AUGUST Mama's: Mar 16-31

[Kim]

Here we all are:

USERNAME - REALNAME - DUEDATE - Preg# - CHILD# - SEX - BIRTHPLAN
ketilave - - July 31 - 3 - 3 - - Home birth
JodiM - Jodi - Aug 1 - 8 - 5 – - VBAC Hospital
Leah W. – Leah - Aug 1 – 2 - 2 - - undecided
madrone - Tiff - Aug 2 - 4 - 2 - - Home UC
thebipper - - Aug 2- 2- 2 – -
Thundersweet – Sandy - Aug 2 – 2 – 2 – -
Sweets - - Aug 2 – 2 – 2 – - Home birth
apmamma - Traci - Aug 3 - 2 - 2 – wil not - Hospital CNMW
klsabin - Katje - Aug 4 - 6 - 4 - - Home
Bearsmama - - Aug 5 - 2 - 2 – will not -
Josephsmommy – Angela – Aug 6 – 3 – 2 - - Hospital
ilovebeingamom - Melissa - Aug 7 - 2 - 2 – - Home or Hosp
Mamapajama – Michelle - Aug 7 – 2 – 2 - Birth center CNMW
mama-meg - Megan - Aug 8 - 1 - 1 - - Birth center
naturegirl - Cheryl - Aug 10 - 2 - 1 - - Home birth
Kim - Kim - Aug 12 - 3 - 2 –Boy! - Home birth
nmm2112 – Nicole – Aug 12 – 2 – 2 - -
trishshack - Trish - Aug 13 - 3 - 3 - - Hospital
Jillybean - Jill - Aug 13 - 2 - 2 - - Birth center
jenniferB - jenn - Aug 13 - 2 - 2 - - Hospital
cassiemommy – Aflora - Aug 13 – 4 – 2 - ? - Hospital
TEAK's Mom - Karen - Aug 17 - 2 - 2 - - Home birth
Got Milk? - - Aug 17 - 6 - 3 - - Hospital
juju – Julie - Aug 18 – 3 – 3 - - Home birth
TinyBabyBean – Leslie – Aug 19 – 6 – 5 - - Home UC
christeenbeeny - Christine - Aug 20 - 2 - 2 – will - Hospital
girlfactory - Terri - Aug 20 - 4 - 4 - - Home Mw
frognladybugmama - Heather - Aug 21 - 3 - 3 – - Hospital
Hannah's Mom – Monica - Aug 21 – 2 – 2 - - Hospital CNM VBAC
mat4mel - Mel - Aug 23 - 5 - 4 – will - Home birth
GiraffeLovin'Mama - Chris - Aug 24 - Surrogate - Has 4 - - Hospital
Myjo - - Aug 25 - 3 - 3 - - Homebirth midwife
Dodo - - Aug 26 - 2 - 2 - - Clinic or home
LizaBear - - Aug 27 - 3 - 2 - - homebirth
davidsmama - - - 4 - 1 - - Hospital CNMW
RothMommy--Pam--3--3----Hospital
Krista----1--1 dss--girl--waterbirth/birth center

[Kim]

Hi Mama's!

Hope you don't mind that I've started a new thread. I still need to go back to the old thread and add some of the new mama's to our list! :D

[BoxOfRainMama]

Originally posted by Kim
Here we all are:

USERNAME - REALNAME - DUEDATE - Preg# - CHILD# - SEX - BIRTHPLAN


I’m new, this is my first post. I’m a lurker :)

I’m feeling chatty today :) my user name is Roth mommy real name Pam due date 8/23 pregnancy 3 child 3 birth plan hospital with OBGYN.

[Bearsmama]

Kim-Thanks for starting the new thread. I'm still thinking of you, of course. And I *think* your u/s appointment is tomorrow-if so, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. :hug

Roth-Welcome! Thanks for officially joining us. :)

Just thought I'd let you all know that my amnio yesterday went fine. I was so anxious about it, although I knew that none of my anxiety or potential physical pain could be worse than the fear and worry that I've been going thru over the past week.

I started questioning my decision to have it done before the appointment-partially b/c I read some horrible story here about an amnio gone wrong. It went quickly, and there was only minor pain during it, followed by some mild cramping yesterday and today. The amnio doc was also encouraging about things, so that made us feel more positive. So, we will know for sure the results on Friday. Keep your prayers coming.

I'm hoping to be able to get caught back up with all of you sometime in the near fuure! I feel so behind! And so self-absorbed. I'm looking forward to getting into all the fun stuff of pregnancy again (and not so fun, like all of our aches and pains!).

I'll be checking in...Hopefully with ALL good news. I'm thinking of all of my pregger friends!!!!

[christeenybeany]

We're homeowners! :bananas :balloons :wag :champagne
After a long roller coaster of a day, it is all finished. Yea! We celebrated with ice cream instead of champagne.

Has anyone else been weeping at the slightest thing? I swear, commercials get me everytime. :crying

I haven't felt another kick since I was sick. I think I was so dehydrated and my stomach was so empty there was more sensation in that area because of the less fluid. Since then I've been back to my bloated self and haven't felt a baby kick. I know it will come again soon.

Bearsmama, I am so glad your amnio went well. I was thinking about you. I know I would have been so nervous. I'm squeamish with needles--even really small ones. I also hope your preliminary results are everything you want them to be. You must be so stressed out. Try to breath, and let us know.

Kim, I'm thinking about you too.

Welcome Rothmommy! :wave

[Solange]

:hola:
Kim can you please edit me on the list as we will not be finding out the sex of the baby now.
Thanks!

Welcome Pam
Congrats Christine! :champagne
I too am crying at the sillyest(sp?) stuff...

[KristaF]

I am new here (been reading and posting for about a week now). My name is Krista and I am due with my first child on August 9th. I have one step son- Ethan, 6. We are having a girl (found out from our naturopath) and we are planning on doing a water birth at a private birthing center.

Thanks,Krista:wave

[ketilave]

Wow there are a lot of us now.

I hope to check in and see how everyone is doing but I am in B-day party chaos. DH today, DS tomorrow - have to do it all over again with the in-laws Sat. and a friends Sun.

We are going out to dinner tonight without the kids!!!

[naturegirl]

Welcome Pam and Krista :wave. Glad you came out of lurkdom to join us :thumb.

Bears, still sending my prayers and thoughts. And you have every right to be self-absorbed right now! Take care of yourself and try to do something fun and de-stress. :hug

Kim, you too.:hug Hope all is going well.

Not much new here. No mw appointments for a couple of weeks so just busy growing a baby. :D

TTYL
Cheryl
:hippie

[Kim]

Hi mama's!!

Bears - It is so good to hear from you. Happy to hear that the amnio went well. Thank you, btw, for saying it wasn't so bad -- You are my trailblazer!!! :)

Just got back from our Level 2 ultrasound. Feeling more hope than on Monday, but there are still some issues.

1) The head is indeed round/oval shape. There was concern that it was shaped like a "lemon". This is a huge relief! :)

2) The choroid plexus cysts do in fact exist. There are several. The doctor doesn't seem overly concerned about these. They usually disappear before birth. This will warrant a follow-up u/s.

3) The kidney's are enlarged. Not to an alarming degree, but nevertheless it is still an issue. The sonographer says she see this often, especially in boys. The doctor hopes it will resolve on its own.

4) The baby has echogenic bowels. A "mild" case -- but still concerning considering the other risk factors. My web research confirms that this could be due to the baby swallowing a bit of blood (normal) or have a viral infection (treated after birth) or could be something as severe as Downs or Cystic Fibrosis.

5) Our main concern is the nuchal fold. Anything measuring over 5mm (according to this clinic, anyway) is a hard indicator of Down's Syndrome. Our baby's measures about 5.2-5.5mm. At age 29 my risk factor for Downs is 1:1360. The nuchal fold measuring over 5mm increases my risk factor ten-fold (1:136).

All in all, we are feeling so much more positive about the outcome. We will meet with a genetic counselor tomorrow morning and follow-up with an amniocentesis.

I really hope that I have not scared any of you! We are worrying a lot, but have to continually remind ourselves that pregnancy comes with all kinds of worry regardless of "tests". I *knew* instinctually that my baby was a boy. I *know* that no matter what (Downs, etc) this baby is healthy. I can just feel it.

[foxytocin]

Hi folks and welcome Pam and Krista......this is a great discussion group to belong to.

Oh, and Christeeny! Congrats on the house!

Bears and Kim: you both are doing great. Hope I can be that strong if ever put to the test. What a rocky ride.

Having a bit of a panic day here.......the babe is very, very active and I've been having very noticeable Braxton-Hicks over the last few days. All this activity got my head to spinning, so I just sat down and read Dr. Sear's chapter on labor as a bit of a re-fresher. Man. I could feel my blood pressure increasing with every page I turned. I'm a super woman for having birthed our 10lb 8oz first child at home with a midwife...shoulder dystosia and all.....this I know to be true. But still.
I feel (and felt durring the delivery) that somehow I just wasn't able to relax properly. That I somehow made things harder than they needed to be. Here's a particular: Because the labor wasn't progressing quite right, the midwives had me lie on my side for a long time (off and on for 10 hours) and concentrate on opening my hips. No one was satisfied with the results. I could not relax that way; it went against every instinct. In light of it all, we cracked open a bottle of red wine. Everyone had a glass. I had 3 glasses in a row and still couldn't achieve the proper position. Laid in bed on my side, wide awake, feeling stupid because I couldn't manage to get it right, while the midwives and my dh fell asleep for a few hours (the wine certainly relaxed everyone else.) The next morning I transitioned for hours and hours in a water-tub. 2 doses of black cohosh to speed things up and still no real progression. Should have been.

Ai-yi-yi. I feel much more worried about having this babe than I did with my first. Much more worried. And I know I have to get this sort of negative feeling out of my system soon. Can't be good to keep that sort of baggage with you. I was wondering: do any of you feel occasionally panicked about August? Although I don't wish the panic on any one, it'd be good to know if others are having similar feelings and what you are doing about them. Have any tried-and-true ways of ridding qualms?

With my last preg. I had the same emotional pattern I'm having with this one: great, beautiful spells of long tranquility interrupted on rare occasions by crash anxiety. Today is a crash day.

My apologies for the length of this. Feel like I wrote a book. Guess we all have our inner demons to battle with.

-Leah

[ketilave]

Oh- I forgot that DH wants to get rid of the cds. If anyone is interested in more info. pm.

Oh - read/found out the other day that women on baby 3+ feel a lot of BH and early labour from 35 on - I don't think that sounds like a lot of fun. Those in the know - confirm or not!

[christeenybeany]

Leah, I too worry about August but I just keep pushing it out of my head for now. Maybe that's not the best way to deal with it, but it seems to be working for now. I think the more reading and research you do, the more reassuring it will be for yourself and the better you'll feel when this baby decides to show up. With last pregnancy I used to worry about all the details, but this time I've kinda just told myself that it doesn't matter how he/she gets here anymore as long as he/she's healthy and I survive and everybody's happy. We can overcome the rest. At least that is what I keep telling myself.
Christine

[Trinnie]

I've been reading the August mamas topics for the last few weeks and felt it was time to add myself to the list. I am not real new to the board. I have a step-son who is 14, a daughter who is 11, a son who will be 1 on the 27th, and am expecting another on 8/24/04. We are not planning on finding out the sex. We like the surprise. We are planning a vaginal deliver with our OB at the hospital.

I look forward to continuing to read and hope to have input and opinions or advice to offer others.

