Hospital Appointment

Today Matt and I went for our hospital appointment where we registered and went through our birthing plan. As I mentioned yesterday I am definitely going for the drugs. I am getting the nubain shot at the beginning to take the edge off and I wrote down epidural. I chose to use the shower in order for the heat to help ease some of the pain and the birthing ball as well.

I explained to the nurses about my anxiety disorder and they were very understanding. I explained how when I am in pain I tend to get very anxious and my concerns about having an anxiety attack during labour. They made sure to circle and highlight the epidural on my papers so whoever the Doctor is on call that day can call in early for an anesthesiologist to come and administer it.

I had to answer a lot of questions, and as usual I can't always be serious. They asked me if I had any family or daily stresses. I answered "well I am married does that count." They laughed and yet Matt didn't seem to enjoy the joke. They told me that Braden will have a hearing test done three days after his birth and asked if there were any deafness in our family. I told them no, but that my Mom does have one leg and not to be alarmed if Braden comes out missing a limb. Mind you I assured them that both his arms and legs have been seen in the ultrasound.

Despite my sense of humour we did have to discuss serious things. As many of you know I take medication daily to control my anxiety. The OB/GYN would like me to ween myself off some of the dosage so that Braden doesn't have too many withdrawls at birth. Unfortunately, this will not be easy and thus I will go see a Paediatrician to further discuss what Braden will go through. Matt and I have to prepare for the idea that Braden may have to spend sometime in NICU. He could be in there for a few days or a few weeks. Or God willing won't have to be in there at all. But, we are preparing for anything that may come. Withdrawls he can experience is shortness and shallow breathing, irritability, decrease in appetite.

We just have to wait and see and hopefully the Paediatrician can answer some more of our questions. In the meantime, Braden is developing well and is gaining more and more weight each week. He is about 2 1/2 Lbs this week. I wonder what he'll weigh at birth? Any guesses?