Well, I wanted to start a new blog that everyone could come and visit if they wanted to. You'll notice I put out several posts today. These are posts from my myspace blog. I am trying to transistion (at least for the blog).
I never thought I would get into the myspace/facebook culture and certainly not blogging until the day I found myself in bed/on a chair for 4 weeks (see first post - Prepared Childbirth). And then I needed something to do. Now, let's face it, I am hooked on sharing with the world. It's a journal I can pour my personality into, and I love it.
P.S. Happy Birthday Mom!!
Friday, November 30, 2007
The Mommy Torture Test
Posted November 17 2007 -
Yet again, when I should be sleeping I am doing something else - on my computer. I'm not sure how long she is going to be sleeping anyway. I've already left this sitting here for 30 mintues because she woke up and wanted to eat.
So baby Cox started out her first week getting jaundiced. Because of this we had to have the bilirubin test. This is where they prick the baby's heel and then milk the blood drop by drop into a little tube. Two tubes if they can help it. Your baby either ignores this or cries. I decided after the first test to nickname it the Mommy Torture Test. She cried and cried and increased the level of crying until I thought she was going to bust a vocal cord. Don't worry - in the process of monitoring the jaundice we did this test THREE MORE TIMES. The second time Mommy was going to leave while Daddy stayed but couldn't leave because Miriam was upset before they even started. The last time Daddy couldn't even be there. Talk about stress. Miriam cried all the way TO the lab and then we had to do the MTT(Mommy Torture Test for those of you whose short term memory is lacking). After a good stretch of feeding/sleep feeding/sleep I feel better.
Still haven't gotten quite used to this whole mom thing yet. One day I'll be able to carry a baby and feed myself. I might actually take a shower in the morning and get back into habits like . .. uh . . . brushing my teeth (I'm bearing a little more than I wanted to here). And maybe I'll do a little better handling the multitude of immunizations and other Mommy Torture Tests in store for us.
Yet again, when I should be sleeping I am doing something else - on my computer. I'm not sure how long she is going to be sleeping anyway. I've already left this sitting here for 30 mintues because she woke up and wanted to eat.
So baby Cox started out her first week getting jaundiced. Because of this we had to have the bilirubin test. This is where they prick the baby's heel and then milk the blood drop by drop into a little tube. Two tubes if they can help it. Your baby either ignores this or cries. I decided after the first test to nickname it the Mommy Torture Test. She cried and cried and increased the level of crying until I thought she was going to bust a vocal cord. Don't worry - in the process of monitoring the jaundice we did this test THREE MORE TIMES. The second time Mommy was going to leave while Daddy stayed but couldn't leave because Miriam was upset before they even started. The last time Daddy couldn't even be there. Talk about stress. Miriam cried all the way TO the lab and then we had to do the MTT(Mommy Torture Test for those of you whose short term memory is lacking). After a good stretch of feeding/sleep feeding/sleep I feel better.
Still haven't gotten quite used to this whole mom thing yet. One day I'll be able to carry a baby and feed myself. I might actually take a shower in the morning and get back into habits like . .. uh . . . brushing my teeth (I'm bearing a little more than I wanted to here). And maybe I'll do a little better handling the multitude of immunizations and other Mommy Torture Tests in store for us.
Miriam Anne is here
Posted November 13 2007
Miriam Anne was born on November 7th at 10:31 am at Sacred Heart Medical Center. She was 6 lbs 14oz and 19 1/2 inches long. Her first reaction to the world was to cry - not that I blame her.
She was attended by her Dr. (and my Dr.) Dr. Balek, AND 2 student nurses, 3 nurses, the resident Dr. and the medical intern I have seen several times. Lucky it was just Bill and I at the birth because we already had a roomfull. They were great!
Since I know some of you would like labor details . . .:)
I woke up at 6am that morning with what I thought was a rather forceful kick - and some pain that got me out of bed faster than you can say "labor" I think that was my membranes rupturing - although I didn't know that at the time. Never had any major gushes (that I remember). I went to the bathroom and layed back down and these pains persisted so I woke Bill up at 6:30 and said "I need you to get up" He started timing contractions which were 2-3min apart. We called the Dr. office and were told to head on in. So we left a little after 7 for the hospital. I was ready.
