Quick Niblet update.

[rivka]

I went to the midwife today. We've hit the point of rapidly-increasing visits: I just went the day before Thanksgiving, and my next visit is three weeks from now. After that, it will be weekly until I deliver. (They made me schedule appointments up through 42 weeks, but I hope I won't need to use them all.)

All looks well. Blood pressure 102/66, weight continuing to rise at a pound a week, measuring exactly right for dates (32.5cm to the top of my uterus, and I'm 32.5 weeks), no excess protein or sugar, no swelling, fetal heart sounds good. My symptoms - pubic bone pain and short sharp pains in my cervix - are normal. She couldn't tell if he was head-down or not, but apparently I still have another three weeks or so before that becomes an issue.

I gave her my birth plan, none of which came as a surprise to her. I was supposed to bring hospital registration papers, but I forgot them at home. Next time I come in, I need to bring both the registration papers and my Family Medical Leave Act paperwork for the midwife to sign. Also next time I go in they'll check my cervix and swab for Group B Strep.

We discussed my orthopedic history, because this midwife wasn't around when I was pregnant with Alex. We talked about second labors and how they tend to differ from first labors. We discussed the IUD at length; she was very enthusiastic, showed me a model, and sent me home with some literature.

In other Niblet news, I am still feeling surprisingly well. Walking is a little uncomfortable, especially when I first start out; everything is beginning to open up and spread out in preparation for delivery. And I have become lazier and less inclined to move around unnecessarily. Otherwise, I feel pretty good. Switching to Prevacid seems to have solved my intractable heartburn issues.

After Christmas, we have a lot of Niblet Prep to do. On the list:

• Alex is signed up for a sibling preparation class on Jan 11.Michael and I need to re-take the hospital tour, because neither one of us remembers their policies and check-in procedures and so forth.


• We need to buy Niblet gear, because although I keep thinking that we already have everything, that isn't really the case. We need: a double stroller (I know she'll be almost four, but we walk a lot), a Diaper Champ, BPA-free bottles and teethers, a new baby monitor, one of those warm insulated carseat covers, diapers.


• We need to figure out where we're putting baby gear in the new house, and get the newborn gear out of the basement and cleaned: clothing storage, pack-and-play/diaper changing table, bouncy seat, co-sleeper, breast pump, carseat. Toys and books can probably wait a while.


• We need to launder baby clothes and baby blankets.


• I need to get my office and my research project set up for my maternity leave.


• We need to meet with Dorian and make all the arrangements for her to be our L&D childcare, including making her a key, teaching her how to install Alex's carseat, and making sure she knows how to get Alex to school.


• We need to make backup childcare arrangements and communicate them to Dorian and to the school.


• We need to meet with my friend Emily, who will be acting as our doula, to discuss labor issues.


• We need to get the guest room ready for Dorian to stay.


• I need to fill out my hospital registration paperwork, birth certificate application, and FMLA paperwork.

Comments

[eeyorerin]

My gracious, the Niblet's almost here, isn't he? I am so glad that you and he (and the rest of Team Niblet) are doing so well.

[marykaykare.livejournal.com]

I am so very happy for you that this is all going well. Hugs and Merry Christmas to the whole family.

MKK

[fairoriana.livejournal.com]

Yay! You sound very well prepared. We didn't end up doing the hospital/sibling thing due to acute laziness, but it worked out well.