Little Brother is Born...

I had a plan.
We had a plan, a very specific plan.
Not everything works out according to the plan.
The plan was I was going to wake up in the morning with contractions five minutes apart and ninety seconds long, just as I had with my previous two births. I was to drop my oldest off at school and my youngest at my in-laws, have the in-laws pick up the eldest and keep both children overnight. My husband was to call out of work for the day, phone my doctor’s office (as well as my Doula – Coretta ----- Read her blog here.) to relay the contraction information and state we would be on our way to the hospital.
The plan was to deliver a happy healthy boy in delivery room one, while taking advantage of the Jacuzzi tub for a water-birth.
The plan was to go IV and medication free through the duration of my stay, which I planned on making as short as possible.

What follows is what actually happened, with Baby Brother’s birth story, I want to express that this is not how birth is for everyone, nor should it be expected to be. 

Every mother, every baby, every birth is different. 

None is better or worse than the other, each is merely a process, a beautiful process we as mothers endure in order grant life to our precious little ones. I had an all-natural birth and I thought it was awesome. BUT...I know that a lot of people do not choose the route that I took and I want to say that I completely respect that and I do not judge. Just because I think natural-birth is great, does not mean that it's for everyone. 

After two separate solid evenings of all-night contractions over a week apart leading to a whole lot of nothing and being weeks late, I was convinced of two things. 

1) My baby hates me. 

And 

2) He’s never coming out. 

I had a routine OB visit on my birthday, in which we had the unpleasant (for me) discussion of induction and the ‘risks’ of waiting for the little guy to appear on his own clock. I was ordered to complete another Ultra-sound, in which the little guy appeared perfectly healthy and I was able to buy some more time before a nearly mandated induction. 

I was given Friday (two days away), I refused. 

I was then scheduled for Monday morning to which I complied (having full and complete intentions on canceling when/if he did not arrive). 

I left the office in tears again, for nearly the 30th time this pregnancy. The most frustrating part being MY body was ready to deliver, HIS was not ready to enter the world, and so many of the conventional and even unconventional ways to speed up the process would not accomplish a darn thing. I woke the next day and BAM. 

NOTHING. 

AGAIN. 

Now, I assumed if contractions or water breaking did not occur during the night, the day was lost and he was not coming. I made this assumption because of two things, first, BOTH of my older children were born at the 9 o’clock hour, and second, I know that MOST births begin when the mother is able to relax…which for me only happens when I am out cold. I went about my day in my usual misery of discontent but I felt a ‘little off’. 

My husband for the umpteenth time offered to stay home from work ‘just in case’, I laughed and he drove to work. 

After having a VERY few sporadic contractions throughout the day, I mentioned to Coretta (View Her Blog here) had been occurring suddenly stopped, I continued with my assumption that today is NOT the day. I then packed up my daughter and drove to pick up my son from school. 

On the drive there I had two decent contractions (on the 35 minute drive), nothing while I waited in the parking lot for a ½ hour and when I loaded the children back into the car I felt a VERY SMALL gush run down my leg. I attempted NOT to freak out as I could have just peed myself. 

The contractions were completely stopped again, so I assumed, it was a small leak and things would be moving along at a snail’s pace. I proceeded to my normal mommy duties, homework help, art project, hot cocoa, snack, brownie baking, dinner preparation and playtime supervision. As I did these things the contractions returned, although they didn't seem ‘right’ (each was only 2 or 6 or 3 minutes apart, lasting 20 or 95 seconds, consistently - inconsistent and unpredictable). I then chalked it up to false labor and continued on. 

At roughly 4:30, I was keeled over in pain, false or not I needed to get the kids out of the house before I scared them. I then asked my oldest son to call his grandparents to pick them both up and pack a bag for the overnight visit. (If you ask me the call took entirely too long, because I needed the kids gone ten minutes ago). Once he hung up, I then had him telephone my grandparents to inform them we would not be joining them for dinner. (This call took too long too!) Why was everyone asking so many questions? CLEARLY, they should know I am in labor!

I then texted my husband to come home. (To which he replied.. "Are you sure?") 

Seriously annoyed and seriously in pain... and now my phone keeps ringing! First, work. Next my sister. Lastly my mother. Everyone wanting to chat!

When my in-laws arrived I could barely speak, I kissed the children good-bye, told my father-in-law to “Get OUT” (I apologized later) and went into the bathroom to splash water repeatedly on my face. Once they finally left, I heaved myself over the birthing ball sobbing that my husband was not home yet and I would have a baby at home, alone. 

When I heard his car pull in the driveway, I nearly died. I had already pushed twice. He entered the house thinking it was a false alarm. Changed from his work clothes and walked around the house (for what seemed to be aimlessly to me). I handed him my phone and he knew it was real. He called my midwife and my doula, Coretta, and berated me with questions I was in too much pain to answer. 

