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September 14 . . . and the time keeps rolling by! I obviously am not on here much. That being said, it's been a helluva long time since I've logged in. We've actually moved from Ohio to Washington State for my husband to take a new job in his field. He loves it so far, the scenery is beautiful, and the rest of us are getting to know people, places, and all the great things to do here!
So, maybe it won't be another year before I post again here . . . lol ;) June 11 It's been nearly a year since my last post . . . I've been keeping my blog on MySpace, as well as my own blogsite (although that hasn't been updated since we moved from Ohio to Washington State!).
Check me out on MySpace at http://www.MySpace.com/bikurgurl -- my profile is private, but message me there! In the meantime, we'll see if I get this one back up and running! July 05 . . . and I have given birth (back in October!!) to my second son, Xaven, who is an angel!! It has been a wonderful experienc!! Although I had to have an unplanned c-section, once the healing had started and I started to sleep more than 2-3 hours at a time, life just got sweeter and sweeter!!
I spend what little time I have now on my myspace page - where a lot of my family and friends are - but I may start blogging here again . . .
October 12
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| Sleep: You're Gonna Need It! |
| Use this time to rest, prepare for baby, and consider the future. Long slow walks may help to bring on labor. | | 
Use this time to rest, prepare for baby, and consider the future. Long slow walks may help to bring on labor.
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Many women lose their mucus plug a week or two before delivery (though for others it doesn’t happen until right before delivery). If the mucus is pink or streaked with blood, it is known as the "bloody show" and usually means labor will begin within the next day.
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What’s Happening with Your Body?
You may feel more fatigue or increased energy. Both are normal. With that heavy baby lodged deep in your pelvis, you may be running to the bathroom every two minutes! Notify your care provider immediately if you pass amniotic fluid!
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What’s Happening with Your Baby?
Birth could happen at any time. The baby's bowels are filled with meconium, a black, tarry substance which will become baby’s first bowel movement.
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Don't forget Dad! You may be overwhelmed with what you (and that baby) are about to do you may unwittingly leave Dad out. Try to keep him involved in the excitement. Send him "Ode to the New Father" to set the mood, and consider buying him the right book. | October 02
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Breastfeeding information |
Bring a breastfeeding book or consider scheduling a lactation consultant to visit you after the baby is born. Some hospitals provide this service, but it's a good idea to double check with your provider and insurance company before the birth. |
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Niceties
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Laptop |
After delivery, you may want to take a few minutes to send your favorite cyber friends a virtual birth announcement. |
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Baby book or journal |
You may want to jot down some details in Baby's book while everything is still fresh in your mind. Don't forget to see if the baby book has a place for newborn footprints—you can have these done at the hospital. |
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Massage lotion/aromatherapy items |
Splurge on some special pampering lotions and aromas. Massaging you during labor will also give your partner something to do to help you (and him) keep busy. |
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Cosmetics |
This is for moms who like to look great in all photographs! At the very least you may like to put on a little makeup after deliver as a pick-me-up and to greet any well-wishers and visitors. |
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The going-home outfit |
Moms-to-be, it's time for a reality check! Put aside those hopes of wearing your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans home from the hospital and opt for something loose fitting and comfortable. You will probably still look pregnant (it takes time for most women's bodies to shrink back to pre-pregnancy size), and if you have a C-section you will appreciate something loose at your waist. You'll also want flat, comfortable shoes. |
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Baby clothes |
Most moms bring something special for their little ones to wear on their first outings into the world. Be sure to consider the weather when you choose an outfit for your newborn. If it's cold outside, you'll need to bundle baby! And be sure to bring a cap for your baby's head (although they usually give you a cute one at the hospital). |
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Diaper bag |
Time to start toting the bag! Bring a few diapers and some gentle wipes. The bag will also be handy to carry home all the extras you get at the hospital such as literature, thermometer, and a bulb syringe. |
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Car seat |
This is a must. Your baby won't be allowed to ride home without a car seat! |
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Recommended
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Receiving blankets |
Most newborns love to be swaddled. Although your nurse will no doubt send you home with hospital-issue blankets, it is nice to pack a couple extra soft and cozy wraps for your newborn. |
