Checking In and Checking Up

I had the pleasure of having one of my friends come along with me on my prenatal checkup a couple of weeks ago, and she took some great pictures and video that really help visually document my pregnancy.

I love coming here for my checkups. It is cozy, quaint, and extremely welcoming. That is one thing that I love about using a midwife this time around, just the normalcy and homey-ness of it all. I don't have to go to the doctor where I go if there is something wrong, or if I am sick. I feel like I am just going to talk with a knowledgeable woman about my pregnancy experience and to get a chance to listen to the bomp bomp bomp of my little bunny growing and thriving inside my ever-growing belly.

Here is a video of us listening to Olive. You may want to turn off the music player so you can hear the heartbeat.


We got a chance to discuss my home birth a little more. Everything is a "go" as long as little Olive decides to stay put until I hit my 37 week mark, and she doesn't have another woman in labor at the same time. Otherwise, I will have to go to her. Which, wouldn't be so horrible, considering how beautiful her place is. I talked to her about what I will need to purchase or put together before the birth, and basically, there is a little kit I need to buy for like 30 bucks that has some tools for her as well as umbilical cord clamps and a placenta receptacle (yummy).
I have decided against renting a birthing pool because knowing me, when I am in pain, I have to move. If I want to relax in a tub for awhile, I have two bathtubs I can do that in. But I guarantee you, I won't be hanging out in there for long. I have to walk, move, wince, curse...I'll be too busy to be soaking. So really, wherever I am in my home when Olive decides to make her grand appearance will be where I have her. I plan on going to relax in bed when my midwife is done doing what she needs to do to take care of myself and Olive. And THAT idea alone, sounds absolutely lovely.

I am getting a little nervous about the timeline of events once it is apparent that Olive is coming. Statistically, labor is shorter and quicker with each child. I had Lula in a little over 3 hours start to finish, only pushing a few times. How much faster can it be?! I am worried that my husband, midwife, mother, doula, etc all won't make it in time and I will be stuck here by myself pushing out a baby with Lula freaking out. That is my silly fear at the moment. The great thing is about all of that though, is that I will have everything here that is needed to have a baby at home. The chances of me making it to a hospital in time if she decides to come even quicker than Lula are slim anyways. Let's all just have positive thoughts that everyone can make it in time and Olive is welcomed in a relaxed and pleasant environment.

Here are some more pictures of the center and my sweetie Lula making herself right at home there.