When we got there I was pre-registered so they sent me in and the nurse tried to get me to give a urine sample. I sat on the toilet for a couple contractions with no urine in sight and decided that was stupid. I told her I had nothing and thankfully she said "okay, let's go ahead and check you then." (Thank you) I was already 6 cm (Hallelujah!). I was really concerned about having these contractions that were not doing anything. At which point I guess I said I was ready for pain medication - please. And Bill and I started the last "level" of Lamaze breathing we learned in class. I can say now I'm glad we got our two classes in because that breathing (and my support team of course) was all that I could do to get through.
We got me down to my labor delievery room. Wow, they ask so many questions while setting you up. Bill was able to field most of them thankfully. There were times I just had to ignore them because - excuse me people - this hurts. They told me that once they started my IV I could have an epidural. So of course, starting my IV took two tries in my right arm until we had to stick it into my left. I remember telling Bill he needed to make sure someone was on their way and him assuring me that they were. I hadn't met an anesthesiologist yet so I think I was ready to shove him out the door.
Ahh - sweet relief . . .?
Finally the people came. MORE questions. MORE instructions. Sit up, round your back, you need to relax. I remember thinking to myself "You can do this, you have to do this." through a couple contractions. I had to think this way because earlier I told them I couldn't couldn't couldn't. 9 o'clock (ish) - epidural in place. My nurse let the epidural take effect and then checked me again. I was honestly shocked when she said - "you're there"
"WHAT?"
I think they made sure Dr. Balek was leaving the office and the nurse and student nurses and Bill and I did some "practice" pushing starting around 9:45. This quickly turned into - huh - we better make sure Dr. Balek is on his way . . .
He made it not too much later and we setled into really getting her out. 10:31 - here I am! I could NOT believe it. She did great. Daddy cut the umbilical cord and I got to hold her naked form for a while before she went to get weighed etc.
Well, with that 4 1/2 hours starts a lifetime of fun. She is sleeping here next to me. I should be asleep but I felt so awake I thought I would write a blog. Now I think I am going to go trade off with Bill - I am ready to go to sleep again. Good luck mommy.
Miriam Anne was born on November 7th at 10:31 am at Sacred Heart Medical Center. She was 6 lbs 14oz and 19 1/2 inches long. Her first reaction to the world was to cry - not that I blame her.
She was attended by her Dr. (and my Dr.) Dr. Balek, AND 2 student nurses, 3 nurses, the resident Dr. and the medical intern I have seen several times. Lucky it was just Bill and I at the birth because we already had a roomfull. They were great!
Since I know some of you would like labor details . . .:)
I woke up at 6am that morning with what I thought was a rather forceful kick - and some pain that got me out of bed faster than you can say "labor" I think that was my membranes rupturing - although I didn't know that at the time. Never had any major gushes (that I remember). I went to the bathroom and layed back down and these pains persisted so I woke Bill up at 6:30 and said "I need you to get up" He started timing contractions which were 2-3min apart. We called the Dr. office and were told to head on in. So we left a little after 7 for the hospital. I was ready.
When we got there I was pre-registered so they sent me in and the nurse tried to get me to give a urine sample. I sat on the toilet for a couple contractions with no urine in sight and decided that was stupid. I told her I had nothing and thankfully she said "okay, let's go ahead and check you then." (Thank you) I was already 6 cm (Hallelujah!). I was really concerned about having these contractions that were not doing anything. At which point I guess I said I was ready for pain medication - please. And Bill and I started the last "level" of Lamaze breathing we learned in class. I can say now I'm glad we got our two classes in because that breathing (and my support team of course) was all that I could do to get through.
We got me down to my labor delievery room. Wow, they ask so many questions while setting you up. Bill was able to field most of them thankfully. There were times I just had to ignore them because - excuse me people - this hurts. They told me that once they started my IV I could have an epidural. So of course, starting my IV took two tries in my right arm until we had to stick it into my left. I remember telling Bill he needed to make sure someone was on their way and him assuring me that they were. I hadn't met an anesthesiologist yet so I think I was ready to shove him out the door.
