May 2013 Due Dates
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Welcome, Moonblood! I'm due May 10th, so not too long after you! I am also planning on breastfeeding and hoping it isn't a struggle. I think it's really great that you're thinking ahead to what happens after the baby and how to prepare for that next step! I'm feeling calm about labor & delivery and am mentally on preparing for the next step, too.
I'm sure you must have heard of La Leche League, a major breastfeeding support group? They can have kind of a mixed reputation (Ive heard stories of how they could be very militant and close-minded, but I think it depends on the group you get), but I attended a local chapter meeting and they were very welcoming and supportive of all members, regardless of how long they chose to breastfeed. I think I fell in with a very good group. They said that I can even call members in the middle of the night if I am having an emergency. I've also located some "baby cafe" resources with onsite lactation consultants in my area and drop-in help for breastfeeding mothers. I feel really lucky because I live in a major city and there are a lot of resources here. I'm curious also to hear what other resources MFP moms have lined up or found useful!0 -
Hi Ladies,
Some of you are getting so close! How exciting!!!
We took our prenatal classes this weekend. It was helpful since we are in a new country and we learned the different terminology, etc.
One great tidbit here is they give "walking epidurals" here, so you can still move about with some assistance. You can birth squatting, standing, on hands and knees, on a birthing chair and the hospital is fine with this
Even with the walking epidural, nice to have some choices.
From what I remember my family members who had epidurals had to stay on their backs.....it was a full epidural. Those who had epidurals, did you find that to be true?
Also learned more about the Tens machine, which has previously been mentioned to me...... I think I'll be renting one.
How's everyone else's labor plans going?
I had an epidural last time and had to stay in bed. After birth, I had to hang out there for a bit to let it wear off, and they had me get up slooooooowly. I was totally fine, but they were just being cautious. I didn't mind hanging out in bed because I felt totally awesome after the epidural (plus I got to doze off, since I went into labor right after I fell asleep for the night), but it would have been nice to have the option of walking around.
I had to look up the TENS machine - I didn't know there were any uses for it for labor. Interesting what you learn!
Otherwise, I don't have any real plans, but I need to talk to my OB about not getting pitocin unless it's necessary. I feel like that was a major reason as to why it was so God-awful last time. Not that I expected L&D to be a walk in the park, but you shouldn't feel like you literally would rather die than continue on.
A birthing chair sounds kind of awesome, though!
Interesting, because they touched on that pitocin (although they call it something different here) can make it harder and longer on mamas in some cases. That sucks it was so bad for you :frown: here's to a better experience this time!
I've had the Tens machine in physical therapy, but had never heard of it for labor until a UK friend mentioned it. She labored without it with baby 1 and with the Tens machine with baby 2 and she said it made a huge difference for her.
Also gas is available during labor here in Canada, so I'll be trying that too! And I'm soooo relived I'm at a hospital that offers private rooms (we're paying extra for, I'd pay any price for a private room, lol)0 -
Hi Ladies, new to this thread - I am due May 5 and looking for some new friends... I'm especially interested in friends who plan on breastfeeding. I know that can be tricky with working out and eating enough calories for your supply. :-)
Welcome and congratulations!
I'm off to a breast feeding class tonight, have you taken one? I'll share if I learn anything interesting 0 -
Interesting, because they touched on that pitocin (although they call it something different here) can make it harder and longer on mamas in some cases. That sucks it was so bad for you :frown: here's to a better experience this time!
I've had the Tens machine in physical therapy, but had never heard of it for labor until a UK friend mentioned it. She labored without it with baby 1 and with the Tens machine with baby 2 and she said it made a huge difference for her.
Also gas is available during labor here in Canada, so I'll be trying that too! And I'm soooo relived I'm at a hospital that offers private rooms (we're paying extra for, I'd pay any price for a private room, lol)
It might be under a different name in Canada (or it might be a different but similar drug, I don't know), but I don't quite understand why they gave it to me. It's given for inductions, which makes sense, but also for stalled labor. I couldn't labor at home because I was Strep B positive, but my contracts were 2-3 minutes apart, so quite regular. It's almost like they give it upon admission as a rule or something.
Anyway, I did some research recently and discovered that not only should I probably not have been given pitocin, but I was likely overdosed based on the fact that I went from manageable contractions with breaks in between to insanely painful, stabby ones over and over and over with no breaks. The amazingly sad part is that contracting like that can cause fetal distress, so not only did it make me horribly miserable, but it put my son's health in jeopardy, all in the name of what? Then the nurses rolled their eyes when I was begging them for an epidural. Well, duh, you basically PUT me in this painful scenario, and now you won't help me manage it? Then my labor stalled out, which delayed the epidural. FINALLY my OB stepped in and said to just give it to me and - imagine that - once I could relax and breathe, I dilated to 10cm in no time flat.
What I found in my admittedly Google-based research was shocking. This article was the most eye-opening/disturbing (no horror stories, just a nurse giving you a poor reason why it's given and basically telling you to suck it up):
http://www.momaroo.com/682028656/why-you-need-pitocin-in-labor/
This is a pretty good discussion of the article: http://thederangedhousewifeonline.blogspot.com/2011/07/64000-question-why-do-you-need-pitocin.html
Anyway, I need to talk to my OB about it. I planned to have the conversation with her a long time ago but put it off thinking it was best to discuss it as we got closer.
