Week Thirty Two: Sunday 17th August 2008

Just how did I get this far already?? I can’t believe that the birth is only seven weeks away now – that just sounds ridiculous!

This week I must be really filling out as I have more than one comment about how much I have “popped” out. So I found it appropriate that at this late stage, I found another pregnancy countdown ticker – one that reflects the “real” pregnancy experience. If you read the books, apparently it is over the next few weeks that the baby puts on a third of it’s body weight. I can’t imagine the kicks and punches getting any stronger! Here’s my updated belly shot…

Tuesday night was our third parenting session – one that Ash sat out due to an upset stomach (hmmm, not quite sure if was the upset stomach or the “I couldn’t be bothered” excuse). It just so happened we were subjected to a very graphic, very scary birth video (isn’t his timing impeccable?) so I put in a request for a special re-screening for next week. The rest of the men in the room held their partners hands very tightly, and then gave them a pitiful look as if to say “I am so glad that’s you and not me.” They should have called this session the Horror Class, as we also discussed all the changes that affect your body following the birth, I’m not quite sure I am ready for any of that (and neither are you a reader I can assure you) - it doesn't make sense to me that your body doesn't just zip straight back into shape after the birth.

The final pieces of the baby furniture were picked up on Friday, and so Ash and I couldn’t help but begin packing things away. Surely we have overstocked on our supply of nappies? I mean how much wee and poo can one little baby produce??

Also arriving this week were some of tools I will be using to get through the labour. With an aim to avoid medicated pain relief, I have been reading up on skills for an active, natural labour. My favourite book “Birth Skills” is based around the idea that you can interrupt the pain message with distractions including, movement, breathing, sound and visualisation. I am sure those woman who have actually experienced labour will think I am kidding myself, however I am putting together a birth plan which includes using the following:

* Birth ball
* Shower
* Stress balls
* Massage (thanks to Ash)
* Favourite music on I-Pod

It may go completely out the window on the day, but I figure it can’t hurt to try. And the key thing for me is, the more I know about what to expect about the labour, the less scary it is going to be.

Next week the Baby Shower!