So far, we have kept idle in terms of accumulating a lot of baby equipment. With a bunch of other things in the air (b-school, living arrangements, etc.), we have avoided spending a lot of dinero on the baby until we have a better sense of where Erin and I will be in six months. Nonetheless, we have certainly been doing a lot of research on baby equipment and discussing our preferences. I have learned from this process to pace ourselves so that we don't get overwhelmed. I've also learned that safety is paramount, regardless of the features or customization of some products. Budgeting is a topic that will come up often in the life of Pooka for sure.
-Pooka's Dad
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Getting Bigger by the Minute
Pooka has had a growth spurt in the past two weeks and I am definitely showing now. There's no denying it. In that same period of time, I think that my stomach has doubled in size. This morning, I was able to get out of bed and actually walk normally as opposed to limp or waddle to brush my teeth. The low back pain has lessened (still there at times) and I feel more comfortable in the evenings. All of this has occurred because Pooka has moved up and out of my pelvis finally! Today at work, I felt kicking and movement up by my rib cage. Definitely a good feeling (relatively). Pooka is about 2 lbs now and 14 inches long. By our next midwife visit, they will be able to identify how Pooka is resting in my stomach and in what position. Time for some maternity wear now - I have been able to wear most of my regular work slacks with the help of some nifty rubber band tricks.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Preliminary Thoughts on the Bradley Method
I often think about pregnancy in the context of a sport event. You have the players (Erin), the coach (me), and other teammates to help lead the team to victory (mid-wife, nurses, etc.). For a team to be successful, a coach needs to understand his player's strengths and weaknesses. In other words, a coach that leads a team for the first time with no practice may have a harder time leading a team compared to a coach who has prepped with his team for months on end.
In the Bradley classes, I am understanding more of my role as a coach to Erin. This is one of the most important things I have learned in the class because I realize now that Erin's pregnancy, labor, and birth will not be successful if I am not able to be an effective coach. This means that I have to understand her strength and weaknesses like never before. For example, I know that Erin drinks a lot of water, but I also understand now that she has to drink more water during pregnancy as Erin may get more dehydrated more often. Therefore, I have to be more in tune with what she is doing on a daily basis to make sure she is treating her body (and Pooka) well. This also applies in delivery, where I will be actively walking around with Erin supporting her, giving her massages, etc. to make her feel comfortable for delivery. Now just to be clear, I won't be delivering the baby, but I certainly will be helping Erin throughout the entire process.
I think this is one of the things that separates the Bradley Method from other birth classes: it places a heavy emphasis on the coach and how well he/she needs to be prepared to coach the mother through a successful pregnancy. It's certainly different from I've seen/heard in the past, where the husband sits outside tapping his toes or watching the doctors and nurses deliver a healthy baby. The Bradley Method may not work for everyone, but it's certainly has worked for us. It's also helped me in the following ways:
1.) The Bradley Method has helped me learn more about the history of births in the U.S.: We have spent some time in our class learning about the background of births in the United States and some common misnomers in pregnancy. This has helped my understanding of the birth process and why I have learned some things over time that are either true or false. Therefore, it helps me set realistic expectations going into the labor and delivery process.
2.) The Bradley Method has helped me understand more about the role of mid-wives: I must be honest. When I first heard about using a mid-wife, I had many questions and doubts. I did not have a lot of background or knowledge on mid-wives, and assumed that a doctor would be performing most of the work in Erin's water birth. This class has certainly educated me more on mid-wives and I have a better appreciation for them during the birth process. Most importantly, I have learned that they can be a great advocate for Erin (and Pooka's) health during the labor and birthing process.
3.) The Bradley Method is leading Erin and I to have a deeper connection: Erin may have a different opinion, but I feel that the class is helping me to learn about my wife in new and fun ways. I now need to be more in tune with Erin's physical, emotional, and mental activities, and through the pregnancy, I feel that it will draw us closer and help us become effective parents.
Off to bed now. Have a great week everyone!
-Pooka's Dad
In the Bradley classes, I am understanding more of my role as a coach to Erin. This is one of the most important things I have learned in the class because I realize now that Erin's pregnancy, labor, and birth will not be successful if I am not able to be an effective coach. This means that I have to understand her strength and weaknesses like never before. For example, I know that Erin drinks a lot of water, but I also understand now that she has to drink more water during pregnancy as Erin may get more dehydrated more often. Therefore, I have to be more in tune with what she is doing on a daily basis to make sure she is treating her body (and Pooka) well. This also applies in delivery, where I will be actively walking around with Erin supporting her, giving her massages, etc. to make her feel comfortable for delivery. Now just to be clear, I won't be delivering the baby, but I certainly will be helping Erin throughout the entire process.
