Homebirthing in Australia

Brett and I have decided on a homebirth for baby number 2. In deciding about the birth of this baby, we did a lot of research and found out, disappointingly, that there really aren't many birthing options for women in Brisbane. There aren't any stand-alone birth centers like where C was born. There is only 1 hospital affiliated birthing center BUT you must live within the catchment area of that particular hospital to even be CONSIDERED to birth there. Originally we were going to hire a private midwife (one not associated with the hospital) so she could be our voice and make sure interventions were kept to a minimum and that certain things, like delayed cutting of the umbilical cord, were carried out by hospital staff. I was never really okay with this option because, even with C, I wanted a homebirth but because we weren't living in our own home it just wasn't the right time for a homebirth.

The reason we initially considered having a hospital birth is because homebirth is an expensive option here.  Medicare doesn't cover the birth at home (because OBs have recently pulled support for out-of-hospital births- which is why the only birthing center in Brisbane has been shut down) and only covers minimal costs otherwise. BUT after much discussion and many sleepless nights we finally decided that the cost was, of course, well worth it. So, we found a midwife who does home/water births and here we are.

I've been doing a lot, lot, LOT of research and lots of planning and cannot wait for the birth. I've been to one Homebirth QLD support meeting- not sure if it's my cup of tea but- it was incredibly nice to be around like minded women. The birth is still fairly far off (about 15 weeks!) and we still have much to do but we're getting really excited.

We were completely shocked by the small amount of options pregnant women have for birthing in QLD. I seriously hope in the future things get better, there is a lot of support for homebirthing in QLD and it's only growing.

On another note, our small family is doing well. C seems to be through that horrible sleep regression but has now decided that she will throw a fit at the drop of a hat -like screaming, throwing herself on the ground fits. Really, it's a good thing I suppose, at least the new baby isn't here yet and we can learn how to cope with this new phase of parenting.

C is talking like crazy and can communicate with us extremely well. She is loving daycare and the two days a week that she's at daycare are a wonderful break for me.

All in all, we're doing very well. I'm going to try to keep up with the blog more often but I'm getting extremely tired again so we'll see how I do.

xx

She LOVES the slide, climbing up the slide that is...

Swinging with Daddy

She loves pushing her little pram around but she likes being pushed in it more. 

Maybe she'll be a geologist when she grows up. She loves collecting rocks from outside and putting them in her little bucket.

Hipster.

How to Survive Your Child's First Day of Day Care

Today is Chucky's first day of day care. I am exuberantly excited and extremely nervous all at the same time. I know she'll be okay- more than okay- she'll have a wonderful time with new kids and new experiences. Really, I'm worried more about myself. What will I do with 8 child free hours?!

So here's my game plan for surviving today without crying or picking her up too early (please, please don't let me do this)!

Work on much neglected projects and hobbies.

SLEEP! For the entire 8 hours!

Blog.

Clean the bathroom because it really really needs it.

Go see a movie.

Go shopping.

Have lunch with a friend.

Paint my nails.

Sit on the couch and not move all day.

Have a drink - even though I won't really be doing this because we're expecting our second baby in October! But maybe you could!

So, I'm not really sure how today will go but at least I have - sort of - a game plan.

Here are some photos of what we've been up to lately (I know, it's been waay too long since my last post)

She loves her cute little bear coat. Thank Debi! 

 

Aww..the ball pit. So relaxing.

She's recently decided to loves to draw - on the walls and tiles also...

Wearing my shoes around the house

Road trip to Inskip

Camping at Inskip - C checking out the soldier crabs

C's first ride in a boat! She loved it! 

On the beach at Inskip

CUTE!

Grabbed a tub of yogurt off the counter...

Daddy & Daughter

First ever carnival ride - Greek Fest 

First day of Day Care!! 

AND of COURSE! Baby #2! Coming October 2013! :) :)

My Mom comes to visit!

After all the excitement of moving and having family visit, I'm finally getting a chance to finish settling the house. I'm also getting more time to blog and sew.

My Mom came to visit about a week ago and it was wonderful to have her here (she even got to stay through Easter). Brett got plenty of time to work (he works from home two days a week) and I even got to nap during the day!

When Mom first got here C and I were both sick which wasn't any fun but we did find some time to get to the beach and go into the city. We went to a few markets, went to both the Gold Coast and Sunshine coasts and got to do a bit of bush walking. It was great to have her here and she managed to get out of here before she caught the nasty stomach bug that our family all got at the same time. (Brett's Mom included) It was horrible. Luckily we're all feeling well again.

C hugging the seal (?) at the pier on the Sunshine Coast

C loves helping in the kitchen

Bush walking with Nana

Peek.

Bunya Pine

C with her two Grandmas

The slide was a bit more slippery than they expected

EASTER!

She picked up her eggs on her own!

Showing us her full basket!

Easter at South Bank with Nana

C has just learned to smile for the camera. Ham. :)

Until next time! xx

The Move, Birthday, Dad's Visit

I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post, although I could have sworn it was longer. We've moved, I've turned 26 and my Dad has come and gone since that last post.

So this post will be a concise summary of the happenings in the last month or so. 

My dad came over from America to visit but also to help us move. I really don't know how we could have managed to move everything and clean with out his help. He drove the truck for us - through the city, on the WRONG side of the road! - and did most of the cleaning for the bond refund. I think we'll need to have him come back when we move again ;) Thank you Dad!!! 

My birthday wasn't a huge deal this year because we actually needed to rent the truck and move EVERYTHING in one day. So, needless to say, we were pretty exhausted by the end and only just managed to make it to dinner with a few friends.

Terry and Uncle Darren on my birthday

D and C on my birthday. Besties.

Brett and C with the weird head at the pizza place

While Dad was here we did actually get to do a few fun things. We got to take Dad to Noosa National Park, the Glass House Mountains, Mt. Tamborine and Byron Bay. He also got to see South Bank and the Botanical gardens in the city. All in all, we were fairly productive for being so busy.

Exploring Wynnum

Big Pineapple on the way to Noosa

Noosa National Park

C icing her head after a nasty fall

Sky Walk at Mt. Tamborine

My Dad wanted to see kangaroos (which he got to see) and a koala. We were lucky enough to see this koala crossing the road at Mt. Tamborine. He crawled into a small tree really close to the road.

Byron Bay

C helping my dad put together a wardrobe

Thanks again Dad! We can't wait until you visit again!