Making Strides
I feel like besides cramming my brain full of as much information as possible, I haven’t really done anything to actually get ready for the little nugget’s arrival. I’m extremely superstitious, and this entire time I’ve been afraid to buy anything baby-related, or do too much to get ready, in case I jinxed it.
And then last night, I gave myself a reality check. I realized that if I kept this up, I’d have a ton of book knowledge ready to go, but before I knew it, I’d have a baby in my arms, no real-world learning experience and none of the necessary supplies to care for it. All of a sudden, I was super motivated to start researching baby items for our registry.
First, I tried to go about it the easy way. One of my best friends, Jeni, who had a baby last winter, extensively researched everything she registered for. We have basically the exact same style, too, so I figured when the time came, I would just use her registry to get ideas and go from there. Done and done. Except it’s not online anymore, so I’m hoping she might have a copy saved somewhere.
After the Pilot got off work, I had cabin fever from being in the house most of the day, and thought it would be fun to look around at baby things. We were to a couple of stores [and I found so many amazing things that I love!] and I bit the bullet and we bought our first baby-related thing: a heartbeat listening thingamathing.
We got a little jipped on this one.
Actually, we didn’t read the packaging very well. See those tiny words on the bottom left-hand corner? Third trimester recommended. I’m in the second trimester. Punks. I do have to say that laying on the couch, with the sensor strapped around my belly and trying to find the heartbeat with the Pilot was an incredible moment, though.
Another thing I accomplished on my “let’s get ready” task list: registering for childbirth classes.
After researching various options, from experiences I’ve heard from other moms and per my doula’s recommendation, the Pilot and I decided on the Bradley Method.
Here’s some info from the website:
- What is The Bradley Method®?
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.- How is The Bradley Method® Unique?
- The Bradley Method® teaches couples ways to stay low risk. While occasionally there are risk factors out of your control, staying healthy and low risk can help to avoid complications. Low risk mothers have more choices.
- Relaxation is the Key to The Bradley Method® during labor. It is the safest and most effective way to reduce unnecessary pain and to handle any pain that you do experience. While other methods seek to control the sensations of labor (emphasizing distraction as their Primary labor control technique), The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies (emphasizing relaxed abdominal breathing and relaxation throughout labor).
- The term The Bradley Method® is a registered trademark to ensure you are getting quality childbirth education. All instructors of The Bradley Method® are highly trained to help you learn how to give birth.
What does The Bradley Method® Teach?
- Natural childbirth – Nearly 90% of Bradley Method™ moms having vaginal births do so without pain medication.
- Active participation by the husband as coach.
- Excellent nutrition (the foundation of a healthy pregnancy and baby).
- Avoidance of drugs during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, unless absolutely necessary. No drug has been proven safe for an unborn baby.
- Training: "Early Bird" classes followed by weekly classes starting in the 5th month and continuing until the birth.
- Relaxation and NATURAL breathing – can be effective pain management techniques with training according to the National Institutes of Health.
- "Tuning-in" to your own body and trusting the natural process.
- Immediate and continuous contact with your new baby.
- Breastfeeding, beginning at birth provides immunities and nutrition.
- Consumerism and positive communications.
- Parents taking responsibility for the safety of the birth place, procedures, attendants, and emergency back-up.
- Parents being prepared for unexpected situations such as emergency childbirth and cesarean section.
What the Bradley Method is NOT:
[Bahahaa. I couldn’t resist. Also, if you haven’t seen the Backup Plan, it’s pretty hilarious]
I’m really excited our classes, which are 12 weeks and during a time when Tom will be able to be there with me for all of them. I already spoke on the phone with one of the instructors (who is also a certified doula, midwife and mom of 3 Bradley method-born children, one of whom is about my age) and she was fantastic. I can’t wait to meet her.
Through the Bradley Method, Tom will be acting as a labor coach, along with my midwife and doula. We’ll be able to learn various techniques and positions to help me relax, and with the 3 people I’ll have on my birth team, I feel really good about the entire process. Also, if anyone knows how to relax me, it’s my husband. He is the most level-headed, calm under pressure person I’ve ever met.