I think this is one of the things that separates the Bradley Method from other birth classes: it places a heavy emphasis on the coach and how well he/she needs to be prepared to coach the mother through a successful pregnancy. It's certainly different from I've seen/heard in the past, where the husband sits outside tapping his toes or watching the doctors and nurses deliver a healthy baby. The Bradley Method may not work for everyone, but it's certainly has worked for us. It's also helped me in the following ways:
1.) The Bradley Method has helped me learn more about the history of births in the U.S.: We have spent some time in our class learning about the background of births in the United States and some common misnomers in pregnancy. This has helped my understanding of the birth process and why I have learned some things over time that are either true or false. Therefore, it helps me set realistic expectations going into the labor and delivery process.
2.) The Bradley Method has helped me understand more about the role of mid-wives: I must be honest. When I first heard about using a mid-wife, I had many questions and doubts. I did not have a lot of background or knowledge on mid-wives, and assumed that a doctor would be performing most of the work in Erin's water birth. This class has certainly educated me more on mid-wives and I have a better appreciation for them during the birth process. Most importantly, I have learned that they can be a great advocate for Erin (and Pooka's) health during the labor and birthing process.
3.) The Bradley Method is leading Erin and I to have a deeper connection: Erin may have a different opinion, but I feel that the class is helping me to learn about my wife in new and fun ways. I now need to be more in tune with Erin's physical, emotional, and mental activities, and through the pregnancy, I feel that it will draw us closer and help us become effective parents.
Off to bed now. Have a great week everyone!
-Pooka's Dad
Friday, March 25, 2011
Get Up Offa That Thing! (ode to Stu)
So, let's talk about exercise. During the first trimester (13 weeks or about three months), I may have worked out two, possibly three times. And I was good to even get that accomplished. The fatigue was amazing and kept me tired for most of the time. Now that I'm in the second trimester, I have a lot more energy and feel much more "normal." I tried to walk after work for about twenty to thirty minutes every other day, and I'm currently taking 3 Oh Baby fitness classes: Pilates, Yoga, and water aerobics. The Pilates class strengthens my core, arms, and legs. The Yoga course stretches out all the muscles that get so tense throughout the day, especially my lower back. The water aerobics class gives me a hard workout without me even realizing it because of the weightlessness of the water. So please encourage me to keep up the good work. Combined with good nutrition, I'm on the right track! Stay tuned...
-Erin
Listen here for your own inspiration
-Erin
Listen here for your own inspiration
Pooka's Development
It was quite funny watching people's reactions when we told them that Erin was pregnant (although Erin probably didn't think so). Most of the reactions were either "wow, you don't look pregnant" or "wow, you must be early in pregnancy!" Pooka has slowly developed over time, and Erin's tummy is now growing out at a rapid pace. At first, Pooka was kicking like crazy, moving around, and trying to figure out why Erin eats Yoforia frozen yogurt all the time. Within the past week, Pooka slowed down and was just flipping around. As usual, this made the dad-to-be nervous, but I was reassured by remembering some our discussion points in the Bradley class. And to erase all doubts, Pooka decided to fire on all cylinders today, trying to distract mom-to-be during her time at the office and in her meetings. Well, that's it for now! More tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Midwife and Pooka's Heartbeat
As part of the process of natural water birth, Erin will have a midwife to help and guide her through pregnancy, labor, and birth. More details on midwifery can be found here. Just like a having dependable doctor, a good midwife is imperative to the birthing process. Once we learned that Erin was pregnant, we did a search for a midwife and found one that we liked with good experience. Over the past few days, Erin and I have learned that our midwife no longer has privileges at the hospital, and we will not know who Erin's midwife will be until a new a midwife is hired and retained by the hospital (which will take a few months and run into Erin's due date). While disappointed, we are still encouraged. Erin has been seeing another midwife for her regular appointments, and that midwife has been helpful for the most part. In addition, we will be touring the hospital in a few weeks and will make a decision thereafter to move forward with our chosen hospital or choose a new hospital and midwife. As a dad-to-be, these sudden changes make me nervous, but I'm reminded through this process to build more patience and be a positive support to Erin.
