Hello! How is your weekend going?
As I write this post, I am one day short of 36 weeks and just 1 week shy of being full-term. Speed that up by almost a week if you go by my ultrasound due date (Sept 17th) rather than the LMP due date (Sept 22). Everyone keeps telling me she could come any day now! Eek. But then I tell them we have an agreement – baby promised not to come during the kitchen renovation. I’m sure that means she’ll surprise us and come tomorrow or something.
I’ve noticed so many changes in pregnancy symptoms this week. It must be getting close to Go Time because my body seems to be in prep mode. Or at least, that’s what I’d like to think. For starters, I feel like the baby is starting to drop because the pressure on my bladder is insane this week. She feels lower too and her hiccups feel lower down. Did you know that bladders make great baby pillows? They do….and also, punching bags. Her head boppin’ on my bladder also means I feel like I have to pee about 96% of the day. When I met with my doc he seemed to think my belly had dropped since the last appointment.
I’ve also had some pelvic pain and some new shooting pains in the cervix/vaginal area this week. I like to describe the latter sensation as a lightening bolt shooting up my girly bits. If you’ve had it before, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Luckily it doesn’t happen that often. My OB said it’s normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, I’m pretty sure if I told him my toe turned green and fell off he would say it’s totally normal. I guess the man has seen it all…
What else? Preggo insomnia is back. Earlier this week I was convinced I was getting contractions in the middle of the night because I woke up with really weird pains in random spots of my stomach. They went away thankfully, so maybe it was just the good old Braxtons doing a practice run. All I remember is waking up in pain and thinking, “Thank God for epidurals” – before finally drifting off to sleep. lol.
Other than those symptoms, I’m really not having many other symptoms and overall I feel pretty darn good. Life goes on!
My friend had twin girls a month ago and we threw a big potluck at her place this week. I got to hold and feed one of her baby girls to get some “practice” in. Aside from feeling like I was going to break this tiny little angel, I think I did OK. Whew. I can’t believe we’re going to have one of our own next month. I keep picturing what it will be like when we bring her home for the very first time. I’m guessing an unexpected poop explosion might be part of it!
Still going on my walks and loving them. I haven’t had to slow down much at all, but I’m sure I will a bit as the weeks go on. I’m happy with just getting out there and moving my body. Walking is so underrated! My doc thinks it will help prepare the body for labour…wouldn’t that be a nice bonus? Now that my lower back/sciatic area pain is almost gone, I’m also thinking of incorporating some prenatal yoga stretches back into my routine.
On the food front, my nausea is still gone (yay) and I have a strong appetite, but I’m getting really tired of our kitchen reno meals. I’m hoping to have a half-functional kitchen in another 1-1.5 weeks and I can’t wait to start cooking real meals again! I don’t want to see another piece of toast for a very long time!
Remember last week when I said I couldn’t be bothered to nest? Well, that was before the entire kitchen and family room got covered in dust, thanks to the countertop installation and some indoor grinding to install the cooktop. We had a big plastic drop sheet wall put up to contain the dust, but then we found out the installers removed it way too early and the dust got everywhere. Oh hell no. Needless to say, this kicked my nesting urges into overdrive. I cleaned all night long and I could’ve gone into the wee hours of the night but Eric made me go to bed. Do not mess with a 9 month preggo lady and her nest!
Hospital bag. Eric keeps telling me I need to start packing it! I’m putting it off. I did some reading online about what to bring and oh my…some of the suggested lists are LONG. I really don’t want to pack for a week-long vacay, you know what I mean? My goal is to keep it short and sweet. [This is coming from a classic over-packer, mind you…] We’re only a short drive to the hospital so it’s not like Eric can’t grab something if need be. Plus, from what I hear the hospital stocks some pretty snazzy underwear! Meow.
Anyway, feel free to leave your hospital bag suggestions…I’m all ears!
Ha, nothing like labor stories to get women opening up about the most personal details of their lives!
Most of what I really needed was mentioned: thick pads, some toiletries to make me feel sane, nursing pillow, my cell phone, etc. Flip-flops were essential during labor and for the shower. I labored on a ball for several hours and my water broke. They prevented slipping and fortunately, were washable!
If you do intend to try to labor without an epidural, things to help you during that process will be necessary (we brought our computer and music and dried apricots and almond-paste bars which gave me, and my husband, much-needed energy). I’d also brought a picture of the beach to focus on and candles to make the room cozy but I ended up mostly focusing on my husband or with my eyes closed, just breathing. The candles were vetoed by the hospital, for fear of setting off the smoke detectors (haha, hand’t thought of that!). Check and see if the hospital provides a ball to labor on. That was the one and only position I could tolerate during the worst of the contractions.
To get in the packing spirit, you can start with Baby’s bag! That one is so much cuter and less scary to pack. :-)
My son was born four weeks early in January so my mom packed my bag over the phone!
Got lots of use put of my big water bottle for sips between contractions, and face wipes to wipe the sweat off.
