I've mentioned before that I've got my bags all packed and I think I'm ready to go! I've been having stronger contractions the last couple of days. Some are painful, some I hardly notice except for my belly becoming very hard and tight. Nothing is very consistent and obviously haven't led to full blown labor, however, I think baby is packing up shop and is preparing for his move-out any day now!
I had no idea what the heck to pack in my bag. I've soaked up suggestions from friends and a trusty Google search and below is what I've decided to go with.
For labor (all of these things I feel comfortable tossing after it's all said and done):
- A large tank top (men's size medium): easily removable and is long enough to cover my bum if I decide to only wear the tank when in the room.
- A flowy maternity skirt, short & black: to wear if I need to walk the halls, or want to be a bit more modest in the room but can also have easy access to whatever the midwife needs to see.
- Sports bras (a size up from what I normally wear): I'm bringing a couple to wear in the tub and if I just want to rock the sports bra instead of the tank.
- A robe: I've been told you can go from hot to cold and vice versa all throughout labor. A light robe might help the cause as well as keeping from flashing the nursing staff.
- Honey sticks: for a quick boost of energy. After all, they tell me this can take 20+ hours!
- Coconut water energy pouches: for an electrolyte boost and hydration.
- Red raspberry tea bags: I've been told this can help contractions be more efficient. I plan to have someone make it then put it over ice. I may be wrong, but hot tea sounds terrible while in labor.
- Chapstick: Breathing "HeeHeeHooo" during contractions (x's 100) can really make your lips dry... I found that out in my preggo class.
- A water bottle with a straw: A friend told me to have this handy between contractions to keep fluids up as well as moisten your throat.
- A massage tool: While in contractions, counter pressure feels so good. Matt's poor hands will get tired if he has to keep it up for 20+ hours. We bought a $3 massage tool to give his fingers and hands a rest.
- Socks: Although, I kind of like the ones they give you at the hospital because they have little traction pads on the bottom...
- Two big towels: I've been told that the hospital "towels" are the size of a washcloth.
- Music playlist to keep me going and hopefully help me to relax.
After birth:
- Nursing bras: no underwire
- Nursing tank tops: easy access
- Yoga pants: two pair
- Witch hazel spray: to numb the soreness/pain
- Witch hazel pads: in case I need new ones right that second and I don't want to wait for the nurse to give me more
- HUGE granny undies: two sizes too large. I probably will just wear the mesh undies at the hospital (these things are hideous and wonderful, people) but I figure if I need undies, I don't want them tight on my body.
- Another robe: in case the other is in the trash...
- Socks
- MaxiPads (extra, super, heavy duty): just in case. I hear the only way to go is using what the hospital has.
- Motherlove nipple butter: sore nipples and a sucking baby... you get the idea.
- Hair brush
- Shampoo/ Conditioner
- Toothbrush/ Toothpaste
- Lotion
- Snacks: in case I don't want what the hospital has
- Camera
- Phone Chargers
Hey veteran mama's, have I missed anything?
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
Slow Motion
"UHHH...Slow motion for me, slow motion for me, move it, slow motion for meeee..." (Holler at some Juvenile (who? and where is he now?) and 2002 high school days)
*I apologize in advance for the huge glass of whine and complain that's to follow...
In all seriousness, my life is in slow motion.
Nearing 38 weeks and I resemble a sloth.
"Just hangin', barely movin'...you say something?"
GIFSoup
A friend emailed me today and asked, "how are you feeling?" Instead of my normal, "chipper" response of, "pretty good considering!", I responded with"I feel tired like I was drugged with benadryl (but it's an IV drip that I can't turn off) and possibly like the blueberry girl from Willy Wonka might have felt..." Probably a little too honest, but people, it's the gosh darn TRUTH.
I wish there was a better word than "fatigue", because it's just not working for me. I don't think it adequately describes the intensity of the the lethargy and sluggish feelings that wave over me throughout the day. You bet I took my lunch hour and passed out on the hard, cold ground of my office floor the other day. Just me and some commercial carpeting, all snug as a bug. I admit it and it was the best 40 minutes of that work day. No shame in that game.
