Josh and I are loving her to the fullest! We can't wait to bring her home! :)
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Josh and I are loving her to the fullest! We can't wait to bring her home! :)
I also pray that our baby will get into a perfect position and prepare to come. Direct my paths on how these overdue days should be spent. Lord, bring this baby the way that You have designed,
In Jesus name, AMEN :)
I guess she isn't ready to come out yet and that is okay with us! We know when the time is right, she will be born!
I am actually pretty comfortable but the heat is making it a little more difficult. I've never enjoyed the heat and now that I am pregnant it, I despise it even more! At least I am almost done...
Baby Emily has been wiggling and kicking a lot more these days and sometimes it is non-stop! I think she may be getting uncomfortable in there. :)
Well, that's it for now...I just wanted to update everyone and let you all know that I am still pregnant! :)
"Some mothers who blame the reengineered diapers for causing rashes, even "chemical burns," have started a Facebook page to detail their claims and press P&G to reverse course. The claims quickly gained traction, leading this month to a lawsuit and inquiries by product-safety regulators in the U.S. and Canada."
Nearly11% of Procter & Gamble's $79 billion revenue comes from the pampers brand.
Yikes, right? It just fuels my decision to cloth diaper. Hopefully more parents will now be INFORMED consumers! :)
Also, in case you didn't hear:
Drop-side cribs are malfunctioning and trapping and smothering kids. There have been at least 32 deaths in the last 9 years caused from them. Several of these cribs have been recalled in the last few years.
Read more here. Please see all recalls here.
When we visited our doctor last week I asked him if he recommended any natural ways to induce labor. He told me 3 things:
- Sex : Semen contains a hormone called Prostaglandins. It can help to ripen the cervix and prepare the cervix for delivery. Plus, when a woman has sexual orgasms, the uterus contracts. Therefore, having sex can actually help induce your labor in two ways.
- Nipple Stimulation: This is one of the more natural ways to induce labor. The stimulation of the nipple releases an oxytocin or pitocin which helps many women to have contractions, which then starts labor. This method usually only works if you are already prepared for labor. This is not recommended until you are 40 weeks pregnant.
- Walking: Every time you walk, you are using one of the natural ways to induce labor. Walking is a time-honored method of speeding labor. It uses the forces of gravity to aid in ripening the cervix to prepare for the birth of your new baby.
The good news is that the the baby is very low and has a strong heartbeat. And our Doctor said that based on the baby's position it is very very likely that I will have a successful vaginal birth!! Yay!
My body has been a little "achy" the past few days and I woke up this morning to some lower back pain; which has yet to go away. Baby is very active and I get occasional menstrual type cramps from time to time but nothing painful or too uncomfortable.
Right now we are working on "natural induction" methods. I will post about them later. :)
All in God's timing....
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author unknown:
It is important to me
that I spend a part
of the next few hours
here alone with you
in the darkness.
You and I will never be
this close again.
Soon you will be
a tiny person
all on your own.
No longer the kicking,
demanding bulge in my body
that I have grown to love so much.
I pray that you will be safely guided
on your journey to my arms
and I ask for the strength, courage and
the power of birthing, to open my body and mind for you
And ever so gently us as one will become two.
I've received a few emails asking me to post my updated birth plan. So here it is:
Our Birth Plan:
We are looking forward to sharing our birth experience with you! We have planned for a natural labor and delivery and prefer to avoid pain medication and medical interventions to the extent that is possible. We want to be informed of any procedures in advance, and request that you discuss any suggested interventions or procedures with us and obtain our verbal consent before initiating any such interventions or procedures. The following preferences are for a normal birth; we understand that should an emergency arise, the plan will change. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions. Thank you!
Labor
- Husband to be present at all times
- I would like a nurse that is supportive of a natural, med-free birth
- FHR monitored intermittently (10 to 15 minutes per every hour, as requested by Dr. Alwan) by Doppler/EFM, no internal monitoring
- Avoid stripping and artificial rupture of membranes
- I do not want an episiotomy. I understand about tearing and I want massage to be done if necessary.
- I want to keep vaginal exams to a minimum (one at admittance and one when I have urge to push).
- Allowed ability to move around and to labor in whatever position is comfortable
- Please do not offer pain medications. I am aware of my options and will request something should I find it necessary.
Delivery
- Allowed choice of pushing position
- No directed pushing unless requested
After Birth/Newborn Care
- Immediately place baby on my chest once she is born
- Offer husband opportunity to cut cord. Please wait until cord stops pulsating before it is clamped and cut.
- Perform all infant tests and procedures in room with us.
- If stitching of perineum is necessary, please use local anesthetic
- We plan to have the baby room in and should an emergency arise, either my husband or I will accompany the baby at all times.
