES!!! I'M 31/32 WEEKS"
---
update: thank you so much for your kind words and prayers/vibes/thoughts.

confirmed ROM... not urine, but wish it was! under close supervision with a great mw who has dealt with this quite a bit in her long career. On a regimine to reseal the bags of water. will go to the hospital if i go into labor at this point (i'm 1.5 miles away). wish there was some way to get the steroid shots for lungs w/o being admitted. but, i believe my chances are much better to reseal at home & that's the choice we've made. I pray it's the right one.

we had some action last night, but able to slow it down completely.

Yes, real possibility my edd is off. I may be closer to 32 weeks. (is that right, Wendy? am i doing the math correctly?)

reasearch? Any good links about 31/32 week preemies?

---
the vibes must be working. :) Absolutely no ctx whatsoever today. noleaking & my bellyis getting back to pre-rom size/consistancy. thank you for your support & focus on a healthy baby.

ps -just torelieve any fears you all might have here on our edd board, this was not caused by an internal check. it may have been related to HG though. yesterday was a bad day with lots of vomiting. i was dehydrated & run down from all of it. i had had a series of harsh vomitting just before it happened.

----
it's hard to type laying down. but i'm reading your lovely posts and feelinng so grateful for your (and your kids! :love) vibes/prayers/love.

some people pm'd or posted some great links/articles supporting the course of action we're taking. thank you. really appreciate it. i feel very confident that this is best for my baby and myself. i know that not everyone would make the same choicebut i thank you for respecting our deciscions.

no new happening. no ctx. lots of baby movements. continued horizontal bed rest. lots of supplements/herbs/homepathics/diet additions/etc etc etc.

--
i really cannot take one more PM or post begging/accusing/telling a horror story. i am doing what my family and i believe is best for my baby. this is not a case of being afraid or inconvienced or any other assumptions people have made as to why i chose capable mw care instead of heading straight to the hospital.

while i so appreciate all the love and support and non-judgemental information people have posted and pm'd, it is really overshadowed by the pm that accused me of gambling with my baby's life and being responsible for my baby dying. (and other posts/pms)

i never said that i wouldn't go to the hospital. if a situation arrises that we believe it would be best for our baby at the hospital (those of you on my EDD board, know that I've struggled with HG all of this pregnancy and have been in and out of the hospital when other care wasn't working), we would surely go. i'm not against allopathic medicine when needed. and i would support your decision to go to the hospital if you were in my situation. for the record, i wouldn't point out to the documented risks and horror stories about going into the hospital with prom. or how you should have stayed home to protect your baby. i certainly wouldn't have accused you of being too afraid to do what was right.

this is not an ideal situation. this is not how i ever imagined my pregnancy would progress. however, prom is the reality of my pregnancy. i am an informed, intelligent woman with my baby's health foremost in mind. i need to focus on keeping my baby safe right now and being bullied and badgered is not helping my baby nor me.

for this reason, i'm going to take some time away from mdc so i can continue to do what is best for my baby. thank you so much for the support and love from so many of you. i'm sorry that your messages have been so overshadowed, but i trust you'll understand.

to my fellow dec edd's - i wish you all beautiful easy pregnancies from here on out. i've just adored our time together and will truly mourn not catching up with you every day! i have such love for you.

to my fellow hyenas and honorary hyenas -- golly what will i do without diaper chat to entertain me while being horizontal!?! i'll still be stalking fcb, so if you beat me to the sz0 aios, know that i'll be snarling. :wink i'll miss you and all the laughs we've had.

love, light & peace,
claire
---
Saturday, October 15th
Just thought I'd check in to give you the latest. Last I checked, I was still PREGNANT (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce34b3127cce94f6da13056800000015109AZOW7Rw0bu) . :wink Seriously, everything is going just beautifully here. I'm staying on the herbs/supplements/foods that prevent ctx and they've even stopped my previously frequent B/H ctx. I'm taking things very easy, but slowly adding in light activity. The baby definitely seems like it's staying put. He/She is doing just beautifully... I'm actually finding myself wondering if I'll go to 43 weeks now, just because this pregnancy seems to be all about the unexpected! :LOL

Thank you so so so much for all of your kind words and thoughts and well wishes. I can't tell you how meaningful your outpouring has been for my family and me.

I'm not going to empty my PM box, because frankly, I don't want any more harassment for our choice. I hope that we as a community can acknowledge that while note everyone shares the Natural Family Living mindset, that most of us do. This is typically a very supportive community, I've found. I like to think that my experience with harsh criticism at a tumultuous time was simply a rarity. Most people here are wonderful! :love

The more time passes, the more gratitude we feel for being able to make this decision. It's hard to say what exactly would have happened if we had gone to the hospital 8 days ago when my water broke, but I do know that taking care of my baby and my body in the manner we chose was truly right for us.

Peace,
Claire

-----
Friday, Oct 21st

Thank you for your continued support and kindness. Your words have meant so much to me over the last two weeks. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My family and I have been SO touched by your outpouring. Thank you!!!

It's now been a full two weeks since my membranes ruptured. I feel such gratitude. My baby is healthy and doing well, my membranes resealed, my fluid levels are ALL back up to normal :banana, I've actually put on some weight now since taking my HG meds (they're expensive and I was just doing without them before), the rest has done me so much good. I actually physically feel better now than before my membranes ruptured. Emotionally, I'm dealing with some trust issues with my body since this pregnancy isn't going according to "plan", but working through those.

I really feel like I'm ready to move on with this pregnancy and just be normal! I'll start hanging out around here more. I really have missed you guys!

See you on the boards! (Oh, but my PM mailbox will remain full for a while)
Claire
--------

Monday, Oct 24th

Thank you guys so much for all your outpouring of love. I can't tell you how sweet it is to read that you're all as grateful as I am by how things have turned out here! :)

I just edited this OP, because I didn't want to keep bumping this thread. There's a EDD group going on here! :wink

Thank you!!! :love
Claire

[PortraitPixie]

:eek :dust :dust :dust

:1praying:

[Jessmcg]

hugs to you. I hope everything goes ok.

