FAVORS

My dearest friends and closest family often will ask me, “What can I do for you? What do you need?” And for the majority of the pregnancy my answer has been, “Nothing.” As I have that I can do it myself attitude. I am nearing the end of my pregnancy (eight days to be exact!) and changing my tune…

I have called in some favors and I have been deee-nied!

I am tired of being tired. I am exhausted by the pinch in my back keeping me up through the night. I am annoyed with the contractions and cramping. It is making me an unpleasant personality.

The midwives have prescribed 8, yes that is EIGHT, different prescriptions from Trazadone to Ambien to Vicodin to help with sleep aid and pain relief. I have seen a physical therapist. Finally, relief! She is able to help, but of course only after delivery. My back is inflamed around and outside a nerve ending due to the pinch. I can’t have an anti-inflammatory until the baby is in my arms. I am so glad I can have narcotics though! And no I have not filled the Vicodin prescription.

My last appointment was on February 10th when I was at 37 weeks. At this time I was dilated a little past a 2 at 50%. She stripped my membrane in hopes to naturally induce labor. I was huddled over the rest of the day… so much for ‘mild’ cramping! The contractions kicked in later that evening. We started hoping for a February 12th birthday once I called and spoke to the nurse. She made it sound promising. The contractions petered out. The cramps continued until Friday morning.

I go back tomorrow for my 38 week appointment. Let me just call it my LAST prenatal appointment! Patty wants to repeat last week’s procedure. I am not sure of the pros of repeating it. If it has moved me along I may reconsider, but at this point I feel as though I am self inducing pain not inducing labor.

Writing of self induction takes me back to asking favors…

If the only way to relieve the back issue is to deliver let us get the party started!

When someone asks if they can do anything for me I ask if they have castor oil. I can make a castor oil and orange juice cocktail. My luck the cramping won't lead to contractions, but Diarrhea!

I have lost that loving feeling, so nipple stimulation and intercourse are out of the question. So, I ask Adam to kick me in his sleep… Push that baby out from the top! Hey, I have seen this on the "Baby Story".

I ask if they have stairs I can go down on my butt with the hopes to bump-bump-bump start it. How is this different then driving down the old winding road?

There is the option of long drives down a graveled pothole road. Right now, this is my kind of date.

On all accounts these wivestale methods have been declined by all who have offered to help. I get nothing, nada, zip and a whole lot of zilch. Damn!

It looks like we will continue to plan for our Monday, February 22nd evening admission with a medically inducted delivery on the 23rd. It has to be said- I do hope the baby comes organically…naturally and without the use of say, primrose oil!