I’ll never forget the first *fight* we got into: I was in the kitchen switching the dishes into the dishwasher, yelling and clanking things around, and he said so calmly, “Come here, baby. Sit down and we’ll figure it all out.” Um, yeah. I still don’t know what planet he came from, but that I’m very lucky.
Have you taken any childbirth classes? What’s the #1 most awesome baby registry item you know of? I’ll be putting together a favorite things style wish list soon 🙂
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That’s exactly like my boyfriend – he’s so calm, cool and collected whereas I’m more of a banger and a slammer of things when I’m mad 🙂
I don’t know enough about baby registry so I’ll let the professionals take over that question 🙂
Sounds like you two will be great together during this process~! Glad you found a method you’re happy with!
Just found your blog and I love it! Congrats to you and your husband. My dear friend just went through the Bradley Method and had a great experience. I think you’ll be happy with it!
Amazon is great for registering, they have everything!!
Have you seen the child birth class skit from SNL? It was on a more recent episode with Maya Rudolph guest starring, soooo funny!
omg i’ll have to watch it
Didn’t take long to find it: http://www.hulu.com/watch/239646/saturday-night-live-birthing-class
watching it now. and crying i’m laughing so hard.
that just made my day.
Haha, glad you liked it! 🙂 my hubby and I were dying in childbirth class, the videos are just like that. Totally 80’s hair everywhere..lol, we are mature like that. Haha
I think you already have the most important thing you need… a loving husband who will keep calm under pressure 🙂 You two are so cute!
Excellent choice on the Bradley classes. My husband and I are taking them now. I love it! I would also recommend the book “Hypnobirthing.” I loved it. And, it came with a great relaxation CD…
We bought the same one. If you buy some of the gel stuff they use when you get an ultrasound it will in your second trimester. Or at least using the gel with it allowed us to hear our baby during the second trimester. Best of luck.
I watched that movie with my husband on our honeymoon. It was extremely effective birth control. Hahaha!
Too bad about the heart beat thing — but soon enough you’ll be able to use it!
Bradley Method sounds like what I’d be interested in doing as well! No idea about baby registry things though.
I definitely want to read the Bradley book. I’ve heard such good things about it.
i LOVED registering for our little one! the thing i used the most was the boppy (made nursing so much easier) but i also wish i had registered for my cloth diapers. you live and learn. as fun as it is to buy new clothes for babies, they grow out of them major fast during the first 6 months and onesies and sleepers are really the most practical and comfy for the babies.
sounds like you and the pilot are soaking up every bit of this pregnancy you can. that would actually be my #1 piece of advice 🙂
Many of my friends swear by the Bradley method. That clip was hilarious!
I have the monitor too and can’t wait to see if it works in a few months! I have been procrastinating. I have no idea where to start, maybe registering is the best place to start.
awesome! i love all of the research you’re doing, and it totally makes me want to go for a natural childbirth. (im not even engaged…? haha). when my sister had her baby, the entire thing was super calm and quiet and relaxing, but i couldnt help but be bothered when they first told her when she got to the hospital with contractions, “we could probably send you home, but you’ll just be back tomorrow, so we’ll start you on pitocin now…” i just wanted things to happen naturally and didnt realize that even “natural” births are sort of induced! good to know 🙂 also glad you got the HR monitor, as that is what i first suggested when you said you were prego. great choice 🙂
Baby items:
1. Moby Wrap. Best thing I ever bought for my son. It is so comfy for newborns (if you are a baby-wearer) and it is SO easy to nurse in (especially in public places. You cannot even tell you are nursing. Seriously, I have spent many a grocery trips completely covered and nursing while shopping with no one having a clue. Plus if your baby has reflux, it is perfect for him/her to sleep in because of the position it keeps the baby in) And, as an extra bonus, the baby’s head is close enough to your nose for you to smell the intoxicating baby-ness all day. Yum!