[myjo]

Is this your second baby Leah? I was nervous with my second baby because the first was so hard. Sometimes it helps to write out everything that is bothering you so you can be objective about whether or not it's really worth having anxiety over.

Usually second labors come much easier, as was my experiance. I had a very short and uncomplicated delivery. The key is to learn to listen to your own instincts. You don't necessarily want to be the obedient patient, since you're not sick, and you know more about how to birth your own baby than anyone else. Just do what feels right. I've heard many times of women who just could not progress with their family and midwives hovering over them (the watched pot syndrome). But once they carved out some personal space for themselves where they could have some privacy, things got moving.

Just do what feels right: walk, dance, sing, go outside and hang from a tree, hug your dh/dp, take a bath/shower, sleep, ask someone to leave, ask someone to come support you or give you a massage, whatever works. The birth script is yours to write! Do what feels right to you, not what someone else thinks will work. Only do what someone else suggests if your really feel out of control and need some support, and only if their suggestions feel right to you. And for right now, keep telling yourself how strong and intuitive you really are, and you may begin to believe it.

Hopefully I haven't overwhelmed anyone with advice! I just feel very strongly about the need for privacy and autonomy for laboring women.

Bearsmama and Kim, it sounds like you're both dealing very well with the stress you're under now. Bears, I'm so glad you're amnio went well. Kim, it's wonderful to see your willingness to love this baby regardless of any problem it may have! The power of mother love is awesome!

[lena_girl]

Hi, my name is Lena and I've been lurking a few days and thought I'd register and post too.

I am expecting baby #2 (a girl) on or about aug 1st. We will deliver at a hospital (we are military and don't have a choice) Our ds will be 2 in May.

My last pregnancy was horrible, but this one has been great so far. :thumb

[Bearsmama]

Kim! Check you box. So happy to know that you are feeling a bit better about things since your u/s. At least you are getting a clearer picture of what's going on. Really thinking of you often...:hug

Ladies-We got our results early. EVERYTHING IS FINE. The baby is chromosomally fine. We are so relieved, I can't even tell you. They called late in the afternoon today when I wasn't even expecting a call until tomorrow afternoon. What a great surprise. I will get my full, detailed results in about 10 days, but these initial results are definitive for the 5 chromosomes that are typically affected by a genetic abnormality. And, of course, the one that I was at higher risk for.

We have a follow up level 2 u/s scheduled for a few weeks from now to check the kidney issue again. We are hoping (and being encouraged by what we've heard thus far) that it will rectify itself by August. And if not, it is a bridge that we will cross then. Plus, it's a "fixable" thing. What a relief.

One last thing, thank you, thank you, thank you, for all of your prayers and thoughts. It made the difference for me.:)


Lena-Welcome aboard!:)

I'll write more when more time... too sleepy...

[Dodo]

Bears, I'm so relieved!

[ketilave]

Bears - :love :love :love :love :hug

[frognladybugmama]

bearsmama - where's the throwing confetti icon when i need one? i'm so thrilled to hear your news!!!:balloons

[myjo]

How wonderful Bears!! You should have seen my reaction (I'm normally very reserved) I jumped and cheered! :grouphug :love
:thumb

[Hannah's Mom]

Awesome news, Bears! Guardedly good news for you too, Kim. You both have handled this so calmly and I'm so impressed with your strength.

I had our Level II ultrasound yesterday. Everything appears fine - we saw hands, arms, legs, feet, spine, heart, brain and everything looks good. We held firm on not finding out the gender (although DH told the u/s tech that if he could figure it out she could confirm it - she went over that part so quickly there was no way). Weird thing is that I'm not feeling a strong vibe either way. I'm leaning a little bit toward boy bc of a daydream I had when I was pg with Hannah of a little curly-headed boy in overalls, although I felt strongly Hannah was a girl (which u/s confirmed for us then). This might be that boy. Because everything appears fine, I think I'm going to hold off on the AFP - I'd been waivering back and forth and am instinctively feeling this is the right decision.

I also met one of the doctors who might be the one to do a c-section if it came to that and I had to transfer out of the midwife's care. He was an older man and very nice and encouraging of VBAC *if* I go into labor on my own. He discussed Hannah's birth with me a bit and asked if they put me on magnesium bc they were concerned about my blood pressure when they induced me. They didn't. In fact, the question made me recall that my b.p. went down soon after induction started. I'd forgotten all about that and it really makes me mad that I was induced in the first place without allowing me a chance to rest a bit or even be admitted into the hospital for observation first. The doctor today didn't say it, but something about his demeanor made me think that my b.p. wasn't as bad as I was led to believe. He also was encouraging that PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension) is something that doesn't occur as often with second pregnancies with the same dad - that there's something immunological that may cause it the first time around. So I'm hopeful.

Last night, DH and I talked about the doc and I said I liked him. DH said something to the effect of, "He sure doesn't like c-sections." Cool to know I wasn't the only one and that someone who isn't nearly as well-read about the over-medicalization of birth in the US picked up on that. Now I feel so good about my choice of CNM and her backup docs. I feel like if the c-section call is made, I'll be so much more confident that it's for a good reason this time.

eta - Welcome, Pam, Krista and Trinnie!

[Bearsmama]

Hi Ladies!
I just have to once again say that YOU ARE ALL AWESOME. And your encouragement and support and little cyber hugs got me through an awful week.

Anyway, back to the blessedly mundane world of being just pregnant!

Still eating a lot. It sort of comes in waves. I sent DS to get diapers and tp at our local warehouse club the other night and he came back with the MOST enormous bag of peanut M&Ms you've ever seen. Not a good thing for me to have in the house.

I'm having some mid-back pain when sitting. Like, at night when DH & I arereading/watching tv I have to shove a firm pillow behind me. I think it's that my body is off-kilter -with the weight gain and needing to get aligned (I haven't been in ages). Not too many other complaints.

Got my doula info in the mail this week. I've pretty much decided on my own that I really, really, really want a post-partum doula. If only for a few hours for one week. The problem is that DH is out of a job and it IS $20/hour. We had a discussion about it tonight and DH is worried about where the $$$ will come from. It's funny b/c I think it's something that's become so important to me that I'd be willing to save our butts off until then. It's not like we have no $$, DH is doing freelance and will continue to work from home-this is his thing now. So, that's my other question-is it WEIRD to feel that I may need the help EVEN DH will be here after the baby is born? As you can tell, I have a hard time asking for help. My parents are deceased and DH's family is not helpful in this way. What do you guys think?

Hannah's mom-So glad you're feeling good about yoru CNM choice. It's just so important having those good, trusting feelings about your practitioner.

Hope to get back to all of you ASAP
:)

[BoxOfRainMama]

Im all about having a postpartum doula... seriously I don't think of it as a luxury, like you said you don't really have anyone you can count on and I am the same way. My family lives far away and my husbands family drives me NUTS (the last think I want is any of them crashing here after the baby is born) I have a history of postpartum depression and this idea (pp doula) was suggested to my by my therapist and I never even knew there was such a thing or I woulda done what ever it took to have one after both of my older children. We don't have a lot of money but I really think this should hit high on the priority list if you have no one else to count on. The assistance and peace of mind knowing there is SOMEONE to help in immeasurable.
"It doesn't matter who you love, or how you love, but that you love" ~Rod McKuen

Pamela Roth

[BoxOfRainMama]

EEERRRRKKKKK! I just decided to check www.dona.org to find a pp doula while we were on the topic AND there are none in my state!!!! Oh no! Where else should I look??


"It doesn't matter who you love, or how you love, but that you love" ~Rod McKuen

Pamela Roth

[Bearsmama]

Roth-I would check with your local or area CNM group or OB/GYN practice, too. They might have references available. In fact, the local agency I got my information from was reccommended by a friend who originally got the info from her OB.

It sounds like we're in similar situations in this regard. I think some of my questioning has to do with two things-I have a hard time asking for help & taking care of myself. In retrospect, although never diagnosed or severe, I believe that I suffered with some sort of emotional slump after DS's birth that probably went on too long. I felt so alone and had no help. Yes, DH was available-at least for about 2 weeks until he went back to work, but he had no idea what we were doing either! I don't think even HE realizes how hard that time was for me.

So, let me know how your search go. If I have to start saving grocery $$ or something, I will do it. The comfort of knowing that someone that's BTDT could potentially be in my home, comforting all of us for a short while, is wonderful.

[BoxOfRainMama]

I emailed DONA and they sent me a list of people who are working on there certification..... This is good because also there could be money saving benefits from going with someone in the process of certification (we need to look into that!) There is one right here in my little town, who woulda thought!? :) So that is defiantly an option. I also went to CAPPA.net and they gave me a list of people near me too (So they are out there! Woo-hoo)

I mentioned the idea of also having a doula for labor to my husband tonight and I think he was a little hurt :( I don't want anyone to take his place I just thought another person to help would be a good thing... we shall see.

"It doesn't matter who you love, or how you love, but that you love" ~Rod McKuen

Pamela Roth

[Solange]

:hola:

Just wanted to pop in and say Bears I am sooooo happy for you and your good news....I was thinking about you all day yesterday...
I am glad they found out early and gave you the call....

I got the bug ds had Tuesday night/Wed so I was in bed all day yesterday after throwing up all morning.
I am better today but still very weak and not 100%...still no real appetite although I am trying to eat some fruits here and there....

I be back when I am better......

[ilovebeingamom]

Rothmommy and Bears- I will also be using a doula for my labor, although I think she only comes once or twice after the birth to help out. So she is more of a labor doula than a post partum doula. I wanted to add though, Rothmommy, that a doula doesn't replace your husband, although it is normal for him to feel like that. I didn't have one for my first birth, and I have to say, my husband didn't do a lot of things that a doula would have known how to do. He was supportive, but he was also very nervous. A doula will let him know how he can help too. I am happy that we have ours lined up, I really like her. I asked her also that if my VBAC doesn't work out and I need a c/s to be there also, and she said if that happens and I don't labor at all she will come for free.

Bearsmama, since the doula is $20.00 an hour, maybe that can be a gift that people can get for you? Print out some certificates or something if it makes people feel better in giving something tangible. An hour a week might be good enough, outside people can get a lot done in an hour.

We are doing well. I was really nervous b/c my ds had to get x-rays yesterday and the last time he had them they didn't go well. Obviously I couldn't go in with him this time, but dh went and he did really well. He is an example of having a small deformity that can be fixed. His left tibia (shin bone) is one inch shorter than the other right now. Which is a big difference when it is only four or five inches to begin with. So he has to have a lift installed on his shoe and may need surgery once he is a teenager. When he was born we were worried that he might not walk b/c his leg was soo crooked. He could touch his toes to his knee. But this kid is now running around and has never had any developmental problems. He is usually ahead. But anyway, I know there have some scares with testing lately, this is something you can't really test for and you just deal with it once it arrives. And it is fine, you learn to handle anything that is handed to you. As my husband says, we wouldn't trade him in for anything. :) But I do feel so lucky that it isn't something more severe.

anyway, so we haven't done any testing other than the ultrasound. I worry enough as it is, I decided I would rather worry after the fact than before. (If that makes any sense?) I am glad to hear everything is working out with the mama's dealing with this.

Melissa

[Dodo]

Wow, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that we were all infecting one another with a stomach bug. Hang in there, Ap.