I let out an “I cannot do this” as every woman in labor MUST say at some point, and he reassured me. I think he assumed I was refereeing to the whole birthing process. I was not. I was in fear that I would have to give birth at home. 

I knew we were in serious jeopardy of running out of time.

I was starting to get a little bit frantic during my contractions and had a hard time staying calm, the only thing I could think of is how a baby born ANYWHERE other than in the hospital would have to be in the NICU for observations for hours. 

My husband helped me to the car, holding both of my arms and walking backwards in front of me (the ONLY work-able position) each step excruciating… he couldn't even carry me successfully and I couldn't walk unassisted. Three times during our walk to the car he asked if I wanted to just go back in the house, and once more as we attempted to get into the car. 

It felt like it took forever to get into the car. And once we finally did, I felt some relief being in the car… until the urge to push came again… and again. 

Every light we came to looked red. 

I sobbed in the front seat of the car, praying and begging he would run every red light. 

I felt a huge gush and the urge to push again. 

I was concentrating so hard on avoiding the unnecessary pushes and staying calm. 

It was an enormous relief to me when we pulled up at the hospital. I then could face the reality that little guy’s head was about to crown. I heard my husband yell to the valet for a wheel chair and he and another man lifted me into it. 

I continued to tell myself not to push, to no avail. 

It seemed we hit every road block on the way. The doors opened sooooo slowly, the elevator was miles away and the doors on the elevator did not want to close. When we approached the entry doors to the labor and delivery, I let out a huge sigh of relief. My husband pressed the buzzer for us to be let onto the labor and delivery floor, and we were let in almost immediately…a nurse and my midwife were there, ready and waiting. 

My husband wheeled me into delivery room one where our water-birth was supposed to take place. 

The midwife and the nurse helped me to stand and asked me to get on a gown. I laughed, well laughed as much as a woman could in full labor. 

In this standing position I then pushed again and could feel his head. I could also feel the eyes of everyone in the room, sort of scared, sort of out of place, sort of wondering how I was going to get undressed and in a bed in the matter of minutes or seconds that this little guy was going to be born.

 Birthing in a hospital bed was not part of the plan. I strongly believe that is what caused the vast amount of stitches with my other births, the plan was to avoid stitches at all costs and by the looks of things not only was nothing going according to the plan, but tearing also seemed inevitable and stitches seemed realistic. 

As I pushed that eighth or so time, I told the midwife to cut off my pants and get the baby. She just looked at me very strangely and reminded me the pants had an elastic waistline. The three of us managed to get my pants to my ankles and I was able to lean back slightly onto a bed, push one more time and he’s head was out all the way…inside the water bag. 

The midwife was shouting for help and for someone to get her a ‘hook’ to remove the bag, nurses rushed in from everywhere. She managed to pull the water bag off of his face and guide him the rest of the way out unassisted. 

For a second I felt robbed. 

Robbed of the birth I had planned. Robbed of every having the birth I had hoped for. Then, I heard my little guy cry. 

And in that moment nothing else mattered.

I did not care that my plan had fallen apart; I did not care of all the blood and water all over my house and car, or the clothing that needed to be tossed. I did not care that I had endured momentousness pain for hours. I did not care that I had to wait several extra weeks to see his beautiful face. 

When he was handed him to me and instantly 

nothing. 

else.

mattered. 

The nurses walked around preparing medicine after medicine for me, since I was not given anything prior to the birth, but on my behalf (and knowing my wishes) my midwife stated I did not need anything. 

My husband called Coretta to tell her ‘not to rush’ and ‘he was already here’ and she didn't believe him. We all smiled and laughed over the ‘I told you so’s’ I had stated weeks ago of barely making it to the hospital. 

My little guy was bathed and returned to my arms. 

My husband phoned all the family to share the news and Coretta walked into the room shocked she had actually been in the elevator during his birth. 

Much of my plan had fallen by the wayside, since although he made me wait weeks for his birth, he had me wait only hours for his delivery, I didn't need stitches or medication or an IV, but I did not get my water birth.

I did end up with a gorgeous, alert, healthy, little guy and an early release from the hospital.

Where is this Baby?

EVERY single one of my EDD's given to me has been surpassed.
It sounds funny to say, "every one of them", but with an irregular cycle and inconsistent measurements, it seemed every doctor or midwife I have seen during the past 41 weeks has had a difference in professional opinion as to when this little guy is coming.

• January 4, Nope.
• January 7, Not it.
• January 9, Nada.
• January 13, Goodbye.
• January 15, See ya.

When you first see your midwife or doctor they give you a date that your baby is due. Sometimes this date is changed during the course of your pregnancy, but mostly it stays the same and is looked forward to with great anticipation.

