FTM Check-in 6/6

darkrose88 · June 2017

How far along are you?

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go?

Cravings?

Rants/Raves?

Questions for FTM, STM+?

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards?

rachelg777 · June 2017

How far along are you? 9w3d

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? No but I did cave and buy a Doppler last week, it came just in time for me to find the heart beat on my birthday! Best birthday gift ever.

Cravings? Nothing too crazy, but I'm still eating Doritos and cottage cheese.

Rants/Raves? One more shift and I'll finish my 72 hour "work week"- all my shifts were clumped together. That's a rant and a rave... so tired right now.

Questions for FTM, STM+?

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards? I am a RN in a Trauma ICU in a level one trauma center. Some days it is my dream job and some days it is not! It kind of depends on the circumstances. I'm not a lifer at the bedside but don't have the desire to be an NP even though I have my MSN. So... we will see!

TInman87 · June 2017

How far along are you? 10 weeks 2 days

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Not for another 2 weeks

Cravings? Still queso

Rants/Raves? My DH had truly stepped it up this week, hopefully it continues!!!

Questions for FTM, STM+? Any STMs or even FTMs out there not have breast growth until later in pregnancy? Ive had nipple pain the whole time, but they havent gotten even the slightest big bigger

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards? My dream job would be SHM while running a dmall farm/petting zoo. It will never happen, I am an accountant and enjoy that too, the former just seems too unrealistic.

gusgus14 · June 2017

How far along are you?

8 weeks, 4 days

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go?

Next appointment is the 19th but it's just paperwork and a urine test to see if my bladder infection has cleared up.

Cravings?

I've been eating chips and salsa like crazy but not really craving it, I guess. Lots of Doritos and Munchies, too.

Rants/Raves?
We're halfway through redoing our bedroom and I lost energy to finish weeks ago and DH won't work on it unless I am, too. I'm about to have to tell him he just has to suck it up and finish it without me because I genuinely do not have the energy and we are going to have a bunch of other house projects that will need to be finished by January.

Questions for FTM, STM+?

Nope.

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards?
It used to be event planner but honestly I cannot imagine losing my nights and weekends so I'll probably never go for it. I guess I don't really have a dream job but I love my job now because it's mostly low stress and the company is super flexible in most regards.

britmanering73 · June 2017

How far along are you? 8w5d

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Not until June 27th!

Cravings? Sweet, salty and baby carrots with lite ranch

Rants/Raves? DH..he's a rant and a rave.

Questions for FTM, STM+? Does the exhaustion leave after the first trimester? I can't keep falling asleep all the time!

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards? Mine would be a librarian with part time hours but making the same money I do now. LOL or a SHM with an online job. Billing etc..

WildMagelet · June 2017

How far along are you? 8w3d

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? We have our 3rd u/s and potentially last appointment with the RE on Thursday! If all goes well I'll be released to go back to an OB.

Cravings? @TInman87 and I must be soul sisters right now. Give me any cheese as long as its liquid. Preferably spicy.

Rants/Raves? I start a temporary promotion next week at my job. It may turn into something permanent. We'll just have to see!

Questions for FTM, STM+? For those of you that use the at-home dopplers, how much time does it usually take to find it? Does it get quicker once you figure out where baby's actually at? I don't know that I necessarily need one for me, but I thought it would be cool for people (like my dad) who I wouldn't normally invite to a normal u/s to be able to hear the HB.

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards?

Being an artist. I have some artistic hobbies that I enjoy, but I'd love to have an at-home studio space where I can just create and then be able to somehow profit off of that. I do a lot of textile crafting right now, but I'd love to learn to do both stain glass and garden sculpture. DH and I are going to move when DSS graduates in a few years and I've considered getting my teacher certification before that. 2 of the states we're looking at will let me do a certificate program without getting another bachelor's.

ryannenikole · June 2017

How far along are you?

9w1d

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go?