Ahh - sweet relief . . .?
Finally the people came. MORE questions. MORE instructions. Sit up, round your back, you need to relax. I remember thinking to myself "You can do this, you have to do this." through a couple contractions. I had to think this way because earlier I told them I couldn't couldn't couldn't. 9 o'clock (ish) - epidural in place. My nurse let the epidural take effect and then checked me again. I was honestly shocked when she said - "you're there"
"WHAT?"
I think they made sure Dr. Balek was leaving the office and the nurse and student nurses and Bill and I did some "practice" pushing starting around 9:45. This quickly turned into - huh - we better make sure Dr. Balek is on his way . . .
He made it not too much later and we setled into really getting her out. 10:31 - here I am! I could NOT believe it. She did great. Daddy cut the umbilical cord and I got to hold her naked form for a while before she went to get weighed etc.
Well, with that 4 1/2 hours starts a lifetime of fun. She is sleeping here next to me. I should be asleep but I felt so awake I thought I would write a blog. Now I think I am going to go trade off with Bill - I am ready to go to sleep again. Good luck mommy.
Mommy bonding
Posted November 5 2007
Yesterday I went to a boy scout break the fast meeting (my husband is the Scout Committe Chair for our Church group). There were a couple of 'new' people there that have started working with young men of that age. And they brought their wives. One is a new mom - baby was born at 37 weeks and is now 5 weeks old. The other is just a week behind me on the pregnancy continuem. I knew them both already - but had a chance to visit with them much more at this meeing.
I was a little sruprised when one didn't know what pre-eclampsia was at least in general (the reason the other got induced at 37 weeks). And then the new mom has a little girl that is somewhat coliky and has acid reflux. Which sent me into baby's drawers wondering if I possibly had enough sleepers/onsies for a small baby. Rest assured - I think I do - at least from 0 to 3 months. I learned it is possible to feel informed and ignorant in the same 5 minutes.
Yet again - a good mommy bonding experiance. But if my 38 weeks friend has her baby before me - I might cry.
Yesterday I went to a boy scout break the fast meeting (my husband is the Scout Committe Chair for our Church group). There were a couple of 'new' people there that have started working with young men of that age. And they brought their wives. One is a new mom - baby was born at 37 weeks and is now 5 weeks old. The other is just a week behind me on the pregnancy continuem. I knew them both already - but had a chance to visit with them much more at this meeing.
I was a little sruprised when one didn't know what pre-eclampsia was at least in general (the reason the other got induced at 37 weeks). And then the new mom has a little girl that is somewhat coliky and has acid reflux. Which sent me into baby's drawers wondering if I possibly had enough sleepers/onsies for a small baby. Rest assured - I think I do - at least from 0 to 3 months. I learned it is possible to feel informed and ignorant in the same 5 minutes.
Yet again - a good mommy bonding experiance. But if my 38 weeks friend has her baby before me - I might cry.
WW Depression
Posted November 2 2007 -
Due to the fact I ended up unable to work a month early - and our apartment manager not honoring that I wasn't working unless I actually terminated my employment - I decided to actually quit working for Weight Watchers. See, the plan was just to not work (basically maternity leave) until January - which my territory manager was fine with. But I had a problem with our apartments taking into consideration money that I wasn't making (especially now when every stinking penny counts) so I decided to terminate.
For the last two years that I have worked there I have had a lot of ups and downs. I hated it while I worked full time at Eastern, because I was exhausted. I loved it a year ago right after Innovations. Three months later I couldn't wait to get pregnant so that they might not let me work there anymore. Then I got pregnant and just continued working because they didn't care and I was enjoying myself. It's been a roller coster for me.
So when I got an email today about an exit interview and realized I could not sign on to the staff site with my staff ID anymore - I was a little surprised how disappointed I was. They really took me out of their system! I am completely and totally unemployed. Shortly, I'll be so preoccupied that it won't matter. But right now, I am having a little grieving moment.
