Birth countdown: T-6 weeks
Checklist:
1. Hire doula
2. Tour hospital
3. Work on birth plan for next visit with midwife
4. Practice hypno-birthing exercises (I think falling asleep through them is a good thing?)
5. Do pelvic rocks (have done some, though not the 40/day recommended. Does letting Ezra crawl on my back while I do them count?)
6. Take Birthing from Within classes with doula (starts on Saturday).
7. Other items: buy/make small cloth diapers and get out and wash newborn clothes! (Anyone have any advice about cheap cloth diapers for newborns??? Got 6 x-small FuzziBunz from Katie. They’re so cute and tiny!)
8. Get note from midwife stating I can fly (for a visit to check out potential ministry position).
9. (Per Suz’s suggestion) Read more positive VBAC stories.
10. Blow up birth ball and sit on it!
11. Get bags packed for everyone and supplies needed for postpartum.
UPDATE: The midwife was totally fine with our very natural-friendly childbirth plan! I basically used the same birth plan that we used with Ezra and she said that if baby’s heart rate was decelerating much we’d have to do continuous monitoring or if I was throwing up a lot, we’d have to do an IV. But I’m a VBAC and it looks like based on her acceptance of my birth plan I won’t be treated like a total mutant!
February 18th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
6 weeks? Whoa! So soon.
No advice on cloth diapers. Not my thang… besides, that is one thing my husband could never be talked into. ha ha ha! Way to go green, though.
February 20th, 2009 at 4:13 am
Very exciting!
What are pelvic rocks? They sound important.
I got some used nappies on freecycle. You might also try http://www.myuseddiapers.com/ if you don’t mind second-hand.
Take care of yourself!
February 20th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Thanks for the link, Amber! I’ll check it out. Pelvic rocks are when you’re on all fours and arch your back up and down like a cat — helps open your pelvis. Also I plan to do some sitting on the birth ball, which also really helps stretch out my hips after a long night switching between sides.
February 20th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I have heard that Craig’s list and Ebay are good spots to pick up cloth diapers too.
Good luck with your list! I love lists. I am totally a list person. I actually remember praying before Dayla came, “God, it is your timing when she comes….but I would LOVE to finish my list first.” And I did. She came the day after I checked off the last item. Awesome God.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:25 am
I would add a #8: talk to or read testimonials of women who have had sucessful VBACs.
This encouraged me before Curren was born.
I fell asleep every night while listening to my hypnobirth affirmations and relaxation techniques. Surely all the unconscious listening is still helpful.
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Ashley – I have 6 premie-size Fuzzi Bunz (they’re for up to 10 pounds). I pre-washed all of them and then used two of them and that’s it. . . they just weren’t worth the constant clothes-changing that accompanied the leaks. I’m using disposables until Levi stops pooping 8-10 times a day! I was considering putting them up for sale, but I’d love to sell them to you first! Let me know… mabye we can do some sort of swap.
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Katie, (tried to email but it got returned; what’s your main email now?) I would love to buy those from you…let me know what you’re thinking.
February 26th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I just emailed you!
February 26th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I’m ahead on two of the ebay bids for Fuzzi Bunz (new) size small! Mom