October 20
Just checking in
Hi Beth,
My midwife appointment went fine today. She's guessing baby is in the 7-pound range, but I have a feeling s/he's at least 8 or so right now. (I think I'm just guessing that because Charon was 8 pounds!)
This evening, there was a very teeny tiny bit of blood when I wiped after using the bathroom. I've checked again twice, and nothing since, so it could just be my imagination/wishful thinking. 
Not mucous-y at all. Whaddaya think? We are just about packed; I'm going to have Pete find his swimsuit to put in the bag tonight. I think it will still be a week or two... but we'll see.
Caryl
Could be blood, why not? 
Sometimes that can be caused by a cervical check, or even sex. The capillaries in your cervix are very tender right now, so it doesn't take much for them to break. I suspect with all the pressure you've been feeling that it *was* a tiny bit of blood. A good sign! Any other signs? Loose BM's, low crampiness...? Do you have any dates that have been bouncing around in your head? Just curious,
B.
October 21
Just before I noticed the teeny tiny bit of blood, I'd been standing at the sink cleaning up after dinner. I was getting quite tired, and feeling some pressure, but finished up. Nothing since then, and no other signs that I've noticed. There are lots of dates I've been thinking about because there are lots of special ones around this time:
~ Oct. 28 -- my sister's birthday
~ Oct. 31 -- Halloween
~ Nov. 1 -- All Saint's Day
~ Nov. 2 -- Election Day!
~ Nov. 3 -- my dad's birthday (He says he wants a new president for his birthday. )
~ Nov. 5 -- a friend's birthday
The one that's stuck in my head the most is Election Day. We sent in our absentee ballots this week. (Have you done yours yet?) I think it would be kind of nice to focus on something else that day! Wonder if we'll even know for sure on November 3rd.
Caryl, still hungry, and out of M&M cookies. Time for another trip to Rainbow!
So interesting about the dates. I don't know if anyone's ever studied this, but I see a lot of "my due date is X, but *I* think I'll have the baby on Y." So, I guess I'll get my absentee ballot in, then!! How does John grab you if it's a boy? Or Kerry if it's a girl? Lol.
Beth
October 23
Caryl,
I've been meaning to tell you that I've been reading your pregnancy journal a little bit, and have been so touched by the thoughts and feelings that you've shared. I feel like I've had a chance to get to know you a little better. What's different about reading everything, is that I feel like I've known you since the beginning of your pregnancy. This is not often the case for us as doulas, as usually we just get to witness the last couple months. So, thanks for sharing that with me. And your kind words about finding a doula are so sweet, too .
Beth
October 26
Midwife appointment today
Hi Beth,
Another update from me. I will be 40 weeks on Thursday, and I can hardly believe it. Where has the time gone? I had a midwife appointment today, and she did do a cervical check. She said I was very soft, and about 2 cm dilated. (She could stretch me a bit more.) I was getting nervous about the whole "induction at 42 weeks" thing, and she calmed me down, and told me after she checked me that I shouldn't worry about induction right now, that things were progressing. Yay!
No more signs -- just a little crampiness now and then. We'll see when Penguin decides to show!
It is really neat that you've read some of my journal and got to experience this pregancy with me from the start, in a way.
Caryl
Hi Caryl,
That's great news, great progress! Just curious, did she strip your membranes while checking your cervix? No, don't worry about induction quite yet... you're just about there! I *do* think a long conversation in a nice bath with Penguin couldn't hurt things, though. Amazing what those mental "I'm ready to meet you" messages can do.
Beth
Nope, she didn't strip my membranes. In our discussion about induction, she did mention that as something she could do if we were wanting to get things moving, but she didn't push it at all at this point. I've heard it hurts -- have you ever had it done? What are your feelings about it? I suppose it's better than Pitocin. I am going to have Pete read from your book (Thinking Woman's Guide) about induction options so that he can help me make some of these calls.
Hopefully, we won't have to worry about it! Charon and I did talk to Penguin this morning telling her/him that we were ready and wanted to meet him/her. I found a great baby book today at Barnes & Noble that I bought for Charon. It's for a big brother or sister to fill out about their new sibling, and it's very cute. I'm saving it to give her when we get home from the hospital as a surprise "from Penguin."
I'll continue to work at coaxing this little one out.
Caryl
No, I've never personally had it done, but I have heard it's uncomfortable. People have compared it to a really rough cervical check. Yikes, THAT sounds fun. Not. Anyway, it doesn't sound like you're having to make that decision right now. I guess my opinion is that it might be an option if you're getting really close to 42 weeks, and nothing else is happening. It's a relatively small intervention (in the big picture) but it's not without risks. You could prematurely rupture your membranes, invite bacteria, not to mention encourage a baby to come out before it's really ready. I've heard of docs who do it routinely at 37 weeks, often without discussing it first. You and your midwivess are wonderful for trusting the natural process. Penguin will come soon.
B.
