Well a lot has happened. It was sprung upon us that Sa had to have a Strep B test - and if positive (like 40% of women are), she couldn't have a home birth and would have to have IV antibiotics during labour. Of course, she tested positive. Not for an infection, but for the presence of normal colonising bacteria. I'm not even going to get into a soliloquoy about this, suffice it to say it's just another example of medicos parading as evidence-based scientists so they don't have to give individualised patient care but can tar everyone with the same brush. Minute risk of complications with a +ve Strep B result? Easy. Spend millions giving 40% of women antibiotics. And the risk of complications from antibiotic-resistant strains of other bacteria? Never you mind. At least we look like we're doing something - and furthermore (and more to the point, methinks), we can't be sued! Looks like I went soliloquising.
So we've booked an independent midwife, Sheila, who seems very competent. Only problem is, she leaves for the U.S. on the 21st. Sa is due on the 18th, so we're keeping our fingers crossed it happends before then, otherwise it's off to the birth centre. But she's assured Sa that it's quite within her rights to refuse anything she doesn't want.
Sheila gave us the birth pool with a foot pump. Wow, wish I had one of those last time. I pumped it up in about 10 minutes as opposed to an hour. I called Sheila from Bunnings last week "I can't find 'drinking quality' water hoses!" Neither could the bumbling and completely unhelpful staff. I found it eventually. So now I can safely fill the birth pool when Sa is ready to go.
Stella is excited about the coming of Noodil. I know she'll be a great big sister.
Oh yeah, Sarah has started having Braxton-Hicks contractions - I reckon she'll give birth before the end of this coming weekend. The due date is the 18th but I feel like this one is really ready to arrive.