2. Swaddling blanket. The miracle blanket is my fav.
3. White noise machine. Because everyone needs sleep. Seriously.
4. Bouncy seat or swing (so you can shower!)
5. My breast friend (nursing pillow)
6. Bumbo baby seat
7. Sleep sack. The one I love was merino baby from New Zealand.
8. Hammock bed (I had an amby bed, but I know these are not sold anymore).
On a side note, you should look into hypno-birthing techniques. You do not have to be in a state of hypnosis, it is more about controlling breathing, relaxation, etc. And, with your yoga love, it would be a great fit, too. Just another tool.
Oh my goodness – I won’t leave a separate post because you covered everything I wanted to suggest!
I lived by the Moby wrap in those first 3 months! And the Breast Friend pillow has saved my back.
And on the bouncy seat/swing…I saw another commenter recommending you borrow those first if you can, to see what your little one likes. I TOTALLY agree with that, as my little girl was not impressed with the seat, but the swing was a lifesaver – but I only discovered that after purchasing both! That said, I’ve never met a baby who doesn’t love the swing we bought:
http://reviews.fisher-price.com/6194/45667/reviews.htm
And the only thing I’d add to your list is good nursing bras. (Bravado are soooo comfy but still supportive and flattering). I’ll start wearing them in my 3rd trimester next time around!
Best of luck with the little one!!
The pilot is such a catch. 😉 Every time I read these posts, I have major baby fever.
BethT’s gotta-have-em, worth-the moolah baby items:
Fisher Price Rock n Play sleeper (used for naps, and as a bassinette)
Ergo baby carrier with infant insert
Baby Jogger City Mini stroller
aden and anais swaddles
Halo sleepsacks
Trumpette socks
Carter’s footie pajamas
Diaper Champ (better than a genie because you can use any trash bag)
Crib sheets from Land of Nod (they also have really great room stuff, in general)
Itzbeen – seriously the most genius invention ever, for tracking feedings, diaper changes, etc
The boppy has been the best thing ever (though I am sure everyone has told you that already). We are a no-nonsense kind of couple and wanted things we would for sure use. We love our boppy, travel bouncer thing (for when I am trying to do stuff in the kitchen, bathroom, etc.), and Ergo carrier. It’s been great. Though most people didn’t buy anything from our registry, it was still great because we received so many outfits that I haven’t had to buy one yet (though I can’t tell you the number of times I have wanted to walk out of Target with half the baby clothes). Anyway, registering is fun. I am excited for you!
We used consumersearch.com, too, for help in researching. And amazon ratings. Also, myregistry.com is great because it allows you to register from lots of places in one area! Land of Nod has super cute things!
Hi Gina,
I was just wondering if you have done any research into the dangers of excessive ultrasound? As a fit blogger, it seems like you would be interested to know that this is something that could potentially be harmful to your baby. There are plenty of journal articles out there, I will let you do your own research and make your own decisions, but I have read that ultrasound is NOT recommended to hear the heartbeat/tell the sex of the baby, etc.
What types of danger? Do you have any articles from a credible source you could point me to? I believe that anything in excess is unhealthy- I’ll only be having 4 ultrasounds. What we bought isn’t an ultrasound machine and doesn’t use the same technology.
I wanted to echo this post…i don’t have any links to the dangers, however on a forum i am in a few mothers have mentioned the ‘at home’ dopplers can be harmful if used too much (again, i don’t know the specifics since i do not have one). I was shocked to hear this, but just wanted to bring it up so you can do some research.
Have so much fun picking everything out!
that’s good to know- we didn’t get a doppler. what we have is basically a digital stethoscope
I have 3 girls (they are now 7, 6, and 5) and I know how tempting buying all kinds of baby stuff is, but I found the more natural, the better. SKip the bright, plasticy toys and swings and bouncers. All a baby needs is love and touch. I LOVED the Nature Sway hammock. I can’t say enough good things about it!! Also, the Moby wrap and the Ergo carriers were life savers for me. Wooden toys are definitely the way to go, we even used organic, wooden teethers. Here is a link to the nature sway if you’re interested 😉
http://www.naturessway.co.nz/
Hey girl! We only took a few simple classes offered by our hospital- baby boot camp and breastfeeding! We’re winging it a bit… ;). If you need registry ideas- you’re welcome to look at mine? I registered at babies r us and target. I read the girlfriends guide to baby gear (http://www.amazon.com/Girlfriends-Guide-Baby-Gear-Guides/dp/0399528458) this book totally rocks! It gives you great ideas for brands/products- but even better it tells you what is a waste of money!