Stripping the membranes routinely at 37 weeks?? Eek. I've felt really good about the care I'm getting, and after that conversation yesterday with Julia, I feel like I can be pretty confident that they won't want to induce me, either, unless it looks like the benefits would outweigh the risks. They really do want this to happen naturally, as it should!
I was a little more crampy today. Not anything regular, and not anything difficult at all, just some twinges that I'd need to stop and observe, maybe five times today. I still think it's going to be a week or so.
Caryl
If you can pass a message on to Penguin for me . . . I have a root canal scheduled for tomorrow morning at 7, and I'd love nothing better than to put it off a little longer. See what you can do?
B.
October 29
Updating again - nothing much new
Well, Penguin didn't listen to me. How did your root canal go?
I ache more today, and my whole middle is feeling over-taxed. I just walked around Target, and now I'm resting before getting Charon from school. Everyone who sees me says, "Oh, I can tell by how you look that it's going to be any time now." And it would be just like Penguin to surprise us and come in two weeks, right??
Caryl
My root canal went well, thanks. I must say that although I'm all for natural childbirth, when it comes to dentistry, I'm a big old woosie. Gas and plenty of novocaine for me, oh yeah.
I have my absentee ballot in already, do you and Pete? Since Penguin missed the full moon, lunar eclipse, and now this weird weather, I'm wondering what day s/he has in mind. Oh well, plenty of big dates ahead! Or maybe s/he's waiting for one all for him/herself. In any case, it will be when the time is right.
I've heard that look that people are noticing referred to as the "ripe peach" look. Feeling like a ripe peach... big and flushed and juicy?
B.
October 30
Yup, I'm that way at the dentist, too.
And yes, we did our absentee ballots a couple of weeks ago. Glad you got yours in, too!
I ran some errands today, and one shopkeeper said to me, "You look like you're ready to pop!" I don't know if I look like a ripe peach -- maybe my belly does, and I look like the harrassed, tired branch that's waiting for it to drop.
Last night, Penguin decided to stretch a lot, and it took me a while to get to sleep. Felt a little bit achey, and I kept wondering if it would turn into anything bigger. Every little twinge now has got me excited. But, nothing. I think I need to scrub the kitchen floor or something.
I am feeling like nesting again, after being pretty tired these last two weeks. Maybe this is that last push, huh? I promise not to overdo it, so that I can save most of my energy for the birth. I can't wait!!!!
Caryl
Lol, I have a hard time picturing sweet, happy you as a harassed, tired branch. I know what it feels like, though, to be so "ready, already". Especially when this baby *could* have been here two weeks ago! So, scrub away, Laura Ingalls. Go knead some bread or something.
On a happy note, however, think of all the women in active labor tonight who grudgingly must fall back one hour. And you and Penguin get an extra hour of sleep instead... how delightful!
Beth
October 31
Happy Halloween! I went out trick-or-treating tonight with Charon and my parents, and it felt good to walk a lot. Just a few blocks, around our neighborhood, so nothing too crazy. Someone had a pumpkin carved with John Kerry's face!
Earlier today I think I saw a little bit of my mucous plug -- just the size of a penny or so. I didn't see it with Charon, so I have no idea what to expect. I know some women pass it all at once, some bit by bit, and some don't even know when they do.
Caryl
You're right about the mucous plug, that it is really hard to tell if/when it comes out, and how to positively identify it. Won't be long now. You might want to spend some extra time doing some ball work, and really encouraging Penguin to get into position. Pelvic tilts can be helpful in relieving the pressure on your bladder, as well as encouraging rotation. My guess is that you'll be home, all tucked in, by this time next week.
Beth
November 1
I hope you're right and that Penguin comes by next week. I did some pelvic tilts today, and will do a few more now that Charon's in bed, as well as hang out with the birth ball. My body is getting really stiff and awkward, and I can't wait to carry this kid around *outside* of me!
Caryl
Ever try massage? I know a fabulous massage therapist. She specializes in prenatal massage. Having your acupressure points worked might just be the ticket, not to mention lying comfortably for an hour or so.
B.
November 2
I've been going to a massage therapist throughout my pregnancy, and it feels great! I actually had an appointment last week, and I made another one for this Thursday, thinking I deserved it if baby wasn't here yet. We talked about working the pressure points a bit, so maybe I'll give her a call or send her an e-mail and tell her I'm ready to try a little something.
I have a midwife appointment this afternoon, and I think I'll have her do a cervical check again, just to tell me where I'm at and make me feel like something's happening. I hope I'm at least at 3 cm! (I was 2 last week.) She may ask if I want her to strip membranes a bit, and I think I'm going to tell her I'd like to try some other things first... I may be ready for that next Tuesday, though! What do you think?
Everyone's been telling me that walking is what got them going. Maybe I'll take a walk this afternoon while Charon's in school (and bring my cell phone with me.) I could walk down to our polling place, and the library, and back, just to get excited and see if there are long lines. Maybe Penguin's going to wait until the returns start coming in . . .
