Centering Session #3

I am completely and utterly fascinated by labor. It is such an interesting and awe-inspiring process that completely blows my mind every time I read about it. It's absolutely amazing how God created our bodies and made us capable of handling such a feat.

There is definitely a mover on our hands going on down there. Specifically around 7-8 in the morning and around 7-8 at night. But, that correlates with the 10-15 hour sleep cycle that baby is getting in the womb. It's hilarious to feel movement. I was one of those people who thought that feeling the baby move would be the weirdest thing ever - and sometimes, its kinda weird - especially now that I can kind of see a little bit a movement on the belly. Fascinating.

At our centering class yesterday we just talked about the labor process and what to "expect" - which was great. Next time will be more hands on, positions, coping process, etc.

Books I've read and recommend:
1. The Birth Partner by by Penny Simkin: This is great for the coach/parent/friend who will be involved throughout the labor process. Essentially a how-to manual for natural birthing
2. Heading home with your Newborn by Laura Jana and Jennifer Shu: LOVED this book! It was simple enough but gave you so much information about feeding, shots, medicine, developmental milestones, etc.
3. Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo: This book talks about how to encourage your baby to sleep during certain times and eat during certain times. Of course its all flexible and depends on the baby, but great advice
4. The Womanly art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League: WONDERFUL book. Highly recommend.
5. The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth by Susan McCutheon-Rosegg: Thoroughly explains labor to where I didn't feel as though we needed to take the class.

Upcoming books to read:
1. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May: I want to meet this woman and go to her farm!

(Completely exhausted after doing repairs at our new house - 23 weeks)

It's a healthy, perfect, lovely, little.... :: gasps ::

I didn't think that having your 20 week anatomy scan would be that stressful, but this has been a CRAZY day. My nerves were on end, Zachary's nerves were on end, but in the end, there is a perfect healthy, well developing baby inside! :)

I've been feeling movement since around 18 weeks or so. For those of you who haven't been pregnant or are still waiting - these movements feel like an eye twitch or a muscle spasm. At first, nothing was though of it, but it occurs in the same spot - typically whenever Baby Honea is hungry or right after a meal.

Anyway, here are just a few pictures. There are many more that I would love to show you in person, but would like to save that for in person conversations.

ETA: May 29th, 2013

 
 
 

Centering Session #2

Today we began our 2nd centering session. Uterus is measuring around 22 weeks, thus far I'm 19 weeks and going strong! We go back on the 14th for our anatomy ultrasound to see how the baby has developed thus far in the pregnancy, and we can also find out the gender. But, sorry dear friends, we are waiting until the baby is born to know :). Keep the 14th on your prayer list - I'm super nervous.

Today we basically talked about posture and pregnancy pains. A pretty relaxed class over all - a majority of the information Zachary and I have already read about or googled - man on man, google.

My favorite part thus far going to the birthing center - outside of meeting wonderful soon to be parents - is the absolutely empowerment you feel. It's first of all a relaxing place where you are well taken care of, can voice opinions, ask questions, etc. But these women also enforce your decision for a natural birth 100% every time.

It's incredibly frustrating to say "yes, we are having a natural birth and going to a midwife" and people have absolutely no idea what we mean. WHAT!? YOU WANT PAIN IN PREGNANCY!? First of all, if you fear something its going to make it worse. Secondly, pregnancy isn't the worst pain you have experienced in your life. Third, yeah if you were confined to a bed on your back with epidurals and drugs with no control how you body has birthed a baby naturally for thousands of years, you're likely have a bad experience. :: steps off soap box ::

To do list from centering group:
1. Start some yoga/stretching exercises
2. Draft email to family a/b expectations if helping afterwords/during labor process

Recent Craft Project. DIY Bibs from old t-shirts with added flannel on the back. Also cut up lots of flannel to make cloth diaper wipes. Here's to be frugal and resourceful!