That sounds like my boyfriend. I am definitely the hot head in our relationship lol. I always used to get pissed because he would talk to me so calmly it was like he was a therapist. 😛
Hi Gina,
So excited that you are looking into the Bradley Method. I gave birth twice using the Bradley Method. Thank goodness everything went smooth and I had 100% natural childbirth twice. First time w/ a doula (she taught my bradley class), second time 3 yrs later just by re reading the book. So wonderful and so helpful. I will not lie, childbirth is painful, but one thing Bradley taught me is understanding what the pain is each contraction is the baby moving forward and relaxing into it. Helped so much and my husband was awesome. Can’t say enough about it. Good luck
I’ve heard a lot of great things about video baby monitors from my family and friends 🙂 My aunt loved her itzbeen too!
Bahahaha, I love that you added the Backup Plan link in there. That part was so over the top and ridiculous!!! Great post as usual 🙂
Get a boppy and a bouncy seat. I also recommend getting the most inexpensive version of the pack & play, bouncy seat, swing, etc. Babies do not care about the bells and whistles. . . at least mine didn’t. I also love the Halo sleep sacks, and found swaddling blankets to be gimmicky. I thought the best swaddling blankets were the hospital ones!
As far as Bradley method v. hypobirthing v. etc., etc., I can honestly say that the best tools in your toolbox are a) confidence, and b) your husband. None of the methods will work if you are not 100% confident you can do it, and 100% sure you want to. If you go into it saying, “I’m going to try to go natural” you probably will not. For me personally, the best pain management trick was my husband rolling a tennis ball on my lower back – it was magic! But you’ll have to figure that one out for yourself. Good luck – I know you can do it 🙂
I think the Bradley method sounds great! A friend of mine just had her baby shower. THings I think would be really useful are: Bob running stroller, video baby monitor (a few peeps I know swear by them). a pop up baby bed w/ soft sides (my friend got one at her shower and it looks like you could just take it with you when you go to a friends house or on a trip), baby medical kit (thermometer, nose sucker, etc), onesies….
Most awesome registry items… because I can think of several. ;o) The things I needed with my son were definitely a nursing cover, a non-fugly diaper bag that is very roomy, lots of blankets, and seriously diapers and wipes. Between our church and work showers we had nine months worth of diapers and wipes. The only mega splurge we made was on a video monitor. Otherwise we “roughed” it and our son has never wanted for anything. He has a nice crib, a changing pad, a few changing pad covers and sheets, and all he ever wants to play with is our pots and pans. If you want to cloth diaper register for those. And you will likely need a really nice jogging stroller. :o) Gift cards are amazing btw, because a lot of products will have to be tested on baby before you commit to a brand etc.
Oh, and we didn’t do classes but did go through Bradley Method with a dear friend who is doula. However, my labor progressed so slowly even she recommended an epidural or I could have been in labor for two-three days. I don’t want to discourage you from it though! I’ve had several friends have great L&D with their babies!
The Ergo carrier is absolutely the best baby item EVER! Also, a good stroller for your active lifestyle. Seriously, it’s worth the splurge. If you plan on having more than one child and having them close together, I’d look into the ones that you can add a seat to (Phil & Ted’s) or just get a side by side double (BOB, etc) now.
Definitely the grobag egg – it’s a fantastic room thermometer for bub’s room and a nightlight in one. A bath insert (to save your back) and a bath thermometer. Once baby is a bit bigger, there are great trolley inserts for when you do groceries. All the best!!
It’s so interesting how natural childbirth is treated in the US v the rest of the world. It’s just so weird that natural has to be taught, and isnt the norm. Of course I get there is a lot of risk and liability with birthing, and it is great that moms here have so many options!
Definitely an ERGO baby carrier. I’ve tried many and this is the one I loved, AND the single most important baby item on my list, (in my opinion!). 😉
It’s designed to carry baby to small kid, incredibly comfortable and evenly supports weight (mostly on your hips), and is ergonimically designed for correct positioning of baby’s spine. LOVE IT!
