Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Change of Plans

First of all, I'd like to start by saying Birth Plan, Schmirth Plan. Why do I even bother? Two for two babies now totally testing my ability to "roll with the punches". My confidence in my doctor is also being tested but I'm not sure how to handle that one yet.

So when Bubu was born, we lived down in Southern CA, Orange County to be exact, you know, like those housewives on Bravo but not quite that fabulous. We really liked my OB and we had ultrasounds throughout the whole pregnancy. Then at the end, the OB said Bubu was going to be huge, over 9 lbs (which he wasn't) and I had no sign of going into labor on my own so she recommended a C Section. Well, that change of plan was tough for me, but I googled it and was okay with it eventually. Then my water broke the night before my surgery and we had to change plans again. No C section, but I survived and I learned all kinds of things from that whole experience. The stuff I learned was great and I was planning on using all that great knowledge to make this birth super smooth and perfect.  Here's what I learned:

1.) Don't let your husband go out drinking with his buddies the week of your due date. Make that 2 weeks.
2.) Pay attention in childbirth class, even if they have chocolate chip cookies.
3.) When you do your hair and makeup before going to the hospital, remember that this hair has to take a beating so plan for a pretty ponytail look.
4.) Breastfeeding is not so easy, so being doped up on painkillers does not help. Just say no to the morphine, but epidural is okay.
5.) Being doped up on painkillers also doesn't translate well on photographs.
6.) When they offer you cherry Popsicles or ice chips, either take the ice chips or plan to scrub your lips and applying gloss before delivering because you don't want all your first pics with the baby to look like you are a vampire who just fed on a big bloody animal. 

Since then, we have moved to Northern CA and yesterday I had my 37 week doctor appointment. This OB is way different than the orange county one. We haven't had a ultrasound since 20 weeks so I am starting to wonder, is it really a girl? how big is this kid?? is she in the right position now??? Does she have two heads and three arms???? So I asked for an ultrasound. I got a little resistance but I insisted and my OB finally gave in and I was right, baby is breeched, head up instead of head down like its supposed to be. Here we go again, scheduled a C section for June 15th now and my whole birth plan is ruined. They gave me some exercises to do at home but it's unlikely she'll move because there's not a lot of room. Now I'm wondering, how long has she been like this? Who knows because the frickin' doctor didn't check anything until I insisted on her doing her job yesterday, right? So, last night I google breech babies and it's all horrifying information that my husband finally made me stop reading. If she doesn't move by June 15th, then all my great experience is worthless. I hate changing plans.

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