What's interesting is that the hospital where my son was born (where I am going this time) has only private rooms both for L&D and afterwards. I don't know what I'd do if I had to share a room! The whole ward was renovated in 2008, so maybe that has something to do with it, but when my brother had his gall bladder out in the same hospital, he was in his own room that looked just like the room I had and my sister had after we had our babies there.0 -
What?! That's insane!!! Why on earth did they give it to you? That's really sad if you were progressing nicely and they pumped it in you.... And to eye roll at the request for epidural?? Weird too..... From what we learned pitocin increases need for epidural in some cases because Mama skips early labor and the gradual build up straight to strong intense contractions without a chance to build up. Hence sudden intense pain.....
Of course this is all the instructions experiences, but both are Doulas so they've seen a lot. I really hope you have a much better experience. Do you have someone there to advocate for you?0 -
Wow, Rebecca, that is so incredibly cruel to do to a laboring mother and a baby ready to greet the world naturally.. I also cannot believe they did not ask your consent, and that the nurses refused you pain medication after inflicting pain upon you. There are so many things wrong with that on so many levels. These unnecessary interventions are the main reason why I am very afraid of a hospital birth, although I acknowledge that many maternal and baby lives are saved by appropriate medical interventions. It's just that the medical establishment often seems to take the exceptional case and make it the norm. Even a close friend who is a doctor *in a hospital* refused to stay in the hospital after the birth of her two children, AND she hired a doula and she labored at home as long as possible! If doctors are scared of other doctors, that's really worrisome! It's sad, but I've read a lot of stories that are very similar to yours and many women become mobilized in the birthing communities after such experiences, often as doulas or childbirth instructors. I am very lucky to have a birth center near my home that shares my birth philosophy, which I didn't even know I had until I started reading about birth!
In other news, I had the Group Strep B test today. Maybe I am a Big Wimp, but it was SUPER uncomfortable. I'm sure labor will be way way worse, so I should not be whining.
And in yet other news, I think I am v.e.r.y. slowly losing the mucus plug! Something is happening! EEEK!0 -
Yeah, I really don't get why they gave me pitocin. There was definitely no gradual increase, either, like I understand there is supposed to be. I went straight to the horrible contractions. The reason they denied me the epidural was because I wasn't dilated enough. Well, my labor had totally stalled! They gave me whatever it is to "take the edge off," but all it did was make me feel loopy and sleepy, and I was fighting pain while fighting to stay awake, which just made me doubly annoyed/frustrated.
Anyway, I am going to talk to my OB about it, and my husband, who stood by, freaked out, last time, knows that I do NOT want pitocin unless there is a medically valid reason why I need it.
In all honesty, I may have consented to the pitocin and just didn't know it (or didn't know what I was consenting to), but I believe that it was inappropriately administered, both in need and in method.
I have Strep B later today. I hatehatehate pelvic checks. So annoying. I wouldn't care so much if I could get in there and be seen right away, but there's ALWAYS a delay, which means that I sit there bottomless for 10-15 minutes, listening to voices in the hallway and trying to determine if my doctor is about to come in! I don't remember it being painful, though, but I could just not be remembering
Crazy about your mucus plug! How many weeks are you again?0 -
Hey ladies! I just submitted my claim for maternity leave. It's starting to feel real! I submitted it to make my last day in the office May 10th (which would give me a week at home before baby arrives) but they are very flexible, so I'm sure we can change that as I progress.
I have my first pelvic check tomorrow (I opted out of the one last week when my usual dr was out of the office). I know what you mean RBX, the wait is ridiculous! TheLaser - I totally feel the same way.... it kind of hurts/is uncomfortable to get checked (or at least it did last pregnancy)... so not really looking forward to that, but at least I'll find out if these BH are doing anything!
Also - does anyone get pain in their upper thigh/groin during contractions? It's like a lightening bolt sensation and it makes my leg buckle under me. NOT FUN. I know I need to go see my chiro and get adjusted, but I don't have time over my lunch break lately. I need to try and get in soon though. Hopefully that helps.0 -
Hey ladies! I just submitted my claim for maternity leave. It's starting to feel real! I submitted it to make my last day in the office May 10th (which would give me a week at home before baby arrives) but they are very flexible, so I'm sure we can change that as I progress.
I have my first pelvic check tomorrow (I opted out of the one last week when my usual dr was out of the office). I know what you mean RBX, the wait is ridiculous! TheLaser - I totally feel the same way.... it kind of hurts/is uncomfortable to get checked (or at least it did last pregnancy)... so not really looking forward to that, but at least I'll find out if these BH are doing anything!
Also - does anyone get pain in their upper thigh/groin during contractions? It's like a lightening bolt sensation and it makes my leg buckle under me. NOT FUN. I know I need to go see my chiro and get adjusted, but I don't have time over my lunch break lately. I need to try and get in soon though. Hopefully that helps.
So nice to know when you are taking off! Hopefully you can get a little rest before your new guy arrives!