- I wish to avoid use of Pitocin to deliver placenta and clamp down uterus. I will only allow Pitocin if I show signs of hemorrhage. My husband and I must be told this is happening.
- I would like to meet with a lactation consultant as soon as one is available
Do Not Give Baby:
- The Hepatitis B vaccine – we are vaccinating on a delayed schedule
- Antibiotic eye treatment – we are going to delay for at least an hour…until we are well past the initial bonding period.
- Please do not give baby the first bath.
- Please do not give our baby supplements (including formula, glucose, or plain water).
- Do not offer bottles, pacifiers, or any artificial nipples. We are exclusively breastfeeding.
We went to the Doctor today for check up.
We found out that my Strep B test came back negative...yay!!!
And that my cervix is still closed but baby is in head down position!
I go back in again next week...
Our insurance covers the cost of a breast pump. So today I received a "prescription" from our doctor for the Medela Electric Double Breast Pump with attachments!! What a blessing right?!
I am sure most insurances cover the cost but not enough women know about it...so help spread the word and if your in doubt, call your insurance!!!
As most of you know, we've already moved into "our new home" and we are so excited to get the house together. We still have lots of unpacking and organizing to do before baby Emily arrives. Josh is working hard getting furniture moved around and the garage and boxes organized and I am trying so hard to unpack and organize some stuff. But I get tired more quickly so I can't do too much. Although it is coming together...slowly. My nesting urge is in high gear and it doesn't help that my body is not cooperating with me! lol But, I am listening to my body and I am taking it easy. :)
I've also had to slow down physically a little. Yesterday I noticed my feet were swollen for the first time!! lol It was funny to see. Josh got a kick out of it!
I want to start swimming once or twice a week just to get some physical exercise in. I hope to use my sisters pool soon.
Nothing out of the ordinary to report. I see my dr. this week and they will do an exam (yikes!) to "feel" for the baby's position and to see if I've dilated any. Exciting right?!
I will update when I know anything. And I will try to get a belly shot on here too...
Jesus said, 'Give, and you will be blessed'...and that is exactly what we do..In honor of God’s provision, we gladly pay Him our tithes.
The Ergo's are quite expensive but we decided to make the investment. My clever hubby emailed the company asking if they ever give discounts. We received a reply back from a friendly associate stating that they would give us a deep discount if we called them (at least 20% OFF)!!!
Josh called them and we told them that we wanted the Ergo SPORT model and prayed they could give us a discount on it. And she did!! We got it for $65.00!!!! Josh also asked about the Infant Insert that is "needed" if baby is less than four months old in order to safely carry your baby in the carrier. And she threw the infant carrier in for free!!! She must have been feeling gracious. What a blessing, right!! Can't wait to use it!
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Breast milk is, without a doubt, the perfect infant nutrition. But its usefulness is not limited to babies. People of all ages can benefit from the healing properties of breastmilk. From cuts and scrapes to major illness and surgery, breastmilk can be used to boost immunities, fight infections, and soothe skin. Here are just a few of the ways that breastmilk can be used to soothe and heal.
Diaper rash
Breastmilk can heal a diaper rash as well as any rash cream on the market. Even better, there is no risk of allergic reaction to make the rash worse. Simply rub in a few drops of breastmilk on the affected area as often as needed, and allow to air-dry before putting a diaper back on.
Dry, cracked nipples
Nursing mothers often experience dry, cracked nipples, especially in the first few weeks of nursing. Lanolin is often recommended in this instance, but breastmilk works better. To heal and soothe, simply rub a drop or two of breastmilk into the nipple immediately after nursing and allow to air-dry.
Sinus, ear, and eye infections
If you or your child has a sinus, ear, or eye infection, a few drops of breastmilk will work wonders in clearing it up. Breastmilk has natural antibodies which kill infection without the harmful side effects of synthetic antibiotics, and can be administered as often as necessary without risk of overdose.
Makeup removal
Breastmilk can be used in place of cold cream to remove makeup and soften skin. Simply rub onto skin and rinse clean.
Eczema and acne
Simply rub a few drops of breastmilk into the affected area and allow to air-dry. Repeat as often as necessary to soothe and heal. Breastmilk contains natural moisturizers that will keep skin supple, which speeds the healing process.
Mosquito bites, cuts, and scrapes
Breastmilk can help relieve the itch and heal bites faster and more naturally than commercial bite remedies. A few drops of breastmilk applied to a cut or scrape before bandaging can prevent infection and speed the healing process.
Sore throat
Breastmilk is wonderful for easing the pain of a sore throat. Babies can get relief every time they nurse, but for older children and adults, a cup of expressed breastmilk can have the same effect.
Chemo patients
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment often have severe nausea after treatment. These patients can use breastmilk to calm their stomachs, help with digestion, and strengthen their weakened immune systems.