The reality is however that only 5% of babies arrive on the day they are expected. Ideally you should allow two weeks either side of your due date. Giving birth anywhere between 37 to 42 weeks is considered normal.

So where does that leave me?
In a tizzy!
I am anywhere between 1 and 12 days late.
Not quite two weeks, but pretty dang close.

Around 10% of pregnancies do go beyond 42 weeks.

In the majority of cases the outcome is good for prolonged pregnancies. It’s only a minority of cases where problems occur.
Commonly induction of labour is offered once the pregnancy exceeds 41 weeks.

There is very little a woman can do to avoid going overdue or have any control over the actual length of pregnancy, when waiting for labour to start naturally.

• Sweeping membranes – during a vaginal examination the midwife or doctor gently separate the membranes from the opening of the uterus.
• Sexual activity – A woman’s orgasm causes oxytocin to be released, as does nipple stimulation. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the uterus to contract. Semen also contains prostaglandins, which can help soften the cervix.
• Acupuncture or acupressure – consult a qualified practitioner
• Homeopathic remedies – consult a qualified practitioner
• Herbal preparations – consult a qualified practitioner
• Walking
• Good hot bowl of curry
• Castor oil. Castor oil can cause cramps, nausea, vomiting and spasmodic contractions of the uterus. Basically it is down right unpleasant.
• Breaking the waters: The waters are broken with an instrument shaped like a large crochet hook. The cervix needs to be open a couple of centimetres before the bag of waters can be broken. Breaking the waters can be an uncomfortable procedure, particularly if the cervix isn’t open very far. Breaking the waters may be enough to start labour on its own, but usually a Syntocinon intravenous infusion is required.
• Prostaglandin gel: Prostaglandin gel is placed in the back of the vagina and helps soften and ripen the cervix. In some women, labour may start without further intervention. Prostaglandin administration increases the risk of developing a temperature, diarrhoea, fetal distress and haemorrhage after birth.
• Syntocinon through an intravenous infusion: Once the waters have been broken, an intravenous drip containing the drug Syntocinon can be used. Syntocinon is a synthetic hormone that makes the uterus contract and is a fairly reliable method for starting labour. Problems associated with induction with Syntocinon include failure to progress (resulting in a caesarean birth), increased need for pain relieving drugs, need for continuous monitoring of the baby through labour, increased risk of baby becoming distressed and increased risk of haemorrhage after the birth.

Reasons of an Overdue Pregnancy:

• The exact date of the start of your last menstrual period isn't known
• This is true for me, although the date of conception IS known...
• This is your first pregnancy
• NOPE
• You've had prior overdue pregnancies
• Not as far as I originally thought, however after switching doctors it was brought to my attention that my little Bean was 10 days late!
• Overdue pregnancy runs in your family
• NOPE
• Your baby is a boy
• Ok, true, but I also had a premature boy...
• You're obese
• NOPE

Shortening Labor

Since my little man is not here yet, I have these last few (I hope) late nights in which I am able to devote to research and writing... One of the topics I have resarched is

How to Shorten Labor

which seems to be a lost cause for me!

• Evening Primrose Oil
• Evening primrose oil can be used from from 35 weeks.
• The oil contains prostaglandin, a natural form of the gel that is often inserted during a medical induction of labor.
• Its main function is to soften the cervix, meaning that your body will have to do less work to dilate you to the full 10cm required for birth.
• You can take the pills orally and also insert one internally – this is best done at night with a pad in place.
• Raspberry Leaf Tea or Pills
• Raspberry leaf has long been used to treat a variety of women’s problems including menstrual problems; it also has the added benefit of strengthening the uterus and decreasing the risk of bleeding and haemorrage during and after birth.
• Stronger uterus muscles achieve more with each contraction, which generally shortens labor times.
• The best option is to take raspberry leaf in the tablet form, as it is far stronger than the tea and therefore more likely to have the desired effect.
• You can start taking the tea or pills as early as 32 weeks – starting too late will decrease the chance they will help when labor begins.
• Good Posture
• Try your best to sit up straight and with your legs as wide as possible – slouching can be bad for two reasons:
• Baby is more likely to move into a posterior position if you slouch, causing painful back labor.
• Correct posture helps your body open up, push baby into the correct position and align your pelvis correctly.
• Avoid warm showers/baths
• Although hot baths or showers are a common recommendation to help speed up labor, they can actually have the opposite effect in early labor.
• It’s important to not have a bath or shower till you are in full established labor – otherwise labor can slow down or in some cases, stop altogether.
• Don’t avoid showers altogether though – you may get a bit smelly! But if you are having intermittent contractions or think you are in early labour, hold off for awhile.
• Pain Relieve
• Although the idea of labor without pain relief can be quite scary to many women, if you’re able to manage it, it can help shorten your labor.
• Drugs can interfere with the body’s natural ability to contract properly and therefore increase your labor time. But if you can’t go without pain relief – don’t stress. Sometimes you need it to help you get through the most painful parts of the labor
 

Baby Introduction

All parents have gain experience through parenting itself. None of us are experts in any area of parenting....Most of what I know about raising kids comes from my years of teaching, counselling children and adolescence, educational experience (child development and early elementary education) and my own grandparents example, who successfully raised five children and two grandchildren spanning two decades – who all get along. 


