Week Thirty-Six

Still here and still pregnant. I really should stay on top of these updates at this point...I'd hate to leave you wondering! I wrote a tiny update for 35 weeks here, but there's so much more to say about week 36—so let's get on with it.

Remember how my fundal height measurement was 34.5 cm at 34.5ish weeks? Actually, you probably don't...who really cares, right? :) Well, at my 36.5ish week appointment, the measurement was only up to 35.5 cm. That's actually not a big deal at all, but... turns out that the measurement didn't increase much because Jude is hanging out so stinking low! He is head-down and snuggled tightly at the bottom of my uterus. Perhaps he wants to come out a little early? We shall see... :)

I also got to share our "birth wishes" with our doctor, and she is totally on board with everything! I'm excited to be working with someone this time who will allow the process to happen in its own time and way. Here's what we came up with:

 We are very excited about birthing our second son, Jude, with Dr. [R] and the medical professionals at [Hospital]. Jess' first delivery was natural and uncomplicated, and we anticipate a similar experience. As long as Jess and Jude are doing well, we request that the following wishes be honored during this birth. We thank you in advance for your help and support in working toward this goal!

Birth Attendants
In addition to Dr. [R], we plan to have present at this birth the father, Chris, and our doula, [R], for support. We ask that all other visitors, students, and unnecessary staff be turned away until we have delivered and had time alone with our new son.


Labor Environment
The birth environment is very important to us. We ask that the lights be kept dim, noise be kept to a minimum, and the door be kept closed for privacy. We will bring our own music, and Jess may like to wear her own clothes during the birth.


Medications/Procedures
Our primary goal is a natural birth, and we would like to try to avoid all medications during the birth. Please do not offer medication unless it is requested. We understand that some interventions may be necessary for the health of Mom and Baby, but we request the opportunity to accept or refuse any procedure except in the case of an extreme emergency. If there is evidence of fetal distress on the external fetal monitor, we would like this to be verified with an internal fetal monitor before any action is taken.


Delivery Goals
We would like for Jess to be allowed to begin & continue pushing as she feels the urge and at her own pace (Mother-Directed Pushing). To help prevent tearing, we would like to use warm compresses and oil on the perineum, and avoid any external moving or pulling of the tissues around the vagina as the baby is crowning.


After the Birth
Immediately after the birth, we wish for our son to be placed on Jess' abdomen/chest to bond and breastfeed. We also ask that the cord not be cut until it stops pulsing and until the placenta has been birthed.


Newborn Care
Please delay weighing, measuring, eye ointment, & non-urgent procedures to allow time with our baby. We wish for Chris to accompany our son once it's time for these procedures.


Birth Recovery
Mom, Dad and Baby would like to all stay in the same private room until discharge unless we request that the baby be brought to the nursery. We would also like to request an early discharge and return home as soon as possible.

My doctor also did a swab for GBS at this last appointment, which I'll find the out the results for this coming Wednesday. When I was pregnant with Logan I did test positive for it and had to receive antibiotics during labor. That was stressful because I wanted a natural childbirth and didn't know how needing the antibiotics and being on a "time-line" might lead to other, unwanted interventions. Everything worked out and I still largely had a birth experience like I had hoped for, but it's just one more thing that I don't want to have to think about again. So, here's what I did to hopefully help fight off the possible infection {these were recommendations from our doula}:

• Ten-day "fast" from refined sugars—I cut out sweets from my diet and tried to cut back on processed foods that tend to be high in sugar
• Grapefruit seed extract—fifteen drops 3x per day for ten days {none the day of the swab}
• Tea tree oil va-jay-jay "inserts"—once a day for four to five days {not the day of or day before the swab}
• A whole lotta prayer...!

TMI? I know... Sorry :)

So! Next time you hear from me I'll most likely still be pregnant, but at least full term!! It's getting SO close—I'm SO excited!!!!