My unsolicited advice (kinda)

I have five friends pregnant right now, and for four of them it's their first. I get lots of questions (not just from them) about book and general advice. While I'm a very big believer in natural childbirth (NCB), breastfeeding, and babywearing, I really try hard not to talk much about that specifically. I figure that my friends know I did all of those things, so they'll ask specifically if they want more information. Recently, I've been getting more questions on those things. And like my CD post, I decided one big post on my blog should cover it all. And like that post, this is all purely my opinion. If anyone has any (positive) recommendations to add via comment, feel free to add them.

The first thing I recommend is to make sure you have a care provider that you are on the same page with. For example, if you want a NCB, you'll have a better chance of getting it with a midwife. If you know you want an epidural and C-section, then go with an OB with a high section rate, since they obviously have the experience.

If you are just beginning your research on what type of birth you want, I highly recommend the book "Your Best Birth" by Abby Epstein and Ricki Lake. It's very easy reading, and will help get you thinking about what's important to you. I would then move to "A Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer. I LOVE this book. It's very statistically and scientifically based. For women who think that a convenience induction at 39 weeks, an epidural at 2cm, and letting your OB/MW break your water are harmless, then this is the book for you. Informed consent in obstetrics is a joke, and this book will help educate women.

The documentary "The Business of Being Born" is a great movie to get you thinking. You can get it from Netflix. It's about the state of obstetrics and birth in America. I think it's another great place to start.

Now, as far as where NOT to start. Skip TLC shows. They are a joke. Do NOT read "What to Expect When Expecting". If you want to buy a book at Barnes and Nobles, check out "Your Pregnancy Week by Week". I have major issues with the "Babywise" books. So much so, I threw the one I had in the trash, rather than resell it or pass it along. There is sound scientific evidence that the Babywise methods can be physically harmful to your child. Research this fully if someone recommends it, before deciding it's for you.

Now, if you've checked out the above books and information, and you've decided you want more of a natural and intervention free birth (as well as raising your child more "natural"), good for you. (If not, still, good for you. In the end, all our sweet babies need is our love.)

So, what's next? Since birth comes before the baby, I'll start there. The very first thing I would do is run out and buy Ina May Gaskins book, "A Guide to Childbirth". Ina May is a world famous midwife. She is the only midwife to have a medical procedure named after her, and taught in medical school/OB residencies. I love her book. The first half of it is full of amazing birth stories, that are inspiring. The second half is really interesting information and theories related to childbirth. I love the part about sphincters!

If after all that, you've decided that a NCB is for you, it's time to do some serious preparation. This is how I've had someone explain it to me, and so I'll share it. You wouldn't go out to run a marathon without training for it. You would spend months jogging, running, and training. The same thing goes for childbirth. It's HARD work, physically and emotionally. And if you are going to do it without drugs, then you've GOT to prepare. There are a few main programs out there to choose from. I did hypnobabies. I loved it, and I'm doing it again for Eli's birth. There is also hypnobirthing, which is a little different. Another popular program is the Bradley Method. I'd say just look up all three, and pick whichever seems to mesh best with your personality.

I wouldn't pay lots of money if you are on the fence about NCB. If you are going into it with the mindset that you'll just avoid drugs unless you really need them, then it's pointless. It takes a FULL and total commitment , because there will most certainly be a point in your labor where you think you really need an epidural or drugs. Then, in a way , you've wasted money on the classes. However, it never hurts to do some preparation. If the goal is to make it as far as possible in the labor without drugs, then most certainly do some preparation. I just don't see the point in someone spending time on a program like the above, if they know without a doubt they want an epidural when they roll in the door.

I need to wrap this up b/c The Bachelor is coming on, LOL.

As far as breastfeeding, just know it hurts and can be difficult. It may be natural, but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. Know this in advance, and fully commit to it, b/c you'll need that commitment to get through the first couple of weeks. Then it's easy breezy!

As far as wearing your baby, check out thebabywearer.com. I highly suggest investing in a Moby wrap for the first six months or so. LOVE THE MOBY!!! We use a babyhawk meitai carrier now. I also like my hotsling. A lot of ladies I know swear by the Ergo carrier, but I don't have one.

Now, questions and positive comments welcome!

Wow, just Wow.