My brain, my feet, my arms, my head, my mouth (the words coming out of it) and even my eyelids are too slow to respond with any normalcy. It's all mushy. And heavy. And sleeeeeeepy. It's got me wondering if I'll have or recognize that "surge" of energy at the onset of labor I hear and read about. It's got me wondering if I'm going to sleep through it all! Okay okay, dramatic, I know.
It should be against the law to work during your third trimester!
p.s. People, 40 weeks equals 10 months, NOT 9! Why do they always say it's nine?
*I apologize in advance for the huge glass of whine and complain that's to follow...
In all seriousness, my life is in slow motion.
Nearing 38 weeks and I resemble a sloth.
"Just hangin', barely movin'...you say something?"
GIFSoup
A friend emailed me today and asked, "how are you feeling?" Instead of my normal, "chipper" response of, "pretty good considering!", I responded with"I feel tired like I was drugged with benadryl (but it's an IV drip that I can't turn off) and possibly like the blueberry girl from Willy Wonka might have felt..." Probably a little too honest, but people, it's the gosh darn TRUTH.
I wish there was a better word than "fatigue", because it's just not working for me. I don't think it adequately describes the intensity of the the lethargy and sluggish feelings that wave over me throughout the day. You bet I took my lunch hour and passed out on the hard, cold ground of my office floor the other day. Just me and some commercial carpeting, all snug as a bug. I admit it and it was the best 40 minutes of that work day. No shame in that game.
My brain, my feet, my arms, my head, my mouth (the words coming out of it) and even my eyelids are too slow to respond with any normalcy. It's all mushy. And heavy. And sleeeeeeepy. It's got me wondering if I'll have or recognize that "surge" of energy at the onset of labor I hear and read about. It's got me wondering if I'm going to sleep through it all! Okay okay, dramatic, I know.
It should be against the law to work during your third trimester!
p.s. People, 40 weeks equals 10 months, NOT 9! Why do they always say it's nine?
Monday, June 3, 2013
Maternity Clothes
I've had a few people ask me where I bought my maternity clothes once I started showing. The truth is, I started wearing maternity clothes the moment I started to feel uncomfortable (16 weeks). I quickly learned that my comfort was much more important to me than trying to fit into my non-preggo clothes. I don't think I really started showing until about 20 weeks. At 16 weeks I was still able to wear most of my normal tops, but I sprung for maternity leggings and skinny jeans right away. Matt had also bought me a belly band and that was really nice for those moments when I was lying to myself about the girth of my waist. Plus, I sit most of the day behind a desk and quite frankly, the button and zipper from my non-preggo pants were so annoying, I just couldn't be bothered.
The stores I had the most success with were H&M, Asos.com, Gap, Loft and Target.
Clothing Must-Haves
First, stop denying the inevitable and embrace it! While you are forced to say goodbye to your old body for a while, you are growing a precious child! It's a beautiful, beautiful thing.
- New Bras. You may have to do this a couple times! It feels so much better when the "girls" are comfortable. Plus your back will thank you. I also bought bigger sports bras. And quite frankly, when it was just me and Matt at home, I let them be free. Pregnancy boobies are so painful. Target has bras that won't break the bank and you can feel sort of okay about tossing if necessary. I also had some luck finding "nicer" bras at Nordstrom Rack.
- Maternity Tank Tops. Get all the colors. Yes, the ones made for baby bellies. At first you may not fill it out, but you will!! And you will be thankful! I layer the crap out of these babies. First wearing them under more "flowy" tops I already had. Then as things progressed, I'd wear them with cardigans, light jackets, and on their own (because my body temperature is on high!). Mine are from Target and Gap.
- Maternity Leggings. Yes, good ol' legging but with a bonus belly panel that fits over your belly. I have three pair and I wear all of them every week. I wear them with longer tops, with tanks, to bed... basically if they aren't dirty, they are on my body. Once I bought these, I felt like I could BREATHE.