Ergo Carrier and Bumbo seat are a few of my favorites…keep an eye on babysteals.com for good deals on cloth diapers, swaddlers and adorable baby bags!!!
I’m superstitious, too. I didn’t buy anything at all until after we had the 20 week ultrasound. Now I’ve gone a bit nuts and it’s only been 3 weeks!
My first birthing class is this Sunday and we decided on Hypnobirthing. I’m excited to see what the class is all about and have a plan. =)
So I used the bumbo and thought it was great, but it’s been recalled and suffered from lawsuits. Just my opinion, but it seems more like parental neglect than a problem with the seat. Just be aware.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08046.html
I didn’t use this product but my friends that have newer babies loved it
http://www.amazon.com/Hugga-Bebe-Infant-Support-Cushion-Green/dp/B002M4DI5Q
I also highly recommend aiden and anais swaddle blankets, the woombie swaddler, and ergo carrier.
I read Husband Coached Childbirth when I was researching my birthing options. When I told my mom I was considering Bradley method she told me to talk to my aunt because she had used the Bradley method 30 years ago. When I spoke to my aunt she confirmed that she used the Bradley method because Bradley was her doctor. kinda funny.
I remember my first child birthing class! They tried to teach us techniques for natural childbirth….but after 8 hours of labour pain….it was “give me those dang drugs…NOW!” I tried to go as long as I could, but alas, I’m a wimp!
A great baby registry item we received was a wipes warmer. In the middle of the night when you have to change the baby’s diaper, the last thing they need is a cold wipe wiping their little bum 😉 Another one was the Baby Bjorn. My kids lived in that thing!
Your baby needs baby TOMS!!! I thought of you when I saw them on neiman marcus!!!!
ahhhhh!!!!!! i didn’t know they made those!
They are adorable, that’s all my son wears. <3 Tiny Toms!!
I love the method you chose! I will definitely be keeping it in mind for one day in the far, far away future 🙂
I did hypnobirth classes through hypno-babies. Honestly it would have been perfect if I didn’t have back labor. The birth plan went out the window when the back labor hit. I just got the damn epidural. My favorite baby thing ever is the baby swing!! It saved my life, I have 2 one for upstair and down. The Fisher-Price Little Lamb is my favorite!
get the dvd “happiest baby on the block”, about how to calm a crying baby….amazing! I did it with my son, and it works! Also, couldn’t live without my Boppy 🙂
I’m so excited for you guys as you go through this process! And impressed with your intentions on natural childbirth. Any time I think of childbirth it makes me cringe because of the idea of all the pain and what the body goes through….good thing we don’t have plans to have a baby anytime soon, haha.
I started singing “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban when I saw the picture of you standing on Pilot’s shoulders…..”I am strong, when I am on your shoulders”. So true. He will be a great coach!
that made me laugh because we have a friend who looks like josh groban. everytime he calls the pilot, i sing that song in the background haha
love the family posts! just curious: why do you refer to the pilot as (what i am assuming is his real name) tom in these posts, but not in your other posts??? im so nosy!
To make the family posts more different 🙂
fair enough – glad to finally know! thanks!
Yay Bradley! I had my baby girl in January and my husband and I took Bradley classes and LOVED it. I will say though, I felt guilty that we weren’t “practicing” enough (you’ll see once you start…breathing practice, relaxation practice, etc.) but it ended up being fine. They give you so much useful info that it is overwhelming at times and you feel like you won’t remember it all on THE DAY, but the number one thing that I learned from that class was how to breathe and relax during contractions. For registry, my lifesaver was the Medala Breast Pump. It’s pricey but definitely worth it during those first few days when your milk supply is coming in.
Aghhh!!! OMG! I got that thing and it totally DIDN’T WORK! AND paid like $60.00 for it. My client let me borrow his baby doppler. Yes, I said “his.” he’s a diver and uses it to listen to his pulse to make sure there’s no air bubbles in his bloodstream after dives. I loved it in the first tri…then you get to hear it at all the doc appointments. Just get little speakers for the nugget to play music, I did that a lot, classical. She looooves music now as a baby and I started her pn a schedule in womb. She’s slept through the night 6-8 hours since she was like 5 days old!
