Big Belly & Other thoughts

Somehow, over the last few weeks, my belly and babe seem to be getting the best of me. I'm now at 27 weeks, and am carrying a big ol' basketball in my tummy. Luckily I can giggle about it most days, especially when I turn sideways to squeeze through a space, only to realize, that's no longer a viable option. We were moving around furniture the other day (more like a spectator sport for me, than actually "helping") and B asked me to go into a room, while a piece of furniture was taking up the doorway. I replied "I can't, I wont fit" which threw us both into a series of giggles. *sigh*

I've had a few moments of looking down at my belly or getting a glimpse of myself in a mirror, where the panic sets in and I think "how much bigger can I get?!!?" I posed that question to my mom, who calmly responded "much bigger, and you'll start having trouble with balance soon" *double sigh*. But, the bonus is, I'm nearing the finish line so to speak. Only 38 more days at work, then I can put my feet up and enjoy some R&R prep babe arriving.

Speaking on babe arriving, we've got our c-section date - August 12th. So unless the little munchkin decides to make an early appearance, that's supposed to be when she joins us in the outside world. Frustratingly, when I called my OB's office to confirm the date with them, they advised me that the hospitals are going through some big changes, and that they are closing a number of the operating rooms for the summer. So they couldn't actually book me in for a operating time.... huh? Instead, they've got special permission to allow me to be a "semi-scheduled patient" on one of the days that my OB is on call. I have to wait until the morning of the 12th, when apparently someone from the hospital will call and say "okay, your time for today is... ___" So, I'll not get the luxury of checking in the night before and being relaxed.... hmm... at least it will be a little closer to natural birth!

Speaking of natural birth vs. birth with intervention... another blogger I know recently posted on this subject (http://ow.ly/1Ot9e). I couldn't agree with her more. I've known that I have to have a medically planned c-section for a few months now. It was a shock to my system at first, since I hadn't really thought one way or the other about it at the time. But the reality is, for medical reasons, my doctors highly recommend I go the c-section route. And I'm not shy about telling people that's what I'm going to be doing, because, as far as I see it, I'm making an informed decision that is best for my and my child's well being.

The reactions I get when I mention it are really in 3 camps:

1. The "I Hear Ya Sista!" group - This is my favorite camp, as they are the ones that quickly helped me to get over the stigma attached to having a c-section. They regale me with either their personal stories, or of people they know, that had c-sections for various reasons, and feel good about it. They also call to my natural "planning" instinct, quickly pointing out that I get the opportunity to know when munchkin is going to arrive and advise family and friends of that day, know my deadline for getting the nursery ready, etc.
   
2. The "Oh So Sorry" group - This group is well intentioned enough, but go straight to offering pitty and advise on how to cope with having such a horrible thing ahead of me. Honestly folks, I'm okay with my decision, but stop trying to freak me out about how horrible it just might be.
   
3. The "You Really Should Try Natural" group - Luckily I have not yet come across too many people that readily stand proud in this group, but there have been a few. They tend to argue that my doctors are ill advising me and that I should do everything in my power to convince them that natural is the way to go. They seem not to respect the amount of research and questions I've asked, let alone my doctors, and lay on the guilt pretty heavily. Really? As far as I'm concerned, I'm being a good mom by making the decisions I am, and by listening to the experts. Case closed.

Sure, I'm concerned about recovery time and the fact that its surgery, but I'm a tough cookie with lots of great support, so I'll be fine thank you very much.