Yes, I do get weird pains all the time. Nothing worrying, more like zaps and twitches, but they don't make my leg buckle. Still weird, though. I hope they stop for you!
Ok, so I had the pitocin talk. My OB said that the hospital does not give you pitocin unless she (or another doctor from her practice) is there. I mentioned that at some point during my "blackout" that some other doctor in the practice had come in to talk to me, but I have no recollection of it, and thus I do not know who it was. However that was hours after my suspected pitocin administration. She said she is now curious to look at my hospital chart to find out because while it's possible that my labor was really that bad, the way I describe it is unusual for someone who didn't have pitocin. She said that they are all super conservative about using pitocin and when they do use it, they always offer an epidural first (because they know that pitocin hurts - though you are always free to decline, and not being in pain helps you make a "real" decision on the epidural), and they always start with small doses. As for me, I was more or less fine, then within a half an hour of getting the IV, I felt like I wanted to die! So I'm curious to see what she finds out from pulling my hospital records.
On another note, they did not do the Strep B test on me this time. It appears that there was something in my urine in one of the earlier cultures, so they just assume that I'm a carrier and don't bother with the culture. That apparently happened to me last time, per my file, so that is why I didn't remember that the test hurt, because I didn't have it last time! The sad thing is that it means I can't labor at home, though with my last labor being less than 12 hours, I probably shouldn't hang out at home that long anyway. Of course this is all assuming that I go into labor spontaneously. For all I know I could end up having to be induced! Then for sure I am getting that epidural before they start pitocin!!!
Anyway, I'm glad I know more now on all fronts and that I talked to my OB about it. I just hope she's on call again this time!
But the more I talk about this the more real it all seems! Seriously, in less than a month, we should all have our babies!!!
ETA that I am a "tight" 1cm dilated and 60% effaced. She said I have dropped some and that s/he is definitely head down and right there above my cervix :noway:0 -
I know, it's so crazy to think that in about 3-5 weeks I will be a mom! (I'm 37.4 weeks today.) I feel like I've learned so much during this pregnancy and that there is still so much to learn. As I think I've mentioned before, my husband & I have been taking the Bradley course, which is a natural childbirth course, and I would be happy to share our birth plan (I'd like to think of it more as "preferences" because you can't really know what will happen) with anyone who is interested in seeing it. Just personal message me and I'll send you a copy. Even the act of discussing and then putting the ideas down on paper made us feel more prepared for different scenarios.
Rebecca, that's strange that they are assuming you are already a carrier for Group Strep B. My midwife said that the results are only good for 5 weeks, so if your due date falls outside of that window since that last urine culture, or you end up being overdue outside of that window, then you might want to push for retesting. There's no sense in getting antibiotics you don't need, plus the discomfort of the IV during labor. Also, you should be able to access your own records, too. This is my inherent distrust of the medical community speaking (despite having two very close friends who are doctors), but if mistakes are made, sometimes doctors will cover up the issue (some even to the point of falsifying records) because they are afraid of lawsuits. I noticed one outright lie in my own records after the appendectomy, which stated that I had refused subsequent medication. (It was true that I initially refused it because the operation was over and I was concerned about the baby's further exposure, but they put MAJOR pressure on me with all kinds of scare tactics and I did ultimately end up taking a dose -which was NEVER noted. They clearly wanted to make sure they were covered in case my initial refusal caused some complication.) That was a life-changing experience for me; I'm thrilled they saved my life (!!!), but I am never going to agree to any major course of action proposed in a hospital (unless it's an emergency) until I've had time to talk it over with my dr. friends.
The GSB test was not an internal pelvic exam for me. They took this uncomfortable swab thing and basically just scraped the outside of (ahem) all the most sensitive areas down there.
60% effaced! Very exciting! Woo hoo!!!
Hope you manage to lighten that pain, Mormonmamma! It's hard to get comfortable these days!0 -
I know, it's so crazy to think that in about 3-5 weeks I will be a mom! (I'm 37.4 weeks today.) I feel like I've learned so much during this pregnancy and that there is still so much to learn. As I think I've mentioned before, my husband & I have been taking the Bradley course, which is a natural childbirth course, and I would be happy to share our birth plan (I'd like to think of it more as "preferences" because you can't really know what will happen) with anyone who is interested in seeing it. Just personal message me and I'll send you a copy. Even the act of discussing and then putting the ideas down on paper made us feel more prepared for different scenarios.
Rebecca, that's strange that they are assuming you are already a carrier for Group Strep B. My midwife said that the results are only good for 5 weeks, so if your due date falls outside of that window since that last urine culture, or you end up being overdue outside of that window, then you might want to push for retesting. There's no sense in getting antibiotics you don't need, plus the discomfort of the IV during labor. Also, you should be able to access your own records, too. This is my inherent distrust of the medical community speaking (despite having two very close friends who are doctors), but if mistakes are made, sometimes doctors will cover up the issue (some even to the point of falsifying records) because they are afraid of lawsuits. I noticed one outright lie in my own records after the appendectomy, which stated that I had refused subsequent medication. (It was true that I initially refused it because the operation was over and I was concerned about the baby's further exposure, but they put MAJOR pressure on me with all kinds of scare tactics and I did ultimately end up taking a dose -which was NEVER noted. They clearly wanted to make sure they were covered in case my initial refusal caused some complication.) That was a life-changing experience for me; I'm thrilled they saved my life (!!!), but I am never going to agree to any major course of action proposed in a hospital (unless it's an emergency) until I've had time to talk it over with my dr. friends.
