35 weeks, time to pack the bag!

I've hit 35 weeks and now it's time to make the hospital list to pack the bag! Ok, not everything will go in the bag right away, but at least we will have a list of what to bring. This week, we're also ordering our starter set of cloth diapers. We're not sure what size she will be, but I'm thinking newborn diapers may be too small to start. At least we have a pretty good supply of those from the parties to get started if she does need them. Along with the cloth diapers, we're order 2 pail liners, 2 wet bags for transport when we travel, and a toilet sprayer all from Living Earth Babies. We decided on the pocket one size diapers from Live Gro Baby and a set from Rocky Mountain Diapers. That will give us a good start and once we know which kind work best, we will order more.

This week I will also attend a La Leche meeting in town. My doula recommended I go before I deliver and so did the leader when I called her. She said it is a good opportunity to hear the discussions, get advice prior to starting breastfeeding, and meet some moms around town.

Dan put together the stroller last night and I LOVE it. It has an MP3 hook up with tiny hidden speakers and even a pedometer! Thank you Adrienne for getting that for us, it is going to be awesome! We just a few more essentials to get like bedding and the care seat. Everything else we'll improvise.

Baby is super active today rolling around, kicking, squirming. I can feel her go down to my cervix sometimes, seems scratchy. Maybe she wants to come out?! Ha! No, she's got to stay in there for at least three more weeks. I promised a look at the birth plan. This is what we will give to the doctor and the hospital once we arrive. It's not always followed, however it's good to have your wishes displayed. I am making an artistic frame to put around it. One will be hung on the hospital door and one will be hung in the room. We're pretty sure this is finalized, however it we are advised of any more curve balls in the future (i.e. your baby is currently breech), then it may change a bit.

Mother & Father: Sirena & Dan

Doula: Michelle

Support: Hilary

Doctor: Dr. Amy Johnson – Full Circle Health

First Stage:

Natural child birth, please make no offers of medication unless medically necessary

Limit vaginal exams, please advise Doula Michelle of progress, she will advise Sirena and Dan

Sirena able to move and change positions (i.e. tub, shower, ball, bed, squat bar, etc.)

Minimal external fetal monitoring – Sirena would like freedom of movement to relax

Relaxed and quiet birthing environment, dimly lit, only essential staff present

Prefer no I.V., Hep-lock is fine, if necessary

Coaches and support with Sirena the entire time

Second Stage:

Would like to use squat bar for pushing, would like chance to change positions if necessary

Guidance during pushing stage, warm compresses, massage, in order to avoid tearing and especially avoiding an episiotomy

Baby placed on Sirena’s chest immediately after birth

Umbilical cord remain intact for at least 15 – 20 minutes or until stops pulsating

Dan will cut the cord

Family bonding time for at least 45 minutes after birth before non-essential newborn procedures are performed (weight, length, bathing, eye drops, Vitamin K shot, etc)

Third Stage:

Spontaneous delivery of the placenta, without the use of pitocin, massage, pushing, pulling, etc. Unless pitocin is medically necessary and discussed with the family first.

Placenta to be placed on art paper to make a ‘print’. We would like to take the placenta with us when we leave the hospital

Baby Care:

Please perform all newborn evaluations / procedures in the room with us

Please do not give baby formula or glucose water unless discussed with the family as she is to be exclusively breastfed

Breastfeed immediately after birth before any newborn procedures are performed

Medical Assistance may be offered when necessary:

Pitocin, Epidural

C- Section (If necessary, one coach will stay with Sirena and one coach will go with baby. All newborn procedures mentioned will remain the same as requested)

Episiotomy (Sirena would rather tear naturally and avoid episiotomy. Would like to use massage, warm compress, pushing guidance if possible. If necessary, she prefer’s pressure episiotomy.)