I had my 34 week appointment on Tuesday, and I met a different doctor in the practice. So far all of the doctors/midwives that I have met have all been very nice and acceptable choices for delivery of Baby Spills. While I am more comfortable with a female doctor for some reason, I have to say that this male doctor was very pleasant and took the time to explain the things that he was doing during the examination. For someone with the gift of gab, I find myself drawing a blank at each appointment when it comes to asking questions of the doctors, so it was a relief to me that he automatically talked me through the entire 10 minute appointment.
First, I was surprised when he told me that the baby is head down and in position. Baffled by his x-ray vision, I asked him how he knew, as I feel like I am getting a head butt to the ribs every night. He explained that years of experience and, by feeling my torso, he is able to know where the baby is at each stage of pregnancy - especially now that Baby Spills is anywhere from 4 to 5 1/2 pounds.
Next, I asked him about my nausea, headaches and dizzy spells that seem to catch me off guard at all hours of the day and night. He explained that in simple terms - I am pregnant and there's nothing to be done besides get up slower, stay hydrated and eat small, more frequent meals. All things that I have been doing for the past 8.5 months to no relief.
Finally, my favorite part of the appointment came when he took out the Doppler to hear the baby's heart rate. I was once again reassured when he said, "welp, it sounds like a baby." Thank God, because some of these crazy dreams I've been having include me delivering puppies, snakes and unisex dolls.
It's hard to believe that in roughly 38 days I will be due to deliver my bundle of joy. I wouldn't mind the baby coming a little sooner, but I know that when the baby is ready, he or she will make their grand debut!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Breastfeeding class
Last night, I attended a breastfeeding class at the hospital where I'll be delivering Baby Spills in T-6 weeks... can you believe how quickly his or her due date is approaching? Yeah, me neither! As I embarked on yet another item to check off on my countdown to delivery list, I was relieved to realize just how close the hospital is from our house - now we just pray that I don't go into labor at work, which is about a 45 minute drive.
Anyway, after I arrived at the parking ramp, I went to the building where I thought the class was in. Thank goodness I left early, because I was in the wrong building all together. After going floor to floor and finding no one in sight - no staff, no janitors, no fellow class participants, literally nobody - with 12 minutes to spare, I waddled as quickly as my legs would let me go to the main entrance of the hospital. Luckily I made it inside with now 5 minutes to spare. That is until I got to the elevator and had to wait another 7 minutes before I could take it to the floor that I needed to be on. As I arrived, late of course, I found a seat in the middle and kept thinking about how I should have found a bathroom before entering the room because now I can't be late and get up to pee. The power point presentation, though boring, was actually very informative and helped me better understand the benefits of breastfeeding to both mom and baby. Besides the obvious financial benefits and supplying nourishment to the baby, I also learned of the antibodies and countless supplements it provides that formula just can't. I had always planned on trying to breastfeed, but now I feel like I am more determined to make it work. It's all about a proper latch and having patience, because let's face it, I am not the only one who won't exactly know what I'm doing. I am sure that my child will be a genius and all, but it's his or her first few days in the outside world, so I think we can cut each other some slack for a while.
After about an hour of slides and a short recess, I was back in class to watch a "short" video. Another 45 minutes later of watching moms whip out the goods of all different shapes, sizes and ethnicity, I feel confident that I'll be able to do what nature intended me to do when Baby Spills arrives. I will, however, not be so free as to videotape and walk around topless everywhere I go. Although I have no problems with mothers who breastfeed in public at restaurants, the mall or at the movies without a shield, I do not feel I would be so comfortable to do so myself. That's why the manufacturers invented "Hide a Hooters" isn't it?
The class ended about 15 minutes late and I found that I could have entered the building through the parking ramp thus cutting my earlier late time by about 5 minutes... oh well though. The hospital tour is this weekend, so hopefully after that I'll know where I am going. If not, I'll be banking on the wise husband to keep a clear head as I am breathing through contractions, totally calm of course, and get settled in for baby's first day. Stay tuned...
Anyway, after I arrived at the parking ramp, I went to the building where I thought the class was in. Thank goodness I left early, because I was in the wrong building all together. After going floor to floor and finding no one in sight - no staff, no janitors, no fellow class participants, literally nobody - with 12 minutes to spare, I waddled as quickly as my legs would let me go to the main entrance of the hospital. Luckily I made it inside with now 5 minutes to spare. That is until I got to the elevator and had to wait another 7 minutes before I could take it to the floor that I needed to be on. As I arrived, late of course, I found a seat in the middle and kept thinking about how I should have found a bathroom before entering the room because now I can't be late and get up to pee. The power point presentation, though boring, was actually very informative and helped me better understand the benefits of breastfeeding to both mom and baby. Besides the obvious financial benefits and supplying nourishment to the baby, I also learned of the antibodies and countless supplements it provides that formula just can't. I had always planned on trying to breastfeed, but now I feel like I am more determined to make it work. It's all about a proper latch and having patience, because let's face it, I am not the only one who won't exactly know what I'm doing. I am sure that my child will be a genius and all, but it's his or her first few days in the outside world, so I think we can cut each other some slack for a while.
After about an hour of slides and a short recess, I was back in class to watch a "short" video. Another 45 minutes later of watching moms whip out the goods of all different shapes, sizes and ethnicity, I feel confident that I'll be able to do what nature intended me to do when Baby Spills arrives. I will, however, not be so free as to videotape and walk around topless everywhere I go. Although I have no problems with mothers who breastfeed in public at restaurants, the mall or at the movies without a shield, I do not feel I would be so comfortable to do so myself. That's why the manufacturers invented "Hide a Hooters" isn't it?
The class ended about 15 minutes late and I found that I could have entered the building through the parking ramp thus cutting my earlier late time by about 5 minutes... oh well though. The hospital tour is this weekend, so hopefully after that I'll know where I am going. If not, I'll be banking on the wise husband to keep a clear head as I am breathing through contractions, totally calm of course, and get settled in for baby's first day. Stay tuned...
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