Everyone who's expecting in 2010, chime in here and keep us posted on how you're doing and how you're coping! (And no, I'm really not having any more. As my son says, we're out of beds.)

Residentmom, you got me all excited for you. You sure?

I'm a 3rd year med student, due with my 2nd on July 13. Oldest girl will be 25 mos then. I'm most likely going to take a year off....which means I only have 4 more months of 3rd year before I can finally relax!

It's a girl! due end of June
my son will be 3 by then
so now I can stop!

3rd year now, I plan on taking a couple of weeks off and using my vacation time allotted for 4th year, and use that to make up the rotation that falls during the delivery.

Doing great healthwise, other than a respiratory bug lasting 4 weeks now.

On surgery, hours are long but fun! Ortho surgery ele after this, so some of the experiences I must miss due to radiation exposures. Overall, I'm great!

alkatz, I did a post-partum rotation as a 4th year in my pediatricians' office (she is community but associated-academic faculty). just a thought!!!

(and nope, I don't qualify for the pregancy update list)

I'm expecting my first in March. Gender will be a surprise. Planning to work until I go into labor because of some complications, which I think is making my patients and colleagues nervous.

I haven't posted here in a while-mostly I've just been lurking as residency has been keeping me super busy!

I am expecting my 1st in April, a girl and so excited after having 2 first trimester losses and TTC for 18 months.

Mel

Congrats to you all!!

That is so great, Mello! Congratulations!

Pregnant with our third! I am only 6 weeks (not telling anyone at ALL yet) and will be due mid September...which works perfectly with then (fingers and toes crossed) hopefully going on my med school interviews thereafter! Not finding out gender, have a 3.5 year old girl and a 1 year old boy.

Thinking seriously about trying for #4 soon! I know, crazy!!

Docmomof3- you're not the only one... we have been toying with that idea for a while...

Going from one to two was really hard. Going from two to three was a piece of cake. I figure going to four just adds another layer of fun to the chaos

I'm a second year, and am expecting my first (boy? girl? we still don't know!) in July. Yay for taking boards at 31 weeks! (Anyone who has been through this and has advice about accommodations I should ask for, please see my post in the USMLE forum)!

SW to MD-We feel the same way- 1-2 was really hard, 2-3 was a breeze, and 3-4-what's more chaos? Keeps life interesting....residentmom, any comments on that? is it true?

#4 was just a seamless addition to an already chaotic life. #2 was definitely the hardest for us.
MDstud- I took all three steps of USMLE pregnant. If you are a good tester (mainly quick) you will probably not need any accomodation at all. I had ample time to snack, pee, and drink water between sections, and still finished early. But I am a very fast test-taker.

Pregnant with #1, probably a boy, due in April.

I'm currently a 2nd year -- haven't worked out with the school yet how my schedule will change. I'd like to get 3rd year over with, but I'm very apprehensive about the shelf exams, so... still vacillating.

Thrilled, nonetheless.

Just pregnant--due mid-October. We're thrilled.

I hate to hijack, but first - congratulations for your success, and second - can you recommend a good fertility monitor? I have a very narrow window to conceive next month due to my school schedule, so ....would love to find out if you guys used one that you could recommend?

ha, i know how you feel re: restricted schedule. We got pregnant in our first month of trying, but didn't use any fertility monitors. I tracked my periods for a few months, used standard calendars to deduce when I was ovulating, and then we just did the deed every day for the 4-5 days before ovulation and 1 day after, and about every 3 days for the rest of the month. It was a busy month:)

We are expecting our first baby in September after a miscarriage last fall. I keep peaking in on baby with the ultrasound in our ED. So cute! I'm only 10 weeks, and baby is moving constantly in there!

Count me in ladies! Baby #4 is due mid-September It has been a rough 6 weeks or so since finding out- lots of ER/doc visits, threatened m/c, but we have now had two u/s with a strong heartbeat. Just about 10 weeks now and feeling pretty good.

The kids are funny- our son thinks his newest sibling looks like a bug.

Congrats doctortobe and SW (and everyone else)!

We are having another girl!

We're expecting #2 at the end of September, I'll be in the beginning of my second year of pediatric residency. My program is extremely family-friendly, which is very helpful.

Hello.. Im a new bee to this forum.. I am prayerfully hoping to match.. next week is the match day.. I am 9 weeks pregnant- running on the 10th week. due oct 1st week. Nice meeting you moms & moms to be residents. I hope i would get some emotional support from you all..

pray4dworld, does that mean that your baby is due during internship? If so, you may want to check out some recent threads about babies in internship (hint: you will need a lot of help!). Good luck!

thanks sahmd... yes i am due in oct- which should be during the 4th intern month...

pray4dworld, here are some threads for you, just in case it is hard to find them:

http://www.mommd.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/72788/Baby_on_the_way_during_intern_#Post72788

http://www.mommd.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/72912/Due_Date_1st_day_of_Residency#Post72912

http://www.mommd.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/72256/Predictors_for_balancing_medic#Post72256

Love that sound! Got to hear our little one's heartbeat last week

I am always SO nervous until I can consistently feel the baby moving. That 'swoosh-swoosh-swoosh' is my small source of comfort until that point.

(Of course there is always my soon-to-be Seven year old son, who looked at me yesterday and declared, "Mama, your tummy looks a little bigger to me" *snicker, snicker*. His father also thought it was hilarious. Men, gotta love 'em.)

Got quad screen back- all good! I never had it done before, and then, well, Medical Genetics last semester. Need I say more?

Had a scare, with really regular cramping every ten minutes about a week ago. Apparently my glassware washing job in an enclosed room with two autoclaves running full-time, an industrial size washer spewing steam, and two large dryers set at over 160 degrees F are not a good environment for a pregnant woman to be working in. So that job is gone, which is fine. I am doing research this summer anyway.

Hoping to get back on my treadmill now that things have settled down. I am trying to eat right and exercise this time around, hopefully it will allow for an easier recovery to pre-preg clothing!

And I can finally feel little movements- mostly at night right before falling asleep. It is funny, but DH sleeps with his hand on my belly, and I swear the baby moves under his hand, like the warmth from DH's hand is their own personal blanket.

How is everyone else doing?

What a wonderfully sweet image!!

I am new to the forum but wanted to add to this thread since my baby was born in February 2010 . He's now a super cute 3 month old and we're loving every minute of parenthood!

Congrats to everyone who's expecting this year!

lyn-

I love that age so exciting and everything is fascinating to them!

We found out today we are having a little girl- so cute! We had our 20 week u/s last week, and she was moving so much it was hard to get any decent shots! So being the impatient woman I am, we went in to a private place today to find out gender.

It was probably the most relaxing u/s I have ever had- knowing that MFM had gone through the 20 week u/s and felt everything looked great just made it a very enjoyable experience- I wasn't searching for something to be wrong the entire scan.

As much as I don't *love* being pregnant, seeing your little one on the screen is one of those true joys in life. Kind of sad this will be my last, but she will be

Okay, off to finish studying for my last final of M1 tomorrow morning... SO excited!!!!

I just started my countdown... 67 more days to go until I will have my little girl in my arms! SO excited!

How is everyone else doing???? asunshine, aren't you due right about now???

Yes, as in TOMORROW and nooooothing is happening so far. Daughter #1 came 17 days early, so this little one is totally messing with my head. I'm convinced I'm not actually pregnant anymore.

Gosh, I totally love the 20w u/s, too! Seriously one of the highlights of a pregnancy. Congrats on having a girl! Daughters are the best if I do say so myself.

I am 19 w 2 days, and we have our 20 w u/s tomorrow (husband has a difficult work schedule). We did an early gender ultrasound, so we know we are already having a little boy, but we are so excited to see his bigger self (early was at 16 weeks) on the screen! Finding out early was so helpful, because since this is my MS1/MS2 summer off - I've gotten a lot of stuff done on his room etc.

I don't hate being pregnant so much anymore, but my changing "side effects" are interesting. I have the appetite of a truck driver, and despite second trimester being something I'm supposed to have more energy in - I seem sleepy and need naps every day. This is not boding well for third trimester, but I stuck it out through first with school going on, so I imagine I can muscle through that.

We are so excited to meet our little man, and I am counting down the days til Dec. 5! I am hoping he decides to join us for Thanksgiving, but if he doesn't - I'm ready to roll with the punches.

Asunshine - I hope your little one comes soon! How exciting that it could be any second!

