I’ll have this baby one of these days…
Right?
Though Brian and I are still home and not yet welcoming our new one into the world, yesterday wasn’t necessarily unproductive. I learned a lot about contractions and how to manage them thus far. I learned to sense them coming, to notice levels of intensity, to time them.
I learned how to communicate to Brian that a contraction was coming. (“Dance with me!”) I learned that if I’m already seated or laying down, there’s no getting up until it’s over! (This is difficult as the contractions are easier to manage when I’m standing; but standing all day wears you out!) I’ve learned that they can spread to wrap around my love handles from my spine, making them less like menstrual cramps.
I learned that going #1 is easier if you’re leaning forward and #2 is easier if you’re leaning back. (Critical information.) I’ve learned to let my body decide which “station” to take in the house. Sometimes that’s standing in the shower or sitting in the tub. Sometimes that’s folded up on the dog bed. Sometimes that’s partially on/partially off the couch. I’ve learned that it really helps when Brian is reading to me, cooking for me or bringing me water… and more water… and more water.
Last night was interesting. I was determined to rest and gear up for an infinitely long labor, so I hesitantly laid in bed. Brian and I started out laying perpendicular to our normal positions because I needed him to be in a position to help me up OFF the bed and for my feet to be able to easily slide off of the side that was closest to the toilet. That didn’t last too long before I was laying on the dog bed in front of our fake fireplace. Then I transitioned to the couch. Then I dragged the dog bed over to the couch so I could kneel on it, while crossing my arms and slumping over the couch cushions. Then I woke Brian at 2:00 A.M. asking for toast. Then I transitioned to the La-Z-Boy in the nursery, asking him to sleep by me (unfortunately on the floor) in case I needed him. Then I gave up and came back to the shower, where I’m presently typing this blog. I wouldn’t say that rest wasn’t achieved, but I do believe I saw every hour of the night tick by at some point.
Still waiting…
Oh my goodness, bless your hearts! I guess the good part is that hopefully, since the contractions are so significant, they are really making good progress without things being too intense. Brian is so dear.
Suzy,
I pray God gives you strength to keep pressing on. Your labor sounds a bit like my labor (mine was long). If I could do it all over again, I would sleep more (when I could). If you feel you can sleep, do it (I know its hard though)! I missed my window of sleep (cuz I was too excited) and saw every hour of the night…and day…and night…and day…and night. I know a long labor doesn’t seem possible when you’re tired, but you can do it! I know that prolonged labor can be discouraging. I remember thinking, “What if the baby *never* comes!” (Riiiight) God has a purpose for your labor though. Not one hour or minute, not one contraction is wasted. God taught me so much through my labor. I’m convinced that labor prepares women to be mothers…I think mine did.
Aubrey
PS: I danced with my husband during contraction…perhaps bring Brian in on the hip swinging. [smile]
Thanks, Aubrey. He does his best with the dancing. 😉
Praying baby comes before this storm! Sounds like he is trying 🙂
Love you guys and will be praying that you will find a rhythum in these last hours to help your mind and body to rest!
Does massage anywhere/somewhere help?
I’m glad your contractions are becoming less like menstrual cramps; mine never did. Praying for a safe delivery for little Bennett.
Praying for you all today!!
Thinking about you every waking moment and praying for a smooth labor and delivery.
Will be working on the spare room downstairs today, hopefully it will become a nice place for the three of you to hang out when you visit.
Also, try crawling around on all 4’s, and swinging your hips in a figure 8 while down there. Lean forward on your elbows, and then get back up. It seems like the baby could be positioned a little bit better and maybe just needs to tip up out of the pelvis and back down again, hopefully in a different position.
Done and done, thanks.
Oh Suzy, I’m so excited about Bennett! I was telling my mom about your last post, and she said to make sure you knew about the contractions wrapping around the body and shooting down the legs. She had that experience with Jeff; for me, she was mowing the grass 8 hours before I arrived. Go figure 🙂
Noted!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful time with us. Soon, you’ll be dancing with that beautiful baby in your arms instead of your belly! Thinking of you.
Your doing a great job, I am very proud of you.
YOU’RE doing a great job. Best coach ever.
I’m confused, if you are having contractions like this isn’t it hospital time?
Not necessarily. These are too inconsistent to scream, “Baby’s coming!” There are a lot more signs we’re looking for.
Praying for a healthy baby and a safe delivery!
brian is so patient. he’ll be such a great daddd!
Pictures continue to amaze me. Do you have a live-in
photographer or were these the ones Katie(?) took in one session. Just beautiful because the model and her tummy are so lovely.
Great you labored at home.