Burn patients
Burn victims can use breastmilk to help heal and protect their skin. The fat in breastmilk is an excellent skin soother and softener, and the antibodies help prevent infection.
Organ transplant patients
Patients who receive donor organs often use breastmilk to help fight infection after surgery. Organ donors can also benefit from the immunity-boosting properties of breastmilk while healing from their surgery.
These are only a few of the miraculous healing benefits of breastmilk. Who knew that our bodies could produce a substance with so much power? Breastmilk truly is liquid magic. For more information on the wonders of breastmilk, and to see the original article written by Mrs. Weekely, Click HERE.
My friend has a Bebe au Lait nursing cover and we compared them to each other and you really can't tell the difference...besides the little label in the corner.
If you are in search for a cute, trendy, quality nursing cover but don't want to spend too much money...go with Nurse Simply , you won't be disappointed!!
She also has the same pattern selection that Bebe au Lait offers!<------ this is the pattern I chose!
I just about finished packing up my hospital bag. I still have it sitting out in the open so every time I walk by and see it, I can think about what I could have possibly forgot to pack! lol
Hubby is as wonderful as ever, giving me foot rubs and back rubs, and being super understanding like 24/7. He’s awesome, and I’m so excited to see him grow into being a daddy!
We pretty much have everything we need for baby (tons of clothes!!). But we still have to get things like sheet savers, sheets, first aid kit, some bath stuff, a few bottles and a diaper bag/backpack. I started washing clothes and prepping my cloth diapers and I am working on organinzing the nursery! Fun stuff!
Here are some of my favorite tools but click HERE to see some more:
Pregnancy Tools:
Parenting Tools:
There are so many more, so take a look around. I love these sheets because they are cute and free and you can just print them out!
The Ergo Baby Carriers can be used from newborn (with Infant Insert) to toddler! And they have some cool accessories too!
Choices for newborn baby care procedures begin immediately at birth. The best preparation is to have considered them and decided beforehand what procedures you desire (or don't want) for your newborn. For a hospital birth, there are numerous routine procedures which can be administered, delayed or even refused. Unfortunately, first time parents are often unaware that many of these routine procedures are not grounded in evidence-based practice, but are rather the product of ease and access for staff.
Many parents don't realize the impact that these procedures can have on their newborn child. Once you have decided what procedures you prefer and whether you want them performed immediately or on a delayed schedule, the best way to communicate them to staff/caregivers is to include a Newborn Baby Care section in your birth plan. This will ensure that your preferences are on paper before the birth and remove any doubt as to your wishes for your new child after birth.
Another critical point to remember is that you can and absolutely have the right to receive information about each and every procedure that will be performed, as well as the right to either request the procedure be performed in your room or that a parent/guardian accompany the newborn for each one. This includes weighing, measuring and the pediatrician's evaluation of the baby - all can be performed right there in the mother's room. Remember, your first responsibility is to the welfare of your child, not to the comfort of the hospital staff nor arbitrary hospital policies.
The most commonly performed routine newborn baby care procedures to consider are:
- Delayed Cord Clamping Vs. Immediate Cord Clamping
- Newborn Vitamin K Injection
- PKU Test
- Silver Nitrate or Antibiotic Eye Ointment
- Hep B Vaccine
- To Bathe or Not to Bathe
- Circumcision
Cord Clamping
The next and perhaps most critical newborn baby care decision to be made for your baby's welfare is cord clamping - immediate or delayed. The benefits of delayed cord clamping, which is defined as waiting until the cord has stopped pulsating until clamping or cutting it, are well-documented. Once the baby is born, its entire circulatory system undergoes an amazing transformation to allow the baby to receive oxygen via its lungs rather than through the umbilical cord - a valve in the heart closes, the lungs perfuse with blood and eventually a first breath is taken. When this delicate balance is interrupted by prematurely severing the child's lifeline, its umbilical cord, numerous undesirable side effects can occur.Top of Page
Newborn Vitamin K Injection
All newborns are born with a low level of Vitamin K which is responsible for preventing hemorrhage by enhancing the blood's clotting ability. In a small percentage of newborns, cerebral hemorrhage can occur which spurred the universal practice of newborn vitamin K injections in the United States. There are, however, some points to ponder when considering this intervention, especially the alternative of an oral dose.PKU Screening
Certain metabolic disorders, including a PKU test, are routinely screened for at birth through a heel stick blood sample. These disorders have devastating effects that are best handled with early detection and treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes. This is the least controversial newborn baby care procedure since the benefits do outweigh the risks.Hep B Vaccine
The Hep B Vaccine, a disease that is transmitted via infected blood and sexual intercourse, is given at birth in the hope of catching as many people as possible. It is not required for administration at birth and may be given at any time in childhood or adulthood. In low-risk families, it may be advisable to delay the administration to the weeks after birth, rather than injecting a minutes-old baby, causing pain as one of its first experiences outside the womb.Silver Nitrate or Antibiotic Eye Ointment
To prevent the chance of blindness due to gonorrhea from an infected mother, hospital-born babies are given silver nitrate or other antibiotic drops in their eyes, even if the mother previously screened negative for this or other STDs in her pregnancy. Silver nitrate causes pain, burning, swelling and blurred vision for the first days of life and in the vast majority of cases, is not needed when the mother is known to be free from infection.To Bathe or Not to Bathe
If there is one newborn baby care procedure that many families never consider, it's bathing a newborn. However, this may indeed be something a new family decides to decline. The vernix which coats the baby's extremely sensitive skin is the best natural moisturizer available and will protect it from infection when massaged into the skin. Additionally, a bath can cause a baby's body temperature to drop, thus necessitating further interventions to regulate it.Circumcision
Male circumcision, and female circumcision, for that matter, are very controversial subjects. Some religions require circumcision. However, there are no proven medical benefits to the procedure and significant drawbacks. It is now considered a cosmetic procedure and its routine performance is being phased out in many areas. The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer supports it. In Australia, public hospitals are no longer performing routine circumsions.-Courtesy of GivingBirth
You can check out my birth plan post here. It is still a work in progress and I have to add a few more things but feel free to check it out.
