Well, I didn’t think I’d be here again, having to discuss induction with the doctor and wondering what it would be like to go into labor. However, considering I thought both my kiddos were boys and that I’d go early with both, I should realize I lack a certain maternal instinct by this point, right?
Three weeks ago I was having so many signs that labor was around the corner. I didn’t feel well, had cramps and was certain she’d arrive soon. Now? I feel pretty good in all honesty! My biggest complaints are missing wine and that I feel pretty big. Not just the belly, I actually love the belly for the most part, but my arms, thighs and rear-end feel expanded, soft and unused. My underwear is tight. That is not a fun feeling, my friends. Though I’ve never been a diehard workout fanatic, I’m really itching to get some energy and fitness back in my life again (thus my crazy half marathon day dreams).
Though I didn’t think I’d make it to 40 weeks, I’m OK with it. I feel comforted knowing that she should be fully developed and ready for life out here in the world. I’m hoping it means good things for sleeping and breastfeeding. Being that I don’t think my body grows particularly big babies (Hailey was 7 pounds 1.6 ounces at 10 days past due), I’m also happy that she’s had time to put on more poundage. My ultrasound on Monday estimated her to be around 6 and a quarter pounds. Those are notoriously inaccurate, so I’m interested to find out the real number once she arrives.
I also think the extra time (I supposed it’s not extra time considering I JUST hit my due date) has been good for me mentally. I realize I’ve struggled with the idea that baby girl’s arrival would mean the end of mine and Hailey’s time together. Because of that we’ve read extra books, gone to library story times, extra play dates with friends, special shopping trips (I need to have this baby before we drain our bank account at Target) and just snuggled more. Now I’m embracing that it’s not the end, it’s a new beginning (as cheesy as it sounds). Hailey isn’t going anywhere.
I’m ready to watch Hailey become a big sister and now I’ll have TWO wonderful daughters to spend time with. I think Hailey is as ready as she can be, too. She keeps asking when baby sister will come so she can hold her ‘like dis’ (cue arms folded across the front of her chest). I also think she looks forward to mommy having a lap again. Poor thing wants to sit in my lap all the time and the belly just keeps shoving her off!
It’s really helped that I’ve had so many friends have second babies recently (all but one have had girls, by the way!). Being able to watch them keep special bonds with their toddlers while holding their new bundles in their arms has me convinced I’m being slightly dramatic about this transition. Life won’t only go on, it will be enhanced in ways that I can’t even conceptualize yet.
I’ve also realized that I’m not one of those moms that can easily bond with the baby in utero. Don’t get me wrong, her wiggles and kicks always make me smile and I’m doing my best to commit the feeling to memory. I rub my belly and tell her a special hello and mommy loves you so much a couple times each day. I have quite a few videos of her bouncing around in my belly, too. Still, I am eager with anticipation to finally meet her. I’ve let my mind wander finally and dream of what she might look like, what her personality will be and what unique challenges and joys she will bring. The idea that I will have another daughter still feels surreal at this point and I can’t wait for that moment of looking her in the eyes, holding her and knowing she is real… if that makes any sense?
I’ve talked to my doctor about how long over my due date I should wait. He said that by 5 days past due, he thinks it would be a good idea to throw in the towel and I feel OK with that. This time around I am much less focused on having the perfect, natural delivery. Would I like to have that? Heck yes! But perhaps the scare early on in this pregnancy has reset my mind into truly just wanting us all to be here and healthy. I’ve been going to the chiropractor, using evening primrose oil, doing cat/cow stretches, drinking red raspberry leaf tea, bouncing on the yoga ball, walking, taking lots of stairs and feel like I’m trying to do whatever I can (save castor oil- no thank you!) to make my body go into labor. Maybe I’m one of those women that naturally has a longer gestational period, maybe it’s because she is posterior, maybe there is no reason at all. It is what it is. I’ll wait as long as my doctor and I feel comfortable, then, it looks like another induction. Either way, I will be having a baby within the next week (!). Again, surreal.
So, there are my thoughts at 40 weeks. Today is my due date and a small part of me is secretly hoping she’s part of the 5% of babies that are prompt and that magically mid-day she’ll decide it’s time. A mom can hope, right? In the meantime, I’ll go snap a few more belly pictures, visit the doctor and maybe enjoy another glorious, uninterrupted nap while I can!
Corinne says
Sending my best thoughts your way! Hopefully baby girl will make her grand entrance today. Can’t wait for you to introduce your daughter.
John J. says
Love the pics of you and Hailey! You are such a loving expressive Mom. Looking forward to being there with you soon!
