This sign to me, is Halloween scary!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Halloween Scary
Something scary to share with you on Halloween. I was reading this blog Stand and Deliver and she had this sign posted. This frightens me that hospitals can actually turn you away for wanting to have a natural child birth or be assisted by a doula. As women, we should be able to choose any way we want to birth our children.
This sign to me, is Halloween scary!
This sign to me, is Halloween scary!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Hospital Tour
Last week Dan and I took the tour of The Birth Place at the hospital. I was nervous. Everything I have read about, heard about, and seen about hospitals has been all negative. I was ready for a fight, armed with a thousand questions. If you’ve ever seen the Business of Being Born or read Ina May Gaskin’s Spiritual Midwifery or Guide to Childbirth, you know what I am talking about.
The tour was super busy, there were probably 15 couples. Let’s just say, I needed this tour to settle my nerves and I was pleasantly surprised, so was Dan. First they took us to the Labor and Delivery rooms on the west side of the floor. The rooms are nice and private. There are no machines out in the open, it looks like a hotel room. The monitoring computers, IVs, and oxygen are all hidden in a giant armoire around the bed. The floors are hardwood, there is a couch that folds out to a bed and also a rocking chair. The bathrooms are private with a shower, jetted jacuzzi tub and toilet. There is also a TV with cable, DVD player and free WI FI internet. The bed breaks down to either push on your back or to use a squat bar. I am leaning towards the squat bar method, but we’ll see. Then once the baby is born they promote placing her right on my chest to bond immediately and start nursing right away. They believe in family oriented labor and delivery and promote rooming in – which means there is a bassinet that is left directly in the room so the baby never goes to a ‘nursery’. The ‘nursery’ is for high risk infants that need special treatment or care.
Once the labor and delivery are over, everyone rests, relaxes, the nurses will take the Apgar test of the baby, weigh her, clean her, swaddle her and then we will all be moved to the east side of the birthing floor to recover on our own private room. I was also pleasantly surprised we can request early check out if everything goes well. There is a complimentary massage the next day. The floors smelled fine, not really like a hospital, thank god. The lights were very dim and there was no rushing around even though they said they were busy, didn’t look like it. They also advised that there are birth balls and options for laboring like positioning, walking, tub, shower, etc. Since I am going natural, I don’t have to be monitored full time like a woman getting an epidural. I will only have to be checked every 30 minutes, unless something takes a turn for the worst. I will have the freedom to move around.
It was a good visit. They talked a lot about what to expect, how to check in, pre-register, how to order food, and everything about the rooms. It makes me less nervous, but it’s still a hospital.
The tour was super busy, there were probably 15 couples. Let’s just say, I needed this tour to settle my nerves and I was pleasantly surprised, so was Dan. First they took us to the Labor and Delivery rooms on the west side of the floor. The rooms are nice and private. There are no machines out in the open, it looks like a hotel room. The monitoring computers, IVs, and oxygen are all hidden in a giant armoire around the bed. The floors are hardwood, there is a couch that folds out to a bed and also a rocking chair. The bathrooms are private with a shower, jetted jacuzzi tub and toilet. There is also a TV with cable, DVD player and free WI FI internet. The bed breaks down to either push on your back or to use a squat bar. I am leaning towards the squat bar method, but we’ll see. Then once the baby is born they promote placing her right on my chest to bond immediately and start nursing right away. They believe in family oriented labor and delivery and promote rooming in – which means there is a bassinet that is left directly in the room so the baby never goes to a ‘nursery’. The ‘nursery’ is for high risk infants that need special treatment or care.
Once the labor and delivery are over, everyone rests, relaxes, the nurses will take the Apgar test of the baby, weigh her, clean her, swaddle her and then we will all be moved to the east side of the birthing floor to recover on our own private room. I was also pleasantly surprised we can request early check out if everything goes well. There is a complimentary massage the next day. The floors smelled fine, not really like a hospital, thank god. The lights were very dim and there was no rushing around even though they said they were busy, didn’t look like it. They also advised that there are birth balls and options for laboring like positioning, walking, tub, shower, etc. Since I am going natural, I don’t have to be monitored full time like a woman getting an epidural. I will only have to be checked every 30 minutes, unless something takes a turn for the worst. I will have the freedom to move around.
It was a good visit. They talked a lot about what to expect, how to check in, pre-register, how to order food, and everything about the rooms. It makes me less nervous, but it’s still a hospital.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
24 Weeks - Childbirth Prep Class Starts
24 weeks, I still am kind of surprised I am now starting into 24 weeks. Seems like yesterday we were standing in our old bathroom reading the pregnancy test. This week is a big week. I need to pre-register at the hospital, we have our first childbirth preparation class with the doula (Bradley Method Information here), and we need to finish up the registry. I can't believe there is so much to do to have a baby. It seems insane, sometimes I wish I was a cave woman and I wouldn't have to worry about all this stuff. In the following weeks, we have to research pediatricians, vaccines, life insurance, start a 401K, child care, breastfeeding classes and so on and so on and so on. I wish I didn't have to do all of this stuff. I wish I could just spend my days exercising, meditating, doing yoga, reading, but all of this other stuff only allows me a small portion of the day to really have fun and enjoy being pregnant.
The only fun thing we did do this weekend was the registry, even though it was a bit overwhelming. We are registering at two stores, the typical stores Babies R Us and Target. They seemed like they had everything, Babies R Us had a little more variety. We had and have no idea what to get. It took an hour to decide on a stroller and an infant car seat. It was crazy. Then we looked at pack'n'plays, co-sleepers, high chairs, boppies, bumbos, layettes, so many things. At the end of two hours walking around the store we only had 6 items and a headache. When we got home I looked through this book they gave us and there was so many things listed as 'essentials'. I just want to have someone who knows how to do this go and choose these things for us.