The GSB test was not an internal pelvic exam for me. They took this uncomfortable swab thing and basically just scraped the outside of (ahem) all the most sensitive areas down there.
60% effaced! Very exciting! Woo hoo!!!
Hope you manage to lighten that pain, Mormonmamma! It's hard to get comfortable these days!
I agree with not having antibiotics that I don't need, so I will ask to be re-tested if, indeed, I end up going later.
Also, I totally agree with not trusting the medical establishment to a certain degree. Obviously there are great doctors out there, and honest ones at that! (Heck, my brother and dad are both doctors, as is my husband's brother, and my lifelong best friend...) I'm used to having my dad or brother step in and talk to doctors to keep tabs on things, as well as, when necessary, hand someone their a** on a platter, but since no one practices obstetrics, they all tend to keep their mouths shut. Though I trust my doctor 100%, it's not her that I'm questioning. (I made that clear to her yesterday, that I have a distinct feeling that the hospital staff took it upon themselves to do something.) I mean, if I didn't have pitocin, and my labor was really that bad, then that sucks for me. It's certainly possible. But my OB agreed that most women don't feel that way unless they've had pitocin. She was really taken aback when I said that I literally wanted to die, the pain was so bad. I don't joke about stuff like that.
Anyhow, I'm going to request my medical records myself from the hospital (in case she forgets or doesn't get around to it or whatever), but I could totally see them giving it to me as a rule because I was there so early (sorry, I had to be!) and because it was my first.
On an interesting note, I just went to the bathroom before and had some mucus come out when I wiped, like mucus plug-type mucus, minus the bloody streaks. I know you can start to lose pieces of it around this time, but for some reason that really set things in motion in my head. Last time I had that happen, I continued to lose it during the day, then I went into labor that night. I'm only 35.5 weeks, and although I'm ready to be done being pregnant, I don't want to go into labor this early! Presumably it's just because my OB was messing with my cervix yesterday. However it makes it just that much more real!0 -
Lucky Me! For my mom's birthday I mentioned to my hubby that I'd like to take my mother and get her a pedicure - and he agreed Wahoo for another pedicure!!
Anyways - going to do that and then head into my appointment. Sincerely hoping that I'm effaced/dilated at least a bit!! After all these braxton hicks, I better be! I'd be bummed if they weren't doing ANYTHING.
Anyways, that's my quick update. Hope you are all doing well!!0 -
Hi, dont think Ive introduced myself in this thread yet, Im due 5/13 but being induced 5/8 bc of health reasons. Im feeling very horrible and of today then realized tomorrow nights a full moon, i had 2 out of 3 of my kids on a full moon so maybe thats why i feel horrible. well see! We're hoping he holds off until induction bc im on blood thinners for a massive blood clot in my leg and i need to stop my thinner 24 hours before i go into labor or i could bleed too much and i also cant have an epi (which i dont want anyway) but we'll see, i cant tell my body when its time to go lol0
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Hi, dont think Ive introduced myself in this thread yet, Im due 5/13 but being induced 5/8 bc of health reasons. Im feeling very horrible and of today then realized tomorrow nights a full moon, i had 2 out of 3 of my kids on a full moon so maybe thats why i feel horrible. well see! We're hoping he holds off until induction bc im on blood thinners for a massive blood clot in my leg and i need to stop my thinner 24 hours before i go into labor or i could bleed too much and i also cant have an epi (which i dont want anyway) but we'll see, i cant tell my body when its time to go lol
Welcome! I saw your post in the 3rd trimester group I think. Hopefully your little man cooperates and you can have him when it's safest for both of you!0 -
I'm practically on cloud nine today. Found out at my appointment that I'm already a 3 and the head is "right there". I've been having mild BH all night (which I'm creditting the pedicure for) and I'm feeling pretty confident that little man will be here in a week or two.
Of course, my parents just left this morning for a trip to Florida - so now I have to figure out who we will call to watch our toddler if I go into labor before my mother gets back (Monday night). But, I'm sure we can figure that out today or tomorrow.
Anyways, hoping everyone is doing great and remember we only have a few more weeks! Hang tight ladies!0 -
That's awesome news, Mormonmamma! Yay! Maybe you'll be next!
Today I found out that I am negative for Group Strep B. I was irrationally worried about that, I guess.
Quick question for you moms: what do you put under the crib sheets to prevent baby from wetting the mattress? How many of these things +crib sheets do I need?0 -
That's awesome news, Mormonmamma! Yay! Maybe you'll be next!
Today I found out that I am negative for Group Strep B. I was irrationally worried about that, I guess.
Quick question for you moms: what do you put under the crib sheets to prevent baby from wetting the mattress? How many of these things +crib sheets do I need?
Yay, too, for Mormonmomma, but hopefully he'll hold off until your mom gets back!
