Hello LFM readers!!
Well, quick update: I passed my Glucose test with a 104 (they want it under 130), baby's heart rate is still good, I've now gained a total of 14 pounds (many of you out there are happy to hear that since reading my "Baby Update" post on Aug. 7th!), and we've now gone to our second childbirth class.
Unfortunately, our first instructor got sick and was admitted to the hospital. I have to admit, as understanding as I was, I've now gotten three calls changing around the schedule of not just the childbirth class, but all of the other ones we're signed up for as well, for various reasons. Normally I wouldn't care, but when working a second job at night, it becomes a bit hectic having to switch things around last minute. Oh well, that's life! :)
I was a bit concerned with having a new instructor. We had just fallen in love with our first one, and she made things so comfortable. However, our new one is just as great! She explained that the two of them have different teaching methods, as instructor #1 teaches more from the prenatal perspective, and instructor #2 teaches from the labor and delivery perspective (she's a labor and delivery RN at the hospital we're delivering at). I have to say, as comfortable as I was with #1, I felt like #2 really helped to explain things a little more. She used charts and visual props, and told stories about things she's seen and various situations.
We also went on a tour of the hospital. It was nice to get a preview of where I'd be delivering and recovering. I'm also impressed with all of the security measures they take, as well as the freedom you have at the same time. The tour helped to calm some anxiousness I was having about the whole ordeal. By the end of the night, I was looking forward to next week's class.
Some of you have asked me about going to the dentist: I finally found one I like in Lexington! She's brand new-Wellington Family Dentistry. For all of you out there who don't know, I'd rather pay taxes to the IRS than go to the dentist. I've just had way too many traumatic experiences in that chair. This doctor was fantastic; so understanding of my fears and concerns. I was also super-impressed that they took the initiative to call my O.B. to see what they could and could not do or give to me. Unfortunately for her, she found out just how BAD my gag reflex was when trying to do X-Rays. I'm sure I have a permanent stamp in my file now warning the techs :P
Bad news, like usual. I was planning on getting two crowns put on after we got married, but as you all know, we found out VERY SOON afterwards that we were expecting. I decided to wait until after baby girl was born. Now however, I have an infection in my gums, all around the root canals I had done. Dentist doesn't think it's imperative I have everything fixed while still pregnant (causing so much stress in me again, and then in baby), so I had a routine cleaning and received a prescription for Penicillin for the week for the infection. Anyone want to accompany this scaredy cat in December?--> I have to have the two root canals done (AGAIN!) because decay has gotten down there (I promise I've been trying to take care of it!) And then I have to have the crowns put on. Don't worry, I've already warned them about trying to do impressions in my mouth. If they thought X-Rays were bad, wait 'til they try to do those! I definitely need someone to hold my hand.
So this wasn't a "quick update" by any means, but now you know a few more details of my pregnancy, and you were able to escape your own reality for a moment!
Until next time, be open to change!
Karyn Potts
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Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
First Childbirth Class
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
Well, this is it. We've just started our series of classes, gearing up to be Mommy and Daddy. From here on out we'll be busy in the upcoming weeks with work, baby classes, putting together the nursery and baby showers. Not to mention the holidays are just around the corner!
I thought tonight was fun, and Brian seemed to enjoy the class as well. He volunteered to wear the 25-pound backpack filled with rice on his belly, and ankle weights, all to experience how I was feeling. Welcome to my world honey! The instructor gave each of the men a tiny gift for at least trying it on. Good job men!
We started the class off by introducing other couples to the room, which sounds a little overdone, but I actually thought it helped break the ice a bit. Plus you don't feel as stupid trying to get on and off the floor when you know the names of others around you going through the same thing.
We learned some different positions to lay in while in labor, as well as some key techniques to breathing and relaxation. We also watched a film on one couple's birth (all natural--WOW), and took a bunch of bathroom breaks, thankfully :) Question and answer time made me feel a lot more assured that we're not the only ones who are new to the game. Everyone in the class is having their first baby, and seemed just as green as we are.
The instructor was fantastic! About 33 years under her belt, and still going strong. She was very comfortable talking to the class, and made it feel like it was just a bunch of friends comparing notes on what's going on with people's bodies, what to expect when in the hospital, sonogram accuracy (and lack thereof), birth plans, optional medicine(s), car seat safety, etc. Needless to say, we talked about a lot of topics!
Next week we'll be touring the hospital and going through the whole birthing process more in depth (I'm assuming).
Let me also note: while in class, I was so thankful that Brian was there supporting me. He held my hand, rubbed my back, and kept me laughing. I was glad he watched the video showing how great the woman's husband was during the birth, and that he was surrounded by other men with their wives. I was sure some of this would rub off on him. However when we got home, he turned to me and said "I just don't think it's going to be as bad or hurt as much as you think it is." UMMMMM, WHAT? I'm grateful that he's trying to be supportive and positive, but how can I possibly help him understand what I'll be going through in just a few months? Any ideas? What have you done, or have you heard of, that will help a man understand the breadth of the situation? I have plenty of books lying around about childbirth, pregnancy--even one for men! But he's yet to pick one up. I'd LOVE to hear some ideas. Let me know!
Until next time, study up!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the button below*
Well, this is it. We've just started our series of classes, gearing up to be Mommy and Daddy. From here on out we'll be busy in the upcoming weeks with work, baby classes, putting together the nursery and baby showers. Not to mention the holidays are just around the corner!
