I had a second false start last night. Last night I had regular contractions that began around 2am. They were stronger than last time and were just as consistent. As time rolled on, I decided to get in the bathtub. I wanted to see if they'd stick around or dissipate with the comfort of the water. I figured it would be a good idea so I'd know if Jeff needed to stay home or not. It was starting to feel like the real thing. The water was so fantastic... I really hope I get one of the delivery rooms with a birthing tub in it.
After about 30 minutes in the bathtub, the contractions were still going when I finally crawled into bed & fell asleep around 4:45am, but were gone by the time Harper woke me at about 7:30am (which by the way is sleeping in for him). I've had a few here & there today, but the baby is still cozy in my belly.
Does practice make perfect? Well I'm sure the birth will be perfect in whatever way it happens... and I'm sure this practice is doing me good. I've been practicing my HypnoBirthing relaxation techniques & I feel more and more prepared every day. My estimated due date is Wednesday - the day after tomorrow. It's gone by so fast!
Come on out, little peanut... we're all ready to meet you!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Practice Labor!
I woke this morning around 4:00 am with some strong-ish contractions that were an average of 5 minutes apart. After timing them for awhile & deciding that it didn't feel quite strong enough to be the real deal, I was able to fall back asleep around 4:45. Harper woke Jeff and I at 6:30 & the contractions were still going. I told Jeff that today could possibly be the day! He was anxious, but I told him that if it was true labor, it felt like very early labor.
Well, the contractions stopped around 8am. It was a "false" start, but good practice. On the plus-side, it motivated us to check off the final lingering items on our pre-baby to-do list.
So, I wasn't expecting any real results, but I attribute this little practice session to eating a bunch of "Labor Cookies" last night. I might have to do it again to see if it will lead to the real thing. I've been feeling like labor is looming so thought I'd give them a try. I mostly did it for fun, but also because they sounded yummy! I have a somewhat high tolerance for spicy things, so I doubled the cayenne to 1 (very full) teaspoon when I made them. My mother- & father- in-laws tried them & liked them, so I wanted to share the recipe. If spicy isn't your thing, you could always omit the cayenne altogether, because they're a super yummy ginger cookie!
Jump Start Your Labor Cookies
(source)
2 1/2 c. flour
Well, the contractions stopped around 8am. It was a "false" start, but good practice. On the plus-side, it motivated us to check off the final lingering items on our pre-baby to-do list.
So, I wasn't expecting any real results, but I attribute this little practice session to eating a bunch of "Labor Cookies" last night. I might have to do it again to see if it will lead to the real thing. I've been feeling like labor is looming so thought I'd give them a try. I mostly did it for fun, but also because they sounded yummy! I have a somewhat high tolerance for spicy things, so I doubled the cayenne to 1 (very full) teaspoon when I made them. My mother- & father- in-laws tried them & liked them, so I wanted to share the recipe. If spicy isn't your thing, you could always omit the cayenne altogether, because they're a super yummy ginger cookie!
Jump Start Your Labor Cookies
(source)
2 1/2 c. flour
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Waiting Game
I'm at the 39-week mark today, which means the baby's due date is in exactly one week. Of course, only a small percentage of babies are born on their actual due date, so really we're just playing the waiting game right now. When pregnant with Harper, I had a scheduled c-section during my 37th week. So not only am I more pregnant than I've ever been, but I'm in all-new territory. I've been having contractions that have grown in strength and occurrence, but I (obviously) haven't gone into labor yet. We'll see what my doctor and midwife have to say at my Thursday appointment.
After having lived in Phoenix for 8 years, I'm not typically one to complain about any temperature under 100... but yes it has been hot. Yes, my feet are swollen. Yes, I am shorter tempered and more emotional than usual. And yes, I get fatigued after doing something as simple as cooking dinner. However, I still say that this pregnancy is much easier than last time; I don't mind that the baby isn't here yet. Of course I'd rather s/he come sooner than later, but I'm patient. I want to avoid induction or any other type of "intervention" as to increase my chance of a successful VBAC. Of course I'm reasonable and I will make sure we make the right decisions for the health of both the baby and myself, but after doing a pretty good deal of reading and research on the subjects of VBAC and natural birthing methods, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I know things don't always go as planned, but hopefully I'll have good news in the week(s) to come!
After having lived in Phoenix for 8 years, I'm not typically one to complain about any temperature under 100... but yes it has been hot. Yes, my feet are swollen. Yes, I am shorter tempered and more emotional than usual. And yes, I get fatigued after doing something as simple as cooking dinner. However, I still say that this pregnancy is much easier than last time; I don't mind that the baby isn't here yet. Of course I'd rather s/he come sooner than later, but I'm patient. I want to avoid induction or any other type of "intervention" as to increase my chance of a successful VBAC. Of course I'm reasonable and I will make sure we make the right decisions for the health of both the baby and myself, but after doing a pretty good deal of reading and research on the subjects of VBAC and natural birthing methods, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I know things don't always go as planned, but hopefully I'll have good news in the week(s) to come!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