What makes me the most nervous is figuring out this breastfeeding thing. I have to choose a breast pump and I have no idea. There are like 20 different varieties, plus I don't know if you keep the milk cold or warm or how long it lasts, do I get bottles and nipples? inserts? I have no clue. I have to find a breastfeeding class especially designed for women who are forced back to work when baby is 10 weeks old and need to put a machine to their breast to suck out the milk instead of the baby doing what it is born to do. If the baby is breastfed from the breast to start and is forced to drink from a bottle starting at ten weeks, will she take the breast and the bottle? Or will she only want the bottle? Yes, I admit, I'm nervous and I'm bitter and I'm sad about it, but I guess this is what the majority of working women have to do. We just have to do it and make the best of it. No choice. Did you know in Denmark, women are provided one year maternity leave paid? Thanks America for nothing!
On another note, here are a couple pics. One of me at 24 weeks and a few of Jorge. He climbed into the baby cradle my uncle's father made for my Grandma's kids. It is so cute.
Exercise is going pretty good. I have been doing yoga twice a week, walking at least 5 days a week, and eliptical one day a week plus weights. It's been hard to keep a total routine and I have skipped days, but like I said, there has been a lot to do that has taken away from my body and mind health. However, I am focused and want to make it more of a priority now, it can only help in the end.
Plan for this week:
Monday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Tuesday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Wednesday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Thursday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Friday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga30 minute walk
Weekend - Not sure yet!
Swimming in this sea of life with my little tadpole,
La Sirena
The only fun thing we did do this weekend was the registry, even though it was a bit overwhelming. We are registering at two stores, the typical stores Babies R Us and Target. They seemed like they had everything, Babies R Us had a little more variety. We had and have no idea what to get. It took an hour to decide on a stroller and an infant car seat. It was crazy. Then we looked at pack'n'plays, co-sleepers, high chairs, boppies, bumbos, layettes, so many things. At the end of two hours walking around the store we only had 6 items and a headache. When we got home I looked through this book they gave us and there was so many things listed as 'essentials'. I just want to have someone who knows how to do this go and choose these things for us.
What makes me the most nervous is figuring out this breastfeeding thing. I have to choose a breast pump and I have no idea. There are like 20 different varieties, plus I don't know if you keep the milk cold or warm or how long it lasts, do I get bottles and nipples? inserts? I have no clue. I have to find a breastfeeding class especially designed for women who are forced back to work when baby is 10 weeks old and need to put a machine to their breast to suck out the milk instead of the baby doing what it is born to do. If the baby is breastfed from the breast to start and is forced to drink from a bottle starting at ten weeks, will she take the breast and the bottle? Or will she only want the bottle? Yes, I admit, I'm nervous and I'm bitter and I'm sad about it, but I guess this is what the majority of working women have to do. We just have to do it and make the best of it. No choice. Did you know in Denmark, women are provided one year maternity leave paid? Thanks America for nothing!
On another note, here are a couple pics. One of me at 24 weeks and a few of Jorge. He climbed into the baby cradle my uncle's father made for my Grandma's kids. It is so cute.
Exercise is going pretty good. I have been doing yoga twice a week, walking at least 5 days a week, and eliptical one day a week plus weights. It's been hard to keep a total routine and I have skipped days, but like I said, there has been a lot to do that has taken away from my body and mind health. However, I am focused and want to make it more of a priority now, it can only help in the end.Plan for this week:
Monday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Tuesday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Wednesday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Thursday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Friday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga30 minute walk
Weekend - Not sure yet!
Swimming in this sea of life with my little tadpole,
La Sirena
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Most Wonderful Thing (so far)
Dan felt the baby kick for the first time last night. He said he was surprised she kicked so hard. Little Miss Dinky was practicing her boxing skills along with her gymnastics skills last night before bed.
I think it is the most beautiful, wonderful, amazing and exciting thing to feel baby move inside my body. It fills me with waves of love during each movement. I’m changing, not only physically, but also emotionally.
To my little tadpole, stay strong and healthy my love, less than 17 weeks to go.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
23 Weeks and Doula Interviews
Well, you might have already read on my other blog that I forgot the groceries in the van for about 6 hours last Tuesday night. I am forgetting A LOT of things these days. Sunglasses, keys, books, calls to make, bills to pay and even words in sentences. I’ll be talking away at work and then BAM! I forget what I am even talking about. Not good. I sometimes get really dreamy and will just start thinking about something and forget about completing what task I was trying to do at hand. I also drop things a lot. This is not like me. I am pretty quick at grabbing something, but now, I just look down and say oh shoot, I dropped that. Then I wonder how I’m going to pick it up because I don’t want to squish baby. Squats are essential these days.
I took a picture on Sunday, but I don’t think I look any different. I’ll post it this week if I get around to it. Or maybe I’ll wait for next week’s pic at 24 weeks. Click here for some information on 23 weeks. Baby should weigh about a pound now and is about 11 inches long. I can feel her more and more each day. I can’t wait for Dan to feel her kicks. Sometimes when she is active at night, I will have Dan put his hand on my belly, but nothing. Sometimes she stops and Dan says “that proves I have a calming hand”. So cute. The kicks just aren’t strong enough yet for them to be felt on the outside. Most of the kicks are under my belly button, sometime around my pubic bone. I can also feel her kick to the back, on my bowels. That is the weirdest feeling. Some days she is more active than others. Last Saturday she wasn’t moving much like the days before and I got nervous. They always talk about making sure the baby moves the same each day and to alert your Dr. if the movements aren’t as active or diminish. It’s nerve racking, but I decided just to go with the flow and relax about it. The reason she wasn’t as active Saturday is probably because I was up and moving around a lot, which puts baby to sleep because it’s like being rocked. When I sit in a chair all day, she floats around kickin’ and havin’ fun.
