AUGUST 2008 ~ BUMP BUDDIES

[tinaO]

Hello all! I am glad you are all enjoying Noah's mullet story.

I am still trucking along here doing way too many things and wearing myself out. I just have so much to do at work and with the issues with my mom, it just seems like I am running non-stop. I did go by last night and get my nursing bras and a couple of other items at the maternity store. How many of you are nursing?

Ok, I am off to the gym for a bit. I doubt I will last long! Noah does not appear to be going anywhere any time soon. I think he is going to drag me to the very end - 40 weeks for me I predict!

I am glad Friday is a holiday! We are getting together with some friends, but nothing too exciting for the 4th. BRING ON THE WEEKEND!!!

Tina

[seltzer]

Happy 4th, everyone.

I too think this baby will bring me to 40 weeks (at least, agh). Just have that feeling in general. I went to the OB yesterday, and had my first internal exam (fun). The baby has fully dropped! The OB said it's at 0 station. Too bad I am still so uncomfortable high up in my abdomen. There is no dilation but maybe a little effacement. So things are looking good. I am getting ready for this birth! Otherwise I am just exhausted and feeling nauseous and uncomfortable.

Happy and safe holiday to everyone.

[CT_Michele]

Hi Ladies,

I know it is awfully late to be joining you, but I have wanted to for a while, so can I? I am on the September thread, which is awfully slow at posting since there are so few of us expecting in september. There is also a very good chance I may deliver in august since my due date is september first, so I would love to make friends with some of you august girls.

I sometimes read your thread since all of you are slightly ahead of me. On my thread, I was first for everything, like all the various tests and such, so sometimes it was comforting to read what you all had been through before I went myself.

I will try to read through some of your posts so I am not completely lost and hope to be able to join in on future discussions. I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend!

[tryw8]

CT_Michele:

Of course it is not too late to join our group ... Welcome aboard!

Karen

P.S. - How is everyone else doing? My stomach's gotten so huge. I'm still trying to get used to driving around an SUV. I miss my compact!

[seltzer]

Hi Michelle,

Welcome to our little group! We post pretty regularly so I think you'll have more to do here. How has your pregnancy gone so far? How are you feeling? Do you know what you're having? Most of us on here are having boys, though I don't know what I'm having. And I think there's one other who is being surprised too. You are not far from me - I'm in the Boston area.

[seltzer]

Karen - just saw your PS. My bump is getting larger by the day, swear to God! It's unreal. I wake up and it's bigger than it was the day before. The baby feels giant in there and sometimes when it moves it actually kind of hurts. The OB said from this point on the baby will gain 1 oz. per day, so the kid's going to pack on from about 1.5 to 2 lbs before delivery!

Yesterday, on the 4th, DP, DS, our dog, and I went to a parade in the town I grew up in. I had to pee SO bad, so I walked into this sub shop. The guy didn't seem thrilled about letting me use the bathroom, but he let me. So about an hour later of course I had to pee bigtime again. So I went back in there and nicely asked him if I could use the BR again (and keep in mind, here I am at 9 mos. with a giant bump, looking uncomfortable). He said NO! There was someone in the BR and two women waiting in line, and he said no, there were too many people already. I WAS LIVID!! It took me about 45 more minutes to locate another bathroom (no TP of course)...this guy has some bad karma now.

[CT_Michele]

Thanks for the welcome tryw8 and seltzer. I am looking forward to posting more, I am a teacher and out for the summer, so it is a long wait until baby comes.

Seltzer- My best friend went to boston university, it is about a 3 hr drive for me, I am in the new haven area of ct.

My pregnancy has been pretty great so far, I really can't complain. In the beginning, I wasn't very hungry and felt naseuous, but no sickness. I actually lost weight for the first 5-6 months. I am almost 32 weeks and have gained only 8 lbs so far, but I am a bigger girl to start with anyway, so i guess it doesn't show much on us bigger, taller girls. Depending on what I wear, some people still can't tell I am pregnant. My only nuisance thus far has been the heartburn, which I take store brand zantac for.

