We had a good appointment today with Jenny the Midwife, and we set a date for induction: this Friday, April 28. We also talked about things we can do before then:
* Today, Jenny swept my membranes, which means she separated the amniotic sac from the wall of my uterus a bit. The procedure is slightly uncomfortable but not bad, and it stimulates labor about 50% of the time. (So far, nothing. She’ll do it again on Wednesday if labor doesn’t start.)
* Keep up with walking about 30 minutes each day.
* Keep doing “pelvic tilt” exercises (sort of like a cat stretch for your back), 3 sets of 10 each day. This helps Baby get into the “anterior” position, so that she is facing my spine (much less painful in labor than posterior position).
* Castor oil is still an option we might consider, but it has its own risks — namely, revolting gastrointestinal distress for hours while you are laboring.
I have mixed feelings about having the date set for induction — happy that we will meet Baby and not have to wait anymore, but also unsettled since I really thought we could avoid a hospital induction. I’m still processing my emotions, and I’m sure I’ll have more to say about them soon.
Jon pointed out that I’ve been preparing myself to be “brave” and make it through a non-medicated childbirth, but now I might need to be even more brave to labor and give birth in a way that I hadn’t seriously considered (being in a hospital the whole time). It is true! This period of waiting and wondering and topsy-turvy expectations is teaching me more than I would have ever imagined.
In the meantime, Baby Girl is wiggling away contentedly in my belly, and I’m definitely cherishing these last few days of belly-squirms before we get to meet her face to face.
Ohmygoodness! I have just spent the most pleasant hour reading through all that you two have posted – it is just terrific! I laughed, I very nearly cried… thank you for sharing all of it. Ann, you are a wonderful mommy – and Baby Boyd’s birth is going to be just right. And Jon – I wish that I could bring you in to talk to all the daddies I meet… so they could understand the value they offer to this crazy process, so they would see how capable and effective a supportive partner is. I am praying for you every day. I know God will give you the strength and you will have the wisdom to birth beautifully. I giggle each time I pray for you Ann, I remember your lip-vibrating breathing in class… : )