Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Big numbers and childbirth class

A lot of big numbers around here this week.

Tomorrow is 26 weeks!
Yesterday, my ticker showed only 100 days until the babies arrive, and today it dropped into the double digits at 99 days! (Of course, it's likely the babies will be early)
And, I'm almost to 200 posts! (Maybe I should wait to celebrate that when I get there)

I also wanted to write about my childbirth class. It's ... interesting. I actually found the first class quite informative, even if it did duplicate most of the reading I've done. It was a meet-and-greet, an overview of the birth process, and a tour of the birthing center, which is supposed to be the best one in Northern California. Every room is private and has either a shower or a tub, plus a window that looks out onto a private garden and is tinted so no one can see in. The postpartum rooms are all private as well (although they are SMALL! How are they going to fit two babies plus two parents in there?), and have TVs, mini-fridges, and other amenities.

The second class was a bit long and repetitive, and it started with a visit from the person who manages the birth center (she's a nurse, maybe?), who told us and the other twin-parents-to-be that mothers of twins may labor in the L&D rooms, but must deliver in the OR. Um ... news to me! Someone couldn't tell us that BEFORE our tour? I know I may not get what I want, but I had been imagining giving birth in one of those beautiful spacious rooms with a window on a private garden. Not in a sterile windowless operating room!

It brought up a lot of questions I haven't had answered yet - will my husband have to change into scrubs to go into the OR? When will he do that? (They said we don't have to move into there until right before the actual delivery). They said they'd bring me over there in a normal bed - will I have to deliver in bed? How is this going to limit my other options?

I know none of this will matter in the least if I end up having to schedule a C-section, or if I have an emergency C-section. I am completely committed to doing what is best for the babies, and keeping them safe, and I'm not too upset about this policy. I think mostly I just wish I had known to not have such high expectations in the first place, and I wish someone would have told me earlier.

In the meantime, things are progressing well. I'm getting huge, my hip still aches, I have insomnia every night, and I have occasional heartburn/reflux. Honestly, compared to what I could be dealing with, I have it pretty easy, and I'm grateful.

My in-laws arrive in a few days from Italy! I'm excited to see them and wish they were staying longer.

Here's a question for all you twin moms and moms-to-be out there (and singletons too, really) - what do I need to register for? I'm at a complete loss. So far I've got some clothes, a few toys/rattles/etc., baby books, a cosleeper and sheets, two carseats, bibs, socks, hats, waterproof changing pads, a twin breast-feeding pillow, bottles, diapers, stroller frames for the car seats, one or two other odds and ends, and a Moby wrap baby carrier. I feel like I must be missing something. I also already have or will be given a baby bathtub, bouncy chair, in-bed cosleeper, boppy, cribs (from my mom) and bath towels. ANd I picked up some receiving blankets and crib sheets at a sale.

What else do I need?

OMG, I'm so excited, I can't wait for the shower! It's the first time in my life I've ever been excited about a shower (even pre-IF, I always hated baby showers).

6 comments:

  1. The book "Baby Bargains" helped me out some...but honestly the best advice came from my sister--a mom of two--who came with me to register. She pretty much told me, 'nah, don't bother with that you won't use it' or 'oh, you definitely need one of these'.....I'd find a mom to go with you one day....

    :-) Glad things are moving right along for you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. All of that sounds good. I'd recommend at least 2 bouncer seats and 2 boppy's. you'll want a safe place to put them down both upstairs and downstairs. Also, you can register for the next step carseats (the convertable ones) for when they grow out of the infant seats (which will happen sooner with twins because those things are heavy to carry around one in each arm!)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree - two boppy's and two bouncers - all moms I've talked to say that they are very useful. You're down to double digits to go - they'll be here before you know it!

    We don't get the option of classes or a tour since we're so far away... bummer.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was going to suggest bouncers too... it was a life-saver with my nephew. I know I'm counting on my mom to get me one of those. Other than that, I'm at a loss too. I like Murgdan's suggestion of taking an experienced mom along with you when you register.

    ReplyDelete
  5. hi! diaper bag, diapers (cloth or otherwise), diaper pail(s), breastfeeding stuff, see who rents breast pumps in your area...toiletries...mobiles...music...
    we got a moby as a gift and bought a second one. but it looks like we may need a second bouncy...we set up "changing stations" around the house. It's very fun. totally get a mom friend/relative to go shopping with you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Washcloths! I could never have enough of them! I also had a crib downstairs. Not a full size one but a portable so I could change Zilla or put him down for a bit. bringing someone with you is a GREAT idea. Oh and don't forget onsies, those are a MUST!

    YAY for double digits! Enjoy the time with your in laws.
    *HUGS*

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!