Archives for September 2013

I can’t believe i’m just 2 weeks away!!! It’s crazy!

So a little update:

So far no contractions yet, but I have been getting a little cramping which the doctor says it could be because my body is getting ready. I’ve gained a total of 34.5 pounds so far (164.5) I weighed in at the doctor this morning. The newest body morph is the pain in my hands, but mostly my left hand, it almost feels like arthritis (not that I know what that feels like, but i’m taking a guess) which I guess is common too? Trying to drink as much water as I can, which is making me pee almost 12 times a day!! ugh! The baby is in head down position which is good and the baby room is finally ready! woo hoo!

The biggest shock to me, which happened last week is how everyone treats you like you can go into labor any minute…it’s just crazy to think…but I guess i’m at the stage where I could! I did have an interesting experience at the doctor last week, they talked about “stripping my membrane” which in my 7 birthing/labor care classes NO ONE MENTIONED! Apparently it’s a way to induce labor naturally? I had not heard of it and i’m still debating about getting it done? maybe at 40 weeks?

Everyone keeps asking me, “so are you ready for the baby yet?” and I would tell them honestly, “not completely, but getting there…” Then for some reason I was looking at the calendar and I realized….OMG I”M ONLY 29 days away!!!  So needless to say, i’ve gone on super nesting mode, put together the bassinet, got the carseat base in the car,  (and practiced removing and putting in the carrier), got a glider, bought all the essentials, like diapers and wipes and such…Now I just have to get a pediatrician and I should be all set. I still can’t believe it’s only a couple weeks away! So during this time, I did ALOT of research, and here are some top items you will need immediately when bringing home a newborn:

1) Car Seat- this is a must, they won’t even let you leave the hospital if you don’t have it properly installed

2) Diapers

3) Wipes

4) Diaper Cream

5) Bassinet (something for the baby to sleep in)

4) onesies (6 pack)  and socks (the kind that fold over, I heard they stay on better), sleep sacks (heard these are awesome makes changing in the middle of the night easier)

5) burp cloths

6) mittens (so they don’t scratch themselves)

7) formula (if your not breastfeeding)

8) breast pump ( i was wondering whether to put this as a necessity at first but I think I’m going to get one)

9) Bottles (especially if you formula feed, and if you pump)

10)Boppy pillow (they recommend bringing this to hospital if you plan on breast feeding)

11) swaddle blankets

12)  Nursing pajamas ( you need this at the hospital, I was told to get “nursing pajamas” not just regular, it make your life easier)

13) lanolin oil, for your nipples

14) breast pads, for the leaking….

15) glider/ rocking chair, I heard this was pretty important, not sure if it’s something you need right away, but it can help get the baby to sleep

Have I forgot anything? I probably have…what did you need ready right when you got home with your newborn?

I remember telling my cousin at telling me at 28 weeks how big I thought I was and she would tell me….”oh just wait….” I didn’t really understand then…but I’m starting to get it now. Just when you think your belly couldn’t possibly get any bigger IT DOES. And here’s the thing, I get it, I look like i’m going to pop, my belly button is out at full attention, I waddle around like a little duck but please stop telling me “wow! you look like you are going to POP!”.  I literally hear that exact phrase about 15 times a day…and I’m not really sure how to respond? So if you can come up with any clever comebacks I am ALL hears. Some of you may not have seen this video collab I did with Elle at “what’s up moms” this amazing youtube channel, but if you haven’t please check it out!