Two cool things happened this week. One, I started eating veggies again. In fact, I particularly crave greens. Two, I realized that the baby is constantly moving and I'd been too busy to pay any attention. I have been remarkably unsentimental about this pregnancy, but feeling the quickening is helping me to get more tuned in. I forgot how enjoyable early movement is, it's so intimate.

I also saw an osteopath for my sciatica. I'm still in the post-treatment pain phase, so I don't know yet if it did the trick. I am hopeful. Lying on her table, I realized that I was in constant pain, but that I simply ignored that part of my body, which hardly seems like a good tactic for a pregnant woman. It made me wonder what the he!! I thought I was doing in yoga four times a week.

I'm so excited to have my extreme food aversions lifting. I've been flipping through my cookbooks, planning meals. One of my recipe books has a chart that shows the different food sources for different vitamins and minerals. Looking at it, it occured to me that it makes sense to turn to meat, particularly organ meats, when vegetables don't seem palatable. It seemed to explain my now-defunct craving for liver pate.

I also started cleaning the house again. Guess you could say that I'm officially a second-trimester mama-to-be.

On the downside, I'm very impatient with my daughter, who has taken to tantrumming at least twice a day. Two-and-a-half is a handful. She is elfin, impish and devilish. That's why she is spending today with dh while I recharge my batteries. Dh is begging me to register her in daycare for the winter. Daycare in my province is extremely affordable (seven dollars a day), but it's also kind of an all-or-nothing proposal -- full days only, usually five a week, nine-to-five kind of thing. I was hoping not to use it, at the same time, I hope that I'm not being naive and setting myself up for a fall. Not to mention that my dd is hypersocial and has taken to following daycares home from the park. Are the other mamas of preschoolers-to-be thinking of sending them off when baby comes?

[BoxOfRainMama]

Originally posted by Dodo


I
On the downside, I'm very impatient with my daughter, who has taken to tantrumming at least twice a day. Two-and-a-half is a handful. She is elfin, impish and devilish. That's why she is spending today with dh while I recharge my batteries. Dh is begging me to register her in daycare for the winter. Daycare in my province is extremely affordable (seven dollars a day), but it's also kind of an all-or-nothing proposal -- full days only, usually five a week, nine-to-five kind of thing. I was hoping not to use it, at the same time, I hope that I'm not being naive and setting myself up for a fall. Not to mention that my dd is hypersocial and has taken to following daycares home from the park. Are the other mamas of preschoolers-to-be thinking of sending them off when baby comes?

$7.00 a day is an amazing deal! I also have a 2 1/2 year old and boy is he testing me (not to mention so is my 6 year old) My 2 1/2 year old wont be 3 until October so for me to send him to preschool I will have to do it in a "day care" setting and I’m not too wild about that. I used to work at a kindercare and know some of the not so wonderful behind the curtain things that go on... so that makes me nervous. But I really think I’m going to have to find SOMETHING for him to do outside of the house come fall. So.... you are not alone.... I am on the same page! Where I live it is very expensive thought. $20.00 a day for 1/2 days! Yikes! We have to do something though! Even if just 1 or 2 days a week until he is 3, then it will cost less.

"It doesn't matter who you love, or how you love, but that you love" ~Rod McKuen

Pamela Roth

[myjo]

I was feeling so good, and then bammo! I'm laid out again. First, I had an arthritis flare-up (in my stomach!) and now I have ds' sore throat. And I'm still tired from the flare-up. I want to glow again!

My kids have been driving me bananas too. I haven't had any IRL adult conversation (besides dh) for too long. I feel so alone and trapped! I don't think God ever meant for mamas to be so isolated and have to do everything without any help. No wonder so many moms get depression, anxiety, lunacy, you name it!

But on the other hand, I chose to be a mama, and I love it most of the time. I just need some help and some alone time every once in a while. I'm am just not a good mom when I don't take care of my own needs. :(

[BoxOfRainMama]

{{{{{{{{{{[myjo}}}}}}}}}}} I can so relate!!! I feel the same way a lot of the time, about being stuck at home and such. My husband used to work very far from home (nearly a 2 hour drive each way in Chicago traffic) so I would never see him, he would leave for work before the kids woke and come home right at bedtime. Now he just started a new job about half the distance but he is so busy trying to make a good impression that he is working extra long hours. Uggh. It is HARD! Yesterday we finally had some nice weather and I sat out in the yard and chatted with a neighbor (that I don't even really like that much) but just that 10 min conversation was like GOLD to me! ADULT CONVERSATION! Why does it seem like those are so few and far between??

I hope you start to feel better physically. I know that can aid in dampening thing for you emotionally too.

Hang in there.


"It doesn't matter who you love, or how you love, but that you love" ~Rod McKuen

Pamela Roth

[ketilave]

DS turned 2 yesterday and is a pill also. I have him on a waiting list for a toddler program just in case but I probably won't do it. I don't think he is ready. He is very outgoing and social but more so when I am around. I may wait another year. Besides, I have managed so far what's a third kid?:rolleyes:

OK - only comfortable asking this here. I have noticed on the boards and in real life that there is often what I think is a discrepancy between how people labour/deliver and how they parent. i.e. I am familiar with a lot of ap families or families who only eat organic foods, play with natural toys etc and then chose to have very "intervenous" births. Discuss! Is parenting post partum that separate from prenatally.?

AND GOTTA SHARE - Guess who is coming to town soon! Ina May Gaskins!! So excited - what a treat for this preggo. There is a workshop on c prevention and then an evening session and I am planning on going to both.

[Bearsmama]

Ap-Hope this bug doesn't have you down for the count for too long. Hang in there and get better!

Melissa-Sorry to hear about your son's leg problems. Amazing how different they seem to be years later after the initil findings-I think this is true of preemies and some other babies born with small abnormalities. Will this problem cause him any problems long-term? Also, good idea aboutasking for the doula as a gift. Unfortunately, you know with the 2nd child everyone's interest seems to wane!!

Dodo-Maybe you and AP are infecting each other???? Hope you're better ASAP, too!
Although I'm not considering daycare for DS (who will be 2.5 when #2 comes), I am starting to get concerned about what in the WORLD we're going to do all day come summer and then when those early newborn months stretch on and on....We will probably continue with music class-but that is 1day/week. I think we need something more. I have to start looking into other stuff. Maybe stuff that DH can take him to and I can stay here with the baby.

Myjo-It must be a computer-generated bug! Take care of yourself. Perhaps all of our kids know that we are preggers and are getting it all out by acting wild???

Ketilave-Interesting question. I think, YES, the two things can be very separate. Personally, I feel more comfortable delivering in a hospital. I was considering using a MW who delivers at a hospital, but we could not afford her services. So, I am with a traditional Ob/Gyn practice that does many interventions during labor-or at least offers them. And that is fine with me. And I am an AP parent-baby-wearing, co-sleeping, nursing, responding to needs, etc. There was a interesting thread here about what you would confess to other moms of the board. Assuming that this board is full of *mostly* AP-leaning moms & more natural mamas. And there are plenty of mamas who have chosen differnent birth scenarios for whatever reason who are AP-types. I think they are unrelated. Although, the "natural birthing" and "natural, instinctual parenting" seem to be very closely related. Interested in seeing what others have to say.

Well, gotta go make dinner. Haven't thought about it yet! All you sick mamas, take good care of yourselves!:)

[Dodo]

But on the other hand, I chose to be a mama, and I love it most of the time.

I keep reminding myself of this. It's so true. I also chose to get pregnant. It would be awesome if our children could be more compassionate, but again, they didn't choose this, we did.

Dodo, who is hiding out in the computer room because, even after the entire afternoon off, her dd is still driving her up the wall

[ilovebeingamom]

Hi everyone,

My ds has been driving me up the wall as well. He does this thing where he grits his teeth and tenses up his body makes fists and yells through his teeth as loud as he can. It drives me crazy! I think we are having major cabin fever, can't wait until we can go outside again.

And, like others here, I am majorly emotional lately. I get so upset when friends don't call me back. I feel overly rejected and lonely. I know they are just busy, but tell my hormones that. I also get teary at just about anything slightly sad.

bearsmama- thanks for asking about ds. Depending on how his tibia keeps growing, he will need surgery when he is a young teen. The orthopedist says it is impossible to tell, it might keep getting shorter in relation to the other leg or might even off. Right now it is at least an inch off and will always be at least that. There are two different surgeries to fix the discrepancy, but I won't bore you with the details. The thing that is strange, is that it is so rare. I have never heard or met anyone else with this condition, and it took some searching to find anything on the web.

I am also starting to feel really pregnant. My tummy is getting bigger and is pretty tight and round. My hips are already starting to ache, which is worrying me. We have four more months and a lot more weight to gain, kwim?

Hope everyone is getting over the bugs soon!

[ketilave]

Bears - thanks, DH and I were talking about it last night. When does parenting begin - in utero? Kind of a fun topic on a personal level. I'm pretty on the fence. More "crunchy" people think I am very conservative but then my "mainstream" friends think I am way over the fence liberal. And basically I sit on the fence and fall onto whatever side feels right at the time. Hell, I have had pit, and epi and natural labour. I don't ever want pit again, hated having the needle in my back but definitely see why people want the pain relief! I used to be a veg but DH was not interested and then when I was pg with DS I CRAVED meat. I had eaten some when I was in the peace corps - talk about free range - so we kind of compromise on what we eat. I would like to eat more organic or whole foods but 1) we have the worlds worst farmers market ever known to mankind 2) I can't always afford it. Again, sometimes you have to make changes to meet your more important goals and I would rather stay home with the kids and do without than bring in more money. Sometimes I wonder is some of my convictions are not strong enough and then I realise that mainly it has to do with priorities. I love being a mom and being home with the kids. Not every day is perfect but it wasn't that way when I worked either. I don't feel like I have lost my identity because this is what I want. I don't need to have an indentity outside my home to be whole. My Dad and I often discuss the feminist movement and how it hurt womens ability to choose in some ways. By expecting women to pursue careers and have identities outside the home we established a dual income society. For some of us we don't have the choice to stay home because we can't afford it. Or in our case DH made some drastic career changes to provide this opp. for our kids.

Sorry this has gotten long. These things are something I wish I had friends to talk to about around here but you guys seem to get it. Most my conversations don't get this deep. Hey, DH is a pretty good listener.

[Solange]

:hola:

Feeling much better today....:thumb

Feeling very pregnant today :thumb :love Lots of movement from my little bean, good kicks, stretches and just like Melissa said my tummy is getting bigger and really round....:belly
I love it I think I am finally getting that 2nd trimester glow...:sunshine

DH and I even have decided on names yesterday, I think....

Some heavy convo going on here..very interesting...
We too, co-sleep, GD, CD, BF with child led weaning, natural family planning, natural toys, possibly will HS, ect....but I too could not birth anywhere else except in a hospital.
#1 I do not have the support of my DH..he drops at the sight of blood...
#2 I am fearful...and I have had a c-section so too many odds against me.
Does this make me less AP oriented? In my heart, no...
I know many IRL AP mothers who have birthed in hospitals and home birthed all of us embrace each other more so thru our parenting choices not through our birthing choices. We definatley learn form those who have had more natural births and try to incorporate what works into our own. Kinda the theroy of take what works and leave the rest....

But OTOH,I will say this time around I have been able to make other choices about my provider and where I birth since my first birth was very mainstream. SO I am very happy and at peace with being able to have a CNMW care for me thru my pg and then to have the OB I want who is known in our area for her success rates in VBACs and going to a non-invasive hospital.
So, to me doing what works for your family and what feels right in your heart is the best you can do as an AP mother. That to me is what I believe. Sometimes I think the whole idea of being more crunchy than the next is a big competiton on the boards, but in real life is where we all need to live and be.


