Ok so let me just say the drawing just didn’t work this week! That is supposed to be a 5lb bag of sugar… if you look REAL close you can make it out… kind of… ;o)
How far along? 34 Weeks, 3 Days
Outfit? Maternity Dress
Stretch marks/Belly Button? Still an innie… but I am very sad to report that stretch marks have finally reared their ugly streaks. I was so hoping I would be able to get through the whole pregnancy without a mark but apparently my 34yr old skin had different plans. So far its just a few and they are at the very bottom of the bump – hoping that is the full extent. Although with 6 more weeks of growing and stretching ahead I’m not too optimistic!
Sleep: Still a distant memory and I’m in a constant state of tiredness now. I also wake up with hands that are very painful and/or numb and can’t even grasp and pull my sheet or pillow at times. They joys of a thing called pregnancy carpal tunnel.
Best moment this week: Giving the hubs his father-to-be Father’s Day present! I made him a Daddy Emergency Kit – complete with everything from diapers and Butt Paste to a mini digital HD video camera. I know I will probably regret giving him the video camera at some point…
Miss Anything? Mostly just sleep. Also missing my family this week.
Movement: Lots of rolls, lots of rib jabs and lots of hiccups going on.
Food cravings: Still going on watermelon & cantaloupe.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Stupid reflux when I eat after 8pm… sometimes even if I don’t eat after 8pm – UGH!
Labor Signs? Braxton hicks contractions.
Mood? I’ve been an emotional roller coaster this past week.
Looking forward to: Still looking forward to setting up our nursery. The paint really looks great (thanks to the in-laws!) and we just need the carpet and we can move everything into place.
Worries & Fears: Still need to get that hospital bag packed! But part of me thinks that once I do my mind will be open to actually having this baby and I’m just not ready for her to come early. On the other hand, packing this bag is NOT something I want to leave up to the hubs to do while I’m in labor! I would end up with a bag of something like my pre-prego jeans, my kindle, and maybe a pair of flip flops… not exactly the contents I have in mind for myself! Must do… pack a bag or at least print a list of must haves for emergency packing.
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: Last week I mentioned cord blood banking was my question and I have a full post devoted to that topic coming on Friday. Lately, I’ve been thinking about epidurals. Our hospital requires a consult with their anesthesia group no matter if you plan on an epidural or not – mine is next week. I’ve been in the no epidural camp pretty much from the start. And I don’t like the mandatory anesthesia consult because it feels like it makes it too easy to change your mind while in the midst of things. Last week in our childbirth class we had a whole section devoted to epidurals and it reinforced my thoughts about not wanting one. I’ve talked to moms who have done things with and without one and know that I can’t imagine what the pains of labor will be like until I’m right there. For me personally, it seems the risks and possible side effects outweigh the benefits of pain reduction and I would rather prepare myself with natural pain management options like breathing and relaxation exercises. And just as a side note, I hold no judgment for mommas from the other side of the camp – you are all heroes and you did what you felt was right for you and your baby.
Sounds like you're planning very well and know your own mind which is how it should be. Stick with what is right for you but be prepared to have your sanity questioned. My advice would be don't sign anything that says you don't want the option during labor. I was determined to have my first with no epidural but my body started shutting down on me because of difficult labor. It came down to trying an epi or having an emergency c section. Luckily for me my husband had talked me out of signing the no labor epi paper and 45 min after I got it I went from 6 to 10 and was able to deliver. Do what is right for you and your family and don't feel guilty about your decision! Wishing you a comfortable last 6 weeks.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bernadette! A girl from childbirth class and I were talking about that just last night. Both of us kind of have a go with the flow type of plan and if an Epi becomes necessary we will do it before jumping to a section. :) I have heard if labor is long/hard sometimes the epi can relax you just enough to speed things up.. although get it too early and it stalls things. Definitely a great suggestion to be open to any and all possibilities!
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