Best wishes everyone on your pregnancies - so neat to see everyone advancing!

Oh, asunshine, I think I would lose it if I were in your shoes! The tricks our children play on us!

Sending you fast, painless (well, as painless as possible) labor wishes!

Southern- I was feeling the same way last trimester. I kept thinking, I can do this, no problem. Unfortunately, the third trimester started and I feel like I got kicked! Totally tired, trying desperately to finish up my research project, and now the whole family has a nasty summer cold. Like, ear infections, bronchitis, pink eye infested colds. Ugh!

But, only 66.5 more days. I can do this- I may sleep through half of it, but I can do it!

SW to MD - I fell asleep this a.m. from about 9 to 11, and then again from about 7:30 or 8 to 10 tonight. Third tri is going to be so hard if second tri is like this! This is ridiculous!

Positive note - my little one is normal in all his measurements, but so far is looking to be a rather small baby, which makes sense as my husband and I were both ~ 7 lbs and not huge. YAY! Happy for a momma-to-be to hear! The all-is-normal part and the smaller part!!! It was so fun to see him again. He was upside down today and his little legs extend so far now! I loved it!

.....and one crash C-section later, babysunshine is born! Super cute with APGARs 7,8. Nursing like a champ already. Happy day, happy day!

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations!!!!

I recommend the book "The Essential C-section Guide" for recovery- it gives some exercises that can be done even in the hospital to help with strengthening and works it up throughout the recovery period.

Enjoy- little girls are awesome!

Lovely! Congratulations!

Congrats! Hope you'll share your birth story when you have more time!

Yay, congrats Mama!

Congratulations!!

Yay!!!

expecting a baby towards the end of September - but home on bedrest now.

Ah, bedrest. Been there done that. Have you looked at sidelines.org? It seems like a good site for people on bedrest. I wish I had known about it at the time.

emmd- so sorry about bedrest It is def. not easy!

I am sitting in the hospital now- my lovely cold turned into pneumonia, so I am here for just a few days to get antibiotics and rest- apparently my OB doesn't think I will actually rest if I am at home with three small kids

And only 8 weeks to go- the countdown is on! So excited to meet her in a few more weeks!

Oh, bummer, both of you! Hope the time passes quickly and your babies are happy and healthy.

Ahhhhhh.... home sweet home! I can now breathe without bringing on a coughing fit (YEAH for IV antibiotics) and am just about to pass out in my super comfortable own bed!

On an ugly note, my youngest has a horrible ear infection, and I got a little ticked off at the resident taking calls this evening. DH called me last night and I could hear her SCREAMING about how much her ear hurt- he gave her advil and got her to sleep. So first priority when I got home was peeking in her ears. Wow. It took me less than a second to decide that her ear was totally infected. Bad, nasty, red infected. So I call her ped's office, and the resident says I should give her cold compresses and call the office in the am. Um, Urgent Care is open, shouldn't I take her there? No, not necessary. Are you sure, because this is the same ear which was infected three weeks ago? Yes, I am sure. (At this point, I have written them off as someone who does not have children.)

Whatever. I didn't listen. Took her to Urgent Care and the ped there was like "Wow, you're right, that ear does look really bad, good thing you'll get those antibiotics started tonight".

That's what I told the first guy- if I can tell it is definitely infected with a whole year of med school (and one semester of physical exam skills) under my belt, it is massively infected.

So we are all home now, antibiotics taken, and off to bed.

emmd- I feel for you- I was ready to climb the walls the past two days! I even had DH bring me my pharmacology book to get a jump on classes that start in three weeks! Hang in there- September is not that far off anymore!

SW to MD - it is a good thing you got her to urgent care - I'd be so frustrated also!

I am 21 weeks and 1 day today. I am starting to actually feel the kicks, which was hard at first to feel because I have an anterior placenta, but now I am recognizing them more and more for what they are. It's so weird to know that my little one is now about a 1lb, and in a mere few weeks - he will hit viability. YAY! I think I will celebrate that milestone with some cake!

The worst symptom I'm having right now is serious acid reflux and heartburn. My friend is a pharmacist, and I couldn't decide between pepcid and zantac, and she recommended zantac, so I think I'm going to try that maybe tonight. At this point, I can no longer eat Mexican food due to the terrible reactions I get from it. Oh well - if that is all I can complain about - I think I'm doing ok! We start school in two weeks, and I am going to enjoy all the time I can with my husband. He was recently laid off, and while we aren't panicking due to savings and my military stipend, we are trying to look at this as a gift as he may just stay home with our little boy and maybe transition into a different career that would work with a flexible schedule. A lot of changes are going on in our household, but we are absolutely thankful for this precious time together.

My best wishes are with you ladies recovering from birth or on bedrest. I wish there was something to make things immediately better (either situation), but I know recovery from birth takes awhile and bedrest is just not fun.

I hope everyone continues to progress well!

SW, I feel your pain! This was the phone conversation I had this morning:

Me: "Hi, I'm 1 week postpartum and I've had a fever since last night."
Nurse line RN: "Have you taken Tylenol? You should really take Tylenol for that fever."
Me: "Um, I think I have mastitis."
RN: "Well, just stay hydrated and massage your breast. You don't need to come in. Just take Tylenol."

Okey dokey then....

southern, sorry to hear about your husband's job

you have got to be kidding me. A postpartum fever definitely needs a visit. I hope you got in... and this is not medical advice.

I thought I'd update-my baby girl was born April 19-she's now 3.5 months old and growing so fast. We had a rough delivery-I was induced and only had 10 hrs of labor but 3.5 of pushing, 3 attempts at the epidural and a pretty bad tear. Then at 1 week post-partum I was admitted with pre-eclampsia and got mag for 24hrs-so not fun! But she is totally worth it-I am so in love We've had a hard time with the breastfeeding-I have a good supply (thank goodness), but she has struggled with latching from day 1. So far she's been getting all breastmilk and hopefully we can keep it up! Gosh I never expected breastfeeding to be so hard-she's had a few "nursing strikes" which were really heartbreaking.

I start back to residency Monday and its gonna be so hard to leave her, but luckily we have family nearby who will be watching her.

Good luck to all of you ladies still waiting to meet your little ones-it is truly the most amazing and best thing I have ever done!

Mello

asunshine-I too, hope you got treated!!!!

Sw to MD-that is why I treat most of my kids' ear infections. They always seem to happen on weekends or holidays!!

With G-d's help, we had a beautiful baby boy on Monday!

My birth story is pretty unremarkable, except that I was induced for being post dates. After getting me going, my OB proceeded to go into labor herself and delivered 1/2 hour before me! Her partner managed to get to the hospital 4 minutes before mine was born.

The nurses had a great time with us. Neither one of us has ever had so much attention after delivering, but the excitement of having 2 doctors in one room was a huge draw. We had someone coming in to "check on us" every hour or so while we were there.

Wow - what a story! That had to be an entertaining time for the staff and both of you!

Congratulations on the birth of your son, and I hope you have an easy recovery!

Mazel tov! That is too funny!

How cool! And yes, Mazel tov!

Mazel tov, rydys. Truly inspring :-) (you, that is).

What a great story!! Congrats!

Congrats rydys! Enjoy the little one!

I have had a couple of really bad days. I woke up Friday morning with a massive headache, which stayed with me despite Tylenol 8 hour all day- called the office Friday afternoon and got something stronger. The headache stayed all day yesterday, and then last night I started seeing spots of light. I freaked- I had pre-eclampsia with my first, and I was seeing the identical scenario unfold again.

So being the stubborn person I am and not wanting to go to L&D, I sent DH out for a bp monitor. BP wasn't horrible, 132/80, but it had been 110s/60s to low 120s/70s throughout the pregnancy thus far. So I called, and they of course had me go in.

Well, by their bp measurements, it was actually 145/95ish the whole time I was there. No protein in my very dilute urine, so I have inherited a urine hat/jug for a 24 hour urine. Blood work came back normal, but I got the 'at this point you are considered to be mild, but if XYZ happens/continues, you become severe and we will need to deliver' discussion.

I am 35 weeks, and while I admittedly grow huge children, it is still too early. She needs to 'cook' for at least two more weeks! (Plus we still need to get a car seat and pack a bag for the hospital- yes, I have procrastinated to an extreme in this area!)

