February 2023 Moms
seeds_of_joy
member
Weekly check in January 23
seeds_of_joy
member
EDD / Weeks + Days:
Baby is the size of a(n):
Team blue/pink/green:
Upcoming Appointments:
How are you feeling?:
Rants/Raves:
Questions:
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first?
Re: Weekly check in January 23
EDD / Weeks + Days: February 21 (36 tomorrow)
Baby is the size of a(n): pineapple turning papaya
Team blue/pink/green:pink
Upcoming Appointments: I have my appointment with my gut health doctor today and next week my midwife is coming for the home visit.
How are you feeling?: emotional. I had a crazy week and freaked out for the stupidest reasons (like having a drone caught in my hair). It's hard to walk and I'm tired and slow.
Rants/Raves: I've been a little overwhelmed by people (or maybe myself) expecting me to do the things I normally do. I'm normally totally willing to be there for people who struggle with mental illness, addiction, etc but it's really difficult when I'm this pregnant. And I'm also considering leaving my doctor and just doing things on my own as far as my health issues. She has me on supplements that I found out aren't even safe in pregnancy and my plan does not seem individualized at all. It's like this place isn't considering our family size, my pregnancy, our income. It's a long story and I'm pretty stressed out about the appointment today. My husband is taking me because I have a hard time driving that far. On a positive note, we're almost ready for this baby! I ran into a random sweet old lady at a funeral and she told me my baby was coming early because she looks low. 😂
Questions: anyone think that this is their big week?
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first?
I want to wear my baby a lot more. With my last 4 babies, there was always 1 or several other small children to tend to and with my first, I didn't think of it. Now with my youngest nearly 5, I can be more hands off with the older kids. They are old enough to help each other and themselves. My oldest (almost 12) is bigger than me!! This is the first time I feel I have the freedom to have a little one attached to me and quite possibly my last chance to bask in a newborn's sunshine.
EDD / Weeks + Days: 37 + 5
Baby is the size of a(n): Romaine lettuce 🥬
Team blue/pink/green: pink
Upcoming Appointments: Thursday for cervical check and to again remind my doctor I will not do an elective induction 🙄
How are you feeling?: Good overall. My allergies have come back full swing since we moved. And definitely harder to move around also.
Rants/Raves:
Questions:
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first?
I’m hoping to not be as concerned about every little thing now that I somewhat know what I’m doing. I want to live a normal life with baby as well. For example, I never went anywhere with my first because I was too nervous. This time I already have a touch-a-truck event we plan to go to with my son when she’ll be around 2 weeks old as well as him starting tball when she’s about a month old. So lots of baby wearing too!
EDD / Weeks + Days: 2/16, 36+4
Baby is the size of a(n): papaya
Team blue/pink/green: 💙
Upcoming Appointments: BPP tomorrow and appointment with OB Wednesday
How are you feeling?: I go back and forth with wanting this baby out now (or soon) to being at peace with even going past my due date. Baby has a dance party at around 10 pm or midnight, which includes head-butting my cervix! Ah!
Rants/Raves: natm
Questions: natm
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first?
Not stressing about every little thing and trusting others to take care of my baby so I can get rest.
@seeds_of_joy Sometimes I find that I have to prompt my providers on how I need to be supported. And when I take care of my patients, I tell them that they need to speak up if they feel overwhelmed with all of my supplement recommendations or unable to afford my recommendations. Integrative Medicine is unfortunately an expensive endeavor and the supplements and eating around dietary restrictions can get costly. If your provider is good, he or she should be able to edit things down for you and help you stay in budget.
EDD / Weeks + Days: 2/24, 35w 3d
Baby is the size of a(n): pineapple or honeydew melon
Team blue/pink/green: 💚
Upcoming Appointments: Just came out of my Lactation consult this am. I have a BPP later this afternoon. Midwife appointment on Thursday morning.