This past weekend hubby and I interviewed three doulas. Doula “A” is an Aries. She has classes available along with her doula services. She teaches the Bradley Method, which is the way I am leaning towards in regards to preparation. The Bradley Method focuses on natural childbirth, breathing, relaxation, animal instinct. Doula “B” is a Taurus. She only has doula services available, no childbirth preparation classes. She is also pregnant and would be seven months along at my birth. Doula “C” is an Aries. She offers all kinds of goodies in her doula and childbirth preparation packaged. She has a one weekend prep class, which is based off of yoga, chanting and focusing on being in the moment. She also provides reiki, massage, and aromatherapy in the package. She is the most expensive of the three, but because she has a lot of extras. She spoke a lot about being intuitive, working with energy fields, and being empathic. Doula “C” has never given birth herself, so this profession has to be a calling. She is very young, probably early twenties and hasn’t had that much experience. Doula “A” has been a doula for about 20 years, I think she said something like over 300 clients and offered a ton of references. Doula “B” was a trauma therapist, but got into doula work after she helped numerous mothers heal from bad and traumatic birth experiences. She has had a handful of clients.
I checked our sign compatibility and Aries – Virgo works pretty good together, not the perfect combo, but tolerable. Virgos generally know exactly what they want and Aries can deliver. Aries is also the first sign in the zodiac, the birth sign. I thought this was a good omen. The Virgo – Taurus compatibility is very good. Two earth signs that are mechanically minded and practical. However, Doula “B”, who is also pregnant didn’t sound like she had much of a plan other than to just be there and support me. Which is nice, but my Virgo mind needs some classes, homework, and reading materials. We decided Doula “B” was not for us. So we had to decide between on Doula “A” or Doula “C”. I liked Doula “C”’s website a lot, so professional, so organized. But when I tried to contact her via email there was no response. Then I left her a voicemail and she called back four days later, whereas Doula “A” called back in an hour. When we spoke with Doula “C” she was kind of flighty, not concentrated or organized in her thoughts. I asked her about how we schedule all of these extras in her Doula package and she just said “well, we’ll get them on the calendar. By the way I’m taking off in December to go home to OK for a few weeks”. During our meeting she was kind of distracted, she admitted to having a migraine. Well, that about did it. No offense, but I can’t handle someone who doesn’t call back, won’t offer up a plan and is not committed to putting dates on a calendar. I only have 17 weeks left and I need a plan!!
Doula “a” it is then. She is kind, warm, and calming. She is also organized, has an action plan and provided an agreement up front. I am going to call her this week and set everything up. We are going to also take her Bradley Method class.
I took a picture on Sunday, but I don’t think I look any different. I’ll post it this week if I get around to it. Or maybe I’ll wait for next week’s pic at 24 weeks. Click here for some information on 23 weeks. Baby should weigh about a pound now and is about 11 inches long. I can feel her more and more each day. I can’t wait for Dan to feel her kicks. Sometimes when she is active at night, I will have Dan put his hand on my belly, but nothing. Sometimes she stops and Dan says “that proves I have a calming hand”. So cute. The kicks just aren’t strong enough yet for them to be felt on the outside. Most of the kicks are under my belly button, sometime around my pubic bone. I can also feel her kick to the back, on my bowels. That is the weirdest feeling. Some days she is more active than others. Last Saturday she wasn’t moving much like the days before and I got nervous. They always talk about making sure the baby moves the same each day and to alert your Dr. if the movements aren’t as active or diminish. It’s nerve racking, but I decided just to go with the flow and relax about it. The reason she wasn’t as active Saturday is probably because I was up and moving around a lot, which puts baby to sleep because it’s like being rocked. When I sit in a chair all day, she floats around kickin’ and havin’ fun.
This past weekend hubby and I interviewed three doulas. Doula “A” is an Aries. She has classes available along with her doula services. She teaches the Bradley Method, which is the way I am leaning towards in regards to preparation. The Bradley Method focuses on natural childbirth, breathing, relaxation, animal instinct. Doula “B” is a Taurus. She only has doula services available, no childbirth preparation classes. She is also pregnant and would be seven months along at my birth. Doula “C” is an Aries. She offers all kinds of goodies in her doula and childbirth preparation packaged. She has a one weekend prep class, which is based off of yoga, chanting and focusing on being in the moment. She also provides reiki, massage, and aromatherapy in the package. She is the most expensive of the three, but because she has a lot of extras. She spoke a lot about being intuitive, working with energy fields, and being empathic. Doula “C” has never given birth herself, so this profession has to be a calling. She is very young, probably early twenties and hasn’t had that much experience. Doula “A” has been a doula for about 20 years, I think she said something like over 300 clients and offered a ton of references. Doula “B” was a trauma therapist, but got into doula work after she helped numerous mothers heal from bad and traumatic birth experiences. She has had a handful of clients.