So exciting! I remember those cervix pains. They are sharp, quick, and brutal! I can’t recommend bringing a comfy robe enough! You never know how delivery is going to go. We had a difficult one, and I didn’t even get out of the hospital gown for 3 days. My new, comfy robe was a lifesaver. Plus, when guests visit you can throw it on over your nursing tank…my boobs blew up after the baby was born and I really appreciated the extra coverage!
The Tucks Medicated Pads were a life saver after childbirth! But it all depends what your hospital provides…ours provided all of my meals (they made vegan meals for me), underwear, tucks, pads, a little spray bottle to clean down there after going to the bathroom, diapers, wipes, and we filled a size 1 diaper with ice from the ice machine to place in my undies. They also provided swaddle blankets and taught us how to swaddle, and gave us a halo sleep sack/swaddler to keep.
The ice and tucks were amazing. After I got home, I used the tucks for another couple of weeks. If you want to use the Tucks, buy them now so they are there for you when you get home! I found that I didn’t use any of the changes of clothes I brought to the hospital, except for going home. I went home in maternity pants and a maternity shirt. But I was much more comfortable in the hospital gown (I had a really difficult delivery and could barely walk for one full week after).
And don’t rely too much on your hubby going home. Mine had to go home (only 10 minutes away) to take care of the dogs a few times, but it was really really hard for him to leave, even for such a short time.
Hi Angela! I just LOVE the ‘baby’ section of your blog- it is fabulous. Can I ask how old you are and how you and your husband decided it was the ‘right’ time to start a family? I’m currently grappling with these questions (30th birthday is fast approaching!) and I would really love to hear another woman’s take on the how’s and when’s of having the first baby. Thank you in advance and also for your amazing blog!
Angela,
I am so excited for you! Having a little one is very exciting! I did not have my bag packed before the big day as my little one came 6 weeks early. I sent my husband home to back the bag and he came back with half the house!!! What I would recommend to pack is toiletries, comfy pants, nursing tank top, underwear (for when you are done wearing the diaper the hospital gives you), your own pillow and a sweatshirt. You really don’t need all the things they tell you to pack. Just make sure you are comfy!
I don’t know if anyone has mentioned the herb witch hazel, but I found it really soothing after I had my kids. It comes in liquid form, and if you keep it cool or in the fridge, and then put some on your pads it reduces swelling, and really speeds up the healing process if you need an episiotomy. I think you can purchase it at Shoppers Drug Mart.
I had incredibly painful vaginal area with my son when I was pregnant towards the end. To the point where I had to ice my crotch. I also had terrible sciatica pain and couldn’t walk well until I got things moving… oil the joints ya know haha… also, BH contractions, I said the same thing to my husband, “These hurt so bad I will never survive labor” but guess what! Labor was SO different and I ended up not getting an epidural at all. It’s different pain. You are looking great. I can’t wait to see your little bundle of joy!!!!
ice within a newborn diaper was a lifesaver for me for DAYS after delivery!!!
No hospital bag tips (we stayed at home for both) but I just wanted to say (a) I love your cookbook and it is my most loved…We make many things from it even though I also have dozens of other cookbooks! and (b) Lots of positive birthing vibes to you!!
From a fellow Cdn girl :)
Thank you Karen!
RE: baby’s first poop.
If your babe doesn’t have her first poop during labour (it happens sometimes, especially if baby gets stressed), her first poop after birth will be a sticky, tarry mess. Meconium STAINS, and isn’t the easiest thing to wipe off her skin. If she hasn’t gone poop by the time she’s wiped off, bathed & diapered, you can rub some oil on her bum (or ask the nurse/doula new daddy! to do so). Will make the first meconium diaper change so much easier to clean up!
I’m going through the same thing over here(34 weeks today and my baby app said we should pack the hospital bag this week). Right now, I’m laying everything out in her crib so that if necessary I can stuff it all in a bag very quickly.
I’m planning to make a spreadsheet check-off list for everything we want to bring, particularly those things you can’t really pack till the second you leave(cell phone charger, camera, ect). And check it off as I add things to the bag, so that when the time comes, I can quickly see what i still need to grab.
One thing my hospital tour guide emphasized and I’ve heard from others, is to bring your own pillows!
Flavored ice chips. My husband took gatorade ( I would use something else now) and froze them in an old ice cube tray. On the day, he broke them into shavings and shoveled these into my mouth during labor. They often do not allow drinking when on epidurals but the OB said this was fine. It was so soothing and kept me hydrated. I ended up having a long/complex labor after a great pregnancy and these and my friend, the massage therapist, rubbing my legs that were shaking like an earthquake were my favorite things to have, in addition to loving support. Also, if your husband tends to be shy/quiet, make sure you have a really good advocate.
