Today I saw an article of 100 uncommon cool baby names. I think we are too square to be cool. None of the these were names we even considered at any point.
I think we are 99.9% settled on 2 boys and 2 girls names at this point. Interestingly enough, one of the boy and one of the girl names are exactly what I started this whole process with. So ladies, don't give up if your husband isn't on board with your favorite names right off the bat. He may just need a good 7 months to think about them.
Interestingly enough it is the OTHER two names that I am favoring. So yes, we still can't come to a consensus. My question of the day is, "If the baby were born right now, what would you name it". We rarely pick the same name. The labor and delivery room might get interesting.
Oh well, at least we are down to 2 for each sex. And no, Ramona is not one of them :) I'm not THAT good :)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
I think I can I think I can
Part of the challenge of the marathon is pushing past what you think is physically possible. You can do more than you think you can.
Christine Hinton, a Maryland running coach
My brain isn't thinking of much lately, and when it does decide to operate, there is a severe malfunction most of the time. Prior to this week (35 weeks), I had decided that I was blessed and escaped pregnancy brain save for a few funny instances. EH! (picture that family fued buzzer noise). WRONG.
So here are my top pregnancy brain moments of the week so far. Survey says:
3. I made labels for our tupperwares of samples in our bathroom closet. One reads: "Shampo and Conditioner". Simple spelling error, right?
2. I could not figure out how to calculate a rate. My boss, also preggo, sent me a message with the subject of "because i am stupid" and asked me if she calculated a rate correctly. I stared at the email. The longer I stared, the more confused I became. PEOPLE, CALCULATING RATES ARE LIKE 89% of my JOB. I had to go ask our biostatistician how to do it. I think she thought I was losing my mind. That makes two of us!
1. Since January (so basically since I've been pregnant), I have had to travel to three sites around the southeastern part of the state doing baseline and follow-up interviews with 65+ year olds about a falls prevention program. Suffice to say, I have conducted plenty of these interviews, I could do them in my sleep. I left for one of the sites an hour away on Monday, got there and realized that I left all of the surveys, consent forms, etc on my desk back at my office. SH**. Lucky for me the office secretary was there and let me use her computer. I was so flustered though that I did not see the keyboard on top of the desk right under my nose and I went to pull out the keyboard tray on her desk and started freaking out, "Where is your keyboard?!?". "Um, right here {points to keyboard on top of desk}". She did not seem to have any sympathy for me.
So am I surprised when my boss (jokingly) asks if she needs to start double-checking my work or when another co-worker sends me an email saying "you look worn out. are you ok"? After this, I just sat at my desk and cried. I felt better after a good cry and then another coworker took me out for a long walk. So now I'm starting to think positive thoughts...at least to get me through this day!
Christine Hinton, a Maryland running coach
My brain isn't thinking of much lately, and when it does decide to operate, there is a severe malfunction most of the time. Prior to this week (35 weeks), I had decided that I was blessed and escaped pregnancy brain save for a few funny instances. EH! (picture that family fued buzzer noise). WRONG.
So here are my top pregnancy brain moments of the week so far. Survey says:
3. I made labels for our tupperwares of samples in our bathroom closet. One reads: "Shampo and Conditioner". Simple spelling error, right?
2. I could not figure out how to calculate a rate. My boss, also preggo, sent me a message with the subject of "because i am stupid" and asked me if she calculated a rate correctly. I stared at the email. The longer I stared, the more confused I became. PEOPLE, CALCULATING RATES ARE LIKE 89% of my JOB. I had to go ask our biostatistician how to do it. I think she thought I was losing my mind. That makes two of us!
1. Since January (so basically since I've been pregnant), I have had to travel to three sites around the southeastern part of the state doing baseline and follow-up interviews with 65+ year olds about a falls prevention program. Suffice to say, I have conducted plenty of these interviews, I could do them in my sleep. I left for one of the sites an hour away on Monday, got there and realized that I left all of the surveys, consent forms, etc on my desk back at my office. SH**. Lucky for me the office secretary was there and let me use her computer. I was so flustered though that I did not see the keyboard on top of the desk right under my nose and I went to pull out the keyboard tray on her desk and started freaking out, "Where is your keyboard?!?". "Um, right here {points to keyboard on top of desk}". She did not seem to have any sympathy for me.
So am I surprised when my boss (jokingly) asks if she needs to start double-checking my work or when another co-worker sends me an email saying "you look worn out. are you ok"? After this, I just sat at my desk and cried. I felt better after a good cry and then another coworker took me out for a long walk. So now I'm starting to think positive thoughts...at least to get me through this day!
"Wicked" Tired
Well it looks like my stint as a tired ol' narcoleptic is over. 4 days of tons of sleep is what I got. My mom called me this morning to ask how I was feeling - she used the excuse that she thought I might be getting sick (and thus why I was sleeping all the time) but I think it was a "are you in labor" call in disguise. It was cute nonetheless. Last night I sleep blissfully from 10 PM to 5 AM. I just got up at 5:30 because I could not stretch my back enough to get comfortable. So, I was still tired, but discomfort won out. It actually was more comfortable to be out of bed than in. Yesterday morning this same thing happened. I got up at 5 and then did my prenatal yoga DVD for 30 minutes and went back to bed and slept until 10:30 AM. yeah, I don't think my boss would let me do that everyday!
I missed my last cake decorating class last night b/c I was too pooped to move. So we ate the two layer yellow cake with berry jam filling and chocolate ganache icing instead. It was pretty yummy and since I'm not a big frosting fan, i was kind of happy it wasn't covered with crisco-ized flowers. I am sad that I missed learning to make roses though - I'm hoping the book instructions are good enough to get me through.
My fingers are crossed for tonight. I got to work early so that I can go home and take a nap before we head to WICKED! It's one of our "last days as a couple" dates that we are going on. I love Wicked and really don't want to be tired for it so wish me luck!
I missed my last cake decorating class last night b/c I was too pooped to move. So we ate the two layer yellow cake with berry jam filling and chocolate ganache icing instead. It was pretty yummy and since I'm not a big frosting fan, i was kind of happy it wasn't covered with crisco-ized flowers. I am sad that I missed learning to make roses though - I'm hoping the book instructions are good enough to get me through.
My fingers are crossed for tonight. I got to work early so that I can go home and take a nap before we head to WICKED! It's one of our "last days as a couple" dates that we are going on. I love Wicked and really don't want to be tired for it so wish me luck!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Insomniac to Narcoleptic
Wow. There has been a major shift this week for me and Baby S. WE SLEEP (or WANT to SLEEP) ALL OF THE TIME.
Sunday afternoon I was pooped (even though I didn't get out of bed until around 10 AM) and took over a 2 hour nap that afternoon. I went to bed and woke up around 4 AM, was awake for half hour and then woke up.
Monday evening, slept through the whole evening.
Tuesday took a one hour nap at work, came home, took another 30 minute nap, went to bed and slept for almost 12 hours. I called in sick for half a day this morning so I could sleep. I am now at work and wanting to go back to bed.
Is it really possible to catch up on 27 weeks of Insomnia in a few days? Looks like my body is trying!
Sunday afternoon I was pooped (even though I didn't get out of bed until around 10 AM) and took over a 2 hour nap that afternoon. I went to bed and woke up around 4 AM, was awake for half hour and then woke up.
Monday evening, slept through the whole evening.
Tuesday took a one hour nap at work, came home, took another 30 minute nap, went to bed and slept for almost 12 hours. I called in sick for half a day this morning so I could sleep. I am now at work and wanting to go back to bed.
Is it really possible to catch up on 27 weeks of Insomnia in a few days? Looks like my body is trying!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
35 Weeks Down, 35 Days to Go
It looks like 35 is the number of the day!
Can there really be only 35 days left? I know it is probably annoying to read about the fact that I am in disbelief that I am going to birth a baby after reading about how READY I was to have the baby NOW early on, but that's the facts.
