[simage=1077,160,n,right]The last and final of our childbirth classes was this last weekend, where we had two sessions (one morning and one afternoon) covering Breastfeeding and Baby Basics. We were fortunate to have the same instructor as last class, so upon arrival knew that we would be getting a lot of great knowledge from someone who truly knew their subject...
[simage=1076,160,n,right]As Natalie transitions into the 3rd Trimester, it is time for the Glucose Tolerance Test (or the test for Gestational Diabetes). This test is completed in a couple of phases, the first being a 1 hour blood draw after consuming the orange liquid shown in the picture above… Natalie describes it as the most sugary substance known to man...
[salbumphotos=7,64,4,y,n,title]On September 10th, Peanut got another chance to say hello to the world via Ultrasound at the John Muir Perinatal center in Walnut Creek. Natalie and I were asked back up for a followup appointment to assess the growth of Peanut as there was a marginal cord insertion diagnosed in the last visit. Marginal cord insertion simply means that...
[simage=1072,160,n,right] On Saturday, Natalie and I spent the day with 40 other expectant parents at “Prepared Childbirth”, an education class for first time parents to introduce the clinical aspects of childbirth (labor, stages of labor, how the birth actually happens, and yes, we watched all of the videos…). Our instructor Faye did an excellent...
[simage=1068,160,n,right]Tuesday night, after work, we headed up to John Muir Hospital for a tour of the Birthing Center and the Labor & Delivery wards. We arrived a few minutes early to a small group (only 6 of us) and we were led on our tour by Gene, a docent who had been giving this introduction for expectant parents for 8 years! As we arrived onto the...
[simage=1066,160,n,right]Last night was one of those times where you just want to never forget where you were or what you were doing… (I think I could write Hallmark cards in my spare time, huh?) Although both Natalie and I have felt the “flutter” type of sensation and constantly questioned whether we were actually feeling the baby or just a...
[simage=552,160,n,right]In little more than 4 months, a transition will take place from one doctor to the next as Natalie’s obstetrician will exit stage right as we welcome a new medical expert to help us care for the medical needs of our newborn. The selection of a pediatrician has been a process thus far and we are hoping to narrow down the field in the next...
[simage=545,160,n,right]Somehow the “Be Prepared” mentality is starting to take over and as part of our Birth preparation classes through our hospital, yesterday Natalie and I spent the morning learning Infant and Child CPR. Along with the core basics of infant and child life saving, our instructor (who was really good) also gave us the basics of choking...
[simage=544,160,n,right]Well, it’s been a little while since the last posting… We’re finding that there is a lot to do between now and when Peanut joins the family and we’re making good progress, but wanted to take a quick timeout to celebrate the HALFWAY MARK! Natalie has done a tremendous job with the first 20 weeks of her pregnancy and...