I just think ahead about 8 weeks. I'll go back on program - this time as a new mom. I'll get new experience and a fresh perspective. Maybe I'll train to be a leader, get some use and appreciation. Or I'll care less. I'll do my program to lose weight and go to work to get out of the house. You pick.
Due to the fact I ended up unable to work a month early - and our apartment manager not honoring that I wasn't working unless I actually terminated my employment - I decided to actually quit working for Weight Watchers. See, the plan was just to not work (basically maternity leave) until January - which my territory manager was fine with. But I had a problem with our apartments taking into consideration money that I wasn't making (especially now when every stinking penny counts) so I decided to terminate.
For the last two years that I have worked there I have had a lot of ups and downs. I hated it while I worked full time at Eastern, because I was exhausted. I loved it a year ago right after Innovations. Three months later I couldn't wait to get pregnant so that they might not let me work there anymore. Then I got pregnant and just continued working because they didn't care and I was enjoying myself. It's been a roller coster for me.
So when I got an email today about an exit interview and realized I could not sign on to the staff site with my staff ID anymore - I was a little surprised how disappointed I was. They really took me out of their system! I am completely and totally unemployed. Shortly, I'll be so preoccupied that it won't matter. But right now, I am having a little grieving moment.
I just think ahead about 8 weeks. I'll go back on program - this time as a new mom. I'll get new experience and a fresh perspective. Maybe I'll train to be a leader, get some use and appreciation. Or I'll care less. I'll do my program to lose weight and go to work to get out of the house. You pick.
T-R-O-U-B-L-E
October 21 2007 -
Sometimes grandkids just don't think like grandparents. It's really not meant to be disrespectful. But I tell you what - I blew this one.
Before you get to concerned for my health and saftey (as I know you are) know that this was not a catastrophic life-altering mistake. Still.
So we got a letter from Bill's grandmother Lena Cox this week. She's so great about writting letters - she loves letters. Anyhoo she says she hopes I had a good baby shower and then . . . drops the bombshell. Something along the lines of, "And I hope you took Honey Pot Bear so everyone could see Miriams gift from her great-grandmother."
DANG IT!
Grandma Cox also is a painter. 'Honey Pot Bear' is a painting that has been hanging out at her house since 2003 - waiting for a great-grandchild to be born (right before we dropped the news to her about baby we got a letter . . . "I have someone that wants to buy 'Honey Pot Bear.' Should I sell it?" That's a hint if I've ever heard one). Well now Honey Pot Bear resides in baby's room - we haven't decided where to hang it up yet.
Can you see how this is a problem? Never mind that we show everyone that walks into our house 'Honey Pot Bear' - it didn't even occur to me to take it over to Brenda's for the shower (Heck - I could have taken pictures of all the furniture too - those items are gifts including several family members).
So - here it is -a photo of 'Honey Pot Bear' That is the best I can do. Maybe I can make thank you notes out of that picture. It is really too bad that it will take me many years to think like a grandmother. How am I supposed to head off those other mistakes?
Sometimes grandkids just don't think like grandparents. It's really not meant to be disrespectful. But I tell you what - I blew this one.
Before you get to concerned for my health and saftey (as I know you are) know that this was not a catastrophic life-altering mistake. Still.
So we got a letter from Bill's grandmother Lena Cox this week. She's so great about writting letters - she loves letters. Anyhoo she says she hopes I had a good baby shower and then . . . drops the bombshell. Something along the lines of, "And I hope you took Honey Pot Bear so everyone could see Miriams gift from her great-grandmother."
DANG IT!
Grandma Cox also is a painter. 'Honey Pot Bear' is a painting that has been hanging out at her house since 2003 - waiting for a great-grandchild to be born (right before we dropped the news to her about baby we got a letter . . . "I have someone that wants to buy 'Honey Pot Bear.' Should I sell it?" That's a hint if I've ever heard one). Well now Honey Pot Bear resides in baby's room - we haven't decided where to hang it up yet.
Can you see how this is a problem? Never mind that we show everyone that walks into our house 'Honey Pot Bear' - it didn't even occur to me to take it over to Brenda's for the shower (Heck - I could have taken pictures of all the furniture too - those items are gifts including several family members).
