January 15, 2015 9 weeks and 5 days, first midwifery appointment

Today I met with the midwife, who will be following our care; Caroline with Aurora Midwifery (http://www.auroramidwifery.ca/). I received a phone call on Monday from Aurora asking if I was still looking for a midwife, YESSS! Following I had a long conversation with Caroline, which was very informal and lovely. We were able to schedule an appointment for 3:30pm this afternoon. She was so much more wonderful than I could have expected! I am so grateful to be assigned a midwife to our care! (For more information on midwifery click here http://www.auroramidwifery.ca/docs/AB-midwives-book.pdf)

She gave me several bloodwork requisitions as well as our 12 week and 18 week ultrasound requisitions. My 12 week ultrasound will be scheduled between January 23-Feb 6. I will book it right away. The bloodwork needs to be completed at least 3 days prior to the ultrasound. I am very excited for the 12 week ultrasound. I think it will be confirming and validating for Dennis & I. The process of getting and achieving pregnancy has been so hard for us that I find myself doubtful that it actually exists and is happening. Every day I am so grateful and appreciative to be carrying this baby.

Caroline (midwife) suggested that she could attempt to hear the babies heartbeat with her doppler, however, she couldnt guarantee and indicated that often it is too early to hear the heartbeat with the doppler, so we gave it a go and the heartbeat was very evident, and beautiful! I was teary and overjoyed to hear our babies heartbeat for the first time. The heartbeat measured at 163 BPM, which is normal and strong! It was confirming for me to hear the babies heartbeat, I have been concerned, wondering if in fact fact the baby is in there or not and if he or she is doing well. 

(she shows the doppler but the heartbeat wasnt on the screen at the time when she showed it to me). 

Our next appointment with Aurora is February 5th at 4pm! At that time we will have all of the bloodwork and 12 week ultrasound complete.

I am doing so well this week. I am feeling healthy, and well. Im not as tired as I was (although it wasnt too bad), and I dont have any nausea. My main symptom has been increased appetite. I am so hungry. I find in the afternoons and the evenings especially I am ravenous. I need a snack in the afternoon, as well as at night before bed. Im not finding that I have any cravings. I just want to eat, a lot! 

Im feeling a bit boxy this week; my normal clothes arent fitting. I have cleared out a lot of my closet, and the spare bedroom closet which I was occupying, to make room for baby and maternity clothes. I cant wait for my belly to pop. I find this stage a little bit awkward because I dont fit into most my regular clothes and maternity clothes arent yet appropriate. 

Changes this week, I am not taking progesterone or estrogen anymore. I strongly feel like I dont need it. I hope that I will be nicer :) and a little less irritable.

 Kylie- note, I will try to wear this outfit and be in this other spare room while taking the weekly pregnancy photos. 

I have booked two pregnancy courses for Dennis & I to attend. One with Healthy Birth Choices, from May 3-June 24th (Wednesday evenings).

As well as another with AHS, Birth and Babies, which was referred to me by a friend. That class will be before and after babe is born, which I think is so cool, dates will be from , July 8 to September 9th (baby is due Aug 15).  I otherwise wouldnt have registered us for two classes but Im excited for the Birth and Babies class to meet and connect with other parents who are going through the process at the same time. I feel that that experience will be invaluable. 

This week I found out that a dear friend of mine is also pregnant! I am so excited to share this journey with two close friends. They are both about a month ahead of me. I am looking forward to sharing motherhood with two of my closest friends!