Baby Prep Class #5

Last night was our 5th and last Baby Prep Class. We watched another movie, this time it was about the stages of labor. It was basically a review of everything we have covered. After the movie we spent a long time with breathing exercises. I was so relaxed that I almost felt asleep. Towards the end of class we had a pediatrician come and talk to the class about what to expect in a newborn, whats normal, and when to call the doctor. We also were able to ask a bunch of questions, which I had plenty and I think I had the most out of everyone. Over all I felt that last night was the most informative night of the five. After he left Lori finished with personal care and recovery. Then we got our certificates and headed home. Now for the final exam....eeeekkk.

Oh what a day

Yesterday had to be one of the most exciting days we have had in a long time. But, not exciting in a good way. We started our day with church and as we were leaving the parking lot a gentlemen got into the incoming traffic lane and made a left hand turn straight into our car. His SUV never even saw us. Luckily no one was hurt...except our Toyota. The guy was a real jerk about the whole situation. He never asked if I was ok or anyone else. He was in such a hurry to get out of there since his car was fine and didn't even give us all his information.

Because of the accident, I called the Dr's office today to find out if I needed to come in even though I felt fine. They asked me a bunch of questions such as did I hit my stomach, did the air bags deploy, how fast where we going, is the baby still moving around, etc. Basically if the baby continues to move 10 times in an hour I'm fine and they will see me Friday. If the baby speeds up and seems panicky or slows way down I need to rush over to Labor & Delivery.

After coming home from church, our neighbor down the street house caught on fire. There was at least three fire trucks, two ambulances, and a gaggle of people. They closed our street and opened up several fire hydrates to contain the fire before the wind started spreading it to the other homes. Jager was flipping out watching everyone freak out as the firemen rushed up and down our street. So we put him on the runner in the front yard and he was fine, well now that he could see everything that was going on. Apparently the fire was a grease fire and they tried to put it out with water which is the worst thing they could have done.

Oh what a day. Hopefully we don't have another like that for a while.

Baby Prep Class #4

Last night was our fourth baby class. We started with going over the items that we have packed/plan on packing for the hospital. It was interesting to see what other people thought they should bring. I even added some that got suggested. Class last night was all about the technical stuff such as c-sections, forceps, episiotomy, etc. We got to see the different tools and learn about different procedures such as induction and three different ways it might be done. At the end of class instead of breathing exercises we watched a c-section video. Clay laughed when I turned away for the spinal tap portion but the gross part where they are doing the cutting and tugging I thought I was so interesting. I guess that's why dad always thought I was going to be a surgeon, if it just weren't for those darn needles.

34 week checkup

I went in today for my 34wk checkup. It was so packed at the office. I had to wait an extra 30 min for my appt. But the checkup went well. I'm measuring at 34cm and the baby's heart rate is 150bpm. My blood pressure was also very good and I didn't gain any weight over the last 2wks, which Dr Wagaman said was ok because my weight has been excellent so far. I talked to her about the cramping and soreness I've been having and how its getting worse and more constant. It's not braxton hicks any more, she said I've started having real contractions. I'll probably be one of those people that are 1-2cm or more dilated before I even start labor. She also wrote me a new script for prenatals because publix called me last week and told me that the entire line I was taking was discontinued. We also discussed my choice for pediatrician and how they will play a role during and after the delivery.

I told you

Yesterday I went to a new primary doc for a checkup, since my old one was dropped by our insurance. While I was there I thought I would have them look at my toe. Turns out its definitely broken. I told Clay that two weeks ago, but he told me I was qualified to make that call. The new doc is awesome. He really took the time to listen to me and seemed very concerned about my history of UTI's. If they continue the way they have been he plans on having an ultrasound done to check to see if there's something that's causing them, such as a kink in my urethra. Finally a doc that don't just write prescriptions. He was very excited that I was pregnant. He was giving me bits of wisdom he learned as well as a title to a book that worked for him and his wifes with their baby of 18mths that now sleeps from 6pm to 6am. Doc Wahl's wife is also pregnant again with baby #2 and is due May 1, so I might be seeing him at the hospital.