Not until next week!

Cravings?

Not really. I have more aversions, but they change day to day!

Rants/Raves?
Found baby's heartbeat with the doppler last night! I couldn't catch it again though, so I think it was pure luck (or an awesome Happy 9 Weeks gift. Lol.)

Questions for FTM, STM+?

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards?
I don't really know. The environment I work in is the dream environment, but the job itself isn't what I'd call my dream job. SAHM for sure, and I like the idea of selling eggs and produce at the farmer's market on the side!

Cauleyflower · June 2017

How far along are you?

I am 9 weeks, 5 days

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go?

I met with my GP last week, just to touch base. She was able to get the ball rolling on bloodwork and next ultrasound at my ob's office.

Cravings?

No, still not too interested in food.

Rants/Raves?

I am frustrated, DH's shift work is doing a number on him and he is very stressed with work. He is doing the workload of three people because they are short staffed and working so much overtime he barely gets a day off. He has been cranky and down - just not acting himself and the worry is driving me crazy. He has trouble sleeping because of it all and stops breathing in his sleep which wakes him up. His chest hurts when he is stressed ever since a bout with pneumonia that caused fluid to build up around his heart. Then yesterday his car died and we are left with one vehicle.

Questions for FTM, STM+?

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards?

I am currently an elementary school librarian, as someone who loves books and kids its a really fun job. The kids are amazing and the daily hugs and interactions with a few favorite students make it worthwhile. The holidays, summer, Christmas, March break...off are really nice and will be great when we have school aged kids! I'd also love to be a writer, but haven't brought myself to do much writing in the past few years.

JuliaGoolia719 · June 2017

How far along are you? 10 weeks as of tomorrow!

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? yesterday was my first appointment after being released from the RE. My midwife tried to find the heartbeat w a Doppler but no luck so she snuck us over for a quick u/s, we weren't expecting to see him so that was a bonus, and he waved so I think he was excited too!

Cravings? eh, nothing really sounds good still. I'm eating but fruits/veg make me vomity after so it's not my healthiest....

Rants/Raves? I'm on "light duty" for work, and they haven't assigned me any projects, so I've just been hanging out and getting to rest which has been amazing.

Questions for FTM, STM+?

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards? I don't really have a "dream job" I'd like to win the lottery and volunteer for different organizations while being a SAHM (with a nanny for the days I need to go be around grown ups). I like the company I work for, and I enjoy the work I do but it's not exactly my souls true calling, know what I mean?

missblaze · June 2017

@Tinman87 My boobs only got slightly bigger in 2nd trimester and I went up about a cup size in 3rd trimester. Nothing so far over here.

@britmanering733Yes! The fatigue during the 1st trimester is ridiculous. It definitely let up in 2nd trimester and I had great energy.

[Deleted User] · June 2017

@britmanering73 agree with @missblaze, I got a lot of my energy back in 2nd tri. Once 3rd tri hit and I got closer to my due date, I was exhausted in a different way, but it was a little more bearable than 1st tri.

PhillymommaX2 · June 2017

schaze said:

@britmanering73 agree with @missblaze, I got a lot of my energy back in 2nd tri. Once 3rd tri hit and I got closer to my due date, I was exhausted in a different way, but it was a little more bearable than 1st tri.

This. There is nothing like 1st trimester exhaustion but it definitely lets up in the 2nd trimester.

darkrose88 · June 2017

I p&g'd the FTM thread today! Finally getting a chance to answer it.

How far along are you? 9 weeks 4 days.

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? I had my first appointment on Monday! It was pretty much uneventful. They just confirmed my pregnancy (POAS) and went through paperwork. I do have a better idea of what kind of appointments and tests to expect which is nice. I also got to schedule my dating u/s which is tomorrow morning. I'm literally so excited/nervous!!

Cravings? Not really.