Laser, glad you are GSB negative! It's nice not to have to worry about an IV.
As for crib sheets/protectors, the crib mattress I have is not like a regular bed mattress where liquid can penetrate the surface (and mine is a Sealy or some other reputable brand of mattress like that). The surface is sort of a thick plastic material, so everything just wipes off. I have probably six crib sheets, but typically I rotated the same two. Occasionally I would need a third if one got soiled, then the second one did, too, and I didn't do laundry quickly enough to be able to put the first one back on. I never had to go into fourths, though, but you might if you don't do laundry often enough.
They do have those little cloth thingies that tie to the crib rails so that if the baby spits up or if a diaper leaks, you can just clean up your baby, pull off the cloth thing, and put your baby back to bed. You obviously have to choose which end gets protected (or have more than one), but I never used it. If I needed to, I just changed the sheet. Since I don't use a crib bumber early on (I use a mesh one when s/he is moving around enough to get legs/arms caught in the rails - so s/he is obviously rolling over a lot and able to move his/her head away from the bumper), changing the crib sheet is fairly easy.
ETA that I am SO in need of a pedicure right now. I got one, I think, six weeks ago or so, and it's now painfully obvious that I need one!!! I still have a bit of spa credit, plus I have a $10 off coupon for any spa service (they send it in April good through mid-June because May is my birthday month), so it won't cost me too much :happy:
EATA that I also ordered my hospital records yesterday. Not sure of the turnaround time, but I am VERY curious to see them!0 -
Wow, Mormonmomma, sounds like he could come any day! Exciting!
TheLaser - we just use a waterproof mattress pad under the bedsheet, and we have only ever had 1 pad per mattress, so if it did get wet, we just washed it and stuck a new sheet on sans pad. The likelihood of soaking through twice in one night/wash cycle is slim. I've never even really had many issues with any of my kids soaking through everything, though, especially when they were younger. I think because they were swaddled the first few months, so it would take a LOT of pee to make it through the diaper, pjs, and swaddling blanket before hitting the sheet and soaking through to the mattress pad below.
RBXChas - go pamper yourself before you run out of time! :-)
As far as my update goes, the baby is scheduled to come in 5 days! Next Tuesday is quickly approaching! I've been ready for the day to come, all the plans have been in place for a month at least: my mom was planning on driving up to our place Monday (she's 5 hours away) so she could get settled with the kids and our routine. My hubby and I are leaving for the hospital Tuesday morning around 4:45 because we have to be there for 5:30 (2 hours prior to our 7:30 surgery timeslot). So that is/was the plan. Now my mom just called a bit ago and has thrown a wrench into everything. :sad: Usually I try not to complain about things, but I'm still in reactive mode so I'm venting to you gals. One of my younger brothers is a senior in high school, and they just got a letter in the mail saying that an awards ceremony has been scheduled for Tuesday evening (baby's birthday). Normally my mom would probably just not worry about it, but this brother is a little different because he's a National Merit Scholar and has an awesome GPA, etc, so he's going to get a couple of awards at the ceremony and she wants to be there. Even though my dad will be there and *could* videotape it and/or take pictures. I understand that she wants to be there, because it's a big deal/he's been working hard to get his grades and everything, but - hello - I'M GIVING BIRTH TO YOUR GRANDCHILD. And it's not like we can just up and change the date! For a high school award ceremony held in the cafeteria! It would be ridiculous for my mom to drive 5 hours on Monday to be with the kids Tuesday morning and then drive back home 5 hours Tuesday afternoon to be there in time for the award ceremony. *sigh* Oh, and the real kicker is that apparently my brother told my mom he doesn't care if she's at the ceremony or not, because he doesn't even really want to go! :noway:
Anyway, I have a friend who is finishing up college classes tomorrow and doesn't have any kids who said she can come help out if needed. Her husband leaves for work everyday at 4:30 am which is when she'd need to head over to our place so we can leave for the hospital on time, so unless my hubby has a different idea, we'll probably just go that route. It's probably just my hormones raging, but I just can't figure out how a high school award ceremony can trump a grandchild's birth at the last minute. :grumble: :brokenheart:0 -
Wow, Mormonmomma, sounds like he could come any day! Exciting!
TheLaser - we just use a waterproof mattress pad under the bedsheet, and we have only ever had 1 pad per mattress, so if it did get wet, we just washed it and stuck a new sheet on sans pad. The likelihood of soaking through twice in one night/wash cycle is slim. I've never even really had many issues with any of my kids soaking through everything, though, especially when they were younger. I think because they were swaddled the first few months, so it would take a LOT of pee to make it through the diaper, pjs, and swaddling blanket before hitting the sheet and soaking through to the mattress pad below.