Plus I was irritated by the resident- I overheard his conversation with the attending (keep in mind this is the senior, who didn't even see me until the junior had done all of the work up. didn't even introduce himself or set eyes on me until after talking to the attending and I was ready for discharge)- he told the attending I had 1) chronic hypertension and 2) gestational diabetes. No, actually my bp has only been above 120/70ish in pregnancy, has been beautiful to date (including just three days prior) in this pregnancy, and I have never had gestational diabetes with any of my pregnancies.

So I talked to my nurse, who was wonderful- then he actually came and introduced himself and cleared up his impression of what my history must be. I in general hate being a patient as a medical student, but at least I get lots of great examples of what not to do. Now the challenge will be remembering them when I too am suffering sleep-deprivation and going on hour # endless in a shift.

Thoughts and prayers are appreciated- I really hope we can make it a few more weeks!

Just reading your resident conversation story made me angry for you! I definitely get that a TON of women have that history, but a simple glance at your medical history rundown would have shown that you had been doing great. Ridiculous! It is going to drive me nuts when I go into labor to be the medical student. Not only that, but I'm giving birth at our teaching hospital (sigh), so I've already had the conversation that I don't want the third-years (my friends) rounding on me during OB rounds. My doctor doesn't have his patients see the OB team in the hospital, but I'm going to reemphasize this to make sure I am understood by all staff whenever I get there.

On that note - a question for you ladies. I have some specific things I want. Namely, when I give birth - if I have a normal vaginal birth with no compications, I am ok with the nurses getting an APGAR on the baby, but nothing beyond that until I hold my son and establish skin-to-skin contact with him and breastfeed my sweet one, who will likely be starving. I am fully ready to have a complete tantrum with screaming if my baby isn't allowed to do this complete with my husband physically removing my baby from nurses arms. I'm just not sure what is usually done in this matter. Is this an unusual demand, or are most babies given to their mommas for an hour of bonding and breastfeeding before any significant removal for any reason? This is a nonnegotiable for me.

With that in mind, I am also worried that since I will also be rounding in OB rotation the following year (I am a second-year) - if I want something that makes the nurses angry - am I going to be screwed over by them the next year? Will they remember that and hold it against me and hurt my rotation grade through that experience? I'm not going to compromise on my delivery experience that I want nor the birth plan I want, and I also feel that the things I want are reasonable.

Is this silly to worry about? Probably, right - I just don't know! I hate that I'm giving birth in my own sandbox (so to speak), but it really is the best decision for me and for the baby. And I do love my doctor.

I'm at 25 weeks, so I'm starting to think about all these things. I also still haven't read much about breastfeeding yet. And I am getting mixed opinions on epidural vs. natural. I'm mainly afraid of tearing and the post-delivery suture experience if I do if I don't get an epidural. I'm also unsure of how much pain I can really tolerate, because I've never had to tolerate much before (I've been really lucky).

Just realized my above concern for wanting to bond with my baby post-birth came off a little strong. LOL. I am not a lunatic, but I am very well aware of the benefits of this to baby, and I guess I just am going to be really FIRM about this happening. Hopefully, I will not scream at anyone. Wow - the mommy "bear" inside me is already growling, and my baby isn't even here yet!

I haven't started rotations yet so I don't know from that standpoint. When I delivered both my babies I was able to hold and feed them for around 30 minutes to an hour before they were taken to the nursery. I thought this was pretty standard as long as the baby doesn't need to be rushed to the nicu for any reason.

Southern- Check with the hospital- if they have labor classes/tours available, they will go through some of the standards. The hospital where I am delivering actually has a birth plan for parents to fill out on its website. It is pretty informative, as it lets you know what the routine is and gives a variety of options (along with write-ins) for each step of the process.

With my c/s, I will be able to hold the baby in recovery, which is different from the place we delivered our other three. That was actually my one complaint about the previous hospital- I didn't get to see my children until they were at least an hour old, 3-4 hours old with my last b/c she had difficulties breathing.

As long as you are flexible with whatever labor & delivery brings, the nursing staff won't think any less of you- it is when someone has a list of wishes that can't be accommodated due to an emergent situation that a bad impression can be made.

Good luck

Thanks you guys! All of the classes offered at my hospital conflict with my school schedule. Literally. However, I bet they would accommodate a tour - that sounds pretty reasonable, and I have heard of this before too.

It is nice to know that other women want the same things.

SW to MD - I am really hoping my hospital isn't that way. I do not know what the rules are like, so I'm hoping I am pleased after I schedule that tour you guys recommend. I wish I could fill out a birth plan on the website! That sounds amazing!

So it's official... I have pre-eclampsia. Joy. 24 hour urine = too much protein, and my bp sucks. I was 142/92 in the office today.

So I get to do at least 2x week visits for bp check/blood work/make sure I haven't swollen to the size of a small country. And watch for all of the usual warning signs. It is now just a waiting game/balancing act as to when my body is going to give up and DD is mature enough to be delivered.

On the bright side: we have a car seat! Now I just need to pack a bag!

On the downside: DH seems to think it is okay for him to go up north by his brothers/parents for the weekend and leave me here alone. I think he is somewhat unaffected by this because 1) he doesn't understand how serious pre-eclampsia can be, and 2) we went through it with our oldest, and everything turned out to be just fine (other than the induction --> c/s and difficulties bf).

Am I ridiculous to be upset? My thought is if something goes really bad (i.e. I start to have horrible headache,seizure, etc) and I am alone, what will happen to me/baby? Am just being overly worried, or is he being too relaxed?

SW to MD,

You sound perfectly grounded to me. If I were in the same predicament when I was pregnant, I would probably have tied my husband to a string affixed to a stake centrally located in the house, and make it just long enough to reach the kitchen and bathroom, but just out of reach of the remote control or the xbox, but I am sort of vindictive that way when I am pregnant.
(At least I can admit it!)

Best of luck to you in the next coming weeks. My thoughts are with you.

SW to MD - I'm so sorry to hear you are dealing with pre-e. However, the blessing is that you are so far along if your little one comes early - much better than other circumstances you might be facing. Glass half-full I guess, right?

I would probably insist my husband stay home if it were me. I think that is reasonable, but with both perspectives you described in mind, he probably TRULY doesn't understand the worries you have in your head about pre-e diagnosis and what that means. Maybe a lecture complete with pictures and a powerpoint? (JOKING). But not really if it gets the point across.

Much thoughts with you, and I hope that your baby keeps baking safely for a little bit longer.

Hey SW to MD - so sorry to hear about the pre-eclampsia! What a pain to have to deal with. As southernmd said, at least you're far enough along in your pregnancy that your little one should do fine whenever he has to arrive.

As for your husband, is he CRAZY? (kidding). But seriously, there is no way in hell I would allow my husband to leave under those conditions. They might have to induce you at any time if sh*t hits the fan. Have you tried asking your OB for his/her opinion? Maybe if your OB tells your hubby he should stay by your side that would help?

I guess one piece of info we don't have is how far away he would be - how long would it take him to get back to you?

Good luck!

Just got off of the phone with DH- he's at work this evening, so the kids have been running wild! He is not going this weekend. He would have been 3.5 hours away in the middle of nowhere, and reception is so-so, as in he has it at his brother's house, but if he goes to the lake down the road with the kids, he has not reception.

I basically was evil. I pulled up world-wide stats on pre-e and sent him the info via text, then reiterated the maternal deaths d/t pre-e, and told him he wasn't going. He agreed without a fight. I also told him that if he wanted to spend time with his parents, that was fine, but his brothers could take the time to drive them to our apartment, since they have never done so.

So, he is still the great guy I married Maybe he doesn't need to sleep on the floor tonight

On another note, I am SO glad I decided to do part-time this year and next, instead of chug ahead with M2. I am not sure how this would work over the next few weeks otherwise. It was hard to make the decision, but obviously given the events of this weekend, was a much better decision than I realized.

Thanks for the support everyone! I am sure this little one will be fine... after all, she was already estimated to be 7-8 pounds last week, so good sized. As long as her lung development is on track, she should be more or less okay at this point- just want her to 'cook' a little longer!

So good to hear, SW. You know we will all be worrying about you over here over the next few weeks. This little girl better not give her mommy any more trouble!



To answer some of your questions-
APGARs can be done with the baby on you. It is very common for women to request what you are proposing; I'd be quite surprised if they gave you a hard time about it.

Nurses are nice people for the most part; I wouldn't worry about them ruining your 3rd your rotation (they can't grade you anyway). *OTOH* if there are residents at your hospital....OB residents can make 3rd year life pretty miserable if they want to, and word travels fast about difficult patients! I wouldn't go into this planning on having a tantrum.

