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Go Ask Mom
Kathy Hanrahan with Rob Thomas and Kyle Cook of Matchbox 20
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Training for Baby: Waiting game

Published: 2012-09-04 20:55:00
Updated: 2012-09-04 20:55:00

My due date is just over a week away and I feel like a baby ticking time bomb. With every cramp, I have a moment of pause where I wonder "am I starting to go into labor."

I am still working. I even covered the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Tournament a few weekends back. ESPN's Stuart Scott actually asked to rub my belly and he talked to the baby. It was cute and I think the baby loved chatting it up with him.

My husband is a sports writer, so we watch a lot of sports. Hubby even reads game stories to my belly every once in a while.

Last week, I interviewed Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas and Kyle Cook. Somehow a chat about their new album turned into a conversation about Bojangles' sweet potato pies, Bo-Berry Biscuits and then the greatness that is Popeye's. (Rob said he introduced his wife to Popeye's and she loves it too. He said he specifically loves the chicken and the red bean and rice.) They were kind enough to pose for a photo with me for my baby book.

Despite trying to stay busy, I am still a little anxious about going into labor at any moment.

Moms, how did you handle this time in the pregnancy?

I am just trying to stay busy and not stress myself out too much wondering when this little man is going to arrive. I have heard first babies come late, but I've also known some first babies who have shown up early. So, it just depends on your body and the baby, I guess.

Also, do you have any advice for labor?

We've been through the birthing classes, but we know labor doesn't always go according to the book!

Since this is my last blogpost until after he is born, I wanted to take the time to thank all of the moms out there for helping guide me through this crazy journey. I read every comment and it really means a lot to get your advice and kind words.

I am also grateful to my "newsroom mommies" who have offered me advice and help throughout the journey. Whether good friends without children or moms to multiple bundles of joy, these ladies have been supportive and just plain amazing. Thank you!

Kathy is editor of WRAL.com's Out & About section. Learn more about Kathy on her website. Last year, here on Go Ask Mom, Kathy chronicled her efforts to lose weight before she and her husband started a family. Now, due with her first baby this fall, she's writing about her pregnancy. Find her here on Wednesdays twice a month on Go Ask Mom.


 

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12 Comments


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Love the MB20 picture. My husband knew Rob Thomas down in FL long before MB20 was famous so we're huge fans!

Here's my labor tip: Eat as much as you can before you go to the hospital. Once you're admitted, they won't let you eat in case you have to have a c-section. When I was induced with my son, we ate dinner at 5:00 thinking we'd be heading to the hospital at 6. It was 11 pm before a bed was available and then my son wasn't born until 7:45 the next night so I went over 24 hours without anything other than a few popsicles. I was starving during my labor which only added to how miserable I felt (pitocin is evil!). When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, I had a scheduled c-section, and ate a huge dinner despite the heart burn. I knew it would be awhile before I would get another meal of solid foods.

Also, if you don't have a Boppy pillow, get one and make sure you take it to the hospital. It will make breastfeeding (if that's your plan) so much easier!

Wow -- I can't imagine eating much! I think your strategy for keeping busy without overdoing it is a good one. It's a bizarre experience being unable to plan something so significant! Re labor, just be sure to ask for what you want, even if it isn't what you thought you'd want. Parenting is humbling and unpredictable (and lots more)so be good to yourself.

Shave your legs and do your nails (toes and fingers). You don't want to be stuck in a hospital bed and the pretty baby by your side and hair legs. I learned the hard way! :)

I've been following you since you were trying to conceive as I was in the same boat too. When I heard your news I was so very happy. I myself am due in late November! What a journey and I'm so excited. I will look forward to your updates so I can learn some things from you. Congratulations!!

Here is your labor tip...Grin and bear it.

personally from my experience, don't eat to much, it makes it harder on your body if you go in labor! I know, I starved to, but it was worth it and that Hamburger afterwards was the best! try to relax and stay busy, when labor comes, try to take it in stride and not freak out, its a natural thing and your body will let you know what to do next! good luck and congrats!

A vERY exciting time! I have 2 children, and recall the last week or two. Labor is such an amazing process- its surreal at how our bodies handle childbirth. Don't fear; yes- there is pain, but its natural and you get through it!

If you start having consistent "menstrual like cramps", labor is beginning!

Best wishes to you!

My son was two weeks early, which was fine, but my daughter was 7 weeks early which was scary! That being said, I never had the "waiting" game like many of my friends. I was very surprised both were early. I didn't think about eating before going to the hospital with my son when my water broke at 4am. I was too busy showering, shaving my legs, and drawing insulin shots for my diabetic doggie. When my daughter decided to surprise us, I made the hubby stop for a cheeseburger on the way, because I remember how hungry I was and could only have ice chips while in labor and delivery with my son. Best advice I can give is this: shave your legs everyday so you're not stuck with stubble, smuggle some light snacks in for you and hubby, take a good book, and have fun. Also, don't plan on getting any rest while you're in the hospital. If the nurses aren't coming in to check on you every hour, they're checking on the baby

Get the epidural & get it early!

If you know you are in labor, take some milk of magnesia and go on and clean yourself out. lol . Or do it if you are in any constipated. I know this may sound gross, but believe me, it is helpful advise.

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