- Maxi Skirts and Dresses. If I'm not wearing my leggings, then I have a maxi dress or skirt on. At about 8 months I realized that pants, maternity or not, are the devil. Swelling is part of the process when it comes to growing a baby and nothing reminds you more of that then a pair of pants. Do yourself a favor and buy a few dresses or skirts. Bonus, they don't always have to be maternity. I had the best luck with dresses and skirts at H&M and Target. I've also been able to wear a few I already had.
Your turn, any other mom's out there have suggestions for those seeking advice!?
The stores I had the most success with were H&M, Asos.com, Gap, Loft and Target.
Clothing Must-Haves
First, stop denying the inevitable and embrace it! While you are forced to say goodbye to your old body for a while, you are growing a precious child! It's a beautiful, beautiful thing.
- New Bras. You may have to do this a couple times! It feels so much better when the "girls" are comfortable. Plus your back will thank you. I also bought bigger sports bras. And quite frankly, when it was just me and Matt at home, I let them be free. Pregnancy boobies are so painful. Target has bras that won't break the bank and you can feel sort of okay about tossing if necessary. I also had some luck finding "nicer" bras at Nordstrom Rack.
- Maternity Tank Tops. Get all the colors. Yes, the ones made for baby bellies. At first you may not fill it out, but you will!! And you will be thankful! I layer the crap out of these babies. First wearing them under more "flowy" tops I already had. Then as things progressed, I'd wear them with cardigans, light jackets, and on their own (because my body temperature is on high!). Mine are from Target and Gap.
- Maternity Leggings. Yes, good ol' legging but with a bonus belly panel that fits over your belly. I have three pair and I wear all of them every week. I wear them with longer tops, with tanks, to bed... basically if they aren't dirty, they are on my body. Once I bought these, I felt like I could BREATHE.
- Maxi Skirts and Dresses. If I'm not wearing my leggings, then I have a maxi dress or skirt on. At about 8 months I realized that pants, maternity or not, are the devil. Swelling is part of the process when it comes to growing a baby and nothing reminds you more of that then a pair of pants. Do yourself a favor and buy a few dresses or skirts. Bonus, they don't always have to be maternity. I had the best luck with dresses and skirts at H&M and Target. I've also been able to wear a few I already had.
Your turn, any other mom's out there have suggestions for those seeking advice!?
Friday, May 31, 2013
Birth Plan
I had never heard of a birth "plan" before. I suppose, why would I? Before I became pregnant, educated myself and dug deeper into what it means to labor and give birth today (in hospitals and in the US), I always thought it was just instinctual. I thought you start to have contractions and things get going and then baby is born! This was my linear thought process- I am women= made to get pregnant= made to be able to give birth.
While my naivety wasn't completely off, I soon realized that today there are options and sometimes if you don't have your own opinion, you become subject to the "way" it's done. I learned that you have to voice what you want out of your own experience before it has even happened! I learned that MANY things could happen during labor and there are MANY options and when I have too many options in front of me then I can become flustered, confused and lose confidence. The thought of this still seems so silly, but after educating myself about how hospital births generally go and realizing that was never what I envisioned for my own experience, I decided I needed to create a birth plan.
A birth plan is how you'd ideally wish your labor and birth experience to go. It's created in the event that should everything go well, you'd have the midwives, doctors, nurses and doula's follow your guidelines. It's also recommended to have this done because labor is freaking tiring, quite painful... it's labor and who wants to try to think about anything else but bringing baby safely into the world? However, I have an opinion, and I want to make it known. So why not be prepared and simply hand over a piece of paper to everyone that enters the room and not have to say anything?
Below is our birth plan. While it is a personal document, I think it's educational as well. I place no judgement on those who have a different plan. I think that's wonderful because it's yours! This is just what Matt and I would like if all goes smoothly and we can call the shots (or lack of shots... that will make sense only if you read the birth plan).
