Miami Valley Hospital and Child Birth Classes

Well, we have successfully finished our Child Birth Classes. Wasn't as bad as I thought. There really wasn't as much 'participation' as I thought there would be. We did practice the breathing part - and that was a bit weird (Tim couldn't coach without laughing - which made me start laughing). I seriously don't think I will be 'panting' during the labor. Whenever I have pain, or anything where I start stressing - I take deep calming breaths. 'Panting' makes me have panic attacks - so that will probably be out. We didn't practice the different 'positions' just pretty much talked about them, which was fine I guess. I think my body will tell me the best way to be - as it usually does for any other pains I tend to have. Not to mention - I am all about an epidural when the pain gets too much.

However, I do have to take a moment and give Hubby the gold star for the weekend. He really did pay attention, and learn a lot. Now - whether he remembers it when the time comes, that is a different story. On Sunday (we took the weekend class) they had a review first thing - and even though he didn't answer in front of the class - he would answer to me, and he was spot on for most of it. Then, in the afternoon, we had a 'Labor Rehearsal' where there were 12 different cards with different parts of labor and delivery on them, and it asked you questions like....where would you be right now, what should you do, what is happening, etc. Again, Tim was pretty much on target for it. It made me feel better knowing that he really did pay attention during the class. Lord knows I probably won't remember most of it when the contractions start!

Not only did we have the class, but we learned a lot about the hospital, their processes, and the different rooms. We took a tour to see the different rooms, and talk about what goes on, what you can do, etc. I think we definitely made a good choice to stick with Miami Valley. I probably wouldn't have picked somewhere else - since my Dr. only delivers at MVH, but I feel that this is the best in the area - with the NICU, PICU, and nursing staff - overall I was impressed.

Something I am extremely happy about is the way they handle delivery, and the important first few hours after. Miami Vally has done some studies - along with other hospitals- and found that treating the new mothers, babies, and dads as a whole, and not just patients makes things work much better. Also, they try to do everything there in the delivery room and not separate mom and baby more than needed. The told us that the first 2 hours after delivery is very important for regulating babies body temperature, breastfeeding, starting the 'healing process' with mom, and just general bonding time for the new family. They said that a majority of that first two hours are done 'skin to skin' which means the baby is pretty much in a diaper and hat - on mom's chest, and they are both covered in blankets. The nurse said that Mom's body adjusts to whatever temperature the baby needs to regulate its temperature. Plus, the baby will smell the milk, and help latch on better when you start to breastfeed.

The only downside I see in the whole delivery process at MVH is for our family. With the important time right after delivery, this means it will be about 2 hours after delivery before our family will be able to see us. The nurse did kind of explain it in a good way. The mom and dad just got running a marathon (labor) and they aren't able to enjoy there prize (baby) with it being passed around the room. If the family were to come into the room right after delivery - once they take their pictures, take turns holding, and fawn over the baby - he will be tired, fussy, and it would be harder to feed. Breastfeeding is very important to us, so we want to do everything we can to try to make the whole thing easier. I hope our family will understand, and give us that needed time together, and then they can visit once we are settled in the 'after' room. Not to mention that I will pretty much be naked anyway - so that would not be a good time to have extended family in the room.

We decided that my mom, and Tim's mom are going to be in the delivery room for the birth. My mom - because she is my mom, and Tim's mom because she has been there for him through the whole thing. They have always had a close relationship, and she was the only one he could really talk to when we were doing all the fertility treatments. I could tell that Tim wanted his mom there - but didn't want me to be uncomfortable so I thought it would be good to have her there as support for Tim.. Not to mention - both of them are nurses, so they know medical stuff, and would 'blend into the background' if things get a bit out of hand, or to just let Tim and I do what we need to do to get through everything. My cousin will be there also - she is like a little sister to me and Tim - and she is on camera detail. However, once the baby is born, my mom and Tim's mom will #1 want to take a break and #2 want to celebrate with the rest of the family in the waiting room or on the phones. Tim's mom always has her camera, so she will be able to share some pictures with the waiting room until we are settled and ready to have guests come visit.

So, that was a very full weekend, and Monday came WAY too soon. Now we are working on Christmas lists, Thanksgiving, and our Caring for your New Born class in December. It is now 9:45 pm, and I am pooped. Gotta get up early in the morning and get Tim off to his 5K run, and go get my Thanksgiving Day ads to prepare for our shopping trip on Friday.

29 weeks, Baby Shower #1 and some fears!!

Busy...busy...busy...Girl. Haven't been updating like I should - by the time I get home and get my feet up, I am nearly falling asleep. So I will try to recap what has been going on the last few weeks.