Stay in baby!!!!!

(I had to see what this was, because you got me addicted to ov prefolds, so I always waych your posts :) )

[amis2girls]

Definitely. :grouphug

[witchbaby]

oh no, mama! keep that baby in there!

[Viriditas]

Stay put, baby, stay put!!!!

[Jasmyn's Mum]

Sending lots of love and prayers to you and Baby, Mama :1praying:

[mamaroni]

:hug Claire, please lmk if I can do anything!

BABY STAY IN THERE!!!


:dust :dust :dust :dust :dust

[TurboClaudia]

claire,
thinking of you and sending you baby stay in vibes...
lots of love & peace,
claudia

[allnaturalmama]

:1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying: :1praying:

You and baby are on our hearts and prayers. Stay in there, precious one!!!!

Love,
Jen

[Satori]

After what you posted yesterday about the baby being so low and today your water breaking, mama, this baby is coming, I know how much you want a home birth but this baby is to early but can easily survive with a little high tech help. Please go to the hospital! I know your dreading it but some times our plans have to be changed. I'll be praying that your bag reseals but in the mean time go get that baby checked out!

[darkpear]

Ack! Stay in, baby, stay in!!!

[hottmama]

Good luck!!!! I hope your bag reseals and you go to 42 weeks and are complaining about still being pregnant 11 wks. from now!

[DesireeH]

Oh no Claire!!! I hope you due date is off and you are farther along than you think. Hang in there mama. Baby stay in vibes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[amybw]

Good luck!!!! I hope your bag reseals and you go to 42 weeks and are complaining about still being pregnant 11 wks. from now!

wow , i was wondering why everyone was saying baby stay in...didnt know that could happen.

Prayers for you and your sweet baby!

[Panthira]

Crapola is right! I'm sending you baby-stay-in-there vibes!
Did your water leak or break? Are you going to the hospital?
You might have to get your baby steroid shots to get those lungs mature, if birth is eminent. My twins were born at 32 weeks and I wish my son had gotten that shot (I won't say more about that), but it's very important you get medical help!

[natesmommy126]

Oh no! Just saw your sig in the diapering section and want to lyk that I'm praying for you and baby. Stay put baby!!! :hug :1praying:

[wawoof]

Oh NO!!! Stay in baby!

In the meantime, please, please go to the hospital. If your precious baby comes out now, it'll need immediate medical help to survive and thrive.

:grouphug

[kir]

I'm thinking of you and your baby Spark!!

Keep telling that baby to stay in...but you've also given that baby a great start, and she's more than ready to make it with a little help. She must be getting close to 2 kg by now. I know you'll all make it, even if it's not the birth you planned!!

Sending lots of love,
Kiran

[Taedareth]

I'm praying for you!!! :hug

[Ms.Doula]

You and baby are definatly in our prayers. Stay in there, little one!

[xmasbaby7]

Baby Stay In!!!!!!




Claire, this happened to my friend at 31 weeks while in Mexico in May. She ended up having the baby a week later and they have a lovely 6 month old girl now with a Mayan middle name. Things WILL work out just fine.

:hug :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug

:fingersx: :fingersx: :fingersx:

[LoveBaby]

Oh, Claire!!! I'll be saying prayers for you!!

:love
:1praying:

[littlemomma]

Claire,

I said a prayer for you and your family and will continue to do so. Please keep us posted when you have a chance. Love, Love, Love!

[MistyB]

...I have been through the entire PPROM, planned a home birth BUT..."thing".

I am an hour away from you and my mom just happens to be in town through Tuesday.

I will PM you my number if you need it for any questions. I have read pretty much read all sides of preemie and PPROM based research and info regarding norms, stats...it became my obsession for the longest time after giving birth.

My son is now a very healthy and happy almost 4 year old with no health issues at all. The only thing we had to stay int he NICU for was to get nursing established.

Send you hugs and baby stay there vibes.

[Geofizz]

Oh, Claire! Baby stay in. Bags reseal! See if you can negotiate the steriod shot without hospital admission...... Can you continue the bag resealing regimine if admitted to the hospital?

Yeah, you might be closer to 32 weeks than 31, based on our earlier discussion. I'm 32 weeks today.

I think Heather (of LLL)'s DS came at 31 weeks? Or was it 29?

[flapjack]

Sorry- saw your sig and had to peek in from November. I hope everything goes well for you, and baby stays put a few more weeks at least.
:hug

[StarCat]

Thinking of you and that little one. I hope you can figure out a way to get the shots. I know you will make the best decisions for you & baby!

BABY STAY IN!!!!!!!!! :grouphug

[atozmama]

:hug P&PT coming your way. :1praying: Stay put baby! :dust :sticky

[IncaMama]

omg!! my prayers are with you and the little bean!!

my SIL's water broke with twins at 32 wks and the babies stayed in there for another 2.5 weeks...

[birthjunkie27]

OMG, Claire!!! :Hug Baby stay in, baby stay in, baby stay in!!!!!

Sending prayers, hugs, and love your way. :grouphug

[*Amy*]

Spark, I heard over in November about your PROM. Sending lots of BABY STAY PUT vibes and hopes for many more weeks your way!!!!

:1praying:

[IncaMama]

another good friend of mine delivered her baby at 31wks and he's the smartest, most adorable, well developed little nearly-3yo boy. of course i hope you don't have to deliver, but even if you do...it's gonna be ok!!! *HUG*

[wawoof]

Oh Claire, I'm so happy it's slowed down and your m/w has dealt with this before! Hugs and prayers to you!

I would second Wendy's suggestion to contact Heather from LLL - her son was very preemie and I know they've done an incredible job helping him recover.