I have read the most amazing birth story ever. Yes, it was more amazing than Drake's. The combination of this Mommy's writing style, photos, and the story itself had me bawling my eyes out. I'm now an avid follower of her blog! I wanted to share it with all of my readers, b/c that's how amazing I think this family and blog is. They are inspirational with their love and strength. They are in my thoughts and prayers as they begin their journey together! Make sure you scroll down to Nella's actual birth story when you first go to the blog. www.enjoyingthesmallthings.blogspot.com

GI doctor visit

Drake had his checkup with Dr. Caicedo today, the GI specialist. We had a nice long chat reviewing his growth chart, and his food diary over the last week. We also went over mine and Eric's size as children, plus any family medical history. (Including all of my childhood food allergies). The grand conclusion.....Drake is a healthy little shrimp. Shocking. It was nice to have my Mommy's instinct confirmed. The only possibility left is Celiac disease. However, it's familial, and since no one in our family's has it, he didn't think it was likely. We went ahead and did the blood work for it, just to eliminate EVERY possibility. Drake was a trooper when they drew blood! He quit crying as soon as they popped the tourniquet off. The nurses at the Levine Specialty Center were awesome- they got his blood quickly and efficiently. Big thanks to them! If he does have Celiac disease, it's easily treated with simply eliminating gluten from his diet. Hopefully we'll have those results back soon!

Violet was cheesing, and Drake was too busy escaping to smile.

Bouncing and tumbling
Pin him Violet! (This wasn't as violent as it looks) They were actually giggling and laying their heads down.)
Lily (little mommy) checking on Drake. She's too sweet!
Excuse the flash! Violet and Drake weren't too sure about it all, until Kate and I climbed in.

JM meetup

JM is www.justmommies.com, a website/message board. I've been a member of certain parts of it for years now, and although haven't met these ladies in real life, feel like I truly know some of them. Anytime some of us are near each other, we try to do meetups. (We are scattered all over the world). This week, Kate is in Charlotte visiting her family. I took Drake to Monkey Joe's (a bouncy house place) to meet up with her and her girls. Here are some pics of our fun afternoon!

Drake photo dump

The sweetest face in the world!

L-O-V-E him!
O-M-Gosh I could eat this face up.
That's right, we took him to the circus, and he took a nap. WHAT??? He barely even flinched when they shot the chicks out of the cannons. He hardly naps at home. He was a bit young for the circus, but he did enjoy parts. He liked to stand in front of our seats, and the top of the seats in front of us were the perfect height for him to hold on to. He'd stand there and bounce when he got excited- it was so cute! Eric and I enjoyed the circus nonetheless; it had been a long time since either of us had been.
Sweet boy!
Watching with Daddy.
On the train Sunday, headed to the circus. He was trying to steal the camera from Daddy, of course.
This is from back in November, at a park in Florence. Drake loves to swing.

The Drakester's 1 year checkup & Eli's 30 week prenatal

Drake had his 1 year checkup today. It's almost a month late, but I chose to do it late (with a doctor I trust) rather than on time (with a doctor I wasn't a fan of). We were thrilled to be back in the care of Dr. Dorsey. Drake is developmentally right on track. However, Dr. Dorsey is still not happy about his weight. While Drake is gaining, it's very slow. There is essentially no upslope in his weight over time. Dr. Dorsey wants us to take him back to the pediatric gastroenterologist, and I have that appt for next week. He says that while he believes things are probably just fine, he doesn't want to make that call in case we are missing something in the big picture. So, he'll let the GI doc make that call. My heart and Mommy's instinct tell me that he is just fine, and that he's simply a shrimp.

Dr. Caicedo is the Peds GI doctor, and I really like him. And I like him personally, not just professionally. Just last week, I was assigned to the pediatric GI lab, doing the anesthesia for all his endoscopies. He is not only kind and friendly, I think he's a technically proficient doctor. I just hope he agrees with me that my little stinker is healthy as a horse, but the size of a miniature pony.

Drake's height was between 10-25%, his head circumference was 5th%, and his weight was less than 5%. Actually, his weight isn't even up on the curve. His motor and verbal skills are fine. They checked a hemoglobin level, which I knew was standard for their practice at nine months. It was 12.7, completely normal. They did it since the GP in Florence had not. In any case, other than the weight, the visit was fine.

I had my 30 week appointment today, with my favorite midwife Tina. I L-O-V-E my midwives. As if you didn't know if you've been reading my blog for awhile. Eli is measuring on track (my belly matches my weeks), and his heartrate was fine at 140bpm. I drank the nasty drink for my gestational diabetes test, and should get those results soon. They also sent off another HIV and syphilis/chlamydia test. While I appreciate their thoroughness, I am always amused that they assume every pregnant woman's husband is cheating on her. (And giving her diseases). They don't care that I've been negative the last 3 times (twice with Drake, and once with Eli). Apparently the STD testing is NC law? I go back in three weeks, unless something comes up. By then, she should be able to tell me if he is vertex or breech. This is my biggest concern right now. I feel like he's head down, but we'll see. I mostly feel his kicks up high.

Well, that was our day full of appointments. Busy, with a trip to Target thrown in as well. I am off tomorrow, and Drake is going to Mother's Morning Out so I can go to a hair appointment and run a bank errand. I'm not sure what kind of fun we'll find tomorrow afternoon. Maybe the mall play area? Then it's back to work Wednesday-Saturday:-(