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Phone book and calling card |
You'll want to share the joy of having a baby without paying the hospital's long distance rates. |
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Video camera, camera, and extra batteries |
Check with your doctor before you go into labor about the hospital's policy on taking pictures and videos in the delivery room. If you're not using a digital camera, bring plenty of film to capture those precious moments of your newborn's first minutes, hours, and days. |
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Music player and favorite music |
Both during labor and after your baby is born you'll appreciate the familiarity of your favorite tunes as background music. |
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Snacks |
You likely will not be eating or drinking much during labor, but the dad-to-be may want to fuel up without leaving you to find a snack machine. It's also nice to have a healthy snack for after delivery—you may be starving and very thirsty (hey, having a baby is hard work!), and if it's the middle of the night you'll be grateful for something to munch on. |
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| What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag |
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| You may not be packing for an island cruise, but you'll still need plenty of planning as you prepare for childbirth! Find out what can help you feel more comfortable during your hospital stay. | |
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Those last few weeks of pregnancy can seemingly take forever, but that baby will come soon—and you want to be prepared! By the end of your thirty-sixth week you should have a bag packed and ready to go. Here's a list of the necessities as well as a few extras that might make your hospital visit more comfortable.
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Essentials
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Nightgown or pajamas |
Find out if your hospital requires you to wear one of their gowns. If not, you may prefer to bring a gown or pajamas from home. If you are planning to nurse, be sure to bring pajamas that open down the front (you don't want to be lifting up a long gown to breastfeed). Pack a pair of pajamas or a gown that you don't mind soiling for right after birth (lochia may ruin this set) or just plan to wear a hospital gown until your bleeding has subsided. It's a good idea to bring at least three gowns or pairs of pjs in case you have a longer stay than anticipated—you won't want to send hubby home to do laundry! |
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Slippers and socks |
Hospitals are notoriously chilly, so plan ahead to keep your tootsies warm. Bring slippers or socks for walking around your room or down the hall. |
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Bathrobe |
Most moms find themselves walking the halls in a nightgown and robe at some point during their stays. This may be a fun time to splurge a little on something nice you won't mind wearing in public. |
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Nursing bra, pads, and tops |
These are especially wonderful for breastfeeding moms, but the bras are not a bad idea even if you don't plan on nursing. Nursing bras give you extra protection and support. |
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Underwear
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You may want to wear the mesh underwear provided by the hospital since lochia can sometimes be rather heavy after delivery and pads often do leak. Or you may be more comfortable in some soft, old undies from home. Either way, it's best to be prepared and bring a few pair with you, just in case. Comfort is key post birth! |
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Sanitary napkins |
The hospital will likely provide napkins for you, but you may want to bring your favorite brand. You'll need comfortable, highly absorbent napkins with plenty of coverage for your underwear. |
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Toiletries |
Don't forget your toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, and a hair brush. You may even wish to bring some lotion and shampoo and conditioner. Lip balm is a good thing to add to your bag also; all that heavy breathing during labor and delivery can dry your lips. |
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| Are your Braxton Hicks contractions becoming more frequent and intense? Pack your bags, and keep them by the door. | |
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Pack your bags and put them by the door! No need to stress on what to bring; we've got a checklist of the absolute necessities and some luxuries that might make your experience a little more comfortable and enjoyable. Even if you plan a home birth, you should pack a small suitcase.
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Did You Know?
In false labor, the contractions are irregular and can be very painful. True labor contractions happen at a regular pace and become more and more frequent and intense.
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What’s Happening with Your Body?
You’re waiting now. Your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent and intense. You may feel large and ungainly but, unless your water has broken, it’s fine to have sex. As a matter of fact, intercourse and nipple stimulation are some methods people use to induce labor naturally.
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What’s Happening with Your Baby?
The fluid in the amnionic sac has increased from one drop to one liter. The placenta has grown to about seven inches in diameter and weights about one to two pounds.
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