:hippie

[naturegirl]

Wow I am way behind! :eek I want to say hi to all the new mamas! :wave Welcome! Our group keeps getting bigger and bigger. I guess November/December were busy months. ;)

I think that the connection between natural child birth and ap parenting are closely related but more so I think the education level is more closely related. Ap mamas seem to know what they are getting into wether it is a home birth, hospital birth, birth center or unattended birth. And then they make a choice on what fits them best. There is no right answer. I do think that many none ap mamas and papas, just go along with mainstream thinking without doing too much research. I don't mean this to sound harsh...I hope it doesn't come across the wrong way. :confused: I just think that they don't know it could be any different or that they can get support from people, like La Leche League. I was shocked to find out how many people didn't even know it existed. Or like cding. So many people think it is still only pins and plastic pants and have no idea the health benefits to cding. I support anyones educated decision. :thumb

I have started my gardening! I love living in the pacific northwest! :love My garlic and peas are coming up and the lettuce, beets and strawberries are going in today!:yum My dh also finishes out waterfall pond and we planted some shrubs and flowers yesterday. I looks sooo nice. I can't wait until everything is blooming and the garden is producing all my yummy food!

I am a little worried about my baby movement. It seems that he/she isn't moving as much the past few days? :scratch I think I am expecting more movement all the time and maybe it hasn't really decrease but it doesn't seem to have increased either. Can he/she be going through a growth spurt that he/she doesn't have as much room to move? I still feel movement. Just not as noticeable as it has been.

I better go for now. This has gotten long, sorry.

TTYL
Cheryl
:hippie

[SamuraiEarthMama]

i have been fortunate enough to be invited as a doula to witness a few hospital births that were as warm and loving as homebirths. this isn't to say that it's easy... the moms have to be very aware and conscientious and really stand up for their babies' well-being (for example, fighting off the over-zealous nurse who is insisting that the baby needs a bath RIGHT NOW!). but it's possible!

last night, i was just sitting quietly and reading, when i noticed a good, hard *thump* just under my right ribs. a few seconds later, it happened again (made me think of hiccups, tho' i think it's still a little early). i put my hand there and kept reading, and sure enough a few seconds later, another *thump!* this was the first one i've felt from the outside, so i was pretty excited. i called my 10 y.o. ds, who has been asking every other day if he could feel the baby kick, and put him on the spot... and bless that baby, he did it one more time! ds's eyes got SOOO big!

it was a big moment in baby history for our house...

mmm... dh is making waffles for brunch. gotta go!

hugs to all you beautiful blooming mamas!

katje

[madrone]

I've missed a lot since I've been gone. I tried posting after your good news Bears, but got cut off and couldn't reconnect. I had tears in my eyes from joy on hearing your news. You've been in my mind and I'm just so happy for you.

Kim - you will be in my mind also. Let us know how things are going.

ilovebeingamom - I've known two people in my life that had something that sounds like what your son has. One girl was when I was young and I don't know if her leg ever got straightened out or became the same size. She could walk though. The other's leg became straight, although it was about 5 inches shorter. He was a skateboarder though and just had his Vans modified. He sk8'd tuff, too! (I was a sk8'r back then.)

Things here have pretty much been a bit lousy. DH got sick, and then DS got sick, and then DH really got angry with me for "letting" DS fall to sleep right before we should have been starting to have dinner and said that DS was starting school so that he can learn to live an orderly life, and now DS has croup. He woke up early this morning not being able to breath and paniced. And to top it off I think I'm getting sick again. At least it's a respiratory thing and not the stomach thing that you all have had.

My stomach is getting a nice round shape and I'm feeling lots of movement, too. At least that's a good thing. And DH and I have made up and he has said the school comment was just because he was angry and he didn't mean it. But he still thinks he was justified at being angry with me for "letting" DS fall asleep.

Thanks for starting the new thread Kim. I'll try to get back on-line sooner this time.

[mama-meg]

So I am having my first baby, and maybe thats why but...

I don't feel movement. I felt what I thought was a flutter once, but haven't felt it again. What I do feel most often is pain, what I've been assuming is stretchy pain as its to either (or both) side(s), as I'm finally getting a rounder tummy. I'm beginning to get a little worried, is it possible that the stretchy pain is masking movement? My OB found the heartbeat right away right below my navel and it was normal (150 bps) so I am not really that worried, but still, I thought I should be feeling more by now. My US is April 2nd and I can't wait, seeing the baby move around will be so reassuring.

Also I haven't really been preparing for the baby at all, I'm not sure where to start. We talked about names for a while at first but now we are pretty much waiting until we see the baby to decide which we're going to go with...

I'm new to the newborn AP scene. I know I want to cloth diaper, and I am pretty sure I'm going to go with prefolds and covers, and not really aios, but I've never used a sling before - which would be best for a newborn? We're going to co-sleep, which co-sleeper should we look into? These are the kind of questions that are keeping me up nights (and from shopping, we're on a budget and I don't want to get the wrong thing).

[Dodo]

Mama-meg, my first time I didn't realize I was feeling movement until I had the ultrasound screen in front of me, where I could see that the baby was moving when my belly went flit-flit. That wasn't until nineteen weeks, which must be about where you are. I was lurking on another thread this morning where a mother of three said that she never felt any of her babies before twenty-two weeks.

I am a prefold user. No complaints here. Quick drying, easy to use. But I am meaning to post a question on the diapering board re: muslin squares as newborn dipes. Have any of you heard of this? Less bulk for the first six weeks. I'm intrigued.

I haven't used a co-sleeper, but my impression -- other than that this is highly individual -- is that they sound better than they are. Personally, I'd rather invest in something less expensive (e.g., a Moses basket) to put beside the bed or something with a longer use (e.g., a side-car crib). Also, there is no need to decide before baby is born. A lot of people bring baby into the bed for the first couple of months, for sheer practicality, and then transition to another arrangement at three months. Something to consider. (hope I don't sound preachy, but I bought some expensive baby stuff, including a crib, that I ultimately didn't use -- I had no plans to co-sleep -- and now I feel this overwhelming desire to warn the pregnant about the folly of my ways).

Madrone, I guess that France is rotavirus-free!

I had another bad day with dd, which is pretty crazy since I had a friend babysit her while I went to yoga. I am so irritable and she is so irritating. Dh thinks that we are at some crucial developmental point where boundaries have to be set, and no matter what we do, it's going to be difficult. She recently started talking and now every sentence begins, "I want..." She cries when it's time to put on her pajamas, she cries when it's time to take them off. She'll spend an hour fighting me to the death over an outfit that I want her to put on, and then spend another hour admiring it in the mirror.

[ketilave]

Cheryl - you hit the nail on the head. I don't care what people do but I wish more people made informed decisions. You can't have what you want or be satisfied if you don't know what you are searching for.

Sorry to put you all through this - my anthropology background is in overdrive this pg. - I have been staying up reading an assortment of books and writing and listing questions. I think I'm worked up enough to consider going back to school and focusing on "modern" womens ability to choose in birth and parenting.

Mama-meg - I don't feel a lot of movement this time because of the location of the placenta. Also, we have a co-sleeper but ended up using it more for storage than anything. Actually was more helpful after the c-section because I didn't have to bend or anything. I have an inexpensive moses basket that I love and we use that. Plus, easy to move around the house as well as take on the road.

[BoxOfRainMama]

Natural Child Birth / Natural Parenting--

I might be in the minority here, but my birth choices and my parenting choices are not what so ever parallel. I tried with my 2nd child to have a homebirth and ended up induced with an epidural just like with my 1st. I wanted a homebirth because I like the concept, but I realize now I'm just not cut out for that plan. I do not enjoy being pregnant... I can't cope with being over due very well. I don't trust in myself to go into labor on my own... I am an educated person, and I know my choices with childbirth... I don't end up induced because I don't know better, its just what works for me.
I expect I will probably end up induced with an epidural again this time--- if not.... WONDERFUL, but I'm expecting it to be just like the other 2.

As for my parenting, I use cloth, nurse past 2, no formula EVER, no binky, co sleep, I would consider myself in the "AP" category. (Although I really enjoy breaks from my children as well) and I do not home school.

I think on this subject it's just very individual, both parenting choices and birth choices. I think it's important we remember we just can never judge someone else until we have walked in their shoes. And parenting and child birth are both such personal journeys.

"It doesn't matter who you love, or how you love, but that you love" ~Rod McKuen

Pamela Roth

[myjo]

I wanted to comment on the parenting/childbirth issue too. I think some (but not all) moms who eventually chose homebirth/natural birth sometimes come to it after they realize that the hospital thing doesn't work for them. That was my experience. I had an intervention laden hospital birth that was pretty disappointing, and then I gradually began to do more AP stuff as I became more aware (although I knew about slinging from the beginning.)

Also, I know of families who homebirth or even UC who do not do AP at all. Some fundamentalist christian families are that way. (I'm christian, but I don't think that means I can't choose AP styles of parenting, as I think most christians would probably agree).

I guess I am pretty crunchy for the most part, we homebirth, homeschool, and co-sleep. But there are some areas that I compromise on. Like I can't eat organic all the time for financial and logistical reasons. I cd'd ds for a long time, but he's three now and still in diapers, so I have started using sposies because all his old diapers are thrashed and he's gotten too stinky for me to be able to wash out the smell anymore. Also, sometimes I do get impatient and try to push my kids to mature faster than they are comfortable with (like trying to get them to sleep in their own bed, potty train, etc.) Usually though, when things don't work out I realize I have to be more patient.

So I think we all make the best decisions we can in whatever situation we find ourselves. Just like Ketilave said, some things are trade-offs we make with our priorities in mind. I do wish that more moms would make their decisions based on knowlege rather than just falling into it because they didn't know better. I guess it's like they say, when you know better, you do better.

[Solange]

:hola:
just wanted to say that I know we have been discussing dipes on and off now for sometime and I got some really good help from the diapering board and I am ordering the newborn plus package here:
http://store.naturalbabies.com/products/

From everything I read and was told I guess Fuzzi Bunz would not be so wise an investment in the early weeks..so Cheryl I know I told you fuzzi bunz so I just wanted to help...we did not start cd'ing until ds was 15 months old, so really I had no idea at all now I see about diapering a newborn...

all the diapers in this package are given the :thumb here at MDC...what most use one their wee ones and rave about them....

also Cheryl I am so jealous of your gardening already!
We are frozen today at 22 degrees with snow so I cannot even think of planting anything at all yet...

madrone good to *see* you..I was wondering where you went...:hug

on the movement issue...I can totally relate girls on the feeling movement but now that I hit the 20 week mark the movement has been amazing...so much more now, and kicks, hard and good...it will come I know the waiting is agony but it will come...:hug hang in there...

ketilave re:kick feels I know:D........ ds got to feel the baby kick on saturday and now dh is jealous he did not get to feel it too...so all day today he has been saying "is the baby kicking now?" and feels my tummy...so cute...

