Here is our birth plan. I have made a few tweaks to it since the conversation I had with my midwife. Please feel free to use it, modify, etc as you or someone else may wish. Building a birth plan that works for you is important.
1st Stage: (labor)
Birth Partners: B (spouse) and L (mother)
Low lightening, soft voices, wear my own hospital gown.
Labor in whatever positions are most comfortable. Freedom to
move around, use bath, use squat bar, use birth ball.
Cervical check upon arrival and no more unless requested or every 2-4
hours.
Intermittent monitoring.
Light IV fluids, drink as much water by mouth as possible.
No cath; urinate on my own.
2nd Stage: (pushing)
Since week 28 I have suffered from extreme pelvic pain and want
to ensure that the pushing positions I use will not further damage
the pubic symphysis and ligaments.
If no epidural:
Push with the urge.
Position on all fours, squatting or side.
B and L assist in holding legs.
Push with contraction, without counting.
Tear naturally.
With epidural:
Keep strength of epidural low once close to complete so urge to
push and pressure may be felt.
Push on side.
Tear naturally.
Delivery of baby & 3rd Stage (placenta delivery)
Caught by myself or B with assistance from midwife.
Placed on my chest immediately.
Let me and B check for and announce the sex of the baby.
Delay cord clamping until cord stops pulsing.
Deliver placenta and save for us to take home (baring no medical reasons not to)
Baby care:
No Hep B vac or eye ointment.
Allow for immediate skin to skin and nursing to begin.
If baby taken to SCN, B will go with baby while L stays
with me.
Administer vitamin K vac.
If planned c-section: (I wrote this when baby was breech, but just in case...)
Allow B, L and possible photographer in room.
Spinal vs epidural??
Tell me what is happening as it happens.
Cover me with heated blanket.
Pfannenstiel incision and LUS incision within.
Use double layer suture closure when closing up.
Lower screen so I can see the birth of my baby.
Delay cord clamping.
Wrap baby and pass to B immediately.
Remove top of my gown for skin to skin.
Keep baby in room while I'm sewed up and moved to PACU.
No sedatives after birth please-I want to remember everything.
Emergency c-section:
*** This part of the plan is, obviously, not something that is apart of anyone's birth plan. My midwife explained that if we have to have an E/C that I would be put under general anesthesia and B and L would not be allowed in the room. However, B would be ready to go with the nurses and baby after birth to the nursery and L would be able to join me in the PACU as soon as I started to wake up.
Monday, April 29, 2013
On a Monday
I had the BEST appointment yet with my midwife this morning. I printed out our birth plan (which I will share soon) and my mom joined me. We heard a great heart beat right around 150-160. Baby is still head down but was laying kind of sideways facing the inside of my leg, but that is nothing to worry about right now. Then we sat down and went over the plan. I also like to refere to the "plan" as wishes since we both know that anything can happen and we must be flexible. We are not in control of how this baby comes into the world; only God is and I am in such a perfect state emotionally now that I have 100% trust in how this whole thing will happen. Even more so now after talking to my midwife.
Most people know that there are several differences between a midwife and an OB. In general, midwives are more hands off and OBs are more hands on. There are so many differences that I am not even going to list them, but one of the major differences is their time spent with patients. OBs get you in and out while a midwife will take more time with you. Not every midwife is like that and not every OB is in a rush, but in general, that is how most are. I have four midwives and since I am going weekly, they have been spending more time with me than before. Even so, I have always felt like I was important and the priority while I was there.
Today, birth plan in hand, I was not sure how we would discuss it. I began by just saying that it's just what we want, very similar to last time, and, so, yeah. My midwife actually read every line. She confirmed and explained different practices. Since my mom is going to be a birth partner with B, she was able to learn a lot. Thankfully, I remembered all the questions I had about a few things on the list. She spent a solid 30 minutes with us, being very thorough in her explanations of certain thins while also being very supportive of our wishes. We are all hopeful that this baby will come sooner and faster than before, as most 2nd babies do.
More good news is that I am GBS negative so unless labor begins with a bang and my water breaks, I can labor at home or where ever I am until it's time to come in. I feel so much better about my approach with this birth than last time. I had a lot of fear with Logan. I was afraid of dying, bleeding too much and dare I say it, pooing while pushing! Now, none of that worries me. I have done this before. My body has done this before. My body knows what to do and I trust it, just as much as I trust God, my providers and my awesome birth team.
