- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
December 2016 Moms
slartybartfast
member
Med-Free Check-In 11/17
slartybartfast
member
1) How many weeks?
2) How has pregnancy treated you this week?
3) Will you have a significant other with you during pregnancy? If so, because it can be hard and confusing for a loved one to watch or know how to assist labor - are there things your significant other is doing to prepare and/or support you are planning for them during labor?
2) How has pregnancy treated you this week?
3) Will you have a significant other with you during pregnancy? If so, because it can be hard and confusing for a loved one to watch or know how to assist labor - are there things your significant other is doing to prepare and/or support you are planning for them during labor?
Mother of an April '15 baby
Due December 16
Re: Med-Free Check-In 11/17
2) I had this with my first too - so so sick during 1st and 1/2 of 2nd tri, then extremely uncomfortable, then, as I reach the end, things start to feel like they are settling in. It's so weird and unexpected. We have a lot of stress in our house though, from many big things that I can't escape from. It's really important to me to try to provide a warm, comforting home for my baby - inside and out. I honestly believe it's a big deal in setting a person's brain chemical reactions for life - they learn a lot from how you're chemically reacting to stimuli from the very very get go and patterns get set. So coping strategies are playing a big role in my every day right now. I'm in a little disbelief at all the things that have come up though... I'm like... sheesh can't we catch a break?!?!?! I've made it a priority to avoid any additional stressors (beyond what's already around...)
3) I'm still learning what my labor was like for DH. We had our first doula appointment for labor prep yesterday - it was awesome. As he was describing and filling in how things went last time for him, it hit me again how intense the situation felt. I had crazy back labor with no space to breath - no breaks between contractions - for hours. I was non-communicative. Non responsive. I couldn't actually even move out of one position (like a prayer position). It was very very scary for him. I wasn't scared, just coping (trying to). A huge reason we went with the doula is for him. Someone to help him feel like what's going on isn't code red - because very normal circumstances can really be intense! It became clear to me how much more comfortable he is this time with the doula support. I wish we'd done it last time (especially because I realize how much benefit I'm already receiving too, obviously). We'll also have a variety of food for him. Last time we just packed snack items and he felt he needed a meal and was so stressed he just kept eating the hospital Mexican food. Which lead to some poorly timed digestive distress...
2) Honestly, pretty great, at this point I'm feeling very grateful for that.
3) We actually havent discussed this yet. He will be with me during labor and delivery and we have no plans to allow anyone else. While this is my first baby, it's his second and he is aware can happen during l&d. That being said, I think its a fantastic idea to have this discussion with him to see how he's feeling about all of this and how he's mentally and emotionally preparing.
2. I feel pretty decent. I'm definitely slowing down in terms of what I can do each day, and he's putting some pressure on my pelvis, and the heartburn struggle is real, but I'm actually sleeping pretty well recently which makes a huge difference. I feel lucky right now.
3. DH will be with me during labor, and we're not able to hire a doula so I'll need some support from him. Unfortunately we've both been ridiculously busy, stressed, and overwhelmed during most of the pregnancy, so we're not as prepared as we'd like. I've been able to go to a couple classes on my own, and we are planning to carve out time to watch some videos and do some practicing before the birth, but at this point it's 3 weeks till my due date and I don't know where that time will come from. I did start making labor flashcards, mostly for myself but I can see them being helpful for him too.
2) How has pregnancy treated you this week? Heartburn, achy hips, no sleep. Same old same old.
3) Will you have a significant other with you during pregnancy? If so, because it can be hard and confusing for a loved one to watch or know how to assist labor - are there things your significant other is doing to prepare and/or support you are planning for them during labor?
My DH also had a very hard time with my previous labor which was a pitocin induced 31+ hours of hell on earth. I think his mantra has been that it just has to be different this time and if he could get through it with me last time he can definitely make it through again. My mom and my DH were there last time and it was nice that they had each other - they will both be there this time but hopefully won't need to rely on each other to remain sane quite as much as last time. Fingers crossed this labor is not as traumatic for all involved as last time!
35
2) How has pregnancy treated you this week?
Good. Getting slower, but still moving around.
3) Will you have a significant other with you?
