November Mamas Introductions

[indiegirl]

Can we do this again .... or for the first time?

Name:
EDD:
Spouse/Partner:
Other Children's names and ages:
Previous birth experiences:
Most excited about this pg because:
Having a hard time with ______ in this pg:
Pg symptoms:
Best parenting advice you've heard so far:
Recommended reading about pg:

Jesse

[AmandasMom]

Name: Kim
EDD: 11/25/04 Thanksgiving Day!
Spouse: Brian, married March 99
Other Children: Amanda 3.5 years old (8/00)
Previous Birth: C-section
Why I'm Excited: It took only 4 months TTC, didn't need to use the Clomid, and I can have sex for fun now!
Worried about: My weight, I'm 80lbs overweight from last pregnancy, didn't loose any of it, now I'm very worried about my weight gain this time around.
Pg signs: sore boobs, very tired. thats all for now luckily, but last time MS didn't kick in till 8 weeks...
Best Advice: Never asked anyone for any so never got any:)

Going for unmedicated VBAC this time around. Unless my back hurts for months like last time, horrible horrible back pain....

[tuffykenwell]

Originally posted by indiegirl


Name: Steph
EDD: November 8th (but I'm not holding my breath)
Spouse/Partner: Jeff
Other Children's names and ages: Rhys 23 months
Previous birth experiences: planned homebirth...ended up with absolutely horrible induction/c-section nightmare at 42 weeks and 2 days
Most excited about this pg because: Honestly I can't wait to see the baby but thoughts about the birth are causing a huge knot in my belly that won't go away.
Having a hard time with dealing with previous birth trauma in this pg:
Pg symptoms: No much...a bit of general queasiness and certain smells bug me.
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: Follow your heart.
Recommended reading about pg: Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer

Steph

[momsmyjob]

Name: Mary
EDD: 11/28/04
Spouse/Partner: Rhys
Other Children's names and ages: Sarah 10, Melissa 9, Emily 7, Catherine 6, Shane 4, Andrew 2 and Jack 17 mos.
Previous birth experiences: All 7 were vaginal
Most excited about this pg because: I'm just excited period, but I can't wait to find out the sex to see if it will make 4 girls and 4 boys or 5 girls and 3 boys.
Having a hard time with ______ in this pg:
Pg symptoms: I can't stand the toothbrush during pregnancy. That's about it.
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: I've never gotten any
Recommended reading about pg: What to expect when your expecting

[FSUBecca]

Name: Rebecca
EDD: Around Thanksgiving
Spouse/Partner: Paul
Other Children's names and ages: John Michael, 14 months
Previous birth experiences: Loooonnggg hospital birth
Most excited about this pg because: I am so happy to give my son a sibling!
Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: Having NO time to myself!
Pg symptoms: A little tired.
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: Your children will grow up great in spite of you, not because of you.
Recommended reading about pg: I am not reading anything this time! Just going to relax and have faith in the strength of my body and mind!

[2boysandagirl]

Name: Susie
EDD: Nov. 2
Spouse: Larry
Children: Brittany 8 yrs., Tucker and Tate 3 yrs.
previous birth experiences: hospital vag birth with dd and hospital c-section with the twins.
most excited about this pregnancy because: after 11 yrs of infertility we didn't have to do fertility treatments to get pregnant this time.
Having a hard time with being sick this prenancy. I didn't even have morning sickness with my twins.
pg symptoms: nausea, breasts are larger
haven't really received any pregnancy advice
not really reading anything this time. I read it all during my 4 months of bedrest with my twin pregnancy.

[jecaly]

Name: jennifer

EDD: november 28

Spouse/Partner: dan

Other Children's names and ages: one 14-year-old given for adoption, one miscarriage in november.

Previous birth experiences: hospital with a fair degree of intervention, but a good experience

Most excited about this pg because: mostly for the obvious reasons, i think: there could be a person! made of us! here!

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: i think the thing i'm having the hardest time with is the balance between welcoming the new creature and resisting fear of miscarriage.

Pg symptoms: shirts fit better, pants fit worse, just started feeling sick more of the time (although no puking), lots of getting up in the night to pee, tired, and that sense that something is in there.

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: my first glimpse of ap parenting, on the old hipmama boards, years ago! probably the reason i am here. so glad you guys exist. really.