I will be 37 weeks in a few days. Still a tad early, but I am ready, mentally, for this baby to come into the world. I cannot wait to feel their skin, look into their eyes, touch their head and kiss their cheeks...ahh soaking in this new life! What a trip.
Most people know that there are several differences between a midwife and an OB. In general, midwives are more hands off and OBs are more hands on. There are so many differences that I am not even going to list them, but one of the major differences is their time spent with patients. OBs get you in and out while a midwife will take more time with you. Not every midwife is like that and not every OB is in a rush, but in general, that is how most are. I have four midwives and since I am going weekly, they have been spending more time with me than before. Even so, I have always felt like I was important and the priority while I was there.
Today, birth plan in hand, I was not sure how we would discuss it. I began by just saying that it's just what we want, very similar to last time, and, so, yeah. My midwife actually read every line. She confirmed and explained different practices. Since my mom is going to be a birth partner with B, she was able to learn a lot. Thankfully, I remembered all the questions I had about a few things on the list. She spent a solid 30 minutes with us, being very thorough in her explanations of certain thins while also being very supportive of our wishes. We are all hopeful that this baby will come sooner and faster than before, as most 2nd babies do.
More good news is that I am GBS negative so unless labor begins with a bang and my water breaks, I can labor at home or where ever I am until it's time to come in. I feel so much better about my approach with this birth than last time. I had a lot of fear with Logan. I was afraid of dying, bleeding too much and dare I say it, pooing while pushing! Now, none of that worries me. I have done this before. My body has done this before. My body knows what to do and I trust it, just as much as I trust God, my providers and my awesome birth team.
I will be 37 weeks in a few days. Still a tad early, but I am ready, mentally, for this baby to come into the world. I cannot wait to feel their skin, look into their eyes, touch their head and kiss their cheeks...ahh soaking in this new life! What a trip.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Week of Instagram
I like to think I'm good about taking at least one photo a day! But alas this week was a rough one. It's 845pm and the first day all week that I have not cried!! The hormones are in full force. Thank goodness I have the most incredible husband! Have a beautiful weekend!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Currently...36 weeks!
That's right friends! The count down is ON!! I am so ready to have this baby! Ready for labor and giving birth and meeting this little fish that has been swimming around!! Be sure to place your boy or girl vote in the upper right side of the blog. We can't wait to find out if he is a she or if she is a he!!
Currently...
Eating...light. My stomach has been a mess the last week or so. Seems that just about anything I eat upsets me and so I have been trying to stick with chicken noodle soup, PB&Js and lots of water.
Drinking...tons of water. And some coffee every now and then. And in my dreams? A margarita the size of my head.
Loving...the new Macklemore song Same Love. It gives me chills and even brings me to tears sometimes! I just love how pure the words are and the duo between Macklemore and the female singer is just awesome.
Dreaming...see "drinking". Last night I had a really bizarre dream that I was being induced and it was failing because baby wasn't ready. My favorite midwife was there and she was so chill about everything. That made me feel better AND the entire time she kept saying "she"....so. Girl???
Wishing...that all this false labor would either stop or turn into something real. I never experienced this with Logan. Everyday I probably have 100 contractions that don't get more painful, but are regular and nothing happens. I go to sleep and phase them out.
Baby update:
Nothing too official this week. I had my GBS test on Monday and I'm still waiting to hear the results. I am 1cm and 50% effaced so maybe that false labor is actually doing something after all. Baby is for sure head down which was great to learn! Tons of movement, some of which is almost becoming more painful as room is really starting to get cramped in there. My swim class has been awesome. Water seems to have no affect on the contractions, which is weird to me, as I have about 5-6 in the hour that I'm in the pool. Been making some new friends and I love it! My last day at work is in 3 weeks unless baby comes before then. The nursery is no where near finished. We are getting new carpet soon and wanted to paint before that happened, but I'm not sure painting will be done in time. We have everything we need for me and baby! Just need the baby now!!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
35 weeks
Lovely Bump. I'll miss it when it's gone!
How big is baby: Packing about a half pound a week at this point to around 5ish pounds.
