These pictures were taken right before Rinaldo & I got (cooked) sushi last night! We didn’t order more than we normally do, but boy was I stuffed after. I officially can only eat smaller meals throughout the day because then I’ll feel super uncomfortable at night. My stomach gets so hard it literally feels like it’s going to burst!
In other news, baby Roberto & I have made it to week 24. Woohoo! I feel so far along in my pregnancy but then I think how I still have 16 weeks to go…. Here’s to hoping these last few months go by fast because I cannot wait to meet this little fella of mine!
Let’s see what Roberto’s up to this week!
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His see-through skin is gradually becoming more opaque.
And it’s got a new pink glow, thanks to the small capillaries that have recently formed.
(source)
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What’s New?
Total weight gain: I had my biggest gain of 1.5 pounds this week bringing me to a total of 9.5 pounds. Bring on the double digits!
Labor Classes: Rinaldo & I signed up for Bradley Method classes that start next week! I’m excited to get started with them.
New Purchases: I finally went out to get more bras. I’ve officially gone up 2 cup sizes. Ekk! I’m hoping they won’t get much bigger until my milk comes in at the end.
Doctor Appointments: I have my 6th month check-up after work today. Hopefully this appointment will go by as smoothly as they’ve been going so far.
How I’m Feeling
Preeeetty good! I had a few days towards the end of last week where I just felt exhausted. I’ve learned that I can’t really predict how I’ll feel on a certain day. No matter how active I am or how well I eat and sleep, some days I just feel more tired. Baby Roberto must be working hard on growing because he’s sucking all the energy out of me! With a weight gain of 1.5 pounds in one week, he must be up to something big!
As I mentioned above, Rinaldo & I start our Bradley Method classes next week. Here’s a brief description about what exactly the Bradley Method teaches.
The Bradley Method teaches natural childbirth and views birth as a natural process. It is our belief that most women with proper education, preparation, and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally. The Bradley Method is a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.
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I think the classes will definitely help prepare us for the birth of baby Roberto. I know Rinaldo will learn a lot and I will only benefit from him becoming educated about what will be happening, since he’s pretty clueless when it comes to the process of giving birth. What guy isn’t?
Our plan is to have the most natural birth possible, and we would love to avoid things like inductions and epidurals. I obviously don’t know what will end up happening since I’ve never had a baby before and you can’t plan what will happen, but all I can do now is educate and prepare myself for what I would like to happen.
I read that nearly 90% of Bradley Method moms having vaginal births do so without pain medication, so I think I’m on the right track!
I’m lucky to have so many people around me that are super supportive. Many people have encouraged me that I can do it and are super optimistic and excited for me. I think it will help in the end to know that my family and friends support me. I’m not trying to prove anything by having a natural birth, but instead trying to avoid the complications that come with interventions as well as caring for the well being of myself and baby!
What do you think? Am I crazy for wanting a birth with very few interventions?
What was your experience with giving birth?