I checked our sign compatibility and Aries – Virgo works pretty good together, not the perfect combo, but tolerable. Virgos generally know exactly what they want and Aries can deliver. Aries is also the first sign in the zodiac, the birth sign. I thought this was a good omen. The Virgo – Taurus compatibility is very good. Two earth signs that are mechanically minded and practical. However, Doula “B”, who is also pregnant didn’t sound like she had much of a plan other than to just be there and support me. Which is nice, but my Virgo mind needs some classes, homework, and reading materials. We decided Doula “B” was not for us. So we had to decide between on Doula “A” or Doula “C”. I liked Doula “C”’s website a lot, so professional, so organized. But when I tried to contact her via email there was no response. Then I left her a voicemail and she called back four days later, whereas Doula “A” called back in an hour. When we spoke with Doula “C” she was kind of flighty, not concentrated or organized in her thoughts. I asked her about how we schedule all of these extras in her Doula package and she just said “well, we’ll get them on the calendar. By the way I’m taking off in December to go home to OK for a few weeks”. During our meeting she was kind of distracted, she admitted to having a migraine. Well, that about did it. No offense, but I can’t handle someone who doesn’t call back, won’t offer up a plan and is not committed to putting dates on a calendar. I only have 17 weeks left and I need a plan!!
Doula “a” it is then. She is kind, warm, and calming. She is also organized, has an action plan and provided an agreement up front. I am going to call her this week and set everything up. We are going to also take her Bradley Method class.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Educate Yourself
What gets me the most are these woman that have never gone through this experience and feel as if they know everything! I mean, those types that can't back up their so called 'facts' or the ones that want to tell you how to do something or what to eat or what not to eat and yadda yadda yadda. Well, I've had it. I just tell them, maybe you should check your facts with a valid source and not shows like ER or House or something you saw on the mainstream media.
For three years I have been reading about and studying pregnancy and birth. I knew I had to be prepared for when it happened. I read blogs, I watched documentaries, I spoke with tons of women that have gone through this experience, and I've read books, websites, articles, etc etc. I know we can't believe everything we read and everything we hear, but I do beleive in educating myself to understand better than I would have yesterday.
Besides some of the women at work telling me what not to eat, there was one that said "Don't be a hero take the drugs. The birth will be much more enjoyable." Ok, that is after she had asked me what type of birth I was planning and I said a natural birth, I then informed her of the research I had done on epidurals slowing down labor, causing spinal headaches for the rest of your life, baby's side effects, possible paralysis, no feeling in your lower body so you never know when to push unless you feel like watching a contraction monitor. Sound like fun? NOT! Everyone knows there own pain thresh hold and more power to woman who make that informed decision, but for this person to say that with a snooty know-it-all attitude, I about wanted to kick her in the face. Ok, that was a mood swing though! Ha!
I have decided that I will have a natural birth. However, if I am induced with pitocin or oxytocin, which cause contractions to be a thousand times worse, then I would consider an epidural, but that also increases your chances for a cesarean. Then there's the question of using a doula, which I understand a lot of people really don't understand since it is fairly new in our society. My first reaction to getting pregnant was that I wanted to use a midwife. Well, thanks to my horrible insurance I have no option for a midwife, they won't even pay as out of network, they said it is too risky. So my second best choice is to use an obstetrician with the aid of a doula. Since doula's are somewhat new on the seen of childbirth, especially there use in hospitals, I wanted to provide some information as to what a doula is and why they are helpful.
A doula is trained and experienced in supporting women and their partners during childbirth. The doula's role is to help a woman have the most satisfying birth possible - as you would define it and as it unfolds. She learns the woman's wishes for a birth plan and remains with you during the labor, birth, and then for about two hours after the birth. Doulas also are very helpful in helping you ask the right questions to get correct information you need to make an informed decision about your care. The doula is the mother's advocate and is focused on the mother's expected birth experience and also help you transition if anything should go wrong and astray from you planned birth experience. She is there for support.
Benefits of hiring a doula:
Does this make me a weak woman? Hell no, this make me an informed woman. I have wonderful support that will be there in the hospital; Dan, Hil, Aunt Pat, and maybe my mom if she can fly out in time. But maybe when all these people are in the room, I'll change my mind and want to be alone. No one knows what they will be like when labor kicks in. Will I scream? Will I cry? Will I turn completely inward and ignore everyone else there? Will I glow? Will I laugh? I don't know. That is why on this first round, I do feel like I want that support, not only from my family, but also from a trained labor coach.
I'll be interviewing doulas in the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck!
For three years I have been reading about and studying pregnancy and birth. I knew I had to be prepared for when it happened. I read blogs, I watched documentaries, I spoke with tons of women that have gone through this experience, and I've read books, websites, articles, etc etc. I know we can't believe everything we read and everything we hear, but I do beleive in educating myself to understand better than I would have yesterday.
Besides some of the women at work telling me what not to eat, there was one that said "Don't be a hero take the drugs. The birth will be much more enjoyable." Ok, that is after she had asked me what type of birth I was planning and I said a natural birth, I then informed her of the research I had done on epidurals slowing down labor, causing spinal headaches for the rest of your life, baby's side effects, possible paralysis, no feeling in your lower body so you never know when to push unless you feel like watching a contraction monitor. Sound like fun? NOT! Everyone knows there own pain thresh hold and more power to woman who make that informed decision, but for this person to say that with a snooty know-it-all attitude, I about wanted to kick her in the face. Ok, that was a mood swing though! Ha!
I have decided that I will have a natural birth. However, if I am induced with pitocin or oxytocin, which cause contractions to be a thousand times worse, then I would consider an epidural, but that also increases your chances for a cesarean. Then there's the question of using a doula, which I understand a lot of people really don't understand since it is fairly new in our society. My first reaction to getting pregnant was that I wanted to use a midwife. Well, thanks to my horrible insurance I have no option for a midwife, they won't even pay as out of network, they said it is too risky. So my second best choice is to use an obstetrician with the aid of a doula. Since doula's are somewhat new on the seen of childbirth, especially there use in hospitals, I wanted to provide some information as to what a doula is and why they are helpful.
