4 May 2006
Only 6 1/2 weeks to go! How we’re preparing!
I realized this morning that I haven’t posted an update here in a few weeks…so here I am! 
Things are going very well. My blood sugar is under control (it’ easier to do that when you’re NOT eating leftover Easter candy), my weight is very stable (I expect to lose weight during the last month like I always do), I have heartburn in the middle of the night and leg cramps and I have to pee every hour on the hour, even at night. That sucks.
The baby keeps sticking his foot between my ribs in the front and my skin and it drives me nuts. My skin there either gets numb or it hurts like heck. No matter how many times I push the baby’s foot down, he shoves it back up there. He thinks it’s a game. Funny baby.
Max was trying to figure out where the baby’s legs were the other day (he wanted to tickle his feet), so I drew a picture of the baby on my stomach with ink, showing him head down, butt up, back to my front, etc. Max thinks it is SO cool and now wants to play with the baby on my stomach all day long each day. Today, he read the baby a book and said he would feed Mason some cookies once he’s born.
After voicing my nervousness about the impending birth, at the advice of my midwife, I purchased Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553381156). It greatly alleviated many of my fears and really did empower me. I know I CAN do this!! I also purchased Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743219341). Now, THAT is a great book! I couldn’t put it down!! Even if you’re not pregnant, buy it.
I’ve since purchased two anthologies that feature natural birth stories. Most of them are hospital births, but there are a few home births mixed in.
I’ve decided to use the upstairs bathtub if we do the water birth and our bedroom if we don’t. I labored in our bathtub when I was in labor with Frank years ago and that was, by far, the most relaxing and easy birth I’ve had. I can pull the shower curtain around me for privacy when people are coming in and out (it’s an antique claw-foot tub). I’ve also decided to only allow Richard (hubby) and our children to attend the birth. I think that attempting to give birth in front of someone I wouldn’t even go to the bathroom in front of would be a bad idea. And, I read that having that kind of non-family anxiety can delay or halt labor. So, aside from the midwife and doula, Richard and the children will be the only ones here.
Everyone has been assigned their duties for the big day. Zach (age 19) will take care of Max (age 4). Max will take are of me (that’s what he wants to do). Ali (age 15) will make sure everybody has what they need (food, drinks, other comfort items-she’s a natural caregiver), Frank (age 13) will be the videographer, Richard will be the worry wart, and I just have to push!
Richard’s pre-labor duty includes ordering and organizing all the home birth items we need (plastic sheets for the bed, etc.).
I’ve made a list of baby items we need. No, I haven’t bought anything yet, not even one onesie. I didn’t want to order things too early, but now I think it’s time to start doing so. I asked for a new cradle and a baby carrier for Mother’s Day and I know Richard ordered those. We need to buy a new infant car seat, too, as Max’s are too big.
My mom is still paranoid about the home-birth, but at least she’s stopped trying to talk me out of it. I told Richard to set up a webcam so she can stay abreast of our progress…and worry the entire time. Ha ha.
Richard’s dad and step-mom are 100% supportive of our decision. Some relatives disagree with our decision while others have declined to voice their opinions, knowing we’re going to do what we want to do, no matter what “society” says we should do. (And they already think we’re hippies anyway because we homeschooled the children when we were RVing.)
There is one grandparent we haven’t yet told of our plans. Richard wants to wait and tell them only after the birth. I’ll tell you how that goes over after it happens. Just know that I told ALL of MY relatives because, well, I like a good debate. But, sometimes it’s a good idea to keep your mouth shut if you know someone is going to make your life stressful for months if they disagree with you.
We have 6 1/2 weeks to go. Can’t be too soon for this bloated lady!!!
You can see a photo of Max kissing my tummy here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/booklocker/132124549/
Hugs to all,
Angela
