Week 39

I am officially 39 weeks and still pregnant. This is the longest I've been pregnant, although this is only my second time. It seems like forever in comparison to my first pregnancy. By this time my son was out and about and I had given up breastfeeding already (which was my huge mistake). However, being pregnant longer this second time around has given me a chance to appreciate the time I do spend with my son now. At times I feel guilty thinking that soon enough another person is going to join our family and I won't be able to give him all the attention that I used to. I hope my son doesn't get upset at the baby for taking up my time. I guess we'll have to wait and see how their relationship develops.

These extra weeks of pregnancy also gives me hope that breastfeeding will not be as difficult as it was the first time. I've been to 2 breastfeeding classes, read 2 breastfeeding books, loads of pamphlets and visited tons of websites just to prepare myself. I've been wearing breast shields (although not on a daily basis) to prepare for breastfeeding. I have all the gear (still have the rental from last year; it was never picked up and I never got a bill or phone call for having the rental this long). Now all I need is to give birth and hope that this child will latch on immediately.

A few things for me to keep in mind:
1) Don't let the hospital take the baby away without having him first try to breastfeed.
2) Don't let the hospital give a pacifier or supplemental feeding.
3) If breastfeeding doesn't work the first two weeks, keep on trying.

I am inspired by my friends who breastfed even though it was hard at the beginning. I also remember how much we spent on formula for my first son and in this economy, realize that we need that money for things like daycare. Daycare is so expensive, and my boys are actually going to somebody who charges us less than most family daycares. However, daycare for both boys for a month is equivalent to half my monthly paycheck. Isn't that crazy? I don't know how we're going to afford mortgage, car payment, insurances, and daycare... not to mention all the other expenses we have.

Week 39... it is 3 weeks longer than my first pregnancy, but I am ready (both mentally and physically) to have this child.