New to mothering, any vermont mommies?? [Archive]

maxmom

08-21-2002, 03:46 PM

Lauren,
Thanks for the welcome! I don't plan to attend births as a midwife for now, I'm very content to be at home with my boy and experience life as a mother. Midwifery is a big commitment, as is parenting, and Max is my priority these days. Maybe in a year or so I'll reassess. In the meantime I'm keeping my license up by attending conferences and such. However, I'd love to know of other midwives in the area--I know of a few at the birth center here but I don't know of any home birth style like myself. I'm also interested in play groups, farmers markets or regular happenings in the area. Can you recommend a good restaurant in the area--having come from Santa Fe I miss (among other things) going out to eat! Thanks again, Ame

grisletine

08-21-2002, 04:12 PM

maxmom - hi there! welcome to vermont! i live about an hour or so north of you, i went to the birth center in randolph for my bradley classes though, its the only place in the state that offers them. not much for restaurants around there! i havent spent much time in montpelier, but burlington has some great restaurants. i dont know of any playgroups yet for out-of-the-mainstream mothers, but if youd like to get together sometime, let me know. my daughter is 11 months. shes just starting to walk!

lauren

08-23-2002, 10:01 PM

The two lay midwives I'm most familiar with are Carol Gibson-Warnock in Lincoln, and Melissa Deas in Bristol. There is a group called Long River Midwives in the White River Jct. area. I think Laurie Foster in the head of that group. In Rutland we have Roberta ......darn I can't think of her last name right now.

I don't think there is a great restaurant in Randolph--could be wrong. There is a great food co-op! There is a great Ob-gyn named Ann Stohrer (Women's Health Center of Randolph, across from the Hosp.) Ann and her husb. (also an ob-gyn) do lots of back up for home births in the area. Ann had home births of her own (as a practicing ob-gyn). I can ask a co worker who lives in Randolph if there are any good playgroups.

Good restaurants are in Burlington. Rutland has a new one called Candelaro's but I haven't been there yet. There are a few others in Rutland, but in my life stage (young children) we don't get out to them much!

Kundalini-Mama

08-24-2002, 07:21 AM

hehe, my husband is the bar manager at Candeleros and that is why we moved up here :)

there are also the Beechwood midwives, located in Rutland (i
http://www.beechwoodmidwifery.com/bios.htm don't know how far they go). one of the midwives in training is a friend of mine and she served as my doula!! when #2 comes around she'll be a full midwife and able to deliver me :) :) :D

amy :)

grisletine

08-24-2002, 08:36 AM

ot- carol gibson warnock was my midwife and i had an unneccassary cesarean.

lauren

08-24-2002, 09:28 PM

Amy, I'm sure you and I know some of the same people! I am aquainted with Roberta Devers-Scott (that is the name I couldn't remember and tonight it just slipped right out) of Beechwood Midwifery, and her assistant who is off to New Mexico soon to finish up her training (right?). So how is Candelero's???

grisletine, I'm sorry to hear things didn't turn out so well for you with carol g-w. We had both her and melissa (when they were together) for both of our homebirths, and had wonderful experiences (I feel lucky). Roberta at Beechwood was not in town yet at that time, and Carol and Melissa were willing to travel all the way down from Bristol (about an hour) for our births. Did you end up giving birth at Gifford? (From what I've heard, this is a great, second best to home place to give birth).

maxmom

08-25-2002, 01:05 PM

Grisletine,
If you live in Starksboro, I think you're in my area, though not certain. It would be great to get together. I'm a SAHM and have a flex schedule. Perhaps we can start a playgroup ourselves?

Lauren & Amy,
Thanks for all the info on the area midwives! I looked up Beechwood's website--very savvy. Looks like she's got a nice practice going. In fact she also trained at the birth center I did in El Paso TX.

grisletine

08-25-2002, 08:34 PM

max mom - randolph is about an hour from starksoboro. i know a couple of other mothers in the area, we proably should start a playgroup!
lauren - everyone else ive ever spoken to that had a birth with carol had a beautiful experience. shes not with melissa anymore she has a young girl just starting out, very inexp. named kim.. i am closer to burl so it was at fletcher allen. i went to bradley birth classes at gifford however, i thought it was very friendly.

Angiemama

08-26-2002, 12:50 PM

Laurie Foster is the midwife with longriver midwives, shes was mine and quite fantastic! She actaully practices alone (has another midwife attending births with her, Ruth Roper Richardson... of Motherly care midwifry.

i am actaully in NH, for now... hopefully will be in vt soon soon soon. I am a doula and am currently looking for births to finsih my certification, so if anyone is interested!!! lol.. It's a bit of a trak for me, but I would love to attened a group if anyone starts one.. I don't came her often, so If you could let me know via email.. angie@piratemusic.tv....
thanks!!!!!!

maxmom

08-28-2002, 04:40 PM

For those of you who don't already know: La Leche League is having the annual baby sale on Saturday, Sept 7th from 9-1 at Bethany Church in Montpelier. Max and I will be there, perhaps some of us could meet for a picnic or something?

Wendy1014

09-01-2002, 06:42 PM

:love Bummer, We already have something going on that day!! thanks for letting me know about it, though..
sounds like fun and Montpelier is only about an hours drive away, nice this time of year
with the changing leaves...

Angiemama

09-02-2002, 10:29 PM

Originally posted by maxmom
For those of you who don't already know: La Leche League is having the annual baby sale on Saturday, Sept 7th from 9-1 at Bethany Church in Montpelier. Max and I will be there, perhaps some of us could meet for a picnic or something?

Hey, I think we might make it up there.. email me yours and I'll let you know :)

Veloute

09-05-2002, 01:17 PM

Hi! I'm a VT mom, never posted here before :) I live in Northfield, about 20 minutes south of Montpelier. I won't be at the LLL sale Sat., but I'm volunteering to sort clothes Friday.

We breastfeed and are attachment parents. Our baby's name is Fiona and she is 7 months old. We also cloth diaper.

Would love to meet more VT moms!! :D

grisletine

09-06-2002, 08:46 AM

hello veloute! you were one of the other mothers i was thinking of, you and tasha! well, is anyone here really interested in starting a playgroup? im willing to offer my house as a place to gather {selfishly cuz i have no car} or we could do it on a weekened in a public park or something - although its already startin to get cold.
and how is fiona doing? has she started sitting up and wanting to crawl yet?
im looking forward to {hopefully} meeting some of you!

Veloute

09-06-2002, 04:04 PM

Hey Sadie!

