Countdown to Baker Boys: Just shine a light in your vagina!

8 months pregnant! Back in January, I would have never been able to imagine being 8 months into this process. No ups and downs. Only twists, turns, and amazing moments. When we confirmed this as a twin pregnancy, I was cautioned over and over again about the increased chance of c-section. At that moment, delivery was such a far off concept that I didn't really take their warnings to heart. Even saying I was fine with that. Now that we are 6 weeks away from full term, Mama's not having it! I'm scared. Nervous. Worried. This is major surgery. You gotta remember I"ve had all 4 of my itty bitties naturally with no epidural. A c-section is on the complete opposite of the spectrum. I always joke about my extreme personality. This is yet another example.

Melissa and I are so adamant about avoiding ceserean that we have switched OBs. The last one didn't seem to be receptive to thought of even trying for a normal birth. Now, I couldn't be happier. Dr. K is a young lady who is much more compassionate and understanding. She's the sweetest thing. Very supportive of us and our labor and delivery needs.

Here's the deal:

I'm 32 weeks. Measuring at 39 weeks. Blood pressure is normal. I'm 152 lbs. (gained 37 lbs total). Baby A (AJ) - still breech. Baby B (julio) - still transverse. And I have a cervix of steel meaning I'm in no way at risk for premature labor (but we already knew that.)

1. Can I deliver both babies breech?

I don't even remember everything she said in response to this but the short answer is a big, fat, resounding NO.

Dr. K is willing to try a breech birth with Julio but AJ must deliver head down first.

2. Can I be under general anesthesia if a c-section is needed?

I"m so nervous I want to be completely out during the procedure. It's an option but not suggested. Pregnant women get a specific anesthetic that would leave the babies drowsy but they'd snap out of it quickly. A less potent drug like Verced is another choice because it trigger a slight case of amnesia. In other words, I'll be in lala land while they get the babies out then I'll be out like a light when they sew me up. Best part is I won't remember any of it.

3. Do you advocate VBAC (vaginal birth after cesearan)?

"Oh yeah, you'd have no problems delivering a singleton next time"

This was the best news I'd heard the entire appointment. Having a c-section was really a majoy factor for me in deciding whether to transfer Melissa's little girl embryo. I would hate for her to have to go through the grueling process of finding another surrogate (besides, she'd never find another like me. lol!) But I just can't risk 2 surgeries. To hear I can go back to doing what I do best is extremely encouraging. Hopefully, it won't be an issue.

3. How much longer do you think I'll go?

"You are such a strong candidate for surrogacy. You're perfect!" says Dr. K. Melissa, my mother and my sister were all convinced that I'd be on bedrest by now. On meds to prevent preterm labor. They clearly don't know who I am. I"m a machine. I got this. I admit I'm worn out with this pregnancy. I can't sleep. My feet swell as soon as I wake up. But according to Dr. K, I"m going the distance... 34-36 weeks. How much bigger can I get? How much more sleep can I loose? How much more uncomfortable can I get? My mind is telling me I can't do this for another month. My heart says 'Hang in there sweets. You can do it!'

4. What can I do to get the babies to turn?

Babies settle into position around 34 weeks. We are scheduling an induction or ceserean at the next appointment. Which one will depend on if I can get them where they need to be in the next 2 weeks. I"m confident they will settle on their own or one of the following methods will be successful.

* Forward Leaning Inversion: Kneeling on the couch. Slowly lower yourself to your hands then forearms to the floor. Take 3 deeps breaths (about 30 secs) then slowly come back up with help from your partner. Do this everyday for best benefits.

* Breech tilt: Use a board (like an ironing board) propped up on the couch or chair. Place a few pillows around the base and one for your neck. Lie on the ironing board head down. Remain on the board for 20 mins. 3 times a day.

*Taken from www.spinningbabies.com

Hot/cold packs - place a cold pack (frozen veggies will do) place them on the baby's head while put a warm pack or heating pad near the cervix. The baby will naturally move away from the discomfort of the cold to the warmest part of the uterus.

I even read shining a light in my vagina would work!

At this point, I'll do whatever it takes.