Stitches without an epidural are very very painful, but I still would choose a natural childbirth again.

asunshine - true true. Point well taken. I tried to amend my "intensity" later on in the string, but I suppose a nicer way of putting it is that skin-to-skin with my baby is very important. I've heard horror stories from my girl friends who had babies where their babies were snatched from them and whisked away for these things, so I suppose my intensity about this subject came as a fear of that happening to me.

But yes, you are right - and I am aware - I need to watch myself around the residents. They aren't involved with my doctor, though, so I shouldn't see any of them at all.

However, all the same, I am definitely going to have my husband help advocate for my wishes during the birth.

Would you mind sharing your perspective on natural vs. epidural? I've heard this from many people, and then again, I have other friends who liked their epidural experience. I'm somewhat terrified of the whole thing, so I'm really not sure how to manage. I don't have time to attend classes etc. for natural, but could I still manage it without that? Maybe just by doing some reading about breathing?

One more question - I thought it was a reasonable expectation to nurse right after the baby is born, but I had a friend tell me it may be a few weeks until my milk comes in. How could this be when that would mean my baby would need formula instead of milk during that time? Is she just wrong, and should I expect my breasts to produce milk immediately upon the birth? How does all this work?

Hi southernmd,

I really liked Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, which is written by a midwife who works on a collective somewhere out in the boonies. Needless to say these are home births unattended by physicians, and I'm not advocating that to you, but I found the book really comforting as I planned for a natural delivery.

My reasons for a natural delivery were varied. For one, my mother delivered naturally, and she always told me that she really appreciated the fact that she could feel my head coming through and new just how to grab it with her muscles and push. That influenced me a lot. I had also heard that babies tend to be more alert when the delivery proceeds without an epidural. I don't know how much truth there is behind that, but I didn't want to take any chances of the epidural influencing my baby's first moments in the world. Finally, I admit I had this sort of feeling like "I am a woman, women have been doing this for all of humanity, so I can too, and screw modern medicine and it's pain relief. Except I'm delivering at the hospital!" LOL.

A couple things I'll point out. One, a lot depends on your OB. I delivered with the lowest intervention midwifery group in town, and I loved them. They promoted natural birth and their policy was not to offer pain relief. If you requested it, they wouldn't deny you, but they tried to help you through without. I don't remember how far along you are in your pregnancy and I realize you seem to like your OB, but midwives stay with you throughout your entire hospital experience, rather than running from patient to patient (though some OBs might as well, I just don't know), and their support helps quite a bit, especially if you're considering natural childbirth.

Another thing about planning a natural childbirth: up to a point, you can always say "screw this, I need an epidural". It wouldn't make you any less of a woman. In fact, if I had been in the hospital I might have done just that, though in retrospect I'm really glad I didn't. (I didn't get to the hospital until 10 minutes before DD was born!). You can have an agreement with your OB that you will try a natural birth, but that if you seem to be having trouble he will let you know before you get to the point where it's too late to have an epidural.

Anyway, as you can probably tell I'm a proponent of natural childbirth. I really don't like the way many OBs push epidurals on women without a second thought. That being said, I do not think poorly of women who request epidurals and I know many women who were very happy to have had them. And as I said, had I been in the hospital I very well might have caved I'm not sure if that helps at all, but those are my thoughts on the topic. As far as not having time for a childbirth class, my husband and I took a class with a doula. She also offered private classes in your home on the weekend. Pricey, but maybe an option you want to look into?

Oh, and as for "kangaroo care", that's standard in many places now but you should check both with your hospital and your OB. My DD was placed on my belly right after she popped out, before the cord was even cut, and I wouldn't have traded that moment for anything in the world

Eek, sorry about the super long post!

You are producing colostrum immediately upon birth, and that is what the baby will get for a few days, until the milk becomes more like milk ("comes in").

@ npb: 'I really don't like the way many OBs push epidurals on women without a second thought.'

Just a quick note of reply to this statement. I am an ob/gyn and myself and my colleagues do not 'push' anything for patients. If a woman wants a natural childbirth and has no complications with her pregnancy or labor then obstetricians are very respectful of that wish. However, what most commonly occurs is that the vast majority of patients who "don't even want to be asked" about labor analgesia end up screaming for an epidural as soon as labor really gets going. I am very tired of hearing about how ob/gyns 'push' for things like epidurals, pitocin, c-sections--for normal, spontaneously laboring patients in active labor, when in reality the opposite is in fact true. As obstetricians, our job is to empower women in all aspects of their lives including of course the process of labor. Now, if someone had medical co-morbidities that require labor induction, that is an entirely different subject. Labor induction agents such as a pitocin increase the intensity and frequency of contractions and are much more painful than those generated in spontaneous labor and most women have a difficult time managing pain without some kind of analgesia. If a woman is in this situation and requests an epidural, of course I will support her decision; she should not be made to feel like she somehow 'failed' the labor process if she needs analgesia.

reluctantmd, no offense intended. That's the problem with making generalizations, which I shouldn't have done. In my limited experience, the OBs I have encountered have been far quicker to suggest or offer an epidural than have the midwives I've worked with. My sample size is small. I've also spent more time with midwives, and this is the perspective I have heard from them, which of course is inherently biased.

My understanding is that, when it comes to uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries, OBs have higher rates of "interventions" than do midwives. This is why I chose to work with midwives for my own delivery, and I will continue to do so. Additionally, they seem to have more time available to spend with their patients during L&D, which is again based on a limited sample size and is, I suspect, a product of the system and not the individuals. I am sure there are many OBs out there that I would work great with as a patient, and many midwives with whom I wouldn't mesh well. I mean no disrespect to the profession - those are just my personal views It's great of you to contribute perspective from an alternate viewpoint.

Thank you guys so much for all the information! It is really helpful!

I do LOVE my doctor - he really is wonderful, and I actually trust the entire practice of doctors a whole lot, and I am very comfortable with any of them delivering. I probably won't switch or change anything.

In fact, reluctantmd - he sounds like he has your ideals of patient management.

I would love to hire/see a doula, but to be completely honest - since my husband lost my job and we are living only on my military stipend from HPSP - money is tighter than anything I've ever lived under in my entire life. We can't even afford a meal out at a restaurant right now, so I doubt we could afford to hire a doula. However, my bff at med school will be right there with me, and she is a third-year on her clerkship, but her sister is a doula and highly learned in natural childbirthing and is passing on tips for her to help me deal with my birth in the best way. Hopefully this will be helpful.

You guys are making me lean towards natural birth since I am in the uncomplicated category of pregnancy right now and likely would not need induction.

I'm going to start reading about all my options...I really don't want a catheter anyway! LOL

Southern- I went for natural childbirth with our first- my mom was 98 lbs when she got pregnant with me, all three of us were 10 pound babies and she delivered every one of us vaginally with no medications. Yes, she is superwoman.

So my assumption was I would be able to as well, which obviously, did not happen (I forgot to account for DH's head and broad shoulders...lol). But from my experience, I have two thoughts:

1. If I could have been up and walking around (or burned my back off in the shower) for the entire labor, I would have handled the pain much better. It wasn't an option for me, as I had pre-e with our first and ultimately had to be induced with pit. But they started off breaking my water b/c I was contracting on my own, and those were the easy hours of labor (the ones before pit).

2. Once I had pitocin, and it kicked in, I worked through it for several hours, but it killed me. Once I knew I needed a c/s and it would take a while to get everything set, I demanded my epidural. And once I had that epidural placed, I wondered why women do this to themselves. Why do we 'need' to go through this pain? So. much. better. with the epidural.

Totally contradictory I know, but just my experience. And after having an unplanned (in reality and mentally as well) c/s and two subsequent c/s, I would take the c/s recovery any day of the week over labor. So, yes, I am full of contradictions.

My OBs were wonderful by the way- I am also extremely picky about who we see. The OB for my first three was totally on board with my plan for a natural birth, but let me know that I could change my mind at any point, and set it up so if I chose to have an epidural, that was fine with him without 50 phone calls and 20 extra minutes when I made the decision. I also didn't feel as though I had 'failed' despite getting an epidural and ultimately having a c/s, and a part of that is due to the way my OB presented things and the openness he had to the various options.

oh, and the milk thing- you will have colostrum available for baby at the time of delivery (and may actually leak colostrum for a few weeks before delivery as well).