RBXChas - go pamper yourself before you run out of time! :-)
As far as my update goes, the baby is scheduled to come in 5 days! Next Tuesday is quickly approaching! I've been ready for the day to come, all the plans have been in place for a month at least: my mom was planning on driving up to our place Monday (she's 5 hours away) so she could get settled with the kids and our routine. My hubby and I are leaving for the hospital Tuesday morning around 4:45 because we have to be there for 5:30 (2 hours prior to our 7:30 surgery timeslot). So that is/was the plan. Now my mom just called a bit ago and has thrown a wrench into everything. :sad: Usually I try not to complain about things, but I'm still in reactive mode so I'm venting to you gals. One of my younger brothers is a senior in high school, and they just got a letter in the mail saying that an awards ceremony has been scheduled for Tuesday evening (baby's birthday). Normally my mom would probably just not worry about it, but this brother is a little different because he's a National Merit Scholar and has an awesome GPA, etc, so he's going to get a couple of awards at the ceremony and she wants to be there. Even though my dad will be there and *could* videotape it and/or take pictures. I understand that she wants to be there, because it's a big deal/he's been working hard to get his grades and everything, but - hello - I'M GIVING BIRTH TO YOUR GRANDCHILD. And it's not like we can just up and change the date! For a high school award ceremony held in the cafeteria! It would be ridiculous for my mom to drive 5 hours on Monday to be with the kids Tuesday morning and then drive back home 5 hours Tuesday afternoon to be there in time for the award ceremony. *sigh* Oh, and the real kicker is that apparently my brother told my mom he doesn't care if she's at the ceremony or not, because he doesn't even really want to go! :noway:
Anyway, I have a friend who is finishing up college classes tomorrow and doesn't have any kids who said she can come help out if needed. Her husband leaves for work everyday at 4:30 am which is when she'd need to head over to our place so we can leave for the hospital on time, so unless my hubby has a different idea, we'll probably just go that route. It's probably just my hormones raging, but I just can't figure out how a high school award ceremony can trump a grandchild's birth at the last minute. :grumble: :brokenheart:
So exciting that you are so close! However, even as a removed third party, I pretty much totally agree with you that your mom should be there for you rather than at your brother's award ceremony, *especially* considering that he's so "meh" about it. Like you said, your dad can go to that, and if your brother is such a smart cookie, (1) award ceremonies are probably a frequent occurrence and not that big a deal to him, and (2) he probably totally understands that a major life event like having a baby might trump whatever random award he's being given. I mean, it's not a Nobel Prize, an Oscar, or something being given out by the President. I was a smart kid, too, and I totally would have understood if one of my parents couldn't make an award ceremony because my older brother or sister was having a baby.
Anyway, I'm so sorry your mom is being weird about it. It's good that you have willing backup, but I hope she changes her mind!
Are you doing anything this weekend as kind of a last hurrah before your family gets even bigger?0 -
Oh Jess, that is really too bad about your mom. I'm with RBX in that such ceremonies often don't mean that much to the high school kids who are used to receiving honors, and it's hard to believe that she would cancel on helping you out at practically the eleventh hour during this major life event!
Maybe it's a social issue -she doesn't want to be seen as an absentee mom among all the other moms or have your brother feel awkward publicly if there are pictures with just your dad?
Thanks for the mattress pad tips, everyone. Our co-sleeper mattress does seem to be pretty water resistant, so I won't worry about putting anything beneath it and just buy a few more sheets for the hopefully rare accidents.0 -
Wow Jess - that's really too bad! I agree with everyone that it seems wholly unfair for this ceremony to throw such a wrench in your plans -- hopefully something will change. But, 5 days! You are so close - enjoy the weekend!
Laser - thanks for mentioning the sheet/plastic sheet for the co-sleeper situation - we've got our crib mattress covers set, but I forgot about the co-sleeper's mattress. I'm going to do the same as you and just buy extra sheets for now. Also, great news on the GSB testing negative! I'm also irrationally worried about the IV situation (my test is next Friday) so fingers are crossed.
Momma - 3cm already! That's great! Those BH contractions are definitely working! Also, way to indulge yourself with another pedi -- I just went last Tuesday and agree that it's heaven these days.
Rebecca - get yourself to a pedicure spot asap. You deserve it! Also, I read through your whole story with the Picotin and am really interested to hear what your medical records say!
Nothing crazy to report over here. We finish up our birthing classes this weekend and I feel like baby is growing well, or at least my stomach is finally popping in a whole new way. Last weekend was our co-ed shower, so we finished piecing together most of our 'must-haves', and set up the baby monitor yesterday and are putting the car seat in tonight, so things are feeling very real suddenly. I've also started a lame attempt at a hospital bag... which thus far includes a toothbrush, hair-ties, socks and a outfit for the little guy. Which, from what I hear, is probably enough.
On a personal note, I'm about ready to throw in the towel on the whole exercise situation. I've been wanting to make it to full term with my boot camp classes, but at 35.2 weeks, I'm not sure I have another 12 days in me. We'll see. The ligament pain is still come and go, but more than that I'm just feeling like walking these days, and other forms of exercise seem too much like a chore.
Hope you guys are well!!0 -
Oh, my, LadyJocc - you just reminded me that we still need to install the car seat bases for our infant carrier/car seat! We were supposed to do that this past weekend and forgot! It's supposed to be rainy and gross here all weekend, so we should be able to do it then. I doubt I'll go into labor or anything before then, though that would be something.
