Abdominal Binder

Last Friday I began wearing an "abdominal binder" for a slightly "pendulous uterus/abdomen." I looked for link to help explain these terms but had trouble finding very much pertinent info. I did find this, though, from Spinning Babies:

Using a pregnancy belt for transverse lie

When the lower abdomen is loose, as with a pendulous uterus, add a pregnancy belt to create an improved slope to the lower uterine segment.

A pregnancy belt helps the uterine ligaments hold the uterus upright so the baby can get into an upright position.

For the mom with loose ligaments, I would suggest wearing a pregnancy belt in the fifth month through to labor, and for very loose moms with a pendulous womb, then wearing the belt through pushing the baby out is safest.

Women with tight ligaments can wear a pregnancy belt too for the support is actually relaxing.

It does help my belly and back feel more supported. I kind of wish I had started wearing it a couple of months ago. I need to take it off at night as it is a bit difficult to sleep with, but it could be that I don't have quite the right size.

I do not have a sideways baby, however! The concern from my midwives is that my uterus cannot work as efficiently if it is slightly angled. Peanut is at 0 station and in good position, so getting her engaged in the cervix is not the concern. We just don't want her to "cook" for too long and get too big if my uterus is not working as efficiently as it could be.

Hypnobirthing Review

(Side note: I am toying around with Blogger's new templates. You likey?)

On Tuesday my advanced student midwife, Janna, hosted Jason and me in her home for a Hypnobirthing review and "fear release" meditation. She is, conveniently enough, also a Hypnobirthing practitioner. We reviewed my breathing techniques and the light touch massage that is oh-so relaxing.

For maybe a week or more, I have been practicing my Rainbow Relaxation script on the CD every night before I fall asleep. Some nights I am unconscious through most of the colors and regain consciousness as the script is ending! :-)

In the past several days, I've experienced a couple of nights of a few productive surges (contractions) that wake me up. No other major labor signs so far, so I guess my body is just "practicing" and strengthening my uterus! I'm hopeful that I will be able to continue getting decent rest... Fingers crossed.

More "Month 9" Ups & Downs

Time for a few more ups and downs:

Downs ... with Ups

• I tested positive again for GBS, as I did with Zyler. (See previous GBS posts.) Not a huge concern, as many women choose not to get the test and deliver perfectly healthy babies... but my supervising midwives were especially concerned for different reasons. I wanted to proceed with a home birth, so we decided to have me test again after I had been diligent about various measures to eradicate the bacteria. The drama and stress of the situation was great, due to details not appropriate for this public media, but we were successful and got a negative result! So, we have a plan of action for treatment during labor, as well as while I am still pregnant (including garlic and a chlorhexidine wash). I am trusting that all will work out as it should. I prayed for God to let me know if I should return to a hospital-planned birth (for IV antibiotics), but I have yet to receive that message. So, just another down that has become an "up." :)
• No imminent signs of labor... but my midwives are hoping I make it at least another week so as to have as strong a baby as possible. (See above bullet.) At my last checkup, however, they guesstimated a good-sized baby at maybe 7.25 lb.
• Got a little cold from Zyler. Nothing too miserable, though.
• I'm still feeling relatively good. Sleep is pretty good (most nights), and my diastasis recti isn't quite as painful as a few weeks ago.
• Zyler's new room (aka "blue room") is coming along. (I know, we need to get some pictures!) Jason and his dad got the sub-floor installed. Now, to purchase new hardwood flooring.

Ups & Downs

I'm well overdue for an update, so I thought I'd share one in the form of a few ups and downs.

First, some downs:

• I've had off and on struggles with increased intensity of Braxton Hicks contractions. They are definitely more noticable this go around, and with my diastasis recti again, the more intense contractions only aggravate those tearing muscles...
• We probably won't have Zyler's new room ready in time to move him before his little sister arrives... but not a big deal. It will all work out. The baby will start in our room anyway.
• After two appeals, our health insurance carrier continues to deny coverage of the home birth and prenatal care. The home birth I can somewhat understand, but I am still fighting for the prenatal care. I'm not hopeful for a "win" on this battle, but at least I can say that I tried. Anyone out there happen to have any experience with civil action under ERISA?
• Still undecided on "Peanut's" legal name. It was a very difficult decision for us for Zyler, too. He was a day old before we committed.