It took anywhere from 5 days to 2.5 for my milk to come in after delivery. The 2.5 is early I believe, but that was also the child we nicknamed "vampirita", or 'little vampire' in Spanish She was very focused on getting a full meal apparently!

I totally forgot about this point. Being able to move around and try different positions was absolutely critical for me - no way I would have been able to handle labor laying on my back. I gave birth to DD on my hands and knees.



I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that before! I always figured the recovery from major abdominal surgery would be much worse overall. Labor pains seem to recede from memory - did that happen for you with your recovery experience?

southernmd - sounds like you've got a great match with your OB! With the doula thing, I didn't actually mean hiring one for the delivery. She just taught our childbirth class and happened to offer a private in-home lesson as an option. But with finances tight, doesn't sound like a good plan for you. I would definitely recommend reading up on L&D though, from a variety of viewpoints - of course you can never be 100% prepared, but I think it would help you to have a good idea of what you might expect. And remember, just like with planning pregnancy in the first place, expect the unexpected!

Bottom line, it is scary, but you will deliver your baby one way or the other and that's what matters!

Sharing my elation...

Just met with academics today at school, and since I'll be so new post-birth (likely 5-6 days post-birth) taking our 5.5 hour test for the block - they are putting me in a separate, private room with unrestricted access for my husband to hand me the baby to breastfeed whenever he is hungry (husband will just wait during the test and bring baby to me when needed), and they said to bring a note from my doctor requesting extra time for me. They will give me extended time! This is SOO great. She also is going to work out when I need to take a practical part of the exam around when my baby breastfeeds - likely right after the first feeding.

I'm so elated things are being handled this way!

I know it is weird I would say that about c/s, but I think it comes from knowing what to expect and not having the uncertainty that labor comes with- it just fits better with my personality. Plus I don't have a vaginal birth recovery to compare to, just the awful contractions from pitocin.

The first c/s recovery, after laboring forever with pit, was hard- I felt like I got hit by a truck for weeks. The second and third were a breeze- yes, sore around the incision for a week or two, but truly, I would prefer that to tearing and a repair. Maybe I am just chicken, but that strikes me as infinitely more painful, harder to care for, and more prone to infection. Especially with the 10 pound babies I grow.

Plus, you get four days in the hospital to recover, so a little more sleep, great nursing staff helping you out, and my milk came in the last two times before we left. You also can't underrate being able to pick up the phone and requesting a fresh fruit plate and having it magically appear 3 days post-birth

But again, I have HUGE babies, and don't have the vaginal birth to compare to. One of my friends has also said the same (prefers c/s over vaginal delivery), except she delivered her 1st vaginally and the next two by c/s. She had big babies too- 9.5+ lb, and I would bet she needs heels to make 5'4" and maybe weighs 100 pounds not pregnant.

Southern- glad they are being accommodating (although I wonder why not push up/back the exam- did they consider that?). I have to say my school rocks as well- I emailed admin as to what is going on with me, and asking what to do if I happen to be hospitalized for our first exam, 9/3. They sent out an email to the course directors and testing services with me cc'd basically telling them that I will take the exam when physically able to do so, which may or may not be on their scheduled retake day, and to take care of myself/baby.

I <3 my school!

Yeah....not an option unless I am literally delivering right on top of the exam or just before. However, I am excited they are being this accomodating.

Honestly - SW to MD - your school rocks. Wherever you go - I have been wanting to go there since you started talking on here about how great they were. Seriously. You are so blessed!

Southern-that seems like a pretty cool arrangement for exams!!

About breastfeeding-feed baby right after birth-the more the baby suckles, the faster your milk will come in, and baby will get all of that great colostrum.

In terms of labor, I tell my patients to do the best they can, for as long as they can. We offer all kinds of support-doulas are complimentary, we have a tub (ostensibly for laboring-we aren't supposed to deliver babies in there, but if they happen to 'come out'..LOL, whatever..)massage, aromatherapy, music, etc. I feel that labor is a natural process and the more I intervene, the more interventions will likely be needed-i.e. pit leads to epidural, or epidural leads to pit....
however, sometimes epis are a godsend.
I had 'natural labor' with my first-a birthing plan, everything. She was direct OP and I had a vacuum. Of all of my births, that one was the most traumatic mentally and my worst experience. I had a 45 min repair and was so traumatized I couldn't even hold her right away. With my second I ';chickened out' and got an epidural. I didn't like that I couldn't move, but I basically laughed her out. Awesome birth. With my third i had a pit induction and did great until the cx were 1-2 min apart. Begged for an epidural-NEVER have a baby at a teaching institution in July-the resident came in to ask all of the questions and I was like, just give it to me!!! As I got it, I went to fully and had her about ten min later, but I was happy with the experience. So, it depends.

All I can say is, try to keep an open mind-in OB, it is always 'the best laid plans'.

@SW-so sorry about the pre-e! that sucks-one experience I haven't had, fortunately. Good for you for 'scaring' DH LOL. I loved the idea of a PPoint presentation-I read that to my DH and he was like'poor guy'-he is non medical as well...

Docmomof3 - too bad I can't deliver at your fabulous-sounding center instead of my teaching hospital! Thankfully - I am seeing a doctor who doesn't utilize residents nor students in the hospital - they do not see his patients - so I am safe from your epi situation happening.

But just in case I have to have a c-section where he MIGHT use a resident to assist - you better believe I am happy it is not July! No offense meant - one day I will be that resident in July myself, but you know....I know how it is!

Couldn't have said it better myself.

baby #1 - stayed home for 12 hours, got to the hospital at 7cm, took the epidural. No pitocin, no ROM until 10 cm. Baby born 5 hours later, no problem. No pain, lots of gain! I remember thinking "am I having a contraction right now? Really? This is awesome!" Also, it was really as "natural" as it gets other than the pain relief (how does that make anything unnatural, by the way?)

baby #2 - 37 and 0/7, 5cm, bulging membranes, no contractions. Sent me to hospital for pit. No pain at all until they broke my water. Then 2 hours of hell. Epidural 1 hour into it that had exactly zero effect. Baby was OP too. I would have traded all 13 hours with my first against just 20 minutes of pain relief from the second.

but true, as soon as they're born, it's all forgotten. but if I have another baby, I'm getting the epidural as soon as they offer it! I just was much more in control with the first one, and got to enjoy the birth and participate more fully. With the second, all I remember was "get this kid out of me NOW!". With the first, it was all "we're having a baby TODAY!" excitement. With the second, I looked at my husband with "you're the cause of all this pain, you're never touching me again" angry eyes. With the first "what a godly man to have a baby with, look at me how fortunate I am". LOL. I have great respect for women who choose to endure the pain, but I'm not doing it!

PS most OBs roll their eyes at extensive birth plans. It's fine to have preferences, but when women arrive with 3 pages long plans, do they really think anyone reads them? You're better off with short, to-the-point messages.

If I were you, I would just say:
1- as little interventions as possible
2- do not offer me pain relief, I will ask if I want it
3- skin to skin with my baby

Also, I thought most hospitals encouraged skin to skin anyway. Where I gave birth, at my med school, where I train now, they give the baby to mom for maybe 30 seconds, then take baby for drying/stimulating/suctioning if necessary, Apgars, diaper, wrapping, and back to mom within minutes for breastfeeding/bonding. They do all this assessment right next to your bed, never take the baby away.

I have now had 7 children, all of whom were inductions (3 ROM, 3 complications, last one just too far postdates, plus my OB of choice was in labor!) I have had epidurals with all of them, (I always get stuck at 5-6 cm and don't progress without the epidural) but not all the epidurals worked, so I can comment from both sides for inductions.

I found that I really enjoyed the delivery of my children when I had a "light" epidural. The ones where I couldn't feel anything were more like being a spectator. The ones that were "light", I had no pain but could feel when contracting and could feel the baby moving down and out. Those deliveries I enjoyed being part of, and was able to control the pushing so that I did not tear. An added bonus was not feeling the afterbirth contractions for a couple of hours--I took advantage of that time to nurse as much as possible and do a whole bunch of uterine massage to get as clamped down as possible before the pain relief wore off.

The ones where the epidural didn't work (or didn't have time), I was so absorbed with the pain and the urge to push that the baby was born before I realized what was going on. I felt like I missed out on the delivery itself.