So - here it is -a photo of 'Honey Pot Bear' That is the best I can do. Maybe I can make thank you notes out of that picture. It is really too bad that it will take me many years to think like a grandmother. How am I supposed to head off those other mistakes?
My chances to get out of the house . . .
Posted October 19 2007 -
And they are? . . . Baby Shower and Dr. Appointment.
Here we are. Friday night and I have just finished watching the Two Towers and it's only 9:00. So blog it is.
My baby shower was great! My in-laws came from the Tri-Cities which was so nice. My grandma made enchiladas - yum - plus the other goodies people brought. We played some cute games, and let's just say it's good they didn't make me diaper the bear with a blindfold on! (And I'm the one bringing home a new baby) Everyone was so generous, and it was really nice and layed back. Baby has tons of cute clothes! (10/21/07 - I've got a few pictures up from the shower now.)
Note: If you do not want to hear about my preggo checkups skip this paragraphMy Dr. appointment was good. We've still got the intern - who has to be overseen of course - so again - extra long visit. Anyway - heartbeat good and my uterus is a good size. My blood pressure was a little higher although not in a 'danger' area. I am starting to swell a little in the ankles (normal) so I have to watch for that (pre-eclampsia is not on my list of things I want to happen next). No cervical change when they checked me out - good. Baby's head isn't (wasn't) engaged in my pelvis yet - so we have to check again on Monday. We may need to find out if there is a reason she isn't engaged and maybe - is it even her head? I keep telling her to get with the program. Major abdominal surgery is also on my 'avoid if at all possible' list.
I am taking my pills through Sunday and then - NO MORE. So what will happen next? She'll decide to be born next week, or the next week, or the next week, or the next week or we'll be induced. No way to know at this point. Go figure.
And they are? . . . Baby Shower and Dr. Appointment.
Here we are. Friday night and I have just finished watching the Two Towers and it's only 9:00. So blog it is.
My baby shower was great! My in-laws came from the Tri-Cities which was so nice. My grandma made enchiladas - yum - plus the other goodies people brought. We played some cute games, and let's just say it's good they didn't make me diaper the bear with a blindfold on! (And I'm the one bringing home a new baby) Everyone was so generous, and it was really nice and layed back. Baby has tons of cute clothes! (10/21/07 - I've got a few pictures up from the shower now.)
Note: If you do not want to hear about my preggo checkups skip this paragraphMy Dr. appointment was good. We've still got the intern - who has to be overseen of course - so again - extra long visit. Anyway - heartbeat good and my uterus is a good size. My blood pressure was a little higher although not in a 'danger' area. I am starting to swell a little in the ankles (normal) so I have to watch for that (pre-eclampsia is not on my list of things I want to happen next). No cervical change when they checked me out - good. Baby's head isn't (wasn't) engaged in my pelvis yet - so we have to check again on Monday. We may need to find out if there is a reason she isn't engaged and maybe - is it even her head? I keep telling her to get with the program. Major abdominal surgery is also on my 'avoid if at all possible' list.
I am taking my pills through Sunday and then - NO MORE. So what will happen next? She'll decide to be born next week, or the next week, or the next week, or the next week or we'll be induced. No way to know at this point. Go figure.
Middle Name Results
Posted October 17 2007-
Some of you have been wondering and the top names of my survey were (in order) Elizabeth, Lynn and Olivia.
So I'll let you in on a little secret. While we like Elizabeth as a middle name, Elizabeth is the name of my ex-step-sister. Some people like to think baby is named after "me" or "so-n-so" when in fact they are NOT. This bothers me. The reality is I am probably the only one who thinks "but Elizabeth is step-sister Elizabeth" Maybe I should think "Elizabeth like Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice"
We did actually discuss this at my shower as well. The only name I remember at the moment was from my sister-in-law. She suggested Bree which I like. I think someone may have suggested my sister-in-law's name (and Bill's grandmothers name) - Lena - which also sounds nice.
So we really are not closer. . . but thanks for participating. None of you disclosed your middle names which I found amusing. I'll let you know what we decided most likely when I announce her birth!
