For those who don't know, due dates are calculated based on the first day of a mother's last menstrual period, so the date itself is guess work at best and should not be regarded as some kind of bulls-eye to be hit spot on (only 5% of babies are actually born on their due date). In fact, the majority of mothers (especially first-timers) birth after their due date and a child is only considered "overdue" after 42 weeks.
As Jade enters Week 37, she's feeling strong and healthy. The baby's moves are strong, and since we know it's head-down, we can tell its hand and feet movements apart. We've also noticed it 'practice breathing' – apparently all babies practice breathing amniotic fluid, and some can actually see the quick, fluttery, rhythmic movement. Unlike the jerky movements of hiccups, Jade describes this as if a bullfrog were breathing just under her skin, imagining the bubble of its neck moving in out, in out. It's really fascinating!
Nesting is well underway as we assemble our baby stuff, prep our cloth diapers, freeze many meals, collect postpartum herbs & spices, and make batches of ghee. With four-ish weeks to go, Jade isn't feeling antsy for the pregnancy to end. It's been a comfortable, fascinating experience and she feels just right and very patient. Sure she feels big and heavy, and rolling out of bed is a big feat, but she expects there to be some work for such a huge event!
We're both looking immensely forward to welcoming our newborn to this world. We're even exploring the newborn-nursing crawl. After being born, the baby is cleaned and warmed, except for its hands, and laid on the mother's chest. Extensive study has shown that a baby is born with everything it needs to seek out and direct itself to the nipple within a short period of time, inspiring a much more successful latch. The baby roots around, pushes with its legs, sucks it hands (which still have amniotic fluid on them and smell just like the breast, which is secreting the same ingredients, luring it like the smell of a tasty entreé). There's some incredible videos that show wide-eyed, salivating newborns making their way to the breast. Amazing and worth a google.
Last weekend, we took our final long-distance trip to NYC to spend time with Jay's family. His sister even threw an impromptu shower barbecue outside her Staten Island home. We had a wonderful time sharing the belly with everyone, including Cliff, Cathie, Kelly, Billy, and Jakob, for whom this was the first time they saw the belly in person.
On Friday, Brooks Memorial Library had a "surprise" baby book shower for Jay. Fritatas and gluten-free brownies were served and a basket full of books awaited him. We are both so fortunate to work on such supportive, engaged, and excited staffs - thank you all : )
As part of our preparation for labor, Jade has begun practicing HypBirth relaxation techniques. Listening to these CDs over the next few weeks as well as during labor will provide Jade with additional skills to remain calm and comfortable during the baby's birth. So far they combine visual meditation with self-hypnosis and are incredibly soothing.
We're almost there - thanks for following us on this journey : )
