Since Mary has updated the blog the last few times, I (Machelle) thought I should do this week’s update. That, and she’s a little busy right now cleaning out the litter box. I told her “I would if I could…” (Not really…) Of course I don’t update the blog until literally the last night of 32 weeks. I enjoy procrastination.
32 Week Re-Cap
Wednesday of last week I went to a breastfeeding class at the health department. The class is open to the public but mostly contains mothers who are getting pre-natal medicaid and WIC services. The leader of the class is one of the most respected lactation consultants in our town, so I wanted to go- even though it required me to miss a little work. It was very informative, and I appreciated how everything was discussed in a very organized, understandable manner. In my line of work, we’d call that a “Low Health Literacy Level” program, which is good; because everyone can understand it. The demographic mix was quite varied.
There were some very young expectant mothers, high schoolers probably, there with their moms. Mary had to work so couldn’t be there, but honestly I think explaining our domestic situation would have just been more awkward with the crowd anyway. One of the girls said something to the effect of, “Wow, I’m glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t have the father involved…” I just sort of nodded- I mean, I didn’t lie, right? From a public health perspective this class was phenomenal, and worth it for me. A handbook with pictures, tips, useful apps to download, community resources and an opportunity to practice positioning with some dolls.
The following day, Thursday, Mary and I went to another breastfeeding class with another lactation consultant in the evening. Also a very good class- and I’m thankful Mary went so that she could learn what to expect. Plus, Mary is really good at remembering things during stressful situations. When I get stressed, I tend to panic and feel overwhelmed. She’s the one who can remain calm and remember what was said in a class and remind me what I should be doing.
I’m also making plans to go to two La Leche League meetings next month and reading the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. I’ve gotten sort of paranoid about knowing how to feed the baby. When I worked at a pediatric office I saw the babies struggle to gain weight and I don’t want to be one of them.
We had a midwives appointment on Friday. Last week, my personal trainer/accountability partner was on vacation. I did not go to the gym. We swam a little- but not nearly as much physical activity as I normally do. I also started getting cravings for milkshakes and smoothies- so I was prepared to be told I gained too much weight. Begrudgingly, I got on the scale. Imagine my shock when the MA told me I lost two pounds. WHAT?!?! Who does that? I’ve been munchin’ on chicken nuggets, cookout milkshakes and not going to the gym and I lost weight while 32 weeks pregnant? So right now, total weight gain during the entire pregnancy is down to 8 pounds.
The last couple of times they’ve measured me I’ve been measuring big. So it was again Friday, and the midwife suggested doing a ultrasound to make sure it wasn’t due to too much fluid. Trust me, I already know the answer to this. I was born a large baby, and I can feel how big this baby is. When we were still taking the Bradley Birthing classes I always compared myself to the other mothers. I was as large as the girls due in July, and twice as big as the ones due in September.
But of course, you want that peace of mind and I know Mary wanted to “see” Doodle so we did an ultrasound. Big shocker…its all baby. Baby is already 5 pounds with 8 weeks to go…so around 9-10 pounds at birth. Again, no surprise to me, and it doesn’t scare me away from a vaginal delivery.
In other news, Mary and I went to update the Target registry last night before our next baby shower. We realized that we didn’t get a few minor things- like bibs, socks, mittens. So we went to Target and I guess there is no such thing as gender neutral bibs, socks or mittens. All of them were either pink or blue. No grey, yellow, greens, orange…nothing. So I guess that’s why no one got us any- no one could find any! Oh well, its not like we will need them right away anyway- we have one set of little mittens to use at the hospital- and baby won’t need a bib for a little while. But maybe I should design some gender neutral bibs, mitten and sock kits.
As far as symptoms I think I’m doing pretty well. Only mild swelling at the end of the day. I do much better in the mornings- but by 4 or 5 PM I start feeling a little sore, getting more frequent Braxton Hicks, backaches, sore feet, etc. Nothing severe, only minor aches I’m just not accustomed to. I can just tell my center of balance is off and my body is adjusting to a new shape. But, nothing too terrible.
Everyone keeps saying, “Its getting harder now isn’t it- I felt awful by the time I was 7 and 8 months…” Maybe I’m delusional or just completely ecstatic to be pregnant but I don’t think its that that terrible. I’m not at the point where I sit around and count the days until the due date. But, check back in a few weeks- that could totally change. For the most part, I still sleep like a baby. I used to get awful leg cramps but ever since the midwives suggested a magnesium supplement they have mostly stopped. And Mary set up a floor fan in our bedroom that I set to the highest setting (in addition to the ceiling fan)- so now I stay nice and cool. Plus, all the white noise from the fans just knock me out.
I’m really excited because its official that my Paw Paw and Grandma Mindy are coming to see us in October when Doodle will be about 3-4 weeks old! I am nearly squealing with delight.
Full disclosure, the below is stolen from @ladyloveandbabydust- I like the way she always updates this weekly and wanted to give it a shot.
How far along: 32 weeks 6 days
Total weight gain so far: 8lbs
How big is Doodle?: 5lbs
Stretch marks: Some, mostly on my left side.
Belly button In/Out: In
Wedding ring Off/On: On, I’ve had no hand swelling yet.
Most current symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Braxton Hicks at the end of the day
- What can only be described as “lightening crotch”. Its like getting punched in your lady bits.
- A lot of hair growing on my belly
- Some lower backaches at the end of the day.
Sleep: Usually get up 1-2 times a night. Sleep with a pregnancy pillow and floor fan on high. I feel bad because I frequently wake Mary with my snoring and “humming”
Miss anything:
- My Flexibility
- The ability to sleep on my back
Movement: All the time. Doodle found my rib cage, gets hiccups at least once a day, and sometimes feels as if they are attempting to kick my belly button out. I can tell the difference between a bum, foot or elbow.
Food cravings: All food tastes better to me. The flavors are just more intense.
- Smoothie or Milkshake
- Cantaloupe
- Chicken Nuggets
- Cheese
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Baby Gender: Unknown
Labor signs: Just the “B Hicks” as Mary calls them.
Best moment this week:
- Finding out on the ultrasound that Doodle has a little hair.
- PawPaw and Mindy coming in October
Looking forward to:
- “Newborn Care Workshop” that Mary wanted to sign up for- taking it next week.
Purchases for the babies: We’ve been trying to restrain ourselves and waiting until after the showers before buying things. I will say I did splurge on some cloth diapers and covers from Amazon Warehouse deals- sorry, but when I see 6 cloth diapers on sale for less than $40 I really can’t contain myself.
Things people say:
“You’re still working out?!?!”
“You look really small…”
“You look really big….”
“You popped…”
“You’ll never get sleep ever again…”
“Enjoy it now…”
“Your face isn’t swelling hardly at all…”
“Good luck with that whole no pain meds/breastfeeding/cloth diaper” idea…or other various judgmental parent advice… (For the record, I want try to go without an epi due to my own phobia of being paralyzed. Our baby has to be breastfed and cloth diapered because I’m in grad school, work for a non profit and Mary works in mental health….its all we can afford.) These are also the same people that told me that it was crazy to work two jobs and finish my bachelor’s- and I proved all of them wrong. When people tell me I can’t do something I only try harder.
HatchedBy2Chicks.com 
Thank you soooo much for your very kind gift! It will be put to good use. Thank you, thank you! You look lovely BTW glowing!!!