Monday, March 18, 2013

Our Birth Preferences

Jeremy and I have been reading up and talking about what we want out of our birthing experience.  I've finally gotten our thoughts onto paper and thought some of you may be interested in seeing what type of birth we are wanting.  I never thought I would have a natural childbirth but after watching documentaries, reading blogs, and books about natural childbirth I really believe that it is what I want to do.  So here it is...our birth preferences.

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 I understand that the following is for a best case scenario. I am very aware that things can change suddenly and interventions might be required for the safety of the baby or myself. I only request that barring an emergency situation, I be informed prior to any procedures and be allowed to ask questions regarding the pros and cons. Thank you very much for your willingness to provide this care and I ask for your encouragement as I attempt a natural childbirth!

As long as the baby and I are doing fine, I'd like to:

*Have intermittent rather than continuous fetal monitoring to allow for movement.

*Only have a saline/HEP lock IV inserted and to try to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids instead of being hooked up to an IV as much as possible to allow for freedom of movement.

*Be allowed to progress free of time limits and have my labor augmented only if necessary.

*I'd like to try the following techniques: birthing ball, squatting bar, walking, changing positions, bath, breathing techniques/distraction, music, hot/cold therapy, & massage in a softly lit and quiet birthing room.

*Please don't offer me pain medication. I'll request it if I need it. If I request it during a contraction, please wait and ask me when the contraction is over if I still want the medication.

*If I decide I want medicinal pain relief, I'd prefer an epidural over narcotics.

When it's time to push, I'd like to:

*Try different positions for pushing and birth. (using squatting bar, side lying, etc.)

 *Do so instinctively when I have the urge. When I am fully dilated, I would like to wait to begin pushing until I feel the urge to push. Coaching would be appreciated during crowning to help reduce the likelihood of perineal tearing.

*Try perineal massage or a compress to help prevent tearing.

After birth, I'd like:
*The baby to be placed on my chest and to try to nurse immediately.

*Not to be given Pitocin to help deliver the placenta unless it's deemed necessary.

*Any shots, tests, and unnecessary procedures to be delayed at least an hour to allow time for skin to skin contact with our baby and nursing if the baby's health and safety allow it.

*I plan to breastfeed exclusively. Please do not offer our baby formula, a bottle, or a pacifier. 

In the case of an unplanned C-Section...
*Please use an epidural or spinal tap if possible so that I can be awake for the birth.

*I would love to be shown/touch our baby as soon as possible, and for my husband to hold our baby as soon as possible.

*To be allowed skin to skin contact with our baby in recovery if at all possible.  If not possible in recovery, skin to skin contact as soon as we can.



I modified a similar birth plan that I found here...
http://community.babycenter.com/post/a25637123/good_sample_birth_plantemplate

Monday, March 11, 2013

31 Weeks

I don't have a regular, chalk board picture for this week, but this one will do.

I've had a rough week dealing with sickness again.  I seriously feel like I've been sick for the majority of this pregnancy!  I just finished up my antibiotics about a week and a half ago from having bronchitis in February, and this week the violent coughing came back even worse than before and I have had shallow breathing.  I also starting having chills and night sweats, so I went back to the Dr. and they believe that I may now have pneumonia, but they can't know for sure without an x-ray, and they can't do that when you are pregnant.  I at least still have bronchitis,  but I was showing diminished breathing in my right lung and some of the other symptoms I was experiencing are signs of pneumonia.  I was given a Z Pac on Friday and put out of work today and tomorrow.  I have an OB appointment tomorrow and we will see how I am feeling then and my OB will need to decide what happens from there if I'm not better.  I am feeling a little better, my coughing is not as bad, but I still can't take very deep breaths.  It is hard to know what is caused by sickness and what is just a normal issue in pregnancy.

Little Savannah has been quite the acrobat this week!  I have enjoyed watching my stomach move all around and feel all her movements.  They have been stronger this week than any other week.  My parents both were able to finally feel her move this past week- they are the only other ones to feel her move besides Jeremy and I.  Savannah must be shy, she'll stop moving when others try and feel her kicks!

I'm happy to say that I have been able to maintain my weight well over the past month since my last OB appointment.  We'll see for sure tomorrow at my appointment, but from our scale at home, I believe that I have gained only a pound, if any, this month.  That puts me at 21 pounds gained so far with 8 weeks left to go.  I think I'll be able to stay right around 30 pounds for the pregnancy, which is only slightly more than the recommended 25.      

Jeremy was a trooper this week!  We went to breastfeeding class and although he was the only dad there, he stuck with me and we both really learned a lot.  He had his wisdom teeth taken out on Friday of this week, so he has been taking it easy this weekend trying to heal up from that.  It was so sweet- when he got out of the surgery and was still all doped up on the anesthesia, he wanted to know how me and the baby were.  I'm blessed to have a supportive husband!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

30 Weeks


I'm a little late posting this past week's picture, but better late than never.  Can you tell how miserable I was in that picture :)  This past weekend I had a ton of back pain as well as neck pain (that still is not gone).  I've decided to try and go to a chiropractor during the remainder of my pregnancy to try and ease the pain.  I have my first treatment today so I'm praying it will help!  

30 weeks seems like a huge milestone!  Only 10 more weeks to go, I can't believe it!  My mom helped me finish up Savannah's bedding for her nursery this weekend (I'll post about it soon!), showers are being planned, and overall I'm really starting to wish she was here!  Can't wait to hold her in my arms!  

Swelling has continued to be an issue this week and there are times when my wedding and engagement rings have to go on my pinky finger now.  

So ready for Savannah to be here!

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