I know I promised you all that I was going to blog about my sweet Daddy tonight, but I am waiting on my slacker sister to send me a certain picture in order for my post to be complete. :-) Instead, I have a very important announcement: we are FLYING through our to-do list, folks.
For a planner like me, this bed rest situation has seriously cramped my style. I had (and still have) a list of things a mile long that I want(ed) to get accomplished before Baby Geronimina arrives. I literally sit cooped up on this couch daily and think of more things that need to be added to it, and it makes me frantic some days. I thought I had 6 weeks to continue to mark things off. Wrong-o, especially since I can't do anything. In the past week, though, we've made excellent progress. Here's how:
- We finished painting the nursery.
- The furniture is all here and assembled. We have family in town this weekend for our first shower, so we are leaving the bed in there for now, but after the shower, we will assemble the nursery. Yay! Still TONS to do in here, but the good news is, she'll never know or care that it
probably won't may not be done when she arrives.
- I ordered thank you notes and hostess gifts for my showers.
- We agreed on (agreeing on something related to the nursery was a big enough deal that I had to include it) and hung a chandelier in the nursery (score one for Sarah).
- All classes - prenatal and breast feeding - have been completed.
- We watched the last documentary I had on my list.
- I am almost through the books I ordered to read.
I know some of that seems silly, but accomplishing things really makes me feel so much better. Today, we marked off one of the biggest items of all: we decided on a pediatrician!
The item at the TOP of my list at the beginning of this week was to set up pediatrician interviews. Before Christmas, I compiled a huge spreadsheet (nerdy, I know) of all of the pediatricians that had been recommended (around 10) to us by friends and acquaintances. I gathered information from their websites and cross referenced the practices with the list of recommended pediatricians that was given to us by my OB at our first appointment, and further narrowed the list down to 6. From there, Dan and I picked our top 3, and at the beginning of the week, I called them all to see if we could schedule interviews. All 3 offer a prenatal class, the first of which was today (our next one was supposed to be in 2 weeks, and the final visit I was supposed to call back about next week). We had tonight's prenatal session at Oberlin Road Pediatrics (thanks to the suggestion of Mary-Peyton), and both agreed upon leaving that we don't need to conduct any more interviews, because we LOVED them!
A lot of factors went into this decision. This practice is close to our house, and very close to the area of town where we hope to eventually live. There are 9 doctors in the practice, but a lot of them work flex schedules (i.e. some work Mon - Wed, some work Thurs - Sat, some work mornings, some work evenings, etc.). I pictured the practice we chose to be smaller, but the size of this one is perfect and allows them to be flexible in other areas (read: good hours). They have excellent hours as well as weekend hours. They have a nurse hotline which is staffed by their own nurses from 8am - 8pm, but there is a calling service for after hours as well, so if I have a motherly freakout need in the middle of the night, I can still call. They have a lactation specialist as well as 5 female doctors who breast fed and will set up appointments to help new Moms out, and they are big advocates for breastfeeding. For sick and same-day visits, there is a very good chance that we'll get to see our child's doctor. They also monitor the mother's progress in that they have you fill out a post-partum depression questionnaire each visit. There are plenty of other things I could rave about, but we really just loved everything about this practice. The doctor of tonight's session was incredible - very open, honest and up-front, and we really liked that as well.
So, that is one BIG thing that I'm happy to have taken care of. Now, if we could just get a car seat, I'd really feel a lot more awesome about where things stand. :-)
Happy Thursday - I have an appointment with my doctor in the morning, so fingers crossed that everything goes well. Other than that, I'm just excited for the weekend to hurry up and get here - my first shower on Sunday is going to be a blast!
Sarah
On Monday night, Dan and I had the last of our pre natal classes - the breast feeding class. With all of the recent developments in my pregnancy and the possibility that Baby Geronimina could be here much sooner than anticipated, I've focused my worries (sigh) towards parenting. I have always been around children, and I'm great with babies. I grew up nannying and babysitting. But obviously, I've never had one of my own, so I've been worried that I won't know what to do. Sure, I've been reading a lot of books, and talking to girlfriends, etc. The general consensus is that no one really knows what they're doing, you just do what feels natural to you, and luckily we have an amazing support system with lots of help, love and advice. But still. My control freak nature does not like the unknown. Anyway, so I was really excited about this breast feeding class because the other day all of my worries about parenting made me think to myself, I don't even know how often you're supposed to feed a baby. Do you start them off on a schedule? How do you know if they're getting enough food? Will it hurt? Luckily for me, between my bestie answering a lot of questions and this class being amazing, I am feeling a lot better about things. :-)
Our instructor was very nice and very well-informed. She is a lactation consultant and actually works at Rex, so you never know, we could see her when we deliver. I don't really have any funny Dan stories to report, sadly. He did giggle the first few times she said "nipple" and also when she started talking about how the baby should have a "mouth full." And he was super excited that there's a feeding position called the "football hold." Other than that, he was pretty tame for once.
