Preparing for baby number 2
I have been away for a while. I guess with summer and traveling I get pretty busy, and by the time the day ends and my daughter sleeps, I have zero energy left to write or do anything for that matter.
I am 33 weeks pregnant today. I'm feeling all the feelings. Excitement for sure. Anxiety as well of course. Also extreme fatigue as this time around I can't just stay in bed until due date and rest, but I have a girl to tend to everyday. Which is a good thing I guess, one form of exercise!
Husband is traveling a lot until due date, so a lot on my plate, physically and mentally.
As due date approaches, I'm trying to be as ready as possible to make this birth and post birth as smooth as I possibly can. As I've mentioned in my previous posts, I have severe anxiety especially post natal, so I'm trying to setup as much support as possible this time to minimize any potential issues later. I know I can't control everything, but at least the things I can, I'm trying to take care of now. So in this post, I'll be sharing all the steps I'm currently taking to hopefully help later on.
Breastfeeding: This was one major breakdown moment for me last time. My milk came in pretty late because of the C-Section, and with all the stress and anxiety I just couldn't get my supply up, which led me to break down quickly. This time, I am looking for a lactation consultant from now, so that right after birth I'm not all over the place and I know who I can contact straight away to get help!
New Gynecologist: I later discovered that the one from my previous birth was actually a pro c section doctor, and doesn't really believe in the power of skin to skin or any of the things I actually want for my birth experience. He was a family doctor so I trusted him, but now after being more educated about what I want, I realized we do not match. I found a new one that is more compatible with my idea of a natural birth and we agree on how the birth experience should be.
Doula: Found myself a doula to help me during birth. I never realized how important and helpful one would be. Doctors are usually pretty busy, so having a doula with you throughout labour would be incredibly helpful and to ensure you have the experience you want, offer advice and guide you through the whole birth process, breathing, best positions and all that.
Therapist: I already started seeing a therapist who is specialized in post natal anxiety, to help me control my anxiety before and after birth.
Homeopathic doctor: Started homeopathy meds to keep my anxiety at bay since as due date approaches I can feel my body getting into that state of anxiety that I really need to control. They are all natural remedies that are safe to use while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Somatic stress relief: I am yet to try that, but already booked an appointment. So I'll tell you more once I've started, but basically your body kind of remembers your past traumas and the stress and anxiety are somehow trapped inside, and with certain movements you can let them out.
Birth course: I am starting a course on birth positions and exercises that would aid a natural birth when you enter labour. Since my first was a C Section, I was advised to start one of these to get my body ready for a natural birth, I hope.
CPR and First Aid: So I was incredibly anxious last time that anything would happen to my daughter and I wasn't fully equipped, so this time I will be taking a course at the hospital after birth so I feel like I have things under control.
Baby Massage: Also another course I will take at the hospital. My daughter had horrible colic, and I later learned that with certain massages colic can get much better!
Baby nurse: This time I'm heading home from the hospital, not to my parents' house, and with my husband constantly traveling or busy, I will be alone with the baby and my first child. Given my post natal anxiety situation, I needed reassurance that there is someone there to help. So I will be getting 24 hour nurse help from the hospital that will stay with me at least the first month, when my anxiety is at its worse.
This is everything I've worked on so far. I know it's a huge list. But again, knowing what I know about myself now, I needed to be prepared this time. I needed to feel like I've done everything I could possibly do to be best prepared for the birth of our baby. I pray with all my heart that the experience this time is different for all of us. And that it gives me the closure I need to move on.. finally.