Dear mom,

Feeling a little crowded? It might be because I’m roughly the size of a large pineapple and busier than ever. First, I’m fattening up so my skin is less transparent and more opaque. Second, I’m perfecting all of those critical skills I’ll need once I’m outside the womb – you know, sucking, swallowing, breathing. Finally, given my increasingly big size, your doctor may also be able to tell just how I’ve positioned myself. For the bulk of your pregnancy, I’ve been hanging out in what’s called ‘breech position’, where my feet are closest to the bottom of your uterus. Over this week and the next, I’ll probably start shifting around so I’m in a much more desirable spot for delivery – with my head appearing first and my feet coming out last.

So, even though I’m not here yet, but that doesn’t mean your body isn’t getting prepped for my arrival. Have you noticed some yellowish fluid (called ‘colostrum’) leaking from your breasts? That’s just your body’s milk factory getting geared up. No worries if you haven’t seen any colostrum; your body is still very likely busy producing milk. If you’ve had an embarrassing mishap or two thanks to some liquid trickling out, consider investing in a nursing bra or buying nursing bra inserts for your regular bras right now. Here’s a hint when buying a nursing bra: size up! When the milk is fully flowing, your breasts will be bigger than ever.

It’s time for yet another decision surrounding my arrival: namely, who do you want in the delivery room with you? Going through labor is, for most women, an extremely personal and oftentimes challenging process (of course, it’s all worth it). The question simply becomes, who would you like by your side as you’re going through the process, and who do you want to share me with after I’ve arrived? Maybe it’s just my dad, maybe it’s just your families. Maybe you’d like an open door policy where any well-wishers can pop by after I’m born. No matter what you decide, make sure you communicate to your loved ones what your hospital visit preferences are. And don’t worry, there are still ways to keep your friends and family in the loop; assign someone to post an online update, or to send out an email or text to a select group of people.

Can you believe we’ve only got two months left after this week? It’s been a great ride so far mom, let’s keep it going. “Pregnancy is a process that invites you to surrender to the unseen force behind all life.” – Judy Ford (Author & Psychotherapist)

Love,
Baby