All of this prayer and time and effort to keep Seven safely inside, growing, maturing, getting ready for birth ...
And now, all we can think of is orchestrating his or her exit plan. :-)
At my 34 week appointment yesterday, my OB and I started talking about ways to to help ease this little wonder into the world. Seven is head down, engaged, measuring two weeks ahead, and big. The current guesstimate is 8 lbs., which is on target with my past pregnancies at this stage of development. Since I'm dilating and effacing quite nicely already, it shouldn't be rocket science to get this show under way.
But then again, one never knows. God is in charge. And for all we know, He wants Seven to weigh 14 lbs. and be born in September!
But just in case He doesn't mind giving me a slightly smaller little person to cuddle, we're making preparations for a birth sometime in the next week or two. Seven will be born at a local hospital with just Mr. Blandings and I on hand, taking the lead and probably driving the staff nuts with our lack of concern for their protocol over our wishes. Thus far, I've been blessed with deliveries requiring very little in the way of medical oversight; due to the timing of my births (earlier than average) and the size of our babies, we've felt that to give birth outside of a safety-net environment would be somewhat reckless. After all, I managed a 10 lb., 2 oz. baby with only one tear before ... but what if this time a shoulder was stuck? (shudder) What if the "above average" blood loss I experienced once before was worse? (eek) What if ....?
As always, we're assuming and praying for the best. I've never had an epidural, only had an IV once, and never required more than a little over-the-counter painkiller after the birth. I would love to experience the same beautiful, gentle birthing again, but you know what? If I don't, I won't be crushed. I won't feel cheated, defeated, or slapped. Why? Because to me, just having a healthy baby at the end of the journey is enough. I don't care how Seven gets here. I don't have anything to prove. I don't care what the environment is like, how dim the lights are, or if the right song is playing. If I end up with a c-section, an epidural, pitocin, whatever ... I really don't care. What I want is to meet my baby. Period.
So get ready. Soon enough, God willing, it will be time to meet Seven.
13 comments:
I'm so thrilled for you. And what a nice perspective for birth!
Just in case though - a hippie midwife discovered from native (guatemalan?) midwives that turning a laboring woman on hands and knees immediately births baby if shoulder dystocia was the problem. And the advanced OBs in America were still busting babies' collarbones to deal with that. ;)
I look forward to hearing the good news when it's time!! I am so excited!
Yay! Can't wait to meet Seven!
I can't wait to see him. I love babies. Best wishes for your upcoming birth!
I'm visiting from the crew blogwalk.
I love your attitude about the actual birth. Come safely, little seven!
How exciting! I'm stopping by on the blog walk, and happy for it! I love new babies. I'll keep you and seven, (as well as the other 6 and Mr) in my thoughts. Be well. May Seven arrive safe and happy.
Hi from the crew! I'm a new follower!
I love your attitude! Possibly because it corresponds so closely to mine. ;)
When my first was born (on her due date) after 2 days of inducing, a C-section, and some other drama, I commented to the dr. that I didn't expect all that. He said 'You got a good result.' 15 years later, it is still a good result. The result matters a whole bunch more than the method.
By the way #2 was even more dramatic.
Mary Grace,
I second the rolling over on hands and knees should the need arise. Also, a couple of thoughts that you are probably well aware of: eat frequently throughout your labor and change position allowing gravity to help. Blessings!
I am stopping by on the TOS Blogwalk, and I was so excited to see a post about babies! :) I am a birth doula, so I am always very excited to hear about how people prepare for the delivery of your babies. I will pray that everything goes well!
Amen! Will be praying.
Enjoyed your post~ almost makes me want another baby! I had two with NO medicine at all and 2 WITH epidural. I would have loved all 4 with no medicine, but wow was that epidural nice with the last one....
Stopping by on a Blog Walk to say hi! Great perspective. Keeping mom and baby safe during labor and delivery is the most important thing. I also agree with your thoughts on going to the hospital for yor delivery. I like the idea of home birth the thought of "what ifs" and being an hour and 20 min away from a hospital made it not so appealing. Prayers for a safe, easy delivery and a healthy baby!
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