I didn't realize you all were talking about the co-sleeper mattress. I never used one, so I have no idea. However, in the beginning I used a bassinet at night and then only during the day (once we moved him to his crib at night), and I had to have at least three bassinet sheets (travel crib sheets work fine for mine, too) because I would inevitably have a diaper leak and/or a spit-up incident at least twice a day, so I'd need a third clean sheet before I could wash the other one or two. If it's only nighttime use, though, probably two are fine, maybe three so you can be almost 100% sure!
I got a call from the hospital records department - I had requested my *entire* record, the first 10 pages of which are free, but since the entire thing is nearly 150 pages, it will cost me nearly $85 to copy (as if I didn't pay them enough for services rendered during my stay...)! She didn't want to proceed without warning me, so I told her that I just needed to know what drugs I was administered during my stay, and she said that I would only need the abstract and the drug work-up sheet. Hopefully that means they'll be completing it soon and mailing it out today, which means I'll get it tomorrow or Monday (the hospital is in the same zip code as my house), and then I can bring it to my doctor's appointment on Tuesday.
I'm really getting excited for everyone because the babies will start arriving soon! I had a dream last night that my husband and I went on vacation (weird), and I gave birth at the hotel with my husband delivering. I didn't have any contractions; the baby just came out! I didn't notice if it was a boy or a girl but just wrapped it in a blanket, and my husband cut the umbilical cord without clamping it. I was so mad at him for doing that, then his brother (a doctor) showed up to help out and started yelling at him for cutting the cord! Then I felt really bad and started defending him while we waited for the EMTs to arrive to declare us all healthy so that we could go home. I woke up (one of our dogs started whining for some reason), so that was the end of the dream.
Anyone have any delivery dreams yet?0 -
I'm really getting excited for everyone because the babies will start arriving soon! I had a dream last night that my husband and I went on vacation (weird), and I gave birth at the hotel with my husband delivering. I didn't have any contractions; the baby just came out! I didn't notice if it was a boy or a girl but just wrapped it in a blanket, and my husband cut the umbilical cord without clamping it. I was so mad at him for doing that, then his brother (a doctor) showed up to help out and started yelling at him for cutting the cord! Then I felt really bad and started defending him while we waited for the EMTs to arrive to declare us all healthy so that we could go home. I woke up (one of our dogs started whining for some reason), so that was the end of the dream.
Anyone have any delivery dreams yet?
So, so, so many weird dreams about delivery... a few nights ago I dreamed that baby weighed 24.9 lbs upon delivery. I later dreamed I was having quadruplets (but we didn't find out until I was admitted to the hospital for delivery). They are almost every night now. I just have to laugh them off in the morning when I wake up because they are soooo crazy and unrealistic.0 -
I got a call from the hospital records department - I had requested my *entire* record, the first 10 pages of which are free, but since the entire thing is nearly 150 pages, it will cost me nearly $85 to copy (as if I didn't pay them enough for services rendered during my stay...)! She didn't want to proceed without warning me, so I told her that I just needed to know what drugs I was administered during my stay, and she said that I would only need the abstract and the drug work-up sheet. Hopefully that means they'll be completing it soon and mailing it out today, which means I'll get it tomorrow or Monday (the hospital is in the same zip code as my house), and then I can bring it to my doctor's appointment on Tuesday.
So glad that you'll finally get some answers!! Let us know what you find out.0 -
No delivery dreams here! Apparently it's too unimaginable for my brain
Nowadays, I'm sleeping so badly that the only way I know for sure that I've slept a little is to wake up from a dream. Is anyone else getting this?
RBX -sometimes electronic versions of the records are available, too. (And that $85 is SO classic hospital ridiculous. It takes about one minute to stuff those papers into a copier and even if it's 5 cents a page, it's still not $85! I printed out two chapters (about 150 pp!) from my book manuscript last night and it did not cost my school $85.) i had one OB/GYN office try to charge me $25 for a record that was about 5 pages and I put up a huge stink until they gave it to me.0 -
I got a call from the hospital records department - I had requested my *entire* record, the first 10 pages of which are free, but since the entire thing is nearly 150 pages, it will cost me nearly $85 to copy (as if I didn't pay them enough for services rendered during my stay...)! She didn't want to proceed without warning me, so I told her that I just needed to know what drugs I was administered during my stay, and she said that I would only need the abstract and the drug work-up sheet. Hopefully that means they'll be completing it soon and mailing it out today, which means I'll get it tomorrow or Monday (the hospital is in the same zip code as my house), and then I can bring it to my doctor's appointment on Tuesday.
So glad that you'll finally get some answers!! Let us know what you find out.
I second this - keep us posted!0 -
I'm really getting excited for everyone because the babies will start arriving soon! I had a dream last night that my husband and I went on vacation (weird), and I gave birth at the hotel with my husband delivering. I didn't have any contractions; the baby just came out! I didn't notice if it was a boy or a girl but just wrapped it in a blanket, and my husband cut the umbilical cord without clamping it. I was so mad at him for doing that, then his brother (a doctor) showed up to help out and started yelling at him for cutting the cord! Then I felt really bad and started defending him while we waited for the EMTs to arrive to declare us all healthy so that we could go home. I woke up (one of our dogs started whining for some reason), so that was the end of the dream.
Anyone have any delivery dreams yet?
