Starting to stress about schedules...

[UPSwife]

Well, we got the dreaded schedule over the weekend. My due date is fast approaching and I have been anxiously awaiting DH's schedule to see how things looked for the baby's arrival. Unfortunately, DH is dead last on his current plane as captain. He is downgrading to FO soon, but it will not take effect until Nov. 1. So, he is basically flying the whole two weeks (except, ironically, the weekends) before my due date. I know he can get home if he is out when I go into labor, I am just pretty concerned at this point since it is looking more realistic that he will be gone than home. Fortunately, his flights will be SDF-ABQ and ABQ-MHR, so they are all domestic and I think he can get direct flights from both locations home. I am trying to just play the cards we've been dealt, but I would be lying if I acted like this does not stress me out as a first time mom. I mean--what if I don't know I am in labor until too late for him to get home? I would appreciate any advice you can offer at trying to make the best of this.

[kaarinmarie]

First of all relax! I know that the last few weeks is scary and exciting and full of anxiety but you have to remember to relax.

Second, just make sure you have a back up, make sure your back up is a relliable friend or relative and ask your doctor questions. When you go in weekly ask her how the baby is progressing, does it look like you are dialating or becoming effaced. That isn't always a sure way to tell when the baby will come, but it will give you an idea if you are progressing.

Does your dh have any sick time? If he does does it work like expressjet, where if the call in sick for a 4 day can they extend the call out for 2 4 days? If he can, maybe have him call in sick for the last week if you haven't already popped. Or you can have your doc stripp your membranes about a day before dh is scheduled to be home, sometimes if it will work it will take up to 36 hours to cause labor.

Good Luck and just remember to relax!

[UPSwife]

Thanks for listening! It is becoming less stressful at this point. I do have afew people on standby--our neighbors (one of whom is a pediatric ER doctor), my parents, DH's parents and my SIL/BIL. Steve also gave me the crew scheduling # so I can call them and they can reach him if I go into labor. I guess I was hoping it would not come to all this, but we can't help the schedule he has been given. DH also plans to talk to IPA and figure out if he has any other options as well as looking into trip trades. We are not too optimistic about either of these options, but it can't hurt to look into it. I am also just hoping that since it is our first baby that I will go all the way to my due date--eliminating some of the concerns. Either way, we will just have to roll with the punches I guess. When I talked to DH about it last night, I cried a bit because of my worries and I could tell it made him feel bad. He made a good point--if I do go into labor without him, at least I know I will be there and will make it through just fine whereas he may not make it home in time and will have to "live with" that memory/guilt. I know how much he wants to be part of the birth and I guess that is part of the anxiety I am feeling now as well.

[mcmuffinpilot]

Hang in there Felicia! We are a little more emotional then normal right now, I with ya there.
I'm going to make me a list of who should be contacted when I go into labor , right along with my bag for the hospital. Those few people I call will be my backup people to take me to the hospital just in case.

The McNeill Adventures

[UPSwife]

Okay, after I finished freaking out, DH pointed out to me that while he will be staying every night in either Sacramento or Albuquerque, he will fly into Louisville each day and wait for them to unload and reload the plane, so the schedule is not as bad as I had thought. I still have my backup plan in case he is in one of the other cities when I go, but it does not seem as frightening any more.

[Chi829]

OMG! Felicia and McMuffin- are we just a basket of hormones arent we? Felicia, I feel for you, I was in your same boat til about a week ago,, bill was able to switch his vaca around to get off two weeks before my due date then he is on FMLA after that for a few weeks or so,,,, So, my stress level has gone down significantly,,,,,
Hang in there girls,, we can do this right? Oh geeze,, Im not too convincing am I? First time moms,,, what a riot!

[UPSwife]

Yeah, I have pretty much chalked the whole episode up to hormones. I have been prety even-keeled throughout the pregnancy, but I have my moments for sure!

[Chi829]

Me too! I have been so level headed my whole pregnancy and yesterday I walked into the house to four dogs and a dirty floor and started CRYING! I was telling myself "oh,, this is what they are talking about when I read about crying episodes"THen I told myself,,, DH will be home later,, DH will be home later,,,

[Imachickadee75]

Oh Jo! Just keep reminding yourself that your child should have a very strong immune system growing up with your canine kids! While I vaccum regularly, I have to remind myself sometimes that a "little dog dirt" is good for the kids! And that a mouthful of dog hair is simply another form of fiber!

Are the dogs acting any differently?

Jackie

[jr_lenz]

well having a backup plan is a good start. I refused to have one. I kept saying that if he wasn't there then I didn't want anyone. I found out later that he had secret backup plan incase he missed it.

there is nothing like the pg hormone roller coaster. and guess what you get to ride it again after the baby when they are dropping off!