~*~Jackie's (alwayssmile) Lodge~*~

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Originally Posted by AkMomma07

Glad to hear she still has lots of room to flip back and that your MW isn't worried about it!

So I read that you were listening to the Hypnobabies birthing affirmations a couple posts back, have you been doing the whole home study and planning to use it for labor?

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Yes, I've been doing the home study. I started early and spent 2 weeks on each weekly lesson (cause I pretty much only did it at night before bed). I've been doing the maintaining portion for over a month now. I do plan to use it for labor. How well it'll work we'll see, but I'm pretty confident it will at least help me remain calmer and less overwhelmed than I was during my son's labor. It's been hard getting my husband to do his part but he's getting there (he has soooo little free time though since he's still in training). The other night HE brought up a few things from his birth partner guide about what works for me, what hasn't, and other points brought up in the guide that he needed my input on. :D I had no idea he found the time to read more! Thankfully training has taught him how to retain information easily and quickly. lol

That is GREAT, Jackie! A DH who is taking the time to be informed and invested himself can make a big difference. I think even just the mental relief of knowing he's got your back can be huge for your own ability to relax and stay on top of things.

You've done a much better job sticking to the home course than I did. I too thought the idea of Hypnobirthing was too "out there" for me but I was sold once I read into it and found that its really more Relaxo-birthing. That's really really great that your DH is into it. My Hypnobirthing instructor stressed that a birth partner should have a "tool belt" of things to do to help you out and it sounds like your DH is filling his up. You might need his help to keep you focused on one of the tools you're using, you might need him to suggest a tool that you've forgotten you had, or you might want him to shut up, throw his tool belt out the window, and just watch (this was me). You never really know what his role will be so its great that he's preparing with you. I envisioned my DH playing a hands on role, massaging me, helping me maintain low tones, etc. When it came down to it I found touch extremely annoying and I didn't want people talking to me. DH's place was fanning me in the tub ;).

I know you've been making freezer meals but are you preparing other things to smooth your babymoon? I've read somewhere about women who make little activity bags for their older child to have on hand when they need to attend to the newby.

DH just didn't have a clue what he was doing with Aiden, so he REALLY annoyed me. He is prepared for me to scream at him telling him a few choice words like I did with DS. But I think he has enough tools to improve on his lack of helpfulness last time. I love the guide that he can use to remind himself of stuff. We talked about making a "cheat sheet" soon of things for him to remember that's not in his short guide. More options basically. Oh and directions to the hospital since he's never seen it and with his current schedule probably won't. :p I need to find other birth stories like Christa's with a helpful DH doing what was needed and being understanding when his role changes.

Erin, I have thought about having a list on my craft closet (most people have a coat closet, I stuffed mine full of crafts and activities I don't want out all the time lol) of toddler activities that he can do solo, things he needs little help with, things he can do when my parents are here, etc. And making sure everything is available easily. I keep that closet very organized already at least!

I think I'm done freezing foods other than Thanksgiving stuff. I think I'll start making those dishes to freeze next week.

You are so well prepared, Jackie, that I think your biggest challenge is just going to be maintaining your momentum without getting too impatient and driving yourself crazy!! It's hard anyway, but even harder when you're ahead of the game, I think. Or at least it was for me. Hopefully Aiden will be a good enough distraction in these last weeks :)

Zoe still has lots of time to go head down, but I know you'll feel better once she does! Flip, Zoe, flip!

I love that your anniversary gift is ecapsulated placenta. :lol:

I'm glad your DH is working on hypnobabies, too!

Leigh, my biggest fear is not keeping myself pumped up for the next 4-6 weeks! I'm sooo ready NOW. But well, Zoe obviously isn't. At all. :lol:

She will be. Just remember, whenever you need a pep talk, let us know. That is what we are here for.

A belated welcome to your lodge Jackie! I loved catching up and am so excited for your birth with Zoe! Sending lots of head down vibes!

Loved your stories! Good luck with your vbac, I've had 2 so I totally get the emotional swings that take place between optimism and doubt toward the end. It sounds like you are as prepared as can be and totally get where things went wrong last time, so hopefully your body co-operates and you get the wonderful birth experience you're planning. Are you going to try to encourage her to flip with some spinning babies exercises or are you just going to leave her alone and see where shes at at your next appt?