We are now graduates of the childbirth class. Our last class was last night and focused on newborn care. We had to go around the room and talk about our experience with babies. We were one of the most experienced couples in the room - some people were like, "Well, I've held a baby". So right away, our confidence was boosted.
I can't say we learned a whole lot in the class - even my husband was like, Oh this is pretty basic. Still, the video with all the cute babies was pretty fun :) And pretending our doll was our baby was fun too, even if we were being a little immature. I think the hubs learned more from the "postpartum care" video - he looked a little horrified. The video on sex after birth was, you guessed it, very awkward. Why do they always get the cheesiest actors ever to do these things? The same couple that experienced post-partum depression was featured on the sex part and the man was like, "Oh it was definitely a while before we resumed having sex, which took some getting used to." I was like, Buddy, your wife just popped out a baby and is battling depression. BACK OFF!
So all in all, we thought the childbirth series was helpful - nothing revolutionary. I would recommend it to first time parents, and I think the husbands are the biggest beneficiaries of the information.
Can there really be only 35 days left? I know it is probably annoying to read about the fact that I am in disbelief that I am going to birth a baby after reading about how READY I was to have the baby NOW early on, but that's the facts.
We are now graduates of the childbirth class. Our last class was last night and focused on newborn care. We had to go around the room and talk about our experience with babies. We were one of the most experienced couples in the room - some people were like, "Well, I've held a baby". So right away, our confidence was boosted.
I can't say we learned a whole lot in the class - even my husband was like, Oh this is pretty basic. Still, the video with all the cute babies was pretty fun :) And pretending our doll was our baby was fun too, even if we were being a little immature. I think the hubs learned more from the "postpartum care" video - he looked a little horrified. The video on sex after birth was, you guessed it, very awkward. Why do they always get the cheesiest actors ever to do these things? The same couple that experienced post-partum depression was featured on the sex part and the man was like, "Oh it was definitely a while before we resumed having sex, which took some getting used to." I was like, Buddy, your wife just popped out a baby and is battling depression. BACK OFF!
So all in all, we thought the childbirth series was helpful - nothing revolutionary. I would recommend it to first time parents, and I think the husbands are the biggest beneficiaries of the information.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Pain in the A**
Over the past couple of days, I have developed sciatica. FUN! Right now it is more often an annoyance rather that complete pain but yesterday was a rough day of it. I have found that ice packs have helped. I went for a walk after reading that being mobile can help, but I think that might have made it worse. Today has been ok so far, fingers crossed.
I had a doctor appointment this morning and I told him about it. I knew exactly what he was going to say, but I still mentioned it. "Unfortunately that is likely to get worse before it gets better". Exactly what my mom told me. My mom had it with all three of her pregnancies.
I had zero weight gain since my last appointment 2 weeks and 3 days ago. That was sort of odd. I kind of panicked - what? no weight gain?! I'm still 30 lbs up, holding strong at 170. Lately I feel like my weight redistributed itself to the belly. Where as I was shaped more like a watermelon in the front before with definite love handles and protrusions out the side, now it is definitely all in front and round. All of a sudden my underwear are not as annoyingly tight and my running shorts fit like they used to. WEIRD!
Blood pressure was 110/66. Heartbeat of Baby S was going strong. He asked me what I thought about pain control in labor. I responded, "If I want an epidural, I'll take it." He started laughing and said, I can't really give you any better advice. He asked if I have a boy if I want him circumsized. "Yes". Next appointment (in 2 weeks) I have a vaginal swab for group b Strep. If I carry this, I will need antibiotics during labor to protect the babe.
Other news from the doctor, "we're in the home stretch". WHAT?! No we're not. I'm totally not having this baby in 5 weeks, 1 day. I think it is just going to grow inside of me forever, right?! Yesterday I was feeling kind of lousy. Nausea, cramps/minor contractions and my a** pain. I didn't think i was going into labor but I finally said out loud that I'm worried that I'm not ready to have a baby yet, meaning actually birth a baby. I guess I don't really have a choice, do I?! Our last childbirth class is tonight - maybe after that I'll feel ready, ha ha ha.
I had a doctor appointment this morning and I told him about it. I knew exactly what he was going to say, but I still mentioned it. "Unfortunately that is likely to get worse before it gets better". Exactly what my mom told me. My mom had it with all three of her pregnancies.
I had zero weight gain since my last appointment 2 weeks and 3 days ago. That was sort of odd. I kind of panicked - what? no weight gain?! I'm still 30 lbs up, holding strong at 170. Lately I feel like my weight redistributed itself to the belly. Where as I was shaped more like a watermelon in the front before with definite love handles and protrusions out the side, now it is definitely all in front and round. All of a sudden my underwear are not as annoyingly tight and my running shorts fit like they used to. WEIRD!
Blood pressure was 110/66. Heartbeat of Baby S was going strong. He asked me what I thought about pain control in labor. I responded, "If I want an epidural, I'll take it." He started laughing and said, I can't really give you any better advice. He asked if I have a boy if I want him circumsized. "Yes". Next appointment (in 2 weeks) I have a vaginal swab for group b Strep. If I carry this, I will need antibiotics during labor to protect the babe.
Other news from the doctor, "we're in the home stretch". WHAT?! No we're not. I'm totally not having this baby in 5 weeks, 1 day. I think it is just going to grow inside of me forever, right?! Yesterday I was feeling kind of lousy. Nausea, cramps/minor contractions and my a** pain. I didn't think i was going into labor but I finally said out loud that I'm worried that I'm not ready to have a baby yet, meaning actually birth a baby. I guess I don't really have a choice, do I?! Our last childbirth class is tonight - maybe after that I'll feel ready, ha ha ha.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wet Pants?
One must be careful if one is 34 weeks, 2 days pregnant and emailing her husband. I got caught in a torrential downpour at work today and I emailed my husband the following:
"ARGH! I'm having a terrible day. My pants are soaking wet - I had to wring them out and my shoes have puddles in them"
I figured he would know I was talking about the rain.
He did, but confessed that for a split second he thought my water broke. HA! That made me laugh.
40 days left!
"ARGH! I'm having a terrible day. My pants are soaking wet - I had to wring them out and my shoes have puddles in them"
I figured he would know I was talking about the rain.
He did, but confessed that for a split second he thought my water broke. HA! That made me laugh.
40 days left!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Never a Dull Moment
This morning, around 3:30 AM I woke up and needed to pee. Usually I lay in bed for a bit to fully wake up before getting up but I did not do this this morning. Instead I stumbled into the bathroom.
Normally I do not turn the light on in the bathroom in the middle of the night. I do this so I don't wake up my husband, who is extremely light sensitive. There usually is enough light coming through the bathroom window to get by.
Now, I have been doing squats during my yoga DVD regularly throughout pregnancy so I'm pretty confident about my leg strength but this morning, the combo of it being dark and me still being half asleep was not a good one - I basically fell onto the side of the toilet RIGHT onto my crotch. "F*#K" is what I yelled as I grabbed onto the shower curtain to prevent myself from falling into the bathtub. The crash and the F-bomb woke my husband up. "Are you ok?!" he yelled? "I think I broke my vagina" was my reply.
Thankfully it was only some acute pain and I am now fine. The baby was probably like, what is going on?!
Normally I do not turn the light on in the bathroom in the middle of the night. I do this so I don't wake up my husband, who is extremely light sensitive. There usually is enough light coming through the bathroom window to get by.
Now, I have been doing squats during my yoga DVD regularly throughout pregnancy so I'm pretty confident about my leg strength but this morning, the combo of it being dark and me still being half asleep was not a good one - I basically fell onto the side of the toilet RIGHT onto my crotch. "F*#K" is what I yelled as I grabbed onto the shower curtain to prevent myself from falling into the bathtub. The crash and the F-bomb woke my husband up. "Are you ok?!" he yelled? "I think I broke my vagina" was my reply.
Thankfully it was only some acute pain and I am now fine. The baby was probably like, what is going on?!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
What I Know Now: 34 weeks!