______________________________________
- If induction is necessary, I would like to try natural induction techniques first: Breast stimulation, acupuncture, walking, intercourse, herbs
While my naivety wasn't completely off, I soon realized that today there are options and sometimes if you don't have your own opinion, you become subject to the "way" it's done. I learned that you have to voice what you want out of your own experience before it has even happened! I learned that MANY things could happen during labor and there are MANY options and when I have too many options in front of me then I can become flustered, confused and lose confidence. The thought of this still seems so silly, but after educating myself about how hospital births generally go and realizing that was never what I envisioned for my own experience, I decided I needed to create a birth plan.
A birth plan is how you'd ideally wish your labor and birth experience to go. It's created in the event that should everything go well, you'd have the midwives, doctors, nurses and doula's follow your guidelines. It's also recommended to have this done because labor is freaking tiring, quite painful... it's labor and who wants to try to think about anything else but bringing baby safely into the world? However, I have an opinion, and I want to make it known. So why not be prepared and simply hand over a piece of paper to everyone that enters the room and not have to say anything?
Below is our birth plan. While it is a personal document, I think it's educational as well. I place no judgement on those who have a different plan. I think that's wonderful because it's yours! This is just what Matt and I would like if all goes smoothly and we can call the shots (or lack of shots... that will make sense only if you read the birth plan).
______________________________________
We
have prepared for a natural, non-medicated childbirth. All of the below
preferences are assuming mom and baby are healthy and safe.
In
case of medical emergency, please take a look at cesarean preferences
and we trust the doctors and nurses to make necessary choices.
Before Labor Begins:
- As long as baby and I are healthy, I'd like to go at least 10-14 days over my due date- If induction is necessary, I would like to try natural induction techniques first: Breast stimulation, acupuncture, walking, intercourse, herbs
During Labor:
- I would like to labor at home as long as possible.
-
I would like my husband, Matthew Melander and mother, Beth Roberts,
with me at all times as well as Doula Jenna Hamel no matter what.
- No resident students attending my birth
- No IV, self-hydration instead. If IV is needed, please use a hep-lock IV
- No augmentation (ex: Pitocin, rupture of membranes)
- Freedom to wear my own clothes
- Freedom to walk around, use the shower/bath
- Intermittent Fetal monitoring, with doppler or remote.
- Freedom to eat and drink
Preferred Pain Relief:
- No medicinal intervention
- Use of breathing techniques
- Use of massage
- Use of water (bath/shower)
- Use of acupressure
- Use of guided relaxation
2nd Stage Labor:
- Use of a squatting bar and alternative positions for pushing (hands and knees, side-lying, standing, etc)
- No episiotomy, use of Perineal massage instead
- Baby to be placed on chest immediately
- Matthew Melander to cut cord after cord stops pulsing.
- Please allow for bonding and postpone routine procedures.
3rd Stage Labor:
-
I would prefer the placenta to be born spontaneously without the use of
pitocin and/or controlled traction on the umbilical cord.
Baby Care:
- Breastfeed as soon as possible
- All newborn routine procedures to be performed in my presence.
- Eye ointment and Vitamin K shot NOT to be given
- Full Rooming in of baby
- No supplementation with formula or glucose without parental consent.
- No pacifiers
- I prefer all immunizations to be postponed.
- Bathe baby after mom and baby have had bonding time
- I would like to see a lactation consultant
- If baby's health is in jeopardy, I'd like to express my milk for baby
- If the baby has any problems and needs to leave the room, I'd like my husband to be with the baby at all times.
If medically necessary, Cesarean Preferences:
- I would like to remain conscious
- I would like to have contact with the baby as soon as possible
- If possible discuss all anesthesia options with me
- Please discuss post-operative pain medication options with be before or immediately following the procedure
- I would like to sign an waivers necessary to permit me to be with my baby in recovery
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Hey Baby: part 2
Hey Baby,
You are almost 37 weeks! I can't believe you could arrive any day now. Any moment I could start the process of welcoming you to the world! Dad is getting very excited. He's packed his hospital bag and has the car seat all ready for your first drive home. He talks to you all the time and loves feeling your punches and kicks. Speaking of, I now know what they mean when they say you can tell what body part is kicking, punching, sliding or flipping. I always thought it was odd when people would say, oh that's a foot, hand or elbow. But I totally know. Your little feet LOVE to hang out on my ribs. I wish I had a little more room to give you. You like to flip from side to side and I can feel your back pressing on my belly. I love rubbing your back and letting you know I'm here and you're not alone. Your elbows and hands like to jab into my hip and pelvis bones. That, I think, is the most awkward! You're sending mama to the bathroom more than ever before! I can't wait to meet you. Although they say it's best you wait for a few more weeks, just know, Mama and Dad are ready whenever you are.