A doula is trained and experienced in supporting women and their partners during childbirth. The doula's role is to help a woman have the most satisfying birth possible - as you would define it and as it unfolds. She learns the woman's wishes for a birth plan and remains with you during the labor, birth, and then for about two hours after the birth. Doulas also are very helpful in helping you ask the right questions to get correct information you need to make an informed decision about your care. The doula is the mother's advocate and is focused on the mother's expected birth experience and also help you transition if anything should go wrong and astray from you planned birth experience. She is there for support.
Benefits of hiring a doula:
- Improved physical and psychological outcomes for mother and baby
- 25% shorter labors
- 40% reduction in use of induction meds
- 50% reduction of cesareans
- 30% less forcept and vacuum extraction
- 60% reduction for epidurals
- fewer requests for pain medication because she can help with breathing techniques, positions, massage, etc
- Better postpartum outcomes
- More successful breastfeeding
Does this make me a weak woman? Hell no, this make me an informed woman. I have wonderful support that will be there in the hospital; Dan, Hil, Aunt Pat, and maybe my mom if she can fly out in time. But maybe when all these people are in the room, I'll change my mind and want to be alone. No one knows what they will be like when labor kicks in. Will I scream? Will I cry? Will I turn completely inward and ignore everyone else there? Will I glow? Will I laugh? I don't know. That is why on this first round, I do feel like I want that support, not only from my family, but also from a trained labor coach.
I'll be interviewing doulas in the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
22 Weeks and a catch up!
I am taking a break this afternoon from cleaning to write the weekly baby blog post. This weekend I have had a lot to do, I've been putting a lot of stuff off that has been on my list for months! I hate that feeling when the list has gotten to 35 things to do and then I feel totally overwhelmed. I'm riding this good energy wave to get this stuff done. Plus I am feeling great these days. No more weird food dislikes, no more nausea, no more extreme needs for naps. I can actually try to maintain my household.
This week marks 22 weeks. I usually get my weekly funny update from this website. Then I'll check the American Pregnancy Association and choose the week I am in. I like to check in and just see what might be going on this week, see the development of the baby and read about the changes in my body to relate. Since I can't post every weekly update on here since May, I thought it would be fun just to note some monthly highlights and provide a little science into the conception of this little tadpole.
How most midwives and obstetricians find the due date is by the first date of your last monthly period. I was tracking my period very closely for a year on the calendar, so I know that the first day of my last period was on Mother's Day May 10th, 2009 - fitting huh? Ok this is where it might get weird. I know we were unprotected on May 20th, 21st, and 22nd - which was my exact best time for ovulation. Dan also knows this because we studied and knew how the whole cycle worked. Guess what? First time's a charm! We thought we would 'try' for a year because my family Dr. said it could take up to a year to conceive. No way did we think it would happen on the first try.
Month one was May to June. No symptoms at all and plus I didn't know I was pregnant yet because you have to wait until around your next period time to truly know. I was so scared I would do something to prevent the pregnancy that I stopped working out. Well, not completely, I did the eliptical a few times, but I stopped running, weights, and yoga. Which now that I think back, that was so stupid. Women can work out and I know that, I was just having a mental block. The first month is when the egg is fertilized and a blastocyst forms. It embeds itself into the uterine wall, the umbilical cord starts to form, and the nerves and muscles start to form. Then the organs, limb buds, and a head with a mouth and eyes appear. The entire size of this little thing is 1/4 inch in diameter.
Month two was June to July. Dan and I went to my Aunt's cabin on a full moon and we had this whole morning ritual planned where I would pee on the stick and then we would celebrate when we saw the good news. That didn't go as planned! I woke up at about 5am, too excited to get the results. Well, the wind was about 45 miles per hour, I was standing out in the middle of mountains at the cabin, trying to pee on the stick, but most of it went all of my coat and legs! We waited and nothing - actually I think three lines showed up and then the whole thing went blue. We were bummed, but it didn't stop us. That night we went and got the digital read out screen and did it in the morning in the calmness of our bathroom. Pregnant!
Month two brought symptoms. Nausea, food cravings for sweets likes donuts and ice cream, breast swelling and discoloration, extreme smells (like I could smell anything and everything! it was so weird, but awesome). I also had to pee a lot and was constantly tired. It did not help that we were in the middle of making an offer on a house. I was not feeling good at all, I hated vegetables and meat. All I wanted was milk, ice cream, crackers, and cereal. It was pretty hard since I try to eat right and I was feeling guilty for wanting those kids of foods all the time. I read in Deepak Chopra's Book Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives that women might have food aversions in order to keep them away from foods that might triggered sickness and miscarriage, in case those foods are carrying any parasites and things. So to not want vegetables and meat is totally normal. He also said women would crave higher that normal caloric foods like breads and sweets because their bodies are expending a huge amount of energy in order to create a new life in the beginning - the time that is most sensitive and vital.
Month two development is when the limb buds start to sprout and look more recognizable. The facial features become more obvious because by the 10th week, the embryonic stage is over and fetal stage if now starting. At this time the fetus is now floating freely around in the amniotic sac. The size by the end of nine weeks is about the size of a small grape.
Month three was July to August, I was still experiencing a lot the symptoms. I was also going mentally crazy and having mood swings like non-other! Poor Dan and poor people I was working with, who had no idea what was going on. This month we had finally bought the house and needed to pack and move in one weekend. It was rough. Not only was I super tired and not motivated, I didn't want to eat. But we got through it! I look back on it now and maybe it was best that I was busied with something else to think about because I think I would have driven myself crazy thinking about baby all of the time.
For the development in month three, the end of the first trimester, the baby's organs and limbs are completely formed. The placenta is functioning fully and this means that hormones are now leveling out, returning my mood to it's regularly scheduled showtime. At this month, baby starts to practice sucking and the skeleton is completely formed, but made of soft cartilage. The genitals are also now developed and could possibly been seen through ultrasound if the baby is positioned right, which are's was not at 14 weeks when we went in the first time. The size of baby at the end of month three is about 3 inches long, the size of a Vienna sausage.
