Well, I’ve hit the 38 weeks of pregnancy mark which means Little Pickle could decide to make their appearance any time in the next four weeks now… It goes without saying that labour is pretty much constantly on my mind at the moment and I’m doing my best to try and approach it positively. You may have previously read my post on Labour Vs. Marathon and if you have, you’ll know I enjoy a challenge. I know I function well if I’m determined to do something and setting myself a challenge seems to work well for that… so much like completing a marathon is an incredible physical challenge, I decided to set myself a Labour Challenge, something to complete whilst in labour to help me focus on something other than pain and give me something to work towards (apart from having a baby, obviously).
I’m aware this might sound like the most ridiculous thing. Surely birthing our first child is challenge enough? And yes, it definitely will be! But an added challenge might help me stay calm and help me out mentally. So what it is?
My In Labour Challenge: Knit a Baby Hat
Yep. I’m going to try and knit a baby hat. Whilst I’ve been on maternity leave, I’ve fallen in love with knitting, thanks to a lovely little starter knitting kit that my Mum bought me as a gift. It’s relaxing, therapeutic and makes me feel like I’m doing something useful to prepare for Pickle’s arrival. I can’t wait to dress him or her in the little bits I’ve made! Imagine knitting them a little hat in the final hours of waiting for them to arrive, and then being able to place it on their head when they’re here?
Now obviously, I’ve not been in labour before. And I have no idea whether this is even feasible. I’m banking on a long early stage of labour that will enable me to sit on my birthing ball at home and whack out those stitches but I suppose you never really know how it’s going to go, and if labour progresses quicker than expected, there may not be time… but I’ll give it a go anyway.
I’ve been warned to be very careful with my knitting needles, which could end up being used as sharp weapons if I start to get a bit abusive to poor LPD.
I can’t wait to let you know how I get on! I’m partly imagining a very poorly knitted hat with lots of holes and uneven tension… something that might chart my labour contractions in the same way a seismometer traces earthquakes.
Now the only thing to decide… is what colour hat to knit? Let me know which colour you prefer!
DannyUK.com
The bottom middle aquamarine type colour is my fave! Good luck with labour as and when it comes along…
Fi Ni Neachtain
Good luck to you with the knotting during labour! I don’t think I’ll be able to keep my mind on anything but the pain!
Nicola mcbeath
Good luck holly. My labours were both too quick to have had time to cast on the first row! I like the turquoise colour.
Hannah Budding Smiles
Love this!! Having a focus, especially in the world stages, is so helpful. I found that by keeping busy I wasn’t obsessing over how regular contractions were etc, then you certainly know when things are progressing and you need to focus a bit more on the labour! Best of luck hun, you’ll be absolutely fine and I look forward to seeing your news in the next few weeks,xx
Joanna
Good Luck on the birth of ur child.
I like the greeny blue wool color
Kara
Good luck, I found the first stages of labour quite boring so hopefully you will manage it – put it away when things start ramping up a gear though, you will mess it up. I choose lemon xx
Baby Isabella
Good luck with your labour. It’s good to focus on something else during the contractions xx The turquoise colour is lovely xx
Anna
They are so cute, your baby would look adorable on them, i bet you can wait to see them wearing in it. Good luck on labor hope you have an easy delivery.
Anna Nuttall
Hi there, my mother-in law does a lot of knitting for little ones. They always turn out so cute. xx
Kizzy
Good luck with your challenge, I used to knit but it has been so long I don’t think I’d know how now
Louise
The knitting needles will also be useful if you need your waters breaking for you! 😉