The dopplers are like $80..you can get them on bay cheaper too:
http://www.healthchecksystems.com/hi_bebe_fetal_doppler_bt200.htm
I ran into a pizza place to get my hubby a drink when I was 8 months pregnant, and they had a weird door step where the door when opened had an elevation and I literally tripped right into the place and fell flat, my hands saved my belly but it was SO scary. I was so glad I had the doppler b/c I checked when I got home. Luckily Ella Weez was A-Okay! Hopefully nothing like that ever happens to you..that aside it was so fun just listening to her whenever I wanted 🙂
I am not sure if i misread or misunderstood the comment. You had your baby on a schedule of what in the womb? And were you saying that the womb-schedule (I dont know the correct terminology) influenced your infant to sleep through the night at 1 week of age?
I was half kidding about the music and “me” influencing it. I have no idea if it did…it was probably just a coincidence. She had very active times and not active times and her womb schedule was/is very similar to her schedule now. She would be really active until like midnight, then wake me up at 6:30am or later. VERY active again in the AM. It’s so funny how that worked, I could just be lucky…but I do think the music soothed her in womb and I was very active through my pregnancy, until the day before giving birth. However I rested a lot too…could ramble on about my theories…could all be luck…but bottom line her sched in womb…pretty much identical to after birth and she did sleep through the night from like day 4 or 5! A few times she slept 9 hours! “KNOCK ON WOOD” every time I even TALK about it. Oye I always feel like I’m jinxing myself…she’s 2 months now.
Glad she is a good sleeper; I think it has more to do with the temperament of the child than with a particular technique. The vast majority of babies do not sleep through the night that early, so it’s great you get so much rest at the beginning. Mine didn’t sleep through (more than 4 hours) until about 6 months, actually, and had horrible colic for about 4 months (slept only about 8-10 hours per day in short increments) despite every attempt to calm him. It slowly dissipated and now he is healthy and happy 10 month old (a completely different baby than the first 4 mos), so who knows what caused it?
As for the registry…my kids are 21 and almost 24, so no registry for mine! I did take natural childbirth classes both times! For my first child, DH was deployed for most of my pregnancy, so my SIL went with me. (DH was home for the birth) I did miss the last class or two! So the second time around, DH went to the classes with me! He usually has a cool head and always knows how to relax me! But I can have a pretty cool head myself!
You are sooo lucky that your hubs is cool under pressure. Scott is to a point, but he sort of just ‘checks out’ in a way. Sometimes that’s good, sometimes that detachment annoys. But in general, I’m lucky too. If I had a hothead husband…omg well, let’s just say we wouldnt be together if I wasnt with someone level headed.
All that said…this will all prove extremely beneficial in your L & D and birth process.
I didnt do Bradley, I took a weekend long birthing class with Scott and it was fine but I knew 100% I was having a natural birth, no drugs. It was going to be a homebirth but about 20 weeks in, I chickened out. I wish I hadnt as in hindsight everything went fine and I could have had a HB.
I sat in the corner of the hospital in a chair. Refused to get into the bed. Refused to lay down (the worst position for labor to progress) and just breathed thru my contractions, yoga breathing, and detached mentally and went into my own zone. Everyone was just to leave me alone, Scott included, and they did.
I pushed for 40 mins, Skylar was out, I checked us outta the hospital 6 hrs later and went home. All was well.
Sorry to ramble and thanks for indulging my trip down memory lane 🙂
I hope you find a connection w/ the Bradley Method and that it works for your path and goals. I know some women who have truly loved it! Most of all, I hope you have the birth you want and a healthy baby!
i always love hearing your advice and experiences 🙂
xoxo
my SIL was a big fan of the Bradley Method! I can’t wait to read more about your experiences with it.
Also, this question doesn’t have to do with this post, but it is a pregnancy related one. When you drank apple cider vinegar in hot water, about how much apple cider did you put in? I also saw that you add honey and lemon. I tried it this morning, but couldn’t finish it. I think I used way too much vinegar! haha.