And, the ups:

• My checkups have all been great. No reason for concerns... Peanut moves a lot and is in excellent position. My midwives are confident I will have a much quicker labor this time. We recently had my home visit where they delivered the birth pool (on loan), went over some other supplies, and walked us through a mock birth "just in case" Peanut decides to appear before they arrive!
• A HUGE thanks to Mom & Dad Kite for all their decorating help (again!). They have ripped up the carpeting and painted beautiful blue in the spare bedroom (Z's new room). You guys rock!!
• My friend at church insisted on throwing us another baby shower. (She hosted one for Zyler, as well.) So, we have a very adorable start on girl's clothing. I had bought some cute things on Craigslist, as well, and Zyler's infant clothing is in really good shape. Thank you again, Corey!

... 'til next time!

Birth Matters Virginia: The Estimated Due Date - Are you "Overdue"?

I could not have explained it better! Are you "overdue?" Don't miss the last link on this blog post... ;)

Birth Matters Virginia: The Estimated Due Date - Are you "Overdue"?

For what it's worth, this is a big reason why I did not announce our "due date" this time. The anxiety that builds for mama around that "date" is bad enough for me and my midwives, that I don't need family and friends adding to it. She will come when she's ready. :o) And, if need be, I will work with the midwives that "guess week" in attempts to coax her out. ;-)

Maternity Proofs Posted

Sherri posted the proofs from our recent shoot. You will need to scroll down a bit on the page, past the video. Enjoy!

Maternity Photos Preview

At 33 weeks preggo, Jason, Zyler and I spent a nice time with Sherri Patrick Heishman of Twist and Snap Photography. Here is a beautiful video preview of our photos. Enjoy!

We haven't gotten to preview them in person, yet, but I think I will be pleased. Zyler was too shy to hug my belly like he does at home, but hopefully we still got some nice family shots for the memory books. :)

Zyler's Birth Story

Many thanks to my doula, Kelly Kravitz, who provided me a birth log summary of events so I could write an accurate and detailed birth story!

Wednesday, January 2

Have 39 week checkup (due date January 8)... 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced. The nurse-midwife, Melody, thinks my mucous plug is gone already.

Thursday, January 3

2100
Mucous plug definitely starts coming out and bloody show begins. I start having irregular lower back cramping. Nothing too uncomfortable. Able to sleep most of the night.

Friday, January 4

0400
Wake up early and still see mucous plug in big globs. Worry that water has broken. Since I'm GBS+ (Group Beta Strep) I don't want to alert the midwives too "early" as I want to avoid the IV antibiotics in excess (I am OK with 1 bag but am not thrilled about getting it every 4 hours during labor).

0700
Call my doula and let her know the lower back cramping returned and that I am still wondering if my water has broken. It is hard to tell with the mucous. I decide to go on into work and continue normal activity. Once I sit at the desk at work the surges (HypnoBirthing "speak" for "contractions") stop for most of the day. I am pretty sure I was in prodomal (very early) labor.

Saturday, January 5

0300
Email my doula to let her know I can not sleep any longer! Surges return about 2-3 minutes apart but are not intense enough to warrant going in. I called Ann Schaeffer, the midwife on call to let her know. She confirmed that first labors can really drag on in the early stages.

0830
Talk with doula. Having consistent (2-10 minutes apart) surges in lower back with lots of bowel area pressure. They last 30-45 seconds.

1030
Get in the tub to relax. Talk with a close friend and then my doula. The warm water really helps relax my back and tolerate the surges easier. They get a bit more intense as sometimes I can not speak through them if I was standing. My in-laws are at the house because my father-in-law is helping Jason in his shop. Jason & I had agreed not to alert family when I go into labor and want to wait until the last moment or until after the baby is born to make any calls. So it is challenging to say the least to hide the fact that I am in early labor! I even help make salads for lunch as my mother-in-law brought lasagna for us to share. My father-in-law said after Zyler was born that he could tell I wasn't feeling too great that day. :)

1700
My in-laws leave and my doula arrives to assist me through labor! My surges are every 10-13 minutes, lasting 30-50 seconds. I have continued increase in bowel pressure and lower back aches with each surge. My doula tries the counter pressure near my tail bone and it helps ease the discomfort me a great deal. I have tried to drink plenty of water today, and this evening I have some Red Raspberry Leaf tea. At this point I am still able to talk through each surge.

