Harper's due date has started to creep up on us closer and closer. Last night Dutch proclaimed... "its getting to be crunch time! Are you ready?" I'm not quite sure what the answer for that is just yet but I know we have a great support system, Ive read endless books, talked to lots of friends and family, talked with my Dr/Midwife, packed my bag, taken my breastfeeding class (and our childbirth class is this Saturday), prepared her nursery, packed the diaper bag, and other than getting a car seat and getting it installed properly, were "ready".
A lot of people have been asking us about our birth plan. If we are having a "natural" birth, are we rooming in, breast feeding vs bottle feeding, if I want to be induced, when we will accept visitors, how much time each of us has off, etc. Its a lot to think about! Thankfully Dutch and I agreed on everything from the beginning.
We are delivering at Northside via "midwives preferred" as I call it. We are requesting a midwife birth through my Ob/Gyn practice. No, I am not a hippie, I'm not doing a home birth or a water birth or anything of that sorts. The certified nurse midwives (CNM) are registered nurses who go on to get a graduate degree in midwifery. They focus more time on the care of the mother throughout the pregnancy and the delivery. They are able to spend more time with you and caring for your labor and can even deliver the baby. A Dr. from the practice is always available if there is an emergency or a c-section is needed.
We are definitely having a "natural" birth. What we are not having is an un-medicated delivery. I am not opposed to a epidural at all. I would like to wait a long as I can to avoid being stuck in the bed for 12+ hours. I have no idea what to really expect it to be like so who knows. I do know it can slow down labor once you get it and I would really like to not end up with a c-section because I'm not progressing.
We are definitely breast feeding. I am a huge advocate, very committed to the process, have been reading multiple books, and trying to be realistic about the experience. I understand it can be hard, painful, frustrating, etc. However, being prepared and having support options makes me feel more prepared. Apparently the lactation consultants at Northside are really helpful. They also have a lactation hot line. So I'm hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.
I am open to being induced as I have a feeling if I go past my due date I will be more than ready to get the show on the road. (especially if this heartburn joy continues)
Dutch and I have decided its very important for us to have our privacy during labor and delivery. We feel its a special time for the two of us to experience the birth of our first child. There are a lot of different things that can go on during labor and delivery that aren't necessarily fun to deal with or watch. Labor can last 12, 14, 16... 24... hours... yikes... and the hospital isn't a very entertaining place for guests anyways. So, we will keep everyone closely informed. We'll let you know we're going to the hospital and how things are progressing, we just ask that you hold tight, kick your feet up and wait for us to welcome visitors. Also, especially if we deliver at 3am or some random time, we will take some time to rest and get settled in the recovery room first. For the next 24-48 hours we would love to have immediate family come meet their granddaughter, niece, etc. We'll have friends and extended family after we get back home. Regardless of it all, please call before you stop by. Between pediatrician appts/tests, breast feeding, lactation consults, our potential melt-downs, who knows what you may be walking into : )
My last day of work is September 28th! (wahoo) I'm taking 13 weeks off and will return to work after new years. Dutch has about 2 weeks off his day job and 6 weeks off UPS at night! We sure are going to get spoiled. I'm so thankful our jobs allows us to be with her and not have to rush back. We will be home together to experience Halloween, thanksgiving, Christmas and new years!
Make sure to check into our blog periodically as we'll be posting pictures of baby Harper, fun stories, learning experiences, and just parts of the "joy of parenthood"
58.5 days!
I feel the need to comment on this...and I know it's not my personal experience but I have seen what my sister went through pretty close...so here is my advice.
ReplyDeleteMy sister wanted a natural birth. No drugs. But luckily she came to her senses and got the epi- at around 9cm. The hospital didn't have the paperwork or something...anyways...she was progressing really quickly. I think they got to 9cm much much faster than they all expected. She ended up with a c-section because he wouldn't fit. She pushed for about an hour and nothing was happening...so she got a c-section.
She also is breastfeeding. She had a lot of issues, but he is doing great now. Her boobs bled a few times and he had problems latching, but all the lactation specialists were great. She had him at Piedmont, but I am sure that Northside will have lots of help as well. Just be strong about breastfeeding. I believe they might try to push formula if things don't go smoothly quick. Stay strong. It's hard, but worth it. Good luck! I can't wait to meet her. :)