Some things to note about me at this stage:
- I thought I was waddling before, but now, holy penguin mama. Imagine you have to walk without bending your knees. Well that's how I'm walking even though I can bend my knees!
- I LOVE WATERMELON. I'm thinking you do too because you wiggle and stretch every time I eat some. I'm on my second melon in two weeks.
- Getting up out of chairs, couches and bed are proving to be a difficult task. Your Dad never ceases to lend an arm.
- Fonzie has started to be mama's shadow. He loves to drape himself across my lap. I think he knows you're coming and already loves and is protective of you.
- You add, what feels like 5-10 degrees to my body temperature. You are a little furnace!
- I only wear skirts and dresses at this point. I think to myself, "what is the point of pants?" They're terrible and constricting and hot and really aide the waddle.
Love you forever,
Mama
You are almost 37 weeks! I can't believe you could arrive any day now. Any moment I could start the process of welcoming you to the world! Dad is getting very excited. He's packed his hospital bag and has the car seat all ready for your first drive home. He talks to you all the time and loves feeling your punches and kicks. Speaking of, I now know what they mean when they say you can tell what body part is kicking, punching, sliding or flipping. I always thought it was odd when people would say, oh that's a foot, hand or elbow. But I totally know. Your little feet LOVE to hang out on my ribs. I wish I had a little more room to give you. You like to flip from side to side and I can feel your back pressing on my belly. I love rubbing your back and letting you know I'm here and you're not alone. Your elbows and hands like to jab into my hip and pelvis bones. That, I think, is the most awkward! You're sending mama to the bathroom more than ever before! I can't wait to meet you. Although they say it's best you wait for a few more weeks, just know, Mama and Dad are ready whenever you are.
Some things to note about me at this stage:
- I thought I was waddling before, but now, holy penguin mama. Imagine you have to walk without bending your knees. Well that's how I'm walking even though I can bend my knees!
- I LOVE WATERMELON. I'm thinking you do too because you wiggle and stretch every time I eat some. I'm on my second melon in two weeks.
- Getting up out of chairs, couches and bed are proving to be a difficult task. Your Dad never ceases to lend an arm.
- Fonzie has started to be mama's shadow. He loves to drape himself across my lap. I think he knows you're coming and already loves and is protective of you.
- You add, what feels like 5-10 degrees to my body temperature. You are a little furnace!
- I only wear skirts and dresses at this point. I think to myself, "what is the point of pants?" They're terrible and constricting and hot and really aide the waddle.
Love you forever,
Mama
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Herbs and supplements during pregnancy
Like I've mentioned before, I lean toward a holistic approach to wellness. This includes the way I've been preparing for childbirth/labor as well as caring for my baby along the way. Because preggo brain has taken over, I thought it'd be a good idea to document what I've been doing/taking during pregnancy to prepare for his arrival and to remember if, God willing, we are able to have another child.
I am no expert, but I research the heck out of whatever I'm going to commit to. With all things trial and error are a part of the experience, but you know, when you've got a winner, well, you've won!
During Pregnancy:
Prenatal Vitamin : I've been taking Garden of Life, Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal since day one. If this were a planned pregnancy, I would have been taking them earlier on. What I like about them is that they are untreated with no binders or fillers and the nutrients are coming from real foods. You can read up on them here.
DHA supplements: Garden of Life, Ocean's Mom Prenatal DHA. DHA is important for both mom and baby. It can help enhance mom's breast milk and aid in balancing mood and emotional well-being and it's extremely important for the baby especially during the third trimester when baby's brain is rapidly growing. You can read about it here.
