• Created on 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 22: How to prepare siblings for birth At every step the child should be allowed to meet the real experiences of life; the thorns should never be plucked from the roses. -Ellen Key, The Century of the Child   What's Happening in Your Body? It's normal to feel a little achiness in the lower abdominal region. You may even feel some sharper twinges as the ligaments that support your uterus stretch and expand. What's Happening with Your Baby? Your baby's movements are now... read more

• Created on 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 23: How to prepare for breastfeeding Increasing both the rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration is a national health objective. -Ruth Lawrence, MD, Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk     What's Happening in Your Body? The skin on your belly may itch as it stretches. Some women notice that their belly buttons pop out around this time. It will stay that way until the baby is born. What's Happening with Your Baby? Your baby's fingernails are almost fully... read more

• Created on 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 24: Getting ready for baby's arrival Please think of the children first. If you ever have anything to do with their entertainment, their food, their toys, their custody, their child care, their health care, their education-listen to the children, learn about them, learn from them. Think of the children first. -Fred Rogers, Mr. Rogers Talks to Parents   What's Happening in Your Body? A surge of feelings of good health, good appetite, and good spirits often marks this phase of... read more

• Created on 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 25: Third Trimester Common Concerns Somewhere in our lives, each of us needs a free place, a little psychic territory. Do you have yours? -Gloria Steinem     What's Happening in Your Body? For some women the middle of pregnancy marks a time when sex becomes pleasurable again. They've had a chance to work through morning sickness and have become well adjusted to pregnancy. Some women find that they are more aware of their bodies than ever before, and may even experience heightened... read more

• Created on 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 26: Dealing with fear Your fear is a measure of your courage. -Jack Johnston, Psychotherapist       What's Happening in Your Body? You may begin to notice a clear liquid leaking from your nipples. This is the beginning of the milk glands' production of colostrum, a vital substance that will feed your baby in the first couple of days after birth, before your breastmilk comes in. You may need a breast pad at this time, but most likely there will not be enough liquid to stain your... read more

• Created on 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 27: Third Trimester Diagnostic Tests The human animal needs a privacy seldom mentioned, freedom from intrusion. He needs a little privacy as much as he wants understanding or vitamins or exercise or praise. -Phyllis McGinley   What's Happening in Your Body? Gum swelling and bleeding is not uncommon during pregnancy because of increased blood flow. It is important to visit your dentist for a checkup during your pregnancy at least once - be sure to inform them that you are pregnant,... read more

• Created on 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 28: How to choose the right diapers She broke the bread into two fragments and gave them to the children, who ate with avidity. “She hath kept none for herself,” grumbled the Sergeant. “Because she is not hungry,” said a soldier. “Because she is a mother,” said the Sergeant. -Victor Hugo, Les Misérable What's Happening in Your Body? Stretch marks may begin to appear on your abdomen, and possibly on your breasts. Although these will not completely disappear after your baby is born,... read more

• Created on 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 29: Making Decisions About Work and Career No one can sufficiently capture in words the euphoria, the gratitude, and the total delight which can follow a natural birth. The “high” of these moments is spiritual to the utmost, while remaining utterly physical. -Qahira Qalbi   What's Happening in Your Body? Some women feel breast tenderness in the third trimester. This is normal. As you approach the last trimester of pregnancy it is a good idea to check with your practitioner before... read more

• Created on 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 30: Creating a Network of Other Moms     A friend is a gift you give yourself. -Robert Louis Stevenson     What's Happening in Your Body? Leg cramps, especially before bed, or during the night are not unusual. This is uncomfortable, but nothing to be concerned about. Try stretching and massaging your calves for relief. What's Happening with Your Baby? Your baby weighs between two and three pounds. She is slowly gaining stores of body fat and her hands are about one-inch... read more

• Created on 10/23/12 by Melanie Mayo

        Week 31: Preparing for your Homebirth I am open to the guidance of synchronicity, and do not let expectations hinder my path. -Dalai Lama   What's Happening in Your Body? You may notice an increase in heartburn and indigestion as your expanding uterus puts pressure on your stomach. If this happens, try to avoid hard-to-digest foods, such as very spicy dishes and large amounts of dairy products. What's Happening with Your Baby? You may notice the baby hiccupping more often. This... read more