Pregnancy Q & A - Volume 2

I'm currently 39 weeks, so I figured it was time for another (and most likely the last) pregnancy update. If you're interested, you can read my first one here! 

Overall pregnancy has treated me really well, and I definitely do not take that for granted. Honestly I felt pretty fantastic until about 36 weeks. From then on I just struggled with being out of breath and getting used to being, well, bigger. Heartburn has been a big part of my pregnancy, as well, and over the last two weeks the struggle has been real getting pants or shoes on. 

Nights have been sleepless for a while, and bathroom visits are countless. I remember thinking a few weeks ago that I couldn't pee more, but boy was I wrong. I feel like I visit the bathroom 10x+ an hour. LOL! Anxiety has officially set in since baby boy's arrival could be any day now. Truly, I think that's been the hardest part for me, the 'not knowing.' What I do know is that we couldn't be more excited for his arrival, and have everything ready and waiting for him. 

Any updates on the baby's name?

No! We've narrowed it down to a handful that we like, but we're still waiting until we meet him to make the final decision (not much longer)! 

Do you have a birth plan?

Birth plans are just that - plans. Nothing is set in stone as there are an infinite number of scenarios that could arise during delivery. I've been told that 90% of the time most birth plans are thrown out the window, so instead of getting my mind set on something, I've decided to just focus on what matters most, which is getting baby out safely. What my 'plan' does include is my doctors name and number, requests for the umbilical cord and cord clamping, as well as skin-to-skin, and lastly medical intervention. 

Will you have a baby vaginally or via C-section?

As of now the plan is vaginally, but honestly I'll do whatever is necessary when the day comes.

Do you plan to get an epidural?

Yes.

Are you scared about giving birth?

Eh, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about having a baby. The pain sounds excruciating, but women have been doing it for eons, and I know I'm as mentally and physically prepared as I can be. I'm actually more scared for postpartum recovery and all that it entails. 

Do you plan to breastfeed?

I do not plan to breastfeed for a number of reasons, but the main one is due to medication I take for my arthritis. In order to have a happy, healthy baby, mom has to be healthy, as well. This means taking my meds and feeling my best are important. There isn't enough data out there showing how much of the medicine is excreted into the milk supply and the effects it may have on a baby. Also to be honest, I don't feel the need or desire to breastfeed. That is what's best for me. 

There is so much emphasis and pressure put on breastfeeding which makes no sense to me. I could care less what anyone else chooses to do or why - it is their body, their child, their decision. All this does is causes us to judge ourselves and second guess our decision(s), which isn't fair and is completely ridiculous in my opinion. A fed baby is a happy baby. Bottom line. 

Will your family be coming in to see the baby?

Yes! We will have both our parents come in after we get settled in and have a routine down.

Will you have a nanny/help?

We are getting a night nurse that will come four nights a week from 7pm-7am. She will start as soon as the baby gets here. This initial help was the #1 recommendation we received from all our friends. They said it is the best gift you can give to one another. Not only will it help give us time to recover and rest a bit, but we've been told they're a great resource to have on hand, and can show you how to do everything 'newborn.'  

What stroller are you getting?
We have the Doona to use as a car seat/travel stroller, and also the new Silver Cross Wave as our everyday stroller - it's stunning! 

 What diaper bag will you be using?

I'll use purses that I have (most likely my Goyard GM tote), with a Tote Savvy insert. I also got a backpack that's a diaper bag from Silver Cross that matches our stroller. I like it because it's masculine enough, which makes it great for dads too!

What have you been using to prevent/help with stretch marks?

I was using Saje Mother's Wellness Oil at night, and absolutely loved it. It smells delicious and goes on thick, but not sticky. Once I finished the bottle, I started using the Earth Mama Belly Butter and Earth Mama Belly Oil that I had on hand. I honestly am not sure whether they've made/will make a difference, but we'll see.  

Do you plan to share your registry?

I am happy to do a post on this if it's something you're interested in. Let me know!

How much weight have you gained?

Just under 25 pounds. 

How have you stayed so motivated?

To be honest I'm not great at relaxing. It is very hard for me to just chill and do nothing. That being said, there have definitely been times, especially over the last few days, that I've had to force myself to just stop. 

Walking and continuing to workout is something I've loved having the ability to do during my pregnancy. It has helped me clear my head and just escape and not focus solely on the baby, baby stuff, to-do lists, etc.. Although I'm working out less than I was, I'm still getting in something active about four days a week. Some days that's going for a 2-3 mile walk, or going to barre class at 5:45 am (pregnancy insomnia is real)! Other days the most I can do is trail behind Adam and Safari on our neighborhood walks, but something is better than nothing! 

Continuing to eat healthy has also been important to me, although I certainly haven't deprived myself of anything whatsoever. I am still having dessert every single night, but luckily my other cravings have been more on the nutritious side - apples, oranges, and peanut butter! 

I also think I've stayed motivated and focused on getting things done because I know there'll be a lot less time for me once the baby arrives. I won't and haven't been beating myself up over the small things, but if I can work ahead on something now, I figure why not. 

Are you nervous for how Safari will react when the baby gets here?

Safari definitely knows something is up, and has gone back and forth from being attached to me to ignoring me. We'll be taking her to her daycare/boarding when we go into labor and most likely will leave her there for ~ a week while we're at the hospital and getting settled in back at home. I'm a little worried for how she's going to act/transition, but have so many friends that had pets before they had children, and have been told to expect a bit of regression (pottys in house, acts up). We're prepared for it to take time, but I know that even when baby boy is here, Safari is bound to still get a lot of 1-1 attention. 

Will you be sharing the baby's nursery?

Yes, sometime soon! I have wanted to make sure all the finishing touches were done before sharing it. It's been such a labor of love and is truly my favorite room in the house. It is incredibly charming and so relaxing. Stay tuned!

What are you most excited for?

Honestly, I am just excited for him to get here.....and to not be pregnant anymore. Like I've said before, I've been very lucky to have a smooth pregnancy, but I'm ready to have my body back to myself, and to sleep on my stomach again! I'm excited for this new chapter and the thought of my little family and Adam as a dad makes me smile.