Now my family and I are facing a great parenting challenge...bringing home a sibling:

• When a new baby arrives, the older siblings’ role as an older sibling is as important as the new baby. 
• Explain special treatment the baby receives in terms of the baby not being able to do things the older sibling can do. (baby needs to nurse because they don’t have teeth, baby is carried because they can’t walk)
• If an older sibling expresses disgust or disdain for the baby having dirty diapers, build empathy instead of distance by commenting on how nice it is that the older sibling doesn’t have to wear diapers any more.
  
• Emphasize the older siblings’ ability to teach the baby new things. 
• When older siblings interact with the baby inappropriately, teach them an appropriate way to interact rather than getting angry or frustrated with them. 
• Talk about how much the baby likes their older siblings.
• Give lots of positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior.
• Allow room for the older siblings to regress a bit in the early months after a baby is born. There are a lot of changes happening in the home, and everyone is feeling more tired and strained than usual. Make sure the older siblings are still getting plenty of attention.

The transition should be eased...

• Have the baby bring siblings gifts, and let siblings bring baby gifts to the hospital, but ONLY IF they want to.
• Wear the baby when you want to give the baby a break from siblings.
• Encourage siblings to look after a baby doll or stuffed animal while you look after the baby.
  
• If siblings get rough with the baby and won’t redirect, sadly say that you have to remove the baby, because they aren’t being kind to the baby. I usually put the baby in a baby carrier at this point. Remind siblings that babies are people, not toys.

'Labor Inducing' Cupcakes TAKE TWO

I ate TWO delicious frosted cupcakes of lemony goodness at 4:30pm. I even ate some batter during the cupcake-making process...

• I have since had TWO contractions, over an hour apart... could just be BH... but we'll see.

I am about to eat another one at 8:00pm.
...... And no luck..... hmmm... what else?

"Labor Inducing" Lemon Cupcake

There is a resturant in North Carolina (Cappellino's Crazy Cakes) who boasts 124 births from OVER-due mamas after the consumption of their seemingly average 'Lemon drop Cupcake'...

Read about the Cupcake here in an article from Mar. of 2011.


I found TWO recipes suppossedly from the SAME bakery.

Lemon Drop Cupcakes

Makes 24 cupcakes.
For the Cupcakes

• 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sour cream

For the Frosting

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 2 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1 tablespoon milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon peel and vanilla; mix well.
3. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick).
4. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups with 1/4 cup of batter. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
5. For frosting: Cream butter and sugar in a small mixing bowl. Add lemon juice, vanilla, lemon peel, and milk; beat until smooth. Frost cupcakes.

Recipe TWO:

Triple lemondrop cupcake

Makes 24 servings
Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plus 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided
• 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 3 eggs plus 4 egg yolks, divided
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons low-fat milk, divided
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, divided
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Coat 2 (8-inch) round pans with cooking spray and flour, shaking out excess flour.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour with baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter with 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar until pale yellow. Beat in 3 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and then gradually beat in flour mixture, alternating with 1 cup milk.
4. Pour batter into pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool fully before frosting.
5. Combine 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1/2 cup lemon juice, cornstarch, 6 tablespoons butter, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Stir until sugar dissolves then reduce heat to low.
6. Beat 4 egg yolks in a small bowl and whisk in a small amount of hot lemon mixture, to temper the eggs. Lower heat and whisk egg mixture back into pot, stirring continually. Cook for 5 minutes over low heat until mixture thickens. Pour mixture into a bowl and chill until completely cool.
7. To make frosting, beat confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth and fluffy.
8. To assemble cupcake, inject each cupcake with lemon filling (or use a pastry brush to brush mixture all over exterior or cupcake) place in refirdgerator for 30 minutes. 
9. Frost cake with lemon frosting on top. Chill until ready to serve.

Birthing Yoga!

In my infinate mama research, I've found the BEST yoga positions to ease labor and delivery pains.... There are quite a few really great yoga postures and movements that bring more comfort and ease to the birthing process.

The first two of postures have you on all fours. This position has the advantage of encouraging your baby to roll their spine against your belly. A position that your doctor or midwife will call Anterior. This is the ideal position for birthing a baby because it is the path of least resistance and therefore makes for an easier birth for you and baby.