DH and I are starting to get excited. This is our first, and we were super fortunate that our first ivf attempt was successful. It is a great feeling knowing that I am able to give my dh something he was sure he could never have.

Ours is a girl, I could never wait to be suprised, but I admire those who can. We were hoping for a girl, and her name will be Ella Michele. Her nursery has been done for months with the exception of some items I hope to receive at my baby shower at the end of the month. Are you girls having showers...that you know of??

I look forward to getting to know you all, and hearing your stories...thanks again for the warm welcome.

[tinaO]

Hello all! Hope you are all having a relaxing weekend!!

CT - Welcome!! This is a great group and we do tend to post pretty regularly and share a lot, so glad you could join us! Congrats on your baby girl! I wish I could say that I have gained just a small amount of weight, but even with my exercise, I am nearing a 30 pound weight gain pretty soon. Oh well! I worked out today at the gym and did weights and have remained so active. I even hit a few golf balls at the driving range with my husband the other day - now, that was quite a sight, let me tell you! But even so...the weight continues to add up. I am blaming it all on my son now!

Selzer - I would have told that guy to "--- off" if I had been you!!! That would have pissed me off so badly!!! I remember when traveling for work how great some people could be and how awful others could be - it's like I am pregnant for God's sakes - BE FLIPPIN NICE!!! UGGHH!!! Amazing how rude some people can be!!! I agree with the feeling bigger every day. It just amazes me how big my belly is and the effort to cart it around is so tough sometimes. I am pushing myself to go to the gym because I just feel so out of it and feel like I need to exercise to get my energy up and start getting ready for delivery. But man...it wears me out....

Karen - So, still getting used to the SUV?? I bet you get to the point soon that you can't imagine having a car ever again. That is what happened to me. Now, I feel so unsafe in a car. Of course, I have pretty much always driven SUV's - and the biggest ones possible. I just like them - gaz guzzing and all! But seriously - the price of gas is RIDICULOUS these days!

Ok, so I laughed about people doing birth plans, but then I decided last night to do one and I actually felt good about it as it made me really think about what I wanted during delivery. Are you all doing one?

So, I wonder who will be first to deliver in our group?? I assume the twins will come first! I can't believe it is all getting to that point now!! Amazing, isn't it??

Ok ladies, I am off to do a few things around here. Talk with you soon!

Tina

[sharishu]

Hi all,
I know it's been a few days since posting. I had a bad stomach virus which is going around, but I am feeling much better today. Hope you all enjoyed the 4th!

I had an appointment at the high-risk clinic, this time with the doc. He said that my baby is growing really big (about 6 pounds so far), and he was surprised since my blood sugar readings have been very good thus far (I actually lost about a kilo due to the diet). I asked him if it is possible that he's just a big baby, having nothing to do with the GD. He said yes, and that if he gets much bigger in the coming weeks, they will probably induce me at 38 weeks, and/or order a c-section *gulp* . Truth is, if they have to do one or the other, I'm okay with it. I'd rather have a c-section and be prepared for it, than go through the whole L/D only to have an emergency c-section ordered at the last minute. So, it all depends on how he grows in the coming weeks. One thing is for sure: I sure do FEEL the weight of this little guy, and it's starting to become painful at times.

DH and I are scheduled today for a tour of the maternity ward at the hospital we chose for L/D. It is actually the hospital where I did IVF. My DH wants to find the doctor who did the ET (he will actually be right there, since the two departments are right next to eachother) so we can have our picture taken with him and the baby. If we find him in the hallway and can do it discreetly, that would be cool.

Tina- I am AMAZED at how active you are able to be at this late stage. I WISH I could be. It is seriously difficult for me even to walk, and each time I stand, I need to pee! You will probably have an easy delivery judging from how fit you seem to be, and I certainly wish that on you!

CT- Welcome to our group! Glad you joined us.