Some of you have been wondering and the top names of my survey were (in order) Elizabeth, Lynn and Olivia.
So I'll let you in on a little secret. While we like Elizabeth as a middle name, Elizabeth is the name of my ex-step-sister. Some people like to think baby is named after "me" or "so-n-so" when in fact they are NOT. This bothers me. The reality is I am probably the only one who thinks "but Elizabeth is step-sister Elizabeth" Maybe I should think "Elizabeth like Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice"
We did actually discuss this at my shower as well. The only name I remember at the moment was from my sister-in-law. She suggested Bree which I like. I think someone may have suggested my sister-in-law's name (and Bill's grandmothers name) - Lena - which also sounds nice.
So we really are not closer. . . but thanks for participating. None of you disclosed your middle names which I found amusing. I'll let you know what we decided most likely when I announce her birth!
Middle Name Mania
Posted October 12 2007
I am sitting here tonight updating my child's baby book as much as possible since I am taking it to my shower tomorrow. I'm looking for decent pictures of Bill and I and clipping in a blank birth announcement (which proudly exclaims - "It's a girl!"). Let's face it I can't fill that thing out until baby arrives and REALLY IS A GIRL. Maybe I should do some preliminary work though because who's going to want to fill those out later, when everyone around here is exhausted? And time is something I currently have in abundance.
Another issue? The middle name. I can't even begin to remember all the middle names we have thrown out there. Her first name is Miriam (which means -"wished-for-child" - that's right people - "wished-for-child" not "rebellion" or "bitterness." I can tell you how I found that out but only if you really want to know. You might get bored.). But when I have told some people one of the names we are considering I get comments like "well that's a mouthful", "you have to consider her initials" (let's review, my current initials are MAC - feel free to go to town) and other comments.
Which leads me to this blog - which is really 2 surveys. First survey: Is your full name a perfect blend of syllables? My full name is Margaret Ann Cox (originally Margaret Ann Herda). I find this just fine. What about you? Do you have names that are the same number of syllables? Do you think they sound okay together - or are they a "mouthful". I encourage you to post your full name in the comments. If that is too embarrassing for you, send me a message. I want to know!
Second survey: weigh in on our daughters possible middle names or suggest some of your own. This will be fun!. And I refuse to give away the front runners (or the real runners).
Megan
Lynn
Olivia
Margaret
Mayleen
Ellen
Taran
Elizabeth
_________
I think we are hoping she will arrive and we'll say "oh - you are Miriam ______ Cox" Or maybe we'll just feel the pressure to fill in the birth certificate.
I am sitting here tonight updating my child's baby book as much as possible since I am taking it to my shower tomorrow. I'm looking for decent pictures of Bill and I and clipping in a blank birth announcement (which proudly exclaims - "It's a girl!"). Let's face it I can't fill that thing out until baby arrives and REALLY IS A GIRL. Maybe I should do some preliminary work though because who's going to want to fill those out later, when everyone around here is exhausted? And time is something I currently have in abundance.
Another issue? The middle name. I can't even begin to remember all the middle names we have thrown out there. Her first name is Miriam (which means -"wished-for-child" - that's right people - "wished-for-child" not "rebellion" or "bitterness." I can tell you how I found that out but only if you really want to know. You might get bored.). But when I have told some people one of the names we are considering I get comments like "well that's a mouthful", "you have to consider her initials" (let's review, my current initials are MAC - feel free to go to town) and other comments.
Which leads me to this blog - which is really 2 surveys. First survey: Is your full name a perfect blend of syllables? My full name is Margaret Ann Cox (originally Margaret Ann Herda). I find this just fine. What about you? Do you have names that are the same number of syllables? Do you think they sound okay together - or are they a "mouthful". I encourage you to post your full name in the comments. If that is too embarrassing for you, send me a message. I want to know!
Second survey: weigh in on our daughters possible middle names or suggest some of your own. This will be fun!. And I refuse to give away the front runners (or the real runners).
