Saturday, April 26, 2008

Fearing the Unknown

I finally decided to talk to H last night. I'd been avoiding him since Thursday evening. Just cause I was feeling sensitive and hurt by what he had said to me.

We talked about the l&d and H is scared to death.

First he asked me who was going to be there for the birth. I said I just wanted him. This scares him because he doesn't know what to expect. I encouraged him to look up things on the internet, and I tried to explain what he could expect. Plus he doesn't know what to do. I told what my expectations were:

- to be by my side
- massage me if needed
- help me move around if able
- say words of encouragement
- be a rock for me when i feel weak

He has been forewarned that I could be very grouchy and snappy. He is afraid he'll take it personally and get offended. The fact that he knows to expect this makes me think that this won't happen.

Then he said something that made me laugh.

"I want your mom to come so she can help me while I help you."

The coach needs his own coach.

Well, at least he admits it.

***
The rest of this post has been deleted from this blog, and therefore, my memory.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

It Could Be Anytime!!

Made some major progress 'down there' and the dr said there is a possibility that I could go into labor anytime. It is hard to calculate because in the end, allahu alim. But the changes in the last week makes things look like baby is speeding his way out.

Last Week:

1 cm dilated
25% effaced
No softening of the c-vix

This week:

1.5 cm dilated
75% dilated
C-vix is verrry soft
Baby dropped and head in place!


I'm finally feeling some excitement now!

And lots of pressure in the area. Having Braxton Hicks contractions and some minor pains..

Now the question is whether or not to have H high-tail it over here?? Will Jilbabble make it another week?????

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Clueless

Any Mom's out there have/had clueless husbands?

My H is extremely clueless about pregnancy, labor and delivery. He is not the type to read books and take classes. I read books but not so much into taking lamaze or anything like that. Anyway...

H has no idea what to expect with labor. I was talking with him the other night and I mentioned something about how labor can take a long time. He was shocked. He figured I'd feel some kind of pain and my water would break.. then we'd go to the hospital and I'd push a few times and then we'd be done.

I had to school him. And now he's all freaked out.

Tried to explain the whole mucus plug/water break/dilation/contractions. Not sure if it all registered. (English is his 2nd language.. but still..)

Now he is scared and doesn't want to be in the room. Too bad it's not an option.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Things I Need To Do Before Jilbaby Comes

Bored. I feel the sudden urge to make lists.. I can put on paper all the crap in my brain that is already internally stressing me out. Then, not only will it be stressing me out on the inside.. but I can visually see it. This will do one of two things - either motivate me to actually get them down NOW, or just stress me out some more, causing me to sit on the couch and resort to channel surfing.

Ahhh channel surfing.. the one sport that I am good at. Haven't done it in sooo long...

Anyway..

AT HOME

1 - Wash, sort, and put away all new baby clothes.
2 - Pick up crib mattress and place it in crib. Then put sheets on it.
3 - Pack for hospital.
4 - Shampoo carpet to get out those annoying and gross cat puke stains.
5 - Clean bedroom ~ go thru drawers, closet. Need to stop being a pack rat.

AT WORK

1 - Clean my workspace.
2 - Prepare my lessons for this week
3 - Prepare outline of lessons to be covered for the rest of the year for my sub.

Technically I see only 8 items on my list.. making my stress go down a little. Doesn't seem so bad right???

***

In a strange turn of events, H is trying to sell his car so he can by a four door suitable for a family.
***

The rest of this post has been deleted from this blog, and therefore, my memory. 12/27/08

Fat Baby

Last night I dreamt that I had my baby and he weighed 11 lbs.

Then I was mad the whole time because my parents kept putting him in jeans, when I was very specific about letting him be in comfy pajamas.

24 more days left..

Friday, April 18, 2008

Sorry for the delay

I've been sooo tired lately.

The last few days have been better. The sleeping meds didn't do much for me - I took them two or three times.. and yes I slept 8 hours but I never felt refreshed in the morning or any less exhausted during the daytime.

For some reason.. my mad will-power skillz have worked. I laid off any form of caffeine this week and resisted temptation to nap in the afternoons after work. I stayed on my feet.. did not enter my bedroom until after 8 pm... and I have been able to sleep better. Not like before.. but definitely better, alhamdulillah.

***

Had my first weekly appt yesterday. Everything looks good. Already dilated to 1 cm, but it doesn't look like I'll be having baby any time soon ~ Allahu Alim.

***

I FINALLY scheduled an appt to tour the hospital where I am delivering. It is on the other side of town - Insha Allah I won't go into labor during rush hour traffic cuz it might take me an hour to get there!

***

Sorry this is not very interesting. My mind is a bowl of mush. Maybe tomorrow I'll write more...