Lee says
I’ll be thinking of you today! Hope she decides to get here and not make you wait. I had a similar scare as you did (if I remember correctly, yours was also involving genetic testing) and it really does change your perspective on pregnancy and what’s important.
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, we had similar scares! Longest 10 day wait of my life. Can’t wait to join you on the other side of babyhood 🙂
Jen says
Hailey looks sooooo much like you in that pic of your two!!! Can’t wait to see baby girl #2!!!! Xoxo
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
The wait that last week can be so hard! Actually, L was ten days early so I guess I can’t even speak from experience but even at that point I was getting impatient wondering when she would show up. Crossing my fingers it might be today!! Oh- and I am the same way with not bonding so well in utero- I need to see the baby to make it really sink in!
Kris says
Hi Brittany, I love reading your blog but this is my first time commenting. I just had my second baby and I know what it’s like to go past the due date. With my first I had to be induced at 42 weeks. Luckily with my second he arrived all on his own at 41 weeks and 2 days. It was definitely worth the wait to avoid the induction and I ended up having a super short (5 hours) labor and natural, un-medicated birth. Fingers crossed you get to go into labor before your induction. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Oh wow, what a wonderful surprise it must have been to have him show up on his own. Your story gives me hope that maybe I will get to go into labor on my own, too. I’d love to have a similar labor and delivery to yours!
Sherry says
Baby girl may be trying to be like her mom who was two weeks late and weighed 8 lbs 13 oz—and brought us so much joy & happiness!!
Hang in there–by this time next week we will all get to meet her!
Regina says
Maybe she’s waiting to give you the greatest Mother’s Day present: herself! 😉
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
I’m thinking positive thoughts for you! I’ve enjoyed following your pregnancy through your blog, and I can’t wait to “meet” your new baby girl! I’m a mom of two- my daughter is 5 and my son is 2. I clearly remember feeling just as you do before William was born, wanting to soak up as much Mommy-Daughter time as possible before I had a new little one to share my attention. Now, though, I just make a point to go on individual “dates” with each of my little ones, so that special time is still there. Good luck!
Halsy says
Good luck! I have enjoyed reading your pregnancy posts! I’m hoping you have your baby girl this weekend! I am in the same boat as you but haven’t quite hit my due date. I’m due with my second on Monday but have been having contractions for over a week. Baby has been in position for 2 weeks and had made some good progress but then I have completely stalled. It’s really hard when you think they are going to be here then they aren’t. Had I not started contracting and other things I don’t think I would feel the same way as I do right now. I had to have an emergency csection after 3 days of labor with my first so am not allowed an induction. It is natural or csection. I have a csection scheduled for Thursday but really hoping to have baby girl before then! It will be all worth it as you know no matter how long overdue you are and whichever method you give birth to your baby girl! If she doesn’t come this weekend, I hope you have a relaxing weekend soaking up time with Hailey!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m hoping labor kicks in for you, too! If we both end up not getting things started on our own, then our babies may have the same birthday! I’m scheduled to be induced Thursday. Best of luck to you!!
Jenn says
Hope your girl comes all on her own this weekend!! I’ve enjoyed reading your pregnancy posts especially since I am right behind you with my first! My doc wanted me to schedule an induction for the day I hit 41 weeks and wanted me to schedule it now and I’m not sure how I feel about it. Either way, I was planning on an epidural but still. Seems weird to schedule it so early!
Heather says
Sending good thoughts your way! How exciting that you’ll be meeting her soon! I’m hoping you won’t have to be induced and that she’ll decide to get things going. 😉 My sister-in-law is currently being induced, and it hasn’t been a quick process.
Char eats greens says
I’m like you in the sense that I wanted to delivery early and didn’t, and thought the baby was the opposite sex. Nia came exactly one week late! I really wanted her to come early but oh well! I also didn’t have as much of a connection with my belly vs the baby in my arms so I get it! Would you ever have a stretch and sweep done? I had it partially done (all they could do) and had Nia the next day!
Brittany Dixon says
The doc tried to sweep my membranes this morning, but had so-so success (whatever that means!) so we will see if that does anything! I’m glad we have similar prenatal instincts 😉 Makes me feel a little better- haha!
Katie Harding says
You look beautiful! Hang in there, before you know it, she will be here and in the meantime, enjoy every minute that you have with just one little girl!
Jenny says
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts Brittany! I’m also due today with a ‘petite’ little baby girl and no sign of the little one yet so I can definitely relate to a lot of what you’re feeling! It’s wonderful that you’re doing your best to see all positives in her ‘cooking’ a little longer which I’m trying to do also.
