It's been a while since I last posted. Mainly because we'd been living in Arizona for three weeks without most of our stuff as the 18 wheeler with our possessions and those of several other families made it across the country. But finally as of this week, we have our computer set up.
Meanwhile, I've been going to birth center appointments which are long and relaxed but consist of the normal things my old ob office did as well. In New Haven I would wait in the waiting room for 30 minutes, get moved to a sterile white exam room for 15 minutes, and meet with one of many obs or midwives for 5 minutes. Now I meet with one of 3 ob or midwives for an hour to an hour and a half in a cozy room with couches and shelves of relevant books. Instead of just just asking if I have any questions then kicking me out the door, the midwives engage me in conversation about my nutrition, exercise, and what to expect next. It's a big difference and I'm eating much better now that I'm concerned about specific nutrients and not with weight gain. Its strange, I used to feel that something could go horribly wrong with the pregnancy at any time but I'm much more relaxed now that I'm informed and really cared for by my healthcare providers.
Robert and I have been going to Bradley classes as well. They are very
much centered around natural birth but are also honest about how hard it
is going to be. We will go to 13 two-hour classes in total. I'm
excited and close to prepared for the baby to show up. The cradle is
setup by our bed and the diapers are ready to go at the changing table. |
| Our Kitchen! |
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| Our new living room rug! |
Unpacking is just about done. We just have some decorating and straightening up to do. I think it will feel a little more like home once we get living room furniture.
Here are a few pictures of our house. I'll post some more once I get the nursery decorated to my satisfaction, assuming I get that done before Colin's big arrival.
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| The side of our house that faces the street. It could use some curb appeal. |
I love the living room rug and the house! The adobe looks really comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI adored talking comfortably to midwives instead of sitting perched on a metal exam table. I'm glad yours are being so relaxed and helpful! Do you have anyone to go with you just to hold yours & Robert's hands? I know that sounds silly, but you'd be amazed how useful it can be. Someone whose only job is to go get you ice, drag Rob out of the way when he gets on your nerves (he will- everyone will at some point), know your birth plan well enough to talk to the midwives if you can't, etc etc etc. Whose only job is to be your minion.
Having that was immensely helpful for me, and may be worth looking into if there's anyone you trust enough.
*hugs* You're amazing. Birth is hard and kinda awful, but you'll look back on it and go, "Holy crap, I didn't know I could do that! But I did!"
The midwives are all trained doulas as well. I considered hiring one but I think adding more people to the room will just stress me out more. If we were birthing in a hospital it would be another matter entirely, but since Ill be able to choose my positions, use a tub, birth chair, birth balls, and eat if I want, I think ill be ok with just the midwife, assistant, and Robert. Thanks for the support!
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