Weight gain/loss: Oy vie....40.
Stretch marks: Just a few from last time on my upper legs/hips.
Sleep: Very uncomfortable.
Diet/Cravings/Aversions: No to spicy/acidic foods...makes the heartburn insane. Craving bacon/avocado burgers.
Labor signs: Lots of false labor going on. The last few days I've had several 2-3 hour stretches of timeable, consistant contractions that are just not painful enough to call labor. It's exhausting.
Movement: SO much more movement now that baby is head down.
What I'm loving: The countdown. One more month!!
Symptoms: I have every pregnancy symptom there is...even nausea has come back, but that may be due to the worsening heart burn.
What I'm looking forward to: My apt on Monday. I love hearing how things are progressing. I will have my GBS test and we'll talk about the birth plan. AND getting my hair cut today!
Best moment of the week: Having nearly 3 days off of work due to the snow. Now if only I could just stay home every day until this baby comes...I'm so dead tired!!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Dear Logan
My son,
Today you are just over three years old and a month away from becoming a big brother. Over the last few months you have turned into a curious, smart and loving child, slowly moving out of your toddler stage and interacting with the people and world around you. You ask questions all the time, especially "why" while also having the sweetest little inflection in your voice. Just this morning we had a conversation on our way to school and work about how Obama is our President and he's in charge. You did not hesitate one second to remind me that your teacher, Lori, is also in charge. You're so bright! And your rationalization made me laugh.
Since my belly has grown quite a bit over the last few months, you have become very sweet with me. You love placing your ear on my belly to listen to what baby is saying. You place your hand on my belly and feel baby kick. And sweetest of all, you just snuggle right in and make my baby belly your pillow. It's the quietest, most special connection you, me and the baby have together. We just sit there, holding each other, not saying a word and soaking in what God has created. Since we first told you I was going to have a baby, which was pretty early on, you have been convinced that this baby is a girl. We cannot wait to find out if you're right! Waiting for this surprise has been very fun, though for some of our family and friends they are seem more anxious than we are to find out! You call "her" by her name, and tell us what she says to you. We have tried to tell you that just in case this baby is a boy, he has a name too, something which you seem to dismiss and already know; this baby is a girl.
Over the last few weeks, I have found myself clinging to you more. You're always been a "mamas boy" and lately, you've been bonding with daddy over really fun things like hockey and wrestling. But now it is my turn to want you closer than ever, to miss you more than before, and to kiss you all I can before your only child status slips away. You and me, we are changing. We are going to go through a huge transition and the anticipation has me in a ball of emotions. You hate seeing me cry, but sometimes I just can't help it. You make me so happy, filling my heart with the kind of love I've never felt before between a mama and her son. There is no denying our bond, however I am anxious to see how that will change with a new baby on my hip. Just the other day you were running around barefoot in the kitchen. You stubbed your toe on the register. I was in the bedroom getting dressed when you began to cry. You're old enough now to come to me when you get hurt for comfort and love, but it was in that moment that I suddenly wondered how I would comfort you if I was nursing your sibling?? How will I be able to show you the same kind of attention you need when you get a boo-boo? How will I remind you that I don't love you any less and I don't love your sibling any more than I already love you both? There are a million other questions swimming in my head. I know that we will find our grove. We will figure out how to transition into our new roles: you, the big brother and me, the mama of two perfect children. It might be hard. We will have good days and sometimes, we will have bad days. I'm already praying that everything goes the best way possible for us.
Other than our impending big news, you are blossoming into a very active boy! You're almost 40" tall, wearing 4T pants and shirts. You weigh 30 pounds; long and lean just like me and your daddy! You love chicken nuggets, PB & J, cereal, edamame, and almond milk. You are TOTALLY potty trained!! You have not had an accident at night in a few weeks and otherwise use the potty just like everyone else. Makes us so proud! You love your daycare and all your friends. You can sing entire songs now, like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Old McDonald. You have the most impeccable memory of any child I've ever known. You remember things that happen once, two months ago, and all the details. It's astounding to us...you're so smart. Did I say that already? You still love light bulbs and batteries. You and daddy make a trip to Home Depot usually once a week, even just to walk around and check things out. It's your favorite store.
