Categories
Pregnant

Expectant

So, today is the estimated due date. I saw the midwives, yesterday. All looked good. It is always miraculous to hear the baby’s heat beat! My cervix was 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced and the baby’s head is nice and low. The sutures on the baby’s head can be felt through the bag of waters. The midwife said that I was looking very healthy and prepared for labor any time. They cannot predict the date or time, so they do not even try.

The question was raised by her as to what I wanted to do if the baby was not born by the 41.5 week mark. They typically induce after that, because of increased risks to the mother and child. I do not feel comfortable with the thought of artificial induction. So, we agreed that an ultrasound and non-stress test would be performed at that point to check the amniotic fluid levels and the well-being of the baby. We would then decide how to proceed.

I did allow the midwife to sweep the membranes, in the hopes that that would move things along. She inserted her finger(s) into my cervix and swept from side to side, pulling the membranes (bag of water) away from the mouth of the cervix and the lower uterus, and in the process stretching and irritating the cervix. Sometimes this will generate local production of prostaglandins and enough of the necessary hormones to start labor. Sometimes it takes 3 or 4 attempts to begin labor. Many women find this to be a very uncomfortable, if not painful, procedure. I felt fine during the procedure with a cramping coming later in the day.

I have been drinking red raspberry leaf tea, throughout my pregnancy and have increased (in the last week) the concentration and frequency so as to prepare my uterus for a nice strong, smooth labor. Red raspberry leaf tea is a uterine tonic used by Native Americans for thousands of years. It tones your uterus by helping to “focus” your contractions. Its job is to help my uterus do more effective exercising. It does not “cause” contractions and can be safely used throughout pregnancy. It is contraindicated for those having complications “just in case”, however, by most doctors who do not understand its use. Many women safely use it from the moment they learn they are pregnant at six weeks until months after delivery. It helps to tone the uterus after delivery as well, shrinking it back to size more quickly and reducing bleeding.

I am also now taking evening primrose oil, in the hope that that will further prepare my cervix to stretch. Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of prostaglandins, which readies your cervix for labor. From my research, I found that it can be taken orally as soon as 34 weeks, and can be applied directly to the cervix at full term (36 weeks). The general recommendation is two 500mg capsules per day until week 38, at which time you increase to 3-4 per day. The entire capsule can be inserted vaginally (inserted just before bed, it will dissolve before the first time you wake to use the bathroom), or you can use the oil on your fingers for your perineal massage, then also rub on your cervix (assuming you can reach it). Applying directly to the cervix is optimal, but the beneficial ingredients are absorbed through the external skin or the stomach also.

So, the waiting begins. I cannot wait to hold this loving baby in my arms. To see the baby in Adam’s arms will be the sweetest gift of all. A reward without measure.


Categories
Curious Pregnant

Touched

Categories
Amused

Listening

Can I plug a really neat music website? I have been thoroughly enjoying creating new stations and modifying them. What a brilliant idea!

Categories
Amused Animal Loving

Groundhog Viewing

On our family walk, this evening, we saw a woodchuck (Marmota monax) at the Thomas Whipple House on the common. He patiently allowed Adam to take photo after photo. Sometimes pretending to be shy as he peeped out from underneath the house, behind the granite step. Brazenly sitting on the step, at other times. What a thrill can be had in such simple contact.

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Uncategorized

Married

We joined our lives legally, yesterday evening at 6:00. A very private and intimate ceremony, in the woods, at the Tree Shrine. It was lovely.

The justice of the peace was eloquent and honest, “Marriage is the legal union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy and for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly, it is a means through which a secure and loving environment may be attained…It is important to understand and remember that this relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty, and trust, but most of all for friendship.”

He asked us to promise to respect one another as unique individuals and to realize that each other’s interests, desires, and needs are no less important than our own. We promised to share with each other our time and attention and to bring joy, strength and imagination to our relationship. We promised to keep ourselves open to each other and to let each other see through the windows of each other’s worlds, into each other’s innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams, to grow with each other and to be willing to face changes in order to keep our relationship alive and exciting.

It was beautiful!

Categories
Pregnant

Relaxing

My body has everything my baby needs.
My body knows how to give birth.
My baby knows when to be born.

Categories
Pregnant

Feeling It…

About three weeks ago, the baby migrated and its head came to rest in my pelvis. (The baby is engaged. Thank you baby! You are just where you need to be.) Along with that shift came some discomfort for me; swelling feet and legs, a pea-sized bladder, and pressure! Lots of pressure. As Leslie so aptly put it, “like a cement filled beach ball”. I was dealing with it by walking and stretching, regularly.

My cervix is now taking the brunt of it. The last week has been pretty intense. Regular contractions that do not go away and do not get closer together. So, I am stretching, breathing, hydrating, and resting. I have begun my leave from work. I find that I am better able to cope mentally and physically. I do not want to go into labor all wrung out. I feel like this miracle must take precedence over my work.

The last visit to the mid-wives (4/25) went very well. Micky was palpitating my impressive belly and said, “You have a big, healthy baby in there. Here is its head and here is its bum. My goodness… Probably seven and a half, eight pounds, already.” We then talked about family birth weights. So, my Bumpy is big one. No peanut for me. I went back through some of the baby clothes and realized that this babe will not even fit into many of them at all!

Categories
Curious

Baby Slings

I am so interested in baby slings. I think that they are just an amazing way to keep your baby close and connected. I have been researching different patterns/ designs because I would like to try to make my one (or more), myself. A few great sites are Mammas Milk, The Baby Wearer, and Wear Your Baby. Will keep you posted on this project.

Categories
Pregnant

The Expounding Begins

I attempt to approach life with my eyes wide open. So, naturally (no pun intended), I began reading and digging about as soon as Adam and I found out that we were going to be parents. I knew that we would have to look outside the local hospital system to find practitioners that were on the same page as us. So, we contacted the birthing center at Dartmouth to find out what they had to offer. We found that they have a team of nurse-midwives whose approach to pregnancy and childbirth is a welcome change from the typical, sterile, inhospitable, profit-driven American hospital. They sum up their approach by saying that they view a normal pregnancy and childbirth as a natural part of a woman’s life, not a medical situation.  

Categories
Amused

Tap That Bump

The pictures really say it all…