40 Weeks 5 Days Appointment

We thought yesterday was the day.  I woke up at 3:30am with contractions every 10 minutes and lasting 1:30 minutes.  This went on until almost 7am when I took a shower, then slowed down, then returned at 8 minutes apart and a minute or so a piece.  Then I ate breakfast and they became erratic the rest of the day.  It was so frustrating!  Doula M told me to take two Tylenol PM and head to bed.  Needless to say, I'm still pregnant and yesterday was my first true experience of  prodromal labor.

I missed my appointment with Dr. C yesterday due to us all thinking I was in early labor, but he actually called me around 12pm to check in on me since I had been a no show and it helped talking to him.  Yesterday showed me that my body does in fact know how to have consistent contractions and that eventually, this baby WILL come out! 

So I called first thing this morning to get in to see Dr. C before he left town. I'm 2 cm dilated!  Woo hoo!  I only ever got to 5 cm in my induced labor with Baby C, so to hear I'm already 2 cm was awesome.  I asked him what he thought about stripping my membranes, but he said with how much progress I made in the past week and what he knows I want out of this birth, he would rather me wait and let my body do it all on its own. 

My blood pressure is a little raised at 126/90, but Dr. C said my urine is clean and that he actually is surprised my blood pressure isn't higher due to my unique set of circumstances.  He also said my body is just about maxed out in physical capacity, so he'd expect my blood pressure to be up!

For all those who are concerned about the baby because I've passed my due date, the baby is very active and has a very strong heartbeat.  Please remember that in most women, a healthy pregnancy can go to 42 weeks and it's called an "Estimated Due Date" for a reason.

We also talked about my options for while he is out of town.  He has talked with the midwife and that option is all set up, but he also talked with the doctor in his practice who will covering for him.  I know of several women who have had a VBAC with her and am excited that I still feel the hospital is a good option for us!  Daddy B and I feel most comfortable in a hospital and would really appreciate the time we would be able to stay after baby is born to bond without interruptions.  Dr. C told me that he will be calling me while he is out of town and has instructed Dr. D (the on call doctor) that I am free to call him at any time during my labor if I want to talk to him.  This definitely made me feel good because my biggest concern with him being gone is if I end up needing a c-section and not having him there reassuring me that it is truly medically necessary.  Now at least I know I can call and get his counsel before agreeing to anything.

Doula M has been such a great support over the past few days.  I seriously urge any expecting mom out there to hire a doula.  Doula M's experience and kindness has made this time waiting much more bearable and it is so nice to have someone to ask questions to and get solid answers.  I really feel that between her, Daddy B and myself, we have a clear vision of what we want out of this birthing experience.  Now if I could just have the next time I contact her be because I'm in REAL labor, that would be nice. ;)

Birth Plan

I desire a natural, drug free birth as long as I am able, with as little intervention as possible.

Please do not offer me pain medications or an epidural, I will ask for them if I need them.

Environment:

• I would like to have the following people present with me at all times during labor and delivery (and during c-section if needed): Daddy B and Doula M.
• If birthing equipment is available, I would like to be able to use:
• Birthing bed, birthing ball, birthing stool, squatting bar, and shower/tub.
• I prefer to have a heparin or saline lock.
• I would like to be able to labor in any position and in any location I feel my body needs.
• I would like for my water to break on its own unless medically necessary.
• If possible, I would like to have a nurse who has attended a natural birth and preferably a VBAC.

Pain Relief:

• I would like to be able to walk around and move as I wish while in labor.
• I would like access to a shower/tub.

Monitoring:

• I prefer external, intermittent monitoring.

Second Stage Laboring:

• As long as the baby and I are healthy, I prefer to have no limits on time or position of pushing.
• I prefer to have no episiotomy and risk tearing (unless there is a medical emergency).
• To help prevent tearing, please apply: hot compresses, oil and use perineal massage.

Delivery:

• As long as my baby is healthy, I would like my baby placed on my abdomen or given to me immediately.
• Please delay cord clamping until it stops pulsing, or for 5 minutes (whichever comes first).

Newborn Procedures:

• I would like to delay the administration of eye ointment, Vitamin K and the Hep. B Vaccine up to 1 hour after birth unless medically necessary. If we do end up in a cesarean, I want the eye ointment administered immediately.
• My baby is to be exclusively breastfed, please do not offer formula or pacifiers without my consent.

Cesarean:

• If it is medically necessary to have a cesarean, I would like to be conscious.
• As soon as baby is delivered, I want the baby to be held up so I can see them before they are taken to be cleaned and assessed.
• Unless there is a medical emergency, I want Daddy B (husband) to be able to cut the cord.
• If my baby is healthy, I would like to hold the baby and nurse as soon as possible.
• If my baby and I are both healthy, I want the baby to be in recovery with me the entire time.