Rants/Raves? DH and I went out to dinner last night and got hiabchi! I had tons of left overs, so I got to eat some for lunch! We are also planning on eating out on Wednesday (assuming the u/s goes well) as a mini-celebration. Feeling very spoiled this week with food!

Questions for FTM, STM+? There is a long story that preludes that leads to a question - so sorry in advance. So DH is planning on telling his dad and step mom about the pg when they come visit for Father's day weekend. I've been pressuring DH to tell his dad early (probably via a phone call) because my FIL got remarried to a much younger woman (she is 30 and he is 45). While they haven't come out and told us, I believe they've been trying to get KU for about 2 & a half years. He got his vasectomy reversed (that he did tell us) and I've noticed BBT and OPKs in the bathroom at their home. I just feel like if I were in their shoes, I wouldn't want to be "surprised" by the pregnancy, as we never came out and told them we were trying. While I think they will be excited for us, I also think it is unfair for us to just spring on them at our home, with no way for them to process the news before facing us. DH thinks I'm being silly and overthinking the whole thing. Any opinions or thoughts?

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards? I'd love to work in a museum as a curator. Sadly, that is a hard field to get into, so I've never pursued it. Maybe one day when I am not the main bread winner and have the flexibility to take a lower paying job, I will look for a job in that field.

KatieEl · June 2017

@darkrose88 I think your instinct is a good one, I'd definitely encourage DH to give FIL a heads up first. Especially since you've seen OPKs, that is not indicative of just casual not trying/not planning. I definitely think it would be kindest to let them find out in private and not have to have a "surprise!" reaction.

MrsDorkCharming · June 2017

I've been so behind on participation lately..... I just don't have the energy after I get home from work and work has been too busy for me to do much of this kind of thing during the day.

@TInman87 Be very very happy they haven't grown yet. I went for a fitting yesterday and mine have gone from a 38D to an 42E. I am really really afraid for what the future holds for my girls.

How far along are you? 10w2d

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Had my maternity intake appointment yesterday. Just met with a nurse who went over what testing is covered by insurance, height weight etc..., what classes I need to take, that kind of thing. We foung out that the NIPT is cheaper than the NT ultrasound! We were on the fence about doing the NIPT, but now that we know that it's cheaper (by $160) I'm going next week to draw the blood for the NIPT. I've lost weight since getting pregnant but because I'm still overweight they want me to do the glucose test next week too

SOOOOOOO not looking forward to that with all the morning sickness issues I've been having.

Cravings? CHEESE!!! I went to Trader Joe's yesterday and it took all the self strength to not buy ALL the fancy cheese. Luckily that's balanced by a super human desire for fruit and avocado/cucumber sushi and crazy aversions to most other food.

Rants/Raves? My mil keeps rubbing my belly every time I see her. Yes I'm overweight and have a tummy, I'm super self conscious about it. I've always had issues with people touching me even in not super sensitive places. I'm not showing yet and even if I was I don't want my MIL opening up my sweater while I'm in pj's just to rub my belly!!!!!

Questions for FTM, STM+? Any tips from STM's on how to prevent people from rubbing your belly? I'm going to have the convo with my MIL next time I see her, but with Filipino in-laws (and working in HR with lots of people coming to see me) something tells me that she won't be the only one.

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards? I currently work in HR/payroll. I absolutely LOVE my team but the job itself is take it or leave it. My dream job would be SAHM with a side hobby/career as an artist.

zamoraspin · June 2017

@gusgus14 That is tough on the home improvement project. We have a lot to do as well to get our house ready and I'm afraid MH is going to lose steam really quick.

@darkrose88 FX for your us.! Curator is a cool sounding career. Are you an art buff?

@JuliaGoolia719 I'm so jelly of your light duty at work! My job is completely non-physical but it's like since I got my BFP there's been a "how much stress and work can we pile on you" competition.

How far along are you? 6w6d

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? First appt is on Thursday. New practice and I really hope I like them.

Cravings? I've been nauseous all day but craving carbs.

