I just made a connection with a doula a couple of weeks ago. Danny and I decided she was a great fit for us. For those of you who don't know what a doula is, they are basically like a birth coach who provides emotional support for you during your labor and delivery. For someone who isn't planning on any pain meds during labor and delivery, I felt it was probably a good idea to explore ALL avenues for ways to make my labor a little more comfortable. That's why I took Hypno Birthing (I'll refer to it as HB, and I'll talk more about after baby arrives) and why I feel like having a doula is the perfect addition to my birth plan. Doulas provide options such as aromatherapy, massage, comforting music, knowledge in what positions may be more comfortable for you, ice packs/hot packs, support for the daddy-to-be, treats for your dogs (!), reading your body language to know what stage of pregnancy you're in and when it may be time to head to the hospital or birth center (if you aren't delivering at home, which I am not!)... and more. She even left me with a big exercise ball to sit on for the rest of my pregnancy to make sure my pelvis is in the proper position and that I'm not putting too much pressure on it. When I think of everything and anything I may possibly want to make me more comfortable during labor, she pretty much offers it all. And she is also proficient in HB, as she has trained with and worked with my HB coach for a while now. This means she can help me redirect my focus on my breathing, relaxation, and/or visualization exercises if I get distracted. This is a big plus!
In other news, yesterday was my last day of work! Considering baby dropped yesterday, I'm pretty sure the timing couldn't have been better. I have all sorts of random things planned in the next week or so to keep me busy... doctor's appointments, a professional cleaning of the house (first time ever since we've lived here, and I couldn't think of a better investment at a better time!), a massage (that I won in a contest from my prenatal yoga class- score!), hopefully a date night with the hubs.... our last as a party of two... maybe a mani/pedi, I think I'll choose blue polish :) ...and the arrival of one of my best girlfriends from Spain at the end of the week who has graciously offered to fly here to take care of us and our home for almost 3 weeks (I have the BEST friends!). Oh, and lots of walking! Busy busy busy. What else can I do?!
Until then, please say a little prayer for me to get through this labor and delivery in the best way I can, for the arrival of a healthy baby boy, and for my husband to make it through it all without passing out :)
Lots of love to my friends and family for all you've done and continue to do. I appreciate you more than you could ever know!
(This was about a week ago before prenatal yoga... 37.5 weeks... baby has dropped since then!)