I would love to be involved in a play group! I am concerned 'cause I think I'm a little far away...a bit over an hour from where you are, I believe. Actually, I'm not sure where Starksboro is...I only know I'm about an hour from Burlington. But I think it might be worth the drive :) I can see what Fiona thinks. And I would love you meet you and other VT mamas :)

I can be flexible about meeting times and places...I am SAH and have transport.

Fiona is well, sitting beautifully, not intresting in crawling or standing at all. Not terribly interested in solids. Very interested in noises and story time and picking very teeny tiny things up in addition to everything else.

Hope you guys are well! Is your babe walking yet? Last I heard was standing, but not really walking?

Maxmom--omg, i just realized who you are :D I saw you at the lll volunteer thing today. I'm Rachael...carrying Fiona in the lopsided baby bundler LOL. :D Good to see you :)

grisletine

09-06-2002, 08:16 PM

shes working on running now :love

maxmom

09-07-2002, 11:35 AM

hi folks
sorry i missed the saturday LLL baby sale, i was inspired to volunteer on fri. and couldn't manage a second day of it. Veloute--hi! It's nice to know that in some ways this area has a "small town" way about it. Hey Grisletine and the rest of y'all: lets start a playgroup. How do we make it all happen via the internet w/o disturbing privacy issues or do we just forget that altogether and post phone or email address'? If anyone's done this before, please advise! Ame

Kundalini-Mama

09-07-2002, 05:26 PM

i'd love to have a play date thing!!

i think meeting in Starksboro, would work out (for me anyway :p )

i don't drive, but hubby does, he could drop me off & spend the afternoon in middlebury or burlington.

i might miss the first round of playdates as the car is temporarily out of commission. :(

my personal e-mail is kiwicaleb4@yahoo.com

amy :D

Veloute

09-07-2002, 07:12 PM

Well, here's my email....I guess we can email each other our real addies and phone numbers? I'm in for the playgroup :)
My addie is rachaelemily2000 at yahoo dot com.

grisletine

09-08-2002, 08:47 PM

i went ahead and set up a yahoo group for us to set up this playgroup! to subsribe, email a blank mail to vermontmotheringplaygroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com i think it will send you a confirmation letter. rachel, amy i invited you guys fromthe start. my email is grisletine@msn.com if anyone has a hard time w/ joining the group.

Kundalini-Mama

09-08-2002, 10:18 PM

sadie,

question about the group...is it private (not sure if that's the word), i mean, can i post my phone # and only those invited will get it, or can lurkers get it.

i'm quite popular, so i need to keep it hidden :p

amy

grisletine

09-09-2002, 11:08 AM

ok the posts are only viewable by members and its an unlisted community. i had it as an open membership, is that what you meant? i changed it so i have to review and approve of members first, is that better? so no one random can just join and view your phone #. so, its an additional hurdle for joining, but im not about to leave anyone out. :)

Kundalini-Mama

09-09-2002, 12:26 PM

great!!

it just weirds me out if someone random can join, i.e. not a mom, and read our personal info.

thanks,
amy :)

lauren

09-14-2002, 10:15 PM

AmyD, my husband was just at Candelero's last night (he does lights for the band that played--the band was called Dr. Jones) and said it was a great place!! Now I have to go check it out! HOpe it's working out for your spouse!

Kundalini-Mama

09-15-2002, 06:24 AM

toh

how neat!!

hubby is currently sleeping off last night, so i'll have to ask about your hubby when he wakes up.

come to candeleros (they have a kiddie menu too), we could do lunch or something (hate that term :p )

amy

Angiemama

09-20-2002, 02:35 PM

SO, for some reason I was not able to join the yahhoo group, so can some one send me an invitation again please??

i am very excited b/c we are moving BACK to vermont (oct 1) .. To Bethel.. and i can't wait.. I would love to be part of a play group adn plan on holding one at my house as well b/c I already know a good handful of vt apers there! so you are all welcoem to my home as well... :love

Veloute

09-20-2002, 02:40 PM

hi Angie!

Maybe we should have 2 playgroups? It sounds like we should have one in the Starksboro area and one in the Randolph area? I'll post this in yahoo groups, too :) I am closer to Randolph, personally. I can also offer up my house for a playgroup (once I get some gates, at the very least! :) )

vtgirl

10-02-2002, 07:50 AM

hi moms, i live in granville (rt100 south of waitsfield, north of rutland) and i am at home (mostly) with my 2yo dd. i would love to meet some of you and get out of my house once in a while, so if there is a playgroup in randolph or bethel or rutland area i would love to be included. i know more cool moms,too who would be interested in leaving our valley once in a while. could you post details or where i can go to get details? thanks, trina

MarigoldB

10-24-2002, 08:42 PM

My name is Roxanne and, at 38, I have my first child--6-month-old Jonathan Aaron. We live about 20 minutes north of Burlington in Milton (any other moms up this way?).

I grew up in Florida and moved to Vermont 5 1/2 years ago. It is HOME!!

I'm really enjoying this discussion board and have already received a lot of great info. I actually posted on another board looking for other cloth diapering Vermont moms. I'm glad I looked through and found this thread!

Roxanne

Angiemama

10-27-2002, 10:25 AM

vt girl.. I will pm you my number and email, lets get together... I am jsut settling in to our new home and wil start moms group soon soon soon!

Angiemama

11-04-2002, 07:28 AM

Trina, well, I can't pm or email you, but I thought I'd let you now that I will be having a moms group at my hosue this Friday (the 8th) pm me your email and I'll email you more info and directions

starwater

11-19-2002, 07:53 AM

There are so many more mamas this time on this thread. I'm in Chester, vt.--close to londonderry, not too far from rutland. Saw a post a while back abouit Ruth Roper, Oh, we loved her. she was with us for our first birth, and hopefully for our second.
so is there a get-together planned for vt mamas and kids anytime soon?
sure would be fun.-K.

Angiemama

11-22-2002, 11:52 AM

Ruth attened my birth as well, My midwife was Laurie Foster (who is also wonderful) and they assist at eachothers births. THey are a good balance. Ruth is so motherly and lvoing, shes so great!
Starwater, I would love to have a get togeher at my house sometime. I attend a moms group, but it's not al cybermoms, so it would be cool to do one with moms form here. That yahoo palce doens't work for me, so if anyone would be interested, eamil me at
angie @ piratemusic .t v (w/ou teh spaces of course)

windsong

11-24-2002, 11:51 PM

Anyone out there from the St. J/Lyndon area?

I'm a homeschooler with 3 (ages 8, 6, 3), we moved here a year ago and are building a house. I've made a few friends through a homeschool group, but I'd like to meet some other like-minded moms. Hope to hear from someone!

