10 ways to comfort a laboring woman

to all the MOM's out there who happen to be slightly interested in reading this blog of my life and pregnancy....

is this list accurate? should anything be removed and/or am I missing anything?

10 Ways to Comfort a Laboring Woman

1. Massage her face to help release stress and relax her.
2. Remind her to go to the bathroom every hour. A full bladder is not only uncomfortable but can stall labor.
3. Try cool compresses on her neck and face. Even lightly washing her face can feel good when she's working so hard.
4. Encourage her to drink fluids and eat to comfort if her care providers will allow it. Eating and drinking will help restore used energy for the marathon of labor.
5. Help her change positions to encourage the progress of labor. Some positions will provide pain relief, others may feel more painful. Do what works for her.
6. If her back is hurting do counter pressure with your hands on the small of her back (or wherever she says to do it) as hard as she likes. Doing this in the hands and knees position will also help with the pain.
7. Be there for her. Even when she may say that she doesn't wish to be touched, being there for her is very important. Just stand near her so that she can feel your presence and verbally encourage her.
8. Try the shower or tub. Water in labor is very good for pain relief of all sorts.
9. Use a heat pad, rice sock or warm blanket to her lower back, limbs or perineum (at the end) to help her.
10. Remind her of why she's doing this: The baby!

It's getting closer and closer to the BIG day and honestly I'm starting to get a little nervous. Dave and I have decided that we should probably take some sort of Lamaze class, but I hope it's not too late to sign up. I've forgotten that Dave has NEVER experienced a birth or a "laboring woman," so I think it would be best for us to learn dome breathing techniques. He refuses to watch a delivery because he wants it to be "special" and "our experience" (Ha! GOOD LUCK)

25 weeks

Well, it seems that I'm at the stage in pregnancy that the aches and pains start to show their true colors. For the most part, I still feel really good and have my energy...but I do have a couple aches and pains. My cyatic nerve has acted up and has been irritating be for a couple months now but because I had this pain with the girls I was expecting and accepting it. Now, I have started to feel a pain in my pubic bone. I'm not talking about a little ache or the 'stretching' you constantly feel, but an awful pain when ever I stand up from sitting or lying down in my bone. I talked to the Doctor on Friday and he said it was completely normal and I should try a support belt to take the weight off my pelvis. So, I'll let you know how that works...

... I still have to say being pregnant is great and I wouldn't trade it for the world...

I had my 6 month check up on Friday and everything seems to be on track. I've gained 5 lbs since my last appt. which means a total of 12 lbs and that I'm satisfied with. My fundus height (remember: it the measurement from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) is 24 cm, which the Dr. said is normal and baby Yadrick's heart rate is 150bpm.

I talked to the Dr. about my delivery. I'm going to be attempting to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) delivery. However, there are risk in these deliveries one being the rupture of my uterus at the scar location. This being my main concern, I asked the Dr. if he will only allow my body be in labor for a specific length of time and then deliver me by c-section. Surprisingly, he said he will allow me and my body to takes it's course and however long it may take then so be it. I'm optimistic about the whole thing and realize that whatever happens, happens. I just want to make sure my baby and I are safe.

our new bathroom

...before...

...after...

23 weeks

so, it's been a while since I've posted anything, but honestly there hasn't been much to post. I've grown a little bit, but that's about it. I have a Dr. appt next Friday, so I'll be able to say how much weight I've gained.

Baby Yadrick has definitely become more active. Just last night, she woke me up from a deep sleep with hiccups. This little girl has some strength...she's been kick like crazy for the last couple weeks and they just keep getting stronger. So as I was pondering my thoughts at 4:30am, I kept thinking how do fetuses live in water for 9 months and survive. I know there is a scientific explanation, but this is the kind of stuff I think about in the wee hours of the morning.

Hannah and Alyssa start PRESCHOOL July 30th! I am in amazement and must come to the realization that they are growing up. It is just happening so fast and I don't know if I'm ready for it. I honestly think it will be more difficult for me the first day than it will be for the girls. We are starting them a little earlier in the year so it gives them time to get sick before the baby comes. We'll see how our "perfect" planning really turns out.