Pregnancy Tea: I've been drinking Traditional Medicinals Pregnancy Tea starting late second trimester and throughout my third. The herbs in the tea help tone the uterus to prepare for childbirth. Not to mention, it's pleasant to drink. Since I'm not the expert on the matter, it's probably better that you read about it.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: This is what I meant to buy before buying Pregnancy Tea. I switch it up and drink this too. I first read about Red Raspberry Leaf tea here, and continued my research and found that it's recommended by midwifes and doulas. My doula wrote about it here.
Birth/ Postpartum:
I haven't had the baby yet (duh, you'd know by now!), but in preparation for a natural birth, I've been reading about a few things that could help. The Motherlove website had some good readings and products like the sitz bath spray I plan to buy. I was gifted their nipple cream and I've heard great things! Maybe I'll do an "after birth" post on what I think of these products.
I've also been reading about:
- Shepherd purse tincture should there be some heavy bleeding
- Blue cohosh if I'm WAY late
- Witch Hazel pads to ease perineum discomfort after labor.
I am no expert, but I research the heck out of whatever I'm going to commit to. With all things trial and error are a part of the experience, but you know, when you've got a winner, well, you've won!
During Pregnancy:
Prenatal Vitamin : I've been taking Garden of Life, Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal since day one. If this were a planned pregnancy, I would have been taking them earlier on. What I like about them is that they are untreated with no binders or fillers and the nutrients are coming from real foods. You can read up on them here.
DHA supplements: Garden of Life, Ocean's Mom Prenatal DHA. DHA is important for both mom and baby. It can help enhance mom's breast milk and aid in balancing mood and emotional well-being and it's extremely important for the baby especially during the third trimester when baby's brain is rapidly growing. You can read about it here.
Pregnancy Tea: I've been drinking Traditional Medicinals Pregnancy Tea starting late second trimester and throughout my third. The herbs in the tea help tone the uterus to prepare for childbirth. Not to mention, it's pleasant to drink. Since I'm not the expert on the matter, it's probably better that you read about it.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: This is what I meant to buy before buying Pregnancy Tea. I switch it up and drink this too. I first read about Red Raspberry Leaf tea here, and continued my research and found that it's recommended by midwifes and doulas. My doula wrote about it here.
Birth/ Postpartum:
I haven't had the baby yet (duh, you'd know by now!), but in preparation for a natural birth, I've been reading about a few things that could help. The Motherlove website had some good readings and products like the sitz bath spray I plan to buy. I was gifted their nipple cream and I've heard great things! Maybe I'll do an "after birth" post on what I think of these products.
I've also been reading about:
- Shepherd purse tincture should there be some heavy bleeding
- Blue cohosh if I'm WAY late
- Witch Hazel pads to ease perineum discomfort after labor.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Baby had a shower & musings
I'm about three weeks away from baby arrival! It's a little wild to think that he could be with us at any moment. Over the weekend Matt and I got our bags all packed and they are ready to go by the front door. Three in total, mine, his and babes. It's a little hard packing for someone who's not here yet. I don't know if he'll fit into the clothes I chose for him. I don't know if he'll be too hot or cold and quite frankly, I don't know if I have the right things packed! I've compared lots of lists as well as considered my Doula's recommendations. But who knows!?
The heat. Summer has arrived and HOLY CRAP does it feel like I'm wearing a down coat I can't take off. It's hard to think straight (pregnant brain, which is REAL, plus heat is a rude joke) and function in the heat. My mind goes to slush, my fingers and feet swell, my veins go from stream sized to rivers (think men on steriods). My upper lip has a perpetual sweatstache and I want to rip all clothes off. Too bad I'm sitting in my office and it's the HOTTEST room in the place. Cruel. Just. Cruel. I feel absolutely terrible for those who have to endure the whole summer. I want to send them all tickets to Antarctica. Or maybe the North Pole. Somewhere far away from the equator.
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