I do realize that breast feeding is not for everyone, so before I continue this post I should probably preface it with this: I would never judge anyone for their choices, especially for choosing not to breast feed. I think that it is a very personal choice, and while I realize that it's not for everyone, I am hopeful that it will work for us.
We spent the first part of the class discussing the benefits of breastfeeding, a few of which are:
- convenience
- economical
- helpful with weight loss (vain, I know, but true)
- studies show that breastfed babies have less gastrointestinal disturbances, ear infections and allergies
- breast milk is filled with antibodies that protect against infection
There are many more benefits, but those are the highlights. We then talked about the different types of breastmilk and how it evolves the longer you breastfeed. One of the fun facts we learned is that a newborn's stomach is the size of a small marble, so you don't produce a ton of milk at first, but it's okay because the baby's stomach can only hold about 5-7cc. From 7-10 days, her stomach will increase to the size of a golf ball and be able to hold 1.5-2 ounces. Nifty, yes?
We then talked about positions for breastfeeding. When I think of breastfeeding, I really only ever think of one way to hold the baby - cradling her in your arms. I think maybe because it's what you normally see? But there are actually four different ways you can hold the baby to breastfeed. Who knew?
Our instructor also told us that when doing any of the above holds, it's important to not put your index behind the baby's head, which is what a lot of people do because it feels natural. Instead, you should focus on supporting her neck with your hand in "c" shape. Her head is sensitive after being born, and the index finger on the back of it can make her uncomfortable should it hit a tender or bruised spot.
We talked about proper latching, and learned about some signs that the baby has latched on properly:
- All of the nipple and as much of the areola as possible is in baby's mouth.
- Lips flanged or turned out.
- Tongue over lower gum.
- Baby stays on breast.
- Absence of pain.
- Seeing milk transfer or hearing swallowing.
Also, another fun fact: everyone probably knows that you are supposed to burp a baby. When breastfeeding, you should burp between breasts. However, especially during the first few days when the baby is just getting colostrum, she might not burp - which is ok. Glad they said that, because I could totally see myself calling the doctor. "My baby isn't burping, is there something wrong with her stomach?!"
The final phase of the class touched on how to know if baby is getting enough food and how often to feed. One thing she said that I didn't know was that once breastfeeding is established, the best way to ensure a good milk supply is by allowing the baby to determine the frequency and duration of breastfeeding sessions - that way, your body knows how much to produce. Basically, the instructor said that for the first one to two weeks, it's best to feed her whenever she starts making signs of hunger (sucking on tongue or lips during sleep, sucking on fingers, turning head from side to side, etc.). She also said that in the early days, the baby tends not to request feeds often enough because she will be so tired from the birthing process, so she should be woken at least every 2.5 hours to be fed. Finally, I'll know she's full by her feedings (she should have no more than one 4-5 hour stretch at night in the early weeks), diapers, stool changes, and weight gain.
There was so much detail to this class (nipple care among other things), and I won't bore you with it because I'm sure a lot of you are non-pregnant readers, but I am really so glad we went. We got some excellent tips and advice and it was really a good learning experience. We will have more help, of course, should we need it, in the form of the lactation consultant on duty when we have the baby. And then after that, Rex has a lactation hotline we can call at any time. Additionally, all of the pediatricians that we're interviewing over the next couple of weeks (time to get on that, I guess - ha!) have lactation consultants on staff.
One thing that she didn't talk about as much which I was hoping she would touch on is pumping, but I can ask about that when the time comes. Additionally, I found out that Rex offers a class for Moms returning to work and pumping, so I will more than likely sign up for that as well.
Hope your hump day was fab and that you weren't too bored by this post - for me, it was exciting stuff! Up tomorrow: sweet gift from my sweet Daddy. :-)
S
Happy Tuesday, friends! It has been yet another eventful day in the Baum household. Before I begin my tale, might I preface you with some photos of my first day working from the couch? Pictures make blog posts more fun, after all:
I think it is safe to say that Layla loves bed rest. Can't you tell? I took the top photo this morning, and the bottom photo this afternoon after I had to switch sides of the couch so that I'd be closer to an outlet - no dead battery here. Anyway, she did not move from that position all day. Even when I had to get up 123987298347 times to go to the restroom, she'd watch me, sigh heavily a few times, wait for me to get settled once I got back to the couch, and then snuggle into my leg for more naps. This dog is rotten, I tell you.