Mama meg I have a friend who swears by the co-sleeper...I did not use one.... we did like Dodo did and wasted a lot of money on a crib and a bassinet which never got used except to hold stuffed animals. I second the moses basket thing at least that is what I am going to do this time around and I am going to make my own. I belong to this wholesale shoppe that has baskets galore and they have moses baskets so I will just have to make the cushion/bumper for inside.
I love the look of this one..so wish me luck....
http://www.bibisbabywear.com/xq/asp.products/task.details/id.138/qx/Country+Walk+Moses+Basket+by+Wendy+Bellissimo.htm

ok I guess I am a little chatty cathy tonight...lol..
ttyl

[BoxOfRainMama]

About Cloth--

I’m trying something new and working on making cloth dipes for the new baby. I have been making an even mix of AIO and prefolds and PUL covers. I have never used aio's before and am excited about the idea, but they seem like they will be more work in the long run (to make, to clean) I joined some sewing cloth diaper loops through yahoo and am learning a lot. And fabric co-ops for a discount on the supplies. It’s been a lot of fun and I know I will enjoy diapering more knowing I made them. Plus its given me some alone creative time, and I don’t even feel a little bit guilty about it knowing I’m making something very useful.

"It doesn't matter who you love, or how you love, but that you love" ~Rod McKuen

Pamela Roth

[SamuraiEarthMama]

hey there, gang!

dodo, i have found the insights from the natural learning rhythms (http://www.encompass-nlr.org/nlr/index.html) concepts to fit well with my kids. in this case, the idea that applies is something called a "hesitancy." it's when the kid is getting ready for a fairly big development, but first she has to check that her homebase is secure and ready for her to step out.

a great idea in theory, but in reality it means that the kid drives you up the wall for a while. i have seen this over and over with my own kids, and it's just a matter of gritting my teeth and remembering that i love them and i really don't want to sell them to the gypsies no matter how much they are just BEGGING for it.

i saw this when a kid was getting ready to walk, or read, or test their teenage abilities... if you can get through the hesitancy, then you are treated to witnessing their growth and it will be worth it.

there's a book on NLR (self titled, by Sambava and Josette Luvmour) that i reccommend. i'm sure it's at that web site. it really helped me understand my kids a LOT more.

madrone, it's nice to see you back again!

i've got the gardening bug, too. i spent WAAAY too much at a nursery the other day, buying herbs and flowers and containers (my yard is a dog yard... no place to plant), even strawberries... and my special treat to myself, a bougainvilla. i hope i can keep it alive... i've always wanted one! it's a royal purple one, just luminous. plus some gerbera daisies, and lettuces, and lobelia, and pansies, and a maidenhair fern... a ton of herbs, including three lavenders, three mints, cilantro, rosemary, garlic chives, oregano, sage, parsley... yeah, dh almost blew a gasket but he's leaving tomorrow for a business trip (for a week! whaaa!) and i told him it was my therapy for while he was gone.

a friend called and offered me a free glider rocker and ottoman! i'm wide in the beam and it's a bit snug, but still... a free dutalier rocker! the pads are a little beat up but my MIL loves to sew and i bet she could recover them in about ten minutes.

sleep well, ladies,

katje

[madrone]

Last night after I posted, I decided to bring up with DH the fact that Lenn has been sick and two nights before Friday night we were up most of the night with him applying wet washclothes to his body because of his fever being so high and then he came down with croup Saturday night and we were considering taking him to the hospital Sunday morning because of it and that maybe DS fell asleep friday night because of him being sick even though he ran around during the day earlier. Maybe DH is tarting to get that he might not have been totally justified in being angry with me for "letting" DS fall asleep just before dinner Friday night.

Our house came equipped with a nice supply of fleas. I'm also busy trying to get rid of them without resorting to chemicals.

Sorry to be so whiney and self-centered and b!!@hing to all of you. I just sort of need to complain to someone.

Ketilave - I was an anthropology major also. That really became apparent with the birth of DS. My sister used babywise and that was really being pushed on me and once I had DS, I just couldn't put him in his crib and let him CIO. When he was about a week old, I returned Babywise to my sister and told my family that I was using the chimpanzee Flo as my mothering role-model. They thought I was pretty much a kook. Then a friend recommended Dr. Sears Babybook as something I would be comfortable with that I could pass off to my family a bit easier than Flo. I started reading a lot of anthro books after DS's birth even though I hadn't since university. I really wanted to EC because that's what they do in a lot of traditional cultures, but couldn't seem to figure it out just by my anthro books. Didn't know it had a name then either. Hoping I will succeed this time since I have the EC boards here. Do you have troubles implementing what you learned as an anthropology student without the support of westerner's who happen to be doing it already? I find it bizarre that I have such a hard time implementing. But maybe I wouldn't if I lived the life of someone in Kuna or some other place instead of a completely western life.

Mama-meg, I was completely stressed about preparing for DS before he was born. I just hounded DH to hurry and get the crib finished because we could be needing it any day. And DS never even spent an hour in that crib. What a waste of money and energy. Never even figured out a way to modify it to make it into something useful. If you want to do something to prepare, get yourself a bigger bed. You may not need the extra size immediately, but someday you may. A wrap works best for a tiny infant on a sling. I like a the mayawrap, but I know there are lots of Kangaroo fans around for non-ethnic fabrics. I used a Ghanian tie for DS when he was tiny. Not a big investment in any way. Not an investment at all. Hand-me-down used previously by someone who is from there that I know. Don't get the mojo ring sling available at Baby-R-Us. It's too big for most women, unless you happen to be 6 feet tall. It's really easy to make a wrap. Just get a couple of yards of fabric you like, cut it in half diagonally, then make a smiley face type of cut on the ends and sew that up. It should end just above your hip. It's only sewing up the cut side and then the smiley end. If you get a cheap fabric, a very inexpensive investment. On clothing, you will be given almost everything you need. With our August babies, not like they really need that much anyway. Might be better to ask people to give you more clothing for the winter when the babe will need to be clothed. In August, our babes will just need something for sun-protection.

On dipes, I really didn't like my proraps. I mainly have them in newborn sizes. I don't like the velcro. Lent would get in it and then they wouldn't stay closed all the way and the velcro would end up scratching DS's skin. I'm was thinking I'd replace them with fuzzibunz. Why have you heard they don't work well with newborns APMamma?

Okay, I guess I've babbled enough. Take care - Madrone (the queen of run-on's because that's how I think)

[frognladybugmama]

not apmama, but i'll throw my .02 in here about the fuzzibunz, since i've cd'ed a nb and currently only use pocket aios (dreamboats and fb's) w/ shelby...the fuzzibunz are GREAT for newborns - IF you can afford them...it's not a wise investment to spent 12-15 on one diaper for something they'll only wear for 6wks max (most babies at least will grow out of nb's w/i the first 4)...shelby was 7.6 and wore nb's for about 2mos, then she was into smalls for a few months, breezed thru meds for about five minutes and into larges...she's been in larges since about 6-7mos i think...
with shelby we used contours (the luke's drawers hugs are elasticized in the legs and hold poo in better-fit for longer than anything else too!) w/ bummis sww (best nb wrap imo- other than wahm wraps)mostly. we also used kushies ultras in nb - these fit from 4-10lbs supposedly, but i think it's probably more like 6-12 maybe if you have a thin baby. we also had various fitteds which i like too, but just seemed so bulky in the nb stage...we're mostly going to use contours this time again w/ bsww and some wraps i'm making from the diaper covers deluxe pattern. i'm making some of the contours since i have material on hand and will probably buy a few more hugs too, since i love them...
as for prefolds and wraps, it's the most economical choice yes...but i tried hard with shelby and never got the prefolds on (with or w/o snappi) tight enough to keep poop from leaking onto the cover...so i think you'd have to buy a lot more covers if you went that route than you would if you had something like the contours (if they have elastic in the legs!)...
again, jmo :) hope it helps someone!

[ketilave]

Thank you all for really being patient with me. I really just need to talk and you all looked like the best source. And I was right. I am trying to put as much as I can about myself out there so no one feels I am sitting back reading in judgement. After the c, and the vbac I feel that I need to be at home this time not because of the labour but because of the problems I have had with the hospital trying to dictate what I do with my kids. Plus, B and A are so young I don't really want to be away from them.

Madrone - I didn't live in the States until college - big mistake - and most of family grew up abroad so I have a lot of support in my "quirky" ideas. Mainly it's the people I met since I decided to settle down in suburbia to be with my husband. But now they just laugh and chalk it up to being "K8." I am pretty outspoken about not getting American culture so that helps. College was a lot harder and just hell. Hanging around a bunch of kids that had never left their home town and their I am suffering major jet lag from flying in from China.

One of the hardest lessons I learned when I came back was that this amzingly diverse country is incredibly unaccepting. The ideas that America is best and we do things right has trickled down. I think it is one reason you find so many people very open on these boards. An ability to really expose your choices to at least more open ears. Not everyone has to agree but I have yet to see/read 2 households do the same thing. There are some base notions out there and we, with our partners and the personalities of our kids pick what works for us.

Gotta go A is screaming. Katje - I am all about agreeing with chaos before the big change. A has 2 teeth coming in, started crawling, 2 days later pulled up on the couch and let go and stood! B can't stand that she can get around and is invading his space to he is being a huge wimp!! A the joys of parenting!!

[ilovebeingamom]

I second that I am envious those of you who are outside gardening already! I was excited b/c I started some flower seedlings in the house on Thursday. The rule here is to not plant anything until after Memorial Day b/c of frost, so I have a few months still.

Madrone-your skater friend does sound like he has what my ds has. Do you know if he got surgery to correct it or not as a teen? Ds leg is straight now, but is shorter. I am sorry to hear about the sickness and fleas also. Hang in there! I always thought that just when you think parenting gets hard, you get a sick kid, and that shows you how easy it is most of the time comparatively.

Re: AP Parenting styles. Since I came from a pretty abusive family, and dh did also, we were really nervous about parenting. I did have a c/s, but did go through a m/w for the pregnancy. But we found out about AP through LLL and it really seemed to be what we wanted to do. I think I was so afraid of doing something "wrong" though, that I didn't always do what worked for us, AP or no. There was a parenting magazine that recently had an article about this, about how AP is getting to be very competitive or exclusive at times? If a family has a baby in a crib, but does AP otherwise, they might be looked down on. I don't know if anyone ever put any pressure on us like this, but it was there in my head. So basically I didn't sleep for over a year and was slowly going crazy. I still believe AP is great, but for this child, I will remember that the most important thing is to do what works best for our family and keep some options open. Not sure if that makes any sense or not.

Sesame steet is over, so my time is up. :)

Have a good day.

[foxytocin]

Hi folks! We went to my folks' farm a few hours away this weekend to get away from the stresses of the last few weeks. That was a wonderful thing to do. My parents designed and built their own place on a 40 acre farm.....they raise most of their food organic, they have their own herd of dairy goats, they have a hot tub......their place is becomming a sanctuary for us.

Anyway. This board has been busy over the weekend!

Oooh, Madrone: a sick kid and fleas. Oooooh.

Samurai: I wasn't familiar with the term "Natural Learning Rythyms," so thanks for sharing the link. I've noticed that the week or so before a major developmental milestone for my toddler is always especially trying. Our household becomes like a volcano preparing to erupt. And then voila! Everything falls into place and we enter a new phase.

And oh! Thanks for the kind responses last week after my freak out. It had never occurred to me until reading Myjo's reply that I had the option of taking control of things and kicking everybody out for a while. She's right.....that's one of the reasons people have babies at home. Looking back, I think we chose a homebirth for the wrong reason last time: because we were afraid of our local hospital, couldn't at all relate to our doctor; 5 months big with my first pregnancy and I felt like the medical system was sapping all the magic and wonder of making and having a baby. Wouldn't have known what to do, but my sister in CO happened to have a neighbor who is a douhla who happened to have met a midwife from IN who happened to be a long-time, long-lost good friend of my mother-in-law.