Rants/Raves? Getting really excited to see my family next weekend for my sister's shower. Will hopefully be telling them the news as long as my Thursday appt goes well.

Questions for FTM, STM+? I've always slept on my right side or on my back (with a pillow between or under my legs). I've been trying to sleep on my left side because I know it's better in general and necessary later in pregnancy, but it's hard to retrain myself. Any tips?

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards? It's a very specific dream job but I'll describe it as in the same field I currently work but more on the nonprofit side. Trouble is it doesn't exist in my general geographic area. Maybe someday!

MrsDorkCharming · June 2017

@darkrose88 I'm with @KatieEl give your FIL a heads up. When you've been unsuccessfully trying for a while pregnancy announcements can feel like a punch to the gut and almost like a personal assault (even though you're happy for the couple, you're in so much pain because it's all you want and all your brain can think about). My husband's cousin told me she was pregnant the first month off BC at a baby shower in February. I had to leave the shower because I knew I would cry and as soon as I got to the car I started crying hysterically and spent the rest of the day in bed crying. Sub-fertility and infertility can really mess with your head and emotions.

missblaze · June 2017

zamora_spin said:

Questions for FTM, STM+? I've always slept on my right side or on my back (with a pillow between or under my legs). I've been trying to sleep on my left side because I know it's better in general and necessary later in pregnancy, but it's hard to retrain myself. Any tips?

@Zamora_spin I was a back and right side sleeper before DD and it was hard making the adjustment for me too. However, once I got my snoogle and my belly started growing, it became easier and easier. So I'd definitely recommend a pregnancy pillow!

zamoraspin · June 2017

@missblaze That's a good idea, I'll look into pregnancy pillows.

@WildMagelet I can't get my quote to work right but I'm paging @EmilyLove25 on your doppler question because I think she has a lot of experience find the HB with an at home doppler - "Questions for FTM, STM+? For those of you that use the at-home dopplers, how much time does it usually take to find it? Does it get quicker once you figure out where baby's actually at? I don't know that I necessarily need one for me, but I thought it would be cool for people (like my dad) who I wouldn't normally invite to a normal u/s to be able to hear the HB."

EmilyLove25 · June 2017

@TInman87 Me! Mine did not grow noticeably until my milk came in (a few days after birth) with DD, and they have not grown this time either! I’m small to begin with, but they will grow as needed! Also, I think your dream job is the exact same as mine would be!

@britmanering73 YES! It leaves around 11-16 weeks—it was 12 for me with DD! The placenta takes over and you get a break… it comes back in a different and I think not as extreme form in the third trimester only because you are carrying around more weight and uncomfortable… but it isn’t that all-consuming exhaustion like it is now!

@WildMagelet I am an at home Doppler pro, lol. First, if you are prior to 12 weeks, it is possible you won’t find it at all; however, this time around, I did find it at 7 weeks + 5 days, and it took roughly 45 minutes, patience, and a whole lot of gel. Things that can affect if you hear it or not: body weight, position of the placenta, and angle of the uterus. Yesterday at 9 weeks + 5 days, I found it in less than ten minutes and it was much clearer. I do have a sense of LO’s favorite spot to hang out, though note the move all over, so I think that helps… have you ever used one before? If not, I suggest listening to videos online so you can grow accustomed to the very distinct sound a baby’s HB is! There are SO many sounds when you use the Doppler, you want to make sure you know how to pin point it. I think that is cure that you want to share it with your dad! Also note that the sound is so faint earlier than 10 weeks it won't necessarily translate onto the doppler for the correct HR, i.e. 156 BPM or what not, so you really have to go by sound.

