The
past two weeks have been extremely exciting! For starters, my husband and I
made a final decision to go with a home/water birth and chose a midwife who we
both absolutely adore!
For
the past several months - actually, ever since I started this pregnancy journey -
the desire for a home/water birth sat on the sidelines as I
attempted to manage the diagnosed, “high-risk” situation I was in. As I inched
closer and closer to my delivery date, my anxiety increased as I debated on how
exactly I would talk to my OB about my desires for a natural birth. Our
discussion about alternate glucose testing didn’t go well, so I could only
imagine what sort of response I would receive when I handed him my birth plan
to look over. My requirements were extensive and completely “out-of-the-norm”.
I just knew that very few would truly be met. However, no matter how anxious I
got, I stuck with the OB because I felt that being in a “high-risk” situation,
it was the right thing to do for the safety of my baby.
Then I met a wonderful friend who enlightened me more about home births and recommended a few midwives to contact and consider. After contacting our chosen midwife, I discovered that my condition, unless severe, is not really a high-risk situation at all. While we do not know the actual length of the septum that forms my bicornuate uterus, we’re positive it’s not long enough to cause any damage to me or my baby’s development. Yep, all this time, I could have had a less stressful, WAY less expensive pregnancy. I mean, I’m grateful that the doctors were being cautious and I no doubt, enjoyed seeing my baby girl every couple of weeks, but the amount of anxiety I had to endure and the amount of money that I had to put out was not worth it at all. Lesson learned. This alone validated my decision to switch to a midwife; even if I did have to put more money out. At least I knew I would finally be in the care of women who truly CARE about me, my body and my baby and follow the same traditional methods that I so strongly believe in.
After making this decision, finding our wonderful midwife and finally making the switch, I have to say that I am BEYOND relieved. The birth plan is basically out the window (for the most part); our midwife has been paid in full so I have no more financial worries (except for getting reimbursed from insurance – that’s a story for another day); and last, I can actually enjoy preparing for my birth! I couldn’t be happier!
Besides
choosing a midwife, I not only had my first appt with my midwife but I also had
my babyshower! I told you it was an exciting two weeks. J
Week 28
As
I mentioned above, the first thing we did this week was choose our midwife, Kim
Haines, midwife and owner of Barefoot Journey Midwifery and Co-Op. After
meeting with Kim at our free consultation, my husband and I both agreed that
she was the perfect candidate for the new ‘provider’ position. Her personality
was catchy, she was easy to talk to as well as to understand, and we both loved
her attention to details. Oh, and her price? Incomparable. Just looking at her
website you get an idea of all the services you get for one set price. When you
consider how much you fork up for prenatal care and for a hospital birth, THIS
is nothing! AND if you can work it right, you may actually get partially
reimbursed by your insurance company. So basically, at the end of the day, I’m
paying very little for the best care that I actually WANT! How can you say “No”
to that? You don’t. J
Week 29
The
following weekend after meeting and choosing my midwife, I had my babyshower!
When my mom first mentioned a babyshower a month or so back, I was a bit
hesitant since this was my second child and I didn’t want to look greedy. After
having it though, I’m so glad we went ahead with it! It was just a small get
together with family and friends that turned out to be a huge success thanks to
my mom’s efforts and fabulous party planning skills. That day I couldn’t have
been more blessed…and more tired! HAHA.
Oh,
and the overwhelming amount of gifts! It made me realize that I still have a lot to do to
prep for this baby. Aaaah!
The
next day I had my first appointment with my wonderful midwife! We went over all
the details of our contract and discussed sort of how things would go from now
until the day I deliver. She taught me how to test my urine for certain things
such as proteins and we tested my glucose via a finger prick which turned out
to be perfect. She then had me lie down flat on my back in order to feel where
the baby was positioned. Come to find
out the little booger is not only diagonally breeched, but she’s also in the
OP, or Occiput Posterior, position. In other words, her bum is down towards my
pelvis and she’s facing outward towards my belly button as opposed to inward towards
my spine. What does this mean!? Well, not much now, but if she remains like
this and doesn’t move into the right position, then momma is going to be doing
some serious body work to get her to adjust. It also means I made the perfect
decision to go with a midwife. At least I know she’ll deliver a breeched baby
if necessary. The OB would send my butt straight to the ER for a C-Section.
THAT was NOT gonna happen!
While
lying down we also listened to the baby’s heart beat using a fetoscope, which
was unique and different. Instead of hearing the loud, rhythmic heartbeat that
you get with a doppler, I heard a faint, muffled heartbeat straight from the
womb. That made the fact that I’m carrying a tiny human being so much more
real! It was amazing! Thankfully, I was able to hold back my happy tears as to
not scare my midwife, but honestly to hear my baby girl’s heartbeat in that way
pulled the deepest strings of my heart. I fell so much more in love with her
that day and my excitement to soon see her, grew dramatically. Can’t wait!
Other
notes from my appointment include:
- Weight – 144 Lbs
- Blood Pressure – 116/70
- Due Date – January 2nd (Yes, we’re currently going with my LMP)
By
the end of my appointment I had a list of fun things to do:
- Visit Spinningbabies.com and practice moves to get the baby to move into the optimal position
- Schedule an all-day natural birthing class
- Massage my perineum to prevent tearing
- Continue practicing hypnobirthing techniques
- Complete billing paperwork for insurance reimbursement
- Figure out which oils to purchase for labor and delivery
- Rest and relax!
That
last one is still a toughy, but I’m learning.
As for the rest....
My Diet
Breakfast:
Kombucha, yogurt parfaits, overnight oats and an occasional smoothie
Lunch:
Salads galore!
Dinner:
Cooked greens, potatoes, squash and veggies usually with rice
Snacks:
Apples and nut butter, bananas, dried fruit, raw trail mix, popcorn
Cravings:
Anything salty, fresh, baked bread, cheese and chocolate. Horrible!
My Exercise Routine
Nothing
is better than a ½ mile walk with my pup. I’m also doing some stretching when I
can.
Pregnancy
Symptoms
The
baby moves frequently which I love to feel. The pressure of the weight,
however, has caused a lot of hip and pelvic pain. Stretching seems to give some
relief but honestly, I think it’s just all part of the fun. Gotta love it!
Short
and sweet. Nothing to complain about. Nothing to brag about either. Just
cruising along on the pregnancy boat. Our final destination is not too far
away!
Wohoo!
Beth