6 more weeks to go! I am starting to feel a little anxious on top of excited because some people I know would have already given birth at this stage. Thinking about that always causes me to think, "Wow. This is going to be here before I know it."
So here's a summary of my thoughts, things I have learned etc in the last 4 weeks:
1. Childbirth classes are helpful...for husbands. I think they are helpful for mothers-to-be as well, but if you are anything like me, most of the stuff is covered in the plethora of books you might read. It is still really helpful to have someone talk you through everything. I think my husband's anxiety level greatly diminished from these classes.
2. I am sort of sad that my first pregnancy is coming to a close. WHAT!? I know I know. I spent how many blog posts complaining about pregnancy. Whining about how I couldn't wait for it to be over and have my baby. Mostly this is still true but yesterday I came to the realization that I would never be pregnant with my first baby ever again and it sort of shocked me. I don't know if I can accurately convey how EXCITED people have been for me over the past 34 weeks and how much love and support I have received. People always ask how I'm doing, lend a hand with things, won't let me do jobs, listen to me cry for 2 hours, give me thoughtful gifts. In 6 weeks (more or less) this will all be over. I can't lie - I have loved all of the attention and love.
3. In the past 4 weeks, I have taken the emotional plunge. Emotions can strike at any time while pregnant, but these past couple weeks have been the crazy time for me. I cry at anything lately. Last night I started sobbing because I saw a chipmunk in this trap my husband built that wasn't quite dead. I made him get a shovel and rescue it and set it free. Even though he's killed tons of chipmunks before. Even though I can't stand the stuff they dig up and the flowers they ruin. It took me awhile to stop crying at that one. And he totally did it and didn't make fun of me at all - what a guy.
4. It is possible to go a long ass time without good sleep. 34 weeks and counting...I have cried more about this too in the recent past (Sunday night being the most recent).
5. It is great to be pregnant, having kids with a whole cohort of women. I know I have already waxed on about this. I don't just mean being pregnant at the same time but also having kids in the same general time period. Two of my mama friends were here from the ATL over the weekend and I feel like I learned more from talking to them then anything. Having friends that will let you ask them ANYTHING about pregnancy, childbirth, having kids, pumping is INVALUABLE.
6. Moms know best. When we registered for baby gear, I sent out an email to moms I knew, including my own, asking what they liked best, what they used etc. I knew I would get a variety of answers because everyone is different and every baby is different. However, I learned a lot from this and it really helped me with our registry and make better sense of the craziness that is baby products. My friends threw me a baby shower over the weekend (one of many ahead) and my mom and I talked about it afterwards and we both thought it was so cool how all of the gifts from moms were "oh this worked great for me" or "my baby loved this". I feel like whenever I will use those items, I will think of that baby and that mom and it makes me feel so happy.
7. It's still hot.
8. I have started having more and more conversations with my belly. For example, last Saturday Baby S learned what we do on Saturdays:
"Hi Baby! It's Saturday morning and your dad and I are chilling out in bed watching the real estate channel. You can totally crash the party and cuddle in here with us. We get kind of snarky about the houses for sale, just a warning. Pretty soon Daddy will go down and make us an amazing breakfast which we will eat in bed or on the couch while watching HGTV. Mommy's favorite breakfast, which you probably have noticed, is Daddy's special breakfast potatoes with rosemary with two over easy eggs on top and strong coffee. She can't wait to eat this breakfast again when you arrive!"
9. Ok duh - I know my life will not stay the same just with a baby - I am curious to see how much our life will change and in what ways and what new routines we will adopt with the little one.
10. People ARE SO NICE to pregnant women! We went to a concert with friends on Friday night and every time I went to the bar to get a water, i got one for free! I was able to get a seat mid-way through the show and then my husband was on water duty and he had to pay $3. Thank you Mr. Bartender man at the Rave for the free waters - you are a sweetheart.
11. "You look great/amazing/fabulous" is the best thing to say to a pregnant woman. Please withhold all comments referring to size - big or small. You can't win.
So here's a summary of my thoughts, things I have learned etc in the last 4 weeks:
1. Childbirth classes are helpful...for husbands. I think they are helpful for mothers-to-be as well, but if you are anything like me, most of the stuff is covered in the plethora of books you might read. It is still really helpful to have someone talk you through everything. I think my husband's anxiety level greatly diminished from these classes.
2. I am sort of sad that my first pregnancy is coming to a close. WHAT!? I know I know. I spent how many blog posts complaining about pregnancy. Whining about how I couldn't wait for it to be over and have my baby. Mostly this is still true but yesterday I came to the realization that I would never be pregnant with my first baby ever again and it sort of shocked me. I don't know if I can accurately convey how EXCITED people have been for me over the past 34 weeks and how much love and support I have received. People always ask how I'm doing, lend a hand with things, won't let me do jobs, listen to me cry for 2 hours, give me thoughtful gifts. In 6 weeks (more or less) this will all be over. I can't lie - I have loved all of the attention and love.
3. In the past 4 weeks, I have taken the emotional plunge. Emotions can strike at any time while pregnant, but these past couple weeks have been the crazy time for me. I cry at anything lately. Last night I started sobbing because I saw a chipmunk in this trap my husband built that wasn't quite dead. I made him get a shovel and rescue it and set it free. Even though he's killed tons of chipmunks before. Even though I can't stand the stuff they dig up and the flowers they ruin. It took me awhile to stop crying at that one. And he totally did it and didn't make fun of me at all - what a guy.
4. It is possible to go a long ass time without good sleep. 34 weeks and counting...I have cried more about this too in the recent past (Sunday night being the most recent).
5. It is great to be pregnant, having kids with a whole cohort of women. I know I have already waxed on about this. I don't just mean being pregnant at the same time but also having kids in the same general time period. Two of my mama friends were here from the ATL over the weekend and I feel like I learned more from talking to them then anything. Having friends that will let you ask them ANYTHING about pregnancy, childbirth, having kids, pumping is INVALUABLE.
6. Moms know best. When we registered for baby gear, I sent out an email to moms I knew, including my own, asking what they liked best, what they used etc. I knew I would get a variety of answers because everyone is different and every baby is different. However, I learned a lot from this and it really helped me with our registry and make better sense of the craziness that is baby products. My friends threw me a baby shower over the weekend (one of many ahead) and my mom and I talked about it afterwards and we both thought it was so cool how all of the gifts from moms were "oh this worked great for me" or "my baby loved this". I feel like whenever I will use those items, I will think of that baby and that mom and it makes me feel so happy.
7. It's still hot.
8. I have started having more and more conversations with my belly. For example, last Saturday Baby S learned what we do on Saturdays:
"Hi Baby! It's Saturday morning and your dad and I are chilling out in bed watching the real estate channel. You can totally crash the party and cuddle in here with us. We get kind of snarky about the houses for sale, just a warning. Pretty soon Daddy will go down and make us an amazing breakfast which we will eat in bed or on the couch while watching HGTV. Mommy's favorite breakfast, which you probably have noticed, is Daddy's special breakfast potatoes with rosemary with two over easy eggs on top and strong coffee. She can't wait to eat this breakfast again when you arrive!"
9. Ok duh - I know my life will not stay the same just with a baby - I am curious to see how much our life will change and in what ways and what new routines we will adopt with the little one.
10. People ARE SO NICE to pregnant women! We went to a concert with friends on Friday night and every time I went to the bar to get a water, i got one for free! I was able to get a seat mid-way through the show and then my husband was on water duty and he had to pay $3. Thank you Mr. Bartender man at the Rave for the free waters - you are a sweetheart.
11. "You look great/amazing/fabulous" is the best thing to say to a pregnant woman. Please withhold all comments referring to size - big or small. You can't win.
Childbirth Class #3: Birth Center
The truth is that we can learn to condition our minds, bodies, and emotions to link pain or pleasure to whatever we choose. By changing what we link pain and pleasure to, we will instantly change our behavior.