Megan
Lynn
Olivia
Margaret
Mayleen
Ellen
Taran
Elizabeth
_________
I think we are hoping she will arrive and we'll say "oh - you are Miriam ______ Cox" Or maybe we'll just feel the pressure to fill in the birth certificate.
Prepared Childbirth
Post from October 3rd 2007 -
So tomorrow I miss my prepared childbirth class for the 3rd time (did I mention it's the final class). I laugh at the lady who told me back in August I should probably start the class at the end of September with a November due date. It just goes to show you, there are some things about which your own judgement is best.
While I knew that I had some family history going against me (my mother and I were both premature) there were never explanations for the prematurity so I have just planned on carrying to term. (I say that although I've been ready to have our nursery set up since I got home from Seattle September 1st. Baby shower, shopping, come on everybody let's get with the program!! I mean - thank you to all of my wonderful family who have been so generously contributing to making our home comfortable for our new baby)
The night of my third childbirth class I found myself on Dr.'s orders to put my feet up at home because of some cramping I'd had that day and to come into the office the next day. That night went well (things didn't get worse) and I felt pretty good the next day, but still noticed a few contractions. Getting checked at the Dr.'s office found me 30% effaced and 2-3 cm dialated and admitted to the hospital at 32 wks 6 days. By the time we got there and monitored for a while, yes I was having some regular contractions - 'diagnosed' with premature labor, put on some drugs and stuck in bed. That was where we spent the weekend. I had steroid shots to help baby's lungs mature (I'd heard about these and was preparing myself for this to be really bad. Since I was all hyped up I remember thinking - okay that could have been worse. Not that it was fun. Probably better than Bill's anthrax. Certainly looked better afterwards.).
We all made it through the weekend. Got the contractions stopped, baby seemed to be doing okay and I went home on Monday last. I am on bedrest and an oral medication that I take every 6 hours (have to have alarms at 12 and 6 am for that). This morning though I was having some discomfort after taking the medication at 6 and couldn't go back to sleep. So I thought I would share. What did I get out of prepared childbirth class? Some breathing and relaxing exercises, a birth video, a book AND a reminder to be flexible with your 'plans' when it comes to pregnancy and delievery because you never know what is coming for you. I imagine that is good preparation for parenthood.
So tomorrow I miss my prepared childbirth class for the 3rd time (did I mention it's the final class). I laugh at the lady who told me back in August I should probably start the class at the end of September with a November due date. It just goes to show you, there are some things about which your own judgement is best.
While I knew that I had some family history going against me (my mother and I were both premature) there were never explanations for the prematurity so I have just planned on carrying to term. (I say that although I've been ready to have our nursery set up since I got home from Seattle September 1st. Baby shower, shopping, come on everybody let's get with the program!! I mean - thank you to all of my wonderful family who have been so generously contributing to making our home comfortable for our new baby)
The night of my third childbirth class I found myself on Dr.'s orders to put my feet up at home because of some cramping I'd had that day and to come into the office the next day. That night went well (things didn't get worse) and I felt pretty good the next day, but still noticed a few contractions. Getting checked at the Dr.'s office found me 30% effaced and 2-3 cm dialated and admitted to the hospital at 32 wks 6 days. By the time we got there and monitored for a while, yes I was having some regular contractions - 'diagnosed' with premature labor, put on some drugs and stuck in bed. That was where we spent the weekend. I had steroid shots to help baby's lungs mature (I'd heard about these and was preparing myself for this to be really bad. Since I was all hyped up I remember thinking - okay that could have been worse. Not that it was fun. Probably better than Bill's anthrax. Certainly looked better afterwards.).
We all made it through the weekend. Got the contractions stopped, baby seemed to be doing okay and I went home on Monday last. I am on bedrest and an oral medication that I take every 6 hours (have to have alarms at 12 and 6 am for that). This morning though I was having some discomfort after taking the medication at 6 and couldn't go back to sleep. So I thought I would share. What did I get out of prepared childbirth class? Some breathing and relaxing exercises, a birth video, a book AND a reminder to be flexible with your 'plans' when it comes to pregnancy and delievery because you never know what is coming for you. I imagine that is good preparation for parenthood.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)