Who will be there for the birth?

A question I've been asked many times.

Don't get me wrong, having a "communal birth" is okay for some.

But I'm not one that finds the idea of having the whole family plus other children (save for the one I'm birthing) in the room when I'm giving birth or in labor. I know what I feel like when I have a nasty migraine and the last thing I want are people around staring at me. 

So my answer is usually something along the lines of, "My husband, our midwife and her assistant."

Now, if you want your mother I can understand that, she's your mom. Or a mother figure if your mom is unable to be present. That I totally get.

Anybody else? No.

If you're pregnant or planning on becoming a parent one day I think this is something to really consider as part of your "birth plan." Who do you want at the birth? What relaxes you now and what have you noticed works when you're in an intense situation? For me it'll be a comfort knowing I have only 3 people there and I have my home comforts surrounding me. i.e. Candles, maybe some music, soft lighting, warm water, food and liquids etc... I'm a very private person when it comes to matters like these and I've never liked extra people around when I'm sick or feeling really off. Thus my wanting a home birth vs hospital. I know there'd be zero progress for reasons of too much stimulation and a lack of privacy. I don't believe in rushing both mom and baby when a birth is happening.

So.
To recap:

1. Decide what's right for you and who you want there.

2. Don't rule out a hospital if you truly feel like that's where you'll feel safest.
(After all, some offer a more relaxed atmosphere these days w/tubs or showers for labor.)

3. Know that having a voice of reason to take a firm stand while at a hospital is something you'll want to save you from unneeded interventions that may put both you and you baby at risk.
Some midwives even work from hospitals and they're there to step in and tell the doctors to back off.

4. And if you're having a home birth, what do you want surrounding you that makes you feel safe and calm?

Heck these are even questions for mothers who have already had children and are possibly looking for a different alternative than the last time. Esp if they're wanting to see things done differently.

Remember, you're a woman and your body was designed to have babies, deep down you know what's best for you and that precious bundle you're about to give birth to. Everything my midwife has told me, i've heard from many others and or read about states in a clear voice that all you need to do is listen to what your body is telling you during labor and to try and relax. If you need to shift positions or have somebody speak for you, do it.

God designed your body for incredible things and growing a baby to one day give birth and after to feed your infant is prob the most miraculous of them all!! Don't let anybody tell you different.

Psalm 139:13

Shannon <3 

The baby's gender!!!

I've been rather lazy about this blog lately and I deeply apologize!

Things have begun to get to a new level of crazy here and though I have a couple other blog topics started I have had zero time to finish them... Frustrating indeed. 

First off we learned the sex of the baby and we're happy to announce that it's a boy!!!

Not only was that the main guess family and friends kept saying but it's what I felt in my heart.

He wasn't shy about showing us either.  ;)

He's a strong kicker and loves to wiggle, my goodness does he ever...

I am loving this growing sensation inside and it's hard to put that type of joy into words!

His movements bring me an excitement that I will one day soon be holding him and loving him.

The first time my husband felt him was one of the most precious moments of our married life.

I have started to feel "big" and it's difficult when you're trying to get out of your bed that happens to be memory foam... I feel like a turtle. I have also found pants may fit in the butt and legs still but the belly is a different story. Baby Pase sits so low he's making my gut difficult to fit into some pants that should've taken me all the way, guess he has a different idea. Oh well, I'll at least have these pants for after before I'm back into my normal size. That shouldn't take too long but thank heavens for maternity clothes looking so amazing these days!!

I have a few set cravings I can pin point now and they are as follows:

Cream soda

BBQ

Spicy foods

Those are what I'll usually want along side the regular tummy hunger savers I wrote about a few blogs back, http://pregnantaesty.blogspot.com/2012/09/foods-that-have-saved-my-hungry.html

To say the least, I'm VERY excited about the up an coming Holidays!!!

I have noticed foods my husband loves the baby "wants"

Like father, like son.

I do still have a few "yuck" days here and there, but it's nothing I can't handle. :)

My energy has been in the toilet but the last week or so it's been ok, maybe even a little better?

Not sure. All I know is with the 2nd tri coming to a close I'm feeling an urgency to start getting things done and getting those things done on a budget is the goal.

My husband is in the home stretch with our bathroom and that has me feeling amazing as I can't wait to be able to finally use it!! One of many things I can check off my list... He's doing such an amazing job!

Continuing with my newest end of the day cleansing routine has been a life saver for my skin, I am relieved. Such a drastic change in how my skin looks now vs before. I feel more confident when I take my makeup off at the end of the day. Here's the routine I blogged about, http://shannonaestydiygoodies.blogspot.com/2012/09/deeper-nightly-diy-facial-cleanse.html

Water, I have been dying of thirst lately and can't seem to drink enough!

In return I am living in the bathroom some days, esp since I have a bladder boxer for a son.

Sleeping is good but it is still touch and go at times, esp since I can feel muscles starting to tense up towards the end of the day. If I can get a workout in that helps and if I remember to take what's called "Natural Calm" I'm usually good to go. I also have taken to baths as I have probably mentioned before.

I can feel my body prepping for the home stretch and I am starting to hit that point of wanting to be done...The days where my back locks up on me from all of this change are the days I'm REALLY ready for it to hurry up. My back not getting back to normal from that person who rear-ended me is making it difficult some days but I find it all worth it as there's a cuddly reward at the end of all this!

Felt a couple brax hicks last week and it was an odd feeling indeed!

Kinda felt like somebody was squeezing my insides like an orange when making orange juice. haha

I'm looking at the time and seeing I need to get a move on if I'm going to be accomplishing anything today... i.e. stuff I forgot about yesterday. 

Have a blessed day!

Blessings,

Shannon <3 

Hormone surges and practicing for labor

I've realized something this week...

When the baby has a huge growth spurt and my hunger grows along with it, I also notice my tummy will feel slightly blah as well. There's a hormone surge each growth spurt and with that I think my stomach just doesn't know how to fully handle it. It's taken me a few rounds to really figure this out.

I don't get sick which is a huge blessing. I just take it easy and do what I need to do to keep my body happy. i.e. Eating before I get starving and keeping something with me in my purse and trying to stay as hydrated as possible!

I'm feeling really good all the way around, just insanely tired and I have a goofy muscle that likes to lock up in my back. The same side every time due to it being the baby's favorite place to camp out. A warm bath feels AMAZING and has been my favorite thing to do!! I have never been so addicted to water before. Gives me time to just let go and relax, which is great practice for labor.

Speaking of practicing for labor, I started trying different stretches and body movements while working out when I have the energy. I'm using my focus in a different way and breathe evenly (This is what I've learned with some of my head injury stuff that pops up now an then.). If I feel my back locking up I'll walk it off and find different ways other than a bath to help ease the discomfort. Mainly, relaxing and letting my body do what it needs to and asking somebody to rub that area. Esp since Kyle and I have opted out on birthing classes. Can't let things like this be left for last min prepping!

"Ride the wave and let your body take over. Just remember to RELAX!"

I saw that on a post from a mom who said that was the only thing that saved her butt during labor.
Many moms have expressed the same so we're feeling pretty confident.

Pretty sure I've mentioned some of this before, but as always I ask for forgiveness as I may say things a few times. Some days I feel mentally disconnected and wow haha it's weird.

I'm enjoying this stage of my life even if it does come with a few uncomfortable ticks now an then. :)

Life is good!

Shannon <3