I'm not an expert on preemies, but coincidentally just had a group of students do a research project on it. The good news is that with loving, nurturing care, preemies can often overcome the disadvantages they have from being born early. I probably don't even need to tell you this, attached mama, but research suggests that if a baby is in NICU, it helps long-term outcomes greatly for the parents to visit frequently and touch the baby. Attachment helps!

:hugs

[JLav]

Oh Claire! :Hug I'm praying for you and your little baby! I hope the bag reseals and this baby waits for a couple more weeks. ((( sticky )))

[Panthira]

I'm sure you know what you are doing. My babies were born at 32 weeks and my son is severely disabled, is unable to sit up on his own, he's in a wheelchair, wears diapers at 14, can talk (sort of), and is blind. His twin sister is just fine though.
If they had allowed my babies to get the shots he wouldn't be handicapped, but they were only experimental at the time and we didn't qualify insurance-wise to receive them, so instead he has costs millions of dollars and tons of heartache. This is not information I like to give out freely.
I'm sure you don't want to be admitted to the hospital (since the shots have to be given over a series of at least a day or two I think) and your baby will be fine, I have no doubt.

[Camellia]

Many many hugs, prayers, and sticky vibes to you Claire!! I'm holding you and your babe close in my heart and thoughts. Things WILL be ok. You guys hang in there.

[DesireeH]

:hug I hope the bag resealing works. Stay in baby!

[chrissy]

Oh Claire!!!

You are in my thoughts mama. I will light a candle and keep you in my prayers.

Dear Baby, I know you want to hurry up to come out and meet your awesome family face to face, but please stay in a little while longer. It will be worth it, I promise.

Love,
Chrissy

[supercrunch]

Oh no!!!

stay in there little one!!

:hug for you Claire

[PatchPixie]

Sending love and stay-put-baby vibes your way---->

We are thinking of you and will light a candle of strength for you in our home.

[kofduke]

Stay in there, baby!

[Jeanne_L]

Claire-

Sending warm thoughts of love and healing to you, your baby and the rest of your family!!! Know that we are all with you during this time!!

[littleteapot]

Baby stay in! Praying your bag reseals and everything stays okay until you're all the way to 40+ weeks!

(There was just a discussion about this on a list I'm on... some people had their waters break as early as 17 weeks and made it!)

[girrllie]

Vibes being sent your way!!!! Keep that baby in as long as possible!

[Lousli]

My daughter was born at 33 weeks (or 32w5d, depending on who you ask) and is fine. She was 4 pounds 1 ounce at birth, and was breathing room air less than 12 hours after her birth, due to steroid shots to mature her lungs. My very close friend had her son at 33w6d. He was 6 pounds at birth, but had no steroid shots. He was on a respirator, then oxygen, for several weeks. He was sent home on an apnea monitor and had severe reflux. He's doing great now, but it was a rocky ride for her family.

I can't tell you how strongly I reccomend getting the steroid shots, even if it means getting admitted to the hospital. I know it sucks, because I had to give up my dream birth scenario for my daughter's health. Also, when the baby is that small, you may not have to dilate to 10 to give birth, and your labor might be fast. If you are determined to stay home, please keep track of anything unusual at all, and get help if your intuition tells you that something isn't right.

[Rach]

Oh my!
I saw your siggy on another post and came searching for this thread!
Best of luck to you! I know you can reseal it!
Hang in there, rest, drink water, and I'll be thinking and praying for you!

[selazenby]

Claire - I am thinking and thinking and thinking of you and baby! With all my heart I am sending you vibes of peace, health and strength (and of course resealing!). Have faith in your baby and your body. All will be well.

:Hug

Erin

[Camellia]

I am so relieved to read your latest update! Claire, I must say that you are such a strong woman. I had no idea your hypermesis was still making you sick. I would be a whining complaining mess. I know your positive attitude will see you to a healthy end with this pregnancy.

+~+~+Stay put sweet baby+~+~+~

[TurboClaudia]

also so relieved to hear your latest update, claire...

stay inside, baby sparkler...

sending you love and peace...

~claudia

[judybean]

More, more and MORE prayers going your way!!!! I even had Madeline and Katherine join in to pray for your little baby. Hugs to you and your family.

[Slightlycrunchymama]

oh Claire ((hugs)) Im wishing the best thoughts and everything possible. I hope things stay settled and your bag reseals. Hang in there mama.

[starparticle]

So glad things are improving!! :thumb

STAY IN THERE BABY!!

<3 rachel

[chrissy]

Claire, I am so glad to hear that baby is settling back in!!
Love love love,
C

[Turtlemum]

I'm so sorry Spark! I am sending you positive, baby in thoughts...take care.
Kelli

[paisley]

Oh Claire! :hug We're sending you much love and positive vibes. Hang in there little sparkler! :heartbeat

[Geofizz]

Whew! So glad to read the update. Every day on the inside helps. I was wondering if there was a PROM/HG relationship. :( I'm sorry this has been such a rough pregnancy. Take it easy and please keep us updated.

BABY STAY IN

[jplain]

Sounds like things are going well Claire. I'm so relieved for you!

My mom's water broke at 31 weeks with one of my brothers. Her doctor put her on bedrest for 5 weeks, and once she reached 36w he recommended that she resume normal activities (chasing after her other 4 kids!). My brother waited until 39w1d to be born...and now he's an obnoxious college senior. ;)

Hang in there Baby and Mama!
:) Carolyn

[wawoof]

Yay!!! I'm so glad the re-sealing is working. You're *so* strong to get through the HG and then this too!

Continuing to send you HEALTHY, STAY IN BABY vibes!!

:hug

[bunnyhatanpaa]

Claire Markie was born 4 weeks early but i went into labor 3 times before his birth and was given the shot for his lungs im so glad i got it too because he was able to breath on his own when he was born...

im thinking of you and your baby...please think about the shot...

