Childbirth classes

Deric and I have 1 childbirth class left. I must say, I'm glad. Yes, I did learn some things:

1. The placenta is HUGE!!!

2. You can't have a plan for your labor. You never know what will happen, what you'll decide you want, and what you'll need. It's good to know what the different options are (you need to be informed), but that doesn't mean you have to have a strict plan in mind. It will never go as you planned. 

3. A baby's head has soft spots for good reasons.. to make it through your pelvis. 

4. Don't be dehydrated during labor. Keep drinking water/juice or eating ice chips.  

5. Get as much protein and calcium as you can before labor. The uterus is the most important muscle that needs to be the strongest during labor. 

So as you can read, there were some things I got out of the classes.

Here are the things I did not like:

1. The videos. Why must they show a first-time mom videos of women giving birth?? Why is it they only choose to show moms who don't get any drugs? Why is natural the only way to go? Each video gave a detailed description and visual of your body stretching. They can show us 5 min. but seriously, 45 min!! Who needs to see that?? 

2. Breathing/relaxation techniques. Like I said, it's good to be informed. So I totally appreciate being informed on all the different techniques you can use to make through each contraction. I will not slow dance in the hall during labor, but I will use some of those breathing things and probably take a bath/shower. (Granted saying I will not slow dance contradicts me saying don't plan, but there are some things that are just plain silly!) Again, I don't need a 50 min video on how to do these things. Just show me and have me practice. 

3. I was like the only person in class who probably have asked their doctors questions. People were having trouble w/ leg cramps, braxton-hicks, etc. The instructor asked us if we had questions. I felt silly being the only person not having any, but my doctor already answered those for me. 

I don't want to seem like I know it all, which I don't. I still have the "fear of the unknown", but I've been doing my best to ask questions and read up on all the things I am/will going through. Our classes did have some good info. I'm glad we did take them. One can only really use all the things they are talking about until you go through labor. We can watch video after video and read and read, but God is ultimately in control what will happen. His timing is perfect. Sophi will come the way God planned it to be. It doesn't matter if I sit on a birthing ball, take a bath, or have an epidural.. all that matters is that Sophi comes safely. It will be painful, confusing, and unplanned; but in the end, we will have our little Sophi. :) 

Reflection

So this week I got this nanny job for a family of three back in December. Their kids: Taylor-4, Sophia-2 (it's so weird using her name!), and their foster baby born on Christmas Day. At the time I took the job, I thought, "NO PROBLEM! I can watch 2 kids, a newborn, and be 8 months pregnant!" I was very confident... too confident. 

Anyways, after the first day 8:30-2:30 (only because I had a dr. apt), I thought again.. "NO PROBLEM!" After yesterday working 8:30-4:30, I thought I was going to die!! Luckally I had no contractions, but was SOO sore! My back, feet, and legs hurt. My hands are so swollen that I can't even wear my wedding ring. I was dreading working again today. But I knew I had to since I stopped working altogether, we really needed the money.

I was standing in the mirror this morning really thanking God for having me be able to stay-at-home during this time and after Sophi is born. (Even though we are unsure about our bills) There are women I know that worked full-time until they had their babies. I don't know how they did it!! Furthermore, one lady I worked with, even had 2 other kids at home! 

I have more compassion for these working moms than ever. SHOUT OUT to all the working prego moms!!! :)

The Bachelor

I'm sure I'm like several girls out there who are watching The Bachelor. Most of the girls are super annoying, but I keep watching it. I just can't stand the fact that Jason kisses all of them!! It must be written in the contract that he MUST kiss starting on the 2nd episode and he MUST kiss whoever he can. Granted, some of the girls asked to be kissed (WHO DOES THAT?), I would have thought Jason would have been different. I just fast-forward through all the kissing. Seriously, get to the good stuff!! 

Secondly, how is it that ABC only finds girls who are super skinny and totally hot? I knew he was going to send home the girl from NY. She didn't wear nearly enough make-up compared to the other gals. It just makes me sad that they never put real American girls on this show. Or maybe, just maybe, all the classic girls are taken or wouldn't dare to come on this show?? I know I would never, especially with him kissing every girl! 

Yet with all my problems with this show, I still watch. I will keep watching until he finds his "true love." 

Contraction joys

The past week I've been getting those fun Braxton-Hicks contractions. For the most part they come for a bit when I do too much. Well this week, they decided to make an appearance everyday being even more painful and frequent. 

In the midst of having these contractions, my insurance company called me asking about a current diagnosis listed on my chart. They told me I had "malformation of my uterus." Obviously I had no idea what they were talking about. I've been seeing the Dr. regularly since July, you'd think they would tell me if something was not right. The insurance company told me they would remove it from their records and I went on with the rest of my day. After the Middle School left our house at 8:30 I checked my voicemail. It was from my Dr. saying I needed to call them in regards to the information on my chart. So now I am worried!!!

THEN... I started having contractions that were very painful and I started counting them just like the nurse told me to do. I had 4 in an hour and was worried. Sophi was moving fine, but I know I was double worried because I had this "malformation" thing on my chart. Even though the nurse said if I had 6 or more contractions, I needed to come in, I just wasn't at peace especially. I wanted to be safe, not sorry. 

To ease Deric and my mind, we decided just to go to OB Triage and make sure everything was fine. The nurses there were so nice! They gave me a ton of information and were patient with me. The moment they plugged Sophi in to hear her heartbeat, I felt at peace. Her heartrate was normal for 45 mind and my contractions had stopped. (Of course, when I get to the hospital). They didn't check to see if I was dilated, b/c they didn't want to start anything.  The best words the nurse gave us was, "Your baby's heart beat is beautiful! She is very healthy! We have no concerns!" 

Luckally I go to the Dr. today. I have a list of 8 questions I will be asking. I'm glad to know Sophi is okay. I'm thankful the hospital was kind and understood I wanted to be safe, than sorry.

Oh, and for my "malformation"... I talked to the nurse today and she told me they have no idea how my insurance company got that information. (Typical for insurance companies) 

I don't have a malformation, I'm perfectly fine. :) 

I guess this is only the beginning of contraction joys. They will come and go, when it gets closer, then Sophi will show!!!