I call the midwife at some point today and she suggests blue or black cohash if I think my labor need an extra "boost." I tell her also about the bowel pressure and confirm with her that milk of magnesia is OK to take. I try it but nothing productive or relief comes. I also call a good friend and discussed the blue or black cohash and my labor symptoms. She thinks the same as my midwife, that I am still in very early (prodomal?) labor. My doula calls Martin's grocery since it's Satuday night to see if they might carry the cohash herb, but the worker can't locate it. We decide to stay home and see how labor progresses on its own.

My doula really wants me to try to rest, so we go upstairs to my bed. I lay on my left side and she uses the counter pressure and hot rice packs. These coping methods really help, and I don't know how I would have gotten through labor without her!! I also play my HypnoBirthing scripts on the CD to help me focus and remain in a good, centered state of mind.

1930
Surges now coming more consistently and definitely stronger. Lasting more than 1 minute.

2015
Surges 1.5 minutes long and 5 minutes apart!

2100
Surges are 1.5-2 minutes long and 5-7 minutes apart.

2130
Jason is checking on me every 20-30 minutes. I start shaking a little with each surge.

2200
Surges are definitely stronger; 1.5 minutes long, 5-8 minutes apart. I'm finally starting to believe that I'm in active labor! I am a little concerned though that labor was slowing some? My doula suggests switching sides so I go to lie on my right side. My shaking and teeth chattering also intensify. This is hard work!

2230
Surges 2-3 minutes apart! Jason goes to rest in the guest room. Just a little bit later, I confirm that my water breaks! Surges are really intense now. Poor Jason only got to rest 15 minutes before we got him up to leave for Rockingham Memorial Hosp. around 2250.

2330
We get the car packed and finally arrive at RMH. I call my midwife on the way to tell her that contractions are more intense. She doesn't talk to me long and calls me between surges, so I think she still thinks I was still in "false" labor. Is she in for a surprise! I tell Jason I would be pretty upset if we get there and I am only dilated to 2 cm!

Ann (midwife) is ready to put me in a triage room but realizes we needed a bigger labor room for me when she sees me breathing through a surge as I get out of the wheelchair! They get a 20 minute EFM. Zyler's heartrate is normal, about 137 bpm. Surges are good and strong. Ann checks me and says I have done great work--I am in transition at 8.5 cm!! Maybe we'll have this baby before daybreak!?!

Sunday, January 6, 2008

0015
I get right into the jacuzzi after Ann offers it. The jets really comfort me through surges and Jason turns on the HypnoBirthing scripts.

0110
Jason lies down to try to get some rest again. The nurse gets another EFM reading. Zyler is doing great. Kelly continues to use counter pressure on my lower back which helps me cope.

0300
I get a new RN, Cindy, who had both of her children naturally. She is very supportive throughout the remainder of my labor.

0500
Still no baby!! Cindy wants to check my cervix for progress. Jason rouses and comes to me. Cindy can feel that the left side of it is swollen and in the way. She actually uses the phrase "possible c-section." I am so exhausted by this point that I just want to cry! I can't believe she would even mention that phrase. Luckily it is never mentioned again!

0530
My labor support team continues to suggest I change positions, so I try the birthing stool for a while. Jason supports me from behind, sitting on the bed. The surges feel a little less intense. I sense that nothing very productive can come of them at this intensity level.

0600
Ann returns. She had gone for a nap around 0100. She expresses her disappointment for having slept so long, because she was confident she would have been woken up much earlier when I was ready to birth my baby! She checks my cervix and feels it is still off to the side. She suggests I get in the hands and knees position since Zyler is not quite turned all the way anterior yet. If this doesn't work I should consider Pitocin to help the surges become more effective. (I was definitely committed to a fully natural delivery so this is not what I wanted to hear!)