This ties in somewhat with the AP parenting discussion. I think Cheryl summed it up pretty well. People out here are generally unaware that there are options available. In my local community, it appears that the only people who are bf'ding, c'ding, etc. belong to small Christian groups who tend to be rather insular. It's not like your OB is going to point out any other option than the hospital to you. Once you're in the local hospital network, you're showered with free samples of formula, disposables, and a bazillion types of diaper ointment. That's pretty hard to resist if you are hard-up and overwhelmed with a new baby. We have 2 midwiffery practices within 80 miles of us and neither is legalized by the state. And then, this area is pretty impoverished too. Most people are so freaked at the idea of living off of one small income that they aren't confident enough to try to make a go of it with one wage-earner staying home. My point being that I think making AP-type decisions would be greatly facilitated if your family lived somewhere where there were more resources available. If you try to go against the local grain, you pretty much have to learn and do everything the hard way. And people judge you pretty hard. It's worth it to us, though. Basically, we just go by instinct. I always make sure my babe's in a really cute cd when we go to the doctor's. You know, just to show them off and give the nurses something new to figure out.

Very well, then. My babe's cutting teeth and is miserable with them.

Meanwhile, have any of you tried Little Lamb's diapers? I'm curious about them bc they're getting such great reviews on Diaper Pin.

-Leah

[BoxOfRainMama]

Originally posted by foxytocin


Meanwhile, have any of you tried Little Lamb's diapers? I'm curious about them bc they're getting such great reviews on Diaper Pin.

-Leah

Hello--- I have tried to stay out of the mill on Little Lambs but I wanted to let you know the situation. On many of the Cd'ing boards and yahoo groups there is a lot of stuff flying around about little lambs. I do not say this from personal experience, but like I said I wanted to make you aware of what I know. Apparently a woman named Erin bought about $200 worth of LL diapers and she washed them once and they had a horrible wicking problem. So she returned them to Jennifer at LL (who makes it clear she offers a 100% money back guarantee) and months have gone by and this woman Erin has not had any money returned and is out of the diapers awsell. Every few weeks Jennifer posts on the yahoo cd'ing lists that her store is open and fully stocked and people will ask (EVERY TIME) if the situation with Erin was cleared up and Jennifer will never respond. Many of the women have banned together and made it their mission to see that no one they know supports this business.... I have never bought anything from little lambs, but just wanted to tell you what I know. I wouldn't feel confident buying from someone with this reputation.
"It doesn't matter who you love, or how you love, but that you love" ~Rod McKuen

[Solange]

:hola:
Madrone/frognladybugmamma
the mammas on the diapering board said that the FB do not hold the blow out bf baby poos..... and the expense factor.

I am glad you mention about not liking the prowraps b/c that was the exact issue I had with another velcro dipe we tried with ds#1. SO I am glad you shared that b/c no one really responded to my question on that issue.

ok so what should I get then for covers out of thses choices:

3 Classic/3 BSIWW
6 Bummis SIWW (frognladybugmamma this is what you are talking about, right)
4 BSIWW / 2 Bummis Snaps
6 Bummis Snaps
thanks for your help pg mamma friends....
:hippie

[ketilave]

A lot of people have mentioned how much they like the snaps but my son is a super soaker and they kept coming apart so we stayed with the "velcro" Bummis SWW. Other than that - I loved the cover. The only leaks we had were overnights (have yet to find anything DS can stay dry in all night except for Huggies Overnights) and when DH forgot to tuck all of the diaper in!:LOL

[madrone]

ilovebeingamom, my skater friend had quite a number of operations on his leg. Most of them were when he was young, but some were older. It was pretty scarred up and sk8ing just added to the knarl. It seems like one was when we were buddies but living in different cities, which would have been in his early university days. I just remember that vaguely. He was on crutches for a while and couldn't sk8 because of it. I was living about 3 hours from him then, so it is a pretty vague memory. I do know it was something for the bone and not an injury that caused the surgery. I just never asked when we hung out together constantly a couple of years later. Didn't think pointing out his leg was appropriate.

On diapers, I used Aristocrats at night with DS, which I loved. I used a clip to fasten the dipes, but the company went out of business. I only have one left. I know that there are some sticky triangles out there that stick well to terry, but my dipes are terry sandwiched between brushed cotton. The person at the number said they probably won't work on my dipes. What other fasteners besides pins are there now? And I don't know what i will do for daytime covers now. Cost is an issue, especially when I have import taxes added to it.

[mommycaroline]

Boy oh boy, was this group chatty over the weekend!

I started to post on Saturday, about the AP/Natural Childbirth thing, but got too longwinded and changed my mind. I should have posted. LOL.

So, AP/Natural Childbirth/Natural Living: Lots of things get lumped together there. And, as someone else pointed out, it can be very competitive among this sort of circle. Some groups handle it just fine, and some don't. I've been burnt in the past because I gave my daughter Tylenol to help with teething pain. I was told that several people "were concerned about DD's welfare" because they didn't like that I did that. If I was "AP enough" I'd be able to comfort her through the pain. So, I'm a little sensitive about this sort of thing. But, I will say, everyone makes their own choices, and they're all part of the learning curve. I don't think that AP'ing is any *one* set of rules, other than the ability to learn from the things that we experience. If you have a hospital birth, and don't feel safe anywhere else, what can you do to improve it? If you are on a budget and can't afford organic foods, what can you do to make sure your diet is the healthiest? If you have a hard time with your child, and you feel you handled it badly, what can you learn from that experience? That seems to be the common factor I've discovered about AP/Natural type parents. The interest in improving upon our experiences, and seeking support from other like-minded souls. That's not to say that "mainstream" folks don't want to improve their situations, either, but there seems to be a stronger drive for improvement amongst AP folks. And, that drive for improvement can sometimes get stuck in overdrive, with people trying to not only improve on themselves, but improve on other people, too. Crunchier than thou, I generally say. It doesn't have to be a competition. A healthy exchange of ideas and support can only improve us all.

MamaMeg- Just want to say, it's so easy to get caught up in the "what should I buy?" trap. We are so overmarketed to when it comes to having babies, it feels like you NEED to have every little gadget, contraption, device out there to raise a child. But, honestly, from someone who bought every stinking thing I could, the only things I really needed were my breasts, a sling and some diapers. The rest just takes care of itself. A bouncy seat is nice, just to have a safe place to strap babe into while you pee or just take a breather. It's HOT here in Florida, and sometimes you don't want to be sharing body heat with your babe in a sling. They can be little ovens sometimes! I wouldn't invest in a cosleeper just yet. Wait til babe comes, see how you manage cosleeping (if that's your plan) and then see if you need the extra space. You will be amazed at how sensitive you become to babe's location in the bed. I almost forget now how I always knew where DD was, but I know we made it through, so something must have been going on.

We're planning on using DD's never slept in crib to sidecar the babe this time around. DD sleeps in between DH and I, and doesn't seem ready to leave the family bed yet, so I'm thinking babe will go in the sidecarred crib. Anyone BTDT? Tips? Pointers? DD has made a few preliminary steps towards sleeping in her toddler bed beside our big bed, but I don't see that lasting. And, I'm guessing that keeping her in our bed will help ease her transition once babe is born.

Diapers: We used prefolds and covers. While I was pregnant with DD I stocked up on so many covers, it's just a huge assortment and variety. She outgrew them all so fast, I'm glad I bought cheap (Ebay, various boards, etc). Fuzzibunz were useless to us, since DD was long and lean. They just never got tight enough to keep anything in. I'm a velcro girl, cause I can get a much better fit with velcro. And, I don't care about lint getting in the velcro, I just use a comb and pull out what I have to. Never had a tab go bad. But, DD switched to panties full time at 19 months, so maybe we just didn't go long enough.

I'm feeling babe kick a lot lately too, and I'm 18-20 weeks along. (not sure, not really counting). Still kind of soft, but definitely gaining in frequency and strength. For those not feeling movement yet, you'll get there. It just takes time. I think I was further along when I felt this kind of movement the first time, but don't remember for sure. It would be easy to mistake this for gas pains, though. But, I remember this feeling from before. And, it's a little too frequent to really consider it gas. No emissions, really, which is also kind of telling.:LOL

Okay, that's long enough for now. LOL.

Caroline- Married to DH since 6/98
DD Bonnie 9/01
Babe due in August '04

[foxytocin]

Madrone, about fasteners:
We used snappis for about the first 6 months with CPF's and el cheapo kushies covers. Worked pretty darn well. The snappis stretch a bit with use but are cheap. However, kept losing the snappis and thus resorted to pins. Pins weren't nearly the challenge I thought they'd be. Also, a friend once mentioned that you can use mattress grips. Never tried that.

Ketilave: we've been in sposies for night time for forever. They're the only thing that works for us, too. Sigh. It was an expensive process to find that out.

Apmama: I'd agree with the ladies that a FB probably wouldn't contain well for a newborn unless that baby was very, very plump. Just can't get them tight enough. They still don't work for my toddler.......she's too long and lean.

Anyway. Time to get off this computer before my brain rots out.

-Leah

[Bearsmama]

Boy, everyone WAS chatty over the weekend. With so much interesting and fun stuff to talk about.

I am way behind here, but I have to share our co-sleeper experience. First, it took forever for my DH to put it together. Then, of course, we had this notion that our DS would just LOVE sleeping in it. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA. He would only sleep right, smack dab in the middle of us. Although I am a big proponent of sleeping close to baby, we didn't intentionally start out thinking that DS would sleep in our bed from day one. The best laid plans....
Plus, I found that it was pretty bulky and took up a lot of space in our very small bedroom. Now, we are considering trying it out again for #2, and I just realized that it works as a bassinet, too. So, perhaps we can set it up that way. But we have a cramped bedroom and I just can't imagine one more piece of furniture in the room. So, I am very interested in everyone else's experience. Okay, so this is rude, but who mentioned having the inexpensive Moses basket? I've always thought they looked great, but they are pricey where I've seen them. Was it Katje? Sorry ladies.

Also, in the market for a sling before #2 arrives. I was a holder, and a Baby Bjorn wearer. DS was constantly on me and it took months (okay, maybe a YEAR) for me to figure out I could actually *do stuff* with a baby around! Although I found the Bjorn to work just fine, I tried other slings and nothing seemed to be just right. I've heard good things about the New Native carrier. Any advice/suggestions?

Caroline-DS has a crib that he has never slept in. We have some hope that perhaps maybe for some naps or time out of arms that the new baby might like it (I'm saying MIGHT, ladies!). So, that is why we haven't dismantled it yet. Is yours small enough to sidecar? Ours seems rather big. I don't know how we'd sidecar it??

Foxy-Your parents farm sounds like a dream? Can I come???

Ilovebeingamom-I like what you said about with this child figuring out what works best for you and your family. I was very into the ideas behind AP before giving birth, and plus, it just seemed instinctual to me. And I think I took things *too* far, like never giving myself breaks. I literally would very rarely (in the very beginning) let anyone else hold DS. I didn't understand that my mental, emotional, and spiritual needs were really, really important. I am still learning, but I've already learned so much. Someone also said that they need "breaks" from their kids. And of course this is true! But sometimes the AP literature makes that parts seem reallllllll easy. That was one of my beefs with Dr. Sears. Very small sections and talk addressed the needs of the family. Just my two cents...


