by Donna Delaney
Waiting is hard…
…said anyone waiting to hear about a big promotion
…says every child at Christmas time
…said every 2-year old ever
WAITING IS HARD says every American who has checked their bank account 10 times (just today) waiting on their stimulus check!
And every person waiting for their baby to be born!
When you get near the end of your 3rd trimester waiting for your baby to be born can seem like forever!
Due Date?????
Early in pregnancy you’re given a due date, a single day that you anticipate meeting your baby!
But the parameter for full term gestation is 37-42 weeks. This means that labor, in most cases, will start somewhere within that window. That is a month of anxiously awaiting your baby to be born.
You heard that right an entire month!
If you are focused on that single due date and your baby decides to be born on the early end, great! You may have to rush around to get your hospital bag packed but you’re ready!
On the other hand, if your baby decides to come closer to 42 weeks, you are likely to become a frustrated mess! You will seek out (and try) every suggestion to get labor started, including those that are not supported by science, even the dreaded CASTOR OIL.
Drop the Castor Oil and…
…BREATHE
It only seems like you will be pregnant forever. We promise you, you won’t.
We know the waiting is hard, we get it, you just want to wrap your arms around your baby. But try to stay calm and in the moment during these last weeks. Remember you are growing a whole human being and perfection takes time!
At Orlando Doulas we tell our clients to take this time to ready your mind and body.
Some things you can do:
- Go on a date with your partner. This could be the last opportunity for it, without the added concern of finding a good baby-sitter. (By the way, ask us about our *Date Night Doula service*)
- If this is a 2nd (or subsequent) baby, spend time with those little ones at home. By devoting extra time and attention now, helping them be ready for the arrival of this new baby, their transition to being a big brother/sister can be easier.
- You might want to bake a birthday cake or cupcakes to bring to the hospital to celebrate on delivery day (your other little ones love this) Or maybe just a “thank you” snack basket. (Nurses love this!)
- Make some easily frozen meals for use during the early postpartum days and nights. (But don’t worry if you don’t get it done, a postpartum doula can help with meal preparation when you get home.)
- Check your hospital bag… Do you have everything you need? OK, check it again… are you packing things you won’t need? Hospitals will provide many essentials for both you and your new baby. (If you’re not sure what to pack,ask your doula. Most have handy checklists for this.)
- REST. We cannot stress this enough REST REST REST! Use this time to take naps, get extra sleep at night and just do quiet, relaxed things all day. Your body is gearing up for a big event, you will want (and need) all the energy you can muster. Your mind also needs this time to just be present.
(and if you’re still waiting on your stimulus check, this one’s for you!)
- Breathe… just breathe