Quick question, if you don’t mind me asking… Is there a reason you and your doctor have decided on 5 days past due as a potential time to induce? Just wondering for my own sake! My doctor is pretty non-interventionist so she’s fine with me doing until 42 weeks (provided the little one is doing well of course). My comfort level is more at the 41.5 week range simply because of the potential dangers of late term but I will take when my doc is on call into account as to when we would schedule an induction if it’s needed. Am curious what goes into other ladies decisions and completely understand it’s a multifaceted decision, especially when it isn’t your first time.
Best wishes for a healthy, safe delivery not matter how it happens! 😀
Brittany Dixon says
With Hailey I was wanting to wait it out as long as possible and they let me go to 10 days overdue (when I was finally induced). I actually met with my doc this morning and am scheduled for an induction 6 days past due if she doesn’t show up before then. For some reason, I am a little more cautious this time. I’m not exactly sure why- maybe I’ve just heard a few more stories that haven’t settled well with me and would prefer to have her in my arms. I was born 2 weeks late myself and know so many healthy mamas and babies that have waited 2 weeks, so I don’t think there is anything wrong with it at all! For me, this time, 41 weeks is my comfort zone for waiting.
By chance have you looked into evening primrose oil? I’ve been using it the past 4 days or so and I think it may be helping seeing as I had a little progress at the doc this morning!
Best of luck to you and please keep me in the loop with how things go!
Jaclyn @ Bumpsweat says
Just read the other day that time with your guy 😉 can help with going into labor. Maybe give that tactic a shot?
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Thinking of you, Girl! Hang in there! The waiting game is never fun. You look beautiful, and I’m so excited for you guys!
Ali says
Get acupuncture! This is 90% of my practice… helping mamas get their labor going. It works like a charm and you can avoid pitocin more than likely! If you have any questions, I’m happy to help:)
Brittany Dixon says
I did acupuncture last time (with H) and thought it was a really cool experience! It didn’t help me go into labor, but I would love to try it again some time 🙂
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
It’s so exciting that you will have your second little girl any time now!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Brittany, you look amazing! Totally glowing 🙂 Good luck!!!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
Happy due date!!! My little one is 1 month old, I’m finally starting to come out of the zombie, newborn induced haze and bubble I’ve been in. You look fabulous though! Emma was born at 38W, 3 Days and even though it was my longest pregnancy, she was 6lbs 11oz which made her the smallest (by almost 2 pounds) of all of my children. As of yesterday, she’s 8lbs 5oz and at a month old still smaller than my other kids as brand new.
Wishing you all the best!!!!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh congratulations!! I’m so glad things are going well for you and I can barely remember that newborn phase… I can’t believe I’ll be immersed it it again so soon. Emma is such a beautiful name, too! <3
Kathleen Ojo @ My OJos says
Congratulations and I am wishing you a wonderful, peaceful delivery! I also had trouble bonding with my baby before she was born. I loved the idea of her, and the kicks and constant hiccupping were an amazing feeling, but talking to her felt awkward and I just couldn’t visualize her. I think it even kept referring to her as an “it” up until the 9th month or so! But of course, it was game over as soon as she was born – I fell so in love!
Thanks for sharing so much of your pregnancy with us. I can’t wait to hear the good news later this week!
Maria says
Tight underwear sounds like pretty much the worst thing ever. Keeping you in my thoughts and hoping she makes her way out soon!
jade says
I love the perspective being pregnant with the second gives you. You worry so much about the first and you just get (slightly) calmer with the second. I have a feeling, like you, that birth just won’t come naturally for me and so induction it is. I have a close friend as well that had to be induced with both kids and they did give her adequate time to see. So linking up that other post you did about how maybe it is the way our hips are that stops the kiddo form progressing naturally down the canal and then will never send the labor signals, which like you said sucks that we may never experience that ‘true’ labor start. Wishing for health and happiness all around for you!
Jodi says
I am standing firm she’s coming on Mother’s Day!! Glad you feel good this last week!! She will be here before you know it!!
Jen says
I hope she comes on her own for you soon! Go for a run? I had my bloody show immediately afterwards and Hadley was born 14 hrs later!
Hailey will do GREAT as a big sis. Wyatt has shocked me in the best way. <3
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so tempted… of course, my ‘run’ right now might be the most awkward fast waddle of all time… yet, still tempted… hmm…
I love that Wyatt has taken to be being a big brother- so sweet!!
Katie bearden says
Good luck! I have a feeling she will come right before your induction date 🙂
I’m 37 weeks tomorrow and am being induced at 39 because of just severe HELLP syndrome history. I’m not crazy about another induction but I feel this is best decision given my history and to avoid pree or another hellp diagnosis.