Seltzer- I am with Tina, that guy who refused you the bathroom is a big ass! The same thing happened to me about 5 years ago when I was at a parade on a very hot day. I was suffering a horrible UTI at the time, and I requested to use the bathroom in a manicure place, and the woman refused! Noone was even there! I told her it's an emergency, but she did not care. And you with your 9 month bump, how heartless WAS that guy??? Some people!

Have a great week everyone!
Shari

[2ndtimer]

Hi Everyone,

Welcome CT Michele! This has been a wonderful group & I think you'll "hanging out" with us.

Shari, I'm sorry you had the stomach flu and glad you're feeling better today.
Seltzer, sounds like both our babies have dropped now. It's reallly kicking my butt. I'm so much more tired now & uncomfortable all the time. Not sleeping at all AND I seem to be getting nauseas again just like at the beginning of my pregnancy. I'll be so very ready to have him by the time he gets here. I also just have a feeling that he will go 40 weeks,but if he gets here right at 37 weeks I won't complain. This week is just a tad early, plus I know it's not going to happen this week.
Karen, I agree with Tina. Before long you won't be able to imagine being in a little low to the ground car. I had an SUV a few years back & loved it. That is until I got hit almost head on by a car full of teenagers running late for school. Their car wedged under my Xterra and I flipped right over the top of them, landed on all 4 tires, skidded for several hundred feet then came to a stop at a guard rail. I was on a bridge going over a highway at the time so the whole time I was in motion I thought I was going to end up on the highway beneath me & die. It was really horrible and although being up in that SUV probably saved me from a worse injury -I just can't stand reminders of the crash. I find myself getting a little nervous climbing up into an SUV, driving over bridges, etc. I got a Honda Accord after the wreck & still have it, and I love that car.
Tina, you go girl! Keep enjoying your activity while it lasts. I was still going out for long walks & occasional hiking a few weeks back. I could pretty much do whatever I wanted. Now that the baby has dropped I walk at a snails pace & it's just really uncomfortable.

I started checking my BS's twice a day. I decided that the BS police(high risk OB doc's) were just adding stress to my day so I've stopped communicating with them. I will call back if I start to them trending upwards. I feel pretty good about my decision -it gives me the illusion that I actually have some control over the rest of my pregnancy.
Tina, did you actually write out your birth plan or just discuss it with your MD? I'm definitely planning on communicating my wishes with my MD prior to delivery. Also, having seen a number of births as a nurse I know it's important to stay flexible & roll with the flow once that labor actually starts. Shari, you've got the right idea -almost nobody wants a Csection but it that's what it takes, then that's what it takes. It's way, way better that trying to push out a too big baby & ending up with a huge episiotomy, horrible hemmorhoids, and nerve damage to your legs.

I also think that Marybeth will have her twins first. Then just going by due dates Seltzer & myself, but you never never know at this point. It's all getting so exciting!

Take care,
Rebecca

[CT_Michele]

Thank you all again for the welcome. I am looking forward to being able to communicate more often through this board, since this board has gotten me through so much already.

Tina- i hear ya loud and clear about the peeing. Every time I stand up I have to pee. Sometimes i go, and immediately feel like I have to go again. I can't get over it, but I can't say I wasn't warned about it by everyone. I guess if that is my biggest complaint, then I should feel lucky.

Shari- I am also going to get and see my hospital this week. On saturday, DH and I are going for a prepared child birth class given by our hospital of choice. It includes a tour of the maternity ward and of course is supposed to prepare us for our upcoming event. I am excited to go, although it will be a long day, 9-5. I am curious to see how much they can cram into 8 hours without overwhleming us. Has anyone else gone for childbirth classes?

2ndtimer- I cannot believe your story about that accident. I was also in a bad accident when I was a teenager, but not quite as bad as yours. Since then I have been a freakishly anxious driver. I almost always drive, because I am a horrible passenger. I can not imagine what you went through. My car of choice is also a honda. I had a civic for a while, but when we found out we were pregnant, I upgraded to a 4 dr accord...we knew a 2 dr wasn't going to cut it anymore.

I hope you all enjoyed your fourth, I am off to one more picnic, which will be great, since my pregnancy food of choice has been cookout food! Talk to you all soon!