Katje-You are gibving me the gardening bug! I have always aspired to be a gardener, but alas, I have not ever had a big garden of our own. Neighbors have asked us if we want to go in on a community garden with them right down the road, and we are hesitant b/c we aren't pros! We have a nice yard, but the community garden is really cool and big and, welll, a community garden!

HI AP! So cool that you are making your own moses basket. I['m wondering where I can get the basket part in my area???

Madrone-Thanks so much for thinking of me...:love

So much more to respond to and say. Feeling lots of movement. But of course if I feel a lot one day and not the next I get worried. DS has croup. This is the THIRD time he's been pretty sick in three months! Is it just the freakish weather in the East, or that I've cut down on nursing??????

Anyway, gotta go. DS is sitting in my lap wanting me to go, go,go. More later!

[mommycaroline]

Bearsmama- My bedroom is pretty big, so we don't have to worry too much about space. If you've read up on sidecarring (which it sounds like you have) you just remove one of the long sides to the crib and slide it right next to your bed. Most crib mattresses will adjust to the same height as your regular mattress. It really shouldn't take up that much extra space, just the width of the crib, which is less than the length.

But, even if we didn't have a big bedroom, I'd probably give sidecarring a try with two little ones. I just can't figure out how the heck my toddler, my husband, myself and an infant will be able to cosleep without being on top of each other. And, with a newborn, that's particularly troubling. I really want babe to be away from my toddler, more than anything else. And, I've heard of mamas curling up half in the crib/half on the bed so they don't have to be too far away.

Our crib is currently dismantled, due to our recent move, but we'll put it together when summer gets closer. It *is* wide enough that it doesn't fit through doorways without being taken apart, so maybe it's slightly on the big side.

About slings, I had a Maya Wrap and a Maya Pouch (which has changed designs from the one I have) from day one with DD. I hated the pouch (really needed adjustability, which I think they've added now) but adored my Wrap. I used it exclusively the whole time I slung my DD. When she was about 16 months old, I got a Over the Shoulder Baby Holder, and then a SlingEzee, but didn't care for either of them as much as my Maya Wrap. Too bulky, and too hot for Florida heat. I might like them with a newborn though, the padding may prove better for delicate skin. We'll see. I'm a big gal, and the padding just never seemed to mold to me properly. I always felt it under my arms and felt like I couldn't put my arms down right. But, as an American Capitalist ;) I feel the need to purchase something new and different this time around, so I might try a Didymos style sling. Or one of the many, many other slings out there. Heck, I might even get ambitious and make one!

Caroline

[naturegirl]

Okay, I give up (waving white flag smilie) I can not keep up! I have read every post but it would take me hours to respond to everyone. Please excuse my selfishness.

I did want to say that the topics of co-sleeper, diapers and slings are so interesting. You are all helping me make my decisions on how to go in those areas. I do plan on getting a variety of cds for my baby. Included will be cpfs, fuzzi bunz, bummis ww, Bumkins covers and kushies AIO's . I am getting most things in small, hoping they will fit for awhile and a few newborn things. Has anyone tried the wonderoos one size covers? I hear they don't fit newborns at all but as the baby gets bigger they are good.?:confused: I also have a sling that I bought at a consignment store a long time ago but I have come across one that looks great on the organicbebe site. I can't remember what it is called though...And a question about sidecar cribs, do they stay in place as well as the arms reach co-sleeper? Which one do you ladies think is the better investment. My MIL has found some convertable cribs that turn into daybeds so the kiddos can use them as they get older too. Any disadvantages to these? (I thought I had my heart set on an arm's reach until this discussion started...)How long does an arm's reach last? Can a two year old fit in one? Would they want to?

Wow there I go. I guess I can be pretty chatty too. :eek

Bears, just wanted to add how happy I am for you that everything is okay and Kim, how are you?

TTYL
Cheryl
:wave

[Bearsmama]

Caroline-We have an odd-shaped bedroom. Our bed can only really fit along one wall. And that makes a sidecar crib ort of hard. I really don't know how my toddler, an infant, a 6'3 husband, and myself are going to FIT in the bed, let alone get any sleep. And that's the big thing: How the HECK does a toddler stay asleep during an infant crying session? Plus, my DS is not the strongest sleeper. So, I think we're in trouble.:confused: Thanks for your input on the sling issue. Maybe others will chime in.

Whew! All this talk is getting me nervous as I remember those groggy, nutty, newborn days. YIKES!

Nature-Thanks so much for your good wishes. And as far as the co-sleeper goes, it just wasn't as great in practice for us as it was in theory. We had it attached to our bed for 7 months, until finally DH convinced me that DS would never sleep in it or NEAR it! I think we will try it again this time, but as a bassinet. I just have to find those old directions????

Okay, I have to admit that I just ate a handful of Reese's peanut butter mini-eggs. And they were sooooo worth it!!

[myjo]

cribs - We have lots of experiance with a sidecar crib. IMO, a crib is really the best investment. If you sidecar it, it works just as well as an arms reach for a newborn, and then it's big enough for a three year old, or even 4 year old to sleep in as they get older. No, they don't attach quite as well, but what we do is put it by the wall and then shove our bed tight up next to it, it can't move away that way. We hardly ever used the crib when ds #1 was a babe, but with ds#2, we really needed it for the space. I have many times scooted over and slept halfway in the crib to get the baby to sleep. It works just fine. I was thinking too with this babe I might get a moses basket for the newborn stage since it more snug and just set it in the crib, and then when the babe outgrows it s/he can sleep in the crib.

Slings - I only have experiance with the OSBH and the nojo. Honestly, even though the OSBH is more expensive I liked my nojo the best. I'm very thin and narrow, and the less bulky nojo seemed a better fit. This time I would really like to try the New Native. And I might borrow my sister's Maya Wrap. She never really got the hang of it, but I actually really liked it when I showed her how to use it. And honestly, as the baby gets older and able to hold up it's head, my favorite contraption was my baby backpack. I loved it because I truly had both arms free, the babe couldn't grab at what I was doing, and ds really liked it because he had a bird's eye view.

diapers - I used aio's for ds last time, Kushies and Bumkins. I think I really would like to go back to prefolds and covers this time. It took too long to rinse poop out of aio's and then dry them, but they were very convenient when it came time to change since they work pretty much like sposie. So far, my favorite cover is bummis sww. It fits newborns really well and keeps in leaks. I've tried bumkins, biobottoms (hated them), diaper wraps (not great either), Nikki (leaked), and a few other cheapo brands. The only one that didn't leak and didn't scratch ds' belly/legs was bummis. I have a lot of catching up to do in the diaper arena, there's so much to choose from now!

Nice to hear all you experianced mama's insight on what to buy!

[ilovebeingamom]

Naturegirl-I looked at buying an arms reach for our ds but read that it only holds up to 25 pounds or so. We did sidecar our crib and it worked pretty well.

I also used Kushies classics with the diaper covers, and they worked good. Although the toddler size that ds wore for about a year really wore out. I had about 15 diapers of that size, so maybe I needed more, but I won't be able to reuse them like the other sizes. I also bought Kushie's AIO's in the newborn size, and they did not work well. Ds's legs were too skinny and everything leaked out the sides. This time I am planning on getting prefolds, using the snappi's, and using Bummi's for the covers.

I love cd'ing. I feel guilty every time I have to use disposables. It kills me to throw things away!

I have an over the shoulder sling and have always liked it. It was harder to use for the newborn, but once he was about three months old it worked great.

Good night!

[Solange]

:hola:

Can I just say I love our group! :love :grouphug :D

I have a mexican rebozo sling. I used it later when ds was about 15 months. I used the OTSBH/slingeeze/ Nojo when he was an infant but now that I know of the other choices available I will either use me Rebozo for the new baby of if I can save any money to buy the adjustable fleece pouch from KangarooKorner. I would love to be able to do that (but $54 is a big bunch of $$-especially since I am going to be spending $$ on diapers..a must have)....The rebozo is great though b/c it is a very light weight fabric, no rings and I carried ds in it until he was almost 3. You can sling them up on your back with the rebozo very easy. I never used it with him as an infant though.

Bears
I am going to go check out the price and quality of the moses basket today. I can let you know how much and if you want I can always send you one if you can't find them where you are;)
Still doing happy dance for you friend :banana

myjo
..with the bummis sww covers did you use and pins/snappis to the prefold and then the cover?

I think the remedies are finally working on my armpit lump. I go in Thrusday to have the lump re-checked by my D.O.

Anyone having any pg vision issues? I do not wear glasses..I should but my right eye keeps giving me some weird vision things when I try to read....hhmmm:confused:

Major sinus thing going on too...anytime I cough I feel like the whole top part of my head from the eyes up is going to blow off:(
Not fun...

other than that though very happy , pregnant mamma here:D
ttys

[madrone]

Bears - My DS has croup also. He woke up in the wee hours of Sunday morning unable to breath because of it. DH was pretty freaked out. That's the worst it's been on him being unable to breath, but he sounds terrible after lying down for a while. My sympathy goes out to you. In my case, I think it's that I really don't have very much milk at all. He says he gets something and I feel something for a short moment, but I don't hear him swallowing. He had never had croup before this. At least I can think my breasts for the first time being at 2 yrs 10 mths.

Nature - I would not buy an Arm's Reach. They copyrighted the word "co-sleep" and have sued WAHM's who make co-sleepers for using the word. They are a big money-making corporation who uses all they've got to try to shut down competition, even though the competition are just little family businesses. Do some searches on them here in Activism and Activism archives.

[ketilave]

ap - I never used pins or snappis with the prefolds and SWW. Just fold and go. Newborns don't move enough to make it worth the while.

Ok - with kid number 3 I am thinking there is nothing to buy. Then you all start discussing slings and I want a new one. I have OSBH which I have had no problems with but it is hot in the summer. Grear during the winter as it kept me and baby warm!

gtg.

[juju]

hi all,

we are having some computer problems so i haven't been here in awhile. i just would like to respond to some of your post.

we have a family bed and never bought anything fancy to have it. when we started out we slept in a full size mattress on the floor. then we used a twin with a full size. this worked good for two kids. now we have a house and have moved off the floor.

we have a full size next to bunkbeds. my plan is for ds to be on the top bunk and dd on the bottom. dh and i on the full. but ds was having alot of bad dreams for awhile and didn't want to sleep on top. now him and dh sleep on the full and dd and i sleep on the lower bunk. i plan to put the baby next to the wall and maybe try to push dd on the full closer to her dad and brother.

we never bought much baby stuff besides the basics like cloth diapers, a few out fits (they grow so fast don't buy too many), sling, and back pack when they are a little older. i have an otsbh sling. i have been using almost 5 years. if i can find an affordable maya wrap or pouch i may buy one this time. i got my slings at thrift shops while living in california. the shops here in alabama don't seem to have any good stuff. plus, i even sometimes would find new cloth diapers at thrift shops all varieties.

need to go for now,
julie

[christeenybeany]

Oh my gosh! It took my forever to get caught up with all these posts. Good discussions though. I just wanted to add my 2 cents about the ap parenting choices discussion. I don' t think it has to be all or nothing. I don't cd or stay at home (I am still in college) but I do bf (recently weaned--mostly child led) and I don't let ds cry it out just because some book told me to do it.

I am finally moved in my new house, but there are still some things to do so I won't be posting that much for a while, but I'll be checking in.

