Friday, October 5, 2012

6 to go!

Perhaps because every day this week felt like Friday (and I actually thought yesterday was Friday), our 34-Week Celebration came slower than most other weeks.  In fact, I had to double check my Baby Bump app to make sure we weren't actually at 35 weeks. 

This week we were surprised by a new pregnancy side-effect-- a super high water bill.  That can only mean one thing...I am flushing way too much!  New rule in our house:
Source

Somehow, finding a cute cartoon made that seem less embarrassing and crude to post.  

Yesterday we had yet another appointment.  This time instead of visiting with a midwife, we saw the doctor who would perform a C-section in the case of emergency.  We asked her a few questions about the procedure and our choices and she assured us we would be asked for our opinion every step of the way.  She also assured us that a C-section would not be happening.  "After all, we have a reputation to maintain at the birth center."  Of course this was in jest, but it is typically true.  High risk cases are not accepted by the birth center and their goal is to create very healthy moms which creates very healthy births and babies.  To date, I am not sure they have had to transfer anyone to the hospital.

With our questions out of the way, she measured my belly which is coming in right at 34".  Perfect.  And we heard the heartbeat- and the very odd heartbeat of the placenta.  And of course Alex exclaimed: "...And you are going to eat that thing!"

Yup, that's right.  I will be ingesting my placenta.  That's the plan.  Never heard of this?  It is actually becoming more and more common.  Of course I won't be frying it up for dinner.  Rather, we are using a service to encapsulate the placenta.  Postpartum I will pop placenta pills.  Here are some real benefits to ingesting the placenta. 
  • balance your system  
  • replenish depleted iron
  • give you more energy 
  • lessen bleeding postnatally
  • been shown to increase milk production
  • help you have a happier postpartum period (AKA lessen the risk of mommy-blues)
  • hasten return of uterus to pre-pregnancy state
Even if I experience just one or two of these many benefits I will be happy with my choice.  I know several friends who have also used placenta encapsulation, all with amazing results. 
With just 6 weeks to go, I am beginning to feel anxious about several things:

  1. Our growing to-do list that is definitely not getting smaller!  Alex and I have been having so much fun lately, we are neglecting all of the things we should be doing!  (AKA smoke alarms, and wall-paper hanging!)
  2. Wanting to hang out with friends All.The.Time.  I know that soon enough my time will be monopolized by Eleanor.  And I'm perfectly fine with that.  But right now I want all the time with my friends I can possibly get!
  3. And of course, work.  While I believe I am prepared for maternity leave to start on her due date, I worry about if she were to come sooner.  I am feeling a bit of pressure right now to get all my ducks in a row and this is a very good thing!  I want to be as prepared as possible when it comes to work.  I am the only employee, so for things to run smoothly in my absence, being super prepared is the only way!  
And the last bit of fun news this week: I have a baby shower on Sunday!  I can't wait to see all my friends and celebrate Baby Eleanor!

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