[tryw8]

Hi All,

Went to the OB/GYN's yesterday. Had another NST done and they checked the level of my amniotic fluid. The NST came out fine. Baby didn't move much during it. He/she always tends to move a lot before and after the test is done. As for the amniotic fluid, I'm still in the median for as being at week 34. I was told that if it starts dropping, then I'll be visiting my OB/GYN twice a week and not weekly.

Everything else is okay. BP is 118/70. But I went into complete shock when I stepped on the scale. I've gained a total of 17 lbs. since our BFP in December. OB/GYN says that I'm all baby.

Lately I've been feeling uncomfortable. The last three days at work, in 8 hour work day I've treated between 11-14 patients. (I'm a dental hygienist.) I don't have an an assistant either. The other girls are no help too. Well, it's only a few more weeks before I decide to go out on maternity leave or if OB/GYN puts me on bed rest. My DH was commenting that the office wants to get as much production out of me before I go out on leave because the office will be down in production once I'm gone. Two of us will be on maternity leave. I'm due 8/15 and the other girl is due 8/12.

I also bought a pair of Crocs for the moment that my foot doesn't get into my shoe/sandal. Only my left foot/ankle/leg is swollen. I can't sit too long ... my lower back hurts.

Karen

[MBG]

Hello ladies!

Hope everyone had a great 4th!!

Tina: I too am VERY impressed with your activity level....I think I would topple over if I tried to swing a golf club!! As matter of fact...how did you even see the golf ball!! I bet you have just gained muscle and will have a smooth sailing delivery since you have stayed in such good shape.

As for me, as I posted before, I do not get to put together a birth plan, because who knows what is going to happen!!!

I think I will probably be the first to delver, but who knows....Sullivan has not yet dropped, that I can tell...The doc told me he is going to do a pelvic exam at 35 weeks. These boys may surprise us all and go to 38 weeks....the waiting is killing me!!

We went out to run errands today and it took everything out of me! It is sooooo hot here!! I walked in the door, striped down to my undies and have layed on the couch all afternoon! This weather is not meant for pregnant women!

Shari: Sorry to hear about your virus...glad to hear you are feeling better now!!

Michele:Welcom aboard!! Congrats on your little girl! Like I tell all new moms of little girls....watch out...there seem to be so many little boys being born right now...she is going to fighting them off in droves!!

DH and I have had a nice weekend together.....We were cooking on the grill last night , talking and i was like.....in about months time, our lives are going to change forever. Nomatter what we will never be the same. It is exciting and scary all at the same time! I know I have been pregnant for over 8 months now, but it is all beginning to feel so real now.

Marybeth

[tinaO]

Hello all! Whew...I have been so worn out today that I just felt like I could not do anything. It must all be starting to catch up to me now. My back hurts so much - I can't begin to describe the pain. I am going to try to force myself to go for a walk this evening. Nothing seems to help my back - not even rest. So, I feel like at least if I exercise, it makes me feel better. I just can't believe how much weight I have gained. I just hope the exercise pays off after delivery and I don't hold onto all of this. Oh well, not to worry about it now...

Ok, I copied my birth plan for you all. I went ahead and typed one up knowing full well that ANYTHING can happen and again, I am prepared for that. Whatever happens, HAPPENS! But here is what I have put down....I looked at sample ones on the internet and it really helped me to think about what I wanted. Some of it sounds kind of "strict" and funny to me..probably because I know whatever happens, is what will be!!

Labor
I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
________________________________________
Labor Augmentation/Induction
I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially unless signs of fetal distress require internal monitoring. I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position before pitocin is administered.

Anesthesia
I do want an epidural as soon as possible.

Cesarean
I would prefer not to have a c-section. I would like my husband present at all times if my son requires a Cesarean delivery. I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia.