Caryl
I don't know what is producing more anxiety and anticipation in me, Penguin's arrival or this election. Actually, that's an easy one. I've made a promise to myself that I wouldn't sit by the radio or tv today until things start looking a little more certain. Not unlike a cervical check! I may peek, however, just to see if there's any "progress"
Let me know how it goes today at the midwife.
Beth
[Note: I had some labor pains all of the evening of November 2. They were not regular - about 15-30 minutes apart, but 5 minutes long, with no noticeable "peak." Had quite a bit of back pain. The "contractions" were enough to keep me awake all night. Pete and I expected it to develop into something more, so we called Beth and the midwife to check in, and my parents to come over to be with Charon, just in case. They tapered off by noon the next day, and by the afternoon of the 3rd, I felt pretty much like I did on November 1st. Still pregnant, and past my due date.]
November 3
Still on a break from labor...
Hi Beth,
Just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know it's still very quiet at our house. Nothing big since I talked to you. I get a tiny bit achey every now and then, or feel a little tightness, but nothing at all like last night's intensity. Pete and I took another good nap, and then this evening we had a nice walk around the block. Had some supper, and now I'm nibbling on those dried apricots you suggested. Yum!
Charon is at my parents' house tonight, and it helps to know that if something happens quickly, I don't have to worry about waking her up. I don't think much will happen tonight though. I wish it would, but I'm trying to look at this as a wonderful opportunity to rest up a bit more for the birth.
Penguin is still moving around a lot, but I'm not having any back pain today/tonight. Think that means s/he's in a better spot now? Okay, kiddo, we're ready when you are!
Thanks again for the loan of your birth ball. That was one of the few ways I was able to cope last night!
Caryl
That sounds great, like you're moving in the right direction! I'm a wee bit concerned that with all this prelabor going on that you might be emotionally/psychologically worn down by the time things really get going. It's easy to get into the "I've been at this for three days" trap (fertile ground for drugs, induction, or otherwise scrapping The Plan). My advice would be to send Pete to work, send Charon to school, and tomorrow go about your life like it's just another day. Unless, of course, Penguin has another idea .
I do think it is helpful to be resting, eating well and drinking plenty right now. I wish all moms in their last weeks would be as diligent! But pay close attention to where you're at mentally, too, and don't rush into this in case you still have a few days to go. You never know... these sweet babies can be kind of flaky sometimes.
Hang in there, you're very close now.
Beth
November 4
Beth, you are great. I will be sure to take care of my mind as well as my body. I called my friend today who had two "false starts" in August with her third baby, and it was great to hear what she suggested and to know that it will happen soon.
I am feeling pretty positive right now. If I did that all last night/this morning, and now I get a break, that's really lovely, isn't it? I want to meet Penguin soon, but I know it's up to this babe and nature when that will happen. I will try to follow the path they are taking us on.
Flaky is a great word for it. Tonight I am sitting here feeling like life is back to normal and I just imagined it all. We've encouraged my parents to help us get Charon back to the school routine tomorrow, and I've told Pete that he should go to work. I will just hang out here and maybe write another journal entry, read, and rest.
Unless Penguin changes our minds.
Caryl
I had a dream about you, Pete, and Penguin last night. I'll keep the details to myself for now, just to see how prophetic it is (or isn't!). It included Penguin's size, sex, and place of birth. I don't normally get these dreams for other people, but it happened a lot with all of my own pregnancies. Maybe I'm just feeling extra connected with you guys?!
Beth
It will be fun to hear the details of your dream and see how Penguin's birth actually compares. How cool that you dreamt about us!
Today was a dull day, but that was good. We all went about our regular routine. Charon and I are both fighting colds now, so we are taking it easy and taking good care of each other.
I had my massage tonight, and she worked my pressure points and explained them to me in case I want Pete to work on them a bit, too. Nothing's started, but it sure felt good.
I feel like Penguin's dropped a bit lower, and I feel lots of sweet movement. Little feet poking around, and I think s/he's settled into a good position now. I was reading The Birth Partner today, and noticed the laboring positions they recommended for early labor and encouraging better positioning for baby were the ones I wanted to do, the ones that felt right. So, I bet you were right about Penguin getting into a good position that night, preparing for the birth.
I don't think it will be too long now.
Caryl
Oh good, I'm so glad you had a massage. It's just like a little piece of heaven, isn't it? What points did she work? I should have remembered to mention this, but you could have asked her to mark them on you in permanent marker, for future use in labor. I know some of them (ankles, calves, toes) but there's nothing as good as getting the spot exactly right. Since you've been seeing her this long, I'm sure she knows your body really well.
Isn't it funny how we just know what positions to get into if we're in tune? Trust your body; it knows what it's doing and what it needs.
I hope you and Charon get well soon. Up those fluids, now more than ever!
Hope to hear from you soon,
Beth
November 5
I am achey again today, off and on. Woke up a few times last night feeling aches, too. Nothing big, just reminds me a bit of how I felt on Tuesday during the day. And there are no election results coming tonight to stress me out!
Caryl
