What things do you want to have/do in our DDC?

[paisley]

As I cruise the other DDCs I always see so many cool things they are doing. Stuff like belly pics, birth bead swaps, etc. I thought it might be fun to make a list that we can refer back to as needed. So what sorts of things do you want to see here?

[Red Sonja]

I think a birth bead swap would be really neat!

[1stTimeMummytoLore]

absolutly the birth bead swap!

also with my DD i was in an MDC DDC and once we all mostly entered the thrid trimester, we signed up for and got due date buddies. this was one or two other moms due close together who would PM each other to check up on each other and offer support a little more intimately and when one of us had our baby, we could send a quick PM or email to our buddy and they would take care of posting to the entire DDC list.

just another idea.

[1stTimeMummytoLore]

i just thought of something else! what if we did some Birth Art from Birthing From Within? we could each do a Birth Art project that week and then take a picture of it and share it with each other. i love doing birth art, it's fun and theraputic!

just another thought

[paisley]

Oooh, Kate! Those are both such wonderful ideas!

The mention of Birthing From Within made me think of belly casting. Maybe we could organize a small co-op for belly cast making supplies too.

[fenwickmama]

i like the bead swap for sure!

[Maxine45]

Can someone briefly explain what birthing beads are for?

[lotus.blossom]

Yeah, birthing beads?

I love the belly pic idea. I haven't taken my first one yet, still waiting to buy a new camera. But I love to watch the progress!

[1stTimeMummytoLore]

birth beads-

this is something that is often done at blessingways. a woman collects beads with well wishes for a good birth from special friends and creates a labor necklace. she can then wear this necklace during labor and be encircled by love, positive energy and wishes as she labors, connecting her to other mothers who have or will walk with her done the same path she is now on. it's really an amazingly powerful ritual to include in your birth experience.

[HaveWool~Will Felt]

i think a virtual blessingway...aka bead swap is a MUST...
Maybe even a RAK....Random Act of Kindness.

I am willing to head up one of them....LMK!!!

[paisley]

Thanks Jackie! Along the lines of RAK, maybe we could do secret buddy trimester swaps too?

I had a whole list of ideas the other day and now I can't remember any of them. Must be pregnancy brain already!

Oh wait, remembered one. Have you ever seen those "Meet so-and-so" threads in TAO? Every now and then I see one. Basically, one person starts it about another person and it is all about getting to know the person named in the thread title. You get to ask questions, serious or silly, etc. I thought that might be a great way for us to find out more about each other.

[~pi]

I love all the ideas, especially the bead swap and the meet so-and-so. Thanks for starting this thread, Jen!

[paisley]

OMG, you guys - I just had the best idea! A maternity panty swap!! I don't know why it cracks me up so much but it does.

I'm going to go start a thread for sign-ups to do a meet and greet thread. Come on over if you'd like to host one!

[HaveWool~Will Felt]

Originally Posted by paisley

. Have you ever seen those "Meet so-and-so" threads in TAO? Every now and then I see one. Basically, one person starts it about another person and it is all about getting to know the person named in the thread title. You get to ask questions, serious or silly, etc.

On another board I participate on...we call it GTKY Spotlight....(get to know you)....same thing....everyone gets to answer their own set of questions, etc...and the topic person answers them.

Great fun...and a great way to get to know others...

[Mama2ABCD]

OMG, you guys - I just had the best idea! A maternity panty swap!! I don't know why it cracks me up so much but it does.

how bout a nutrional thread with tidbits passed on to others. when i had an ob (first 2 preg) i learned nothing about nutrition. i new the basics, but it was through my midwife (3rd preg) that i learned the major role of nutrition in pregnancy. maybe info about herbal remedies and such....

[paisley]

That's a great idea kirstie! I vaguely remember from my first pregnancy that you're not supposed to eat certain cheeses, soft eggs, etc. Do you want to go ahead and start that one? We could make it a sticky once it gets big.

[paisley]

I posted over in the Nov 05 DDC to ask what sorts of things they did together that they liked best. Everyone who replied *loved* the birth bead swap. They recommend doing that in the second trimester just in case anyone runs late.

They also did 3 trimester swaps. The trimester swaps got me thinking, should we try to do all 3 or just 2? If we want to do a first trimester swap we would need to get on it real soon. Our July 1st Mamas will be finishing up their first trimester around Dec. 16th. Do you think that would be too much to take on with the holidays coming up and all?

[mimi_n_tre]

I think I like the Get to know so and so idea.
Mary

[paisley]

Mary, that reminds me - I wanted to mention that there is a seperate thread going to sign up to host a Meet & Greet thread. Come on over and add your name to the list if you haven't already!

[~pi]

Originally Posted by paisley

They also did 3 trimester swaps. The trimester swaps got me thinking, should we try to do all 3 or just 2? If we want to do a first trimester swap we would need to get on it real soon. Our July 1st Mamas will be finishing up their first trimester around Dec. 16th. Do you think that would be too much to take on with the holidays coming up and all?

I would participate in three swaps as long as they are not too $$$. I think it's reasonable to do one before the holidays as long as it isn't too complicated or elaborate.

Jen, you're awesome for spearheading this.