[Guinevere]

Hi there, Claire! :)

So sorry to read about your PPROM; I'll definitely be rooting for you and hoping for a reseal happening! :thumb

As a mom to two preemies (33 and 30 weekers) who also experienced PPROM once, and then had two full-term births, perhaps I can help alleviate some of your concerns regarding the whole steroid shots business? I hope so, anyway... I know I was pretty freaked out about the whole prospect when I was unexpectedly faced with it, too!

I received betamethasone shots prior to three of my four deliveries (with the third one only b/c we were concerned I was going to end up delivering early yet again, although thankfully I didn't). You may already know this, but you have a specific window in which to receive the shots; they are only given until your baby reaches a gestational age of 34 wks.; after that, research doesn't show them to be as effective in lung maturation.

Claire, I did NOT need to be admitted and remain in the hospital to receive ANY of them, although I did have to physically haul my butt in to L&D to receive the shots (that was hospital protocol, couldn't have them administered at an office visit), and then I went home again; they did NOT keep me b/c of the shots. However, I was later admitted b/c I had severe pre-eclampsia, but that ended up being a good thing, since I was very ill!

Anyhow, betamethasone is a series of two shots that need to be given over a specific time period (in my mind, it's 24 hrs., 12 hrs. apart, but it might be 48 hrs., given 24 hrs. apart, pg brain gets foggy, lol!) They are intramuscular shots (i.e. in your rear end ;) .)

Here are some other things to know about betamethasone, in making your decision:

1. Side effect on you: your blood sugar levels will temporarily increase, b/c betamethasone is a steroid, but if you don't have issues with GD, then it's nothing to worry about and the effect diminishes within 48 hrs. after the second shot. If you do have GD, then you need to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully for a couple of days until things smooth out.

2. The standard drug protocol for betamethasone (as recently as 7-8 yrs. ago) USED to be to give mamas with threatened pre-term labor or early delivery MULTIPLE doses over a course of days/weeks/months. They no longer do that, b/c they found (surprise, surprise!) that high doses of steroids given repeatedly were not good for mom or baby. Well, duh! But for that reason, betamethasone still has a bad rep in certain circles. The one-time, two-dose protocol, however, does NOT increase risks to you or the baby, but DOES make a significant impact on lung maturity, and studies have shown this newer regimen to have great outcomes for preemies.

3. My personal experience with the shots and having preemies: I was torn over whether or not to get them, especially with my third baby, since I was pretty sure I would make it full-term with him. So I used my time on bedrest to do some heavy-duty research of my own, which is what I suggest you do, as well!

Please know that if you get the shots and then end up going full-term, they will NOT negatively effect your baby.

And as for the two preemies I had who had the benefit of receiving them, neither had ANY breathing issues and never needed to be ventilated. What a blessing! That was HUGE for me, b/c giving birth prematurely is honestly very traumatic; you end up with a LOT of guilt, and it's very hard to see your tiny precious child kept separate from you in a clear plastic box of a womb, hooked up to every monitoring device invented, so very vulnerable and so very REMOVED from you, the mother, who should be the very SOURCE of all comfort and noursishment. :(

It's very, very hard to deal with that, and if my children had ALSO needed to be on a respirator when I know I could have prevented it, I think I would have lost it completely! A ventilator means it's even longer until you can hold your sweet baby, and it was far too long for me even without it!

I'm thinking of you, Claire, and sending you strength and health to get through this and make the best informed decisions for you and your family!

Kind regards,
Guin

[michray]

Claire... please know that my entire family is thinking of you and that eager little one! Shan called last night to let me know what was going on, and I have been sending you good karma vibes since!

I hope you are resting and the little one stays put for a while yet! :hug :love

LOL, just whisper that her fairy will not come if she is so hasty about her arrival!!!

[Spark]

Claire, I did NOT need to be admitted and remain in the hospital to receive ANY of them, although I did have to physically haul my butt in to L&D to receive the shots (that was hospital protocol, couldn't have them administered at an office visit), and then I went home again; they did NOT keep me b/c of the shots.

thank you!!! i'm going to try calling yet again to see if i can arrange that. i've contacted both hospitals in town & told not w/o admittance. i'll try again though. (tried some private practices & even a dentist who's a relative & couldnt get it anywhere)

so hard to type on my side.

thankyou all sooo much. mich - you made me smile. :)

[Satori]

thank you!!! i'm going to try calling yet again to see if i can arrange that. i've contacted both hospitals in town & told not w/o admittance. i'll try again though. (tried some private practices & even a dentist who's a relative & couldnt get it anywhere)

so hard to type on my side.

thankyou all sooo much. mich - you made me smile. :)

Would it really be that bad for you to sit in a hospital for 24 hours if it meant your baby would live and have few problems from being born so early? I understand your afraid of the hospital but maybe its time to face your fears for your baby's sake? I spent 2 years working with families who did not get the shot and every single one of them regretted not doing it or it not being avail.

We often have ideals in our minds of how we want things to go but they don't always work out that way. I had planned a home birth with a midwife and was willing to do UC of I had to. I ended up with severe pre-e and HELLP syndrome, I screamed and I yelled and raised holy hell but in the end I relented and I'm alive today and so is my child. Had I held to my beliefs of home birth being the only option both I and my dd would be dead or severely brain damaged at the very least. Sometimes we have to change our plans no matter how scary or distasteful we find the alternatives.

[allnaturalmama]

Dearest Claire,

I know you've been through a very difficult time with the HG and now the PROM. I wish you weren't in this situation having to deal with these issues.

There seems to be a lot of strong feelings in this thread about what you should be doing, and even though people have spoken passionately, and out of love, I'm sure, you know what is best for you and your baby.

I just wanted to post how grateful I am to read your updates and how confident I am that your actions are in the best interest of you and your precious little one.

My whole family is praying for you!!!!

