4 more weeks to go!

Our last doctor's appointment was really exciting. Apparently I'm 50% effaced (the cervix is thinning out in preparation for giving birth). I know it will take a while still until the actual birth but it is super exciting to know the labor process has already started. And for the most part I haven't even felt it - the human body is magnificent! :)

Here are the stats from our visit:
* My blood pressure = 100/60
* Gemma's heart rate = 146
* Gemma's position = head down :)
* My weight gain = 0lbs. I really fluctuate. Sometimes, like last time, I gained 4 lbs in 2 weeks but this time I didn't gain any in the same period of time. All in all, I'm averaging 1 lb/week which is healthy and on track!

Scott and I have been really taking classes. Our last two classes have been just wonderful and soooooo informative.

Class - 1st 6 weeks
In this class we learned about 2 main huge topics:
* taking care of our physical health - including sitz baths and herbs to use and the importance of 'rooming in' and SLEEP and hydration and food and fresh air... so much!
* taking care of our emotional health - SLEEP, setting up support systems with family and friends, setting realistic expectations about how much one can do in a day, postpartum sex expectations, SLEEP, setting limits, accepting help, COMMUNICATION...too much to mention!

At the beginning of the class, we did a couples' project where we brainstormed and wrote down our ideas on the following areas of support that we'll want to remember after the baby arrives:
* Resources - who are the folks that can help us physically and emotionally?
* Food - what are some good ways to get good nourishment?
* Sleep - what are ways to get more?
* Bliss List - what are things we want to remember and try to get back to within the first year after the baby's birth?

It was a fun exercise to collaborate with Scott and remember some of our options - relying on advice from experienced moms & dads will be and already is a HUGE resource. Here is our first piece of parental artwork:
Class - Breastfeeding (sorry, no pictures):
While Scott was at Gamefest in Seattle, I went to a breastfeeding class. WOW! I didn't know you could spend 3 hours talking about breastfeeding. We didn't even cover everything.

I learned so much, here are just a very few things:
* The benefits of breastfeeding - check out ProMom.org for the 101 reasons to breastfeed
* A baby's latch must also include the areola with the nipple pointing up towards the roof of the baby's mouth, not just straight in
* Anatomy of mom and baby. For example, did you know a baby's stomach at birth is the size of a marble - that's why they eat so often!
* A baby's chin should be directly on the breast, not the nose - more of the areola should be covered by the baby's lower lip than top
* Positions & alignments! I think I'll like the football hold.
* Rules for a good milk supply (in order of priority):
- Frequent feedings (8 - 12/day) - that is what what makes mamas produce milk
- Rest when baby sleeps
- Nutritious diet - 2700 calories/day - wow!
- Hydration - drink up!
- RELAX
* Signs a baby is getting enough milk - check the diapers - is stuff coming out? :)
* What dads can do to help - emotional support was top of the list: Partner approval dramatically affects the success of breastfeeding. Helping mama position the baby, burp her, change diapers, ensure mom is getting enough rest, water and yummy food was also up there too.
* Preventing problems, for example
- Get good, well-fitting nursing bras
- Don't skip meals
- Frequent feedings
- Don't introduce the bottle until at least 3 - 4 weeks, if possible
- If you need to supplement, you can supplement with your own milk and a tiny tub you can attach while breastfeeding, syringe and even cup/spoon! Very cool!
* What to do if there is a problem like engorgement (did you know cabbage leaves can help?), sore nipples, plugged ducts happens...
* Postpartum depression - it can happen to anyone - the signs to watch out for
* Pumping
* Going back to work
* Weaning...

I think the reason why we need to learn about breastfeeding is because we, as a culture, have long lost the common knowledge that used to be passed on naturally from woman to woman because it was open and visible in public. That is certainly not the case in the US at least. Oh well!

Glad I had this class! Completely mind-opening!