Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Things That Help Me Stay Comfortable
For those of you who are also little people, I wanted to spend a minute on some of the things that have helped keep me mobile and mostly comfortable during my pregnancy. The first thing I highly recommend is finding a good physical therapist and work with him/her early to strengthen your abdominal muscles. Those are what support your back, even during pregnancy. I had a wonderful therapist to whom I give a lot of credit for keeping me on my feet. <>
Along with the exercises, I also recommend a belly belt. There are many varieties available at pregnancy specialty stores, but a physical therapist may also be helpful in finding something supportive of your growing belly. <>
Another part of my physical therapy included massage. My therapist would do some stretching of my legs and back as well as massaging my back as a part of my therapy sessions. I also get a full body massage once a month from a trained massage therapist. That has also proved to be invaluable to my overall comfort level. <>
A few other suggestions I have are getting an egg crate foam pad for sleeping, using hot pads on trouble spots, changing positions frequently (both during the day and when sleeping), and Tylenol (if your doctor says this is okay). <>
There is another invaluable resource I need to mention. Help from people! All kinds of people! Friends, family, hired help, whatever it takes. A good friend volunteered to paint the nursery and is helping me put the finishing touches on it. Another couple of friends put the baby furniture together. I have a wonderful gal come in once every two weeks to clean the house. My mom comes over and does odd jobs for me or takes me to appointments. And there has been an army of people from my church bringing Brian and I home cooked meals twice a week. <>
People are kind and thoughtful – let them help you! I was extremely stubborn about that at first (just as Brian!). I am such an independent person that I have trouble asking for help. But as I’ve gotten further along in this pregnancy, getting extra help as become necessary. <>
And I can’t forget the biggest helper of all – Brian! He has taken over so many little things around the house, plus taking on all the errands and grocery shopping. Having a supportive spouse means a lot.
Along with the exercises, I also recommend a belly belt. There are many varieties available at pregnancy specialty stores, but a physical therapist may also be helpful in finding something supportive of your growing belly. <>
Another part of my physical therapy included massage. My therapist would do some stretching of my legs and back as well as massaging my back as a part of my therapy sessions. I also get a full body massage once a month from a trained massage therapist. That has also proved to be invaluable to my overall comfort level. <>
A few other suggestions I have are getting an egg crate foam pad for sleeping, using hot pads on trouble spots, changing positions frequently (both during the day and when sleeping), and Tylenol (if your doctor says this is okay). <>
There is another invaluable resource I need to mention. Help from people! All kinds of people! Friends, family, hired help, whatever it takes. A good friend volunteered to paint the nursery and is helping me put the finishing touches on it. Another couple of friends put the baby furniture together. I have a wonderful gal come in once every two weeks to clean the house. My mom comes over and does odd jobs for me or takes me to appointments. And there has been an army of people from my church bringing Brian and I home cooked meals twice a week. <>
People are kind and thoughtful – let them help you! I was extremely stubborn about that at first (just as Brian!). I am such an independent person that I have trouble asking for help. But as I’ve gotten further along in this pregnancy, getting extra help as become necessary. <>
And I can’t forget the biggest helper of all – Brian! He has taken over so many little things around the house, plus taking on all the errands and grocery shopping. Having a supportive spouse means a lot.
Baby Classes
Brian and I took several baby classes sponsored by the hospital where I will deliver. The first one, about C-sections, I attended alone; Brian was out of town unfortunately. This was a great class because I learned a little about what to expect and I could ask specific questions because I was at the hospital where I will deliver. <>
The second class we took was about basic baby care. This is the fun one where you get to play with dolls! Most of the class was focused on how to comfort baby. I’m certain these techniques will become very important to me over the next few months. I took careful notes, believe me! <>
The third class was about breastfeeding. For me, this was a great class because, although I’ve had lots of friends and family who breastfed, I didn’t really know how the process worked from start to finish. Although parts of the process sound painful, I know that it’s the best thing for Gracie and I intend to keep up with it for at least six months. <>
Overall, attending the classes was reassuring. They gave great information and lots of handouts, which I like because I can refer to them later.
The second class we took was about basic baby care. This is the fun one where you get to play with dolls! Most of the class was focused on how to comfort baby. I’m certain these techniques will become very important to me over the next few months. I took careful notes, believe me! <>
The third class was about breastfeeding. For me, this was a great class because, although I’ve had lots of friends and family who breastfed, I didn’t really know how the process worked from start to finish. Although parts of the process sound painful, I know that it’s the best thing for Gracie and I intend to keep up with it for at least six months. <>
Overall, attending the classes was reassuring. They gave great information and lots of handouts, which I like because I can refer to them later.
Doc Appointments in August
We have had several doctor’s appointments since my last posting. The first one after my hospital stay was a little trying. Because of the high blood pressure, Dr. B suggested that Grace may have to be born at 30 or 32 weeks, which is MUCH earlier than we had anticipated. There are more risks for her being born that early and I was very concerned. Since then, however, my blood pressure has stayed under control and that is no longer a fear.
In fact, we are doing so well, the doctors are now back to the goal of 34 weeks. This is great as far as Grace’s development, so we are happy. At our appointment last week, Dr. B even suggested that, in a couple more weeks, we will actually go ahead and schedule my C-section for sometime during that first week of October! I can’t believe it. There is an end in sight and I will finally get to see my little girl. Dr. B is so optimistic that he even suggested that she might weigh as much as 2 kilos (or just over 5 pounds)! (As of Aug. 28th, they estimate her weight at 3 pounds 2 ounces.) And, he pointed out that lung development is pretty much done at that stage. Both factors suggest that Gracie may not be in the Neo-Natal Unit at all and may come home with me! That idea really blows my mind! I was sort of counting on a couple of weeks of sleep at night while she was in the hospital. I better get rid of that idea quick!