Much Love,
Jen

[Aurora]

Claire, you are in my thoughts and prayers. :heartbeat

[hottmama]

I hope you are doing well and it sounds like things are looking good! I totally support and agree with your choices in this, and hope you get the homebirth you are planning!

[mamaroni]

I just wanted to post how grateful I am to read your updates and how confident I am that your actions are in the best interest of you and your precious little one.



:yeah: :hug

[cariadanam]

Claire,

I've been offline the last few days, Im so sorry to come back and see your post. But hey hang tough mama, cause I know you can! All you can do is what feels right.

Give that baby lots of love and take care of yourself, the rest will figure itself out.

:heartbeat
Julie

[PatchyMama]

claire - you know what is best for you :) I still have a candle lit for you and your sweet baby... thinking good thoughts for you! :love

[birthjunkie27]

Claire,

Just wanted to let you know that I also appreciate your posts....I think about you all throughout the day and hope that your little one is staying put. I also hope you're feeling ok throughout all of this.

I have no opinion one way or the other on your course of action...you will decide what is best for you and your babe.

Hang in there and know that we're all thinking of you! :heartbeat

[michray]

mich - you made me smile. :)

smiles are good medicine! I am prescribing at least a hundred a day, and know that you have lots to smile about around your house!

I am off to bed, and will do my own whispering to your lil one in my dreams!

[Ok]

O, Mama of Sweetness and Light:

I check in a gazillion times a day to make sure you're OK. Stay safe. I know you'll make the smart decision for you and sparklette. (hhmm, does that mean I think its a girl? :shy ... sparky?)

I've "imaged" filling balloons with water in your honor :love

Wish I could hug you in person. Take care. virg

[xkoliex]

I too have been offline for a bit, our ISP went down. :(
I'm so sorry to hear about your water breaking so early, but am extremely relieved to hear that things are getting progressively better. Hang in there and everything will work out the way the universe wants it to. In the meantime, you and your little one will be in my thoughts and prayers :love :throb

[Sustainer]

How are you doing? I've been gone for the weekend and I just got back and I saw your sig on the diapering board! :hug

[CrunchyMamaToBe]

I've been lurking/silently cheerleading in this DDC, waiting for my December TTC date to come around, and wanted to offer my support to you, Claire. No more silent cheerleading!

:heartbeat Baby stay in!!! :heartbeat

:hug to you and your family, mama.

[bunnyhatanpaa]

claire just wondering but cant you just leave the hospital once you get the shot...im sure you dont have to say anything when you get there like..

"hi im here i want the shot and then im out"..


cant you just go get the shot say your feeling better and then check out and go back home? I dont know how the hospital stuff works in the states but it seems like you would have the right to leave the hospital if you wanted to.. NO?

ok i hope your doing well i have been thinking about you all night and day...try to check in if your feeling well...hugs mama.. :throb :love

[flapjack]

I'm glad you and baby are staying safe. I know it's a horrendous decision to have to make, but I think you're doing the right thing staying at home, especially as it looks like the treatment to reseal your membranes is working. I think if I had a resource like your midwife, I'd probably do the same thing.
Keeping candles lit here as well.

[kir]

I don't want to get into why I decided to get the series of two shots, BUT....I had the first shot done as an outpatient, and the second shot was administered at home by a nurse.

Things are really different here, but....the basic issue is whether you and baby would be safe not being in hospital for the steroid shot, and from everything i've read it's not a "risky" procedure. But it may be different if done when there is already the strain of ruptured membranes on your body.

Hoping everything works out.....

[LoveBaby]

:hug

:candle

:1praying:

So sorry you won't be hanging out w/ us while we wait for that precious babe, but I totally understand why you need to step away.

:love

[StarCat]

Love and support will be coming your way from now until that baby is out and healthy...

Sadness for us December girls because you will be SO missed!

[TurboClaudia]

claire,

glad to hear that you and baby sparkler are still both doing well, and although i'm sad to hear that you will be taking time away from MDC because of some people's comments, i'm even more sad that people felt the need to bombard you with "information and horror stories" in the name of safety despite your very clear notification that you have made your choice wisely and in trust.

please know that i'm thinking of you, your babe and your entire family, and also know that we'll all be here when you feel up to coming back.

with love, peace and wisdom,
claudia

[Minnow_]

Oh, Claire... I just logged in for the first time after the weekend and saw your post. :hug
I will be sending stay-in-baby thoughts too.

[IncaMama]

:( i'm so sorry that ppl have been taking the low road on this one. not that it matters much, but i support your decision 100% and i know that you're doing what's best for your baby. please know that you're still in my prayers...i hope you can come back soon with some fantastic news!!! :) *HUG*

[Camellia]

I am so peeved right now.

To those badgering Claire - How dare you :angry Claire needs the support of this community and I have been so thankful for her updates. She is a friend to many here and we all want to know how she is doing. I completely understand why she is leaving her own supportive community for a time. She needs positive thoughts and support. If a community that offers that turns on her and gets all negative that is only bad for her and her baby. :angry

Claire,

If you come back and read this thread, please know that we are all praying for you and (most of us) are supporting you AND your well thought out decision to be at home caring for yourself and your baby. :hug

[kofduke]

:hug

Oh, Clare, please do what you need to do to keep you and the baby healthy and well. I hope that you'll be able to come back when this is all over and tell us how everything resolved, and about your birth. You will be in my prayers.

[Geofizz]

:( What Lindsaylou said.

I'll be sending you more "Baby stay in" vibes. Wishing you another 8 weeks free of leaking, contractions and infection. The stats I found say that if you get through the first 24 hours without contractions, you've got a >50% chance of going to your due date. You've gotten through 3 days now, by my count.

Please check in Dec 15 when you're holding your 1 week old nursling. :throb

Much love.

