Exciting Expectations

Early First Stage Labor 10/18/15           20:58 I woke up this morning feeling great. Me and Arlinton had a good morning before church in which I was able to make him pancakes, our favorite spicy sausages, and cheesy eggs for breakfast. Everything was delicious, but I started to feel this weird first trimester nausea after eating. The nausea persisted and lingered on throughout the day. On our way to church, I started to feel a fatigued. I looked awful at church or at least not myself because people kept coming to me wondering if I was ok. I honestly wasn't sure if I was ok. I was nauseous, tired, and was having tightening in my stomach that was accompanied by some pelvic discomfort. I really didn't know what to make of it because I've had these symptoms before. Something didn't feel quite right. 10/18/15         23:12 There hasn't been any real advancement in the pain. I continue to feel uncomfortable with intermittent tightening. I've been able to e

10/16/15       18:07 The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. I finished birthing class, I left work, and I'm ready for our baby girl to make her grand entrance. Since being " term" I've been excited by the prospect of having Felicity any day now. On the other hand, reading Baby Bump group posts and browsing the web has made me slightly apprehensive about an early birth. So many people in the groups have babies in the NICU, were induced, or had some type of complication this early in the game. I really should be more physician-like about this stuff and do a paper review because all of the conflicting information is becoming overwhelming. Sadly, all the documentaries I've watched have been so anti-medicine that I'm leery about my own field despite good sense. Pregnancy should be a time where stress should be decreased for the health of the mom and baby. However, mothers are bombarded with what a friend of mine called "pregnancy terrorism" in which

9/7/15   00:03 Labor day weekend is usually a family centered weekend. The Caribbean culture parade ,on the first Monday of September, has served as an unofficial family reunion day since I could remember. It is also a time that I see other friends not affiliated with Caribbean culture because of the day off. Needless to say, Labor Day has it's place in my top 4 holidays with Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter in the lead. This labor day weekend has been especially amazing this year because I have been able to celebrate the births of two special young ladies, Logan and Brave. Brave made her way on the scene on 9/5. I was elated. I am still in shock that my best friend has a baby of her own. I was so excited, that I haven't been sleeping. Instead I've been in full baby mode: reading books, looking for sales, reading reviews, registering at my hospital, and creating my birth plan. Me and Ashley, Brave's mother, have spent hours talking about what we wanted for our bi

9/2/15        18:34 I have gotten so much support from my high school( Ashley)  and college ( Denesia)  besties. These 2 women have helped me through my years in school are now able to be my mentors during pregnancy. They are first time mothers as well , but were both 8 weeks ahead of me in gestation. It has been exciting to hear about their experiences and brace myself for what's ahead of me. So far, they have both been encouraging and motivating. I'm so lucky to have them in my life. Yesterday, was soooo exciting. I woke up to text messages that my homegirl, Denesia, was having contractions. I can't explain the excitement. I was glued to my phone all day for updates. Later in the day, she informed me that she was sent back home because it wasn't quite time. I was still excited and optimistic that her child was coming. I even got to witness a contraction over the phone. That probably wasn't the highlight of her day, but I was so honored to share in this special

8/12/15   23:42 Third trimester is here! I'll be hugging and kissing my precious daughter before I know it. I've heard that the last part of this journey will not be easy and may be the most difficult portion.  Women have warned me about the fatigue, pain, swollen feet, shortness of breath, and exhaustion that is ahead of me. I am optimistic; some call it naive. I honestly don't have the luxury to worry about any of it because the show must go on. I'm not only pregnant; I'm a resident in my 2nd year of training. This is my year to hone in on my skills and begin to learn the art of working independently as a psychiatrist. Admittedly, I am very tired and it's been evident to my classmates and loved ones. On a positive note, Felicity is healthy. I am beyond excited to be a parent despite any fears. I look forward to trying to enjoy my last trimester as it will be the last time that I will have the experience of carrying a baby for the first time.

I'm happy to announce that I don't have gestational diabetes. I am beyond thrilled. I am able to eat freely, enjoy my pregnancy, and have a piece of mind that my baby is healthy. This news has come just in time for my birthday and vacation. Although, I can't wait to eat, I'm more aware of the effect my diet has on my baby. After vacation will be the perfect time to redirect my efforts to healthy eating and an healthy lifestyle. I'm looking forward to swimming; the pool has been closed all summer . I'm also looking forward to enjoying the remainder of my pregnancy. I'm interested in hyponobirthing. The focus with hyponobirthing is to remain relaxed and enjoy the moment. Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum  are to all be enjoyable times.