Anyway, so you may remember from yesterday's post that I have been having these pesky headaches for 4-ish days that I can't get rid of. Before last week I wouldn't have ever thought anything about them, but lately every little thing has me worried and I'm trying to balance being crazy vs. not when it comes to the doctor. I don't want to be "that girl" who calls every five seconds about every little thing and has to be seen all of the time over nothing. I also don't want to be "that girl" who has crazy complications because she refused to call the doctor.
With that said, at every one of my recent doctor visits, they've asked lots of questions about blurry vision and headaches. I didn't have anything to report before, so they told me to make sure to call if there were any changes. So, when I started getting these headaches, I kept putting off calling - again, I didn't want to freak everyone out over nothing. Additionally, I couldn't figure out if the doctor only meant for me to call if I had headaches and blurry vision. In the end, the headaches have been frequent - and strong - enough that we decided we'd rather be safe than sorry.
I called the nurse this afternoon and told her what was going on. I explained that the headaches have not been debilitating like a migraine, but they have been to the point where I had to close my eyes because the light hurt. No blurry vision. No upper abdominal pain (but tons of lower due to this child shoving some body part down what I'm pretty sure is the birth canal OFTEN). Just headaches. I reminded her that I have an appointment on Friday, that I'm sure it's nothing and can wait, but that I thought I'd rather be safe than sorry. She told me that I was right to call, had every reason to be concerned, and that the doctor wanted me to come in as soon as I could get there. enter into panic mode. I'd been keeping Dan up to date on the day's events, and he'd asked me to let him know if they wanted me to come in so that he could come get me and take me. Sweet, sweet man. So he came home and we left around 3:15.
I went in and performed the usual drill. No protein in my urine, which was good (speaking of, results of last week's urine test were normal - there was some protein in there, and it was on the "high" side of normal, but still considered normal). Four pounds gained since Friday, which means I am retaining some fluid (swelling is still there, but not as bad since I'm doing nothing but laying/sitting around). And just like I predicted - blood pressure had skyrocketed since the last appointment: 150/86. The doctor came in to talk to me, we talked about what was going on, and he again assured me that I was right to come in. He said they couldn't tell over the phone if it was something that needed to be addressed, and what with all of the preeclampsia symptoms anyway, he felt better having me come in. We talked about my symptoms and they took my blood pressure again. Within a 30 minute period it had gone back down to normal - 110/76. My headache was also fading. He checked the baby out with the doppler and also put me on the FHM again just to be sure. Baby girl was stubborn today and did not want to perform for the nice nurse and doctor, even after drinking juice, but she wiggled enough after he moved my stomach around some that he felt comfortable that she's fine. They took my blood pressure again for good measure and it was still fine - 118/76.
So, the moral of the story is: everything is fine. I'm to keep monitoring the headaches, and they're going to keep monitoring me very closely. He still wants me to come in on Friday so that they can keep an eye on me, and he said he will determine whether I need to come in twice/week based on the outcome of Friday's appointment. He said that the headaches could possibly be related to the spiking of my blood pressure. He also said that if I do, in fact, have preeclampsia, which is what they're worried about, the preeclampsia could be causing the headaches all on its own. The bottom line is this: baby girl is fine. I am fine for now, but they are going to continuously monitor me just to be safe. I asked today what the chances are of me making it to 40 weeks. He basically said that they are going to do everything in their power to make sure I make it to 37 weeks, when Geronimina will be full-term. He said they'd love for me to make it to 39, but that after 37, given everything that is going on with me, it wouldn't take much for them to decide to go ahead and deliver me if my body is still acting up. So, I guess that means that this baby could come in 3 weeks, unless my body calms down. We seriously need a car seat. And some diapers. And probably I should wash the few clothes I've bought for her. And get some nursing bras? Lord, the list goes on and on.
I'm sure these "update" posts are getting old, but I am trying to make sure I get everything documented so I don't forget it. Tomorrow, I shall tell you all about the breast feeding class. :-) In the meantime, Dan and I are going to watch The Happiest Baby On The Block in anticipation of a possibly early baby. EEEK!
Hump day tomorrow already? Yes please!
Sarah
Howdy, friends! Hope everyone had a wonderful NYE and drank an extra glass of champagne for me. :-) I am oh-so-sorry for the lack of daily posts recently. For whatever reason, I haven't been motivated. You'd think being on bed rest I'd have plenty of time - which I have - I've just been in a funk. Anyway, I'll try to snap out of said funk for your reading pleasure.