[DesireeH]

Aww, I'm sorry people are badgering you! That is so rude. You'd think that MDC'rs would be more supportive of your decision! We will miss you sooooooooooo much!!!!! :hug

You better check in here and there with updates! Much love!!

[didelphus]

Aw, hang in there, Claire! You are are the mama and you get to make the choices!
I'm sorry people said mean things! Obviously, you have the best intrest of yourself and your newborn in mind. We all know that.
Well, maybe you can get a lot of reading or something done while you lie flat for awhile?!
Thinkin' about you and the little squirt.

[Ms.Doula]

Oh, Claire- I am SOOO SORRY that you have been hurt/attacked by others... How incredibly Shallow-minded indeed!! :irked

You are truely an inspiration to us all aspiring for more natural treatment of PG & birth!! And a 'Sparkling' example of an informed,& loving mother!!
Im sure you will both be wonderfull & I look forward to your update on the new eddition!! :love

LOVE & Prayers for you all!!!

[Leilalu]

How dare people badger you:irked:

My prayers are with you. And let us all remember, hospitals are not a "cure all" And doctors aren't the answer to all life's problems.....
:D Take care, and enjoy your break!

[ljpmom]

I wish the best for you and your baby! I am so sorry you are getting those type of comments/pms. You and only you know what is best for your baby and yourself. We would be doing the same thing if we were in your shoes. I am sorry if you were hurt or had more added stress because of those who chose to make unnecessary comments. Please come back and update us on your situation, and especially when your precious little baby makes its arrival! :)

[Bella Luna]

Hugs, Claire, and hope all is well with you and your precious little one.

[rapscallions]

ditto what lindseylou and others have said. i have enjoyed your comments greatly too claire and COMPLETELY respect your decision to stay in your own healthy, caring, loving home. unlike on mdc and at the hospital, at least you're not being badgered there! (except by a few unruly kids, i imagine. good grief i hope you have good help in real life too!!!) we are thinking of you so much and are so hoping you or someone who keeps in close touch with you will keep us informed of your happenings.

hugs, prayers, all the best! you can do it little baby. hang high and stay put!

[spiralmg]

Although I've been following this thread closely and intensely and sending many good thoughts, I haven't posted because it didn't seem like I had anything valuable to add. However, last night we were visiting with a friend from Ann Arbor who brought me some wonderful bulk pregnancy tea made by some midwives there and we were talking about all of the wonderful midwive talent and the supportive community in my old hometown. It must be a great place to be pregnant!

Although I don't know anyone that Claire is working with, I have full confidence that she's working with the best, and that her situation is probably the best it can be given the circumstances.

Here's sending lots of good energy your way!

[Slightlycrunchymama]

Im sorry your not getting the supprt you deserve, just remember that on the Dec board we're all rooting for you and babe and wishing you all the best. I hope you continue to at least pop in and see us, you've been our fearless ringleader IMO. I will miss you. I always love reading your posts and am amazed at your kindness and scope of advice, you really ROCK mama! Please stay healthy and do whats best for yourself and your babe. Please also keep us updated because I know I think about you often throughout each day. :throb

[vkberes]

Claire, you, your baby, and your family have been in my thoughts every day and I am happy things are becoming stable. I am sorry people have bombarded you with unsolicited information and your absence here will surely be missed. :( You are truly one of the most sweetest and caring mamas I have come across here and I know you are making the best decisions for your baby. I will still come back looking for updates but I understand if you need to stay completely away.

[PatchyMama]

I am so peeved right now.

To those badgering Claire - How dare you :angry Claire needs the support of this community and I have been so thankful for her updates. She is a friend to many here and we all want to know how she is doing. I completely understand why she is leaving her own supportive community for a time. She needs positive thoughts and support. If a community that offers that turns on her and gets all negative that is only bad for her and her baby. :angry

Claire,

If you come back and read this thread, please know that we are all praying for you and (most of us) are supporting you AND your well thought out decision to be at home caring for yourself and your baby. :hug


ditto from me. Love you mama :love

[raspberryswirl]

I'm new on this board and so I don't know you very well but I just wanted to give you my support anyway. :hug

I know you will be missed by many here on MDC but I hope this time away allows you to focus on doing what's right for you and the baby no matter what that entails (hospital or no hospital). I wish you all the luck in the world and will say a prayer for you.

Much peace and love :throb , Margaret

[Aurora]

:hug Claire! I know you are doing what is best for you and your baby. You are a very intelligent and intuitive mama. Follow your heart! :heartbeat I am sooooo glad things are going well! :D

Sending you lots of love and baby stay put vibes! :love

[wawoof]

Oh Claire, I'm so sorry that some comments have stressed you out enough that you need to take a hiatus from MDC. I understand your need to do so. We love you and wish you all the best for the rest of this pregnancy and beyond :hug

[chrissy]

Claire, I have absolute faith that you are making the right decision for your baby.
Lots of love to you and that little trickster,
C

[Taedareth]

On update #4 -

Take care Spark! Sounds like your decision to take it easy is working and I'm so relieved to hear that :) I'll keep praying for you and your family. Hopefully you can come back to MDC in December to share the fun of finding out who was right about their "predictions." Hehe. Rest up, feel better! :hug

[nohomama]

Claire,

I don't know that you'll see this since you're taking a break but I wanted to jet over here and let you know that I've been thinking of you and missing your presence over in Diapering. Take care, lady. And little baby, stay in your mama's belly awhile longer. Trust me, it's the best place for you right now.

Take care,

[Treasuremapper]

:candle

[xmasbaby7]

Don't know if you'll get this either, Claire, but I have been on vacation and just logged back in today and have been thinking about you sending you all sorts of baby-stay-in-swimming vibes.

(Because of the pregnancy hormones, I frankly feel like kicking some A$$ on your behalf! )

You are a wonderful mother making all of the right choices, and you DO know what is best.

Wishing you great rest and relaxation and know we will miss you!

