Thursday, December 27, 2007

Let the Overwhelming-ness Begin

Here it comes... the pre-baby overwhelms.

I am almost 18 weeks now and about ready to hit that halfway mark. It's funny how quickly the first half of my pregnancy has gone. I'm not nearly as sick as I have been. My doctor put me on Zofran for the vomiting and nausea. It's definitely helped. With the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I have been vomit-free for 2 weeks!

So, now that I am not spending all of my time hovering over the toilet, I actually have time to think.
Just a few of the things that are consuming my thoughts....

-What type of birth do I want to have?
-Do I want an epidural? And if I decide on one, how do I get over my fear of that procedure?
-Should we look into Doulas? Does the hospital even allow Doulas?
-Now that Highway 40 is closing, what route will we take to the hospital?
-I wonder what those birthing balls are like.
-What is the Bradley method and how does it differ from Lamaze?
-Would a water birth really be better for me and the baby?
-Is there any way I could work part time after the baby or not at all?
-If I do work, where should we even begin to look for daycares?

So, those are a few of my questions...
Other thoughts include.....

-I hope I can breastfeed.
-I hope that I can have a vaginal delivery.
-I hope that my husband doesn't kill me before June 3. (or want to divorce me!)
-I hope that I don't have to have an epiesiotmy.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
I'm exhausted just typing about it.......

5 comments:

Sarah said...

So happy that you're almost completely nausea free, praise the Lord!

To answer a couple of your questions, (you know since I've had sooo many kids....) didn't do the epidural because I was also afraid of the procedure, I couldn't get over my fear, so I didn't do it. I made it through! Don't think I'll have one this time either.

The birthing ball was uhhmaazing! Really eases the pressure on your rear that you begin to feel during labor. I think this was one reason I made it w/o the epidural. (We won't talk about when I stood up from the ball, had a contraction and bit my husband on the chest)

You CAN breastfeed! It may be difficult at first but you can do it!

I hope your husband doesn't kill or divorce you before June 3rd either! :)

Yep, there's all my amazing knowledge on childbirth. Just call me Dr. Sarah!

Erica Lynn said...

Is this your first? The only thing I can say is that babies never do what they are supposed, even when they are in OUR bodies. I had so many thoughts and worries and nothing happened how I thought it would. I will be praying for your health and baby's health.

Unknown said...

Here's my answers, Cor!

-What type of birth do I want to have? Cor, just concentrate on having a birth that is the safest for you and your child. I wanted a "natural" birth for both and both ended in emergency c-section. My advice is to just stay informed. Even if you want a natural birth, as I think most of us do!, still read up on c-sections. I didn't, and because of it, I feel really robbed of my experience. Just educate yourself.

-Do I want an epidural? And if I decide on one, how do I get over my fear of that procedure? When you are in the mist of that pain, you won't even think twice about relief. It is the most horrible pain ever, and to know that something out there can take it away, you do it without any doubts, believe me!

-Should we look into Doulas? Does the hospital even allow Doulas?

Yes yes yes yes look into doulas!! One of my dearest friends is a doula and I would not hesitate at all in sending you her email so you can just ask her questions and then go from there about whether one is right for you or not. Then you can start interviewing ones in your area. I would never ever have made it through without mine in my 2nd birth experience.

-Now that Highway 40 is closing, what route will we take to the hospital? I can't help you here ;)

-I wonder what those birthing balls are like. The birth balls are AMAZING! I used one with my last labor and omgoodness --- fabulous!!! Of course, again, it was all because of my amazing doula. She comes prepared!!

-Would a water birth really be better for me and the baby? It can be! My doula has done water births. She would definitely talk to you on this, too!!

So, those are a few of my questions...
Other thoughts include.....

-I hope I can breastfeed.

YOU CAN!!! I did, with both. First time it was not too successfully because I had a horrible nurser. 2nd time it was glorious because Maia was a pro! Each experience is different but you CAN do it!!! (And you'll love it!)

-I hope that I can have a vaginal delivery. I hope that you can, too.

-I hope that my husband doesn't kill me before June 3. (or want to divorce me!) He won't. He's too great. I know that as a fact. :)

-I hope that I don't have to have an epiesiotmy. Me, too!

Cor, you're going to do remarkable! I just know it! And look at all your mommy friends who can lead you. They're all so wonderful, too. You are in SUCH great hands.

Barbara Harper said...

If you want to investigate waterbirth, I'm the person to speak with. Had two of my own, have helped about 500 women have them, have been running the only nonprofit organization dedicated to making the information known to both the public and the professionals.
I'll be happy to email you articles and answer all your questions.
I didn't really intend to do this as a career, but the LORD pretty much told me that I had to, "for the little ones" he said. So, after almost 25 years, waterbirth is a pretty common occurrence, but I feel like I am just getting started. I help consult with hospitals every single day of the week.
Babies know how to be born - God showed them how. All we have to do is get out of the way. And water is the best way to do that. My first waterbirth was all about providing a gentle and safe experience for my baby. It was only AFTER I got into the tub that I looked over at my midwife and yelled, "This is GREAT for me, too!!"
That baby just graduated from college after five years at USC!! There is life after birth!!

Call me.

Blessings,
Barbara

Barbara Harper, RN, CLD, CCE
Founder/Director
Waterbirth International
www.waterbirth.org
503-673-0026 -office (out of US or in Portland)
800-641-2229 - toll free
503-710-7975 - cell phone

We LOVE helping women get into Hot Water!!
And have been doing it for 24 years!!

Anonymous said...

so i've just had a chance to catch up on your blog... where are you delivering? i know routes and back ways to every hospital in the metro area!! :) a woman i work with is a Doulas and i can get some info from her if you want... i think all hospitals in st louis allow them, but i'll ask for you! you can always meet with some and see if you are comfortable with them... anyway, i'll talk to vicki for you (doulas at work) and let me know what hospital you are going to... i can get you there for sure!!! ;)