Month four was August to September which was great. I was feeling better, we were all moved in, however not yet unpacked. I had told my entire family in month three and then we told friends and coworkers in month four. It was SO NICE to finally get to share this with everyone!
Month four is the start of the second trimester. All of the major organs are working, and the heart beat is usually between 120-160. The first heartbeat we heard was about 123, then when I went in four weeks later it was 161. Now just a week ago, it was 158. During month four, the eyebrows and eyelashes start to grow. The eyes and ears are starting to develop more fully. The baby might be able to distinguish light as a reddish glow and getting more used to the sound of the mom's heartbeat. Also, the hair starts to grow now, plus the fingernails and toenails. Baby is also starting to move a lot more. This is when women might start to feel fluttering or quickening. I felt my first movement at 14 weeks, then at 15 and 16 weeks, I started to feel it a little more. Now into my 22nd week, I would say I feel it about 15 times a day, mostly after meals and when I am very relaxed.
Well, that's enough catch up for now! I will be sharing the books I am reading next time.
Last week was not good for exercise. We were so busy with appointments and working overtime, I did not keep to a schedule. Plus it got very very cold, so walking outside was not seeming very pleasurable. This week, however I have decided to make it my week! I need time to myself to concentrate and get together a birth plan and routine. I am going to choose a doula this week and schedule an appointment to visit the Birth center at the local hospital where I will be delivering. I am going to work 7 - 3:30. That way I will be home by 4 in order to feed the dog, workout, fix dinner, then go for an evening walk. Dan gets home around 5:30 so this will be nice to have a little over an hour to myself to concentrate.
Plan for this week:
Monday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Tuesday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Wednesday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Thursday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Friday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga30 minute walk
Weekend - Depending on the weather, hopefully a long bike ride!
Swimming in this sea of life with my little tadpole,
La Sirena
This week marks 22 weeks. I usually get my weekly funny update from this website. Then I'll check the American Pregnancy Association and choose the week I am in. I like to check in and just see what might be going on this week, see the development of the baby and read about the changes in my body to relate. Since I can't post every weekly update on here since May, I thought it would be fun just to note some monthly highlights and provide a little science into the conception of this little tadpole.
How most midwives and obstetricians find the due date is by the first date of your last monthly period. I was tracking my period very closely for a year on the calendar, so I know that the first day of my last period was on Mother's Day May 10th, 2009 - fitting huh? Ok this is where it might get weird. I know we were unprotected on May 20th, 21st, and 22nd - which was my exact best time for ovulation. Dan also knows this because we studied and knew how the whole cycle worked. Guess what? First time's a charm! We thought we would 'try' for a year because my family Dr. said it could take up to a year to conceive. No way did we think it would happen on the first try.
Month one was May to June. No symptoms at all and plus I didn't know I was pregnant yet because you have to wait until around your next period time to truly know. I was so scared I would do something to prevent the pregnancy that I stopped working out. Well, not completely, I did the eliptical a few times, but I stopped running, weights, and yoga. Which now that I think back, that was so stupid. Women can work out and I know that, I was just having a mental block. The first month is when the egg is fertilized and a blastocyst forms. It embeds itself into the uterine wall, the umbilical cord starts to form, and the nerves and muscles start to form. Then the organs, limb buds, and a head with a mouth and eyes appear. The entire size of this little thing is 1/4 inch in diameter.
Month two was June to July. Dan and I went to my Aunt's cabin on a full moon and we had this whole morning ritual planned where I would pee on the stick and then we would celebrate when we saw the good news. That didn't go as planned! I woke up at about 5am, too excited to get the results. Well, the wind was about 45 miles per hour, I was standing out in the middle of mountains at the cabin, trying to pee on the stick, but most of it went all of my coat and legs! We waited and nothing - actually I think three lines showed up and then the whole thing went blue. We were bummed, but it didn't stop us. That night we went and got the digital read out screen and did it in the morning in the calmness of our bathroom. Pregnant!
Month two brought symptoms. Nausea, food cravings for sweets likes donuts and ice cream, breast swelling and discoloration, extreme smells (like I could smell anything and everything! it was so weird, but awesome). I also had to pee a lot and was constantly tired. It did not help that we were in the middle of making an offer on a house. I was not feeling good at all, I hated vegetables and meat. All I wanted was milk, ice cream, crackers, and cereal. It was pretty hard since I try to eat right and I was feeling guilty for wanting those kids of foods all the time. I read in Deepak Chopra's Book Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives that women might have food aversions in order to keep them away from foods that might triggered sickness and miscarriage, in case those foods are carrying any parasites and things. So to not want vegetables and meat is totally normal. He also said women would crave higher that normal caloric foods like breads and sweets because their bodies are expending a huge amount of energy in order to create a new life in the beginning - the time that is most sensitive and vital.
Month two development is when the limb buds start to sprout and look more recognizable. The facial features become more obvious because by the 10th week, the embryonic stage is over and fetal stage if now starting. At this time the fetus is now floating freely around in the amniotic sac. The size by the end of nine weeks is about the size of a small grape.
Month three was July to August, I was still experiencing a lot the symptoms. I was also going mentally crazy and having mood swings like non-other! Poor Dan and poor people I was working with, who had no idea what was going on. This month we had finally bought the house and needed to pack and move in one weekend. It was rough. Not only was I super tired and not motivated, I didn't want to eat. But we got through it! I look back on it now and maybe it was best that I was busied with something else to think about because I think I would have driven myself crazy thinking about baby all of the time.