Does anyone have any good advice for getting smokey smell out of a house. I have cleaned the house from top to bottom, shampooed the carpet, wiped down every surface, febreeze, arm&hammer, lysol, and candles. NOthing works except keeping the windows open and running the ceiling fans. As soon as the house is shut for a while the slight stinky smell comes back. I am the only one who notices it though. Thanks preggo nose. I am not ready to tackle painting the walls yet. Is this the only choice left? I know this is not pregnancy related, but I am out of ideas.
Christine

[Dodo]

Wow, there’s so much to respond to. It’s interesting how many of us are trying new and improved diapering systems this time around, switching to cloth from sposies, flats to fitteds and so on. If anything, I’m hoping to go lower tech, because this time I will be ECing from infancy, making frequent changes a must and absorbency less of an issue than drying time. Like Ketilave, I never pinned or snappied, although I might this time.

RothMommy, that’s great that you are making your own dipes! I’m impressed.

I have also been reviewing my carrier situation. Last time, I wore out a borrowed-to-be-returned very-used padded Polliwogs (??) sling. I loved it. Dh loved it. But what we loved about it (texture, lack of bulk) can’t really be found in a new sling. It had everything to do with having been through a lot of wear and tear. I switched to a Maya Wrap when dd was a toddler, but, having never used one with an infant, am not sure if I will like it. I am considering buying a new padded sling for infancy, but, then again, I might find it too cumbersome. A friend of mine has a Didymos-like carrier that she bought in Hungary, which is excellent for front-carrying an infant over a winter coat. She is planning on buying some fabric to see if she can’t whip up a few others, in which case I will be the first to knock on her door.

As for chaos/hesitancy, any theories on what’s up in the developmental life of your average two-and-a-half-year-old? There isn’t anything as obvious as teething or walking or puberty going on.

My second-trimester energy surge is being marred by agonizing back pain. I’m thinking of getting a cane. I’m having trouble walking one city block. This happened to me last pregnancy, and I am truly horrified that it’s happening again. I realize that my short temper has more to do with my parenting troubles than dd’s behaviour. Because of my new disability, I have a lot of trouble with her in public. I need immediate compliance. I need her to sit in her stroller. I can’t carry her home screaming as is our usual, LOL.

[BoxOfRainMama]

Oh gosh that smoke smell can be so hard to get rid of!!! The only thing I can think of is getting some cool mist humidifiers and adding a few drops of tea tree oil to the water.

Good luck!!

Pam

"It doesn't matter who you love, or how you love, but that you love" ~Rod McKuen

[Dodo]

Christine, I just saw your post. Have you tried using an air purifier?

[GiraffeLovin'Mama]

Well, I was getting a tad worried because I haven't felt baby move too much, but over the past 48 hours he/she is picking up speed...lol.... I'm constantly feeling little flutters.
Maybe I never felt it much before (occasionally while in bed at night) because I'm so busy and moving so much. Today after cleaning up this am, I've been lounging on the sofa or at the pc, so I've been more sedentary........lol

I'm feeling okay besides this darned sinus infection that continues to drain, which in turns makes me gag and heave :angry

The kids and dh are all well, atleast mostly....lol......and we're all just trying to go with the flow.

I have a level 2 ultrasound friday afternoon, then an appt on the following Thursday am, then a trip to NY for a level 2 ultrasound on Friday (don't ask, but I'll tell if you really wanna know...lol) then an appt with a new OB on the 7th because the current one insists he's inducing at 38 weeks and I know he is not..........

[myjo]

Christine, that smell is so stubborn. We have used an air purifier in our house due to the chemical "new house smell". It really helps alot. So unless you have the money to paint the entire house including ceilings and re-carpet or sand hard wood floors, you may need a quick fix like an air purifier. Although I just realized that any air purifier can cost quite alot too! Ours was $500, but worth every penny.

Has reality hit any of you mamas yet? I'm just starting to realize everything this little bean is going to mean! I was so getting used to freedom. But every time I see someone with a beautiful smiling little angel baby, I get really happy. It really is all worth it!

[naturegirl]

Christine, I really feel for you and that smokey smell. YUCK! I can't stand being around anything smokey at all right now. I don't have any good advice for you, we totally changed all the flooring, cleaned like crazy people and painted everywall and ceiling with our smokey house. I hope the purifiers work for you. I know there are some real good ones out there.

myjo, I am totally starting to feel the reality of this baby. Especially since he is movng around so much today.:D

I am definately going to scrap the idea of the arms reach I think. Especially since it only holds up to 25 lbs or so. It doesn't seem worth it.

I am 20 weeks today!!! :banana :balloons HALF WAY!

(My own little personal celebration :D)

Has anyone used a bike trailer that converts into a stroller? How do they work? My dh desperately wants a bike stroller. He is an advid biker.

Cheryl
:hippie

[foxytocin]

Heya!
We used a Maya Wrap on my babe until she was 6 mo. or so and it worked great for us. For the record, though, the kid hit the world ready for 3 mo. clothes, so I never got to try out any of our stuff on a teeny tiny baby. I love the simplicity of the Maya Wraps. Just about as soon as she could keep her head up, we backpacked the kiddo everywhere. My sister gave us a Kelty Kids pack and now I can't imagine not having one. You can get them much discounted at Sierra Trading Post from time to time. It's also one of those deals where it's worth it to get the best you can buy. I've tried other packs that weren't nearly as comfy for kid or parent. I'd definitely put that on my personal list of must-haves. We've hardly used our stroller at all.

And I wanted to ask: What does this "EC" you all are mentioning mean? I'm pretty naieve, but I'm curious.:confused:

I like RothMommy's suggestion about the humidifier and tea tree oil to battle smoke. I'm guessing, though, that in the long-run painting will be the end-all. Smoke is so pervasive. I'm going to try the tea-oil idea to battle my own recent demon: furniture that we've inherited that smells like cat spray. Yet another classic stench that is remarkably persistent.

Dodo: what causes your back pain? Sounds terrible.

Well, then. I've got the house to myself for a few minutes. I'm going to go relish some privacy.

-Leah

[Bearsmama]

Hi Ladies!
Have you all noticed the new Babywearing forum? Lots of insight into different slings over there. Just remember that a friend of mine used the New Native for her newborn and never really liked it b/c she felt that she needed some additional support. So, for those that need this, perhaps the padded ones are better? You know when they're so darn little that they just slump when they're not supported. I think for me it will be some trial and error (and all the suggstions here) before I find one I love.

Once again, this is rude not to remember, but getting back to the AP style/birth style thing-someone mentioned that they didn't care what choices someone made for birth as long as they were educated decisions. Amen to that! DH's cousin had a baby around the same time as I did and she said while pregnant that she just couldn't wait to be hooked up the epidural. All this nonchalance about the whole thing-very uneducated talk about it, too. And it would drive me batty. I ended up with an epidural and I sweated the decision for a long time b/c I had planned an unmedicated birth (don't we all??). BUT, I had also read about all the complication possibilites for baby and me and made a concious, informed decision about it when needed.

Giraffe-I won't pry, but I sure hope all is okay. Please let us know how you're doing, even if you're uncomfortable sharing the details.

Foxy-EC is Elimination Communication. You can do a search on the boards for discussions of this. I don't know a whole lot about it, but I'm sure you can learn some from our preggers friends here or other MDCers.

Hi AP! I too LOVE this little group! And thanks for the happy dance. After the good news, I too, am happy dancing!:banana
Sorry to hear about your sinuses. I had a lot of this during the first month or two, but now I am okay. The one thing that helped me was counter pressure on the insides of my brow bone. I would ask DH to do it for me like every night. I could acutally feel my sinuses draining when he did this. Definitely relieved the pressure.

Madrone-Sorry to hear that your little guy is going thru the same thing. DS has NEVER been sick like this before. Very healthy kid, and now three times in three months with one thing or the other. DS's breathing is much better now, and really only had one bad night. Now, he just had this horrible cough. Poor little babes.

Juju-I don't think we need much even for baby #2! We have a ton of clothes (lots of gender neutral stuff), a changing table, car seat, etc. Oh, and BOOBS! What baby could need anythng more?

Dodo-Sorry about the back pain. Have you had it checked by a chiro? Back pain is agonizing, I've been there.

I know there are some I've missed. DS and I had a very sweet discussion tonight at bedtime. He is only 26 mos., but so verbal. We have complete conversations and I take for granted that not all 2 yos are talking like he does. Anywhoo, he seemed to be struggling at my breast, which he has been for a while now.And I said, "Is there any milk in there?", and he said NO. And I said that maybe sometime soon we would have to talk about not nursing anymore if there's no more milk. And he said NO. And I just kept acknowledging how I understood how hard it is to want something that isn't quite there anymore. And he said, "I take break from mommy". So, I asked if he meant right then and he said NO and cuddled in closer. He did though, roll over and have his back to me while I talked him to sleep-something he doesn't do all the time. Must be so hard for him! SO many changes for our little ones. I just kept talking in his ear about how much I loved him and how I'd always hold him, etc. AHHHHHHH! Change is heartbreaking!

Sorry for the novel, ladies. Sleep well.


:zzz

[juju]

i just had my second prenatal appt. today. i will be 19 weeks tomorrow. the baby sounds fine. the midwife estimated the fundus was at 21 weeks. both my other two were almost 11 lbs at birth. i guess i grow big babies.

she tried to take my blood today for routine testing. she didn't get much out and i blacked out briefly. i have only had that problem one other time while getting blood drawn. she will try again next month. does anyone know of anything i can do to prepare before the next blood letting to keep me from fainting? should i eat more protein or sugar before? any ideas?

i don't remember how the ap style/ birth style topic came up, but i will play and list my info. midwife attended homebirths (this will be my third), mostly organic/ veggie, extended/ tandem nursing (i am approaching the 5 year mark), intact (no circumcising), cloth diapering, baby wearing, family bed, stay at home, homeschooling, no vax, herbs/ homeopaths, no physical punishment, and i can't think of anything else off the top of my head.

i defintiely don't expect others to share my some opinions and style. i am totally open and respectful of others' choices.

is anyone else planning a waterbirth home, hospital, birth center?? my second was a water birth and i plan on having another one this time, too. i can't remember if we have talked about this yet.

i should be in bed.

julie

[myjo]

Juju, you sound a lot like me. I'm on my third baby too and I waterbirthed my last one at home. I'm thinking I will probably do it again this time. I'm really looking forward to it, but there was one thing about it that was rather interesting. It relaxed me so much that I seemed to have zero control over myself. I screamed the baby out and could not stop myself from tearing. I hope that doesn't happen again! The rest of your list sounds pretty similar too, except we're not vegetarian and the longest I have nursed was 3 years, never tandemed.

Bearsmama, I know what you're talking about! When I was pregnant with ds#2, I was still nursing ds #1. It was so hard to see him gradually lose interest. I also felt terrible because I had to encourage him to stop because my breasts were so incredibly tender. He would start nursing and all of a sudden I would yell because it hurt so bad, it must have scared the crud out of him! This time my youngest was already weaned before I concieved, so that hasn't been an issue. But it's always hard when the baby has to adjust to not being the baby anymore!

[mommycaroline]

I guess I didn't list my AP info earlier, so here it is. :) DD was born by cesarean after moderate to severe pre-eclampsia, we're going for a VBAC this time around, with the same non-medicated plan we had last time. We'll see how that works out. ;) But, we cosleep, babywear (till DD was almost two and wouldn't deal with it anymore), extended/probably tandem nurse, selectively vax, eat whole foods with selective organic choices (milk and certain produce) nothing processed or with trans-fats is my biggest obsession these days, won't circumcise, cloth diaper, plan to homeschool, positive discipline. What other options are there? LOL