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)