Stacey:hippie

starwater

11-25-2002, 08:10 AM

angiemama,i'd love to get together. My daughter is 5.We homeschooling as well. St.Johnsbury is about an hour and a half from where i am.Perhaps if we all set up some central location. Say, the Montshire??

kel

11-26-2002, 08:04 AM

starwater and windsong -

Hi - we are currently thinking of moving to Vermont this next summer; we homeschool, too. What is the homeschooling environment like there? How long have you lived in Vermont? Do you like it there? We're thinking of Burlington or Middlebury-ish areas (but out in the country). I have a 7, 3 and 2 yr. old and we unschool. Any info, thoughts, suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks - Kelly

starwater

11-29-2002, 01:53 PM

hi Kel.
We are not close to middlebury or burlington, butdo have a homeschool group growing. Many of the science-nature centers offer homeschool trips and "homeschool days". I've fould vt to be very accepting of homeschool ways.Its great if you into outdoor things like hiking,swimming, snow.Lots of stuff to do in that regard.Were still finding our way with homeschooling, but so fat it works for us here.
good luck! Vermont is beautiful.

Bladestar5

03-13-2003, 06:06 PM

I am sorry to bring up old posts, but I saw a lot of people recommend Roberta of Beechwood Midwifery. She was my midwife. She left me alone in labor and my husband delivered the baby. Needless to say, I DON'T recommend her.

Bladestar5

03-13-2003, 06:08 PM

It mentions her on pages 1 and 2

NotQuiteJuneCleaver

03-23-2003, 06:57 AM

I am surfing the boards this morning, like I have NOTHING else to do:rolleyes: and decided to check out this one - since I have been in love with Vermont since I was 17 - and that is a VERY long time ago!!! I am now almost 44 and my hope of ever making Vermont my home is running out. The occasional vacation will have to do I am afraid. DH is just NOT into moving or the cold for that matter. He has worked for the same energy company for 24 years and isn't interested in starting over at his ripe old age.:wink .

Really all I wanted to say was count your blessing mamas. You have no idea what it was like when I as APing before it even had a name. Breastfeeding information was non existant and still is for that matter. When people tell you the South is not child friendly you tell them someone you met on this board confirmed it! Sadly we live in the most UNfriendly state in the union. But alas it is home. Breastfeeding education - no WAY! Home Birth - almost unheard of - NO midwives within 3 hours of here ~ AP what's that???? - Child led learning/rearing - nope, never heard of it.

We live in a very rural area of NWLouisiana on 5 acres with lots and LOTS of privacy. We homeschool, garden, are very active in the Green Market that is held 30 miles away, I make soap for a living and try to educate people around here about "All Things Natural"...no easy task.

I would love to talk to any of you - here's me in a nutshell:

Susan, 43
married 25 years to Jerry
Children: Zach, Gesikah (married to Jason), Nathan, Hannah, Rachel and Benjamin - and one crazy cat Seamus
AP'd since 1978- I am not vaccinated and neither are my children, the longest I breastfed a child was 4 years and 3 months - yep THAT long. Actually #4 and #6 both breastfed past 4 years. Cloth diapered...am as crunchy as I can be. We garden, love our country life at the end of the dirt road. Just wish we had a couple of seasons...instead of a couple of cold snaps and Summer.

moonlightinvt

04-10-2003, 02:02 PM

Wow, Bladestar--what happened, if you don't mind me asking?

I just got a chance to look at this post for the first time and see a few names I recognize. I am in the Rutland area and birthed my daughter at home with Roberta. I was thankful to find her (was with an OB until 5 mos pregnant, and miserable). I was not aware homebirth was an option until I talked with Roberta. She was wonderful. It does not, however, excuse the fact that you had to birth alone. Was it for your first or second child? What a day for your husband, huh:confused:

Rebecca

04-14-2003, 10:08 AM

We usually keep our boat in Mallets Bay, in Burlington if anyone is in this area. I'm really not interested in the sailboat but LOVE to spend time around Church St. I think we'll have the boat up there again this summer, but not sure completely. We live in Dover, NH near the seacoast.

cindyloo

07-09-2004, 05:04 AM

hi!

i'm in arlington. vt!

i have an almost-3-year old and a newborn! i'm also new to this board! welcome!

lauren

07-09-2004, 05:28 AM

WElcome Cindyloo!

Lauren near rutland

kriste1

07-13-2004, 06:45 AM

Im a new mom to a nine month old relocating to Brattleboro from Wilmington by the end of summer (though Im there anyway every day!) I'd like to meet other moms in this general area. Plus I am trying to start both 1) a book club for moms, (*kids optional) at the library in town, and 2) a Baysitting Exchange too, where you babysit for one mom you know and she does the same for you so to save the expense of a sitter. Its an idea a friend gave me recently I thought it sounded a great idea!

:grouphug :wave

LorrieJ

07-28-2004, 11:31 PM

Hi all!

I was wondering if there were any recommendations for a good pediatrician in the Southern Vermont area. We are currently seeing someone and I am not too pleased with their practice. I am looking for someone open minded to AP, no vaccines, and someone who has the common courtesy to follow-up when called! I guess they are all too busy to remember each individual child they see. :eyesroll We do see a wonderful naturopath in Brattleboro but would like a pediatrician also open to that. Too much to ask?

Kundalini-Mama

07-29-2004, 08:51 AM

Let's see...why don't you just keep seeing Thom?? We have one due in December and I have to ask him if he could do our well child stuff for us. He is a nurse practitioner. (I'm assuming that is the homeopath you are seeing, if not, he's a gem :love , AND he takes insurance!!!)

I used to see some peds in Bennington, and, um..I never found anyone good. Stay away from Dr. Orton, she fired us when we wouldn't give our 2 month old the 12 or so vaccines she required (even after lying to us during the interview). I saw someone else, who was doable on the vaccines....can't remember, Dr. Johnson, I think, but the office is notoriously bad when it comes to any b/fing knowledge.

I hope that helps some,
Amy

LorrieJ

07-29-2004, 11:11 PM

Hi Amy,

Actually we see Mary Bove. Where is Thom...because Mary takes insurance but not Dr. Dynasaur. I think she only takes payment from one insurance co. It's funny you mentioned Dr. Orton, I was wondering about her...thanks for the info before I got into that mess! The practice I am not happy with is Brookside Peds. where you went. The Dr.'s are all nice enough, but it is like pulling teeth to get my daughters health problems resolved. She has been having great digestive difficulties from birth and you are right about the lack of breasfeeding info. I always pestered Margaret from the hospital for info. She was wonderful! Did you have to get an exemption for your child? And congratulations on your upcoming addition! I guess I always thought I would need a pediatrician for referrals and if there was an emergency, no? I feel so ignorant.