I do wonder what it would be like to have a natural labor. I have a very high pain tolerance, and think I would probably handle it better if the pain increased gradually. I've also heard that the contractions are not as strong in general, and being able to move around would probably help. However, I wonder how similar transition/delivery are in each situation, and whether I would experience the same "lost in pain" feeling with a natural transition/delivery.

BTW--when I was a resident, delivering at my own hospital, my husband posted a big sign on the door "no residents and no students". This last delivery, when I needed someone in between when my doctor went into labor and her partner arrived, they staff was kind enough to send in one of the midwives who was on call, rather than a resident, even without my asking.

Well I had two natural vaginal births. Hmmm. Overrated! If I had another I would go in nice and early, get the epidural!

The first time he was OP and I had back labor. Pushed for four and a half hours. But, when he (finally!) came out, he looked great so he went right to my belly for bonding while the cord was being cut. No hurry to take him away, I got to hold him as long as I wanted. Could even have BF right then except I was flat on my back having a tear repaired. He got his Vitamin K shot and EES eyedrops right by my side then was given his little hat and blankie and came right back to me to nurse. I did not feel there was any interference during this important time. Once you lay eyes on that baby, it does not matter how many other people are in the room, it is like you, your DH, and baby are the only ones in the world!

The second time, I decided to have a non-interventional delivery as the first one had gone so well. So, I arrived at the hospital announcing, no IV, no epidural, no uncomfortable monitor around my waist. Well, the intermittent monitoring showed his heart rate dropped to 60 and was not coming back up so I landed up being an emergent delivery! The anesthesiologist they called (they were going to go with general anesthesia for an emergent c/s) was NOT pleased to find I had no IV. Well, it turned out he was so low they were able to get him out by vacuum extraction with pitocin augmentation and NO EPIDURAL! All I will say is I do not recommend this mode of delivery. I was praying for general anesthesia at this point. Well the poor little guy was fine when he came out (thank god) and was checked out by the NICU team briefly before coming to me. He was so mad though he had no interest in BF then (probably had a headache). I felt bad that I had no interest in the baby's welfare as my own pain was so bad. Not fun.

Well I hate to share these stories with all you expecting moms - just remember though that every delivery is different! To address southern's concerns, though, even with my emergent NICU Code B/ OB Code White delivery, the baby was right next to me while being checked by the NICU team and came right to me after just a few minutes. Of course, a baby with respiratory distress or other problems may need to go right to NICU without the initial bonding, for his own safety.

Well, had my 36/37 week OB appt today- BP looked good, and I have two more appts scheduled before the big date.

First exam Friday, and so NOT ready for it- I am going to be studying nonstop between now and then.

After Friday at noon, I am totally fine with this little one making her appearance. The sooner the better- we hit 37 weeks Saturday. I thought I would be somewhat nostalgic knowing this will be our last. So not the case. Love my children, hate pregnancy.

Spicy food and lots of walking scheduled for this weekend Hey, what else am I going to do with a whole three days of nothing to study!

Glad to hear things are going well. I hear ya on the hate pregnancy, love the children thing-I am a miserable b*tch pregnant!!

Great news on the appointment! Good luck on your exam! You will have to let us know if you think any of your spicy food etc. ends up helping things along. I'll be taking notes for my own right-up-against-Pulm test situation. My perfect time for my baby to come is over Thanksgiving (right at 39 weeks). I'll be wanting to eat my own buffet of spicy food! LOL

And I agree - I've not enjoyed pregnancy since I became pregnant. Husband and I are planning to wait about 7 years before our second, so I will be ENJOYING the time. Although I already love my little boy too! I wish MEN could carry the babies!

EXAM IS DONE!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!

So this little one can make her appearance anytime now- 37 and 4/7 as of today, so she is good to go!

Bring on the spicy food, walking, walking, and more walking, and anything else that will get my body going!

Of course, my OB could just be wonderful and tell me tomorrow that I am done and being admitted. Hey, stranger things have happened!

On another bright note, we were finally offered a 3 bedroom apartment through student family housing- so we will now have ~1100 sq ft for six people instead of 900/2 bedrooms. Lease doesn't start until after our little one will arrive, but DH is off, and we have lots of family/friends willing to help, so I can feel less guilty about not doing anything

So at most, 8.5 days until the little one arrives- I can't wait to meet her!!!!!

Excellent-congrats....I was overdue with my last one and made DH take one for the team, so to speak LOL!! It may help!

Yup, that is another item on my list It's funny to see the "really, 6 weeks?" pout on DH!

SW to MD - that is so exciting! I wish I were where you are!

I got to go to OB assessment at my hospital yesterday due to persistent pain and cramping. Definitely not preterm labor, but for some reason I had enough insane blood pressure drops and symptomatic hypotensive episodes that I got an IV. And a freaked out husband! I don't think I've ever seen him so worried, because I am never really that ill. Doctor still doesn't know why I'm in "pelvic discomfort" as he put it. Turns out this just may be par for the course for the remainder of my pregnancy. Yay. At least my baby isn't trying to come. I'm 27 and 4 today, so hopefully time will fly by until I am counting down the moments til he is to come!

Now on to two days of testing and then a restful weekend before my Cardiology block starts!

Feeling as if I conquered 'pregnancy brain' today. Great exam score, and aced my quiz this evening. No more assessments at all until after this little one is born... in 3.5 days!

Am I ready? Technically. We have the "things", have prepared the kids (who generally seem excited, cautious, but excited), and everything is all set as far as schedules. But it doesn't seem real, and I don't think it will until Friday around noon when I am settled in my postpartum room with our new addition.

Will update while in the hospital- I have access to wireless this time! SO EXCITED, because I can lecture capture while there--- how sick am I?

Yay - congrats on your exam! I also did well on my exam last week! Luck is with the preggos this time!

Keep us updated on your birth! SO exciting! Best wishes for everything to go smoothly!

Well, baby girl arrived yesterday morning as planned, weighing in at 10# 3 oz and measuring 20 1/4 inches. She has a full head of dark hair, beautiful big eyes, and super chubby cheeks.

But it was evident to me immediately that something was wrong. Her lower jaw is recessed, and the lower gumline is bumpy versus smooth. So after several unsuccessful attempts to feed, I asked for one of the NICU docs to come and loom at her. They found a cleft palate on top of the recessed lower jaw.

We are handling it well at the moment, but it is quite a curve ball. Just taking things one day at a tim. Thoughts and prayers are appreciated- will update again after I get some sleep.

SW, lots of hugs and prayers heading your way. You are an awesome, outstanding mother and we're all hear to listen for you.

Definitely in my prayers, SW. Also hoping you are recovering well, and you and your baby girl are able to enjoy some special bonding time.

Congratulations on the birth of your baby, SW to MD!

I'm sorry to hear about the issues with her mouth. It sounds like the most pressing issue is feeding right now. Kellymom has a bunch of resources that might be helpful:

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/bfhelp-cleft.html

Lots of prayers and positive thoughts to you and your family.

Congrats on your BIG baby girl! Keep us posted on how the medical stuff comes out... and meantime enjoy your baby.

Congratulations! It's so great to hear about your new addition.

Congratulations! She sounds beautiful!

Do you have access to a good lactation consultant? There are definitely techniques that can be used to breastfeed babies with cleft palate and for those with recessed jaws. An experienced LC should be able to help you apply those techniques for a baby with both.

Good luck--our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Hi everyone!

Quick update- I was discharged today. My peanut was not. Probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life. But it is for the best, and she is getting excellent care.

She now has an NG tube, and really struggles to maintain her airway while feeding. With the large difference between the upper and lower gumline (just over 10 mm), she struggles on breast at best. So I have been pumping, pumping, and pumping some more, and my supply is finally starting to come in. So she is still getting a little bit of formula, but mostly breastmilk now. But she can barely take 5-10 cc out of the special cleft palate bottles before she is exhausted- she is awake for maybe 10-15 minutes during 2-3 feedings/day. The rest she sleeps through. Her breathing is okay- def. periods of desat, but with repositioning it comes back up fairly quickly.

It is 50/50 as to whether or not she will need surgery now- will be making that decision based on her progress in the next week or less. Keep us in your prayers- it has definitely been a difficult week!

Just read this-hang in there! Glad she is doing ok, and so sorry you had to leave without her. Hang on to the fact that she is getting excellent care, and thank goodness you noticed her feeding issue right away-that comes from being an experienced mom. Thoughts and prayers for you!