In other news, Erin and I checked in with our "temporary" midwife today and we had the opportunity to listen to Pooka's heartbeat! As usual, Pooka doesn't like poking or prodding, and the midwife had to move her device around quite a bit to hear the heartbeat. Nonetheless, Pooka's heartbeat is normal and Erin is progressing right on track in terms of gaining weight and staying healthy. Our next appointment will be in 3 weeks, where Erin will get a few more tests (glucose test and sickle cell screening) and the midwife will be able tell us where Pooka's body parts are located in Erin's womb.
In a few days, I'll post a few more thoughts on the Bradley class. One of the unique features of the Bradley method is that it focuses on husband-coached training. During the labor and birth process, I will have a critical role in supporting Erin and being her advocate during labor. More on that later.
Oh, here a few more pics of mom-to-be!
In other news, Erin and I checked in with our "temporary" midwife today and we had the opportunity to listen to Pooka's heartbeat! As usual, Pooka doesn't like poking or prodding, and the midwife had to move her device around quite a bit to hear the heartbeat. Nonetheless, Pooka's heartbeat is normal and Erin is progressing right on track in terms of gaining weight and staying healthy. Our next appointment will be in 3 weeks, where Erin will get a few more tests (glucose test and sickle cell screening) and the midwife will be able tell us where Pooka's body parts are located in Erin's womb.
In a few days, I'll post a few more thoughts on the Bradley class. One of the unique features of the Bradley method is that it focuses on husband-coached training. During the labor and birth process, I will have a critical role in supporting Erin and being her advocate during labor. More on that later.
Oh, here a few more pics of mom-to-be!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Tessa
They say that a dog is able to tell if its master is pregnant. I can’t tell one way or the other whether our hound mix Tessa has any indication that I am ‘with child’. She has always been pretty protective of me and still tries to jump up on me. Both Paul and I have tried to break some of her old habits like running up and down the stairs, jumping up on me, and setting other boundaries (she is not allowed in the kitchen). We figured that these would be positive changes. There is still some level of education that needs to happen on our part regarding how to introduce Tessa to little Pooka, how to interact around a newborn and how to discipline her when the baby comes. For instance, Paul and I babysat for a friend several months ago and I remembered learning that you shouldn’t harshly discipline your dog when a child comes into its territory for the first several times. If you do, this could associate the toddler with harsh discipline from its owners. A lot to think about, but it will be needed. This is next up on the list… For all you dog lovers, get ready. I have also heard that the birth of a new baby is one of the more popular reasons that a dog can be returned to a shelter. Sad thought :(
Notes from Today and Other Observations
Happy Sunday everyone! My college basketball bracket is busted (really really busted), so I decided to post a blog to make me happy. Today, we attended our third Bradley class and covered nutrition and the baby's anatomy. As a dad-to-be, it's a lot of material to cover but exciting as I learn more about the baby and how proper nutrition will play a vital role in Pooka's birth and in his/her life as well. The class has been very helpful for me as a "coach," and I am taking furious notes so that I can help Erin during the birthing process.
By the way, this Tuesday will be 25 weeks of pregnancy and my level of excitement is increasing (if you can't tell yet)! As we get close, I am now spending more time on preparing for the baby as we look at the various items that we will need when Pooka comes home for the first time. There's a lot of material to review, but I am trying to take it one step/item at a time. As an aside, I wish I could create magic and make some baby products. The baby industry is fascinating with the number of different products and entrepreneurs (e.g. an aeronautical engineer making baby strollers!). I'll put that on the to-do-list down the road.
That's all for now. Mom-to-be will be posting shortly!
-Pooka's Dad
By the way, this Tuesday will be 25 weeks of pregnancy and my level of excitement is increasing (if you can't tell yet)! As we get close, I am now spending more time on preparing for the baby as we look at the various items that we will need when Pooka comes home for the first time. There's a lot of material to review, but I am trying to take it one step/item at a time. As an aside, I wish I could create magic and make some baby products. The baby industry is fascinating with the number of different products and entrepreneurs (e.g. an aeronautical engineer making baby strollers!). I'll put that on the to-do-list down the road.
That's all for now. Mom-to-be will be posting shortly!