0700
I finally am exhausted with the hands and knees position. The baby did turn another 10%, but is still partly posterior. I decide to start the Pit with Fentanyl (narcotic) to help me relax and rest some. (I emphatically decline the offer of an epidural as I do not want my mobility compromised and want a natural labor/delivery as much as possible. Turns out I stayed in the bed the rest of the time anyway.) I start crying a little out of frustration and exhaustion. Jason & I am very committed to my having a totally natural birth, and I am so disappointed that surges have slowed down and that the Pit would be necessary. I understand it to be a very good reason for this intervention though. My uterus and I am so tired!! I ask Jason if he is angry, and he says if I need these interventions then I should take them!

0730
The Pit starts at the lowest dose, 2 ml. Every 20 minutes it raises 2 ml. I receive the Fentanyl which should metabolize in about 1 hour. I am finally able to rest!! Only a few of the surges woke me...

0800
Pit is up to 6 ml. Surges are definitely stronger and faster. I'm feeling a little rejuvenated!

0845
I start pushing more, and Zyler is moving down! Ann checks me, and he's at a +2 station and I'm fully dialted! Woohoo!!! I start bearing down a lot more and soon the room floods with hospital staff to prepare for the birth. By this point also I have totally lost all modesty and the hospital gown is gone! My doula is great at telling me to "breathe my baby down" and this allows me to use very low pitches in my voice when bearing down and really push in the right place. (Even though HypnoBirthing tried to teach me not to "push.")

Ann and all the support staff in the room are wonderful at encouraging me through the pushing and not prompting me when to push. They allow my instincts to tell me when to push. I get to the point of exhaustion where I don't believe I can do it! I even doze once in between surges! They also bring the mirror out to encourage me, too, when Zyler's head becomes visible! That is pretty amazing for me to see. I seriously do not understand why it is taking soooo long though to get him out!!

1005
Throughout the night I had continued sipping water, and Kelly & Cindy continued reminding me to urinate, but I couldn't go! Ann finally looks up and sees an extra bulge on my belly--my bladder was extremely full! I get up and try going 1 more time, but to no avail. So I get back in bed and Ann uses a straight catheter and got 1 LITER of urine!! I think she realized my bladder was prohibiting him to move down any further.

Then just 15 minutes later....

1021
Zyler is born! Finally, at 39 weeks 5 days gestation. I finally feel his head come and was preparing for the next surge to push the rest of his body when I finally realize Ann telling me to take my baby! She had pulled the rest of him out for me. Fine by me! :) I grab him and pull him to my chest and my head collapses against the pillows in exhaustion. Zyler has a 6 cm "conehead," and Ann tells me his hand came out beside his face! If it hadn't been for that I would have had plenty of room for him. However, I ended up with a 2nd degree tear on my perineum that requires stitches. Not too bad...

At Ann's suggestion, I push gently 1 more time to expel the placenta which is just near the vaginal opening. I am fascinated by it as she inspects it, showing me the sac and what had fed my baby for the past 9 months.

An RN brings me some Sprite, graham crackers, and Ibuprofen. The Sprite tastes just heavenly! Zyler has Apgar scores of 8 and 9 out of 10) and is in perfect health. With my exhaustion and the newness of motherhood, it takes me several days to get used to the idea that I'm a mom!

Monday, January 7, 2008

We are discharged and go home!

Announcing the Birth of our Baby...

BOY! Zyler Tristan Kite was welcomed on the Epiphany of our Lord, January 6, 2008 at 1021. He weighed 7 lb 14.8 oz and was 21 inches long. A birth story shall follow, so stay tuned! Paige & Zyler are both healthy and well. We thank everyone for the congratulatory wishes and many prayers!

Baby Game... Any Last Minute Guesses?

Visit http://expectnet.com/games/kitefamily to place your vote on the birth date, gender, and more. Or visit expectnet.com and enter "kitefamily" as the game name.