Tony Robbins, American self-help author and motivational speaker
Last night we had the third childbirth class. It was not in our regular classroom but we met on the mom and baby floor of the hospital - where we will go after labor and delivery. The labor and delivery unit was very busy last night so we were not able to go through that floor. I was sort of bummed about that, but understand why.
The class went through pain medications and we had this pain scale that we had to go through with our partner based on what we think we want. I thought it was a really good tool - it featured statements about what degree of pain relief you would want and then what that realistically means for both you and the support person. The support person's role becomes more and more active, the less pain medication you receive. I felt good that the hubs and I have had a few conversations about the whole epidural thing so he guessed where I was on the scale right away.
Then the instructor went through narcotics options, epidural options and the pros and cons of each. She also had one of the anesthesiologists come in for any questions we had. We watched a video as well. I thought the whole pain managament topic was very well done. She remained very neutral on the topic and didn't seem to favor one way or the other and REPEATEDLY said that the best thing is to keep an open mind because no one knows how labor is going to go. I also felt good about the fact that the nurses really are trained to be very active support people.
After that whole discussion, we went to the level 2 nursery to peek in on some babies. AWWW! I kept it together but got really excited. Our hospital practices rooming in - so the babies stay with the mom the whole time. The level 2 nursery is for babies that might need a little extra help, but not as much help as a NICU. We also went in to one of the mom/baby rooms to check out where we would be staying for 2 days for a vaginal birth and 4 days for a c-section. After that, we went through the c-section discussion. I thought it was helpful to walk through that whole process, particularly for the support person (aka husbands) because the instrutor did a good job going through what they would be doing.
It was a good class. My husband commented that he is really glad we took the classes because with each one he feels less nervous about the whole process. We also are glad we went with the 4 week class rather than one whole day. After a while, the chairs get pretty uncomfortable. I also think the information is easier to absorb in smaller bits.
Next week is our last class and will focus mainly on infant care and tips and tricks!
Tony Robbins, American self-help author and motivational speaker
Last night we had the third childbirth class. It was not in our regular classroom but we met on the mom and baby floor of the hospital - where we will go after labor and delivery. The labor and delivery unit was very busy last night so we were not able to go through that floor. I was sort of bummed about that, but understand why.
The class went through pain medications and we had this pain scale that we had to go through with our partner based on what we think we want. I thought it was a really good tool - it featured statements about what degree of pain relief you would want and then what that realistically means for both you and the support person. The support person's role becomes more and more active, the less pain medication you receive. I felt good that the hubs and I have had a few conversations about the whole epidural thing so he guessed where I was on the scale right away.
Then the instructor went through narcotics options, epidural options and the pros and cons of each. She also had one of the anesthesiologists come in for any questions we had. We watched a video as well. I thought the whole pain managament topic was very well done. She remained very neutral on the topic and didn't seem to favor one way or the other and REPEATEDLY said that the best thing is to keep an open mind because no one knows how labor is going to go. I also felt good about the fact that the nurses really are trained to be very active support people.
After that whole discussion, we went to the level 2 nursery to peek in on some babies. AWWW! I kept it together but got really excited. Our hospital practices rooming in - so the babies stay with the mom the whole time. The level 2 nursery is for babies that might need a little extra help, but not as much help as a NICU. We also went in to one of the mom/baby rooms to check out where we would be staying for 2 days for a vaginal birth and 4 days for a c-section. After that, we went through the c-section discussion. I thought it was helpful to walk through that whole process, particularly for the support person (aka husbands) because the instrutor did a good job going through what they would be doing.
It was a good class. My husband commented that he is really glad we took the classes because with each one he feels less nervous about the whole process. We also are glad we went with the 4 week class rather than one whole day. After a while, the chairs get pretty uncomfortable. I also think the information is easier to absorb in smaller bits.
Next week is our last class and will focus mainly on infant care and tips and tricks!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Fingers Crossed!
I got a phone call this morning to reschedule two of my August ob/gyn appointments b/c my doctor was going to be on vacation.
I knew that this was a possibility - he mentioned it at our first appointment and then again at my last appointment. So now I am REALLY hoping Baby Schlotty arrives a little late as he will be gone 8/23 - 8/30. As I mentioned, my doctor gets called whenever one of his patients shows up at labor and delivery and comes in for the birth UNLESS he is on vacation (obviously).
I am happy it is Friday. It was a rough one - particularly when I was up from 2-6 AM this morning. I feel sort of sick right now and am hoping it goes away with breakfast and some water as I am really looking forward to going to the Band of Horses concert tonight.
I knew that this was a possibility - he mentioned it at our first appointment and then again at my last appointment. So now I am REALLY hoping Baby Schlotty arrives a little late as he will be gone 8/23 - 8/30. As I mentioned, my doctor gets called whenever one of his patients shows up at labor and delivery and comes in for the birth UNLESS he is on vacation (obviously).
I am happy it is Friday. It was a rough one - particularly when I was up from 2-6 AM this morning. I feel sort of sick right now and am hoping it goes away with breakfast and some water as I am really looking forward to going to the Band of Horses concert tonight.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Are you going to have a natural birth?
Mentally, I think the biggest thing I've gotten out of this 10K is that I've learned to kind of just shut my mind off during the race and not think about laps or pace.
Chris Solinsky, 10,000m American record holder
I have entered the phase of pregnancy where people (mostly women) ask me various forms of the question in the title of this post. And then they proceed to tell me their opinion on the matter, whether I ask them to or not. Most of the time, I do ask so it's fine. Sometimes, I just want to be like "Shut the F up".
Recent example of an unsolicited opinion:
Last night, my husband had to have a physical in our house for the life insurance policy he opened on himself. The nurse, Mary, was very nice even though many of her comments were driving me insane. (Side note: Yesterday was a rough one for me in a series of rough days). I won't go into every single comment she made, don't worry. She had to take a blood draw and my husband mentioned that I might want to leave the room and told Mary that I am not a fan of needles. "In fact, she is considering not getting an epidural because she doesn't like needles", he commented. Well that was all Mary needed to wax on about how I WILL need the epidural and that I would be CRAZY not to get it. I smiled and kept it together. There was no punching involved :)
So what is my answer to the never ending questions of will I won't I {get the epidural}? I continue to stick with my original plan - that is, my plan is to have no plan. I have NO FREAKIN' IDEA of what to expect during labor and how much pain I will be in or how I will tolerate it so I don't want to make a decision right now and then be disappointed if I don't stick with it. I would love to have a natural childbirth, but if it gets to be too much, then stick me with the drugs.
I am oppossed to a lot of medical intervention though, if it is unnecessary. Bottom line- i want my doctor to do what he thinks is best for my baby at all times. BUT if I can avoid getting induced or avoid getting narcotics, etc, that would be great. It is interesting reading and hearing about the varying degrees of opinions on this. As my friend Dr. B says, "Why ride a horse when you can drive a car?" meaning, why would you try to do it without an epidural when you can be more comfortable? Then there is Ina May who is all like, "women have been giving birth for eons and embrace your womanhood." I can see both points, which is probably why I'm a little go with the flow.
The reason I think I could do it without drugs is that I have a pretty rockin' hubby. During our childbirth classes and discussions afterwards, I told him that I was never concerned about the level of support he would give me through this whole thing - I knew he would be great through the ups and downs of pregnancy and know he will be great during the ups and downs of labor and delivery. I told him that I wanted him to make me laugh as much as possible because I think that is when I am most relaxed. Now, if we get into the situation and I realize taht I am in no mood for laughing, he will not proceed with that plan, ha ha ha. He knows that I want to try to do it au natural but I think will know when to push me to keep going vs. when I am being serious about "give me the drugs NOW".
The one thing I am adament about is that I want to hold my baby ASAP - I want him/her rolled up on me as soon as he/she is clear of the birth canal. I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a whole host of running-related quotes that make me think of pregnancy/childbirth so I will be using them intermittently in the remaining 48 days.