Recommended reading about pg: spiritual midwifery, ina may gaskin; the natural pregnancy book, aviva jill romm; a child is born, lennart nilssen

[Attached_Mom_to_7]

Rachel
EDD:11/12/04
spouse:Rob
Kyle 14
Alyssa, 12
Michael, 11
{Miscarriage}
Lauren, 7
Tiffany,6
Christopher, 4
Melanie, 2
Most excited about this pg because I really wanted one more to share our love with!
Not really having a hard time.
Pg symtoms: mostly tiredness, dizzy
Best parenting advice so far,listen to my instincts and of course all the AP boards I've been a readin'!
Haven't read any parenting books lately

[Annabel]

Name: Annabel
EDD:November 26 2004
Spouse/Partner: Yes, lazy man is still in bed
Other Children's names and ages: Dante 28 months
Previous birth experiences: Very sudden and painful labour that was all over in 4 hours, drug free. Generally a good experience.
Most excited about this pg because: In november I will have a cuddly little baby!
Having a hard time with tiredness, nausea, worry in this pg:
Pg symptoms: Exhaustion, nausea, achy tummy, hungry, grumpy.
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: from my mum when Dante was a newborn and wanted to be fed all the time and the 'experts' were telling me I had to leave at least 3 hours in between feeds- "you have nothing else you need to be doing, you might as well just feed him when he wants it. He'll be grown up soon enough"
Recommended reading about pg: I liked "Up the Duff" by Kaz Cooke. Not very AP but a funny book anyway. I haven't read many pregnancy books, mostly I get my info from the internet.

[Seeking Refuge]

Name: Stephany
EDD: 11-07-04
Spouse/Partner: Steve
Other Children's names and ages:

Riley - Girl - 11
Darian - Girl- 8
Trapolin - Boy - 31 months


Previous birth experiences: 3 "natural" births in hospital by natural I mean no drugs which is about as natural as it gets strapped on to one of those contraction monitoring belts and
legs up in stirrups

Most excited about this pg because: We have been trying for a really long time, 15 months.
Having a hard time with being afraid of miscarriage and keeping up with the rest of the kids in this pg.
Pg symptoms: throwing up, nauseu, achy insides, fatigue,
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: not to listen to parenting advice!
Recommended reading about pg: Special Deliveries Rahima Baldwin
eta that I completely second G-love's reccomendation about the New Well Pregnancy book. There is a lot of great information. This and the Baldwin book are the only ones I kept.
I love that they recomend cloth diapers in the newborn section and demonstrate how to use fold them.

[indiegirl]

Name:
Jesse/indiegirl

EDD:
November 3

Spouse/Partner:
dh, Mikel

Other Children's names and ages:
Violet is 3 and Zoe is almost 14 mo

Previous birth experiences:
Very long and poorly-managed homebirth with Violet, very quick and well-managed homebirth with Zoe.

Most excited about this pg because:
I feel so dang confident about my ability to be a good mom and have a good labor

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg:
The idea of three kids is overwhelming

Pg symptoms:
Exhaustion and constipation

Best parenting advice you've heard so far:
Follow your heart

Recommended reading about pg:
I have a great journal this time around--The Pregnancy Journal by A. Christine Harris. It's a great day-to-day development guide and also has nutrition and cultural comparisions.

[proudmamanow]

Name: Jesse aka wan2bemama
EDD: Nov. 16
Spouse/Partner: Beth, my dear wife
Other Children's names and ages: none
Previous birth experiences: none
Most excited about this pg because: we've been planning this for 2.5 years, had to go through lots of work to get here with sperm donors & fertility treatments, had a m/c early in last pg--can`t wait to have a baby!!
Having a hard time with worrying about m/c in this pg:
Pg symptoms: nausea, exhaustion, lower back pain, emotional swings
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: follow your heart
Recommended reading about pg: sheila kitzinger's stuff...

[LittleOne03]

Ok, I guess it's time to introduce myself. This pregnancy still isn't quite real to me, but it's definitely sinking in....