Yes. We just finished our Bradley classes on Sunday. He learned a lot from them and feels much more comfortable with everything surrounding birth. We also have our doula so he won't feel like all the weight is on his shoulders. I've been beyond grateful for all the time and thought he's put into our birth prep. Every OB appointment, 10 Sunday evenings of classes, 3 doula meetings. He leads my guided meditations 10-20 minutes a few nights a week. He's memorizing my list of mantras so he can use them with me during labor. He's done loads of outside research on just about every topic and taking those studies and his questions to our support team. It's just been awesome. It makes me so much more confident and ready knowing he's confident and ready. Together, we've got this!
2) How has pregnancy treated you this week? Pretty good, but my feet have started to swell, and last night my reflux woke me up, so it seems like it might be the beginning of the end for my comfortable days. Also, can someone address this? When I'm out walking I get these little pinpricks of pain in my cervix/vag area. I'm not sure if this is the baby bumping against my cervix, or if Dr. Google is right and it's my cervix starting to dilate. Exciting, but also scary.
Also, I am officially sick of dates. Ha!
3) Will you have a significant other with you during pregnancy? (Etc.)
Yes -- my husband has been attending birthing classes with me, and at this past one he told me he's sort of jealous of me. He compared it to training for a marathon, hearing how accomplished you'll feel afterward, but not actually getting the chance to do it. Ha!
I'm interested to see how he'll respond to my pain. He's not one to baby me when I'm sick, usually because he (quite freakishly) tends to get sicker than me at the same time. He's planning on being tough on me when I start begging for an epidural...so we'll see how that goes. Luckily the woman who is teaching our birthing classes is also my midwife's nurse that attends births with her, and I really like her. So if he gets annoying, I know she'll be around to step in and massage me in all the right places.
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
2) How has pregnancy treated you this week?
Tough. I just found out that baby is in a breech presentation and only has a 3% chance of flipping naturally. My doula is sending me lots of exercises and wants me to go to a chiropractor, LMT and an acupuncturist. We are scheduling a version in about a week or so. Then if that does not work (Dr. gives it a 50/50 shot) we will have to have a cesarean which is obviously not what we had planned. I was devastated this morning but coming around. I do not have the energy to go to all of these appointments that I don't really believe in. Conflicted because I want to do everything I can to flip the baby but on the other hand having an end date sounds so nice (I know, that sounds horrible) and I really need to concentrate on getting work stuff done before I go out instead of going to all of these silly appointments.
3) Will you have a significant other with you during pregnancy? If so, because it can be hard and confusing for a loved one to watch or know how to assist labor - are there things your significant other is doing to prepare and/or support you are planning for them during labor?
DH will be there, we have prepared with our Bradley class and I trust him completely. We also have a doula to help out and together if we get to do a natural birth I know we can do it! If we end up having a cesarean he has told me that he wants to stay on my side of the partition because he doesn't want to see me opened up and I am cool with that. Whatever. I'm just UGH today.
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
2) How has pregnancy treated you this week? It hates me. I don't like being pregnant. Baby has been moving less so I've had 2 nsts in the last two weeks. Damn kid is still all up in my ribs and needs to drop soon. Sleeping sucks, but that's partly my toddler's fault, and I had this red spot on my forehead that has developed into a second nose that needs removed by a plastic surgeon post baby. I'm cranky.
3) Will you have a significant other with you during pregnancy? If so, because it can be hard and confusing for a loved one to watch or know how to assist labor - are there things your significant other is doing to prepare and/or support you are planning for them during labor? Yes, my husband will be with me as he was last time. He helped a lot with the back labor and keep me sane. He's the one that convinced me I didn't need the epidural last time though I was begging for it at the end. It would have been too late anyway.
2. Everything hurts! My feet and hands are so swollen- developed carpal tunnel in both hands. And oh, my back! It's safe to say that I'm so ready to have this baby!
3. My husband and my mom will be in the room. Our Doula will be there also. DH is so excited about the birth! He wants to catch our son and later cut the cord. It's super sweet to see him want to be so involved- I know he will do everything he can to help me during labor. All we are doing now is anxiously waiting!!
2) How has pregnancy treated you this week? its getting harder to sleep. Up until now, I could generally get comfortable with all my pillows arranged just so and sleep mostly through the night, but the last few nights I just cannot find a comfortable position.