Dr Appointments @ 29 weeks: Well, had a Doctor appointment on October 22nd. I was 28 weeks 6 days. The doctor walks in and says.....hmmmm 7 lbs huh. I had gained 7 lbs in 4 weeks. I was a bit bummed. He didn't want me to gain more than 15 for the entire pregnancy - and I am up to 13 according to his measurements. One thing I have noticed the last 2 weeks (which I told him) I am bouncing between weights. I am +5 lbs one day, and -5 lbs the next. It is crazy!! Anyway, I have felt VERY hungry recently, so I think I am going to try and start packing some snacks to eat during the day and hopefully keep from pigging out at supper. Also, when he was measuring me, I am suppose to be between 28 and 29 cm - and I was 32 cm !!! Which means that I may be having a big baby - not a surprise, but they are going to watch me. If I continue to measure big, they will do an ultrasound to check the size and make sure everything is OK. I am really hoping to have 'normal' size baby, but doubt I will get it. With the big babies in my family - hubby's size - and other things against us, sounds like we will be having a big - or long- baby. here is a picture of me at 29 weeks, and after my shower....so I was pooped!

Cramer/Brown Shower 10-24-2009: My side of the family had our baby shower yesterday. It was very cute. They took the farm theme for the nursery and ran with it. I loved it! There was a cute hand made cake, clothesline, and we even drank out of Mason Jars!! I am not a very good gift receiver, or at being the center of attention. This is very awkward when the shower is being thrown for you!! I am use to being the one in the back making sure everyone else is taken care of, pouring drinks, etc - so it was a bit weird for me. It was nice to see everyone. Some of the guests I hadn't seen in a while, so it was nice. I got a lot of good gifts, and a few of the BIG ones I needed. We got our travel system, so we will be able to bring the baby home...which is good, and we got our bedding! So we have the crib, and bedding, just waiting on the mattress to complete that part.

This brings us to my recent fears. Other than my baby being really big - requiring me to go early - but the nursery part is killing me. I'm afraid that we won't get the things we need before the baby is here. I do have 2 more showers, and Christmas, but I am afraid to wait on the big things that have to be ordered - especially since I am due 2 weeks after Christmas. Typically shipping takes 2 weeks, and then we have to put it together. I still don't have a dresser - so I can't put clothes away. I don't have a changing table yet, so I can't even use that for clothes either. For those of you that don't know, I am a planner, and to have things sitting in bags and totes on the floor is killing me. Tim keeps telling me that it will be OK, and that we will purchase the few big things we need after our showers to relieve my fears, and then others can get me the little stuff. I am just freaking right now - as usual - and will get over it. I am sure things will take care of themselves - and there is really no reason for my worry, but I can't help it.

Anyway, I gotta go to the Bengal Barn and watch the game. Yes I am a Bengal Fan, and this season has not been good for my blood pressure - but that is for another blog!!

Later!

♥ Jessica & Brady ♥

Baby loves and worries....

Well, recently had my Dr. Appt - I am measuring 28 CM at 25 weeks. Dr was very happy with everything, and the heartbeat was strong. Well, the last few days, Brady (aka little bean) hasn't been kicking like he was. So this, of course, had me worried. I know babies have their slow days, but I just can't help but to worry. -

~~Back Story: My Aunt lost her son at 38 weeks. She went in to see if she could be induced (her 4th baby) and was having less than normal movements. the went to check the heartbeat, and it was gone. I went to the hospital with my mom, aunts, uncles, and grandparents to be with her. That was one of the worst days of my life. Holding the beautiful little baby that will never be with us again. My Aunt was one of those mothers that followed everything to the letter. No caffeine (even chocolate) little sugar, - all the stuff that they say you should, and shouldn't do - she was on top of it, and still lost her little one. We had a funeral and a burial for the little angel, and still think of him as part of the family. Our family angel that looks over us every day.

So, for that reason, I get a little worried when I don't have any movement. I went from having the jumpy belly - where you could actually see my belly moving, to next to nothing, but maybe a kick every5 hours. I am sure the kicks will get more and more the farther along I get, but that will be fine. Brady has kept me up at night with the kicks, but it is alright. Every kick reminds me to be thankful.

Anyway, Brady has picked up in the movement area, so hopefully he will keep it up. I am trying not to worry, but it is hard sometimes.

Well, the registries are done- at least as done as I am going to get them. I am sure I didn't register for everything I needed, but with all the experienced mommies out there, I am sure they will have me covered. Two of the people I work with have brought me their baby boy clothes - total of 5 trash bags full. Once of the babies was born in April, and the other was born in October. The April baby was bigger, while the October was small, so I have a nice mixture of clothes to separate. I need to wash and separate all the clothes, but have no dresser to put them away, so I am waiting on that. Killing me, but I am trying.

In closing - since I haven't posted a pic in a while, I thought I should. This was at 25 weeks, and after a big dinner at the Lodge. I stuffed myself, and it was good. So Brady was at his limits, and was not a happy camper to share the room in there with my full belly.

Well, I'm pooped, and going to go to bed soon. Tim has a Flag Football Game in the morning, and a house warming party later that day. So we will be busy.

G'Night

♥ J & Brady ♥