@darkrose88 I don’t think you are being silly at all. I don’t think it would be silly to loop them in so they are not caught off guard… that said, this is big news for them too as they will be grandparents, so I am sure they will be excited for you before anything else.

darkrose88 · June 2017

Thank you @KatieEl, @MrsDorkCharming and @EmilyLove25 for your input. I just kept thinking to myself, if I were in their shoes, I wouldn't want the news to be sprung on me. I do think they will be happy for us, because it is big news for them, but I also think it will just remind them about their infertility struggles, so they will need time to process it emotionally. Now to convince DH that he really should tell his dad beforehand, which will be the hard part.

agalvarado · June 2017

@TInman87 during my first pregnancy, my breasts didn't get bigger, just slightly fuller and rounder. I had a hard time breastfeeding my daughter because I wasn't producing enough milk. A lactation consultant told me that because of my PCOS, my breasts didn't prepare for breastfeeding. She said I should have taken metformin during my pregnancy. I'm not sure if any of it applies to you but this time around I'm taking metformin and I'm 7w 2d and my breasts have already gotten bigger.

mslykas · June 2017

How far along are you? 6weeks 1 day. Is it just me or is time standing still?!

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? I had a blood draw last week and my hCG went from 219 to 3918 in one week! Woohoo! I have my first ultrasound on June 12.

Cravings? No. I have mild nausea all day and the only thing that helps is eating, even though I am repulsed by food right now.... I've been eating popsicles, noodle soup, mashed potatoes, and saltines. So boring but it helps.

Rants/Raves? Rant.... I hate how tired I am. I told my husband today that I am SO excited to be pregnant (we tried for 12 months) but the nausea and tiredness is like a pathetic party pooper following me around all day. Rave -- my husband has been AMAZING. He is reading some first time dad book and just loving it all. If he weren't so understanding I don't know what I would do. Feeling very thankful.

Questions for FTM, STM+? I've been a long time lurker so I think between the boards and Dr. Google, I'm good for now. Stay tuned

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards? I'm a full time school psychologist and also working on my doctorate on the side, and I LOVE what I do, but I have dreams of doing work shops (for parents and community member) focused on children's mental health. I really do think it "takes a village" and it would be awesome if the whole village understood child development

sjb2215 · June 2017

How far along are you? 6w4d

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Thought this might be the best place to provide an update. After some light spotting Sunday night and Monday morning, went and got blood test and US this morning. HCG came back high and we got to see our little sweet pea on the US this morning! Got to see the flicker of the heartbeat! Measured a little ahead at 7w1d, but the doctor doesnt want to change the EDD because it's less than 5 days. The past 48ish hours have been so nerveracking but I feel so much better now. Not exactly how I wanted things to go, but happy to have gotten in for US a little early with the circumstances (first appt wasn't supposed to be until next Friday).

Cravings? Made a healthier egg salad sandwich for lunch which is new.

Rants/Raves? See the dear diary of my range of emotions above!

Questions for FTM, STM+? Nope

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards? I currently work as a pediatric physical therapist and it is my dream job. I love being able to develop close relationships with these kids and families. I think ideally someday would like to drop to part time to spend time with our kids

[Deleted User] · June 2017

@sjb2215 so glad you got good news! Fx there are no more scares.

sjb2215 · June 2017

@rachelg777 glad you got to see the HB and happy birthday!

@gusgus14 with you on the chips and salsa craving

@JuliaGoolia719 glad you got to see your LO

@darkrose88 I'll be sending positive vibes for your US tomorrow!

@MrsDorkCharming that's bug me if my MIL did that too

zamoraspin · June 2017

@sjb2215 So glad it went well! FX for non more scares.

britmanering73 · June 2017

@sjb2215 Now I'm wanting an egg salad sandwich! Glad you got to hear the hb!

mcrosie · June 2017

How far along are you? 10w today!

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Not this week, but I did talk to my doc on Monday after a really bad appointment with another doctor in her practice on Friday. We straightened some things out. Friday I'm getting my blood drawn for the Cell Free Fetal DNA test

Cravings? Nope. Trying to eat really healthy.