Note From Daddy

Dear child of mine,

  Today is your due date.

Your mother and I have patiently waited for nine months for your arrival.
The entire time we have worried about your survival. 

Today is the day they say you are due. 

Even though we know this decision is truly up to you.

Please come in to our lives very soon. 

Your Mommy has spent much time on you wonderful room.

We have an outfit if you are a girl or a boy. 

You don't have to worry we have every toy. 

We have diapers and wipes so you can be clean. 

We are just waiting on you to make your big scene. 

We will love you forever and you will not have to pay rent. 

And to make things better you will have a big brother named Clint! 

Please remember whenever you come is your choice. 

Just please hurry up because Mommy and Daddy want to hear your sweet voice.

With eternal love,
Daddy

I received this in an e-mail from Daddy B this morning.  Yes, my creative husband wrote this!  I am so blessed to have this man in my life and as my partner!!

Had to leave Baby C's full name in there, I didn't want to ruin the rhythm.  ;)

Unexpected Doctor Visit

I'm 39 weeks, 4 days pregnant today and I went to see Dr. C this morning.  I declined a cervical check last week, but thought since I'm now a week past the point in the pregnancy I was induced with Baby C, I'd go ahead and get checked to see where I stood.  I was expecting a couple of centimeters or something, considering I've been taking my EPO, walking, using the ball, etc., and was disappointed when Dr. C told me I was maybe a fingertip dilated, cervix was still very high, but it was soft.  My belly measured 41 cm last week and today actually measured only 38 cm, which I'm told is because the baby has officially "dropped." 

Then Dr. C told me that he wanted to talk to me about the option of induction.  On Saturday.  The reason being is because he is going out of town on Wednesday (will probably return the following Monday) and wanted me to be able to have him as my doctor for delivery, seeing all that I've gone through to have him be my care provider.  I was alone in the room since my brother took me out to this appointment and was completely, absolutely overwhelmed.  I just started crying.  I took it so personally and even though Dr. C had the best intentions in offering the induction to me, I felt I had failed and my body was still broken.  I left with a 7:30am appointment for Saturday to start pitocin.  I went to the stair well, sat down, and called Doula M.  We talked for awhile and I realized more and more this was NOT what I wanted, not in the least!  Dr. C ensured me he thought I'd do fine being induced and have a vaginal delivery, but I realized while talking to Doula M that I'd have an IV, I'd need continuous fetal monitoring and I wouldn't even have access to a shower for pain relief!  Not to mention the long list of interventions that so often happen after that first drop of pitocin enters your body.  I was devastated.  Of course I'm tired of being pregnant, of course I like the idea that Daddy B could definitely be there, but could I live with myself and all that I've learned and have come to believe about child birth and how my body is made to do this if I let myself be induced?  I realized within minutes I could not.

After talking to Doula M, Daddy B, Aunt K, and my brother at length, I called and cancelled the induction appointment.  I had also called the midwife I had seen at my 35 week appointment and confirmed with her that if I went in to labor while Dr. C was out of town, I could come to the birth center (she said yes, of course!).  Dr. C called me back and told me he completely supported my decision and he'd see me at my next appointment if I haven't gone in to labor. 

I'm actually glad this happened.  I know Dr. C offered the induction with pure intentions, but it made me realize how much I want to go in to labor on my own and have a natural birth.  I also realized that as much of a hero Dr. C is to me, I cannot count on him to get me through this VBAC.  I have to count on myself and my body and what it was made by God to do. 

P.S.  I have a lot of pictures of the "natural" things Aunt K and I have been trying to try to get labor started.  Some of them are pretty hilarious!  I'll try to post those soon as well as my birth plan.

Made it to Texas!

I won't say this leg of the journey has been easy.  The past couple of weeks have been some of the hardest emotionally that I've gone through, which I'm sure has a little something to do with the crazy amounts of hormones running through me.  I've prayed so much about the decision to come back to Texas to have this baby and thankfully, the Lord has given me peace every time I've lifted my concerns up in prayer.  It's just the rest of the time when I'm spending too many moments thinking about the "what ifs?" that get me antsy.  I've had many evenings with Daddy B talking and crying about my fears and concerns with leaving Baby C and him for what could turn in to a month and how much control I'm having to surrender when it comes to this birth.  I've had some people not understand why I didn't just bring Baby C with me to Texas, but I don't really feel like I need to explain myself.  We've worked through all the possible scenarios and this is what works best for my family.  Don't you think it's the hardest thing I've ever, ever had to do to leave my baby?  Don't you think that leaving my husband, who is my biggest support person, at this point in my pregnancy is also one of the hardest things I've had to do?  What has kept me going is the peace the Lord is giving me over our decision as a family for a true chance at a VBAC, the encouragement from Daddy B and the friends and family who "get it" and understand each step of our decision making process, and trying to remember that this time will pass quickly and I will look back on this short time period with gratefulness for the undivided attention I'm able to give my new little one.  As hard as it is for me to wrap my head around it, my heart knows that I am going to love this new baby just as much as I love Baby C and I can't WAIT to experience that once they arrive!

