Med-free check-in 11/3

slartybartfast · November 2016

1 - how far along?
2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week?
3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently?

PensiveCrayon · November 2016

1 - how far along? 32 weeks today. At this point I'm sort of happy to be the baby of the group, because I'm still enjoying this pregnancy. And also because I'm a little terrified of what's next.

2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week? Pretty good. I've really noticed that long stints of walking or shopping wear me out, and I'm still sorely missing my Snoogle since I'm at my in-law's. But other than that, I can't complain.

3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently? Well...I read a blog post yesterday claiming that using a rebozo cloth shortened a the author's labor by 33 hours. Not sure whether to believe that or not, but I'm happy to add it to my bag of tricks if it will help!

dmontgo · November 2016

1 - how far along? 33+ 3
2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week? Overall it's pretty good. I am a lot less stressed since we got everything moved, and I'm starting to get quality sleep again. Walking is kind oof uncomfortable though.
3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently? I have an appointment today and I plan on asking more questions regarding the induction. I think there was some miscommunication about dates and some procedures, so I hope to have more clarity.

I've also reached that place where I am more excited about having my old body back than I am scared about birth. Been thinking a lot about being kind to my PP body and to be prepared for changes. I was kind of shocked about the stretch marks I've gotten this week, not sure why. I have my PP support garments and I know what to do to be healthy, but I feel kind of intimidated because I've never weighed this much before. Lots on my mind lately.

karmba · November 2016

1 - how far along? 35 weeks
2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week? I'm definitely feeling pregnant this week. The baby has dropped and my pelvis and vaginal area have been hurting quite a bit as a result. It's especially bad after standing up from sitting for a long time. I need to really work on getting up more frequently during the work day and walking around.
3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently? I'm at the point where I'm about ready to be done haha. November starting has been like a switched flipped in my brain. I feel like at 35 weeks he'll be healthy and awesome and it will be ok if he's early. But then I realize that this is crazy talk and that it's best for him to stay in as long as possible. At my last appointment I was measuring 3 weeks ahead, so we'll see after my appointment tomorrow if that's still the case (I have a growth scan next week to check as well). I'm feeling confident about staying med-free, but I'm also getting anxious.

l9i · November 2016

1 - how far along? 32 weeks tomorrow

2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week? Emotionally, I've been better this week. Last week was rough. I just had spent too much time around people only interested in talking to me because of the baby or making unnecessary comments about my body and it really got to me. This week has been quiet and wonderful! Physically, I'm ready to be done. Sleep is difficult, swelling hasn't let up, and I just generally am uncomfortable or hurt.

3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently? I feel very unprepared for labor. I'm not sure what else I can do to become more prepared but I feel like I'm just missing something I need to know all the time. I also feel like I'll miss early signs of labor and then it will just be full force suddenly. Both of my mom's labors were pretty quick so I suppose there's definitely that chance.

slartybartfast · November 2016

1 - how far along? 34 weeks tomorrow
2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week? Not bad. I'm having to be superwoman right now between work and home. DH is soooo busy and it's temporary and I'm very committed to helping pick up all the slack while he needs extra time for school for a couple weeks. Not gonna lie... it's sort of boosting me out of thinking about how uncomfortable I am all the time because at the end of the day, all this stuff needs to get done. Why work had to choose right now to really pile up on me, I don't know. But here we go...
3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently?
I'm more nervous about labor this time. I need to get in my "LET'S DO THIS! I GOT THIS" mode. We meet with the doula in a couple weeks so I'm hoping that helps get me there. I also learned about this birthing center that opened about a year ago that is just a few blocks from the hospital birthing center that I'm using. If it had been available last time, I would have used it. It looks LOVELY and very very in line with what I am looking for. There's a chance they'd still let me switch but I do feel comfortable with my current practice and I don't feel comfortable diving into a new place and getting familiar with it so close to the end. Plus, they like to send families home within 6-12 hours of birth. This is what many people are looking for. I'm looking for 48 hours of a comfy bed, bathroom steps away, and people bringing me food and ice packs as often as I want whenever I press a little button. The rooms at my place are NICE - it doesn't feel like it's in a hospital. and I think with the help of a doula it will feel very warm. Ok. I think I just talked myself into a little more of the LETS DO THIS mode...