Thanks for the update. It is great that she is getting breastmilk now, even if it is not the way you expected! I hope everything stabilizes for her soon, and in the meantime, it sounds like she is getting lots of good care. Keep us posted!

Oh SW, definitely praying for you and your family. Thanks for the update.

I can't imagine how hard it must have been to leave her, but it's great she is being cared for so carefully in the NICU. Everything probably feels extremely overwhelming right now- I will keep your family in my prayers.

SW - hang in there - keeping thoughts of you and your family.

one day at a time, mom. one day at a time. Good thoughts and hugs coming your way - and remember, your fan club is just a post away...

I'm thinking of you and your family. I hope your little one joins you at home soon.

Big hug to you and your family. Hope you can take her home soon, safe and healthy.

So quick update, as I have a ton of studying to catch up on...

Peanut is going in for surgery on Tuesday morning to extend her jaw (mandibular distraction). While she is not dropping her sats often, she is not gaining weight well and taking only about 25% of her feedings PO, the rest goes in via the NG tube. (She is slowing working on the edges of the tegaderm, BTW. She thinks she is sneaky and going to just rip out the NG tube again.) She is SO tired after only a few minutes into a feeding, and is hardly awake at all other than her diaper change and maybe 5 minutes into a feeding.

Bright side (where I am choosing to focus these days), she (while on her stomach, the only way she can lay) lifted her head and flipped it to the other side while I was there today. Smiles so sweetly in her sleep- I don't care if it is gas, those smiles are for me!

We are still waiting for the chromosome analysis to come back, but she doesn't have any physical features typical of any syndromes and we have no history of any in our families- she was born the same size as her siblings and other than my BPs toward the end, fairly uncomplicated pregnancy. All good things.

They are concerned that if things continue down this road, she will just gradually grow weaker, which would then make surgery a greater risk. While I am in favor of the surgery, I am also scared beyond belief- this is my 11 day old baby, and we are talking about a major surgery and lengthy hospital stay thereafter.

And can I say my class has been amazing? They sent flowers, with an extra sum of money that was donated, have been offering notes, tutoring session, homemade meals, etc., and have organized a group of people to help us move (we finally got a 3 bedroom apartment in student family housing, with a lease start date of 10/1- you've got it- we do everything the hard way!).

Thank you for the support- Continued thoughts and prayers appreciated- I will update as I can.

Sw-isn't it great to find out what amazing people you have around you? I am continuing to pray for you guys and your little peanut and will be thinking of you all on Tuesday! Hang in there!!

Poor little girlie. You are doing an amazing job of mothering, SW. Your kids are lucky to have you.

Grow, peanut, grow!

I love you, but you knew that. We as a class are going to stick by you through it all, and I as your friend will be there whenever you need me. Like tomorrow, with sumsum greasy, a little diabetes on the side.

I've got your back, lady.

Your class sounds awesome! How wonderful that they are there when you need them.

I hope everything goes well on Tuesday and that the surgery will eventually make it possible for her to feed more independently. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts!

Thinking of you and your little one, SW! It sounds like you are doing an amazing job of handling this. asunshine is right, your kids are very lucky to have you for their mom. Please let us know how things go on Tuesday.

Surgery went well- I am in Peanut's room now watching her sleep. It has been very hard for DH to see her with all of the tubes and hardware- he literally turned white when he saw her (and he is pretty dark skinned, so I was afraid he was going to pass out). For me, it was handing my 11 day old baby over to the circulating nurse before surgery that rocked me to the core.

She will be sedated for the next week or so while they slowly move her jaw forward. I was amazed to find her laying on her back last night- something she hasn't been able to do at all to date! Obviously it is due to the vent right now, but the prospect of her being able to sit in her car seat, use her swing, etc. makes me feel as if there is a light at the end of this tunnel.

The hardest part for me now is when she is in pain- she turns all red and her brow gets all kinds of creases in it. It breaks my heart. It also hadn't occurred to me until yesterday that she will need to be tapered off of everything she is on for sedation and pain- but I would rather they go for her comfort than worry about how long it takes to taper her off of the meds once she is extubated.

Continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated- we are still working with one day at a time!

I'm so glad everything went well! It sounds like keeping her comfortable during this week-long procedure (!) is the best way to go. Continued prayers and positive thoughts coming your way!

Thinking of you all. I'm glad to hear the good news, and I hope everything continues to go smoothly.

Aw...hope they can keep her nice and comfortable while she recovers. Keeping her in my thoughts and prayers...

Keeping you in my thoughts! Hang in there!!! Glad she is doing so well......hope you are getting some time to breathe!!

Hoping recovery keeps going well for both of you. Glad your class is taking such good care of you also. I hope that three-bedroom apartment is a wonderful environment for you all now!

awww... warm fuzzies to you and your entire family...

Peanut was extubated today... a little up and down since then- and she really hasn't settled at all for more than a half hour since I have been here mid-morning. Debate is whether it is pain, withdrawal from pain meds, or general irritation with all of the events of the past week. Difficult to see her so upset, but we have also had a few glimpses of her wide awake and staring at the world around her. She is so reactive to our voices, and her siblings got to see her again for the first time in two weeks, which was good for the whole family.

*crossing fingers* that she will be able to move to a regular hospital room sometime tomorrow- the first in her life at 19 days of age. They say that if she does really well, she may even be coming home this weekend

We are really excited and hopeful, but also trying to be realistic- this has been quite the journey and learning experience all wrapped up in one. Mostly it has taught us how truly blessed we are as a family- the support we have had from classmates, family, friends, neighbors, online and even people who barely know us has been overwhelming and amazing. It restores your faith in humanity and has reminded me again of why I am on the right path.

I will update again as things move along, in the meantime, I have a test in a week- because one thing we learn early is that med school/residency/practice doesn't stop when our lives are in chaos.

Yay for Peanut! A milestone day!

Don't sweat the test--it's one of many and will be forgotten (sounds like you already know that ).

Hooray! It must be a big relief that she is extubated. Are they letting you hold her?

Yes, much to the detriment of my studying, I am now able to hold Peanut. Holding your newborn is one of those simple pleasures in life that is SO underrated until you can't do it!

Although I may try lecture capturing and holding her at the same time once I figure out how to manage all of the IVs/tubes/cords she has attached to her- if I can pump and study I should be able to half listen to a pharm lecture while holding her, right?

Yes, absolutely! I did nothing but pump and study second year! I found it was easier to listen to the lectures twice on double speed (rather than once on normal speed) because the second time you pick up more of the important stuff. There are handsfree pumping bras out there, too. I pumped almost anywhere-once I put a nursing cover over me, I got pretty brave.

Home. That word seemed so far off for our peanut just a short time ago.

But today we got the word- if she continues to feed well, we could be taking her home tomorrow.

I am surprised at how emotional that one word has made me- I think I compartmentalized this process so much that having her home wasn't even on the radar for me. I was afraid to think about when she could come home.

Now I am so excited I have to remind myself that she might have a backslide, but the concept of having Peanut home is so heart-warming!

I am thinking of you and your family and your new little baby! I hope she feeds, feeds, feeds and cooperates with the NICU staff so she gets to come home!

Yay!

I like the handsfree bra idea! Glad things seem to be progressing well with your baby girl. Also very glad for you that you have such a great class during all of this. I just can't imagine the support they are sending you. Best wishes for continued progress and a swift departure from the NICU to home.

Yay for Peanut! I'll be rooting for her!

Shouldn't she be learning to root for herself? (ha! is that funny? or am I tired??)

Yaaay! Congrats! Glad you got to take her home!!

So we are home, and things have been good for the most part. Peanut is definitely dealing with a lot more gas than our other kids, but she is getting better each day. Her weight was down in clinic compared to her last weight at the hospital, but that weight was done shortly after she was extubated, and she had been getting a continuous infusion of EBM for a week at that point. I am sure she lost a little while she was learning to feed. She sees her primary care doc on Wed, so we will hopefully be able to show a weight gain at that point!

Thanks for all of the support- she still has a 1-2 day stay around Thanksgiving for removal of the distractors, and then the cleft palate repair next summer. But the worst of it is truly behind us at this point!

Oh, I'm so glad she's home!

LOL, very funny, I think you must be tired :P. But seriously, you did make me chuckle

Yay for Peanut! So happy for you SW - how are the other three handling things now? Hope they're big helpers!