1. Cat Stretch – rock your hips forward and back. (The swaying of the low back is not appropriate for all pregnant women. In some bodies, it can simply be too much for the low back and cause strain.)

2. Child’s pose – resting and recovery.

 

3. Horizontal Figure Eights - Movements that move the hips tend to help the most in labour. This next one isn’t technically a yoga posture. It actually comes from belly dancing which has strong roots in childbirth. It feels very soothing in labour.

4. Hip Circles – standing – with support. -  Leaning on a loved one is a wonderful way to feel and be supported during your labour. Just sure to bend your knees so that you can really move your hips round and round. You can also do the figure eights supported in this way as well.

 

 

5. Hip Circles on the Ball - Again moving the hips is key. Hip circles are another great way to keep this part of the body open, loose and relaxed… just what you need to help your cervix open more easily. You can do small circles, medium circles or really big ones. 

6. Deep lunges - Once your cervix is fully opened, you will start to feel pressure as the baby makes his/her way down the birth path or canal. Deep lunges help to create more openness in the pelvis so that baby has more space to move down into.

7.  Squat - Squatting is probably the most traditional way to birth a baby. For humans, the squatting position shorts and widens the birth path or canal. It literally makes the path bigger. This is a very good thing. In addition, squatting in an upright position has the added benefit of using the force of gravity to assist your uterus in pushing the baby out. You can squat by holding onto something (most hospitals have a squatting or birth bar) or you can hold onto your partner. Alternatively you can also squat against the birthing ball.

 

 

I am JUST a mom, mildly freaking out...

Perhaps it is bad timing, perhaps I am becoming a 'crunchy mom', perhaps I am growing less content in following the rules or perhaps I have little trust in others.... I don't know... But, I stumbled accross a documentary earlier in the week that changed, or rather questioned my decisions regarding the birth of our third child (which can really take place any day now).

Pregnant in America  --- It was featured on Hulu or I probably would have missed it. Pregnant in America is a motivational, and inspirational documentary made by film maker Steve Buonagurio about the birth of his daughter Bella. Shocked by the greed of U.S. hospitals, insurance companies and medical organizations, Steve and his wife Mandy set out to create a natural home birth in a world where everything is anything but natural. The film is as much educational as it is entertaining and prepares expecting parents for their uncertain journey of being pregnant and having their baby.

Considering the birth is immenent I am totally freaking out and questioning just about every aspect of pregnancy, birth and delivery.

COME ON BABY!

Natural Induction Methods:

1. Acupressure - There are pressure points in the shoulder well, webbing between thumb and forefinger, heel and small of back. Don't stop there... Get a pedicure, a massage...

2. Balsamic Vinegar - Add a dash to your salad, even chicken when cooking.

3. Bananas - Potassium is meant to help with muscle contractions so being low can offset labor. Bananas have plenty of potassium.

4. Basil - Throw some in your cooking, the fresher, the better.

5. Black/Blue Cohosh - Taken in tea form is a common way to induce labor. Some midwives use it even during labor to increase slow contractions.

6. Borage seed oil - Meant to have similar effects to evening primrose oil - dilating and effacing.

7. Bouncing on ball/ Bumpy car ride/ sex - Spreading your legs as well as the moving up and down can help the baby move down, and sometimes the baby just needs a bit of a jiggle!

8. Castor oil

9. Clary sage oil - Use for aromatherapy as an oil or in a candle.

10. Dancing

11. Dates - Six date fruit a day in the leadup to your EDD is meant to help with dilation.

12. Eggplant - Many people swear by eggplant parmigiana.

13. Evening primrose oil - Can be taken orally from 35 weeks and used internally (good idea to do this at night and use a panty liner) from 38 weeks. It's meant to soften the cervix so that even if you do get induced, the doctor may be able to break your waters and not need any further intervention to bring on labor.

14. Glass of Wine - The slight effects of the alcohol are said to bring on labor, however remember that drinking during pregnancy is NOT recommended.

15. Golden seal - Taken in tablet form is easiest.

16. Licorice - Try to get the natural kind - Like castor oil, some people claim that the slightly laxative effect can cause cramps in the bowel which lead to contractions.

17. Mandarin oil on heels

18. Motherwort - Taken in tea or pill form.

19. Nipple stimulation - Needs to be done for approx an hour at a time.

20. Oregano - Throw some in your cooking!

21. Pineapple - Best taken fresh and raw.

22. Quinine - Not quite sure how it works but I've read that it is used in various countries - either pill or liquid form.

23. Raspberry leaf - Taken either as a tea or pill. Start at about 34 weeks - definitely strengthens the uterus, leading to a (hopefully) shorter labor, because each contraction can achieve more.