@PensiveCrayon - how would she know how long her labor would have been other wise? hmmm... Also... googling rebozo cloth!
@dmontgo - for me pregnancy is like going through a second, super public, even more awkward, far more uncomfortable puberty. You feel like you know yourself, like your body is yours and then all the sudden it's like... whoa hey what's going on there... I am SO EXCITED to have my body be mine again. Although I know from last go-around that for me that won't totally feel like the case until I'm done nursing. Anyways, I can relate!
@l9i - I feel the same way.

Toller · November 2016

@l9i my mom's labors were very quick as well - and so was mine with DD. You definitely wont miss it, but my contractions started at like 3 min apart instead of the usual 10 or whatever.... My labor began with RIDICULOUS uncomfortableness, then diarrhea, then contractions. So you should probably be prepared for both a long and short labor! (Mine was 4 hours- diarrhea to baby out).

@slartybartfast totes true about the nursing aspect (I was thinking about how excited I was to lay on my stomach again- but that doesnt really work with tata's full of milk!!!). But at least once baby(ies) is out, you can fit through small spaces again

tinattt23 · November 2016

@PensiveCrayon We played around with rebozos in my birth class. My doula is also a fan so we'll have one around for birth. I've considered buying one to have on hand before the doula arrives. It helps with my squats. And there was one hand and knees move that felt nice on my back even not in labor.

1 - how far along?
33 weeks

2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week?
Better. Back/ribs have been feeling a lot better between the chiro and just learning what positions are better than others.

3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently?
Had to "too real" moment a couple nights ago. Restless legs were keeping me awake so I decided to walk around. I didn't want wake myself up too much, so I walked really slowly, eyes barely open, focusing on my steps so my mind didn't start to wander. It was late at night. The lights were all very dim. The house was silent. It looked very much like something I would try during early labor.

FI also pointed out that a lot of the stuff I do to help my back (standing and swaying, standing and leaning over the arm of the couch, etc) look like a lot of people from the birth videos he's seen. Just another reminder that our bodies know what to do. We just have to listen to what it wants.

PensiveCrayon · November 2016

@slartybartfast That's what I was raising my eyebrows at, as well. It sounded like this woman had had multiple long births, but every birth can be so different. My mom was in labor for over 24 hours with my older sister; for me, it was just a few hours! But it sounded like this woman really got a lot of relief from the rebozo, so I that's the important takeaway for me. My midwife actually showed my H how to do it on me at our last appointment, just because it's good for relieving some pressure from the back, and it did feel very nice and relaxing

And on his end, this is how he said he felt:

Image: https://media.giphy.com/media/RG0Ky874oqonu/giphy.gif

Toller · November 2016

i just got an email with these Natural Birth Affirmation cards if anyone had an interest: https://www.mamanatural.com/product/pregnancy-affirmation-cards/

mommy_af · November 2016

1 - how far along?
33+3
2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week?
This week has be fine. Just continuing to crack myself up all day at how pathetic I am. On Monday night I was slowly waddling from the living room to the kitchen and DH looked at me and said, "you're doing great!" How bad did I look, that I appeared to need encouragement just walking from room to room! Ended up going to bed at 8 pm that night. Today I've been getting some mild Braxton-Hicks, not painful, but a little uncomfortable. Too many sitting meetings at work- I need to move!
3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently?
I've been starting to actually sit down and write out our birth plan with DH. Originally, he was super uncomfortable with the idea of my mom or sister being there through labor to also be support. After our childbirth classes, it seems he is becoming okay with the idea that he doesn't have to be the only one there to support me through it- he might actually need to take a break to eat or go to the bathroom or something. That, coupled with me learning all about transition, and thinking that I might want my mom there! It's been a good discussion for us to have.
Now I need to research this rebozo cloth thing! Thanks for the tip ladies!

maamawaabangi · November 2016

1- 32 weeks

2- Slightly better. I feel like my body has made accommodations and isn't acting up so much. My Midwife called the day of my appointment and I expected her to say she couldn't make t due to a birth, but she said all her in town clients canceled and she could come to me for a home visit! How awesome is that? My BP was slightly elevated... not sure why. we're watching it.