Chris Solinsky, 10,000m American record holder
I have entered the phase of pregnancy where people (mostly women) ask me various forms of the question in the title of this post. And then they proceed to tell me their opinion on the matter, whether I ask them to or not. Most of the time, I do ask so it's fine. Sometimes, I just want to be like "Shut the F up".
Recent example of an unsolicited opinion:
Last night, my husband had to have a physical in our house for the life insurance policy he opened on himself. The nurse, Mary, was very nice even though many of her comments were driving me insane. (Side note: Yesterday was a rough one for me in a series of rough days). I won't go into every single comment she made, don't worry. She had to take a blood draw and my husband mentioned that I might want to leave the room and told Mary that I am not a fan of needles. "In fact, she is considering not getting an epidural because she doesn't like needles", he commented. Well that was all Mary needed to wax on about how I WILL need the epidural and that I would be CRAZY not to get it. I smiled and kept it together. There was no punching involved :)
So what is my answer to the never ending questions of will I won't I {get the epidural}? I continue to stick with my original plan - that is, my plan is to have no plan. I have NO FREAKIN' IDEA of what to expect during labor and how much pain I will be in or how I will tolerate it so I don't want to make a decision right now and then be disappointed if I don't stick with it. I would love to have a natural childbirth, but if it gets to be too much, then stick me with the drugs.
I am oppossed to a lot of medical intervention though, if it is unnecessary. Bottom line- i want my doctor to do what he thinks is best for my baby at all times. BUT if I can avoid getting induced or avoid getting narcotics, etc, that would be great. It is interesting reading and hearing about the varying degrees of opinions on this. As my friend Dr. B says, "Why ride a horse when you can drive a car?" meaning, why would you try to do it without an epidural when you can be more comfortable? Then there is Ina May who is all like, "women have been giving birth for eons and embrace your womanhood." I can see both points, which is probably why I'm a little go with the flow.
The reason I think I could do it without drugs is that I have a pretty rockin' hubby. During our childbirth classes and discussions afterwards, I told him that I was never concerned about the level of support he would give me through this whole thing - I knew he would be great through the ups and downs of pregnancy and know he will be great during the ups and downs of labor and delivery. I told him that I wanted him to make me laugh as much as possible because I think that is when I am most relaxed. Now, if we get into the situation and I realize taht I am in no mood for laughing, he will not proceed with that plan, ha ha ha. He knows that I want to try to do it au natural but I think will know when to push me to keep going vs. when I am being serious about "give me the drugs NOW".
The one thing I am adament about is that I want to hold my baby ASAP - I want him/her rolled up on me as soon as he/she is clear of the birth canal. I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a whole host of running-related quotes that make me think of pregnancy/childbirth so I will be using them intermittently in the remaining 48 days.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Childbirth Class #2
Last night was the 2nd in the series of 4 childbirth classes we are taking. The class focused on relaxation techniques as well as walking through what will happen when we are in the hospital, what the hospital has to offer, and common practices. We also had to take a quiz with our partner and discuss the answers. My husband and I were on the same page with everything so that made me feel good, because some of the stuff on the quiz, we never really talked about before.
The relaxation started off with everyone laying on yoga mats and the instructor gave us bags of ice cubes. These were suppossed to simulate a contraction. We had to hold the ice in our hand for one full minute while thinking, "oh this is so cold" and she was also vocally saying negative things about how bad the ice felt. Then we repeated the activity at the end of class trying to use the techniques she had taught us.
For techniques, a lot of it was changing positions from laying down to standing to hugging to different things on the "birthing ball" (aka exercise ball). The husbands also learned some different massage techniques and maneuvers that suppossedly help.
The second half of the class went through labor, pushing and delivery. It was helpful because I hadn't really had anything broken down for me and the nurse did a great job explaining things. She also did a really good job of addressing, what if X happens how would the team respond. So we learned about when forceps/vacuum would be used (less than 5% of births), if and when episiotomies are used (very rarely - phew!), etc. As usual, she was also good to point out how everyone's labor will be different and that this is just a general overview.
We also had the poop on the table discussion. "I know you are all thinking about it" our instructor commented. Interestingly enough, I had the poop on the table conversation with a group of my friends (preggos and non) on Saturday night with our friend who is an ob/gyn, Dr. B. Dr. B pointed out that 85% of women poop on the table and that it is not a big deal. She said that it is actually good when it happends because then "we know that you are using the right muscles". Our instructor echoed this last night followed by "what happens in labor and delivery, stays in labor and delivery."
Oh man. Everybody poops I guess.
The relaxation started off with everyone laying on yoga mats and the instructor gave us bags of ice cubes. These were suppossed to simulate a contraction. We had to hold the ice in our hand for one full minute while thinking, "oh this is so cold" and she was also vocally saying negative things about how bad the ice felt. Then we repeated the activity at the end of class trying to use the techniques she had taught us.
For techniques, a lot of it was changing positions from laying down to standing to hugging to different things on the "birthing ball" (aka exercise ball). The husbands also learned some different massage techniques and maneuvers that suppossedly help.
The second half of the class went through labor, pushing and delivery. It was helpful because I hadn't really had anything broken down for me and the nurse did a great job explaining things. She also did a really good job of addressing, what if X happens how would the team respond. So we learned about when forceps/vacuum would be used (less than 5% of births), if and when episiotomies are used (very rarely - phew!), etc. As usual, she was also good to point out how everyone's labor will be different and that this is just a general overview.
We also had the poop on the table discussion. "I know you are all thinking about it" our instructor commented. Interestingly enough, I had the poop on the table conversation with a group of my friends (preggos and non) on Saturday night with our friend who is an ob/gyn, Dr. B. Dr. B pointed out that 85% of women poop on the table and that it is not a big deal. She said that it is actually good when it happends because then "we know that you are using the right muscles". Our instructor echoed this last night followed by "what happens in labor and delivery, stays in labor and delivery."
Oh man. Everybody poops I guess.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Breastfeeding
This past Saturday we had our breastfeeding class. The class is a one-time 3 hour class for couples. I thought it was well done, however, I don't think I necessarily learned anything new. Granted, I did take a whole semester-long class on breastfeeding while in graduate school for public health so I probably know more than the average jane with regard to that. After that class, I even ordered the materials to become a lacataion consultant. Yeah, that never went anywhere.
I think these classes are mainly for the husband. I know my husband learned a lot and I was glad that he did. I don't want him to abandon ship on breastfeeding if it gets off to a rough start. One thing I really liked about the class is that the teacher did a great job about being like, not every baby can breastfeed and that if you have issues that prevent you from breastfeeding, THAT'S OK. I sometimes feel that pro-breastfeeding people can be a little high and mighty towards those that don't breastfeed and then people who maybe want to breastfeed but can't for whatever reason feel guilty. I am so over maternal guilt and my baby is not even here yet. I was raised Catholic - isn't that enough guilt for one lifetime?!
Anyhoo, we now are more educated on how to hand express, different types of holds, proper latches, how to store breast milk, how long it is good for, etc. The other thing I liked is that the teacher totally validated my choice of pump. My husband was totally freaked out by the high price of the breast pump I registered for and the woman said that for women who are returning to work full time, the pump I registered for is the only way to go. (This was unsolicited by the way - I didn't ask about it). I feel a bit better about the whole pumping thing, but have to say it still freaks me out a little!
Tonight is childbirth class #2 - practicing relaxation techniques.
I think these classes are mainly for the husband. I know my husband learned a lot and I was glad that he did. I don't want him to abandon ship on breastfeeding if it gets off to a rough start. One thing I really liked about the class is that the teacher did a great job about being like, not every baby can breastfeed and that if you have issues that prevent you from breastfeeding, THAT'S OK. I sometimes feel that pro-breastfeeding people can be a little high and mighty towards those that don't breastfeed and then people who maybe want to breastfeed but can't for whatever reason feel guilty. I am so over maternal guilt and my baby is not even here yet. I was raised Catholic - isn't that enough guilt for one lifetime?!
