Doula

I hired a doula, which is a labor coach, to help me get through labor. The doula we hired has a lot of experience and sometimes mentors apprentices, so we encouraged her to do that and decided the apprentice could be my Studly Hubby's own personal doula, and he might need one because who knows how stressful this will be for him. Traditionally a doula hangs out with a woman during most of her labor and does whatever is needed, including helping with different labor positions and communication with the doctors. The doula will meet with you a few times before to help you figure out what you want (and write a 'birth plan') and then a few times after to make sure you and the baby are bonding and such as you should be.

So on Saturday the doula and her apprentice came by and we went over the final birth plan. I never even knew what a birth plan was until I got into this mess, and now look at me! Our birth plan is in its third draft and includes phrases I had never even heard of 9 months ago. Plus she gave us a list of things we MUST HAVE when the baby arrives (like diaper wipes) and we spent a big gob of money afterwards ordering things from various places to get stocked up.

We are in the final stretch - the cloth diaper service made their first delivery this morning, the changing table is all set up, the sheets are on the crib, the carseat is installed, and the Studly Hubby is keeping his phone on all the time. Here comes Baby!!