Ha! I missed that in my initial read through! I laughed Especially since she is rooting now, not so much prior to surgery

The other kids are doing great- they have even started to learn that we don't touch baby when she is sleeping. Although my poor son came in my room at 4:30 and asked why his baby sister cries so much But he was good natured about it and talked to her and held her before school this morning.

We've encountered another level of fun today, that frankly had me quite angry. We got the standard Public Health letter in our kids mailboxes at daycare/after school programs stating there was a child at the programs who had whooping cough, and our children were exposed. Great. I am totally supportive of parents choosing not to vaccinate their child, but it irritates me when it endangers my children. (Contradictive, I know, but I can't seem to resolve those two important points in my head.)

So I now have three older children on antibiotics and am being hypersensitive about any coughing noises from anyone. Top it off with an exam tomorrow. Good times are here again!

37 and 2 today...50 percent effaced, 0 dilated...baby has dropped some, but not all the way. I totally forgot to ask what he would put my station at.

Anyway, I'm happy about the 50 percent effaced! And I'm Group B negative, which I am happy about. I didn't want to deal with antibiotics when I got to the hospital!

Just an update from me!

I am HOPING to go at least a little early. Maybe 38.5 or 39 would be good. Here's hoping!

Just a fun update...Baby dropped after my dr. appointment again the day before yesterday. Dropped in a HUGE way. I mean, my whole profile has changed.

Three different people (two admin and one doc giving her mom opinion though) at school today didn't think I would make it to my due date.

I know, I know - can't predict these things, but it made me kind of happy! I want him here NOW!

Ok, well I'm at 37 and 4 now, so really I don't want him here now, but I do want him here next Wednesday or Thursday. But still! SOON!

I'm getting really excited, and now, walking has gotten really uncomfortable.

Will update the blog when I finally have my little boy!

Hang in there, Southern, we are rooting for you! It will be SOON!

An update....

So I'm 60 to 65 percent effaced, a 1 dilated, and at a -1 in station due to a very nice drop my little boy decided to do (YAY)!!!

I also discussed how to manage my test and what happens if I do go to 41 weeks. I'm not a fan of elective induction, but I also understand what a favorable Bishop score can mean. I discussed that it was very important to me to have the two weeks at Christmas to be a mom and not to have to push my test to January if I delivered too late this block and wasn't able to take the test before the school broke for the holidays. I also didn't want to cut short my break either.

Anyway - we discussed possibilities, and we decided that we will induce one day after my due date if it comes down to that, and I also told my doctor to help me make good decisions about being open to changing my mind on that if I needed to etc. I trust him and his judgement medically, but I also expressed that I really am willing to risk an increased C-section risk if it means I get to be just a mom on break from school for two weeks to my newborn. I actually started tearing up a little talking about. I guess I didn't know how I was really going to feel about all of this pressure and birth decisions etc. until I was in this place.

Anyway - he is seriously one of the best OB's I've ever met, and I trust him implicitly, so we are going to make the best decision we can together. And we are both hoping he comes early! I'd really really really really really like for him to come this week since we have a brief Thanksgiving break this week, and it would still allow me to heal and take the test and be done with it on time too.

I'm going to maybe jump a little today (haha), and my husband said he'd let me buy into the old wive's tales and he'd get me some eggplant parm from an Italian restaurant (a legend in my area about that food for delivering).

My little boy is almost ready to be here, and I'm so dying to meet him too! I just want it to happen this week and I am hoping he decides to just go ahead and come!

Anyway - long winded, but I am working hard, studying hard, and I'm still taking time to have some fun too. My school has a Thanksgiving dinner tonight, and I'm going to go eat with my class and the faculty. I've seen friends, and my husband is taking me to a movie after I finish studying on Tuesday night. So I'm trying to have a balance, but I am still studying Pulm really really hard also.

Hope you guys are cool with me using this thread as a personal update venue also. I think it makes me feel better to write out what's going on also. It's hard to know how to handle all of these pressures/changes/last minute feelings. About to be a FTM, and this task feels very daunting. Seems like medical school is worlds easier than handling the pressure of being days away from being responsible for a little boy.

Good luck Southern! It really goes so, so fast once they are here. My little peanut is already two months old!

Sending speedy labor vibes your way!

As for Peanut, she goes back in for removal of the distractors this next week, ear tube placement, and a hearing test while sedated. Quick 1-2 day stay and back home, which will feel weird in a good way.

Now if only I hadn't spent the last month learning all about bacteria and hospital-acquired infections.

Thanks SW to MD! Yay for Peanut!!! Meaning - removal of distractors, and I'm sure everything else will go smoothly, but we'll be excited to hear updates once she's back home.

How funny - I just opened this board to make a similar post, because I am reading about RSV right now, and we have a lot of bugs in general this phase...it is making me freaked out. I can't imagine how crazy I'd be if I were a third-year on peds rotation right now.

Is medicine going to make me a crazy, calling-the-answering-service-of-my-pediatrician mom? Possibly. Sigh. How funny that our ped we picked is married to my med school faculty advisor. Not only does her husband get to hear my mental breakdowns over grades, plans, boards, future etc., but now she gets my after hours phone calls about whatever crazy disease I will think my newborn has.

LOL. Hopefully, I'll hold the sanity together, so I don't come off too TOO crazy. HA!

Hello!
I've been reading this website since I applied to medical school in 2007 and even though I don't regularly post, I love reading all of your posts. Anyways, I thought it was finally time to speak up and introduce myself... I'm a third year student at an east coast md program, I'm married, 35, and probably going into emergency medicine. And I just got a positive pregnant test - I'm due July 30, 2011. So here I am - thrilled, scared and intermittently nauseous.

Welcome, nontrad! Congratulations...and you can also post here, as your pregnancy will span 2 calendar years:

http://www.mommd.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/76417/Pregnancy_updates_for_2011#Post76417

Welcome nontrad! Hope all is going well on rotations!

Peanut has her next surgery on Wednesday... only a few more days with metal covering her lower jaw (under the skin, but still!). I am excited to get past another step in this process. But also nervous, as we just found out this past week that she is extremely nearsighted. Like my prescription is a -5.25, and when I do not wear contacts/glasses, objects are fuzzy teddy bears at best. Her eyes are -16 and -18; definitely needs glasses. So we are probably looking at a diagnosis of Sticler syndrome- not horrible, as it doesn't have developmental delays or major medical issues associated with it (past the current ones), but not what we were hoping for either.

*sigh* So more tests and more appointments. But, we are taking it a day at a time- it is a challenge, and we will rise to the occasion.

Big hugs to you and peanut!

Wow, you are one amazing mom, SW, and she is one amazing girl. Best wishes for Peanut's surgery on Wednesday!

I am off to Google this syndrome... and wish you both luck.
Also, since we haven't heard from southern, maybe she is in labor??

I wish! 39 weeks 1 day pregnant. Went with false labor to L&D on Friday night, but the contractions were non-productive. I am still 1 cm 60 % effaced and -1 station. Although for the life of me, I don't know if I want to feel what anything below a -1 station feels like at this point. A 0 must be miserable, because he is SO LOW.

I have my dr's appt today, so we'll see what he says.

Have I mentioned I can't believe I'm not in labor yet? My mother and my sister both delivered babies early. My mom was a week early with me, and two weeks early with my sister, and my sister was 5 days early with my niece. Sigh.

And I SO didn't want to go to class today. Oh well - guess I'm going!

Hi SW
One my favorite patients has Stickler Syndrome. He had his challenges as a young infant, went home on an oxygen saturation monitor and had feeding problems, but now he is an entirely normal 7 year old and smarter than most!

Thank you for the patient example kpzr- it helps to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We have so many hopes and dreams for our children, and since her birth we have almost been afraid to think in those terms.

Surgery is scheduled for ~ 10 hours from now, will try to update when I can. Nervous, but also excited, as she is getting the metal out, which cannot be comfortable for her to have.

Thanks for the support ladies- it helps more than you will ever know! This has truly been a journey, and one that I think will ultimately make me a better physician- someday. For now, one day at a time, one day at a time...

Southern- Hoping you are in labor, or better yet, have that perfect little man in your arms!

thoughts for you out in cyberspace!

Hoping all is well SW! Hoping your baby is recovering well!

And yes...I am still pregnant. Sigh.

Oh Southern-hang in there it will end! All babies eventually come out:)!

SW-glad to hear Peanut is doing well and she is hopefully recovering....

Also off to google Stickler syndrome....