Bradley Method

So I have thought long and hard and have decided to do everything possible, in my power, to deliver the baby naturally without medication. I've looked into the Bradley Method and I really like what the class teaches. My friend Jen did this and it worked great for her. Also, our friend, Ben's mom, is the teacher. Her classes are 7 weeks long and are every Thurs from 7:30-9:30 from Aug 13 to Oct 1. So I've got Geoffrey booked for 7 weeks.. :)

Below is some information about the Bradley Method.

Natural childbirth is an important goal since most people want to give their babies every possible advantage. Without the side effects of drugs given during labor and birth. Bradley® classes teach families how to have natural births. The techniques are simple and effective. They are based on information about how the human body works during labor. Couples are taught how they can work with their bodies to reduce pain and make their labors more efficient. Of over 200,000 Bradley®-trained couples nationwide, over 86% of them have had spontaneous, unmedicated natural births.

The Bradley philosophy says that it takes months to prepare for childbirth and parenting — mentally, physically, and emotionally — and prides itself on addressing all aspects of natural childbirth, as well as many pregnancy and postpartum issues. The course also emphasizes educating partners to be effective coaches.
Techniques for relaxation during labor and birth, with an emphasis on breathing methods to help you "tune-in" and manage your pain rather than distract you from it•
Methods to help your partner be an active participant and a skilled coach on labor day•
The stages of labor and how to cope with the changes your body experiences during each one.
Medical interventions and how to avoid unnecessary ones.
How to reduce your risk of having a c-section and what to do if it becomes medically necessary.
Making a birth plan and how to communicate effectively with your medical team
Breastfeeding.

24 weeks and 16 weeks to go

24 Weeks! Wow it is going by fast.
I've started to experience heartburn, every single day now. I swear I am getting heartburn even from drinking water. I'm sure you have heard the myth. Heartburn=a baby with a full head of hair. We'll see in a couple of months. Needless to say, TUMS with me at all times is a must. I bought a new purse and said to Geoffrey when I was asked about the new purchase, "But Geoffrey, I don't have enough room in my old purse for my bottle of TUMS, I had to get a bigger one." Have to learn to be creative. :)

Oooh the back pain, please do not get worse, please get better. I've already called Contour to find out more information about the prenatal massages. I will be there soon and be their best customer! No more leg cramps, I've doubled my water intake.

Geoff finally felt Baby Boy Ellison kick. It is now an every day occurence. The first thing he says is, "It feels like a gas bubble." Ooh Geoffrey. My mom got a kick out of that. Danielle felt the baby kick the other day while we were laying out at the pool. I tried with Bradley, but as soon as I put his hand on my belly, the baby stopped and that was that.

This month I HOPE and I stress HOPE to finish the nursery. So we'll see.

Below are my 24 week pictures, in my "Due in October" shirt, courtesy of my mom. Of course my protectors are near, Turbo and Diesel. Tuna was off barking at birds. And, most importantly, the most amazing gift that my mom got me. I think this onesie says it all.

The front of the onesie says: "I fell off of a cloud and into your arms". The back of the onesie are beautiful angel wings.

Leg Cramps

Dear God,

Why the invention of leg cramps in the middle of the night? What is the purpose? Isn't peeing every hour enough?

Sincerely,

Mom-to-be

I was woken up in the middle of the night last night, probably about 5:30am, by the most excruciating pain. I really thought my right lower leg was being ripped off of my body. I sprung out of bed, and Geoff asks me what's wrong..I'm screaming, my leg, my leg!

I think I scared poor Turbo and Tuna half to death because they were staring at me with bug eyes. I held on to the bed and started to walk around to work it out, but once the cramp was finally gone, the damage was already done. I could not fully go back to sleep and I have now been up since 5:30am. Happy Thursday!

A very active little boy!

So today I had my Dr appt with the OB and the perinatologist. Everything with the OB went great. So far, total weight gain is 5lbs. I gained 3 lbs since my last visit. My OB is testing me again in a couple of weeks for the gestational diabetes. As long as I test negative for the next gestational diabetes test, I am off of HIGH RISK! Woohoo! Music to my ears.

After the OB we went to the perinatologist for our last ultrasound before the 32 week ultrasound where they get the estimated weight of the baby.

Baby Boy Ellison's estimated weight right now is 1lb 1oz. The Dr said her "estimate" is that it looks like he could be an 8lb baby at delivery. My due date is still Oct 13, but I have been given a 7 day window. Which is anywhere from Oct 6 to Oct 13. My mom's 60th Bday is Oct 6. I think I have Joey and Brad beat on the gift this year. ;) I don't think they can top a grandson. haha! So my mom and dad went to the ultrasound with Geoff and I. I think they were very impressed with everything. They got to see him move around. He also gave us a thumbs up, showed us his foot and of course his "manparts". ( I added the photos below)

I'm just so happy after everything that I have been through, that this pregnancy is turning out to be absolutely wonderful.

We are working on the name which I think, at Geoff's request, we are going to keep a secret until later in the pregnancy.

Some new photos of Baby Boy Ellison!!

Prenatal Yoga

Last night I went to my first prenatal yoga class. As many of you may know, I've had horrible lower back pain these past couple of weeks and have had alot of trouble sleeping at night. Thank goodness for the prenatal yoga. It was wonderful and very relaxing. The stretches really helped to alleviate the pain in my lower back. The class is every Wednesday and held at Broward General in Fort Lauderdale. Can't wait until next week!

Oh! And tomorrow I have another ultrasound at the perinatologist and my parents are going to come along with Geoffrey and I so they can see their little grandson on the monitor!! :)