Baby Prep Class #3

Monday was our baby prep class. We went over transition labor and pushing. Coaches were told to not leave moms when in transition phase because labor can happen really fast at this point and moms tend to be disoriented. So if you want to do anything like eat or pee it should be done before mom reaches 6cm. We also watched a movie on natural childbirth and I got really discouraged because she was in labor over 28 1/2hr. After the movie, we spent a lot of time with breathing. We practiced what we have learned so far and added two more techniques. Lori also should us two techniques for effective pushing and one for when you have the urge to push but its not time yet so you need to stall. We also played a game called yes, no, or maybe, where Lori asked a questions and dads had to go to the side of the room they thought mom would go, then moms went to the correct sign for them. She basically wanted us to start talking about things we would like to have happen during and after the delievery. Then we switched and it was the guys turn. Our homework for this week is to pack our labor bags and bring them in to see what other people plan on bringing. Plus thats one less thing on my list.

Night Out with the Anesthesiologist

Last night Clay and I went to a one hour class that explained the pros and cons of an epidural. They showed us a movie of how its done and then they opened the room to q & a. I came with a huge list of questions. The Anesthesiologist was very helpful and cleared up some things for me. However I still don't like the idea of a needle going into my spine and a catheter stays in its place, IV, and another catheter to my bladder as well as an extra monitor for the baby. I don't know if I what to be "tied" to the bed. I guess well have to wait and see.

From baby-gaga

Baby Prep Class #2

Last night was class number two of our baby prep classes. We had a quick review of last weeks info and then we got started. We went over early labor and what to except during that stage such as the time and length of contractions, reactions, and what you should be doing to prepare. Basically if there's something you what to do before you go to the hospital like shower, here's your last chance. We continued with active labor and went over the same info as well and also when to start heading toward the hospital. Afterwards we watched two birthing movies. One with a mom that got an epidural and one with a mom that thought she wanted a natural child birth and ended up taking meds. As with last class we ended with breathing techniques but this time we added birthing positions. Some I liked a lot and others I just couldn't get comfortable at all. I loved the yoga ball. It was the first time in weeks that my back wasn't hurting. Holmes Regional carries a couple of them but Lori told us that if its something we really like we should get one of our own so you know you'll have it. Clay wanted to take me to Walmart last night to go get one. That way I would comfortable at night such as when we watch tv.

32 week checkup

Today was my 32 week check-up. My weight was good as well as my blood pressure. Dr. Wolk said to keep doing whatever I've been doing. Also according to the ultra-sound last week everything looks great with the baby as well. I asked him about the severe headaches I've been getting at night. Since my bp is excellent and I don't have massive swelling, he felt that its not a headache due to blood pressure and more likely sinuses and that I shouldn't worry. We also talked about about my backaches as well. He seemed a little bit concerned when I told him its in the middle of my back and not my lower back. He checked my kidneys and double checked my urine sample, but nothing was out of the ordinary. He thinks that its muscle fatigue, but if there is any changes I need to call right away since kidney infections are common in pregnant woman. He also said that I'm not allowed to travel any more due to the amount of Braxton-Hicks contractions I've been having per day since they can lead to real contractions if I have to many in a row.

8mths

Holy cow, I've reached 8 mths. In 5 more weeks I'm considered full term even though there's 8 more weeks until my due date. Pregnancy math is weird. They say it's nine months, but on what planet does 40 weeks equal nine months. As for me, I'm finding it more and more difficult to get comfortable. If I sit, I can't breathe and get awful heartburn; if I stand, my back kills me and my feet start swelling. Oh the joys of pregnancy. Don't get me wrong, I love every minute of it, but I'll be glad when things get back to normal also. I'm now at 177lbs which is 27 lbs total so far. I'm trying really hard not to over do it and staying within the recommended 25-35lbs. I'm becoming increasingly tired and unmotivated to do anything, especially housework. However, I'm still walking 2m Mon-Fri with Jager. My mom swears that it helps with labor (her longest being 4hrs). I hope I take after her.

Baby Prep Class

Last night was our first baby prep class. We are one of 8 couples in the class. Out of the couples, I have the closest due date. The next couple closest to us is May 17th. Last nights class was a general overview of whats to come and introductions. Also we started breathing and relaxation last night, which is hard to do at 8:30 at night because it puts you to sleep. We even have homework for next week in which I have to give Clay three massages/lessons on how I would like to be massage during delivery.