I don’t know nothin’ ‘bout birthin’ babies- at least not until 36 weeks

This morning I had my OB appointment. Can I ask why they have to weigh me before the appointment? Can't they wait 'til I am smiling and on my way out the door? I know I am going to gain weight but then I spend the next ten minutes doing calculations in my head of how much I have gained and how much I will still likely gain. So far in 21weeks I have gained 14-15 lbs. I have 19 weeks left and if I gain a pound a week my total weight gain would be around 35 lbs which is a fine wight gain. However, I gained 6 lbs over the last four weeks. What the heck have I been eating? It was those darn jelly beans!

Today I met the other doctor at the practice and unfortunately I was not a huge fan. Luckily, I will see the other doctor 90% of the time. Unluckily, this doc. could deliver my baby. However, last time my doctor swooped in about three pushes before Eliza made her entrance so in my opinion the doctor is not quite as important as the hospital, nursing staff and of course my husband. It also could have been a not so great first impression. She is a close talker and I know she is used to get VERY close to people-however, I am not really a close talker, huggy, kissy kind a gal.

I was so rattled after my visit that I missed my exit and had to call my husband for directions home. There were two things that upset me during the visit. She asked if I had any questions/concerns about the pregnancy. I honestly didn't but mentioned that I am already thinking about labor/delivery and about breastfeeding.I was not thrilled with her responses-especially after I overheard her discussing constipation with another mom- to-be in the next room for like 10 minutes.

In regards to breastfeeding...
She told me not to worry about it until I had something to breastfeed. This was pretty much her response even after I told her about my difficulty last time. She said all babies are different. DUH! I know all babies are different but this momma is the same. Am I just supposed to hope the baby latches on a goes to town? She said the hospital is very supportive of breastfeeding. I already knew this and it makes me very happy. However, I did ok with Eliza at the hospital. It was after we got home that the trouble started. I think she was basically telling me not to stress yet. However, I think it should have been handled differently. I am an anxious person and I need to do more than just wait and see how it goes. I actually think this is pretty lousy advice for any mom who plans to breastfeed. At the least you need a support system in place. Trying to find a lactation consultant when I was already having problems was stressful. If I had someone I knew and trusted things would have been much easier.

In regards to labor and delivery...

She told me we would discuss it at 36 weeks. What? She didn't even ask about my concerns. I would have been happy to tell her about my previous experience but it didn't seem all that important. I delivered Eliza at 38 weeks. Somehow I think discussing my labor plans at 36 weeks is little too late.

I know I could switch doctors but I do like the other doctor at the practice. Also, new doctors cause me lost of anxiety and I don't know which seems worse at this point- finding and meeting a new doctor or delivering with a doctor who doesn't thrill me. In all honesty I have spoken to numerous moms in the area and they all have had similar experiences. What is with New Jersey and birthing babies?

I am thinking I def. want to take the Bradley classes. I am not sure about a Doula but I am still considering it as an option. I would REALLY have to click with someone to have them assist with the birth.

and now a scene from my favorite movie-

Prissy: Is the doctor come?
Scarlett: No, he can’t come.
Prissy: Oh, Miss Scarlett, Miss Melanie’s bad off.
Scarlett: He can’t come, there’s nobody to come. Prissy, you’ve got to manage without the doctor, I’ll help you.
Prissy: Oh, lawsy, Miss Scarlett.
Scarlett: Well, what is it?
Prissy: Lawsy, we got to have a doctor, I don’t know nothin’ ‘bout birthin’ babies!

Dads in the Delivery Room

If you are a mom who had (or is planning to have) a natural birth, it is no secret that the whole process may take a while.  Many dads probably don't know what they should be doing during this time...but I'll give them a hint - do whatever you say!  I have heard some very interesting stories from friends & family members about what their husbands were doing in the delivery room and I am really not expecting much from the hubby in this department.  A few years ago we were discussing with a friend whether the dad would want to be up by the wife's head or "down there" when the baby is born.  I would really prefer the first option, but when I looked to the hubby for his answer, he tells the friend that he will probably be out looking for the vending machine. 

I found this funny article on the cradle where women wrote in stupid and annoying things that their husbands & boyfriends were doing while they were in labor.  Here are a few of the best ones...

1. talking on the phone to friends or making work phone calls

2. surfing the web or returning emails

3. fighting with them over the remote

4. chewing gum & blowing bubbles during contractions

5. flirting with the nurses or talking about golf with the doctor

6. telling people it's ok to come in the room to say hello or to stay for the birth

7.  asking the doctor to bring them a coffee

8.  fainting

9.  laying in the bed

10.  asking her to be quiet during contractions because he is trying to sleep

How helpful was your husband/boyfriend during the birth of your child? Anyone with funny stories to share?