3- I was feeling very fearful recently. This week a talk with a friend helped me immensely. I feel ready to finish this strongly.

mysteryship · November 2016

1. 35 + 3. Holy crap I'm getting close...

2. It's been a weird week. I've been feeling decent aside from awful reflux and some pelvic pain, but we've been moving and even though I'm trying to avoid heavy lifting, all the activity is taking a toll. I just keep telling DH that I feel "so pregnant".

3. I was feeling stressed because I keep missing opportunities to take birthing classes, because of work and this move. But DH and I agreed that next week when we're more settled we'll do a bunch of reading and watch videos together, and then try to find a last minute class if we feel like we need it. As long as this baby stays put for a while, I'm a little more calm about getting ready for birth.

SmashJam · November 2016

1 - how far along? 36 weeks tomorrow! I can officially give birth at my hospital of choice if I make it through today (I will, I've had no early labor signs).
2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week? Pretty good, I have had multiple signs that this baby is in for the long haul-no matter how much I work or walk or how stressed I am I don't have contraction increases or anything. Not that I am wanting to be early or anything, just...not late. Picking up DS has gotten harder so being done will be nice.
3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently? I keep wondering if it will happen naturally! I hope to experience what it is like to go into labor at least ONCE, instead of doing it laying in a hospital bed. I get to start eating dates tomorrow according to my midwife, lol, and they offered to sweep my membranes in the next couple weeks so maybe all of those combined will keep me from being induced? The pain of the membrane sweep makes me squeamish so I may decline that, we will see how done I am on the actual day they offer to do it.

dmontgo · November 2016

I didn't get to ask about the induction stuff at my appointment yesterday. My first BP reading was 150/ 117, and then they laid me down to take it manually and it was 160/ 105.

Doctor pretty much says it's anxiety + hypertension... with a lot of emphasis on the anxiety. I am beyond frustrated. It's never, ever been that fucking high in my life, even since pregnancy! What is it with doctors and the whole " anxious woman " diagnosis? I flat out told him I'm not anxious, but I am definitely frustrated that I am taking 2000mg of medication a day and it's doing NOTHING. He said at this point there is nothing else I can do, but he will have to interrupt this pregnancy but wants to give me 2 more weeks... without any change in treatment. Oh, but if I have a headache to go to LD lololol.

So now I am scared I'm going to have a stroke or something. I don't know what treatment to ask for since my panels are clear. I don't know what to do. I feel so invalidated as a woman and patient. Sexism is alive and well in the medical community.

SmashJam · November 2016

@dmontgo I have no advice to offer but you are in my thoughts. I cannot imagine how frustrating being in that position is-not being a medical professional but not being comfortable with the answer the medical professional gives you, so feeling you have no recourse. hugs to you lady.

maamawaabangi · November 2016

I'm sorry @dmontgo the whole anxious mother thing is irksome! Be gentle with yourself and know that you are doing what you can to be healthy and being this baby safely. Hugs!

dmontgo · November 2016

@SmashJam @maamawaabangi Thanks ladies. I have tried to be an honest and informed patient. Oh well. I can say I've been doing what I can!

kbduke · November 2016

@dmontgo I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. I wouldn't be comfortable seeing that doctor anymore after such a disregard for what is going on. Is there any way you would be able to switch doctors this late?