Kundalini-Mama

07-30-2004, 08:49 AM

I :love Margaret!! When we birthed at Bennington, I picked her brain for awhile too. When I knew her, she was seeing Dr. Johnson, but as you noticed, they are not the best at all, esp w/bfing knowledge.

Thom is Thom Namaya of Wellness Services, and his phone # is 802-254-4765. I'm bad w/directions, but it is in Brattleboro. He takes Dr. Dynasaur, Medicaid, VHAP, we all see him. My son was allergic to 35-40 foods (I'm not exaggerating) and w/one treatment, my anxiety had decreased by 80%, and my son is only allergic to dairy. :banana It cost by $25 for the remedy. (Since I've been pregnant the anxiety has come back a little bit, so we're going to go back for a tune-up).

We never got an exemption, our chiropractor has them in his office, but I've never seen the need. I DO need to put a little binder together w/an exemption and printouts of the research I have done, just to CYA.

W/Dr. Dynasaur, you can see anyone who is covered, so we have a Nurse Practitioner up here in Rutland we see who is doable, but not knowledgeable at all. She gives us no grief about vaccines, but always tries to retract our DS's foreskin!! So, she's not too bright, but in case we have a major medical emergency, we can see her.

You might want to try a family practitioner and get away from this ped stuff. In my head, I kept thinking I need a pediatrician, but I was so pleased when I went the NP route. So much less stress.

Cindy just signed in on this thread, :wave Cindy , and I know she lives closer to you than I do, so hopefully she will check in!! (Congratulations on your newborn Cindy :banana )

hth some,
Amy

Amydoula

07-30-2004, 08:10 PM

Hi
I am in Hoosick,NY and so could throw a stone into Bennington,Vt so thought I would give my opinions as well. I LOVE Dr. Orton but we are pro vax so that is not an issue for us. She was amazing with all of my breastfeeding problems and never even suggested supplementation, just had me work with an LC. My son was also never on the "growth chart"(he was very skinny) and b/c he was healthy and thriving Dr. Orton never even worried about it. I have heard NIGHTMARE stories about Brookside that would make your skin crawl so I would run as fast as you can from that practice. I love Margaret too and her kids, she SAVED my nursing relationship with my son. She just had another baby in May. Friends of mine who are do not vax go to see Dr. Nancy Scattergood she is a family MD and practices homeopathic medicine too. She is in Bennington and her number is 802-442-0158

HTH,
Amy

LorrieJ

07-31-2004, 10:09 AM

Hi AmyD and Amydoula, thank you so much for your help. I will check into both of these options. Dr. Scattergood would be more convenient, however, I will check with Thom too! You have both helped me tremendously. AmyD...please tell me some stories...I would love to be informed, especially since I have a wellness check on MONDAY!!! UhOH! I keep telling my husband I don't want to go, I think I might cancel on them. I just can't handle ONE MORE useless appointment!

I am so happy for Margaret. She was so kind to me. My experience with Pam was a nightmare and Margaret saved the day by coming into the hospital on her day off! What a sweetie. And how about that Kiki. She and Marybeth helped birth my daughter...and my husband OF COURSE.

Well I am so happy that I signed into this forum, you are all such a wealth of information and support. :love

Let's hear some of the dirt on Brookside now.

By the way, Amydoula...are you familiar with Dr. Bove?

Amydoula

07-31-2004, 10:46 AM

HI
I would be happy to tell you the stuff if you PM me your email address b/c I am a postpartum doula and hope to get referrals from their practice I don't feel comfortable posting stuff negative about them in a public forum, kwim?

I would cancel the apt. and call Dr. Scattergood's office ,another crunchy family physician that I forgot about is Dr. Avery Wood, not sure of the phone number but it would be in the phone book she is in the hospital medical building.

I had a negative experience with Pam too, she tried to convince me I needed breastshields, to pump on one side and feed my son on the other (b/c of sore breast due to improper latch) but then when Margret came on shift she just showed me that Aidan was not latching well, he kept sucking in his lower lip and how to get him on there correctly, she then came and helped me everytime I nursed him after and we were offf and running.

Amy

cindyloo

07-31-2004, 08:19 PM

HI!

Congratulations, Amy, on your pregnancy!

We go go Brookside and have Dr. Shultz who I really like. I'm not sure about his nurse, though. It seems like she gives "canned" answers to questions. It is a really big practice and I've been thinking off and on of changing practices because of that. I don't know.

Dr. Shultz is not quick to administer meds which is one reason I like him.

On the subject of the midwives there, Deb delivered my son and I had a good experience but when I got pg with Sophie, there were new midwives there and I just didn't have the confidence in them that I did with Betsy and Deb so I switched to Dr. Poulin who I really liked.

Kundalini-Mama

08-01-2004, 01:18 PM

Wow, I've been offline for 2 days, and it got busy over here.

I'm so glad you are happy w/Dr. Orton Amy, but, as I stated, she was a nightmare for us. She told us that we were not only endangering our son by not vaccinating, but that she couldn't have him in her practice as he would endanger all of her other patients. Hmmm. Why would vaccinated children be in danger if the vaccines are effective? I chose her b/c of her b/fing knowledge as well, but Margaret actually told me to be prepared b/c she is VERY pro-vax. She also told me that my son was in danger of contracting something from out dogs :scratch, despite the fact that we do not give out rabies vaccines for humans. She also told me that my son NEEDED a tetanus vaccine, in case, I cut his finger nails w/rusty nail scissors. So, I'm disgusted by her scare tactics, and downright lies about vaccines. Its one thing to be pro-vax, its another thing to lie about it.

I saw Dr. Schultz over @Brookside and he said some really :duh things about breastmilk, something about it, "not being the panacea it is made out to be" :rotflmao

We are having a homebirth w/this pregnancy and right now I'm seeing Helena Wu. But, hubby and I are thinking we are actually going to go unassisted. :banana I'm very excited. I had Janet over at GM women's health and she said some things to me in labor (forcing me on my back to push, when I said I didn't want to be on my back she said "too bad"), so I'm really looking forward to not having that during my labor.

