[amyjustine]

I will be 37 weeks on Sunday the 18th but I was just wondering if anyone has had a baby at home before then. I've been having a ton of braxton hicks anytime i get up to do anything and sometimes just in bed. and a very small amount of spotting a couple different times. which my mw said could be my cervix thinning which she said is good that's supposed to happen. She's comfortable with me having thebaby at home at this point which i am really glad about. but just kinda to calm my own nerves I was wondering if anyone had any experence with this. My biggest fear is having togo to the hospital because baby isn't doing okay. and breastfeeding being more difficult with a small baby. my son was 8lbs 1 oz, so a small baby is a little scary to me. ya know. anyway, just curious, thanks everyone

~Amy

[cindahomaker]

sent you a pm :)

[Sombra]

amy, make sure you're well hydrated.. and yes, someone here has given birth before that date.. do kangaroo care - keep baby naked skin to skin on your chest.. your heart and heat will help him/her regulate.

[amyjustine]

thanks! I'm 37 weeks today so feeling much more confident. now i can get busy cleaning without having to worry if i'm doing too much. Watch now I'll go to 42 weeks! just because i'm not stressing myself out! thanks ladies

[Stillstanding]

I had my first homebirth with my little guy being barely 37 weeks.. just shy of it I believe.
He was just over 6 pounds and we did use preemie clothes for a bit. He nursed great, but struggled with Jaundice, which I hear is normal for early ones.
We did lots of sunlight..and he cleared up after a few weeks.

I was concerned it would happen again, but my next one went late!
I did make preparations, if not supply wise, emotionally too. I got great advise on things to watch for, labored breathing, baby not nursing, etc.
Some babies that are early have a harder time latching on and cup feeding or dropper feeding breastmilk may help.

I would make sure to have someone present after birth of an early one, who can stay awake and keep an eye on mama and baby.
My hubby has a hard time staying awake after a birth to help. But this may just be our case. He goes through so much emotionally that he seems to just crash after it's all said and done.
I think he's super relieved to see baby in my arms, smile on my face, and then off to sleep he goes.

I haven't had an early one again (two more births and both had prodromal labors that left me wondering for weeks).

It sounds like you'll be wonderfully ready for whenever your sweet one arrives. Glad you have some comfort in knowing that you have reached another week and we'll pray for a healthy baby born when it's just the right time.

Amy L.