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Today Sucked

Seriously.

Everything went wrong but I dealt with it with my usual awkward (sp?) laughter and race to wipe my tears off in the restroom.

Work stuff.

I can handle it.. it's just that I am sleep deprived, ya'll.

So I had a check up with the ob and was given some meds to help sleep. I don't think I've had a solid nights sleep in at least 2 or 3 months. I'm at the point where I am delirious and I can't even fake it anymore.

I've started to bark at the older kids at school who totally don't deserve it.

So tonight, IA, Jilbabble will get much needed rest.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Moving On

So over talking about the C-Word. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet PBUH and I'm not going to spend any more time discussing it.

Thanks manly men for your two cents.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

I'm a muslim. The C-word is part of my religion. If you're going to hate on the Muslims.. go hate on the Jews too cuz they practice the C-word as well.

Yes I posted my birth plan. Yes I asked for feedback. But ya'll never commented on anything else since I opened this blog like THREE years ago (archives are not that old only cuz I've deleted my blog a few times).

Is there some kind of C-word emergency alert that goes off anytime someone types the word on a blog or something.. and then men with penile issues feel free to say whatever they want?

Mark, I appreciate your comments.

Hugh and Ron or whatever your name was.. get a life.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Birth Plan

OK I'm bored... Normally I'm not so 'planny plan plan' about my life.. and even more so while pregnant. Like lamaze - not interested in sharing my pregnancy and labors with others.. and the thought of simulating labor in front of other couples just grosses me out. And talking about cerv**** and va-hoo-haas while there are other men in the room.. um.. no thanks.

So check out my birth plan (if you can stay awake through it.. I hope I don't bore anyone) and offer me any advice. I'm getting nervous about labor.

Thanks for all the comforting words, by the way ladies.. I am feeling much better now. May Allah bless you all for caring so much for this little jilbabbly whiny baby brat...


LABOR
# I would like to be free to walk around during labor.
# I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
# I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.
# I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.
# I would like the environment to be kept as quiet as possible.
# I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.
# I would like to wear contact lenses or glasses at all times when conscious.
I would like the option of showering to relax and manage pain


LABOR AUGMENTATION/INDUCTION
# I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and other natural methods (walking, nipple stimulation) before pitocin is administered.


ANESTHESIA/PAIN MEDICATION
# I realize that many pain medications exist I'll ask for them if I need them.
# I would like to have a walking epidural (low dose).


CESAREAN
# Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.
# If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
# I would like (coach) present at all times if the baby requires a Cesarean delivery.
# I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia
# So I can view the birth, I would like the screen lowered just before delivery of the baby.
# If the baby is not in distress, the baby should be given to (coach) immediately after birth.


EPISIOTOMY
# I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for the baby's safety.
# I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy.


DELIVERY
# I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
# I would like (partner) and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage.
# I would like to try to deliver in a squatting position, using (coach) or a squatting bar for support.
# I would like a mirror available so I can see the baby's head when it crowns.
# I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.
# I would appreciate having the room as quiet as possible when the baby is born.
# I would like to have the baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.


IMMEDIATELY AFTER DELIVERY
# I would like to have (coach) cut the cord.
# I would like to hold the baby while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.
# I would like to hold the baby for at least fifteen minutes before (he/she) is photographed, examined, etc.
# I would like to have the baby evaluated and bathed in my presence.
# I plan to keep the baby near me following birth and would appreciate if the evaluation of the baby can be done with the baby on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, unless there is an unusual situation.
# If the baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, (coach) or some other person I designate will accompany the baby at all times.
# I would prefer to hold the baby rather than have (him/her) placed under heat lamps.


POSTPARTUM
# I would like a private room, if available.
# I would like to have the baby "room in" and be with me at all times.
# I would like the baby with me during the day but in the nursery at night, but brought to me for breastfeeding. (Note: be sure to check the breastfeeding preferences below.)


BREASTFEEDING
# I plan to breastfeed the baby and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.
# Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to the baby (including glucose water or plain water).
# I do not want the baby to be given a pacifier.
# I would like more information about breastfeeding.
# I would like to meet with a Lactation Consultant.


C-Word -- Religious reasons, folks!!! Spare me the female c'n jokes and comparisons with the non-mozzy world, mkay?
# I would like the baby to be C'D before we check out of the hospital.
(GASP! YES I AM CENSORING MY BLOG. CRAZIES NEED TO GET AWAY FROM HERE. MY SON'S WEE-WEE IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!)


OTHER
# I would like my other child/ren to be able to visit me and the baby in the hospital.
# I would prefer that no students, interns, residents or non-essential personnel be present during my labor or the birth.