For the development in month three, the end of the first trimester, the baby's organs and limbs are completely formed. The placenta is functioning fully and this means that hormones are now leveling out, returning my mood to it's regularly scheduled showtime. At this month, baby starts to practice sucking and the skeleton is completely formed, but made of soft cartilage. The genitals are also now developed and could possibly been seen through ultrasound if the baby is positioned right, which are's was not at 14 weeks when we went in the first time. The size of baby at the end of month three is about 3 inches long, the size of a Vienna sausage.
Month four was August to September which was great. I was feeling better, we were all moved in, however not yet unpacked. I had told my entire family in month three and then we told friends and coworkers in month four. It was SO NICE to finally get to share this with everyone!
Month four is the start of the second trimester. All of the major organs are working, and the heart beat is usually between 120-160. The first heartbeat we heard was about 123, then when I went in four weeks later it was 161. Now just a week ago, it was 158. During month four, the eyebrows and eyelashes start to grow. The eyes and ears are starting to develop more fully. The baby might be able to distinguish light as a reddish glow and getting more used to the sound of the mom's heartbeat. Also, the hair starts to grow now, plus the fingernails and toenails. Baby is also starting to move a lot more. This is when women might start to feel fluttering or quickening. I felt my first movement at 14 weeks, then at 15 and 16 weeks, I started to feel it a little more. Now into my 22nd week, I would say I feel it about 15 times a day, mostly after meals and when I am very relaxed.
Well, that's enough catch up for now! I will be sharing the books I am reading next time.
Last week was not good for exercise. We were so busy with appointments and working overtime, I did not keep to a schedule. Plus it got very very cold, so walking outside was not seeming very pleasurable. This week, however I have decided to make it my week! I need time to myself to concentrate and get together a birth plan and routine. I am going to choose a doula this week and schedule an appointment to visit the Birth center at the local hospital where I will be delivering. I am going to work 7 - 3:30. That way I will be home by 4 in order to feed the dog, workout, fix dinner, then go for an evening walk. Dan gets home around 5:30 so this will be nice to have a little over an hour to myself to concentrate.
Plan for this week:
Monday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Tuesday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Wednesday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Thursday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Friday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga30 minute walk
Weekend - Depending on the weather, hopefully a long bike ride!
Swimming in this sea of life with my little tadpole,
La Sirena
Thursday, October 8, 2009
It's A............
Tuesday was heavily anticipated – finding out the gender and tracking the progress of the baby. I thought it was a boy, Dan thought it was s boy, friends family, and co-workers all thought the same. To our surprise, a little girl! Really, we would take either so we are happy either way. The ultrasound technician checked three times and she said she is rarely wrong. Wow. I guess knowing is really good, but it is also really starting to sink in. I had my first panic dream last night. I dreamt that I went in for my 21 week check up and they decided to go ahead and induce me. That’s one of my fears, to be induced. I’ve heard horror stories about the pitocin causing hemorrhaging because it makes contractions a thousand times worse. I mean, aren’t they bad enough? But I am planning a natural birth and when the pitocin puts a woman on the verge of hemorrhage, that sounds like my worst nightmare. So I dreamt that they were making me have the baby, but Dan and I don’t have anything in order. We have zero supplies right now, no registry, no pediatrician, no co-sleeper, no diapers, no stroller, no car seat, no NOTHING. Women at work are acting like they are absolutely appalled that I don’t have anything. Ok, I lied. I have two pairs of newborn socks, one pink, one blue. I have a pair of British flag leg warmers and one small teddy bear.
I didn’t realize how much people are so quick to comment. I welcome advice, I welcome discussions, but geesh. I was talking to my boss the other day and she was complimenting me on not looking pregnant (how weird is that?) and then she added in the fact that she was surprised though, because of the way I have been eating. What the? I am not really eating much different. In the first trimester I wanted ice cream a lot and also some sweets, but it wasn’t every day. Plus I always bring my lunch, never eat out, take vitamins, drink tons of water. I was wondering where that comment was coming from. Then there are the women that feel the need to question what you are eating. I was having sausage the other day and a woman said that we shouldn’t eat sausage when pregnant. Then I was having a subway sandwich, which they bought for us at work, and someone said I should bring my own lunch to be safe since deli meats are unsafe. Ok yes, I have heard that before, but come on! A girl’s gotta eat. I’ve heated a few meats during my pregnancy, but my online research has told me just be safe. Then I was having a chocolate candy after lunch at my desk and a woman walked by and said “do you really think you should be eating that?” I almost punched her in the face. I think baby should be exposed to everything – ok minus anything raw which is really bad – or the baby will come out allergic to everything.
Then there’s the people that look directly at your stomach while talking to you or walking by – every time. Even men, well the men that know you are pregnant. I don’t mind that much, I think it’s cute. However right now, I am wondering if they are thinking when I’m actually going to look pregnant. I always ask Dan “do I look pregnant or fat?” Tough question for a husband of a pregnant woman with mood swings! LOL
The Dr. gave us the paperwork to register with the hospital yesterday and also the glucose drink for the diabetes test. It’s getting so real now. We also need to choose a doula, a pediatrician, child care, baby classes, hospital tours, breast feeding classes. Geesh! I am just not feeling too motivated for all of that right now. I’m going to take it one step at a time since right now, it seems all so overwhelming and not so fun.
On the good side, baby is growing great. She is about five days larger than average at this time, which is totally fine. I told the Dr. I am Poilish so of course I'm growing a nice size child in there! My blood pressure is still looking good and my weight gain is spot on. I am proud of myself. When I first got pregnant I had a fear that I would immediately become a giant blimp, with vericose veins, cellulite and flab. Well, I am slowing turning into that at this rate! Ha! No just kidding. I am feeling really good. I know the third trimester is when most of the weight is gained. As long as I keep eating healthy and exercising, I am not worried about it. It's all about perception anyway.
