Childbirth Preparation Class {Day 3}

Day 3 of Childbirth Preparation Class down... We were back to our first instructor, who seems to find herself laughing all class long. We don't know if this is nerves or just a strange personality! Even with this crazy instructor, we learned a lot!

We started with discussing in detail the pro's and con's of epidurals and narcotics for pain management during labor. Even though we plan on having a natural childbirth it is great to know what options we have just in case. I do know that we will NOT be using any kind of narcotic. I don't like the idea of it putting the baby asleep for 1 1/2 hours just so I don't feel any pain. I would MUCH rather go with the epidural risks to myself than any narcotic risks to the baby. But let's hope we don't even need the epidural!!!

We then went on to other common interventions used during labor:

• IV fluids
• This is common especially with any induction or when an epidural is done. But again, it is not necessary as to keep hydrated I can eat ice chips or have clear liquids.
• Amniotomy (breaking the water)
• I always thought this was done to speed up labor but it doesn't always. But this is commonly done!
• Fetal monitoring
• I kind of get excited for this moment as it allows us to watch Pierce during labor. 
• Internal fetal monitoring
• I hope we don't have to resort to this... as it is done when having trouble keeping the baby on the monitor. The main reason I don't like it is because a fetal scalp electrode is placed by screwing a tiny sire into the top layers of the baby's scalp. I know it is not a scary thing for the baby, but I still don't like the idea of it!!!
• Intrauterine pressure catheter
• This comes with an induction (using pitocin) as it will help measure the exact force of contractions to determine the exact amount of pitocin to use. It also is sometime used when the internal fetal monitoring is used.
• Forceps
• These are just plain scary! Heavy steel forceps that go around the baby's skull?? No thank you! Let's hope these stay in their sterile package!!
• Vacuum Extractor
• This is exactly as it states, a vacuum that is placed on the baby's head and suction is increased so that the doc can pull during a contraction while mom pushes. Again.. no thank you!!! 
• Cesarean section
• Again, I do not wish to have a c-section, but if it is needed to get Pierce here, then BRING IT ON!!! 

Overall.... tonights class made me realize how much closer we are to seeing Pierce!!!! 

36 weeks {What I Know Now}

• It still amazes me how in one week, he can grow SO MUCH!
• I am down to 3 times each night to use the bathroom... one less trip is a big difference
• He has gone face down!!!! I woke up this morning breathing SO much better, but feeling a lot more pressure on my bladder. It is getting close!
• I have major discomfort in my right hip. No pain, but discomfort. Thank you childbirth class teaching Scottie pressure points. This definitely helps and allows me to fall asleep.
• I no longer go to bed early. And by early, I mean 8 or 9... I am now lucky to be asleep before 11pm. What's strange, is that I don't find myself getting tired sooner. Not sure if this is preparing me for Pierce? 
• Waking up before my alarm is also a daily routine... 
• I must be huge as all the comments now are "WOW.. you must be close to having him" when we still have 4 more weeks!!!
• The boys snuggle even more with my belly each day. I truly think they will miss the 'ledge' they have to lay on once Pierce arrives.

Moore Baby Bump Pics!!

My sister did another amazing job taking pictures of Scottie and I today. 

We went to Kathryn Albertson's Park. What a beautiful place!!

Here are my favorites:

Breastfeeding Class

Tonight was the one and only breastfeeding class. Our OBGYN was right, if there is one class to take, this would be the one. Tons of great advice and even a contact for after Pierce is here, should we need extra help. If there was one reason to breastfeeding, it is for bonding. I can hardly wait to see his precious face!!! Hurry up August 6th!!! (or sooner...  if he is ready).

Childbirth Preparation Class {Day 2}

Day 2 of our Childbirth Preparation Class started off with a totally different instructor. Last week, we had a RN who is in charge of the 'healthy pregnancy' program at St Luke's, today, we had a doula. I must say, totally different perspective. Typically the RN teaches all 4 classes, but due to it being summer time she has some vacations planned allowing us to have the doula for 2 of the 4 classes. Amazingly enough, there were no repeats either! 

Tonight we focused on the stages of labor and all aspects included with it such as: breathing techniques, position changes, counter pressure and relaxation. Having a support partner is a key element to having a positive birth experience! There are many different birthing positions and knowing of all of these is great as we plan on going without any medications... We know birth plans can change and we are ok with anything that needs to happen. The best advice we received today was that if a mother goes without medication during the first stage of labor, then stage two (pushing) is easier. If a mother chooses to have an epidural, then pushing is the hardest stage. Motivation never hurts anyone!! But only time will tell what happens... 

Another important thing we now know is that there is no need to go to the hospital until contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each and have done this for 1 hour. This allows labor to progress while we are at home instead of sitting at the hospital. I have felt no contractions... yet... 

We need to pack for the hospital!! Thank you cheat sheet as there are a few items we would have forgotten. A few of my musts include:

• Hair tie
• Chapstick
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
• Camera
• Phone/Charger
• Gum
• Car Seat
• Pierce's going home outfit
• Receiving blanket

Halfway done with our class!!! 

OB appt

Today was our week 35 appointment. No concerns! We just found out that we are measuring at 37 weeks instead of the 35 we are at! Hello big baby Pierce... Heartbeat was great as well.  If only it was time to see him... we are VERY ANXIOUS!!!! But willing to wait a few more weeks for him to be a healthier baby.

Next OB appt - July 19th at 10:30am

35 weeks

Another week closer! Not much has changed... besides the growth of the belly!! Hurry up August 6th, we are anxious to meet our little guy!