Hope you are all enjoying the heat. It actually feels like summer :LOL

Amy

Amydoula

08-01-2004, 07:20 PM

Hi Amy,
Congrats on your pregnancy! I am sorry about your experiences with Dr. Orton. I am surprised that she lied about her beliefs on vax b/c she is VERY pro-vax which like I said is fine with me b/c we do vax our son. She is all that we want though b/c he is almost three and she has never tried to give him an antibiotic even for ear infections, she has offered suggestions for natural remedies for gas, and immunity, has always thoroughly screeened him developmentally as well as medically, answers all our questions, and take tons of time with us if we need her too. If I have had to call her about something urgent on the weekend she always calls the next day to check on Aidan, etc etc. There are two docs in town that are family docs which I PMed a couple of gals who wanted info that are very natural and ok with delayed/nonvaxing as far as I have heard. They are Dr. Avery Wood and Dr. Nancy Scattergood(this one even does homepathy). I have spoken with Helena Wu (she is really nice) and she is doing a herbal presentation for me for our next doula gathering.
I am NOT at all surprised about your experiences with Green Mtn womens or with Brookside what you experienced and more is all I have heard about them.
And if you have any interest in postpartum doula service here is the link to my website http://pages.ivillage.com/cl-momtoaidanppdoula/ Depending on when you are due I have some openings and would love to help.

amy

cindyloo

08-01-2004, 07:52 PM

I am so surprised at Dr. Shultz's comment on breastmilk, Amy. When Cullen was a few months old, he had a plugged tear duct during a weekend. Dr. Shultz was the doctor on call and suggested I put a few drops of my breast milk into his eye. He seemed a big fan of the healing properties in breastmilk.

There is something he did recently, though, that I really wasn't crazy about. When I took Sophie for her 2-month visit, Cullen had a cough. Dr. Shultz heard his cough and said that he was wheezing. (Never listened with a stethoscope.) I explained that the cough was much worse at night. He asked if we had a nebulizer which we did because Cullen had bronchiolitis when he was 16 months old. He gave us some medicine samples and said to give him treatments. I never did this because to me, the cough really didn't warrant this. I just thought it was weird that he recommended this treatment without really checking him over.

LorrieJ

08-01-2004, 11:38 PM

Hello Ladies! I am getting DSL on Tuesday.....YAYAH! Maybe then I won't be on the computer til 3-4am. I just cancelled my appt with Schultz and will be seeing if Scattergood will speak with us re our concerns and see if we are compatible.

Cindyloo, I also liked Deb but my daughter delivered on Maribeth's day. She was great except the nurses didn't have the tub ready when I got there and that still has me a bit peaved. I think I will also switch to Dr. Poulin as Maribeth is no longer at GMWH. DD also had some kind of stye and I remembered a guy a worked with mentioning putting breastmilk in his daughter's eye so I tried it and WOW did it clear up in no time. I thought for sure I would have to soak it with compresses. I completely agree about the not checking things thoroughly at Brookside. DD has had a red ring around her anus since she was born and gets fissures and is having an awful time with her bm's and other issues too, but the whole bm and redness thing was never looked at. How hard would it be for them to look at her bum? Not one of the at least 4 appts. Dr. Miller said to put Maalox on her butt, Dr. Schultz said give her applejuice and prunes. DD doesn't like too many fruits yet...what am I gonna do tie her down and force juice on her? She like water and mama's milk and that is GReAT with me! My husband has been to every appt with me and he agrees that we never get any resolution when we go. So that is it. Times up. We are moving on. Do I sound bitter :irked: . Oh and have you EVER received the information re side effects from the vaccines when you go to their office. I read that it is the law for them to provide it. I so regret giving them to her all at once the way they are scheduled.

AmyD, I also remember Margaret telling us in our class which docs were ok with slow vax and her telling us that Dr. Orton was a tough one on that subject. She sounds a little odd! When dd was born she was jaundice and Schultz wanted me to give her formula instead of trying to bf and he had me in a panic. Once again Margaret to the rescue! She is so calm and level headed. We were going to homebirth with Roberta but I got awful sick in the beginning and needed a docs care and some Rx. The natural remedies weren't working for me so my dh felt more comfortable being in a hospital setting. But from what I have read about Roberta I am glad. Helena was out west at the time or we would have love her. My husband teaches her tai chi and knows her very well. She is a lovely person. Are you sure you don't want someone with experience present even if dh does the help birthing? Peace of mind...kwim? Janet was real nice but they wanted to induce me because I was overdue. They gave me 14 days so I took black cohosh and she came 12 past due date. Thank goodness. I kept telling Janet that she was not going to be putting any Pig Sperm in my vagina! She didn't even know it was Pig Sperm. EEEEWW! That is rotten that she made you lay on your back. Maribeth let me try every position in the book. Towards the end she made suggestions though. I never thought I would want to be on my back but towards the end I was pretty tired and everyone helped pull my legs back. I think they were a little over cautious about the meconium though causing her to cut the cord too soon. Can you tell me a little more about your son's allergies and your anxiety. I would like to hear if it is similar to my dd's.

Hi Amydoula!

Amydoula

08-02-2004, 08:31 AM

HI!!
Please let me know how it goes with Dr. Scattergood! So sorry for everyones negative experiences. I was really thinking a lot about this last night and I really feel, sad as it is that we just have to put it in our minds not to have faith in the medical community. We need to use them when we must but have to trust our own judgements when it comes to our kids and do what we think is right. I dont think we will ever be able to find a doctor that is 100% what we want, they are human too. Nice meeting you all by the way! I atttend a lot of playgroups in the Bennington area if anyone ever wanted to meet in person.

amy

Kundalini-Mama

08-02-2004, 11:17 AM

:wave I can't believe how busy this thread is. :LOL

Firstly, Cindy, its so nice to make contact w/you again. Is the other board still up and running? I've noticed a lot of recent transplants. :LOL We are having a LLL mtg on Wednesday at 10.30, but I've heard that Bennington is getting their own group together. If it wasn't so far, I'd go to that one :)

Amydoula! I'm so in need of a PP doula, but I think I am too far from you, in Rutland. Evidently there are no PP doulas up here :( Oh, I'm officially due 12/7, but I am not putting too much stock into that date, of course.

Lorrie, it sounds like an allergy problem. Have you tried giving up ALL dairy?? Dairy is usually a huge culprit. OR, (and I can only speak for Thom, since I am not at all familiar w/Dr. Scattergood), just go see him. The best thing about seeing him is going to the co-op for lunch :yum

And in terms of having someone w/experience at our birth, we will be having someone there, ME. I have already birthed and feel very confident w/our decision. It is something I have been researching since my son's birth 2 1/2 yrs ago. And I don't think I really want hubby there, so its probably going to be just me and me. I'm wicked excited :banana If you are interested, you should go over to http://www.unassistedchildbirth.com/, and there is a huge thread over in the homebirth forum.

Okay, my hubby needs the computer. :)

Let's talk soon, and I'll let you all know when I'm down in your neck of the woods, and please let me know when you are up in mine.