I thought tonight was fun, and Brian seemed to enjoy the class as well. He volunteered to wear the 25-pound backpack filled with rice on his belly, and ankle weights, all to experience how I was feeling. Welcome to my world honey! The instructor gave each of the men a tiny gift for at least trying it on. Good job men!
We started the class off by introducing other couples to the room, which sounds a little overdone, but I actually thought it helped break the ice a bit. Plus you don't feel as stupid trying to get on and off the floor when you know the names of others around you going through the same thing.
We learned some different positions to lay in while in labor, as well as some key techniques to breathing and relaxation. We also watched a film on one couple's birth (all natural--WOW), and took a bunch of bathroom breaks, thankfully :) Question and answer time made me feel a lot more assured that we're not the only ones who are new to the game. Everyone in the class is having their first baby, and seemed just as green as we are.
The instructor was fantastic! About 33 years under her belt, and still going strong. She was very comfortable talking to the class, and made it feel like it was just a bunch of friends comparing notes on what's going on with people's bodies, what to expect when in the hospital, sonogram accuracy (and lack thereof), birth plans, optional medicine(s), car seat safety, etc. Needless to say, we talked about a lot of topics!
Next week we'll be touring the hospital and going through the whole birthing process more in depth (I'm assuming).
Let me also note: while in class, I was so thankful that Brian was there supporting me. He held my hand, rubbed my back, and kept me laughing. I was glad he watched the video showing how great the woman's husband was during the birth, and that he was surrounded by other men with their wives. I was sure some of this would rub off on him. However when we got home, he turned to me and said "I just don't think it's going to be as bad or hurt as much as you think it is." UMMMMM, WHAT? I'm grateful that he's trying to be supportive and positive, but how can I possibly help him understand what I'll be going through in just a few months? Any ideas? What have you done, or have you heard of, that will help a man understand the breadth of the situation? I have plenty of books lying around about childbirth, pregnancy--even one for men! But he's yet to pick one up. I'd LOVE to hear some ideas. Let me know!
Until next time, study up!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the button below*
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Glucose Schmucose
Hello LFM Readers!
Just wanted to tell all of the expecting Mommies out there that haven't done their Glucose Test yet: it's no big deal!! People have been worrying me sick, saying "it's this HUGE sugary drink that makes you feel nauseous after a while..it's unbearable..and if you fail the test you have to go for a 3 hour one!"
I went to my appointment yesterday, purposely very thirsty. The nurse walked in and handed me this tiny 10 ounce bottle of cold clear liquid. I was convinced my doc was about to mix this watery substance with some gross sugar mixture, but she didn't. Instead she reassured me that the tiny bottle was it, nothing more. I unscrewed the cap to take a sip. Much to my surprise, it actually tasted somewhat yummy! It was supposedly the sprite-flavored, which I'm told is the best (though I have a friend who swears by the fruit punch). The only setback was that I had to down the whole bottle within 5 minutes. Not a hard fete when you're thirsty.
While we waited for it to settle, Brian got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time (he missed the last appointment because of work). It was sweet--he basically wants to have an ultrasound every time we go; not again until 36 weeks so says my doc. Who knows, maybe he'll turn into Tom Cruise and buy a machine for our own personal use! Hahahaha!
An hour later the "Best Phlebotomist in Town" as I like to call her, drew my blood and I was free to go. Though in the excitement, my hubby and I rushed over to our closest fire station where Brian pulled some strings and did a blood sugar test on me--I think he just likes to poke people with needles :P
It came back at 112, so we're hoping the real test went just as well. Apparently they look at a range for you to be in afterwards--I guess I'll know by tomorrow!
So until next time, don't worry so much!
Karyn Potts
PS: I totally forgot to ask her about my toothache--can I take antibiotics? I think my tooth is infected :( And what about allergy medicine? I'm a mess...
*To comment, just click below*
Just wanted to tell all of the expecting Mommies out there that haven't done their Glucose Test yet: it's no big deal!! People have been worrying me sick, saying "it's this HUGE sugary drink that makes you feel nauseous after a while..it's unbearable..and if you fail the test you have to go for a 3 hour one!"
I went to my appointment yesterday, purposely very thirsty. The nurse walked in and handed me this tiny 10 ounce bottle of cold clear liquid. I was convinced my doc was about to mix this watery substance with some gross sugar mixture, but she didn't. Instead she reassured me that the tiny bottle was it, nothing more. I unscrewed the cap to take a sip. Much to my surprise, it actually tasted somewhat yummy! It was supposedly the sprite-flavored, which I'm told is the best (though I have a friend who swears by the fruit punch). The only setback was that I had to down the whole bottle within 5 minutes. Not a hard fete when you're thirsty.
While we waited for it to settle, Brian got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time (he missed the last appointment because of work). It was sweet--he basically wants to have an ultrasound every time we go; not again until 36 weeks so says my doc. Who knows, maybe he'll turn into Tom Cruise and buy a machine for our own personal use! Hahahaha!
An hour later the "Best Phlebotomist in Town" as I like to call her, drew my blood and I was free to go. Though in the excitement, my hubby and I rushed over to our closest fire station where Brian pulled some strings and did a blood sugar test on me--I think he just likes to poke people with needles :P
It came back at 112, so we're hoping the real test went just as well. Apparently they look at a range for you to be in afterwards--I guess I'll know by tomorrow!
So until next time, don't worry so much!
Karyn Potts
PS: I totally forgot to ask her about my toothache--can I take antibiotics? I think my tooth is infected :( And what about allergy medicine? I'm a mess...
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