Name: Karlene
EDD: 11/11/04 (but subject to revision after an ultrasound next Wednesday
Spouse/Partner: Jason, married 9/17/00
Other Children's names and ages: Kaden, age 6 1/2 months (born 9/12/03)
Previous birth experiences: Had a hospital induced vaginal birth, but no pain meds!
Most excited about this pg because: Hmmm.... Well.... Ummm... I'm excited that my son will have a close sibling to play with...?? Still working on getting excited.
Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: Being scared about losing my milk, since my son shows no interest in solids.
Pg symptoms: Heartburn!!!, nausea, fatigue, belly outgrowing my pants, no period (hehe)
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: No one knows your baby as well as you do, so listen to those mama instincts!!
Recommended reading about pg: Hmmmm, last time I really liked my free book from State Farm because it has pics of how big baby is at different stages, and I liked being able to see that.

[melmosmom]

kklk

[scheelimama]

Name: Alisha, scheelimama

EDD: Nov. 10

Spouse/Partner: Nathan, married almost 3 years

Other Children's names and ages: Scheeli, 11 months

Previous birth experiences: Birth Center, Optional induction at 41 weeks, labor took a really long time to get going but once it did, it was crazy and fast, but overall, a really good experience.

Most excited about this pg because: I'm not sure yet. B/c DH is excited I guess.

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: Morning sickness has been worse, but mainly I'm just having a hard time adjusting to the idea of having another one and being in grad school.

Pg symptoms: Morning sickness, stomach & digestion issues, lots of fatigue, can't find anything good to eat.

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: Like many others have said, trust yourself and your instincts.

Recommended reading about pg: Can't think of any right now.

[heatherevond]

Name: Heather
EDD: 11/20/04
Spouse/Partner: Paul (03/18/98)
Other Children's names and ages: Thomas (3rd birthday is 3 days after my due date)
Previous birth experiences: C/S due to PIH, Low Amniotic Fluid, Breech presentation
Most excited about this pg because: I am going to try for a VBAC and I heard the heartbeat yesterday afternoon.
Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: my fear of not seeing the heartbeat and my chances of VBAC
Pg symptoms: sore breasts, nausea, gas, indegestion, exhaustion
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: Trust yourself.
Recommended reading about pg: I decided to throw all the parenting books to the side when Thomas was a month old. It was the best thing I ever did.

[BabyOsMommy]

Name: Annette (Babyosmommy)

EDD: 11/12/04

Spouse/Partner: Dh, John

Other Children's names and ages: Owen, 16months, I'm due 6days before his birthday.

Previous birth experiences: Long, intervention filled hospital birth that included a vacuum, which I regret, because his poor little head was so bruised for days. My OB/Gyn was not what I'd hoped for, and I'm going with a midwife this time.

Most excited about this pg because: I can't wait to meet this baby. But to take it one step at a time, I can't wait to feel movement in there.

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: The m/s and exhaustion are worse than they were with ds, but I can handle it because I feel pregnant then. The worries about something happening are always there.

Pg symptoms: Exhaustion, m/s, dizziness, hunger, cravings for junkfood (with ds I only wanted fruit, with this baby I only want honey crullers and caramilk bars. Not that that's all I'm eating, but in a perfect world).

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: To relax and trust yourself.

Recommended reading about pg: I've only read some of the mainstream books, so I don't have anything I'd recommend right now.

[TheGardenMama]

Name: Patsy

EDD: 11/10/2004

Spouse/Partner: Conan (dh)

Other Children's names and ages: Ashton 17, Shan 16, Emily 13, Shayne 13, Cathlin 4, and Jason 2.

Previous birth experiences: All vag, all pretty fast

Most excited about this pg because: Still in shock lol!

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: Morning sickness, as usual - but it FINALLY seems to be easing up a bit.

Pg symptoms: Nausea

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: rest when the baby rests

Recommended reading about pg: Nothing stand out right now, I think over the years I've read everything!

[ladyt]

Name: Lady T
EDD- November 24, 2004
Spouse/Partner- Drew (such as great guy)
Children- N/A
Previous Birth Experince- N/A
Most excited about- This is my first baby and i never really thought that I would get pregnant.
Having a hard time with- the fact that my belly will get really big
pg symptoms- some nausea, very gassy and indigestion
Haven't received any pregnancy advice
Definitely picked 'Your Pregnancy Week by Week'


_________________
Lady T- engaged to Drew:123 EDD 11/24/04

[Megamama]

Name: Meg

EDD: 11/27/04

Spouse/Partner: Tom

Other Children's names and ages: Alexis, 17; Jacob, 14; and Elijah, 16 months (his due date was 11/30..so they could be quite close!)
Previous birth experiences: All three were vaginal, but my last was my most meaningful..in sutter maternity hosp in Santa Cruz, CA, with midwife, and Tom delivering Elijah after 22 long hours...