[amygoforth]

Stay in baby!!!

(and you know what's best, sister. listen to your instincts.)

[stacey0402]

Claire :love :D This pregnancy has been such a long hard road for you and it just sucks that people cannot respect your decisions. I miss you over in the happy, fluffy land of the Diapering forum. Thanks for the song tonight :) If you need any FM help, let me know. I've been known to score a time or two :wink



For those that passed judgement, there's a quote that comes to mind:

"Beware of women who claim to love mothering, but hate actual mothers."

[Panthira]

I think it sucks you feel the need to take time off because some people accused you of not doing what is best for you and your baby. :angry
I know I (and a few others) posted our experiences and suggested the steroid shots, but I know I, and probably the others too, only wanted to help and spare you the terrible pain some of us had with our preterm births.
It's no one's business how you handle your situation and no one should judge your decision on how to handle it. You will obviously do what you think is in the best interest of the baby.

I really enjoyed reading your posts and miss your presence on the board.
I hope everything goes well (and I'm sure it will) and I look forward to reading your posts again in the future! :thumb

[Undercover Hippie]

Jist one more person supporting you and sending good thoughts to you and your babe! :) :hug

[romansmum]

thinking of you mama, and sending warm full womby thoughts you and the babes way, trust your intuition, wise mama :heartbeat

[ChattyCat]

:Hug
What a stressful time this must be for you and your family! Please, take care of yourself and your little one. We will be thinking about you and sending your baby stay put vibes.

I'll be anxiously awaiting your return to MDC! It will be so boring around here without your hilarious sense of humor! :LOL

I hope to hear of your lovely homebirth sometime in December.

[punkwoman1982]

I hope all is well don't know what else to say than sending all our prayers your way.. it is scarey enough having something like that happen without people haggling you and not respeting your decisions. hope you and babe are doing good :~bangel

[Spark]

Thank you for such an outpouring of support and love. I'm so impressed by this amazing community. :grouphug I updated on the first page.

I know I (and a few others) posted our experiences and suggested the steroid shots, but I know I, and probably the others too, only wanted to help and spare you the terrible pain some of us had with our preterm births.

Just to clarify, I did not have one ounce of issue with that. I was grateful to hear your experiences and found support in listening to your stories. Plus, I really wasn't sure if something would change that would make my DH and I decide to go to the hospital. I wasn't sure if I'd be going to the hospital the very next hour. I can only begin to comprehend the uncertainty and heartache that a premature baby can bring with it. My heart goes out to all of you who have held your early baby in your arms or peered at him/her through an isolate.

Would it really be that bad for you to sit in a hospital for 24 hours if it meant your baby would live and have few problems from being born so early? I understand your afraid of the hospital but maybe its time to face your fears for your baby's sake?

This however, is not what I would typically classify as supportive. Do you realize what the inverse of this statement means -- that by not going to the hospital my baby would die and have problems? I can understand your sentiment... now when I'm feeling more secure about giving birth at any moment, but it's really not the best approach to use fear tactics at such a vulnerable time.

Also, I find it really insulting that you imply that fear keeps me from taking my baby's sake into consideration. You really don't know me if you think fear is the reason I didn't go to the hospital that night or the following day.

And... so then the PMs. If you're still reading this thread and sent me one of the nasty PMs that called me a baby killer or some other such lovely terms - I wish you peace in your heart.

[chrissy]

I :love you Claire!

That is some beeee-u-ti-ful belly full of baby you have there!

[Geofizz]

Claire, thank you so much for the update! I'm thrilled to hear things continue to look good for you. Now just tell that HG to take a hike so you can enjoy being pregnant for oh, another 8-10 weeks. :wink

<cue Twilight Zone Music>

Just minutes before you posted, I actually tried sending you a PM:

Subject: Thinking of you today
Content: :hug


Ya know, one of the things I like about MDC is that women are so well informed. While many people make decisions different than I would, I always feel comfortable supporting people unconditionally because I know they are making well-informed choices based on real information best suited to the many details of their own situation.

[romansmum]

thank you for the update Claire! you are looking gorgeous as usual, and soooo glad here things are going well. i'm keeping you in my thoughts :heartbeat

[PatchPixie]

(((Claire))) Glad you are doing well and that the babe is staying put!! You look radiant!! Thanks for the update - such good news!!!

[birthjunkie27]

Claire, so glad to see you're doing good and that little one is staying put! You look like an absolute beautiful pregnant goddess! So so so glad you're ok!! :love

[girrllie]

I'm so glad to hear you're doing better! I've been thinking of you a lot. It's so horrible that others would harrass you at such a stressful time and not respect that you're an intelligent, thinking woman capable of making your own decisions!

[TurboClaudia]

claire, thanks for your update!

thinking of you & sending you and your sweet babe in your belly peace and health & wishes for a safe and beautiful birth... :love

~claudia

[Threefold]

Spark,
I've been lurking but didn't post my support b/c we haven't really "met" here at MDC, but I am just :jaw that you have gotten nasty pms. I'm so sorry.
:hug and sending you and your baby :love and light. I know you know what you and your baby need, stay strong in your intuition.

[ChattyCat]

Ya know, one of the things I like about MDC is that women are so well informed. While many people make decisions different than I would, I always feel comfortable supporting people unconditionally because I know they are making well-informed choices based on real information best suited to the many details of their own situation.

:yeah: I'm glad somebody could put that into words for me, because that is just how I feel, too!

Claire, I am so glad to hear all is going well. You look beautiful! I :love the photo! I hope little Sparky or Sparkette :LOL stays womby for a few more weeks for you. You look great, and I'm so happy that you and babe are ok! :D

I think it sucks that people were mean to you. Obviously, you did what you thought was best. We can't ever really know all of the details of someone else's problems, and for someone to assume that they knew better than you is really pompous.

I'm happy you're still around MDC! Take care!