I decided not to do a weekend roundup because there really wasn't much to it. My parents came to visit and brought a surprise (which I'll blog about later), and Dan's parents came to visit as well. Other than that, we just hung around the house with the exception of going to church and lunch on Sunday. We also went to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (not to worry, it was doctor approved, and I kept my feet up the whole time). It was REALLY good - for those of you who read the book, it is probably one of the more true-to-the-book movies I've seen. If you haven't read the book, it's still really good - just be prepared for it to be dark. The book is dark, so I was expecting it, but Dan hasn't read them so he wasn't expecting that.
Anyway, enough chit chatting, onto the 34-week stats:
Size of Geronimina: A honeydew:
My e-mails say that she should weigh between 4.2 - 5.8 lbs, and that she's 17.2 - 18.7 inches long. Per the doctor last week, she weighs just over 5 lbs and I can't remember how long they said but Dan thinks it was 18 inches. So, she's normal but on the bigger size. My secrets are jumping for joy. Not. She can recognize songs now - apparently she will recognize songs after birth that were frequently sung/heard during the pregnancy. If she were to come out today (don't do it baby, wait 3 weeks until you're full-term!) I guess she'd really like Christmas music, Taylor Swift and Sugarland, because that's what we've been listening to recently. Also, she is now urinating around one pint/day. Hello diapers.
Weight Gain So Far: As of last Friday, +25. It could be more than that now since I am not allowed to do any kind of activity. I'll report back after this Friday's appointment.
Cravings: Nada. I had been on the hunt for Honey Smacks - remember those? But I wasn't really dying without them. Anyway, Dan found some of those last week and I was excited, but that's the only craving-like thing that's happened as of late.
Aversions: Bed rest. Bah humbug.
Symptoms: Lordy, there are tons of them now. There are the usual: exhaustion. Swelling. Frequent urination. Heartburn like woah. And then there are some new ones: lower back pain. Pressure and pain in my lady parts - and she is pushing down HARD (should I be concerned that I've heard and read that this normally happens closer to the end of pregnancy?). Cramps in my legs, hands and feet. Contractions - sometimes consistently, sometimes not.
Movement: I'd heard that movement would start slowing down as she ran out of room, but so far with Baby B and I, that has not been the case. She's still going strong all the time, and still getting the hiccups a lot. I can definitely tell that her movements are more defined, though - more jabs and less swimming.
What I Miss: I missed champagne on New Year's Eve. I did have one small sip of Dan's, but it gave me immediate heartburn. Definitely won't miss that!
Things I Am Thankful For: I cannot say enough how thankful I am for our families. They have all been so loving and supportive, and especially sweet about checking on me these past few weeks. Also, mushy alert: Dan. He has been beyond wonderful throughout the entire pregnancy, but especially so during this bed rest phase. He waits on me hand and foot, cooks, cleans, takes care of the dog - he's going to be such a great Daddy. He has also been working hard around the house to get a few things done before baby arrives. He's good about scolding me and telling me to relax and put my feet up, and supportive when I'm grumpy and tired of sitting on the couch. He is incredible, and I'm so lucky to have him.
What I'm Looking Forward To: Geronimina's arrival, but hopefully not for at least 3 weeks until she's full-term! I'm also looking forward to my upcoming showers: my first one is in Raleigh on Sunday, and then if everything is still going well and the doctor is still okay with it, I have two in Charlotte the following weekend. I can't wait!
Signs of a Bump: I seriously feel like this thing is getting bigger by the day. And my belly button is starting to look weird.
Next Doctor Appointment: This Friday, January 6, unless I have to go before for some reason. I have been getting some headaches that concern me a little. They have asked quite a few questions about headaches and blurry vision and I wasn't having any problems before, but I've had a pretty bad headache for 3 days straight now. I don't want to be "that girl" who calls about nothing, but if I get one tomorrow I've promised that I'll call, just to be safe. Also? Hate to admit it, but the bed rest is helping. Yesterday when we went to church and lunch, we were gone no more than 3 hours, and I came home and my hands and feet were three times their normal size. Crazy that it happens in that short of a time period. I kept my feet up for the remainder of the day, though, and it was back down by the time I woke up this morning.
That's all for tonight - I have a busy day tomorrow working from the couch. Up this week: sweetest gift ever from my Daddy, breast feeding class, and a variety of other topics which I'm sure will be very interesting. :-)
Sarah