How are you feeling?: I’m good until I hit a wall of tiredness. Even my ability to cook is challenged. And thank god the hemorrhoid has somewhat resolved where it’s not bothering me much any more. I can tolerate this pregnancy a little bit longer…I would ideally like to see this baby out by week 39 or 40 but I realize I don’t have control over this. One can wish and dream though!
Rants/Raves:
I made 3 mobiles for the baby this past week after being inspired by a friend who gave me an origami kit. One has pink flowers and green leaves. Another has butterflies. The third is a variety of different birds. I’m motivated to make 4 four more that is recommended by the Montessori method. I’ll post a pic on what I’ve made so far on the random thread.
Questions: natm
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first?
I intentionally plan to give myself some grace to navigate motherhood and to stay connected to my “inner compass” to figure out what will be the right work/life balance I need and desire. I also plan to lean on people to help and support me. Probably easier said than done, but I intend to be open to asking for help. Usually I’m the one being the helper and it’s a role I enjoy doing.
EDD / Weeks + Days: 37!
Baby is the size of a(n): romaine lettuce? Their comparisons make me laugh.
Team blue/pink/green: 💙
Upcoming Appointments: I had OB, NST, & BPP today and I’ll do it all again next Monday, which should be my last appts before his arrival!!
How are you feeling?: feeling good overall. We relocated yesterday to where our son will receive his care so it’s been a bit of an emotional weekend. My platelets are in the 90s so now I’m being monitored for that too. My platelets generally run low and last pregnancy did the same thing to me. I just am hopeful they’ll maintain and I won’t need any interventions. I feel better that we are by the hospital now though (5min vs 1.5+hours) just in case he decides to make his entrance early.
Rants/Raves: I am not looking forward to an induction in 2 weeks but know it’s what’s best for our little buddy. But the bright side is an induction means that unless he comes early, I do know how close I am to meeting his sweet self 🥰 The team at the hospital I’m giving birth at is awesome and I do feel super supported and they have been very kind in explaining everything and respecting my “no” when needed.
Questions: none currently
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first?
This time around is totally different but I’m thankful to know that in advance and be able to process. Last time I was not good about asking for help but this time we will be surrounded by an incredible team who I will need to lean on in order for our son to get the best possible care. It seems like quite a few of us know we need to ask for help 💜
@seeds_of_joy I am so sorry you are going through all of that. It's like dominos. That happened to me a couple weeks ago. One thing triggers the emotions and then all these little things pile on and you can't stop the emotions from coming. Hopefully this week is better and you get the proper care you need.
@ttc3y I am always blown away by your creativity!
EDD / Weeks + Days: 35+3
Baby is the size of a(n): Pineapple or a moderately successful game of Jenga...whatever that means lol
Team blue/pink/green: Pink
Upcoming Appointments: Next Monday
How are you feeling?: Tired. Last night my heartburn wouldn't quit and the medication was not helping. Every time I got close to falling asleep it would hit me so bad I thought I was going to throw up.
Rants/Raves: Rave - We bought a new (used) car this weekend. My husband's truck is so beat up we needed something. It's a 2 seater with no AC (we live in AZ). He lost the key to turn off the passenger air bag so he couldn't even have the car seat in there if fixed the AC. And I hate driving it so that wouldn't work. But thankfully we found something we could afford and picked it up on Friday.
Questions: None
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first?
Standing up for myself. I am very laid back and I'm also a people pleaser. In most situations I would rather be upset or disappointed for a little bit rather than deal with the aftermath because I know I will get over quickly, where as the other person in the situation would not. If it is something that involves my daughter, I am going to try to stand up more and not worry about the other person. Just because I am ok and get over things quickly, I don't want my daughter to feel/think she has to do the same or be the same way if she's not. Hope that makes sense.
