belly happenings:
back from our adventure down south! of course it was full of adventure...plane rides, hot showers, and an unexpected visit from a yeast friend..yuck. being pregnant comes with such wonderful moments lol. the doc said to just take over the counter meds which cleared everything up :) additionally today took a trip to the maternity ward due to lack of movement. of course i am a worrier but everyone says better to check then to not....alas alan (the great sport he is) brought me in.
basically, I had not felt any movement for about 24 hours though i was having cramping, pinching pains in the vaginal region, and frequent braxton hicks contractions. they hooked me up to a monitor, and of course Gavin started to move and hiccup LOL, and ultrasound him...he is head down and ready to go. the doctor also did a vaginal exam on me determining that i was 50% effaced, my cervix is soft, and Gavin's head is in zero position. these are all great signs.....he is getting ready to come into the world and we cannot wait! YAY!
also....finished a draft of my birth plan to share with our doula and the doctors this week...check it out below and let me know if you have any suggestions!!!! Thanks :)
Birth Plan for Gavin Alan
Labor Support: I’ll be accompanied by my significant other Alan; as well as our Doula Maureen. I would prefer not to have any other family and/or friends present till after bonding and first time breastfeeding.
Environment: I would like to try and keep the lighting dim and use music provided by my ipod and/or laptop when requested, to assist with providing a comfortable environment.
IV: I would prefer to not have an IV unless deemed absolutely necessary. I would also like to drink fluids and eat as long as acceptable.
Pain Relief: I hope to deliver without drugs or interventions, and welcome help and encouragement to do so. I would prefer that hospital staff kindly refrain from offering intervention unless requested. If medication becomes necessary Alan or I will request it from staff.
Mobility: I’d like to move around freely during labor and use the shower as a calming agent.
Birthing Tools: I would like to have a birthing ball in the room upon admittance if possible, and I would also like to use a squatting bar if requested. During birth I would like to be free to try a variety of positions such as squatting and
Episiotomy: I’d prefer a natural tear to an incision; and would also like to have warm compresses applied to the perineum at crowning.
C-Section: I hope to avoid a c-section, but if one becomes necessary, I’d like to have Alan and Maureen stay with me. I’d also like to see and hold the baby right afterwards.
Cord Cutting and Delivery: I would like the cord to be drained into Gavin before it is cut if possible. I would like Alan to assist with delivery (i.e. catch Gavin) and to cut the cord if at all possible.
Bonding: I’d prefer to have skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth (for up to 2 hours if acceptable), and that non-emergency tests and procedures be delayed while Alan and I have time to bond with Gavin and I may attempt to breastfeed. I would not like Gavin to have a Hepatitis B shot after birth.
Breastfeeding: I plan to breastfeed, and assistance with this would be greatly appreciated. Please do not give Gavin pacifiers or any supplemental bottles. If he needs to feed and I am resting please wake me to do so.
