Week 33

It might be hard to see in this picture, comparing to week 31, but this baby has certainly grown leaps and bounds in two weeks time! I told Jason this morning that I think it spawned a twin. This is weight-gaining season for the little one, who could weigh up to 4 pounds now, but could as much as double before it’s birthday. There’s more baby than amniotic fluid in the womb now, which explains why I can feel movement easily these days. This week, the baby’s immune system begins functioning, and it can receive antibodies from me.

I’m still feeling pretty good, but getting a little tired. I take great strides to keep on top of my health and comfort, however, and am still doing yoga about three times a week, getting out and walking regularly, drinking lots of water and eating plenty of healthy foods. I also have had two free massages this week, which has been fantastic in helping reduce swelling in my legs and keeping me relaxed. Have been squeezing in some mid-day naps, too.

Wednesday, I’ll go to the midwife for my regular checkup and we will participate in two different types of birthing classes in March. The plan is to birth as naturally as possible, which tends to be the way most women do it here. The birthing process is much less ‘medicalized’ here, with far more home births and natural birthing. While we have a midwife, we are not planning a home birth – I’ve not gone that radical yet.

We’re also planning to be as natural as possible in our baby care options. We’ve decided to go the cloth diaper route, I’m preparing to breastfeed for as long as possible and we’re not investing in the normal amount of ‘gadgets’ and accessories until we see a need. It’s just a simple bassinet, a baby sling, cloth diapers and clothes for us. From there, we’ll purchase what is needed as we see fit. If you have any tips on cloth diapering, we’re open to suggestions and recommendations on brands and styles.