24. Relaxation excercises - Try some relaxing music and just lie back or even join a meditation class.

25. Spicy food - The reason it works may be because of the upset it causes to the digestive system which then upsets the uterus.

26. Squats - Doing a few of these each day often helps to move the baby down and into position.

27. Squaw Vine - Old remedy. Not sure how well it works.

28. Stretch and sweep of membranes - Your midwife or doctor can perform this simple procedure. A finger is inserted into the cervix and a gentle 'sweep' of the finger slightly separates the uterus wall and amniotic sac, sometimes leading to labor within hours or days. Some women say it's an easy, painless procedure, others claim it can be very painful. How well it works can also depend on if you are very far dilated or not.

29. Swimming - Relaxed swimming can help bring out the baby - both the water and the movement help.

30. Thyme Tea

31. Visualisation excercises - Many women swear by these. Try making a recording of yourself talking about the baby moving down, preparing to be born etc or just imagine it in your head.

32. Walking - The bumping up and down can help the baby move into the birth canal. In fact, this is one of the few ways that most doctors agree on for starting labor.

33. Yoga - Many places offer special classes for all stages of pregnancy.

For a few more, please visit:

Packing my bags...

Lessons I learned just in time for the THIRD time around....

DON'T:

Don't bring nursing bras, bring a nursing tank instead.

Don't bring nursing pads, boobs would leak, but not until you get home.

Don't bring baby fingernail clippers or files.

Don't bring girl stuff if you're having a boy. But, if you know the gender, stay away from the neutral stuff too.

Don't bring going home outfits that don't have legs for the car seat.

Don't bring your own underwear. You will be a fountain that spurts red for days and days (and weeks and weeks) so use those ridiculous mesh panties they provide. Use the heck out of them.

DO:

Do bring your breastfeeding pillow. BUT only if you are inexperienced...It will be your only comfort during that 3AM feed where the baby won't stay awake and you think you're going to drop him because you should be sleeping but you're not.

Do bring a tube of nipple butter/lanolin and apply it to your entire boob after EVERY feeding for at least three weeks. You'll avoid cracked and bleeding nipples that way.

Do bring a robe in case you decide to stay in your hospital gown.

Do bring a warm outfit for the baby to wear during the first night, even if the hospital website says they provide one.

Do bring baby mittens to keep them from scratching themselves (and your boobs) with sharp claws.

Do bring plastic flipflops for the shower.

Do bring snacks.

Do bring your baby memory book or journal and ask the nurses (nicely) if they'll stamp your baby's footprint in it while they're doing the birth certificate.

....and He's ROLLING

Jack's was invited to his FIRST birthday party of the school year and it happened to be a throw-back to my childhood.

Although he has NEVER even seen or heard of roller skates, I still thought it would be "fun" to give it a shot with a bunch of 5 year old and their unexpierenced skating abilities. It was painstakingly obvious that the parental folks got far more of a workout than the little ones...Still yet, the kids had a ball and actually learned quite a bit on how to "stay up" on wheels. He and his little classmates, also played a mean gave of air-hockey and pinball.

All the parents I met (the whopping three others that attended) were super nice, and "real". I think it's going to e a good year.

For real now... It's A ...

Now, let's party!

Entertaining Little Ones

# empty water bottle, put in some coins, close very tightly, and voilà -- a brand-new rattle. (Just don't leave her alone with it!)

# Create instant bathtime fun: Hand over your turkey baster as a squirt toy; add plastic funnels for scoop-and-pour games.

# Shake, rattle, and roll. Fill a few small plastic bottles half full of water and put the caps on tightly. While you check e-mail, let your child shake 'em up -- she'll love all the splashing.

# Go for color: Give your child a medicine dropper and an ice-cube tray filled with water. Add food coloring. Let him squeeze, squirt, and mix!

# A good high-chair activity while you're cooking: Take an empty tissue box, throw in a few small objects -- a washcloth, a leaf, a toy car -- and let your child reach in and feel them. Then dump them out and put in a few different things.

Toddlers on up


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# Start a pickup game: Put crayons or markers in a small pile. Kids can try to remove one at a time without disturbing the others.

# Jazz up coloring: Print out Keith Haring's imaginative artwork

# Boost ABC fun: Print out adorable alphabet coloring pages

Toddlers on up


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# Decorate balloons. Rub one until it has a static charge. Supply your child with pieces of tissue or string to put on it, and let him see what else sticks. (Just be sure to watch him.)

# Sew fun! Punch holes in an egg carton with a pen, tape on a string of yarn, and let your child thread it through the openings.