Rants/Raves? The stress of not having paid maternity leave. I'm a federal employee, and my post-birth leave options are paid leave that I have on the books (not enough for 3 months), unpaid leave, or advance sick leave so I'm already deep in the hole when I go back to work. It's appalling.

Questions for FTM, STM+? Can we talk discharge? Sorry, gross. But I've been having some mucousy discharge that reminds me of when I used to ovulate. What gives?

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards? Right now, being part of the idle rich sounds REALLY nice. I'd also like to be a financial advisor for young people. I've done nothing toward making either of those happen

missblaze · June 2017

@mcrosie Discharge is totally normal. It's typically the result of hormone changes and increased blood flow to the area.

Fun times!

mcrosie · June 2017

mslykas said:

Rants/Raves? Rant.... I hate how tired I am. I told my husband today that I am SO excited to be pregnant (we tried for 12 months) but the nausea and tiredness is like a pathetic party pooper following me around all day. Rave -- my husband has been AMAZING. He is reading some first time dad book and just loving it all. If he weren't so understanding I don't know what I would do. Feeling very thankful.

If it makes you feel any better, I started getting my energy back around the end of my 9th week. I still have off days, but I'm definitely much perkier. The first couple months were hell - I missed several concerts and fun events because I just....couldn't...even. Glad to hear your husband is awesome. I overheard an awful conversation in the waiting room the other day where a woman told her baby's daddy that he'd have to get a whooping cough vaccine and he was like "nope, I'm not getting any shots." I felt so bad for her.

mcrosie · June 2017

@MrsDorkCharming - as far as getting people to stop touching your belly, I think you're entirely justifed to just say "oh, please don't do that!" as they reach for you. You don't owe them an explanation. Gross.

TInman87 · June 2017

@agalvarado interesting! I have PCOS but actually quit metformin a few months before getting pregnant. I'll have to ask about that!

tdevlindrye · June 2017

How far along are you?

8 weeks, 5 days

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go?

Yep. I saw an OBGYN on Monday, but he seems to be a quick one to resort to cesarean so I'm still looking.

Cravings?

I can't think about food right now.

Rants/Raves?

I went on a flight today and got to preboard! Also, no one made a big deal about me asking for a pat-down instead of going through the machines.

Questions for FTM, STM+?

Yes! STM+'s - how did you give birth previously? Vaginally? Cesarean? Did you use interventions? Were you happy about how it went or is there something you wish had been different?

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards?

Such a good question! My honest dream job is real estate investor. I'm quasi working towards this right now. I'm about to start my last year in school for a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and plan to go on to get a Master's. Then I'll find a high paying job and start saving for investments. Our ultimate goal is to own 500+ units/apartments and have enough income to participate more with our family & church and be able to travel wherever we want.

[Deleted User] · June 2017

@mcrosie discharge-totally normal. I found that it changed throughout my pregnancy too.

@caeilievalor I was induced a week early due to gestational hypertension. I was on labetalol and my doc felt more comfortable inducing me just in case DD were to be affected my the meds in the last week. I was pumped full of pitocin after some cervical ripening and labored for a day and a half before giving in to some IV pain meds, then the epidural, which is when I finally started to progress and went from 2cm to 10 in just a few hours. I did deliver vaginally though. This time around, I plan to advocate for myself better and not be induced unless it's totally medically necessary and the baby could have any complications if the pregnancy were to continue. DD most likely would have been fine for another week, and my body wasn't ready for labor quite yet. I was glad though that they didn't force me into a c-section after I hadn't made any progress and let me try to labor a little bit longer.