Episiotomy
I would prefer not to have an episiotomy (I have been warned about the healing of it - sounds tough!! )unless absolutely required for the baby's safety. I would prefer to tear rather than have an episiotomy – use of compresses, massage, coaching for slow birth of baby’s head and positioning other than lying down with stirrups to avoid need for episiotomy. (this kind of makes me laugh as I am so tiny and petite that I think one is headed my way anyway!! )

Delivery
I would like my husband and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage. Choice of positions for pushing - no stirrups for birth, please. I would like a mirror available so I can see my son’s head when it crowns. (HA - A friend recommended this - although I don't know if I will be able to handle it when the time comes! It would probably freak me out ) I would like to have my son placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

After Delivery
My husband would like to cut the cord himself. I would like a room in Ten South if available (this is the super nice suite at the hospital where I am delivering that has huge rooms and you get to order from a menu things like lobster - you just have to pay extra! ) . I would like to donate the umbilical cord blood. We prefer that our stay at the hospital be extended to the longest our insurance will allow so I may recover fully before returning home. I would like to have the baby “room in” and be with me at all times unless I am completely exhausted and need a few hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Breastfeeding
After the birth, we wish to nurse our son immediately. Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to my son. I will be breastfeeding only. I do not want my son to be given a pacifier. We would like to meet with a lactation consultant regarding breastfeeding.

Circumcision preferences: Yes

Other: I have mitral valve prolapse


Ok ladies - that is it! Bet the delivery turns out totally different, but hey - at least I thought about what would be "ideal", right??

[sharishu]

Hi Ladies,
We had our tour of the maternity ward yesterday, and were quite impressed. The maternity nurse giving the tour answered lots of my questions without my having to ask them. There is a mini hotel one flight up in case we need some time before going back home, complete with a full medical staff + nursery. We figured it may be a good thing to take advantage of that what with the move, etc. My mom should be here by then, so perhaps she will stay with me in the hotel part of the time while my dh gets the house in order some more. We put down 50 shekels (non-refundable) to hold our place (that's about $15) for whenever I deliver.

I had a mini-drama here just now. My WONDERFUL father-in-law has been here the past two days helping us pack. He is truly an angel. He is about 5'1", 100 pounds dripping wet, with the strength and energy of an ox. He was taking down a wood cabinet for us when I heard him calling for me semi-desperately. He was on a high ladder, having unscrewed the cabinet, which he realized is made of VERY heavy wood. He had to hold it up for about 15 minutes so it wouldn't fall on him, as he figured out how to get it down safely. At one point he almost fell off the ladder which I held steady for him as he worked. I was a little nervous as I realized he was kind of nervous himself! The cabinet is down now, and he is safe and sound (thank G-d).

Um... am I the only one who finds it difficult to do formerly simple activities like getting dressed (especially underwear and pants )? And how about scrubbing your feet in the shower? It's like a comedy show!

Tina,
Sorry to hear about your aching back. Hope it feels better soon. Thanks for the birthing plan sample. I was glad to hear that they recognize and honor birthing plans in my hospital here in Israel, so I will definitely be writing one.

Marybeth,
I know what you mean about our lives not being the same after the birth of our babies! I am also beginning to feel the reality of the situation. My mom shipped me a copy of 'On Becoming Babywise' which was supposed to have come by now but is still en route. That book is supposed to be a good guide to getting the baby on a schedule, so I hope it comes soon! I want to educate myself in these few remaining weeks before L/D. BTW- your newest baby bump shot is adorable! I am impressed by your pedicure! (I feel so ungroomed at this point, it's a joke ). I must assume you had it done, as I can't imagine getting all the way down to my toes at this point!

Rebecca,
I know what you mean about going a bit early. Besides the fact that I was told I may have no choice due to my 'big baby', I won't mind one bit! I will soooo appreciate turning over in bed, and just in general being able to carry on with my normal activities and getting back to myself.

Michele,
Hey, congratulations on your girl! There is only one other woman on this thread having a girl, and a few others who didn't want to know, but most of us are having boys. Ella (and of course Michele ) is a beautiful name, by the way.

I am in the middle of helping my FIL, so I'll get back to work now.
Have a great day!
Shari