# Stay cool with ice hockey. Tip over a small wastebasket in your driveway, toss some ice cubes on the ground, and use broomsticks to see who can score the most before the ice melts

# Leaf-peep from home. Gather fall leaves from your yard, put a piece of double-sided tape on each, and let your kid stick them on the windows.

# Start a nature scrapbook. Grab a small photo album or notebook where your child can store finds like leaves and feathers.

# Grab cookie cutters and...
- Use them for stencils
- Turn melon into stars
- Cut play dough into cool shapes.

# Stamp it. Give your child things from around the house -- blocks, a wire strainer, doll's feet -- to make impressions on play dough.

# Celebrate Easter: Lay a basket on its side, line up some plastic eggs, hand your child a broom, and play huevos hockey.

# Do 3-D painting. Save up the foam blocks from your packages for your child to paint. Kids love the odd shapes.

# Make a splash! Show your child how to soak up water from one bowl with a sponge and squeeze it into another -- silly fun in the kitchen or the backyard.

# Create a love map. Draw a big heart on paper, and ask your child what's in her heart. Jot down what she says for a great Father's Day gift.

# Toss a ball in running water -- from the hose, in a shallow stream, in the ocean. Show your child how to use a small net or strainer to catch it, then throw it back and start again!

# Make a perfect valentine stamp. Slice an apple in half, then cut a "V" shape at the bottom of one of the pieces. Have your child paint the flat surface red and stamp it onto cards.

# A quick hide-and-seek game: Stick rows of Post-it notes on a piece of paper, put a sticker under one, and let your child guess where the sticker is. Then hide another!

# Declare your floors "hot lava." Your child can move around the house only by hopping on "islands" (paper taped to the floor).

# Liven up a springtime walk. Give your child a colorful lightweight scarf to hold out of the stroller and fly like a streamer in the wind.

# Make pizza cookies. Give your child lumps of cold pizza dough so she can flatten them with a potato masher. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top, bake, and serve.

# Play mix and match. Give him a few empty plastic bottles or jars and their caps, and let him figure out which go together (just keep an eye on him)

# Have a race: Use chalk to draw a curvy course on your sidewalk for an instant trike path.

# Play laundry basketball. While you sort, hand your kids rolled-up socks and an empty trash can, and promise a kiss for every "point" they make.

# Make "movies." Create a flip book

Preschoolers and up


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# Launch far-out fun. Let your child play Shuttle Tac Toe, Space Bounce, and other games at NASA Kids' Club

# Keep car trips fun:
- How high can your kids count before the next traffic light?
- Decide who'll listen for the words "new" and "old" on the radio. Whoever counts ten of her word first wins!

# Test her memory. While you do laundry, log your child on to Playkidsgames.com -- she'll have a blast clicking on lights on the turtle's shell as they come up.

# Get in the St. Paddy's Day spirit: Cover a piece of shamrock-shaped cardboard with double-sided tape. Have your child stick on green paper, leaves, and other stuff.

# Print out a Dr. Seuss game from Seussville.com

# Kick off a buggy summer! Your child can design a cool virtual insect with wings and antennae at Build-a-Bug

# Engage in fowl play. Turn an orange into a turkey: Use toothpicks to attach a cherry tomato head, raisin eyes, a baby-carrot beak, and lettuce feathers.

Baby Update

Another scare today.

We couldn't find a heart-beat in the office today...

I was not surprised.

This whole pregnancy felt 'off' since day one.

And it seems no matter how much I pray for twins, it just isn't meant to be.

In any event after a search with no luck for a heartbeat, I am escorted down the hall to the ultra sound room. I wasn't scared or worried or anything. Actually the lack of heart-beat kind of brought a solution to the fact that it has not felt like a 'normal' pregnancy at all thus far.. I actually just thought to myself, 'well, that would explain it."

I sat back in the chair and the doctor grabbed the goop and the machine kicked into gear.

I expected to see a whole lot of nothing.

But, the little bugger couldn't be heard on the fetal heart monitor because he or she would not stay still.

.

There is indeed a happy, healthy, active little one in there.

Oh, it's true...