jandd2014 · November 2016

1 - how far along? 35+6
2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week? doing ok, but I think I overdid it a little bit because I was feeling good.
3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently? I'm trying to get my head around what is coming (labor). I'm trying to feel confident that I can go med free but at the same time, I am scared of not being able to cope with the pain. I've now made it far enough that I can deliver at the hospital here in town, where they have volunteer doulas. I'm really looking forward to working with a doula, even if it's someone I meet that day and not someone that I have built a relationship with. In the end, I hope she will be able to guide me/us through this new experience in way that is as close to what I have imagined as possible/healthy.

slartybartfast · November 2016

@dmontgo I'm really sorry you've got this to deal with

kattyc-2 · November 2016

I'll second this ^^

PensiveCrayon · November 2016

@dmontgo "Interrupt this pregnancy." Gah. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this.

@maamawaabangi Would you mind reposting those date recipes you found? Pretty pleeeease? I was able to find the labor-inducing smoothie one from Mason Jar Champagne, but I feel like there was another good one too. I'm finally getting around to writing them down!

SaraRose83 · November 2016

@dmontgo ugh that is so invalidating! I had extreme anxiety this pregnancy and my blood pressure is low. I mean I know everyone is different but that's just crap that he's blaming anxiety, especially with you telling him you're not anxious. I weirdly had the opposite (or maybe it's the same thing - straight disregarding my knowledge of my body) experience when my doctor wouldn't do anything about my anxiety and depression because she couldn't measure any physical symptoms. Since baby was doing fine and blood pressure was fine she basically told me I wasn't anxious enough for it to have an effect on the baby. Such BS.

1 - how far along? 35 +4

2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week?

I'm waddling, waking up every hour to pee, and hungry every two hours, but I'm feeling good.

3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently?

I'm definitely anxious about the birth, and I'm excited I have a doula. She's meeting us around 37 weeks to go over the birth plan and I just hope that's not too late, because according to the ultrasound a couple weeks ago, the baby is engaged. One of the circulating docs kind of poo pooed my birth preferences in the last appointment but my doula assured me my success did not rely solely on her opinions. So that felt good.

Austenista · November 2016

@dmontgo I second @SaraRose83. Even when I was having major anxiety and they decided to give me something for it, my blood pressure was nowhere near yours. Still isn't and I'm still having some anxiety. Is there anyone else in the practice? Someone you can complain to? Anything? It just seems all so ridiculous to blame anxiety. You would have to be just off to the moon for it to be like that and it be all mental. Jerk.

maamawaabangi · November 2016

@PensiveCrayon
I forget what I posted here, but these are some of what I've saved to my pinterest board:
https://www.foodblogs.com/pinch-of-yum/2015/04/27/bacon-wrapped-dates-with-goat-cheese

https://mydarlingvegan.com/2014/10/gluten-free-pumpkin-date-bars/

https://fitfoodiefinds.com/2015/01/copycat-cashew-cookie-larabars/#_a5y_p=3238263

leksiL · November 2016

@dmontgo argh I hate dismissive men! I don't know what to say except that we are all pulling for you.

@maamawaabangi omg those bacon-wrapped dates look amazing but I couldn't imagine how many calories eating six of those a day would be!!! I've just been eating them whole paired with either peanuts or cheese to offset the sweetness.

1 - how far along? 34w 3d
2 - how did pregnancy treat you this week? OK! I had a few bad days with the headaches and nausea but I'm overall feeling pretty good. This is all happening so fast!
3 - open ended! What's on your mind? What are you wondering about or what have you learned about labor recently? I'm just trying to relax and spend some quiet time with my husband before baby comes. Have been focusing on laughing and enjoying life as much as possible. At the end of the day the "problems" in my life just seem like passing problems that I will forget about.

ESPECIALLY when compared to the characters in the non-fiction arctic exploration book I just finished last night, who ended up starving and freezing to death in Siberia. I finished the book at like midnight last night and had a really hard time falling asleep I was so sad! Maybe I should read something happy next

maamawaabangi · November 2016

There's no way I could eat 6 bacon wrapped dates a day... More likely one meal/appetizer to try for a change to cover my date allotment.

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