36 Week Update

At my 36 week appointment yesterday, learned that Parker's head is engaged in the pelvis, and that the cervix is 50% effaced with no dilation....yet.  Very exciting- it's all starting to become very real that he will be here very soon!

Last night, we went to a Breastfeeding Class.  Spencer was not excited to go, but to my relief (and his)- there were about 9 couples there- all with the man in tow.  It was really helpful, and I think we both learned a lot about feeding a baby in general.  The lactation consultant who ran the class, Denise Altman, has her own private business here in Columbia and came highly recommended by a close friend, as well as my OB office.  She offers several great classes, in-home consultation, and is a wonderful resource!  If you are interested in what her company offers- check out their website:

http://www.feedyourbaby.com

Much of the information from resources and from some physicians has led me to believe that breastfeeding will not be an option, but I was very encouraged to hear from Denise that it is very much an option, and as Parker's cleft only extends ~2.5mm into the palate, he may be able to do well with it.  We also discussed specialty bottles/nipples in case he cannot.  We will just see when he gets here!  Fortunately, our hospital has great resources to help us after he is delivered.

This morning Spencer and I met with Dr. Chen, the plastic surgeon that we have chosen to do Parker's cleft repair.  We have heard glowing reviews about him from my OB office, the MFM specialist, speech and occupational therapist friends, surgery residents that Spence knows well, as well as multiple other healthcare professionals in the area.  He actually is the team leader of the Columbia Cleft Team, and did a fellowship in craniofacial abnormalities.  

Our appointment was great!  He will come see Parker right after he is born for his first exam.  Then, around 3-4 months, he will plan to repair his lip with his first surgery.  Between 6-8 months of age, he will then plan to repair Parker's palate.  We will know more specifically what his plans are when he first examines Parker.  Overall, he was very informative, and made us feel very comfortable with having him as our surgeon!