We received confirmation this morning that our newest little edition will join our home in late December/early January. The thing is, as much as I feel like I am ready to do it all again... who really is? Parenting requires hard work! Especially if you do it right! The scary part I am facing the realization of now, is the selfish part.. My prior pregnancies have destroyed any abdominal muscles I worked so hard to recreate after each pregnancy. With the third, its nearly IMPOSSIBLE to hide because you will begin showing before MOST people even know they're pregnant. (Worst part of this is that my cousin and I are expecting literally days apart, and she with her first... yet I look 2-3 months further along)! By theory, I am supposed to be more tired and more achy with this pregnancy than ever before. It's partly because I'm a bit older, it's partly because I'm taking care of two little's while trying to grow another one, and it's partly because subsequent pregnancies are harder. The clear advantage is I am definitely not scared of the unknown. It's do-able. I clearly won't have as much anxiety about the baby as I did before, either. Maybe this is why third children tend to be mellow. The older kids will push on your tummy at least eleven times a day, and most mom's will be convinced that the new baby will be born with bruises from head to toe. (I'll let you know in December whether or not that actually happens). All of my friends will be dieting, and training for the next BIG fitness THING and here I go again again adding additional pounds to burn off in a few months, and more areas to tone and tighten and HEY even in record time. BREATHE! I AM excited, I really am! I just wish someone in ANY of those expecting or parenting manuals would address actual real thoughts of those moms who are expecting their third or fourth or even fifth baby... I mean everything changes when your expecting, again. On the third pregnancy, other than the questions about multiples, or baby size since mom is so big so early, its pretty inevitable you will hear comments about the dreaded middle child or snide remarks if you already have one child of each gender. BABIES ARE BLESSINGS! I sometimes have to remind myself of this, like when I am super tired and need a nap! Although I may want to I fight hard not to "neglect' the two current children through the exhaustion of growing the third. I have the advantage of having two healthy eaters in my house, so when every I feel a little fatigued or sick, I can break out the carrot sticks and VIOLA ENERGY for all! The BIGGEST challenge is getting the household stuff done, which clearly wont get any easier with a third craving my undivided attention 24/7. Here is where I find the time to instill in the children the value of hard-work and dedication to home and family... Since they could grasp the concept I have been explaining to them that a family is a team and we all need to work together to get everything done. Usually that everything rests on my shoulders, but as I get bigger and weaker and more tired it will be time to pass it on.

....And on the day that you were born.

--------------------------Tuesday, May 18, 2010------------------------------------ All About You… Time of birth: 9:37 am Weight: 7 pounds, 14.5 ounces Length: 21 inches Hospital: Yale City: New Haven About the Day You Were Born…. It was 30 years ago today that Mount Saint Helens in Washington State erupted causing massive damage to the landscape and killing 57 people, as well thousands of animals and damaging or destroying more than 4 billion board feet of timber, mainly by the lateral blast. You share a birthday with: Country singer, George Strait - 18-May-1952 Actress, Tina Fey - 18-May-1970 Athlete, Reggie Jackson - 18-May-1946

Is it safe to fly?

So it seems to me that everyone and their mom is pregnant RIGHT now... and in the height of the vacationing season upon us, it causes me to wonder: When is it safe to fly IF you ARE pregnant? Let's face it sometimes flying is unavoidable and sometimes pregnancies are a surprise. Right now with gas and oil costs rising people USUALLY lock in on airline low prices, and honestly WHO REALLY BUYS THE INSURANCE? So, I started scouring the Internet to discover NOT many are aware of flying pregnant. It is remotely safe..... unless you get motion sick or are HIGH-RISK....up to around 34/36 weeks. What a lot of people might NOT know is that some airlines have policies restricting flight for pregnant women. AND some insurance companies will have ISSUES with giving birth during a flight SHOULD that happen. Domestically ALL airlines are on the HONOR SYSTEM: the most stringent being... American Airlines:

• Doctor's letter required if traveling within four weeks of delivery date.
• Travel within seven days before due date or after delivery requires doctor's letter plus clearance by AA special-assistance coordinator.

and Spirit Airlines:

• In last month of pregnancy, you need a doctor's letter signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating that, based on a medical examination, travel on specified date doesn't pose a health risk.
• Travel prohibited if signs of labor exist.

Jaundice & Bilirubin

Matt and I have been inducted into parenthood. You would think that this happens at conception, or maybe the first ultra-sound, possibly at birth.... Nope.

We had such as scare. Jonathan had a touch of Jaundice and after having test after test after test run and so much blood drawn, we were facing bringing him back to the hospital. Unfortunately because of the Pediatrician office being affiliated with Saint Mary Hospital, we had no choice in were to go. I was dead set against going back to the hospital with my little mister!
The only alternative was to have him stay at home and sleep under the Bili-rubin blanket. Supposedly the doctors office called in a prescription for the blanket but they couldn't find one anywhere. Quite frankly I did not believe them. My mom and Matt immediately got one the telephone and proceeded to call every hospital storage facility in the state to find the blanket we needed. Andthey found one! When we called the doctor to tell them we found one, they told us it was "too late" and we had no choice and must get him to the hospital immediately, (since there was no gurarentee that it could be at our house in time.
I was terrified. My poor little mister was sick and I was helpless to save him!
Matt, thank God found a blanket in a wharehouse in Milford and telepohone the truck driver to let him in to search the wharehouse for it! He arrived home, blanket in hand in one hour! And Jonathan was safe and sound! My little alien baby!