In the past week, Daddy B and I got everything done on my to-do list with the exception of installing the car seat, but Daddy B is going to do that this weekend.  My good friend came in to town last Wednesday, MIL came in town Thursday and then Friday morning my friend and I hit the long road back to DFW.  Thursday night was reallllly rough.  I had to say goodbye to Baby C and was a complete mess after I put him down for bed.  What really made me feel better though was having my friend, my MIL and her husband all there showering me with love and support.  It humbles me so much to realize how many people care about my little family and this sweet baby coming in to the world.  Since then, I've held it together pretty well, with the exception of yesterday afternoon when I just really missed my family and what we would be doing on a Saturday at home.  I'll tell you what, I am SO thankful I'm with my brother, SIL and niece and nephew because it makes being away from my husband and son a lot easier.  My nephew (he'll be 6 in June) knows that when I'm missing Baby C, he is required to come give me lots of good cuddles! :)

I've also noticed an increase the past few days in the frequency and intensity of the Braxton Hicks I've been having.  The other night, I was actually able to notice a pattern and they were about 5 minutes apart for a solid hour.  So I'm pretty sure my body is on the road towards preparing for labor, I just hope it's sooner rather than later! 

I go see Dr. C on Tuesday.  My mom is a teacher and is coming to spend her spring break with me, so she's taking me to the appointment Tuesday.  Let's just say she's REALLY hoping this baby decides their birthday is next week.  I told her not to hold her breath.  ;)

The Nursery

The nursery is finally finished!  We drove to the closest Babies R Us today to complete our registry.  I did a little photo shoot when we returned.  All we were missing was the changing pad, but I was so excited to see it finally DONE!  

Here's is where our little one will (hopefully) lay their sweet head...

View from the door.  We ordered the vinyl decal from Surface Inspired on Etsy.

View from other side of the room, by the window.

You'll recognize the tree from the baby shower on top of the shelves!

I want to eventually do some art work with baby's name for above the changing table, but for now the banner from my baby shower works perfect!

My Aunt L made the baby that sweet quilt.  It matched the gingham yellow crib skirt perfectly!

Daddy B and I worked as a team to make the window treatment.  I bought some cheap white curtains and added some black out panels we already owned to the back.  Then, Daddy B cut the wood for the cornice board, I covered it with batting and material (watch out for the pregnant woman with a staple gun!), and he assembled and installed.  We are pretty pleased with how it turned out.  You can't tell, but it's yellow gingham like the crib skirt on the cornice board.

Here are some details of the room:

I knew I wanted a pillow for the glider and found this idea on pinterest.  I just free-handed the bird and made a pattern and then appliqued it all together.  Amiga C thinks this is the funniest pillow she has ever seen because the owl is peeking out going "Helloooo!"  haha

Also got the idea for the mobile from Pinterest.  Found a great pattern for the birds that I printed out online and then cut from felt and hand sewed together.

Just a sweet frame of our little baby at 20 weeks!

This shelf was in my nursery as a baby.  When I moved out of my parent's house, I took it with me and painted it beige.  We used it in Baby C's room until we moved to Louisiana.  Daddy B and I painted it and made it in to an accent piece for the nursery.  Daddy B's baby plate, bowl, cup and fork are on the top shelf and the bib on the second self was mine as a baby.

Here's a good shot of the mobile!  I tied the owls with twine to a twig wreath I bought at Hobby Lobby and then used twine to hang it from a hook in the ceiling. 

I think that gives you a pretty good overview of baby's room!  I really like how everything turned out.  I wanted a room that was light, bright and felt like a breath of fresh air when you went in.  I don't know if the pictures communicate that, but it really does have that feeling when you walk in.  I didn't plan for the owl theme to take over, but after my shower I seemed to have more and more owl accents and it definitely became the major theme of the room!  

Daddy B and I had fun today picking out a sweet going home outfit for our baby.  

I can't wait to fill one of these outfits with our newest addition!