Amy

Amydoula

08-02-2004, 01:30 PM

Hi Amy!!
I didn't know you were in Rutland:( that is a little far, over an hour I'm sure. According to DONA I am the only ppdoula (soon to be certified, the packet went in the mail today,yipeeee) in a 50mile radius. How old is your dc? I think our children are close in age. Aidan was born 11/23/01. We are not planning anymore though. long story.......we are very blessed to have the one we do.

We do have LLL now in Bennington, i went to the last meeting. It is at the hospital and the next meeting is next Tuesday (not tomorrow)at 6pm or is it 630?! If anyone wants to go I will look up the exact time.

Lorrie,
I wish we could get DSL here, we are too far in the sticks! we can't get cable hookup either. dialup is bad enough for me, but my dh is a systems analyst so it kills him everytime he has to log on at home.:)

Amy

LorrieJ

08-03-2004, 02:01 AM

Are you sure you don't want someone with experience present even if dh does the help birthing?

AmyD I hope I didn't offend you with that comment. I am somewhat ignorant when it comes to birthing and mothering, I will check out the unassisted birthing link you gave. Sorry! :thumb And yes, I think dd has allergies to a lot! We are no gluten, dairy, soy, corn, eggs, preservatives, artificial food coloring, WHEW! I just started adding corn back into my diet occasionally. She seems to be doing well with that, she is still bf. Next week I might be adding something new, it is a nice gentle way to introduce her. I think I would like to try the soy next, but that could be risky because I KNOW the dairy is a problem and soy usually comes close behind with that one. Your LLL is where in Rutland?

Amydoula- I might want to attend the LLL in Bennington. I have never been to one, what are they like? Does one of the nurses from the hospital run it? I will call to find out the time. Bye the way, Scattergood isn't taking new patients. I might call Wood or I was considering Dr. Liebling a family practicioner who is at Northshire. Not sure of her reputation or if she is taking new patients.

To Everyone: Sorry for my previous ramblings. It has been a very stressful year with my new found mommyhood and I found a safe place to vent. Please accept my apologies. I will be keeping it more brief from now on. Thanks for listening.

:love

Amydoula

08-03-2004, 07:13 AM

Hi Lorrie,
You can feel free to vent as much as you need to that is what we are all here for!! I am sorry that she isn't taking new patients that is a big bummer! I hope you find someone else soon. Did you get a chance to ask your friend if she would like some help after her baby is born?
That would be great for you to come to LLL then we could meet in person. I have only been to one meeting so far, it is facilitated by a LLL leader a really nice woman who lives in Bennington. There was a nurse from the hospital there who is also an IBLCE (Marie). Basically Jen (the leader) had a topic to discuss (last time it was introducing solids) and we all gave our opinions, asked questions and talked about breastfeeding related stuff. It was great. There were 7 people there last time so it is a small but hopefully growing group, we are trying to get the word out there to get people to come.

Amy

Kundalini-Mama

08-03-2004, 09:08 AM

No offense taken at all Lorrie :love I just wanted you to know that this was not a decision I made lightly.

Please call Thom Lorrie. Just make an appt. You have absolutely nothing to lose. I know where you are right now, we have been there (especially w/the corn, you know it is in everything right?). W/i 2 weeks, we could eat again. After a yr and a half of not eating we could eat again.

Our LLL mtg meets at Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland (on West St/Business 4)--by the chittenden bank. It meets tomorrow at 10.30. Are you planning on coming up?

Amy, you really can't get DSL? We lived in Hoosick Falls briefly and Adelphia hooked us up. Granted, right now we have dial-up (to cut back on my internet time--and its working!!). Oh, and your Aidan has 2 1/2 months or so on my Aidan.

Amy :)

Amydoula

08-03-2004, 10:39 AM

OK so WE have the same name and our KIDS have the same name. That is just too freaking wild!!! What is your dh's name mine is David. In the village of HF you can get DSL or Adelphia cable hookup but we live out in the country of Hoosick so we get dial-up only.

Amy

cindyloo

08-03-2004, 08:09 PM

Amy, yes the other board is still running! They've combined them into all babies born in 2001 so lots of input!

I'm continuing to think about switching pediatricians. Anyone know about Dr. Mara Liebling?

Lorrie J, HI! Do you know Clay? I think she attends the LLL in Bennington? I noticed that you are considering Dr. Liebling also. A good friend of mine who moved out of the area really liked her. But I don't know anyone else who has her. I am going to email my friend and ask specific questions about what she liked. I'll keep in touch once I hear from her.

LorrieJ

08-06-2004, 12:04 AM

Amydoula --Yeah...I will try to make the LLL meeting as long as dd's schedule dictates. She has been up and down with her bedtime routine. Sometimes 6:30pm sometimes 10pm! So if she is rarin' to go we will be there. Children can attend right? I haven't asked my friend about your services yet. I think I might want to get her a gift certificate and surprise her. I am going to hint around about it and feel it out. If she is like me, I didn't want anyone at my house when I got home. But I think she will want the help. She isn't due until December and I will keep you posted.

AmyD I have been putting off calling Thom because dd can only stand the car for about 30 minutes and then screams the rest of the way and pukes! Poor little thing gets so car sick. She hates the ride to Brattleboro , but I am seriously going to make a decision one way or the other next week. Did he prescribe a tincture or what? I can't imagine what he would do so you could eat again so soon. Please tell me! I am dying for a piece of gooey chocolate cake! Where in Brattleboro is he located? Near the coop? I agree about eating at the coop...yummy, yummy! I was just curious where it was because of dd's time limitation in the car. Route 4 is a bit too far up for us to go for a meeting. We can usually only make it to about Wallingford and all hell breaks loose. Then she screams the whole time we are at the mall.

cindyloo Hi, I haven't called Liebling yet to see if she is accepting new patients. I did go to her once several years back and she seemed nice. Please let me know what you find out. I am so fed up with Brookside. We are still waiting to hear back about an appt for an x-ray after waiting 2 WEEKS! So unprofessional. I don't know Clay but maybe I will meet her next week. Is she a friend of yours?

Well take care all!

Kundalini-Mama

08-06-2004, 08:23 AM

AmyD I have been putting off calling Thom because dd can only stand the car for about 30 minutes and then screams the rest of the way and pukes! Poor little thing gets so car sick. She hates the ride to Brattleboro , but I am seriously going to make a decision one way or the other next week. Did he prescribe a tincture or what? I can't imagine what he would do so you could eat again so soon. Please tell me! I am dying for a piece of gooey chocolate cake! Where in Brattleboro is he located? Near the coop? I agree about eating at the coop...yummy, yummy! I was just curious where it was because of dd's time limitation in the car. Route 4 is a bit too far up for us to go for a meeting. We can usually only make it to about Wallingford and all hell breaks loose. Then she screams the whole time we are at the mall.