39w 1d - Appointment

This is the first appointment when the nurse-midwifery practice will offer a cervical check, unless I had requested anything sooner. It really doesn't tell a lot of information for me or for the MW, such as when I'm going to start labor or anything to that extent. I decided to accept the exam today, though, to see where things stand. No need for a lot of excitement... but here are the stats:

• Weight up 2.5 lb from last week (Too many peanut butter balls, haha! Though I do think the baby may have had a growth spurt, because I do feel noticeably bigger.)
• Protein check fine
  
• BP around 126/74 (I forget exactly, oops)
• FHR 130 BPM
• Pason still head down and center, feet still to the upper right. The MW let J try to feel for the head and shoulder, but he couldn't really tell what he felt.
• And for the cervical check... About 1 cm dilated, 70% effaced, approximately -1 station. So, no, I haven't officially "dropped" yet. =)
  

39w 0d - "Big" Babies or "Small" Pelvises

As we near the impending "guess" date, and baby continues to grow (about an ounce per day), I find this video very inspiring. It pretty strongly knocks the "CPD" (cephalo-pelvic disproportion) diagnosis in my eyes. Two women close to me had cesareans due to this very reason, so continued research and education in this area holds a particularly special place for me. Our pelvises are made to stretch, and babies' heads made to mold.

Some abbreviations you may need prior to viewing:
HBAC = home birth after cesarean
VBAC = vaginal birth after cesarean
UBAC = unassisted birth after cesarean

I hope you enjoy.

39w 0d - "Pason" This Week

Hooray! You're in your fortieth week of pregnancy and your baby is now due. Don't worry if you're still waiting as you due date passes. It's not unusual to still be waiting for your baby to be born since a normal pregnancy may last for up to another two weeks.

• An average size baby now weighs about 7.5 lbs (3400g) and measures about 21.5 inches (50cm) long. Crown to rump measurement is about 14.8 to 15.2 inches (37 to 38cm). As you will see when your baby is born, these are averages only and vary from baby to baby. Your baby may weigh and measure more or less than this.
• The presenting part is down in the lower portion of your uterus and pressing through your softened and partially opened cervix.
• You may be surprised by the initial appearance of your baby when it is first born. Her head may be slightly misshapen from passing through the birth canal, though this usually does not last more than a day or two. Her coloring may initially appear bluish, purplish, or pale yellow and she may be covered with vernix, blood, lanugo and some meconium if she passes her waste in utero. Her genitals may also be swollen due to high hormone levels that were passed from you during your pregnancy, and she may have some skin discolorations or spots that will probably fade quite quickly.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

38w 6d - Pampering

For Christmas my mother-in-law treated me to a pedicure and manicure! (Thanks, Mom!) I made the appointment for today and it was wonderful--the brief foot massage especially! I went to a newer spa in Waynesboro and the staff was very friendly. Sometimes you have too many of the employees who don't speak English so the feeling is very "cold." But these folks were great. Now I'll have pretty toes for that glorious birthing day. =)

A funny story came from that New Year's Eve trip. An older woman came in for her first pedicure ever with her granddaughter and great-granddaughter. While we let our toes dry, she asked me about my pregnancy and noted that I would not be allowed to keep on my toe color for delivery. Say again? I told her I had never heard of that, and asked if she was sure that was still true? She seemed pretty confident so I assured her I would ask at my next appointment. During my manicure, she asked her granddaughter who confirmed "they" no longer request this of moms. =) The sweet lady told me that she had her babies 40-some years ago, so it was an old "rule." Apparently they needed your nails clean to check for circulation and hydration. Kind of funny the things they used to "do" to moms. No more enemas or shaving, either!! ;)

Happy New Year! Looks like we will get to meet "Pason" in 2008 after all!

38 Week Belly Bump

38w 1d - Appointment

I had my 38-week appointment today with the same CNM who I talked a lot with about the GBS+... She was awesome and asked how I was doing with that. I told her that I never got through to 1 of the baby's docs about it but that I have my plan of action and I'm at peace with it... I also plan to start a garlic regimen to reduce the GBS colonization.