Anyhoo, we now are more educated on how to hand express, different types of holds, proper latches, how to store breast milk, how long it is good for, etc. The other thing I liked is that the teacher totally validated my choice of pump. My husband was totally freaked out by the high price of the breast pump I registered for and the woman said that for women who are returning to work full time, the pump I registered for is the only way to go. (This was unsolicited by the way - I didn't ask about it). I feel a bit better about the whole pumping thing, but have to say it still freaks me out a little!
Tonight is childbirth class #2 - practicing relaxation techniques.
"I'm So Tired"
I'm really identifying with Lennon/McCartney right now....
I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink
I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink
I wonder should I get up and fix myself a drink
No,no,no. *BECAUSE I'M PREGNANT
I'm so tired I don't know what to do
I'm so tired my mind is set on you
I wonder should I call you but I know what you would do *DON'T THINK I CAN REALLY CALL OR SKYPE MY UTERUS
You'd say I'm putting you on
But it's no joke, it's doing me harm
You know I can't sleep, I can't stop my brain
You know it's three weeks, I'm going insane *OK, ACTUALLY WE'RE GOING ON 25 WEEKS OF THIS BUT WHO'S COUNTING?
You know I'd give you everything I've got
for a little peace of mind
I'm so tired, I'm feeling so upset
Although I'm so tired I'll have another cigarette *REALLY NOT APPLICABLE BUT WHO KNOWS? MAYBE SMOKING WOULD HELP!
And curse Sir Walter Raleigh
He was such a stupid get.
You'd say I'm putting you on
But it's no joke, it's doing me harm
You know I can't sleep, I can't stop my brain
You know it's three weeks, I'm going insane
You know I'd give you everything I've got
for a little peace of mind
I'd give you everything I've got for a little peace of mind
I'd give you everything I've got for a little peace of mind
Song Lyrics: Lennon/McCartney for the Beatles. Uppercase commentary - all me, baby.
(p.s. slunz, i couldn't help but think of Rob Thomas an hour ago..."it's 3 A.M. I must be lonely" ;) )
I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink
I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink
I wonder should I get up and fix myself a drink
No,no,no. *BECAUSE I'M PREGNANT
I'm so tired I don't know what to do
I'm so tired my mind is set on you
I wonder should I call you but I know what you would do *DON'T THINK I CAN REALLY CALL OR SKYPE MY UTERUS
You'd say I'm putting you on
But it's no joke, it's doing me harm
You know I can't sleep, I can't stop my brain
You know it's three weeks, I'm going insane *OK, ACTUALLY WE'RE GOING ON 25 WEEKS OF THIS BUT WHO'S COUNTING?
You know I'd give you everything I've got
for a little peace of mind
I'm so tired, I'm feeling so upset
Although I'm so tired I'll have another cigarette *REALLY NOT APPLICABLE BUT WHO KNOWS? MAYBE SMOKING WOULD HELP!
And curse Sir Walter Raleigh
He was such a stupid get.
You'd say I'm putting you on
But it's no joke, it's doing me harm
You know I can't sleep, I can't stop my brain
You know it's three weeks, I'm going insane
You know I'd give you everything I've got
for a little peace of mind
I'd give you everything I've got for a little peace of mind
I'd give you everything I've got for a little peace of mind
Song Lyrics: Lennon/McCartney for the Beatles. Uppercase commentary - all me, baby.
(p.s. slunz, i couldn't help but think of Rob Thomas an hour ago..."it's 3 A.M. I must be lonely" ;) )
Thursday, July 8, 2010
"How was that beer?"
I am sure I turned a shade or two pinker after my doctor walked into the exam room today asking me that question. And here I thought he never recognized me! I have to say that I am still too chicken to actually have a beer. I had a few sips of my husband's Blue Moon on the 4th and that was about it. It was heavenly.
Appointment today was standard. Blood pressure was 106/66 and i'm now up 30 lbs. Only 2 lbs of weight gain in the last 17 days. I say only because lately I have been feeling like a moose so I was anticipating more.
I asked the doctor if he could tell what position the baby is in. He felt around for a bit and said, "Well, you're skinny but I think there still is too much amniotic fluid compared to baby to be sure. I think it's head down, but can't guarantee it." I don't think I really digested anything after I heard "skinny" because I wanted to hug him after hearing that!
I also asked him if I just get the doctor on call when I go into labor of if he will be there. I was questioning this after talking with HB & AS last night, both of whom delivered at my hospital. I was happy to hear that initially I will get the doctor on call but that my doctor does get called unless he is on vacation. He tries to make all of his patients' births. WOOHOO! THEN, he looked at my due date and did warn me that he and his family might be on vacation the last week of August. SIGH. Oh well. This is to be expected when you are due in the summer, I suppose. Even more reason to hope the baby is a little late :)
I really really really love my doctor. I am a bit surprised by this because he is a male. But he is so calm and laid back that I feel calm and laid back during my appointments and I really want to try to be calm and laid back during as much of labor as possible - even if it ends up being the first 30 seconds! ha ha ha. I think reading Ina May's chapter on Sphincter Release is getting to me!
Appointment today was standard. Blood pressure was 106/66 and i'm now up 30 lbs. Only 2 lbs of weight gain in the last 17 days. I say only because lately I have been feeling like a moose so I was anticipating more.
I asked the doctor if he could tell what position the baby is in. He felt around for a bit and said, "Well, you're skinny but I think there still is too much amniotic fluid compared to baby to be sure. I think it's head down, but can't guarantee it." I don't think I really digested anything after I heard "skinny" because I wanted to hug him after hearing that!
I also asked him if I just get the doctor on call when I go into labor of if he will be there. I was questioning this after talking with HB & AS last night, both of whom delivered at my hospital. I was happy to hear that initially I will get the doctor on call but that my doctor does get called unless he is on vacation. He tries to make all of his patients' births. WOOHOO! THEN, he looked at my due date and did warn me that he and his family might be on vacation the last week of August. SIGH. Oh well. This is to be expected when you are due in the summer, I suppose. Even more reason to hope the baby is a little late :)
I really really really love my doctor. I am a bit surprised by this because he is a male. But he is so calm and laid back that I feel calm and laid back during my appointments and I really want to try to be calm and laid back during as much of labor as possible - even if it ends up being the first 30 seconds! ha ha ha. I think reading Ina May's chapter on Sphincter Release is getting to me!
TSUNAMI!!!!!!!!!!!
This image of a tsunami is the closest thing I can think of for what is happening in my uterus lately. I read in my book that at 32 weeks movement might not be as intense because the uterus is crowded. I don't think Baby S is crowded yet - as evidence by the tidal waves of movement that have been occurring since last night. They were so unbelievable that the hubs actually went to get the video camera to video them! I haven't watched them yet to see if he captured anything good b/c the battery died in the middle of filming but it really was incredible. As I sit and type this, the same thing is going on. I purposely wore a more fitted shirt today so I could watch. Something tells me I won't be getting a lot of work done!
I have another doctor appointment at 3:15 today - I am hoping that I don't forget to ask about the position of the baby. I'm totally curious to find out if he/she is head down yet or not!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
"You've Got Me Feeling Emotions...Deeper than I've Ever Dreamed Of"
Did anyone else love Mariah Carey, the early years? Man, I was all over that in middle school. I now think that when she was singing this song (Title) she might have been pregnant.
Which leads me to my topic of the day: EMOTIONS.
Up until this point, I have considered myself to be (and my husband confirmed this) pretty even-keeled during this pregnancy. UNTIL Saturday when I had a complete breakdown with hysterical sobbing AND screaming. Ooh. Lucky husband who bore the brunt of that fun.
What was I freaking out about?
Let me turn that question around by responding, What WASN'T I freaking out about?! It started with me being annoyed that my husband was going to go a night early to my in-law's lake house. This escalated into me being upset that my husband wasn't a mind reader and then that I was enormous and hot and feeling like the ugliest creaton on the planet. I believe I even screamed "JUST STOP TALKING TO ME" to him at one point. YIKES.