@itsjess627, I’m also not looking forward to my scheduled induction, but also don’t want to go the full 40 weeks. Here’s hoping that they come earlier than our induction dates. 🤞
Baby is the size of a(n): Romaine lettuce
Team blue/pink/green: Blue 💙
Upcoming Appointments: Friday for an NST, cervical check, and membrane sweep
How are you feeling?: Tired, severe pelvic pain, difficulty walking, cramping is getting a little stronger today. I’m doing what I can to get this baby out—exercise ball, walking up and down stairs, spicy foods, sex!
Rants/Raves: Rant—I’m just trying to finish up work as my maternity leave starts on Thursday, but my next two work days are going to be intense. Rave—I found out last week that I get 32 weeks of maternity leave, not 26 weeks! I’m happy to be working for a global company.
Questions: Natm
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first?
I want to make sure that I integrate my child into my life and hobbies vs changing myself because of a baby. I’ve seen many whose lives revolve around their children, and I waited so long to even consider having a child because I never wanted to lose myself. I’m still fearful of this, but have received good advice that you can still do all of the same things, but it’s just different as you integrate a child into those things.I’m also very hard on myself at times and say negative things. It’s important to me that I stop this so that my child doesn’t pick up on it or create a habit of being negative toward himself.
EDD / Weeks + Days: Feb 4/38+2
Baby is the size of a(n): winter melon
Team blue/pink/green: blue 💙
Upcoming Appointments: Tomorrow, just a regular check in with the midwife
How are you feeling?: Increasingly impatient, although I know there’s a good chance we’ve still got a few weeks to wait. And I had a pretty Braxton-Hicks heavy weekend with some increased pelvic pressure, like it’s definitely starting to ramp up a bit, so maybe we’ll get lucky and it won’t be so long.
Rants/Raves: We’re officially as ready as we’re going to be! We’ve got bags packed, clothes and linens washed, the last picture hung in the nursery, the big house projects finished. Which feels good, but only fuels my impatience with the wait 😂.
Questions: natm
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first? Asking for help. We’re hours away from our families, and while my husband gets 2 weeks off, that’s not a lot. We have good friends and neighbors who have offered their support and who I know would love to help, I just need to remember that and to be willing to be vulnerable and proactive about asking for help when I need it.
Your mobile is soooo awesome. I think I might show my 11 year old. He's very skilled artistically and can even make mini oragami.
but that’s awesome! @karbaud my husband gets 1 week, including the hospital time. Literally not enough time to even get acclimated. Thankfully I’ll have 6 months since I’m not teaching right now.
EDD / Weeks + Days: Feb 5, 38+1
Baby is the size of a(n): winter melon
Team blue/pink/green: blue 💙
Upcoming Coming Appointments: Had one today, next one is following Monday
How are you feeling?: So ready to be done, major heartburn, pelvic pressure, can’t get comfortable or sleep through the night, constantly wondering if I peed myself, just discharge, or if my water broke 😂
Rants/ Raves: Got told my blood pressure was high at today’s appointment and they mentioned might be preclampsia so of course I start panicking waiting for my results to come back, got them back but had to call to ask if everything was okay (it was🥰).
Questions: natm
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first? I’m a first time mom so just wanting to soak in every moment of all these new experiences with my baby💙
@angbaby83 good luck!!! 🤞🤞🤞
EDD / Weeks + Days: 37 weeks
Baby is the size of a(n): honey dew melon
Team blue/pink/green: green
Upcoming Appointments: next Monday
How are you feeling?: miserable.
Rants/Raves: well the version didn’t work. 😫 so c section will be scheduled. I’m most disappointed that I have to wait longer to see this baby and be uncomfortable but trying to just be grateful. Baby is doing good and that’s what matters.
Questions: nope
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first? I would say try not get so stressed out and be so anxious but I know myself. I think I just want to try to not get lost in that and find joy and gratitude where I can.
EDD / Weeks + Days: 37W today
Baby is the size of a(n): honeydew melon or romaine lettuce?