WOW, I could have written your post a year ago!! My ds would cry and puke in the car (we could usually do 10 min trips) until he was 15 months old. For him, he could only fall asleep w/the boob in his mouth, so that made trips very difficult. Are you coming from Bennington? B/c isn't that only a little over an hr? You could plan it around a nap and stop in Wilmington for a little bit?

And Thom deals strictly w/homeopathic medicine, so he prescribed a remedy. It was one I had to order, as it was more unusual than the ones in the co-op.

I have the WORST sense of direction, literally. He's not by the co-op, he's more in the woods, I think he is by the big covered bridge....

hth
Amy

Amydoula

08-06-2004, 04:42 PM

Lorrie,
I am sooo sorry about your dd and car trips! Aidan used to cry as a little baby for awhile but then would eventually fall asleep. It was so hard, but he stoped at a year when we could finally turn his car seat around. Sounds great about your friend. I hope it works out! LLL is at 6pm at the hospital, I was there yesterday for a breastfeeding open house and the LLL leader was there so I asked her. KIds are VERY welcome that is what LLL is all about.

Cindyloo,
I met Clay (must be the same person you are talking about b/c the name is so unusual) at the LLL last month and she seemed very nice. SHe has two dd right? Very close in age.......she had a sitter with her last time to help out who was nice too.

Amy

LorrieJ

08-07-2004, 12:59 AM

Amy That's wild, dd won't sleep without the boob either! She has been doing this new thing the past few weeks and she wakes in the middle of the night and says "hi momma, hi momma and hugs me and falls asleep on top of me." Too cute. As far as the car she is making progress, she used to scream the whole time. When we took her to Burlington I sat in the back unbuckled with my boob in her mouth so she could calm down. Did your son outgrow it? The boob and the carsickness. We live in Manchester so it is an hour and a half to Brattleboro. We go past Stratton to get there. DD just recently has been able to ride in the cart at the supermarket, that used to freak her out something fierce.

AmyDoula That is when dd made improvements in her length of time in the car. At least turning it gave her something more interesting to look at. We might not be able to make LLL on Monday as we are taking dd for x-rays at SVMC. I am not sure she will be able to handle the trip there twice and I imagine she might not like the whole procedure too much. My husband works Monday eves or I would have him watch her and give a chance to get out. So possibly the following Monday. I am really looking forward to that! How was the open house?

Cindyloo Dr. Liebling is going to be opening up her own practice next month. I called and they took our information down. Hopefully she will call back.

cindyloo

08-07-2004, 01:40 AM

Amydoula, It is the same Clay! She is such a sweetie! She was my "standby" person for my son when I had my daughter. I was going to bring him to her house if my mom wasn't here but she was. But Clay is wonderful! A real big help after Sophie was born. She dropped of dinners and diapers. LOVE HER!

LorrieJ, Thanks for the news on Dr. Leibling. I want to get in to meet her. I want DH to come too. He really likes Dr. Shultz and I do too but would love a smaller practice as I feel that they are SO busy, lots of times, I can't even get through on the phone and I'd also like it a little closer than Bennington. I also just got a raving review from someone at playgroup on Dr. Most.

Amydoula

08-07-2004, 08:16 PM

Cindyloo,
That is so funny! Small world!

Lorrie,
It is on Tuesday this week at 6pm NOT on Monday. I am soooo sorry for your daughter, I hope the procedure goes ok!

Amy

janerose

08-07-2004, 09:46 PM

Ilovelife

08-12-2004, 01:06 PM

Hey everyone--

I just came across this thread & was so happy to see all these Vermonters! I am a SAHM (mostly, I work about 5 hours a week) to my 13 month old dd. We just got home from the Addison County Fair where she had a blast mooing and baaing at all the animals!

Hope you're all enjoying the summer with your kiddos.

nappyhair

08-15-2004, 08:57 AM

Hello,

I might be moving to Brattleboro in the next week or so. Long story (if interested, you can read about it in my blog). I was basically JUST offered, at the very last minute, a full scholarship to a school in Brattleboro after planning to attend another university this fall.

I don't know anyone in Brattleboro except (via telephone) the staff at School for International Training, the school I'll be attending. I've been franticly researching and trying to get as much information as possible before making this important decision about whether or not to move. I have lots of questions about everything from child care in Brattleboro to affordable housing (a townhouse or something similar to rent). I am going to contact the LLL leader in Brattleboro and see if she can provide some information.

If we move to Brattleboro, it will just be my son and me for the first four months. My husband has to return here to Ohio to teach for a semester at two community colleges. He will go with us to Brattleboro, but only stay a day or two to help us find housing.

I'll have to put my son (he'll be 2 on the 25th of this month) in child care while I am at school. He is a nursing toddler, and for the past two years I have been a stay-at-home-mama. The longest we have ever been apart is four hours, and even then he was with his father, so I know child care will be rough on both of us (probably me, especially).

I've researched and come up with some names of day cares in Brattleboro. Can you please tell me any of them particular wonderful? I came up with: Brattleboro Nursery School, Meetinghouse School, Owl Tree Nursery School, West Bee Nursery School, and Winston Prouty Center. Anyone have any experience with any of these? I am looking for a gentle and sensitive place with a more natural approach to child care. I am also interested in home day cares, so if you know of any great child care providers, please let me know.

I am trying to gather as much information as possible so that I can make a more informed decision. I am leaning towards moving to Brattleboro. SIT is a terrific school, and Brattleboro seems like such a wonderful place.

Thanks for reading this long post. All your recommendations and advice are welcome.

Blessings,
Sedia

LorrieJ

08-16-2004, 10:25 PM

Welcome Sedia,

Sorry I can't answer any of your questions but best of luck to you. I am also a sahm to a 15 mo daughter and I haven't been away from her for more than 4 hours either, that being just this last Saturday. She freaked and has been hanging onto my nipples ever since! I have been looking into part time work but thankfully my husband would be able to watch her. Hope someone will be able to help you out here.

avandon

08-28-2004, 09:27 PM

I'm Anne, from Burlington, and we've got 8.5 month old son Sam. I haven't ready through all 5 pages of this since some of it is pretty old but wondered if there are many people on here from Burlington.

And I'm mostly a SAHM but I do need to work a few hours a week for insurance purposes and my husband works at home so in theory he should be able to take care of Sam while I go in to work. But when his 30 minute meeting turns into a 3.5 hour meeting it just doesn't work and I need to be able to set a more consistent schedule.

So this is a long-winded way to say that I'm looking for someone to watch Sam in our home somewhere between 4 and 8 hours a week. I've looked into daycare in this area and it's generally impossible with long waiting lists and many places not taking kids part time. And Sam has a nut allergy so I'm also hesitant to send him just anywhere. Do any of you know the going rate for this? I'm hearing about $8/hr. Does that seem right?