Most excited about this pg because: A new little sweet one in our lives to love and grow with.

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: realizing I'm actually going to have a baby in 8 months..

Pg symptoms: Exhausted, starving and peeing all the time.

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: Trust yourself

Recommended reading about pg: Birthing from Within (this book will totally empower you!!) Concious parenting by Lee Lozowick, Dr Sears the Baby Book..The Continuum Concept.

I read a lot :)

[G-love]

Name: Genevieve

[G-love]

Name: Genevieve
EDD: 11/26/04 (but I'm telling myself early December!)
Spouse: Phil
Child: Frano, age 3.
Most excited about: Nursing again!!!!
Having hard time with: weight gain so soon!
Symptoms: hunger, dizziness, irritable (or that could just be me!)

Previous birth experience: 23 hour labor, with 3 hours pushing. Unmedicated, but NOT relaxed, at a hospital with a midwife. Hoping to be much calmer and at peace this time (essential oils, hypnobirthing).

Rec. reading: The New Well Pregnancy Book by Mike and Nancy Samuels (has the BEST discussion of what is really going on in your body during labor: you'll be amazed at how well designed the whole process is!); and just read Peggy O'Mara's book, great labor suggestions.

PS--Scheelimama, I'm in grad school too. Very stressful!

[canadiyank]

Name: Meghan

EDD: Thanksgiving Day!

Spouse/Partner: Jason

Other Children's names and ages: Kiri, age 2.5

Previous birth experiences: Induced at 41 wks. and one day - two courses of Cytotec, Pictocin, epidural, vacuum extraction, 4th degree episiotomy - and one resultant case of PPD. This birth will be very different.

Most excited about this pg because: I'm birthing with a midwife at a birth center to avoid above scenario at all costs.

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: I had S-I dysfunction (joint between pelvis and tailbone separated) during the last pregnancy and it was HORRIBLE - I still have chronic pain from it so I am nervous about getting more pregnant and going through that again...

Pg symptoms: A sign from God to dh, two lines on a stick, and no period. :lol

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: Do what is best for you and your child.

Recommended reading about pg: Your Preg Week by Week - I like it for the pics, not necessarily for the advice. Dr. Sears' Baby Book.

[pinky]

Okay, I've been posting on this board but here is my official introduction:

Name: Barbara
EDD: 11/9/04
Spouse/Partner: Steve
Other Children's names and ages: Maggie, turns 3 in May
Previous birth experiences: 65 hour labor at 41-1/2 weeks...finally had epidural/pit at 60 hours...got to 10 cm and then discovered that dd was positioned very badly (sideways and chin-up) and (as the truly wonderful OB who oversaw my labor said) "wasn't coming out that way." So I had a c-section. Dd went to NICU due to aspriating meconium. Rough in many ways but I got great care at the hospital.
Most excited about this pg because: Had a hard time conceiving dd and wasn't sure if or when I'd be able to get pg again.
Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: constant nausea and fatigue, especially with a toddler to care for
Pg symptoms: nausea, fatigue, weird food cravings, stuffy nose, constipation, hunger, frequent peeing
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: Every day make sure you give your child a reall belly laugh
Recommended reading about pg: Birthing from Within by Pam England

[happyblessedmama]

Name: Christine

EDD: 11/18/04

Spouse/Partner: husband Allen

Other Children's names and ages: Allen (3) & Aaron (1.5)

Previous birth experiences: hospital with OB, induced, NOT a good experience, save for the wonderful little guy I got out of it; #2 came naturally with a 2 hour labor in the hospital with a CNM.

Most excited about this pg because: we get to have another little one!

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: relaxing, and getting enough down time... I'm constantly on the go and usually tired!

Pg symptoms: morning sickness, tired

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: RELAX!!

Recommended reading about pg: just about everything you can find ;)

[yogagirl]

Name: Kathy

EDD: November 20, 2004

Spouse/Partner: Craigy Waigy

Other Children's names and ages: none

Previous birth experiences: none

Most excited about this pg because: my first!

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: getting my mind around becoming a parent. I'm grateful and excited but kind of mourning the first part of my life. I think I'm just still in shock.

Pg symptoms: fatigued! queezy, big boobs, kitty very clingy!

