We have had an amazingly smooth pregnancy throughout--maybe too smooth and that's what has left me now 4 days overdue, unable to sleep, and a bit uncomfortable! I'm really hoping my body will kick into gear soon and decide it's time for delivery!
Jeremiah and I made the choice to use a midwife for our obstetrical care. It is really important to me to have a vaginal delivery, no C-section for me if I can help it! Jeremiah has been very supportive of this goal and gave up 10 weeks of Saturday mornings to attend the Bradley Method childbirth series along with me. The Bradley Method is a husband-coached course that prepares you for a natural, non-medicated delivery. We really enjoyed it and learned so much great information and tips!! I would highly recommend it to anyone pregnant who wants a natural delivery. If anyone ever has any questions about it, please feel free to ask and we'd love to share more about our experience!
We have also chosen to try for a water birth hoping to keep things as calm and relaxed as possible. This all will depend on several factors. When I finally am contracting regularly and go into the hospital (we are not delivering at home!!), they will break my water and as long as there is no meconium/other problems then I will be able to get into the water. Jeremiah keeps joking that he is going to bring his snorkel and fins to meet the little guy on his way out. I have this dorky image of him doing just that stuck in my head!! =) As long as things are going well, the midwife has also agreed that Jeremiah will be able to help her deliver Alex. He is very excited about that and really likes the idea of the water as he won't be able to drop Alex!!!
Above is an example of the birth pool they use at the hospital. We just had to buy our own liner for it and it is packed in the hospital bag to take with us!
Alex has been cooperative throughout the pregnancy. He has stayed head down and has dropped very well in the last few weeks. He is already at zero station, so the midwife says once I'm fully dilated that I will likely not have to push too much to be able to get him out! YAY for Alex doing his part to make this a smooth delivery for his mommy! Now if only her uterus could do the same....
Here are a few of the cute ultrasound pictures of the little guy:
We promise to keep you all updated as we continue our wait for his grand arrival! We are really hoping it will be sooner rather than later (especially mom)!