She went over some basic advice for the first couple of weeks as parents which I found very nice and helpful, and I was glad Jason was there to hear some of it. =) Such as suggesting that I get out of the house for even an hour and leave him with the baby to put him in a bit different role. We also discussed a little about breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

Pason's heart rate was around 120 I think--we're guessing it was napping. Still head down and in great position. We discussed their protocol if I get to 41 weeks as they don't like to go over 42... And I told her basically there aren't any labor symptoms and she saw that as a good thing so my body wouldn't be messing with my mind driving me crazy and not letting me sleep. =) I've had very occasional back cramping and seldom sharp cervical discomfort, but nothing I can time with any regularity.

Oh and she confirmed if I am using evening primrose oil to help "prime" and thin my cervix. I'm currently using 1500 mg and she suggested I could go up to even 3000 mg anytime now.

They will start doing cervical checks next week (Wednesday) if I want them to. I'm kind of undecided being GBS+ but she said if water isn't broken then risk is minimal, if any.

I've found a great midwifery article about self-treatment of the GBS with garlic and the article also discusses cervical checks if you are interested.

38w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• Your baby probably weighs just over 7 pounds (3250g) by now and measures about 14.4 inches (36cm) from crown to rump and has a total length of about 21.5 inches (48cm).
• Your baby's lungs are the last part to develop before birth. Once the lungs are developed, your baby is ready for life outside the womb.
• By now your baby has almost run out of space to move in your uterus.
• Your baby has shed most of her lanugo, though she may still have some on her shoulders and in the creases of her body.
• Her toenails reach the end of her toes.
• The umbilical cord, which still is supplying your baby with nutrition as she gains more weight, may be knotted or wrapped around her.
• Some of your antibodies have crossed the placental barrier and give your baby's immune system a boost to get her started until hers is fully functioning.
• Your baby could be born any day now.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com

37w 2d - "Last" Last HypnoBirthing® Class

Since our last hypnobirthing class was so disjointed with our classmate walking in with her baby and telling their incredibly inspiring story, Kate, our instructor, invited me and J back to her last class tonight of her current class of 2 more couples. We definitely got some more information about birth and the first couple of weeks of parenthood that I found very helpful. I talked to her also about the deeper anesthesia relaxation that I just can't quite seem to get a handle on, and she gave us some other suggestions to try to get that numbing technique to work for me. It could be that my mental block is too great and it just isn't going to work. I will keep trying but not stress over it too much.

37w 1d - Doula Visit

My doula came for her second visit tonight. We went over techniques/words/actions that I think will help relax me, and I went over some of the basic HypnoBirthing® techniques that have "clicked" with me to relax me in my practice sessions. She's concerned about J feeling uncomfortable or "pushed aside" but I told her I didn't think it would be a concern, and that he understands the value and importance of a doula. I spoke with him later just to be sure, and he confirmed... He said that if it makes his job of my birth companion a little easier, then it sounds like an excellent deal to him! :o)

My friend J was visiting that evening before my doula arrived and got to meet her. She has a great sense of character and said she got good vibes from my doula. I told her that so did I, or I wouldn't have hired her. :-) My friend asked about how to become certified. I told her what I knew and that I think she'd be an amazing doula! I hope she will be able to look into it more down the road. It would be an excellent line of work for her.

37w 0d - "Pason" This Week

• On average, at this time, a baby weighs about 6.8 pounds (3100g) and measures about 14 inches (35cm) from crown to rump and 21 inches (47cm) total in length.
• Your baby is still growing and gaining weight. Your baby may gain as much as 1 ounce (28g) a day at this point.
• If your baby is a boy, his testes should have descended into the scrotum by this time. Your doctor will check that his testes have descended after delivery. About one percent of boys will have undescended testes.
• Your baby has been building up waste in his intestines for the past few weeks. Called meconium, this waste is greenish-black and is made up of material from blood cell break down, shedded cells from the lining of the intestine, skin cells and lanugo shed into the amniotic fluid and swallowed, as well as other sources. Meconium is the first waste your baby passes and the first diapers that you change will probably be comprised of this greenish-black, tar-like substance. There is also a chance that your baby will excrete meconium before delivery and have some covering his body.

Source: http://preg.fertilityfriend.com