Me: So what should I know about the Zika Virus, I heard there is one confirmed case in Los Angeles County.
Dr: Uh, we don't really know a lot about it yet. So I'm guessing it'll be fine....... (still charting, not really paying attention or looking in my direction)
Me: I was just asking because I'm a nurse and deal with sick people on a weekly basis and was a little concerned.
Dr: Well you'd better be careful then.
I have so many things that went through my mind, but I just laughed and realized all doctors are pretty much the same.
Needless to say, this conversation was worthless and I should do my own research. So I did.
Here's what you need to know about the Zika Virus: It is a virus that is transmitted by a mosquito bite, most of these cases have been found in Central and South America.
Why should we worry about it?
Because it affects pregnant women and their offspring. Babies will be born with Microcephaly (a small head). The thought is if a baby has a smaller than normal head, their brain will be smaller and that is alarming because of the fact it will have some impact on brain development.
So my concern with this child that contracted the Zika virus, is California is significantly warmer than the rest of the US right now, so mosquitos are inevitable. If a mosquito bites this child and transmits it to someone else, we have a huge problem, but then again according to my doctor, I'm probably fine. (source)
Stay educated, people. Stay educated.
So now that i'm in the blessed second trimester, I realize that I only have about 18 weeks until I am responsible for a human life.
Holy shit. I mean I think I do a good enough job keeping my cats alive and our newly adopted dog, but I should probably be preparing and learning what is coming. Now I am a nurse, but I am NOT an OB/BABY nurse. Those OB/PEDS semesters/classes are somewhat becoming a blur...
And as far as I know there is no manual the hospital gives you after you leave the hospital and fetal heart monitoring will only take me as far as the L/D room...
I know how to be a nurse, but I don't know how to be a mom just yet, and I'm ok with that. So I went on a hunt for classes. I will absolutely hands down will go to these.
Let's talk for a minute about HypnoBirth. You pay $395 for prenatal classes, which is great, but then you are given hypnotherapy or also known as the Bradley method for pain. They didn't give any success rates, (a couple guesses why..) but after doing research, it is supposed to do more for preparing your mind for the labor processes, which makes sense. So I read some reviews, and many, many women were super misled, thinking "oh this will cure my pain during labor", "I will better bond with my child".... and then they got an epidural and were super upset when they paid all this money for something that didn't benefit them.
I've never given birth before, but I know that an epidural is pretty effective. I'll be going with that, I'm already anxious enough.
***This is not to offend anyone this has worked for, and if it has worked for you, please share with me I want to know all about it!***
So if you have never signed up for these classes before, they actually fill up pretty dang quick. I looked at the hospital schedule for classes and they are already filled up in February 2016. Thank goodness I looked now! I signed up for a birthing class and breastfeeding class!
I really don't want to freak out Matt (which I think it's a little late for that). Babies are a lot of work and I doubt he's changed many diapers in his adult life, so I really do want to share this experience with him and help him feel a little less clueless.
And then there's the labor process. I actually don't have the strength to tell Matt about the process (and put up with his wisecracks), but I think that going to a birthing class together will help him realize what to say and how not to die through this process. Matt, may the odds be ever in your favor.
I am more interested in the breastfeeding classes. I will tell you now, breastfeeding scares me, but I know how good it is for the baby so I will try my hardest to make it happen. I'm sure it's like riding a bike once I get started, but I have never fed a human with those things. ** It makes me feel super hopeful when I get a message from one of my best friends telling me how amazing it is to keep someone alive with your body (after birth), I get really excited about that and feel that much better about my decision to breastfeed, especially when I see a picture of her baby with sweet little baby rolls.**
So this week has been a little hectic, Matt is on a work trip and I am at home with 3 animals. Our little peapod is moving around more than ever, which is an understatement on how cool that feeling is. I feel more connected to that little baby than I ever have.
I went to the dentist today and good lawd I have a love/hate relationship with my gums right now, and because I was my chair was tipped a little further back for the cleaning, I felt a lot of moving around! She was probably wondering what the hell was going on.
BUMPIE!
Cravings: Kung Pao Chicken! LOVING SPICY RIGHT NOW. Chocolate ice cream and the BIGGEST CRAVING FOR FROZEN YOGURT.
Aversions: nothing at the moment. I ate a cherry tomato yesterday and didn't yak.
Preggo symptoms:
- NOSE BLEEDS! GUM BLEEDS! Nothing else better start bleeding.
- I have been slightly more emotional this week, crying every now and again when I see something heartfelt or sad.
- Crazy dreams: I had a dream that Matt tried to get rid of my cats, and I was extremely upset. Clearly, once a cat lady, always a cat lady.
- Out of breath. Sometimes, I feel so out of breath after a small walk down the hall, or taking the dog out for a stroll. Ridiculous.
Much love to everyone! Until next week!