I’d like to start off by warning you that I’m obnoxiously chipper right now. Why you ask? Well, a lot of reasons, but mainly, I had a really great appointment with my doctor today. Here’s the update…

Blood pressure: GOOD (98/66… I think?)

Belly Bump Measurement: 32-33 cm (measuring right on track or maybe even a little small… my lady parts like the sound of small)

Baby’s Heart Rate: Great! (I forgot to ask specifics, but she said it was perfect)

Baby’s Position: Still head down! She’s such a good girl.

Weight Gain: Dan da daaaaan… 1 lb! Yes, this made me very happy! My doc said it was great, too! So, now at 33 weeks (tomorrow), I’ve gained 27 lbs. That feels way better than 26 lbs at 31 weeks. I’ve just got to keep up the good work… ie: exercising and eating well. AKA… I will not be going home and eating all the leftover cheesecake. Damn.

I also asked my doc quite a few questions…

1) Can we pre-register for the hospital? No need to! Everything is electronic, so they’ll get you right in a room and any questions needing answers will be asked there.

2) In order to get my breast pump paid for by insurance, I need a prescription… can I get one from you today? Yep!

*NOTE: I had heard great things about the Hygeia Enjoye breast pump and am attempting to go through www.abreastpumpandmore.com to order mine (the website was recommended to me by the rep at Hygeia). I’ll let you know if my insurance accepts it and it works.

3)  Do you apply oil / do perineal massage when the baby is crowning? I’ve heard it helps prevent tearing. I do sometimes, but it depends on the patient and how she’s feeling. Sometimes it is too sensitive down there and the massage doesn’t help. If you would like me to, just let me know and I will. And, if you’d like me to apply oil, feel free to bring the oil with you and I’ll be happy to use it.

4) If I have any tearing, will I receive local pain meds before I’m stitched up? Yes. We use lidocaine, which sometimes hurts a touch when administered (it’s a shot), but sometimes it doesn’t. That should relieve any pain from the stitches.

5) When do you cut the cord? I’ve read that it is beneficial to wait a few minutes after birth to cut the cord so extra blood flows from the placenta to the baby. Supposedly it lowers risk of newborn anemia and iron deficiency. I have been trying to adjust my practice to wait a few minutes before cutting the cord. Just remind us [or put it in your birth plan] and we will do that.

**So, here is where I handed the doc my package of mini cheesecakes (see recipe in yesterday’s blog post) and said, “Here’s a little bribe before I ask my next question…” Mark made sure to add in, “You can have the cheesecakes no matter what” haha… I love him.

Classic Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust Garnished with Mixed Berry Preserves and Lemon Zest & Whipped Cream, Fresh Blueberry and Lemon Zest… AND, Oreo Cheesecake on an Oreo Crust topped with Whipped Cream and a Mini Oreo. Mmm….

6) My company requires a doctor’s note for my maternity leave. I am requesting 12 weeks and was hoping you could write a note saying that I need 12 weeks. Definitely! The more time the better! What I’m not able to do is fill out a disability form because medically, it is pre-determined that a vaginal birth receives 6 weeks and a c-section birth receives 8 weeks.

SUCCESS!!! YES! How amazing, huh??? I love my doc. Hopefully the damn note will be enough and I can finally get the maternity leave thing checked off my list.

One more reason for smiling… as of today, there are exactly 50 days until my due date! I love round numbers.