-Pooka's Dad
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Cat Cow
After talking with other pregnant women and hearing about their experiences, I have realized that I am blessed to have a great pregnancy experience. If I had one complaint, it would be low back pain especially in the early morning and evenings. My midwife tells me that I have a very accommodating pelvis. The baby sits very low for the most part and as a result, I can feel the pressure in my lower back. This has been the case since week 8 or 9.
A few things have helped to alleviate the pain: prenatal yoga classes, a warm shower, and a few exercises that I do when I can remember to do them (or when the pain really hits). They say that walking and light exercise is supposed to help but walking does not work for me. I have been able to stay active and meet new people by participating in classes with Oh Baby! Fitness. A couple of the exercises that help are tailor sitting while at home (basically sitting 'Indian style') and pelvic rocking (or cat cow for all of my yoga followers). Both of these exercises relieve tension on the lower back, relieve pressure and encourage the baby to move forward.
Hopefully when the baby gets a little bigger, I wont have the same issues. Right now Pooka is the size of a stalk of corn (so says my babybump app on iphone). Maybe in the next couple of weeks!
A few things have helped to alleviate the pain: prenatal yoga classes, a warm shower, and a few exercises that I do when I can remember to do them (or when the pain really hits). They say that walking and light exercise is supposed to help but walking does not work for me. I have been able to stay active and meet new people by participating in classes with Oh Baby! Fitness. A couple of the exercises that help are tailor sitting while at home (basically sitting 'Indian style') and pelvic rocking (or cat cow for all of my yoga followers). Both of these exercises relieve tension on the lower back, relieve pressure and encourage the baby to move forward.
The Origins of "Pooka"
A lot of people have asked, "why call the baby little Pooka?" In short, Erin and I debated for several months whether or not we wanted to know the sex of the baby prior to birth. Eventually, my wife said no, and I totally understand her reasons. There are good arguments on either side, but in the end, the mystery of having a boy or girl is part of the joy and excitement of the birth process.
On the other hand, I definitely want to know! So, at our last ultrasound, the nurse confidentially told me and now I know! In order to keep the sex of the baby from Erin, I have made a vow not to tell a soul. Therefore, we wanted to come up with a name for the baby that we could use to avoid referring to the baby as "he" or "she". Hence, the name "Pooka!"
More to come later today. I hope to post the latest ultrasound pics tonight!
-Pooka's Dad
On the other hand, I definitely want to know! So, at our last ultrasound, the nurse confidentially told me and now I know! In order to keep the sex of the baby from Erin, I have made a vow not to tell a soul. Therefore, we wanted to come up with a name for the baby that we could use to avoid referring to the baby as "he" or "she". Hence, the name "Pooka!"
More to come later today. I hope to post the latest ultrasound pics tonight!
-Pooka's Dad
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
All About Bradley
Two weeks ago, we started our Bradley childbirth classes. It was important to us to include this as part of our experience to educate ourselves on the process of childbirth and pick up any little tidbits possible from experienced parents. There were quite a few options in the Atlanta area, but we chose Bradley because the premise is husband coached childbirth-which would give Paul an added boost of confidence. The first class provided an overview of what we would experience during childbirth and provided a few tips to the 'Dads to be'. The second class was on breastfeeding (our instructor is also a lactation consultant). There were so many things to soak in I was almost overwhelmed! We were provided with some resources and I am reading a book on breastfeeding now, so I know it will all work out. I never would have imagined that there were so many things involved in breastfeeding. Using my own resources definitely beats washing dishes constantly anyday-that's encouragement enough for me.
In between classes, we practice a few exercises and try to do as much reading as possible. Not many of our friends took any classes, so we cannot really compare notes. Nonetheless, with two classes behind us I feel like it has been worth it. It is something to look forward to at the start of the week and more information to soak in. We are really learning about what natural childbirth really is and how to empower ourselves.
In between classes, we practice a few exercises and try to do as much reading as possible. Not many of our friends took any classes, so we cannot really compare notes. Nonetheless, with two classes behind us I feel like it has been worth it. It is something to look forward to at the start of the week and more information to soak in. We are really learning about what natural childbirth really is and how to empower ourselves.
Welcome to Our Blog!
Hey everyone! Thanks for checking out our blog! We plan on updating this frequently so please check in for updates! As I type this, little Pooka is resting nicely with mommy in bed, still making a few kicks here and there to let us know that he/she is active! I would post the latest ultrasound pics but my laptop is jammed up! I'll get on the iMac tomorrow and post them from there. Talk to you soon! -Pooka's Dad
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