Another Baby update

35 weeks and three days! Just went to the doctor to hear our little pumpkins heartbeat. I just love hearing that sound, it brings so much joy to my heart and relief! I start going in every week now until the babe comes. The doctor wants me to do non-stress tests each time I go in, he wants to be extra careful after what happened last time. Not really sure what a non-stress test is but apparently I will be able to hear the heartbeat and see each movement the baby makes on a monitor. We will also discuss the birthing plan at my next appt. Here is what my ideal birthing is:

1. I would like go through the beginning stages of labor at home and avoid the hospital as long as possible. we are fortunate to live 4 minutes away from the hospital so I am not worried about not getting there in time. I definitely don't want to have a home birth!

2. When we make it to the hospital I would like no pain medication and would prefer not to have an IV. I want to be able to move around freely and those IV's are a pain. I remember being in labor with Faith and feeling stuck because of the IV.

3. If all goes well and I am able to have a vaginal birth I would like the baby to be placed in my arms as soon as it is delivered so I can breastfeed. Apparently this is the greatest bonding experience you can have with your baby and I am so hopeful I can experience it. 

 I remind you that this is my "ideal" birthing plan. I am not in any disillusion that plans can change. I trust my doctor and know that if it is necessary I will have a c-section, but only if it is absolutely necessary. I also know how painful contractions are and that with medication it makes delivery so much better. I was so close to getting an epidural with Faith but I wasn't prepared for labor at that point so I had no idea how to handle contractions. It's like playing in a football game and never practicing. Bryce and I have been reading books and doing exercises to help us when labor hits so I am very hopeful that, as long as I don't have to have a c-section, I can have this baby with no medication. I pray about it each day and know that whatever happens that God will give me peace and strength through it all.