I believe I just needed a good cry and I got one (and then some). After my fit (and kicking my husband out of the house), I went for a run, watched a movie and had an okay night's sleep and slept in the next morning. I was "better" but I feel like since then I am on the verge of having these mini breakdowns all the time. This morning at 3:30 AM I could not handle the fact that my back hurt and that I could not find a comfortable position to sleep in. I am just praying that I don't have a meltdown at work.
Let's see, what other (benign) things have I broke down about? My most recent crying spell was during the commercial for the Iphone 4.0 - the one where the woman is having the ultrasound and her husband is participating via Iphone from Iraq. Oh Jesus - my eyes are welling up right now just thinking about it.
Thankfully I have a pregnant coworker to commiserate with right now. She is pregnant with her 3rd child and being very nice to me :)
Which leads me to my topic of the day: EMOTIONS.
Up until this point, I have considered myself to be (and my husband confirmed this) pretty even-keeled during this pregnancy. UNTIL Saturday when I had a complete breakdown with hysterical sobbing AND screaming. Ooh. Lucky husband who bore the brunt of that fun.
What was I freaking out about?
Let me turn that question around by responding, What WASN'T I freaking out about?! It started with me being annoyed that my husband was going to go a night early to my in-law's lake house. This escalated into me being upset that my husband wasn't a mind reader and then that I was enormous and hot and feeling like the ugliest creaton on the planet. I believe I even screamed "JUST STOP TALKING TO ME" to him at one point. YIKES.
I believe I just needed a good cry and I got one (and then some). After my fit (and kicking my husband out of the house), I went for a run, watched a movie and had an okay night's sleep and slept in the next morning. I was "better" but I feel like since then I am on the verge of having these mini breakdowns all the time. This morning at 3:30 AM I could not handle the fact that my back hurt and that I could not find a comfortable position to sleep in. I am just praying that I don't have a meltdown at work.
Let's see, what other (benign) things have I broke down about? My most recent crying spell was during the commercial for the Iphone 4.0 - the one where the woman is having the ultrasound and her husband is participating via Iphone from Iraq. Oh Jesus - my eyes are welling up right now just thinking about it.
Thankfully I have a pregnant coworker to commiserate with right now. She is pregnant with her 3rd child and being very nice to me :)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Childbirth Class - 1 down, 3 to go
32 weeks down, 8 to go!
Last night we started childbirth classes. We are taking the class associated with our hospital so it's not really any specific "type" (e.g. Bradley Method) of class. Every Monday night for 2 hours, we are at the hospital community classroom with a labor and delivery nurse, Jennifer, for the entire month of July. We were both excited about it, and I was a little nervous. The first night shows the birth video. Previous birth videos that I have seen have always made me a little squeamish, and have caused me to involuntarily squeeze my vagina shut. I was also nervous that my husband would not be able to watch the birth video either, mostly because my MIL kept telling me during the weekend that she thought he would pass out during my labor. I kept asking him (and probably driving him crazy), "are you nervous" and he replied No.
So we both reviewed our "textbook" given to us 24 weeks ago at our first nurse appointment. I may have mentioned it on here - my husband forbid me to read it after I told him I was getting anxious just looking at page 1 - the cervical dilation chart. I wasn't nearly as nervous reading it this time.
We got to class and were surprisingly one of the last couples to arrive - and there were no longer two chairs together, so we had to make people move so that we could sit together. The first half hour was dedicated to introductions. The usual questions (Name, Due Date, Boy/Girl?) followed by what the most surprisingly things about pregnancy have been and some other questions along those lines. I think there were about 12 couples in the class, all heterosexual, all married. There was one single woman there with no partner. I felt bad for her UNTIL she introduced herself and in response to the most surprising things about pregnancy said, "I'm just so surprised because everyone here is so big and I've only gained 12 lbs". Now, I realize what she meant - but perhaps she could have been a bit more delicate about it and said, "I was surprised that I haven't gained a lot of weight" or "I was surprised that I haven't shown as much" or something like that that did not include calling every other woman in the room a cow. Ah well.
I was surprised that there were quite a few couples in the room that did not find out the gender and that no one had the same due date. I felt connected to one woman, who was also athletic, who mentioned that she was surprised at how soon her body changed. BINGO! Man, I still feel like I'm coming to terms with all the changes my body has gone through!
After introductions, we watched a video about signs of labor and then talked about 3 examples that the instructor gave. With each example, we learned what 'dilation', 'effacement' and those position numbers meant. We also learned all the different positions the baby could be in, about the mucus plug, water breaking, how to time contractions, etc. I don't know about my husband, but none of this information was new to me, given that I have read most of this stuff in the stack of pregnancy books that is on my nightstand. However, I did feel better about it all having it explained to me. Our instructor did a good job of saying, "this might happen, it might not" and reinforcing the fact that every woman's labor will start a different way. While a tour of the birth center occurs during Week 3, she also talked a bit about what was available in the rooms and how we should not be afraid to ask for what we want - whether it be what kind of music we want to listen to during the whole process or how dim the lights should be.
The next portion was dedicated to the "labor tools" - like relaxation breathing, massage, visualization, etc. She just introduced these topics and next week we will be practicing them. The class concluded with the birth video. (cue scary music). Except it wasn't that scary! I watched the whole thing, no vagina clenching. I think I might have teared up when the baby was finally out and they put it on her stomach. My husband also watched the whole thing and thought it "wasn't that bad". "He thinks he can do it". Phew! No passing out during the class ;). I think he took the support thing a bit to heart because he was waiting on me hand and foot (and belly) for the rest of the night!
All in all, we both felt really good coming off of class one. I can't say that we learned anything new from it, but it did make me feel more relaxed about the labor process and I think it did a great job of preparing the support person. My husband said that he even felt really good about everything so far and that he felt better about it too, particularly that there is more time than he thought for the whole process to evolve and it's not like in the movies or on tv when you have to speed to the hospital.
I also liked the fact that the woman on the birth video went through labor au natural. Given that it was the hospital class, I was sort of expecting them to push the drugs a bit more. I don't know why I thought this, I just did. But seeing that this post is already a long one, I'll save the au natural post for another day.
32 weeks. Crazy.
Last night we started childbirth classes. We are taking the class associated with our hospital so it's not really any specific "type" (e.g. Bradley Method) of class. Every Monday night for 2 hours, we are at the hospital community classroom with a labor and delivery nurse, Jennifer, for the entire month of July. We were both excited about it, and I was a little nervous. The first night shows the birth video. Previous birth videos that I have seen have always made me a little squeamish, and have caused me to involuntarily squeeze my vagina shut. I was also nervous that my husband would not be able to watch the birth video either, mostly because my MIL kept telling me during the weekend that she thought he would pass out during my labor. I kept asking him (and probably driving him crazy), "are you nervous" and he replied No.
So we both reviewed our "textbook" given to us 24 weeks ago at our first nurse appointment. I may have mentioned it on here - my husband forbid me to read it after I told him I was getting anxious just looking at page 1 - the cervical dilation chart. I wasn't nearly as nervous reading it this time.
We got to class and were surprisingly one of the last couples to arrive - and there were no longer two chairs together, so we had to make people move so that we could sit together. The first half hour was dedicated to introductions. The usual questions (Name, Due Date, Boy/Girl?) followed by what the most surprisingly things about pregnancy have been and some other questions along those lines. I think there were about 12 couples in the class, all heterosexual, all married. There was one single woman there with no partner. I felt bad for her UNTIL she introduced herself and in response to the most surprising things about pregnancy said, "I'm just so surprised because everyone here is so big and I've only gained 12 lbs". Now, I realize what she meant - but perhaps she could have been a bit more delicate about it and said, "I was surprised that I haven't gained a lot of weight" or "I was surprised that I haven't shown as much" or something like that that did not include calling every other woman in the room a cow. Ah well.