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: parenting is about building a relationship

Recommended reading about pg: I'm really enjoying Spritual Midwifery - Ina May

[jane-t-mommy]

Name: Janet

EDD: Thanksgiving

Spouse: Dana

Other Kiddos: Eve, Age 3

Previous Birth Experience: Planned birthcenter that turned into hospital birth. 38 hours. Went into labor on good friday and had dd on Easter Sunday afternoon. Overall good experience. Delivered with a midwife.

Most excited about this pg: Because I get to do it all over again, and give my dd a sibling and my dh another child!

Having a hard time with: Keeping up with dd when I want to nap all day! Working evenings until 10 when I want to puke and go to bed!

PG symptoms: Quesy, exhausted, fatigued, tired, sore nipples, food aversions, extreme smell aversions, peeing....

Best Parenting Advice: Listen to your instincts

Recommended Pg Reading:Sears, Ina May, Continuum Concept, Our Babys, Ourselves, Birthing without Violence

[BoobyJuice]

Name: Karen

EDD: 11/4 (not really sure ... "last period, ummmmm?")

Spouse/Partner: Aidan

Other Children's names and ages: 2 boys, 3 yrs and 17 months

Previous birth experiences: My first was at a birthcenter with a cnm, 3 hours of pushing, dislocated my tailbone - yikes! My second was fast and furious. Planned homebirth but the baby arrived about and hour before the midwife. Not sure what we're doing this time.

Most excited about this pg because: Still absorbing being pregnant. A baby is always exciting. We worked so hard for the first two and this one sort of snuck up on us.

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: figuring out how to deal with 3! I still have trouble dealing with my two very active :fairy (my son sitting on my lap wanted to see the beautiful princess) spirited children.

Pg symptoms: total exhaustion (1 yr old still up nights, 3 yr old doesn't nap), waves of nausea, dizzy to blacking out, hands falling asleep in the night, gassy

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: respect each child as an individual

Recommended reading about pg: haven't read any since my first, can't remember titles (did I mention prgnancy brain as a symptom?)

EDITED copied from someone else for headings and didn't change my name. Did I mention pregnancy brain?

[clynnr]

Name: Lynn

EDD: November 2nd

Spouse/Partner: Eric

Other Children's names and ages: none!

Previous birth experiences: none!

Most excited about this pg because: It's our first!

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: My lower back--achy, painful, makes sitting, standing, walking, etc... not fun.

Pg symptoms: sore and growing bbs, very little nausea, some aversion to the smell of foods (like cheerios in milk)

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: trust your instincts

Recommended reading about pg: *mis*conception

[maria423]

Name: Maria

EDD: 11/11/04

Spouse/Partner: dh, Jason

Other Children's names and ages: Ally, just over a year old

Previous birth experiences: Hospital with OB. Wanted to go epi-free, but labor was so long and I caved. Using a midwife in a hospital this time.

Most excited about this pg because: Conception and babies are truly a miracle.

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: I'm worried about being able to love another baby as much as I love my daughter.

Pg symptoms: EXTREME fatigue. Nausea, but no vomiting.

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: A mother knows her child better than anyone, including doctors.

Recommended reading about pg: Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by McCutcheon

[Summertime Mommy]

Name: Jenna
EDD: 11/3/2004
Spouse/Partner: Jeremy
Other Children's names and ages: Koeby (3), Caylynn (5), Gwen (9 months)
Previous birth experiences: oldest is stepdaughter; Koeby- hospital birth, back labor, epi, overall good experience; Gwen- scheduled induction at 39 weeks due to high blood pressure, epi that didn't work, very painful. I really admire you ladies that can go unmedicated.
Most excited about this pg because: This is the #4 baby that I wanted, even though we thought we were done having babies.
Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: fear, we had a hb scare in early pregnancy, because we thought we were varther along than we were, and also because Gwen had a stroke in utero, and I am terrified it will happen again.
Pg symptoms: not many a little nausea in the mornings but thats it, oh yeah and terrible acne
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: haven't heard much good, I have heard alot of bad advice though
Recommended reading about pg: I liked The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy, because it made me laugh, some of the info is crappy, but it is still a good read.