[wawoof]

Dear Claire,

Thank you so much for posting your update!! I understand your need to be away from the boards, but was worried about how you and your baby were doing. I'm so happy to hear your baby is staying put, and hope that s/he will stay inside until 40 weeks :) You look radiant as always, and I am blown away by your ability to forgive those who PMed you horrible things.

With much love and best wishes

:hug

[Slightlycrunchymama]

YAY Claire! Im so glad you updated :)
I think about you a lot :love Come back any old time, we miss you!
Im so happy things are turning out for you and babe, Im sure you'll go to 43 weeks now too lol.
((((hugs))))
Aubin

[LoveBaby]

Woohoo!! :banana

Yay Baby for staying put in that nice little home your mama has for you!


Glad you peeked back in to give us an update,mama. I've been thinking of you and saying lots of prayers!!

[Jeanne_L]

Thanks for the update and photo, Claire! I miss you on our board!!! But so glad to hear that things are going well. You've been on my mind so much lately and I truly admire your trust in your body and your intuition. Keep up the good work, mama!!! :love

[Kundalini-Mama]

Claire,

I must have been living under a rock, as I totally missed all that was going on.

First and foremost, listen to your instincts, and listen to your baby. It seems you are doing both already, and you seem to be under the care of a very competent midwife.

You know what to do, and I'm sure that if I was in a similar situation (let's hope not though), that my decisions would mirror yours as long as my instinct was telling me so.

Stay strong for your lil' one.

I wish for you much peace and love. You are most definately in my heart.
Amy

[CrunchyMamaToBe]

What good news!!! :love
Glad the baby is staying put and doing well!

[Eman'smom]

You look great, :) I'm so glad things are going well, and sorry people are judging you. You are doing the right thing for your family keep it up. :thumb

[HoosierDiaperinMama]

Claire~
My heart sunk when I saw your post. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself and update when you can. :hugs

[tnrsmom]

Hey mama, Col just filled me in. I have not been around the boards much. :( Honey, I am so sorry for all you have gone through. Just know that I am praying for you and the little bean. Life has been so busy that I have not been around but please know if you need me, I can be there in minutes. :hug

Love to you, J, J, CC and little one. Can't wait to meet him/her in about 2 months. :)

[beachcomber]

Hi Claire,

Coming to this thread really late but wanted to chime in with the others to express my relieved happiness that Baby is still snug in your tummy. I'm confident your family has made the best choice for your situation and back your decision 100%. As I know you would do for me or any of the other mums here. Take care of yourself and the little one and I'm sending "get all the way to the due date" vibes to you both.

Your presence here will be missed, but your absence is completely understandable given the circumstances. I'll be thinking about you, though, and looking to the OP in this thread for updates.

[Boobiemama]

When my water broke early with my second baby, my midwife told me that when your water breaks, it send signals to the baby for its lungs to mature faster. So that is is beneficial to have ruptured membranes for awhile before the baby is born if it is early. Dont know if this is true or not, but cant help to think it, right?
Hang in there!

[gemelos]

I am so glad to hear things are turning out well! Good for you for doing what you feel is best. :heartbeat

[bunnyhatanpaa]

Claire im so so happy to know that your doing better!! lots of hugs to you and baby!!

you and your belly look just beautiful!!! :throb

[Spark]

Thank you guys, SO much!

I updated again. :heartbeat

[stacey0402]

I emailed you Spark :love

[HoosierDiaperinMama]

Thanks for the update, Claire. :love Keep taking good care of yourself! Much love and hugs,
Amy

[Spark]

I emailed you Spark :love

Wow, and what an e-mail that was! Nice scoring at FCB! You are WAY WAY WAY cool! :thumb

Amy, thank you for checking in about us. I know it's probably still a challenge to come over here. :hug As I'm sure you understand, I'm a little slowed up on making Reagan's toy, but I did dye the new organic wool yesterday and ooooh, I love how the colors turned out. If there's a shade you're most attracted to for the ball base, just let me know. Organic Dyed Wool (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce00b3127cce94ebcf9f1fd800000016109AZOW7Rw0bu) :love

[TurboClaudia]

claire: i'm so glad to hear baby sparkler is still happy & healthy in your belly. i've been thinking about you lots and sending you lots of peaceful vibes...

also so glad you're "back" around mdc... :D

~claudia

[DesireeH]

Yay Claire! Great news! Thanks for the update!! Glad you are feeling better too!

[Minnow_]

Claire, thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear you and baby are doing so well!

[candipooh]

Just wanted to say that I have following your story. Congrats on getting to where you are. You have done a great job!!!!

Poopoo on those nay sayers and their nasty PMs. Too bad they don't have the guts to say what they want to say on here where we all can see it. :kewl I am so sorry for the stress that some MDC mommas gave you. :angry Hopefully the posative will shortly overshowdow the negative. :love

I hope they realize (the nay sayers) now you made the right choices. (given that the bag has sealed and you and baby are both doing great!!!)

You are an amazing momma and this little bean is very blessed to have you making the decisions that are best for her.

[selazenby]

Yay!!!!!

[StarCat]

Glad things are going so well. and glad you'll be back here more. We've missed you!!!!

[darkpear]

Yay Spark! So glad you and babe are doing well :)

[wawoof]

Yay, Claire!!! Thanks so much for posting your update - I'm so, so happy that you and your precious baby are doing well :D

:love

[kir]

I am so happy to read your latest update, Spark! Thanks for posting.

I'm so thrilled to hear that things are going well and that you have found a balance to your care that you are happy with. :) It sounds just amazing!

Kiran

[gemelos]

That is wonderful news-congratulations!!! :love

[Kundalini-Mama]

So excited for you both!! Stay healthy :)

[bucaye]

I am glad to hear things are going well. I have thought of you a lot these past days. So happy to know you and your babe are doing well. Good to see you back on the boards. We are here for you . . . .