Thursday, March 12, 2009

18-20 week pregnancy update

Here’s a picture from 18 weeks, when I was originally planning to post ☺ (I’m at 19.5 now). I tried taking a picture in the same shirt and jeans as the first pictures, per my dad’s request, but it just didn’t work. It’s not the best picture ever, but it gives you an idea. I think my belly’s sticking out at least another inch or two in the last week and a half.


Last week, I had my first person ask me if I was pregnant, just from looking. My belly still doesn’t stick out too far, but she had noticed that it was poking out and hadn’t been a month or two ago. I’m ready to start looking more pregnant now. I can feel myself walking a little differently and I can definitely feel all sorts of things stretching in my abdomen.

We heard a good strong heartbeat when I did finally go in for my last appointment (about 17 weeks). I also got to meet the new midwife in the practice and talk through what I was thinking about the different options for birth classes.

I’m 99% sure that we’re going to go with a Bradley class, which I hope will be helpful for really knowing the things we need to know to make good decisions and avoiding any interventions unless absolutely necessary, as well as helping empower Dave as a partner for the birth. One of the critiques I’ve heard about the Bradley method is that it tends to be very rigid – i.e. this is the proper way to give birth and you need to do this and this and this – and I’m definitely picking up that vibe from the Bradley book I’ve been skimming. All things considered, though, I still think it’s going to be the best option for us for a class, but I want to make sure that I have a really good doula who can help me to just relax, go with the flow, trust my body and follow my instincts – which are some of the really helpful aspects of other birthing philosophies/ways of preparing for natural childbirth. I’m not totally sure we’re making the right choice, but I’m hoping to get the best of both worlds between a good midwife, the Bradley class and a good doula.

I forgot to mention in my last post that my mom and I went to the cloth diaper store in Ann Arbor while she was here – so. much. fun! It was incredibly helpful to be able to feel and try the different kinds of diapers and to hear from other experienced parents. It actually changed my perspective on some of the different cloth diaper options. I can’t wait until it’s time to actually have them and use them!

Overall, I’m feeling good. I’m still tired, but not much more than I normally would be, as long as I get a good night’s sleep. I had a few days where all I wanted to do was clean, organize and decorate my house, but I was too busy working, and now that I’ve been a little less busy, I’m not so motivated. Hopefully that nesting urge will come back again soon!

10 comments:

his wife, their mama said...

Great to hear such wonderful news! Your tummy is looking pretty darn cute (have I mentioned I lOVE pregnant tummies?)! It sounds like you're making some awesome birthing decisions and I hope that you and Dave feel good about them too. It is hard trying to feel like you're totally prepared for an experience that's known for being so unpredictable, but trust yourself; you're making great decisions for you and your baby!
Hugs and love!

megs92 said...

Thanks for the great update :) I think it's so fun that cloth diapers are trendy enough now that there's a diaper store! When we were little, that's all my mom ever used. Guess our moms were green before their times :) ~Megan~

Julie said...

A clothe diapering STORE? I bet that was so amazing! Even just to have a little place that has samples of everything would be fabulous.

Rita Loca said...

Adorable tummy!

Sister George said...

Sounds like everything is going well! I can't believe they actually have a Cloth Diaper store? I used them and if you want any advice, I can help...great going!

J.L. Neyhart said...

I just love reading your updates!

Tara said...

Cute belly!

At the last minute I switched to a midwife (34 weeks) and at the VERY last minute we decided to interview a doula. I went into labor the next day, and amazingly, she was able to be there for the birth! I highly recommend having one. Sounds like you guys are on a great path to having the birth you want. :-)

Katie said...

I *LOVE* that store in AA - I could stay there for hours.
I read a couple of Bradley books, and we took a natural childbirth class that didn't follow any particular method (but was definitely pro-female helpers like doulas, etc. and not necessarily so much on the husband-coached childbirth).
I liked having both perspectives - I didn't use a doula or midwife last time (am using a midwife instead of Dr. this time) - but I found both extremely helpful. The class helped me with confidence in my decisions, and generally being well-informed, a good support system, etc. But I used the Bradley method specifically at the very end (before pushing) - the contractions were super intense and the Bradley method was wonderful for keeping me relaxed and progressing.
I think you'll be great - it's so much fun to explore all the options out there for childbirth and mothering - I love trying to get back to basics - God made us and made the earth a certain way - and it is GOOD! :)
Your belly is TEENY!! Mine's huge by comparison - it just jumped right out there this time around...

Unknown said...

I remembered your mention of clothes diapers this morning when I saw this article in the Louisville Courier-Journal:

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090322/BUSINESS/903220320/1003

I'm glad you're doing the belly pictures - you'll enjoy having them down the road.

Christine said...

I think you are making some excellent decisions in preparing for your precious baby's arrival. I recommend meeting with your local Bradley teacher, before signing up for the class. I had a phenomenal Bradley teacher, and I firmly believe that that made a BIG difference. I learned so much at class that I truly believe that it was worth more than the $200 that I paid to take it! For the first time, I truly understood about all the stages of labor, and I learned to listen to my body. Having a good doula is so important. Praying for you!