Closing a letter to you is hard. So I will just say how much I love you and how much I am cherishing your age and growth right now. Thank you for being my son and for loving me.
Love,
Mama
Today you are just over three years old and a month away from becoming a big brother. Over the last few months you have turned into a curious, smart and loving child, slowly moving out of your toddler stage and interacting with the people and world around you. You ask questions all the time, especially "why" while also having the sweetest little inflection in your voice. Just this morning we had a conversation on our way to school and work about how Obama is our President and he's in charge. You did not hesitate one second to remind me that your teacher, Lori, is also in charge. You're so bright! And your rationalization made me laugh.
Since my belly has grown quite a bit over the last few months, you have become very sweet with me. You love placing your ear on my belly to listen to what baby is saying. You place your hand on my belly and feel baby kick. And sweetest of all, you just snuggle right in and make my baby belly your pillow. It's the quietest, most special connection you, me and the baby have together. We just sit there, holding each other, not saying a word and soaking in what God has created. Since we first told you I was going to have a baby, which was pretty early on, you have been convinced that this baby is a girl. We cannot wait to find out if you're right! Waiting for this surprise has been very fun, though for some of our family and friends they are seem more anxious than we are to find out! You call "her" by her name, and tell us what she says to you. We have tried to tell you that just in case this baby is a boy, he has a name too, something which you seem to dismiss and already know; this baby is a girl.
Over the last few weeks, I have found myself clinging to you more. You're always been a "mamas boy" and lately, you've been bonding with daddy over really fun things like hockey and wrestling. But now it is my turn to want you closer than ever, to miss you more than before, and to kiss you all I can before your only child status slips away. You and me, we are changing. We are going to go through a huge transition and the anticipation has me in a ball of emotions. You hate seeing me cry, but sometimes I just can't help it. You make me so happy, filling my heart with the kind of love I've never felt before between a mama and her son. There is no denying our bond, however I am anxious to see how that will change with a new baby on my hip. Just the other day you were running around barefoot in the kitchen. You stubbed your toe on the register. I was in the bedroom getting dressed when you began to cry. You're old enough now to come to me when you get hurt for comfort and love, but it was in that moment that I suddenly wondered how I would comfort you if I was nursing your sibling?? How will I be able to show you the same kind of attention you need when you get a boo-boo? How will I remind you that I don't love you any less and I don't love your sibling any more than I already love you both? There are a million other questions swimming in my head. I know that we will find our grove. We will figure out how to transition into our new roles: you, the big brother and me, the mama of two perfect children. It might be hard. We will have good days and sometimes, we will have bad days. I'm already praying that everything goes the best way possible for us.
Other than our impending big news, you are blossoming into a very active boy! You're almost 40" tall, wearing 4T pants and shirts. You weigh 30 pounds; long and lean just like me and your daddy! You love chicken nuggets, PB & J, cereal, edamame, and almond milk. You are TOTALLY potty trained!! You have not had an accident at night in a few weeks and otherwise use the potty just like everyone else. Makes us so proud! You love your daycare and all your friends. You can sing entire songs now, like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Old McDonald. You have the most impeccable memory of any child I've ever known. You remember things that happen once, two months ago, and all the details. It's astounding to us...you're so smart. Did I say that already? You still love light bulbs and batteries. You and daddy make a trip to Home Depot usually once a week, even just to walk around and check things out. It's your favorite store.
Closing a letter to you is hard. So I will just say how much I love you and how much I am cherishing your age and growth right now. Thank you for being my son and for loving me.
Love,
Mama
Monday, April 15, 2013
Two Things.
We woke up to this:
And baby is HEAD DOWN! At least my midwife is about 85% certain there is a head down and a butt up in my ribs, which explains all the insane movement I am feeling again and the gymnastics he/she was doing last night. PRAISE THE LORD!! This is huge...we will check for certain next week when I have my GBS test. Now baby just needs to stay that way.
Happy Monday!
And baby is HEAD DOWN! At least my midwife is about 85% certain there is a head down and a butt up in my ribs, which explains all the insane movement I am feeling again and the gymnastics he/she was doing last night. PRAISE THE LORD!! This is huge...we will check for certain next week when I have my GBS test. Now baby just needs to stay that way.
Happy Monday!
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