40 Weeks, 2 Days

Ok, ok!  I know I said that I wanted to go late and that I predicted I'd have Whitten on the 25th of October.  But, I'm ready now.  Can we get this show on the road?

(October 21 - 40 weeks, 2 days)

My next appointment with the doctor is Tuesday afternoon.  At that time, I'll be just shy of 41 weeks, and the doctor will discuss inducing me.  I've always been one of those "let the baby come when he's ready!" types of folks, so I'm not exactly excited about the idea of being induced.  However, after talking to my doctor and doing some of my own research, there are some concerns about allowing a baby to go too far past his due date:

1. The placenta can stop providing sufficient nutrients to the baby.

2. There is a higher percentage of stillbirth for babies delivered after 42 weeks.

3. There is an increased risk of meconium aspiration.

Of course, there are negatives to being induced, as well:

1. More medical intervention is required (IVs, monitors, etc.)

2. Contractions are brought on medically, so they can be stronger and more painful than natural contractions.

3. There is the possibility of longer labor, which could result in an emergency c-section.

So, basically, I'm hoping that little Whitten will arrive on his own.  And, I'm hoping he'll do it sooner rather than later.  Jeff is taking his professional engineering exam on Friday the 28th.  As long as baby comes on the 26th or before or the 29th or after, we're in the clear.  But, of course, he'll come when he is good and ready.

Send labor wishes my way!

6.4 pounds, 23 inches on October 25, 2011

"6.4 pounds, 23 inches!" predicts Margaret, my life/baby/work coach and good friend.  I had my 2-week appointment yesterday, and the doctors are still saying that Whitten is going to be a small baby, likely around 6 pounds.  Margaret is convinced that he'll be long and lean and will eventually end up with the perfect build for a career in the NBA (We won't tell Jeff this, since he'd much rather Whitten end up in the PGA).  Of course, that 6-pound estimate is assuming that I deliver on my due date.

I'm due on October 19.  Other than lower-back cramping and some pelvic discomfort, I don't feel like I'll be giving birth anytime soon.  So, I'm self-assigning a new due date of October 25.  That seems like a good date to have a baby.  And, I think I'd like to have him in the evening, just sayin'.  What are my other plans for Whitten's birthday?  There are really only two so far:
1.  Private labor and delivery
I know there are women who feel that "the more the merrier" when it comes to visitors in the delivery room during labor and childbirth.  I, however, am not one of them.  I know that our families will be at the hospital before Whitten is born (assuming they have time to get here before he's born!), and they'll want to check in on Jeff and me before things start heating up.  Of course, that's fine.  But, as soon as I start breaking a sweat or squirming from pain, it's time to clear the room (except Jeff of course...I need him in there with me).  Call me old-fashioned, but I think that labor and childbirth should be private experiences.  Friends and family are welcome to visit after Whitten has arrived and I've had some time to catch a breather (and hopefully take a shower).
2.  As med-free as possible
I've never had a baby, and I've never experienced labor pains, so I can't say for sure whether or not I'll be able to go without an epidural.  But, I can say that there are things about epidurals that make me squirm, including not being able to feel the lower half of my body, having a catheter, not being able to walk around, having a needle inserted into my back (so close to my spine!), and the potential for labor to slow down.  Call me crazy if you want to! 

Jeff and I will probably go ahead and pack our hospital bag this week, just in case my "plans" don't go accordingly.  I welcome your suggestions on additional necessities, but here's what I'm planning to include:
1. Necessary toiletries (toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, etc.)
2. Clothes for Whitten (during our hospital tour, they requested that they be gown-style, so that the baby can be easily checked by the pediatrician/doctor)
3. Fuzzy socks (I'm cozy just thinking about them)
4. Nursing pads for leaking boobies
5. A couple changes of clothes for Jeff and me (I bought a cute nursing gown to change into after the baby is born...I'm sure I'll be ready to ditch the sweat-soaked hospital gown after he arrives.  Stretchy pants would probably be more comfortable, but other mommies have made the excellent point that the doctors will continue to check things out down there during my stay, so it's best to have easy access.)
6. Camera/videocamera
7. Hair dryer and hot rollers (Yes, I said hot rollers, and yes, I do plan on hot rolling my hair while in the hospital.  I don't care what anyone says, feeling pretty helps your mental state of being.)

That's all for now, folks!