3) Will you have a significant other with you during pregnancy? If so, because it can be hard and confusing for a loved one to watch or know how to assist labor - are there things your significant other is doing to prepare and/or support you are planning for them during labor? DH will be in the room with me and our hospital provides volunteer doulas, so we will be requesting one (to support me, and to support DH in supporting me). DH has come to every appointment with me, and came to the childbirth class and the newborn care class. At both classes, he was the only DH there (other people had their moms or sisters or were by themselves), so I feel really fortunate. He just keeps saying 'we'll figure it out, we haven't done this before,' but at the same time, he sometimes will bring up something we talked about in class and it lets me know he really was paying attention and might actually be helpful in the moment.
DD- 11/2016
34 (whoot! That feels very good to type/say!!)
2) How has pregnancy treated you this week?
Like always, some days are super, others I feel like there is NO way I'll make it to 40 weeks +!
3) Will you have a significant other with you during pregnancy?
Yes. My man is my doula. He is awesome at it. I was actually thinking of "allowing" him to catch the baby this time... every time before I've wanted/thought I needed him to be aiding me. After our last birth, where I essentially caught the baby and while it was tough I think I could spare him to be on the other side of me to catch this child (with MW looking on and giving help). He always flips through our Bradley book to "refresh" his knowledge... but other than than he's an old hand at helping me out. One of the best things he does for me is reminds me to not be afraid/fearful or says things like "This is just like Eli's birth (my easiest)..." or "It's really going quicker than you think" or telling me i ought to get in the tub when I'm doubting I'm "ready" or far along enough for it. It's kind of like he's my external gage of how things are going... because I seem to lose the ability to gage that for myself while in labor. Gosh I love him!
Due December 27th with baby #7
1) How many weeks? 37 +5
2) How has pregnancy treated you this week? Pretty solid! I had a couple days last week where I was like, "I WILL NEVER MAKE IT TO MY LAST DAY OF WORK!" (tomorrow) but thing have turned around for the better. Still a lot of pressure but I did tell Lorelei she couldn't come out til after Turkey Day (my fave holiday), so maybe she is listening.
3) Will you have a significant other with you during pregnancy? If so, because it can be hard and confusing for a loved one to watch or know how to assist labor - are there things your significant other is doing to prepare and/or support you are planning for them during labor DH will be in the room with me, like he was last time. He was so calm and never registered any concern, if he had any. I wanted to get a doula just because I was worried about what would happen if we couldn't get anyone to watch DS at the beginning of labor but in the end, I would only want him in there! He was amazing.
2) How has pregnancy treated you this week? No too bad. I'm definitely moving slower than usual and have had some random contractions, but nothing regular. Today is my last day in the office - starting Monday I will work from home until baby comes. The big thing bothering me is the carpal tunnel and tarsal tunnel. My hands don't look terribly swollen, but they are constantly half numb and really painful if I don't move them. When I wake up in the morning my knuckles are all locked up and my hands just don't work well. The tarsal tunnel is just weird - if I flex my foot the back of my heel gets really painful.
3) Will you have a significant other with you during pregnancy? Yes, he will be with me along with our doula. I also have a friend on backup if anything happens - she used the same doula 8 months ago so everyone knows each other. He is nervous about it, even though he already has a 12 year old son. But this is going to be a much different birth - his ex was induced, had an epidural, didn't progress, and ended up with a c-section. He didn't really have much of a role in her birth other than to just be there and wait. Since I'm trying to go as low intervention as possible he will have a much more active role and I think he's a little concerned that he's not going to know what to do. I see his role as offering encouragement, backrubs/hip compression, and drinks as needed (and maybe sneaking me food if I am up to eating).
2. So my pelvic pain is actually a little more tolerable which I attribute to upping my chiropractor visits to twice a week. Heartburn is manageable but I'm having runs of palpitations every evening now.
3. DH will be with me all through labor and delivery. I haven't signed a doula contract yet but probably will and of course she will be there as well. Last time, my mom was present for the birth as well. Not sure if she will come this time too, I certainly didn't mind having here there.
My Wedding Bio!
One thing I learned this morning is that if they tell you not to push: 1 it seriously hurts, 2 long breaths dont work on that pain, 3 short forceful breaths were the best for helping your body hold off.
Also, having a game plan and being prepared is a HUGE help. I never planned on med free, and so didn't prepare mentally or physically. Even with a high pain tolerance it was brutal, but I made it through. Which means SO CAN EVERYONE OF YOU!!!!
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
I'm getting nervous, guys!!
My Wedding Bio!
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
My Wedding Bio!
During my hospital birth this woman next door was screaming hysterically
Due December 27th with baby #7