Climbing this Tree of Life, one step at a time with my little tadpole,
La Siren
I didn’t realize how much people are so quick to comment. I welcome advice, I welcome discussions, but geesh. I was talking to my boss the other day and she was complimenting me on not looking pregnant (how weird is that?) and then she added in the fact that she was surprised though, because of the way I have been eating. What the? I am not really eating much different. In the first trimester I wanted ice cream a lot and also some sweets, but it wasn’t every day. Plus I always bring my lunch, never eat out, take vitamins, drink tons of water. I was wondering where that comment was coming from. Then there are the women that feel the need to question what you are eating. I was having sausage the other day and a woman said that we shouldn’t eat sausage when pregnant. Then I was having a subway sandwich, which they bought for us at work, and someone said I should bring my own lunch to be safe since deli meats are unsafe. Ok yes, I have heard that before, but come on! A girl’s gotta eat. I’ve heated a few meats during my pregnancy, but my online research has told me just be safe. Then I was having a chocolate candy after lunch at my desk and a woman walked by and said “do you really think you should be eating that?” I almost punched her in the face. I think baby should be exposed to everything – ok minus anything raw which is really bad – or the baby will come out allergic to everything.
Then there’s the people that look directly at your stomach while talking to you or walking by – every time. Even men, well the men that know you are pregnant. I don’t mind that much, I think it’s cute. However right now, I am wondering if they are thinking when I’m actually going to look pregnant. I always ask Dan “do I look pregnant or fat?” Tough question for a husband of a pregnant woman with mood swings! LOL
The Dr. gave us the paperwork to register with the hospital yesterday and also the glucose drink for the diabetes test. It’s getting so real now. We also need to choose a doula, a pediatrician, child care, baby classes, hospital tours, breast feeding classes. Geesh! I am just not feeling too motivated for all of that right now. I’m going to take it one step at a time since right now, it seems all so overwhelming and not so fun.
On the good side, baby is growing great. She is about five days larger than average at this time, which is totally fine. I told the Dr. I am Poilish so of course I'm growing a nice size child in there! My blood pressure is still looking good and my weight gain is spot on. I am proud of myself. When I first got pregnant I had a fear that I would immediately become a giant blimp, with vericose veins, cellulite and flab. Well, I am slowing turning into that at this rate! Ha! No just kidding. I am feeling really good. I know the third trimester is when most of the weight is gained. As long as I keep eating healthy and exercising, I am not worried about it. It's all about perception anyway.
Climbing this Tree of Life, one step at a time with my little tadpole,
La Siren
Sunday, October 4, 2009
21 Weeks - Baby ultrasound week
This week we find out the gender of the baby, we also find out if baby is growing "on schedule". They can also tell if there is enough amniotic fluid, which I have been reading about lately. I am hoping since we live in a dry climate, everything looks good. Sometimes I wake up thirsty, which is a sign of dehydration. I have been drinking about 2.5 litres of water a day.
Last week went pretty well. I got all of my walks in. I only got one day of yoga in and two days of eliptical. I was mad at myself for slacking off my plan, but then I knew in my heart I did everything I could do physically and mentally. Our friends ended up not coming this weekend so we went up to Fort Collins to stay the night with Hil and Tone. We went for a 1.3 mile hike up in the state park. It was gorgeous outside, just awesome! It felt so good to connect with nature and get some Vit D.
Here's a pic of the 21st week, not much different from last week....
This weekend I bought a few things to help out with some of my issues....Not fun to say but my feet and armpits itch like crazy. It's due to the hormones and the sugars and all these things redistributing amongst my body parts. I read something scientific about it and all I know is that it is not fun. I bought some different deodorant, some foot spray and as a special treat some Palmer's cocoa shea butter lotion. All of it has helped a lot. The chemicals in my body are going crazy and I know in order to be comfortable, I need to take care of it.
Plan for this week:
Monday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Tuesday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Wednesday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Thursday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Friday - 30 minute walk
Weekend - Our friends said maybe this weekend they will visit,,,,,if not, then I plan on winterizing the yard.
Swimming in this sea of life with my little tadpole,
La Sirena
Last week went pretty well. I got all of my walks in. I only got one day of yoga in and two days of eliptical. I was mad at myself for slacking off my plan, but then I knew in my heart I did everything I could do physically and mentally. Our friends ended up not coming this weekend so we went up to Fort Collins to stay the night with Hil and Tone. We went for a 1.3 mile hike up in the state park. It was gorgeous outside, just awesome! It felt so good to connect with nature and get some Vit D.
Here's a pic of the 21st week, not much different from last week....
This weekend I bought a few things to help out with some of my issues....Not fun to say but my feet and armpits itch like crazy. It's due to the hormones and the sugars and all these things redistributing amongst my body parts. I read something scientific about it and all I know is that it is not fun. I bought some different deodorant, some foot spray and as a special treat some Palmer's cocoa shea butter lotion. All of it has helped a lot. The chemicals in my body are going crazy and I know in order to be comfortable, I need to take care of it.
Plan for this week:
Monday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Tuesday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Wednesday - 30 minute walk, 15 minute elliptical, weights, 10 leg lifts each side, 10 squats
Thursday - 30 minute walk, 60 minutes Baby Ready Yoga
Friday - 30 minute walk
Weekend - Our friends said maybe this weekend they will visit,,,,,if not, then I plan on winterizing the yard.
Swimming in this sea of life with my little tadpole,
La Sirena
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