So, so, so many weird dreams about delivery... a few nights ago I dreamed that baby weighed 24.9 lbs upon delivery. I later dreamed I was having quadruplets (but we didn't find out until I was admitted to the hospital for delivery). They are almost every night now. I just have to laugh them off in the morning when I wake up because they are soooo crazy and unrealistic.
Imagine that postpartum weight loss!
My SIL's friend (whom I actually have met - so it's not one of those "my cousin's former roommate's brother's best friend" things) was pregnant and went for one of her late term doctor's appointments. They did an ultrasound because she was measuring really big all of a sudden and discovered she was having twins. She had had regular prenatal care, so I don't know how they'd missed it in earlier appointments/ultrasounds. Not only did she find out she was having twins, but for some reason she had to go to the hospital that same day to deliver them. They happen to live near me, and when my brother and SIL were visiting a couple of years ago, they asked them to come by, so I've met the twin girls, too. They're probably six or seven now, so it's not like this was 30 years ago. I guess occasionally those weird things happen!0 -
No delivery dreams here! Apparently it's too unimaginable for my brain
Nowadays, I'm sleeping so badly that the only way I know for sure that I've slept a little is to wake up from a dream. Is anyone else getting this?
RBX -sometimes electronic versions of the records are available, too. (And that $85 is SO classic hospital ridiculous. It takes about one minute to stuff those papers into a copier and even if it's 5 cents a page, it's still not $85! I printed out two chapters (about 150 pp!) from my book manuscript last night and it did not cost my school $85.) i had one OB/GYN office try to charge me $25 for a record that was about 5 pages and I put up a huge stink until they gave it to me.
Yes, I do that all the time with sleeping. I only know I've actually been sleeping because I wake up and am suddenly in my own bed when I didn't remember being there a minute ago!
As for records, I did try to get them online, but that's only available for the hospital's physician partners (and only for those who participate - so my son's pediatrician records would be on there, but my OB/Gyn records would not). They told me the records department gives the first 10 pages free, then 65 cents/page for the next 100 pages, then 50 cents a page after that. There's probably a lot in those 150 pages or so that I don't need, so as long as what they give me tells me what I need to know, that's fine. I couldn't care less about the rest. At worst, I can ask my OB to please investigate for me, since she seemed a little horrified at my suspicions.
In a weird way I'm hoping they did give me pitocin because otherwise that means my labor toooooootally sucked, but then again I'll be completely disgusted. It's kind of a lose-lose whether they gave it to me or not!0 -
Hi ladies!
Thanks for the sympathy re:my mom. I don't know what's going on with her. She called this morning to say my dad would attend the ceremony and she would attend some other ceremony I didn't know about the following week. Problem solved! Except then 2 hours later she texts me to say not to cancel with my friend until I called her; so I call and she says she's still feeling 'conflicted' about what to do and maybe we should just have my friend come after all and my mom would come Wed after the ceremony Tues. Ugggghhhh!!! I told her she can do whatever she wants to do or feels she needs to do, but to make up her mind and stick with it (though not in those words, obviously). I told her that if she's wanting to be at the ceremony and not here for the birth, then fine; we don't want her here if she doesn't want to be here. Aka, we don't want to twist her arm or guilt/force her into coming. I just can't see how a hs award ceremony can compete with a birth of a child. ??? So she now says she will be here Monday as originally planned and I could officially let my friend know she won't need to come. I am just so tired of all of it! We lead rather drama-free lives, so I really hate when drama makes its way into situations!
Oh, I also got a phone call from the hospital confirming a pre-op appt I had for Monday that nobody ever told me about in the first place. When I called them back to ask what it was for, the lady was already out of the office for the day. Ummmm....ok??? But I was able to find out they always do blood work before surgery (not sure why?). I told them I have 3 young children and no childcare for them on Monday since it's so last-minute. So now I have to go in 30 minutes earlier than scheduled on Tuesday for the bloodwork. I don't even know why it matters so much - when I had the twins, I went into labor, showed up at the hospital, and had surgery. No pre-op appt, obviously! I'm not going to try too hard to get there 30 min early, since I'm already showing up a full 2 hours pre-surgery anyway. It's not like they're not going to do the c-section since I didn't come in 'early enough' for a 30-second blood draw. If the woman hadn't called to confirm it, I wouldn't have known about it anyway!
Whew. I'm just ready to get everything over with and be home with my kids - it seems like the closer we get to d-day, the more complicated everything is becoming and I'm so over it! 4 days left!
Meanwhile, nope, I haven't had any dreams. Some of you are having hilarious ones, though! Although maybe only hilarious since they aren't reality, lol!
RBXChas, I'm really curious to hear what your records show, although I understand the whole lose-lose scenario you're facing!0 -
reading the delivery dreams has cracked me up. I never had dreams with any of the pregnancies. I kind of feeling left out:)
I am however to a point where I want to eat everything in sight. I really have just started craving sweets. Not prego this is my biggest weakness. But this whole pregnancy so far I was doing GREAT. eat way less sweets than I do not pregnant. Well not the last few days. All I seem to want is anything sweet. and I swear if I see it the food is going in my mouth. what is happening. I have 4 weeks left and do not want to gain a TON of weight this last month.0