I was about to type a novel but decided jus to say that everyone has it pretty well covered above. I will say that 2 pillows from home, baby nail file in case baby comes out with long nails, small blanket for the husband for sleeping and maybe a hoodie or light jacket (we ladies are so hot from hormones so it might actually be cold in the room for them), all came in handy. Snacks are important! I knew it was time to go to the hospital when I started crying because I didn’t think we had enough snacks! ha! Even though you have a WF nearby, Eric might not be able to run out right when you guys are starving, so have bars, muffins, cookies, just snacky food. Maybe some overnight oats or chia pudding sort of thing for the morning. And coconut water or something very hydrating for after giving birth, or even during, if they let you. I totally over packed the first time. never touched the music I brought. But everyone’s experience will be different and I think it’s great to have all your bases covered, especially the first time. This time, I’m 5 days overdue right now and my bag isn’t even complete! Not smart! Oh yes, put a hefty bag and towel in your car to sit on during ride to hospital in case your water breaks on the way. Well, that ended up a novel anyway :)
I echo the padsicles!! Seriously, by my third labour I just grabbed my purse with my iphone, lip gloss and a cooler with those padsicles. You will need a lot of comfort and care down there after labour. I would also encourage you to get your own food as well. After a 12 hour labour with my first child, I remember the nurse bringing in a plain Eggo waffle. I almost cried. A gross Eggo after all that work??? I wish I took a picture of that pathetic “breakfast.”
Best of luck with your labour, Angela. You are about to be blown away with love for the rest of your life.
I think the others pretty much covered it, but in case no one else mentioned it, make sure your “going home” shoes are roomy! I had no idea my feet/ankles would be a little swollen after birth and I could barely shove them into the TOMS I packed. Also slippers for around the hospital – I bought some of those granny slippers that are kind of like ballet slippers only polyester :)
Hey Angela,
Long time follower on the blog and so happy for you. Most of the stuff to take to hospital is already covered by most ,I just wanted to say that all the nervousness you feel now will go away the moment you see your baby girl. I though i would be nervous too but boy was I wrong. :) They handed me her in my hands and I was soo confident not scared / nervous at all. I just knew I would do this…Know that feeling? It will feel the same.
so happy for you :) Definetely make Eric pack as well. My hubby didnt pack his bad and we were getting his clothes packed after my water broke. and also have him rest while he can too…It can take long with the frist time, and they get tired too considering they have to do all the running once the baby comes. .
Take care, Soumya
So excited for you! I have two little girls close apart, and both birth experiences are still very fresh for me. Had my first two weeks early, so DO pack SOON hehe! But no need to overpack, your family can bring you everything you need afterwards. The others have covered pretty much everything but I would like to mention the lip balm again. Worked wonders for me both times. Had my first with the help of an epidural, the second without. Totally recommend the epidural. Oh, and my advice is to focus on the recovery period. The labor itself is a strong and overwhelming experience but it only lasts a couple of hours. Or more,hehe, but still it is very soon over. And then come the hormones and you have to deal with a lot of things regarding your postpartum body and your feelings, not just a crying baby. Take care of YOURSELF. Read as much as you can on physical AND mental postpartum recovery because it can more time then you would think (definitely more than 6 weeks). Give yourself and your body time. And accept all the help you can get! I hate to be a downer but I wish someone had told me more about these postpartum things when I was about to go through them. Wishing you all the best!
Hospital bag necessities:
– Comfortable clothes (think yoga pants and pajamas)
– Flip flops to wear in the shower and slippers (the hospital floor is hard. standing/walking on it hurt the pads of my feet and wish i had slippers!)
– Travel-size toiletries (hospital toiletries SUCK)
– A few baby outfits for cute pics. We didn’t even think about that and all of our hospital pictures are wearing the hospital white clothes.
– iPod for music during labor/delivery
– Snacks for your husband. You won’t be able to eat the day of, but he’s going to need lots of small snacks to eat between contractions, etc. You don’t want him passing out during delivery!
– Chargers (ipod, phone, etc.)
– Comfortable black underwear (I bought boy-short black underwear and was so thankful to have them)
– Nursing bra or nursing tanks – don’t bring over-sized t-shirts for your comfy clothes because they are such a pain to nurse in!
Is your car seat installed? My son came 2.5 weeks early and my husband hadn’t installed our car seat so he had to leave the hospital early to go install and then come back to get us!
Everybody here has great suggestions, so I am not going to write everything down, but take socks!! i remember how glad I was I had couple pairs of socks to put on my feet during delivery. those feet sticking right up from delivery bed get cold! lol :)
also, nipple butter or something like that. there are vegan and natural ones. and they are safe, babies can eat them, so you can apply away! :) because your nipples will be sore. nipple butter saved my sanity :) good luck! :)
I have no hospital bag suggestions, but I agree that walking is underrated. I have been advised by my doctor & physical therapist to stop running due to a spinal abnormality (which causes pain — you can relate, I’m sure, with the sciatica stuff…that’s what this is like constantly), and so I’ve been walking and doing other low-impact activities. It’s really not so bad. Different muscles get used, too! I’ve actually thought about doing a triathlon in which I swim, bike, and WALK. If I can get over being sloooooooow, I might do it! Keep up the walking!!