Celebration, Connection, Communication

The three of us went to a gathering yesterday put on by our midwifery in honour of Int'l Midwives Day. We found out that our midwife is moving on and opening her own practice several hours away. I wanted her to be our midwife for baby #2 (should there be a baby #2). But now I am thinking it'll be nice to have a new midwife. The new one won't come with the baggage that was C's complicated birth. There is something fresh about that.

At this gathering we met up with an old acquaintance - really not a friend - who is a single queer mama pregnant with baby #2 and due 5(!) days ago. She looked lovely and ready. She's going to be our link to other queer mamas in our city. I've been wanting a little community.

Also, sleep in our house has been sucky - and we've had to step up our communication skills as partners. We are doing better today, but the last few days... oy. Lack of sleep can be hard on relationships - and that is all I am saying for now on this issue.

Weight Check

C went to see the midwife today. Not an appointment we just wanted to use their scales. I don't own a scale myself so I like to use theirs to see if I am losing. And of course I like weighing C to see if she is gaining. And she is. 12lbs 5 oz with clothes on.

Then T, our midwife, came out of an office and chatted with us a bit. I heart T. I really do. She was a major part of one of the biggest most important things I've ever done - pregnancy and birth. She was there when C was born (when I wasn't able to be - and nor was partner A). So T is important. More than she knows. I am actually a bit shy when I get around her. I've made her all big in my mind.

We also purchased car #2! C slept in the cuddly wrap while we were in the dealership - then we nursed in the washroom (it was actually comfy) - then she smiled at all the car dealership people. Now she is home. Tired, yet wide awake... I am nursing her now.

Another Baby?

Today was the last appointment with the midwife. I was actually feeling a bit tearful as we waited for her.

She checked Carys out. She's now 9lbs 8oz and 22 inches long. Strong and alert. Meeting milestones.

Then she talked to me. She asked if we'd ever do it again (have another baby). I asked if what happened during the birth (fast/ hard contractions, water breaking w/meconium, placenta separating, baby distress, emergency c-section under general anaesthesia) would happen again. Not likely. Would I be considered high risk? No. But you probably couldn't do a homebirth (because of the c-section). Would you be our midwife again? Absolutely.

I felt good that she'd be our midwife again.

We have two more tries (Carys' donor) at the clinic.

To tell the truth, I think I am considering another baby because I want another pregnancy because of my birth experience with Carys. Not exactly the best reason to want another baby. Good thing I have to actually go to a clinic to get pregnant.

If and when we get pregnant again it will be because we want another baby. I will have healed by then. My motivations will be clear.

36 Weeks - Midwife - Sewing - Pillowcases - Parties

We met another midwife on Tuesday at my 36 week appointment. Jane. She was older with long greying hair. Hippie midwife. She did the homebirth talk with us. Very thorough. I feel kind of like I felt when we finished our child birth classes - fearful-ish and overwhelmed.

We went shopping for most of our homebirth supplies after the appointment.

I've gained 37 pounds. My BP is great. Heartbeat in the 150s. Good. Head down. No protein or sugar in my urine. Good.

* * * * *

Yesterday my work threw us a baby shower. We got lots of stuff. It was like x-mas.

I've spent much of today washing baby clothes, burp cloths, diapers, booties, etc. I'm feeling very nesty. And I am loving putting the stuff away. I can't wait.

* * * * *

I've made burp cloths and diaper inserts. I bought more flannel so I can make breast pads and post partum pads.

While at the fabric store A came up with an idea. Instead of x-mas stockings we should have x-mas pillow cases. She always thought as a kid it would be fun to get a bunch of stuff in a pillow case. They had a lot of x-mas type fabric at the fabric store and we checked it out. I think x-mas pillow cases are fun. So we shall see.

* * * * *

I have thank you notes to write.

34 Week Appointment

34 Week Appointment with the midwife today. Everything looks good.

At one point the midwife said, "Labour is so much FUN!"

And she genuinely meant it.

31 Week Appointment with the Midwife

Met with the midwife today. 31 weeks.

• I measured 32 weeks.
• BP, good.
• Urine, good.
• Weight, 27 pounds gained so far.
• My iron is back up.
• Like the big 20 week ultrasound, the 29 1/2 week ultrasound did not show the fibroids.
• Everything looks good with the baby - except bladder was enlarged, but for now not a huge concern.
• We talked more about a home water birth.
• Also found out that the midwife will give us the paperwork to start the birth certificate sometime before the birth.

She palpated my uterus and discovered that the baby's head is down. And it's back is to my front. Excellent position. Then she let A have a feel and explained what she was feeling for.