Laboring positions

A few Saturdays ago, hubby and I attended an all-day childbirth prep class. Even though it was tough to sit in a classroom half the weekend, I think it was definitely worth it for the information and better than having four of our evenings eaten up.

One portion of the class I really liked was going over the various laboring positions - I think it made it more "normal" to my husband. I had tried to talk to him about them before and he looked at me like I was crazy! Now we're taking the teacher's advice and trying a laboring position or two a day from a one sheeter we were given and see which ones seem most comfortable for both of us. Here's our favorites so far:

• Slow dance
• Squat with partner
• Leaning on sitting partner
• Table (mother-to-be is on hands and knees) - can flow from cat to cow or dog
  

Packing the hospital bag for delivery

Today marks the beginning of my 37th week of pregnancy; I'm getting more eager and anxious for the baby's arrival. I began packing my bag to take to the hospital a few weeks ago, but I still keep taking items in and out of it. I just can't decide what to bring!

Found this great article from a Pampers ParentPages e-mail called "Packing for Your Birth Experience" and thought other expecting moms would appreciate it. Includes a great list of items to pack not only for mom, but for hubby or birth coach, and baby.

Here's some things to pack you might not have thought to bring:

• Chapstick and/or lollipops - with all the breathing, apparently dry mouth/lips are an annoyance that can be avoided for the laboring mama with these items.
• Snacks for your hubby or partner
• Back massager
• Some kind of focal point (i.e., photo, figurine, etc.)
• Lavender - a soothing smell
  

I have my hospital bag partially packed. Still debating whether or not to include a robe since it's so bulky; I'm assuming the hospital has a threadbare robe I could wear. Make sure you bring some toiletries for yourself and hubby to clean up since you'll be there two overnights.

Another item my sister-in-law recommended is to have a breast pump in case you're having issues with breast-feeding. I believe you can buy it from the hospital, but it will probably cost A LOT more.

Let me know if I'm missing anything else or if you have any other suggestions for the big day!

Thank you family and friends!

I can't believe it's May and just 24 days (give or take) to go until baby!! OMG...

Surprisingly, I'm feeling more and more comfortable with the idea of being a mother. I've never been a kid person and have only changed about two or three diapers in my lifetime, but it's not rocket science, right? I have faith that my hubby and I will be able to manage, especially since we have such supportive family and friends - hint, hint! ;)

So today is Thursday and it's my blog day to give thanks! I wanted to thank my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and pal Lindsey for an amazing baby shower this past weekend. And thank you to all our family and friends who attended and were so generous. It was a wonderful time just seeing everyone and celebrating the upcoming birth of our little one!

I've included some photos from the party.