It gives the pregnant mommy a great shape and hugs belly so comfortably. It doesn't ride up like other tanks normally do.
Don't waste your money buying maternity blouses because your normal shirts don't give you enough belly coverage anymore...just buy this tank and wear it under EVERYTHING!!
It's only $16.99 right now!! They also sell it in white and beige.
What is Group B Strep?
GBS (Group B Strep) is a common, naturally occurring bacteria normally found in the intestinal tract. Approximately 40% of the population carry this bacterium and most are unaware because it is generally asymptomatic.
In normally healthy individuals who do have GBS, the good, beneficial bacteria in their intestines keeps the GBS at bay and prevent it from overgrowing and spreading. However, when a person lacks the high numbers of healthy bacteria in the gut, and the concentration of GBS in the intestinal tract is allowed to flourish, then GBS can colonize outside of the intestines and travel to and affect the vagina, bladder and occasionally the uterus. It is in this situation that a pregnant mother would test positive for GBS.
In normally healthy individuals who do have GBS, the good, beneficial bacteria in their intestines keeps the GBS at bay and prevent it from overgrowing and spreading. However, when a person lacks the high numbers of healthy bacteria in the gut, and the concentration of GBS in the intestinal tract is allowed to flourish, then GBS can colonize outside of the intestines and travel to and affect the vagina, bladder and occasionally the uterus. It is in this situation that a pregnant mother would test positive for GBS.
If you test positive, often your doctor will tell you that it's easily treated during labor with antibiotics. Antibiotics wipe out the bad bacteria AND the good bacteria. So you are prone to possible further problems like reinfection and yeast infections (new mothers can get these in their breasts).
What Can be Done Naturally?
Basically, if you promote the good bacteria in your gut, then it will win out over the bad bacteria that enters it. Good bacteria feast on fiber, and the bad thrive on sugar and animal fat. Strep b is a bad bacteria.
You can take probiotics in a capsule form. Read more on what to look for in a supplement on mercola.com or here.
Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fiber will help increase your good bacteria in your intestines. Plus, try to incorporate fermented foods like yogurt (try plain kefir since it's lower in sugar...you can even make your own)---put it in a smoothie or oatmeal. Other fermented foods include sauerkraut and miso. Be careful with yogurt...they don't have as many "good bacteria" as kefir and most yogurts sold at our local grocery stores have added sugars and high fructose corn syrup.
Garlic is also known to kill the bacterium in the vagina. Using a piece of sterile gauze, wrap a garlic bulb and insert it into the vagina and leave the tail of the gauze hanging down for easy removal. Leave in place for 3 days before the Strep test (changing for a fresh bulb each day). The garlic will kill the Strep bacterium. Not sure if I will be trying this one...kinda scares me to put anything up there right now..lol
Many recommend you bump up your vitamin C intake as well. Take 500mg of vitamin C a 2xday.
If you come up positive for strep b, then jump all over the probiotics supplements and food (although starting them daily TODAY is ideal for anyone). Then, have your doctor check you again---and hopefully you will come up negative. It's worth a try, right? :)
Here is my what I am doing to help create more good bacteria in my body:
-I drink at least 1 cup of Organic Whole Milk Plain Kefir a day if not more. (I mix it with some granola or trail mix. I also make a smoothie out of it. There are several different flavors available if "plain" isn't your style)
-I take 1000mg of Vitamin C a day
If you have any questions, let me know. There are a few other natural ways to help prevent strep b that I didn't mention.
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