-People will say, "Oh my gosh, you're so tiny!" or "Oh, you're the cutest little pregnant lady" and you just want to switch torsos with them for a day to see if they still feel the same way.
-While sitting, your boobs will touch the top of your stomach. It's weird, but not a whole lot you can do about it.
-You will itch like it's nobody's business. This is mainly because your poor skin is stretching to its maximum limits.
-You will feel like a cow, udders and all. Not necessarily because you're swollen or bloated (although you may have that experience), but just because you've got some massive frontal weight that you never had before.
-You will be asked the following questions at least 10 times a day: How are you feeling? (Because people are nice and most care about your well being) Do you really want a boy or a girl? (Like I'm going to tell you! If I say one you'll think I'm ungrateful if its the other.) Have you thought of any names? (Probably the most popular question for us right now) How many kids do you want? (My "funny" answer to this is usually "Ask me that after I give birth with this one") Are you going to get an epidural? (My answer is probably not. Hard core naturalists have a problem with that answer because of the "probably" and those who don't believe in pain can't possibly understand why I don't walk in the hospital with my request for an epidural already placed with the anesthesiologist. Read up on it and make your own decision. That's mine).
-EVERYONE will share their unsolicited advice with you about raising children, breastfeeding, labor, you name it. Smile and nod :o)
-EVERYONE will say your life will never be the same. (Isn't that the point?)
-Sleeping is a hot commodity. They say get lots of sleep before the baby comes, but that's easier said than done (says Bessy the cow, lol).
-When you eat a lot, people say, "It's ok, you're eating for two." But you really shouldn't double your caloric intake. Nor should you gorge yourself with unhealthy food just because your pregnant. Remember, you're feeding your kid all that crap too.
-Maybe the most important thing I've come to learn: everyone has a different experience with pregnancy. Some want to be pregnant, some don't. Some want tons of kids, some don't. Some want to stay at home with baby for years, some don't. Some get pregnant right away, others have tried for years to no avail. Respect other people and their experience, but understand it doesn't have to be yours. Just be polite and empathetic. And hopefully you have a great support system to relate with you too.
Okay, I LOVE this.
ReplyDeleteAnd here is what I am thinking (so more unsolicited advice :)
Per itching and hate for cocoa butter, as well as dryness. Ditch Cocoa butter and go to Walgreens or Walmart and get a small vial of Vitamin E oil. It works for stretch marks better. You will still get them in the very end if you are anything like me, but they will disappear faster. While it takes a bit to rub in, I think you would like it. Ask the pharmacist where it is.
In terms of epidural. Have something you would like (as in, not having an epidural), but realize that if you do use it, you are in no way a failure. You assessed a situation and you acted accordingly. The nice thing is, everyone's pain is different and no one can really assess your decisions accurately.
Your friends will share advice with you because they love you, strangers will because there are so few times they can share that wisdom, and family will because they want to give you all your options (and they love you.) Smiling and nodding is definitely the most gracious response. (This is what I kept telling you.)
"Your life will never be the same" is code for "I can't really express to you what this will mean to you. It's impossible. And even this phrase will mean something new to you once you have your littlest friend laying near you."
Oh - and one more piece of advice from previous experience....after labor, many many people will be watching your baby. You will be surprised at how few will be watching you. This may go against your natural instinct, but assign your husband to STAY WITH YOU in recovery and if your baby has to exit, assign someone else to go with the baby - even if its the doctor. PLEASE keep someone with YOU to make sure you don't have complications.
Let me put it this way....if my mother hadn't stayed with me when my husband went with the baby... I wouldn't be here today. And it was completely unexpected. Please keep someone with you in recovery who isn't as tired as you will be and who can make sure you are making the best decisions for yourself.
That said, I respect you and believe that you will do what is best for you, your husband, and your child. I am really impressed by your empathetic and understanding outlook in pregnancy. You are always so well informed and dignified. :)
Good luck! Visualize it all going well :)
Love!
Rachel
LOL
ReplyDeleteWhat I meant was "This is what I kept telling MYSELF"
LOL