Me hen did you start primrose oils/raspberry leaf tea? They are supposed to help prepare your uterus for labor right?
I’m wondering if I should do these esp since I am being induced?
Enjoy your one on one time with hailey. I’m on one hand so ready to meet Hayes but sad that Hudson won’t be my only child anymore….
Brittany Dixon says
Oh yeah girl, great decision to do what is best for the health of you and your baby boy!
I know a lot of people who start drinking red raspberry leaf tea multiple times a day at 36 weeks. I really started at about 38/38.5 maybe?
Same with primrose oil. I know people that start using it 36 weeks, but I just started on Monday. I had a doc appt then and wasn’t showing any signs of progress, but this morning I was actually 2cm! So I think there is something to the primrose oil. I was told that even if labor didn’t come on it’s own, that being ‘softer’ and dilated would make for an easier induction. And primrose oil’s function is to soften the cervix. Of course, talk to your doc and do whatever you feel most comfortable with!
Paulina says
Looking great there mama! I keep hoping that your blog won’t be updated because you’re in labor 🙂
Both my kids were late, first was induced and the second, I went into labor on my own 9 days late. It was nice to be at home for most of the labor rather than hooked up to pitocin and hanging out in a boring hospital room, but driving to the hospital while in labor hurt a lot. Either way, nothing goes according to the birth plan so it’s good to keep an open mind about how it will happen.
Lindsey says
You are
Lindsey says
You’re so cute! My sister in law told me to have sex to get things going and sure enough we did it in the morning and I went into labor that afternoon! Just a thought 🙂
Kjirsten - Balanced Healthy Life says
I was determined to get my
little boy out on his due date so I walked on the treadmill for an hour until I was getting consistent cramps. Went to the doctor that afternoon and told her I thought I was in early
labor and had progresses a little bit from my week 39 appt but still wasn’t having contractions. In the early evening the contractions started and a couple hours later my son was born on his due date. Besides being dilated and almost fully effaced (which I had been for a month) I had no symptoms or idea the baby was coming. In fact, in the weeks leading up to his birth I was experience lots of signs and then like you they just stopped! Good luck with everything! I can’t wait to hear your little one has arrived!
Brittany Dixon says
Ah, that’s encouraging! Maybe I’ll skip the nap and head out on a walk this afternoon 🙂
Avery @ Young Aspirations says
TOTALLY related to this post! I feel that each day that passes becomes more and more frustrating just so desperately wanting natural labor to take place and wondering how everything will fall into place. I too have alllll the “supposed” signs that labor is imminent and yet… no dice. But you’re right! In the end, that healthy baby and mama are all that matter. And the closer I get the more comfortable I become with whatever unfolds as long as we’re both healthy at the end. At least you still have some time, so there’s definitely still a chance! Did your Dr. say if you had progressed at all? Just based on her seemingly sweet personality, I know Haley will be the best big sister ever! I’m sure their relationship will be so much fun to watch. So excited for you and your family!
Brittany Dixon says
As of Monday I hadn’t progressed at all, but this morning I was ‘soft’ and 2 cm! Have you tried evening primrose oil? I’ve only been using it since Monday but feel it could be helping?
I’d say ‘hang in there; you are almost there!’ but being in the same boat, I know we both just feel ready. Hope you can find some time to pamper yourself while you wait!
Emily says
So excited for you. And girl, I don’t think you necessarily grow big babies, LOL. “only” 7.1 lbs for 10 days over? I was 7 days overdue with Parker, and he was 8 lbs, 13 oz – LOL! And Avery was 7.12 at 2 weeks EARLY. Haha. Regardless, I am hopeful you will have a healthy babe!
Emily says
Duh, I can’t read. I reread that paragraph – I thought you said you “grew particularly big babies”. Disregard my semi-obnoxious comment 🙂
Kristina says
Just letting you know that right before i went to labor I felt VERY good. Don’t know what it is but i hear its common? Hopefully she’ll be here soon and you won’t have to go through induction. Wishing you a safe labor! Hugs!
Leah says
Sending you good wishes for labor to start soon! I remember being in your shoes a few years ago. Eager to meet my second child but wondering how life was going to change with a new addition. I was induced at 41 weeks (my first came on due date but had placenta abruption). All I wanted was my second child here and healthy. It was actually nice to be induced and having babysitting easily lined up for my first. The induction was easy and delivery was quick compared to my first. Wishing you lots of luck!
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
You’re getting close!
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
You and your baby belly are adorable. I’m wishing you positive baby delivery thoughts. Can’t wait to “meet” baby girl!