[stanya]

Name: Stanya
EDD: November 24th 2004
Spouse/Partner: Harriet ("Harry")
Other Children's names and ages: none of my own, but have been helping raise my goddaughter Lucy Blue since birth. She's five next week.
Previous birth experiences: Was birthing coach to Lucy's mom, caught Lucy when she came out!
Most excited about this pg because: It's my first one! I've wanted and waited for a long long time!
Having a hard time with, in this pg: exhaustion and quesiness and feeling alone
Pg symptoms:sore boobs, peeing all the time, napping midday, physically worn out easily, nausea, mood swings, overly sensitive sense of smell, extra discharge, can't fit in my pants, spotting which is always worrisome....
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: hmmm.... love love love and more love. (sorry to be simplistic for now, my brain is mush... another preg. symptom.)
Recommended reading about pg: The Well Pregnancy Book (and for conceiving: Toni Weschler's Taking Charge of Your Fertility)

[kiwimutti]

Name: iaso

EDD: Nov 24

love/hubbi: Keith

Children: Rose 3

Previous birth experiences: i was a home birth, watched my little brother be born at home and caught my sister~
Rose's birth: Home Birth w/ 2 midwives. 5 hrs labour.10lbs. ow!

Most excited about this pg because: i love being pg, love having wee bub~Rose bieng a sister and keith sharing this.

Having hard time with: havent told the inlaws yet its going to be all negative...also family and friends are all on the other side of the globe. very very medicalized mind set in our area!

pg symptoms: just a bit blahh about food, tired in afternoons, have a wee deer gut! and...well i got a poppy from a veteran this morning at the stop lights and...got tears in my eyes when he told me "just give from the heart thats all that matters" so...

best advice:take care of your self.
Books:"spiritual midwifery" ina may gaskin. and another one that i cant remember the name, maybe "birth without voilence"...it has such a sweet dr and beautiful budda babies .

[JoyofBirth]

Name: Jessica

EDD: November 2004

Spouse/Partner: Matt, the best husband in the world
Other Children's names and ages: For us,this is "Number 1",
Kayleigh Grace born 5/28/96 into the hands of God

Previous birth experiences: My first baby was stillborn in the hospital, Every negative thing, except a C-section happened. Very sad experience.

Most excited about this pg because: I've wanted to be a momma since I was 2, and I can't believe that a little piece of me and a little piece of the wonderful man I married will make a whole other perfect little person

Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: Morning sickness. Wasn't this sick before and hating it. Feel guilty for hating it and not really enjoying this pregnancy. But that is on its way out, thankfully.

Pg symptoms: Morning sickness, already increased one bra size around and cup size, bellly flab has shifted up, very tired (an insomniac finally sleeps, Yay!), forgetful (is that because of the baby?), more frequent bathroom visits, a strange kitchen allergy (can't go in there without throwing-up)

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: Try guilt-free parenting- it's where you do what you think is best and don't let anyone feel guilty about it. I think that may be easier said than done, but we'll see.

Recommended reading about pg:My faves include, Chicken soup for the expectant mother, Henci Goer's Thinking Woman's Guide to A better birth, Anything by Sheila Kitzinger, Birthing from Within

[Friendlymama]

Name: Amy
EDD: Thanksgiving day! (Nov. 25)
Spouse/Partner: Tim
Other Children's names and ages: Myleigh Shea, 21 mos.
Previous birth experiences: Positive hospital birth w/doula and no interventions, except epi during transition.
Most excited about this pg because: Can't wait to give birth again and nurse a newborn!
Having a hard time with ______ in this pg: Choosing between homebirth and hospital birth.
Pg symptoms: Lots of nausea
Best parenting advice you've heard so far: Follow your mama-heart.
Recommended reading about pg: Birthing from Within

[MonkeyPrincess]

Name: Jill

EDD: 1st week in Nov.

Spouse/Partner: Mike

Other Children's names and ages: Nicholas (6),Victoria (5)
and Christopher (2)

Previous birth experiences: 3 OB attended hospital births with too many interventions and not enough pictures of the labor, birth and newborn

Most excited about this pg because: I am planning a medicine free birth with a midwife at a birthcenter within a hospital, and I am taking the steps necessary to help this happen. Not just hoping things go the way I want them to.

Having a hard time with _____ in this pg: So far, this pregnancy has been super easy compared to my last one, so I don't have anything to complain about!

Pg symptoms: An adversion to food in general :( and lots of trips to the bathroom!

Best parenting advice you've heard so far: "Parent from your heart." :love

Recommended reading about pg: Gentle Birth Choices, I just finished it not too long ago and I loved it!