Team blue/pink/green: blue
Upcoming Appointments: NST today and NST/weekly checkin on Friday
How are you feeling?: tired and sore, strained muscles and sore shoulders, especially when trying to find some comfortable way to sleep at night. Swinging between sickness and super hunger, too. This guy is moving a LOT, too! I’m having to pee soooo much. Annoying!
Rants/Raves: Raves- I’ve had a few great interviews this week, hoping something works out! Also, my MIL and my mom have both scheduled some time to come down to be with us to help take care of our girls when this little guy makes his entrance.
Questions: natm
GTKY: is there anything you plan to be very intentional about as a new parent, or anything you plan to do differently this time around if this isn't your first?
I’m going to try harder to work on the pumping this time. Last couple of births, pumping just hasn’t worked out, and I hope to maybe try a few other techniques or products to assist this time.
EDD / Weeks + Days:
Feb 8 - 37 + 6
Baby is the size of a(n):
Romaine Lettuce 🥬
Team blue/pink/green:
💙
Upcoming Appointments:
Friday - next weekly check in!
How are you feeling?:
So far so good, I’ve been very lucky and haven’t been feeling uncomfortable as of yet. Definitely get tired a lot faster tho.
Rants/Raves:
I currently have to go to a maternity clinic as my doctor retired just before I got pregnant and there are no local doctors taking patients at this time.
I potentially see a different doctor each appt depending on who is on shift when I am booked. I had my first appointment with a new doctor that I have not met previously last Friday.
Long story short I was diagnosed previously with GD but am diet controlled and controlled it so well they stopped tracking me as my “numbers were immaculate” this new doctor mentioned that it is recommended to be induced at 40wks when you have GD as the risk for a bigger baby is higher.
My only problem with this is that 1) the first doctor that I talked to post GD diagnosis told me this used to be a recommendation & no longer is & 2) it hasn’t been brought up until this appointment and every appointment leading up to this has been that he is right on track & I was also told the week prior that I was looking at probably a 7.5-8lb baby for birth which from what I can find is a pretty average weight. Long story short I was asking for pros and cons of inductions and trying to get some sort of information. I believe she wanted me to come to the decision myself and not influence me to one side, which I’m grateful for to a degree but I couldn’t get anything out of her besides being told it’s my decision, I can say no and to do some research on it myself but I have to decide if I want to be induced or not by my next appointment which is this upcoming Friday.
Questions:
Thoughts on inductions? I’m flip flopping like crazy.
GTKY: A genie grants you the ability to have infinite amounts of one item. What is it?:
I’m waaay to indecisive for this kind of question 😅🤣
and also their article on Big Babies: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Big-Babies-Handout.pdf
Based on my research with UpToDate (which is a trusted resource used by many healthcare providers): if you are managing your GD with diet and lifestyle, the current clinical guidelines state you should be allowed to do expectant management- meaning you should be allowed to go into spontaneous labor and you do not need an induction.
I think it’s a personal choice if it’s elective. It’s definitely not an easy decision to make.
There’s an induction thread in the December 2022 birth month group that might be worth reading too.
I have not personally experienced an induction but when I talk to women who have experienced both induction and natural childbirth, the general consensus is that natural childbirth pain is a lot easier to manage and cope. With the previous doula group I was going to, they believed if you get induced, there is a higher likelihood that you will need an epidural to endure the pain. Personally, it’s not the induction per se that concerns me but the higher likelihood and need for an epidural and the potential complications and side effects that comes with that for mom and baby.
I hadn’t heard about the slow induction. Thanks for that information. It’s definitely worth looking into.
So the slow induction is definitely recommended.
I haven't decided what to do as yet , but possibly scheduling an induction for the 7th of Feb for three reasons 1)I started my leave today and want as much time with baby as possible before working again, we have four months maternity in South And 2) I am feeling miserable wrt the pain and discomfort I am currently experiencing as baby's head is currently engaged and I am 1cm dialated.
3) Baby will be two days shy of 40 weeks and doctor said that the placenta is all ready mature.
Hoping and praying baby comes sooner and all goes well with your delivery.
💐