Doula Labor Support (Week 35)

Before my pregnancy I wasn't familiar with the term "Doula". After hearing the term repeatedly through books, websites and prenatal classes, we decided to look into it. At first I was a bit skeptical as to whether hiring a doula would be right for me. I have thought about having a child and giving birth my whole life. I never imagined it to include a support person that I didn't know.

A doula is a person that you hire to be there throughout labor and delivery. She will come to the house at the onset of labor and continue with us to the hospital when the time is right. Through her knowledge and experience, she supports the laboring mother and her partner to help ensure a positive birth experience. She provides emotional support through encouragement, patience and her knowlege of the laboring and birthing process. She provides physical support through massage, use of various relaxation techniques and suggests progressive labor and delivery positions to help ease discomfort. Should complications arise, she ensures we have a good understanding of our options and the information presented to us. She helps in overseeing that our birth plan is followed when appropriate.

After meeting with our Doula, Liz, and learing more about the process and the support she will provide not only for me, but for Dave, I am looking forward to the birth of our son, with less fear of the unknown.

Baby Shower (Week 34)

We feel very fortunate to have such supportive friends and family. The baby showers at both the Mahoney's and at the Tachibana's were wonderful. We feel so grateful for everyone's generosity. I was not expecting to be so prepared for our little one's arrival. We have been washing and sorting all the cute clothes, hats, socks and blankets that we received. We have put together the bouncer, pack n play, stroller, car seats, bathtub and high chair. Dave even tried on the baby carrier, secure with a doll for practice! We have been organizing and sorting all the books, towels, bibs, diapers, bath supplies and various other items. I can't wait until we can put everything to use in about a month!

Baby Room Part 2 (Week 32)

In Photoshop, I drew a bear (pictured above) and framed it in three colors for the baby's room. Did I say, "baby's room?" Yes! It is all baby room now and no longer office. I am so excited about that. It was feeling really crowded in there with the desk, filing cabinet, etc. so we decided to reorganize. Now there is room to hang out, put a large rug in the middle of the floor and have hangout space for us and the little one. I can't wait to pick up more items for the room and the walls. My sister got us the pack and play we are going to use for a crib. It looks awesome in there. It's all coming together. We only have about 8 weeks to go!