I was surprised that there were quite a few couples in the room that did not find out the gender and that no one had the same due date. I felt connected to one woman, who was also athletic, who mentioned that she was surprised at how soon her body changed. BINGO! Man, I still feel like I'm coming to terms with all the changes my body has gone through!
After introductions, we watched a video about signs of labor and then talked about 3 examples that the instructor gave. With each example, we learned what 'dilation', 'effacement' and those position numbers meant. We also learned all the different positions the baby could be in, about the mucus plug, water breaking, how to time contractions, etc. I don't know about my husband, but none of this information was new to me, given that I have read most of this stuff in the stack of pregnancy books that is on my nightstand. However, I did feel better about it all having it explained to me. Our instructor did a good job of saying, "this might happen, it might not" and reinforcing the fact that every woman's labor will start a different way. While a tour of the birth center occurs during Week 3, she also talked a bit about what was available in the rooms and how we should not be afraid to ask for what we want - whether it be what kind of music we want to listen to during the whole process or how dim the lights should be.
The next portion was dedicated to the "labor tools" - like relaxation breathing, massage, visualization, etc. She just introduced these topics and next week we will be practicing them. The class concluded with the birth video. (cue scary music). Except it wasn't that scary! I watched the whole thing, no vagina clenching. I think I might have teared up when the baby was finally out and they put it on her stomach. My husband also watched the whole thing and thought it "wasn't that bad". "He thinks he can do it". Phew! No passing out during the class ;). I think he took the support thing a bit to heart because he was waiting on me hand and foot (and belly) for the rest of the night!
All in all, we both felt really good coming off of class one. I can't say that we learned anything new from it, but it did make me feel more relaxed about the labor process and I think it did a great job of preparing the support person. My husband said that he even felt really good about everything so far and that he felt better about it too, particularly that there is more time than he thought for the whole process to evolve and it's not like in the movies or on tv when you have to speed to the hospital.
I also liked the fact that the woman on the birth video went through labor au natural. Given that it was the hospital class, I was sort of expecting them to push the drugs a bit more. I don't know why I thought this, I just did. But seeing that this post is already a long one, I'll save the au natural post for another day.
32 weeks. Crazy.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Fun With Names - The Popular Names in Our Area
People seem to also be more and more curious about names. We're still not telling the names - hell, if anyone wants to tell US the name, I'm all for it. My goal is that we will be heading into the labor and delivery with two names for each sex picked out. Easier said than done.
We definitely are noticing a NOSE DIVE of weddings in our social calendar and an uprise of babies. So far, 2010 is the magical year of babies with 2011 not far behind. So many preggers and hopefully more to come. The way things are going, my guess is that 2011 will easily beat 2010. So far the baby breakdown of 2010 is:
Boys
Felix
Christian
Sawyer
Gavin
Beckett
Girls
Sofia
Natalie
Zoe
(None of those names are on any of our lists, although I'm not oppossed to naming our baby the same name as a friend/co-worker/family member if I really like it.)
Boys have the girls beat in terms of live births, but of the people whom we know are expecting, and who found out what they are having, 3 more girls and one more boy are on the way, with several TBDs.
On February 25, I posted the top 10 boys and girls names of babies born in our hospital. I just checked it again and some have changed so here are the latest:
Girl Names
1. Trinity
2. Ava
3. Sophia
4. Natalie
5. Emma
6. Isabella
7. Olivia
8. Lauren
9. Nevaeh
10. Chloe
Boy Names
1. Nathan
2. Tyler
3. Jordan
4. Dominic
5. Mason
6. Brayden
7. Jayden
8. James
9. Alexander
10. Hunter
None of those are on our Yes or Maybe Lists. However Ava, Isabelle, Olivia and Lauren are all on our NO list so that means they were considered by one of us at some point. Actually I think Isabelle might have been so far as the Yes or Maybe list at some point, but then got canned. None of the boy names are on our NO list for boys either, which means we haven't considered any of those.
What about our fair city? What are the top ten boy and girl names here as of this morning? Here you go...
Girl Names
1. Trinity
2. Ella
3. Mariah
4. Ava
5. Emma
6. Madison
7. Lauren
8. Sophia
9. Leah
10. Natalie
Boy Names
1. Jayden
2. Nathan
3. Jordan
4. Noah
5. James
6. Tyler
7. Grant
8. Matthew
9. Christian
10. Dominic
Not much has changed - at least in terms of cross referencing these lists with our own lists.
What else is on our No list? A lot - I will post it soon enough if I can remember. How did we develop the No list? I trapped my husband in a car and brought out the 40,000 baby name book from the library and started reading aloud. He needed to categorize names into "yes" "maybe" and "no". Of course I only read aloud names I liked so that was how they were cut. To be fair, I told him he could add in any other names he wanted into those categories. It was a good system. So now we are whittling down the "Yes" list for girls down to two names. And maybe dipping into the maybes. ha ha ha. This is why I don't think we are having a girl - we cannot figure out a name to save our life.
We had the boy name pretty well nailed down but then conversations re: names with both of our families over the weekend made me resurrect one name that I love but had dismissed. So now we have two boy names, which is probably good in case the baby looks more like one name or the other. And really, with the way things have been going in this department, things could change AGAIN in the next 8 weeks and 5 days.
We definitely are noticing a NOSE DIVE of weddings in our social calendar and an uprise of babies. So far, 2010 is the magical year of babies with 2011 not far behind. So many preggers and hopefully more to come. The way things are going, my guess is that 2011 will easily beat 2010. So far the baby breakdown of 2010 is:
Boys
Felix
Christian
Sawyer
Gavin
Beckett
Girls
Sofia
Natalie
Zoe
(None of those names are on any of our lists, although I'm not oppossed to naming our baby the same name as a friend/co-worker/family member if I really like it.)
Boys have the girls beat in terms of live births, but of the people whom we know are expecting, and who found out what they are having, 3 more girls and one more boy are on the way, with several TBDs.
On February 25, I posted the top 10 boys and girls names of babies born in our hospital. I just checked it again and some have changed so here are the latest:
Girl Names
1. Trinity
2. Ava
3. Sophia
4. Natalie
5. Emma
6. Isabella
7. Olivia
8. Lauren
9. Nevaeh
10. Chloe
Boy Names
1. Nathan
2. Tyler
3. Jordan
4. Dominic
5. Mason
6. Brayden
7. Jayden
8. James
9. Alexander
10. Hunter
None of those are on our Yes or Maybe Lists. However Ava, Isabelle, Olivia and Lauren are all on our NO list so that means they were considered by one of us at some point. Actually I think Isabelle might have been so far as the Yes or Maybe list at some point, but then got canned. None of the boy names are on our NO list for boys either, which means we haven't considered any of those.
What about our fair city? What are the top ten boy and girl names here as of this morning? Here you go...
Girl Names
1. Trinity
2. Ella
3. Mariah
4. Ava
5. Emma
6. Madison
7. Lauren
8. Sophia
9. Leah
10. Natalie
Boy Names
1. Jayden
2. Nathan
3. Jordan
4. Noah
5. James
6. Tyler
7. Grant
8. Matthew
9. Christian
10. Dominic
Not much has changed - at least in terms of cross referencing these lists with our own lists.
What else is on our No list? A lot - I will post it soon enough if I can remember. How did we develop the No list? I trapped my husband in a car and brought out the 40,000 baby name book from the library and started reading aloud. He needed to categorize names into "yes" "maybe" and "no". Of course I only read aloud names I liked so that was how they were cut. To be fair, I told him he could add in any other names he wanted into those categories. It was a good system. So now we are whittling down the "Yes" list for girls down to two names. And maybe dipping into the maybes. ha ha ha. This is why I don't think we are having a girl - we cannot figure out a name to save our life.
We had the boy name pretty well nailed down but then conversations re: names with both of our families over the weekend made me resurrect one name that I love but had dismissed. So now we have two boy names, which is probably good in case the baby looks more like one name or the other. And really, with the way things have been going in this department, things could change AGAIN in the next 8 weeks and 5 days.
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