Whew, sorry that was a novel!

missblaze · June 2017

@caeilievalor I ended up with a c-section because DD was frank breech. My OB gave me all sorts of exercises to try and flip the baby, and I also went to a chiropractor certified in Webster, but I went into labor at 36 weeks and there just wasn't enough time for it to work. I did the Hypnobabies course, which I LOVED (and will use again) and I didn't even know I was in labor. I was feeling tired and a bit crampy and wanted to get out of working that day (haha) so I called my OB and she told me to come in. When I got there I was already 4cm and she told me that it was time to go to the hospital (especially because of the breech presentation). By the time they got me set up with an IV at the hospital and discussed med options with me, my OB came in and checked and I was at 7cm. I was still chatting and laughing with the nurses. Anyway, I walked into the OR and got my spinal, and then she was born. It all went very smoothly. I was happy that I got to labor up to 7cm.

That being said, I am doing everything in my power to avoid another c-section. While my recovery was typical, it certainly wasn't preferable and I feel like I missed out on the early days because I was so drugged up and in pain.

caseyw8784 · June 2017

How far along are you? 6 weeks, 6 days

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? None last week, and I have my first ultrasound this Friday!

Cravings? Fruit smoothies! Something about the cold yumminess helps settle my stomach!

Rants/Raves? I'm seriously over the nausea! Hate it hate it hate it! Also, the bloat. Not fun now that most of my pants don't fit anymore...

Questions for FTM, STM+? None that I can think of right now...

GTKY: What is your dream occupation/job? Is it your current job, or something your working towards? I'm an architect. Current job and dream job! Worked so hard to get here and i love it! Can't see myself doing anything else...

KatieEl · June 2017

@caeilievalor I had 2 unmedicated vaginal births with no interventions. Both with different midwife practices at different hospitals, and with different doulas, as we'd moved in-between DS1 and DS2. I loved both my births so, so much. I literally had both boys, and was like I can't wait to do this again! They were wonderful, incredible experiences.

tdevlindrye · June 2017

@schaze The novel is what I needed! I'm glad to hear I'm not weird for wanting to avoid an induction as well.

@missblaze Sounds pretty great except for the breech part. I hope my labor is as mild as to not know it all happening! I really don't want to get a ceasection either and am glad I'm not alone! Some women think they're great.

@KatieEl Wow!! That's exactly the story I want to tell after I give birth!!

iluvgoldies33 · June 2017

@KatieEl that is awesome. I am leaning towards going with a midwife. I assumed if I did that I wouldn't have a doula (not necessary I thought)!but can you explain the benefit of having one even if you are already having a midwife.

KatieEl · June 2017

@iluvgoldies33 so I have loved all the midwives I've worked with, and been so impressed with their personalized care, amount of time they spend with you, and how much they really care about you/your partner. But they really are different from a doula: a doulas more like a mom/aunt/sister/friend (depending on the doula you pick!) who will be there with you to talk through all your options ad nauseam during pregnancy. She'll help you create a birth plan, source resources in your area (think chiropractic, acupuncture, baby wearing, Lactation, etc.), and she's on call to help you labor. A hospital based midwife will be there with you at the hospital only, and typically a home birth midwife will try to time her arrival for when you're deep in labor, but it's possible you'll want support at home and/or earlier in the process: and that's your doula! At the heart a midwife is a medical professional and when push comes to shove her priority is a healthy you/baby so she'll be monitoring blood pressure and other signs (as well as supporting you, I don't want to minimize that), but a doula is just there for you and your partner. Husband need a break? Doula! Want constant hip pressure: Doula! Fetching food for your husband while he's supporting you? Doula!

I'm really a doula evangelist, I can't imagine either of my births without them. (Not to mention all the support I got from them while pregnant and postpartum!)

I also love this: https://jenconwayphotography.com/blog-greenville-birth-photographer/2017/5/9/why-your-midwife-is-not-your-doula

And this: https://mothertomothermidwifery.com/2017/02/22/why-a-doula-but-we-have-a-midwife/

and this: https://www.rethinkbirth.com/need-a-doula-if-you-have-midwife/

ETA: my husband was initially hesitant about the cost, but one of the first things he said when we got pregnant with DS2 was: we gotta find another good doula!

hope that helps!

edited: grammar

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