Thanks,

Anen

Kundalini-Mama

08-29-2004, 09:05 AM

Sedia,

I'm just wondering what happened? Its unfortunate that it seems there are none of us in the Brattleboro area!! Hoping you had a smooth and easy move.

Anne,

You might want to go to the co-op and put up a flyer. Or ask employees there, if you have no luck on this thread. I always see crunchy moms in the kid's section of Borders. You could also stake that area out :p

Best of luck to both of you!
Amy

amyamanda

10-06-2004, 09:37 PM

Hey, I'm in the Brattleboro area, too! I don't get here (MDC) often, but I'm around sometimes.

Sedia! It is so good to see your post! Probably a bit late, but an AP family I know and like has two kids at West Bee and they love it. I hope things are going okay for U in your current situation.

About pediatricians/family practitioners, we use Martina Szcesney (hope I spelled that right) for everyone in our family. She is really nice and respectful and her kids are homeschooled and (as far as I know) unvaxed. She is the type of doc who won't recommend something unless it's absolutely indicated, and who will listen if you want to discuss alternatives. She was surprised but quite respectful (in what seemed to be more of an awe-struck way, not a condescending way) when we showed up a week after our UC for a newborn check. I like her! She's on Belmont Street in Brattleboro.

AmyD, are you going to UC this time? I think you saw my post on one of the older UC threads, but I birthed my fourth baby unassisted in May. I had quite a number of eye-rolling encounters with the state over getting her birth certificate. If you would like to know more, I'd be happy to share. They just don't "get" it, but at least we got the paperwork done.

About LLL, the Brattleboro meetings are the 2nd Monday of the month at KidsPLAYCE on Elliot Street (when they are closed in the summer we meet at Living Memorial Park instead). Sedia, if you can't make day meetings maybe we could do something informal in the evening sometime. We had a nighttime meeting but I think we had one person show up all year. There is a Saturday morning meeting in Keene, NH, which isn't far. If anyone needs the leaders' numbers let me know and I will PM or e-mail you.

We live south of Brattleboro, almost in MA. We moved here last summer and I promptly got pregnant (of course :eyesroll :LOL ). I'm FINALLY starting to get to the not-yet-unpacked boxes in the garage. I think we're going to stay in VT for awhile, hopefully forever. I am very happy here.

I forgot to introduce myself! I have four kids (see my sig line). I would say we pretty closely fit the "crunchy" profile. Not that I ever set out to call myself crunchy, but one thing led to another and...well, here we are. I won't bore you with the acronyms, LOL. It's nice to see other Vermonters here.

nappyhair

10-09-2004, 08:58 PM

Hi sweet Amanda!

I have not checked Mothering since I moved to Brattleboro and started graduate school six or so weeks ago. So good to see your post! I look forward to running into you again at the coop or farmer's Market.

I absolutely adore Brattleboro! Such a great and warm place!

peace,
Sedia

dirtgirl

10-11-2004, 09:58 PM

edited

Renaissancemom31

10-26-2004, 05:53 PM

Hello! I live in Orange. It sounds like I don't have a whole lot in common with most of the mama's on this thread - but I DO live in VT :twothumbs
I am a SAHM with three children; 11, 10, and 1. They were all delivered in a hospital by an Ob-Gyn (who I LOVE!! - How many women can say that about their OB-GYN) but without painkillers. I'm not sur eif I'd be brave enought o deliver at home - although I imagine it would be a wonderful exprerience!!
I started following MDC after buying a copy of Mothering at the Co-op in Montpelier. (Back to my question). The cover article was about vaccinations and it got me wondering. I've always thought that our kids had to be vaccinated? :scratch My two eldest are in public schools - and I thought there were certain vaccinations they had to have before they could be admitted. Also, I thought Dr Dynosaur required certain vaccinations. Pardon my ignorance - I'd really like to know the facts so I can make the best decision for my youngest.

Although I didn't know there was a name for it I have always followed some AP principles. Unfortunately I never got to 'wear' my babies - they were all far too active by about 5 months - but I kept them close. I have co-slept - but it's highly discouraged by the mainstream so I always felt I was being deviant when I did it - endangering my children. I kept my babies in a bassinet pulled right up to the bed with my arm in it :eyesroll . Now I allow my baby to sleep with me if she wishes but she's so used to the crib now that she won't sleep when she's with me most of the time - she does cuddle right up to the end of the crib closest to me (still within arms reach of my bed :love ). I also :cd ; not 100% but most of the time. Our extended family is close - but not supportive of CD - they generally look confused when they see a cloth diaper - like they don't know how to operate it. :eyesroll
I breast fed til they were about 6 months old - my supply was never strong enough to carry on beyond that. :guilty
We started following Mothering Mag. because we are looking for gentler forms of punishment for our children. We were both raised in spanking families and knew no better. Now we are looking for more positive ways to discipline. (I'm following a great thread on reformed/reforming spankers on another part of this site)
My two eldest sons go to public school but they are both having problems. The 10 year old has been diagnosed with ADHD and is currently on medication that seems to be pretty spotty in it's effectiveness (Concerta). The only real change I've seen is that he doesn't cry as much - the teacher says he's doing well and gives him good grades, but he's spending his second year in the third grade and I just got his state standards test scores - his highest placement was the 21st percentile - I've got to do something. My oldest son is in 6th grade and is also starting to struggle.
So there's my long intro

lauren

10-26-2004, 07:11 PM

Hi there-- don't worry about not sharing 'every' single value with other moms here! It's a diverse community! I'm in the Rutland area; I am wondering if we have the same ob/gyn--I use Anne Stohrer at Gifford. I'm due to deliver my 3rd there in Dec., though we are using the midwives across the street, but I love Anne. We too have a ds with ADHD and know the struggles you face there!! (please visit the Parenting with Special Needs board on MDC for more support!)

Anyway, welcome!

P.S. Re: vaccinations. Vermont offers the exemption for philosophical/moral reasons, which many states do not offer. It is a choice anywhere, but easier in VT. All you need is to do your research so you are an informed patient, a doctor who is willing to work with you on this issue (I know a few if you need recs--is Orange in Orange County?), and an exemption form for the schools or day care.

kweir

10-26-2004, 10:14 PM

Anne Stohrer delivered my dd and I Love her! She was so great, encouraging, supportive, funny! She helped make the whole experience awesome. I used a birthing stool and basically caught my dd...Anne was on the floor waiting and just helped me be the first one to hold her and check to see the sex and nurse right away. I think both she and Dr. Ellis are AP oriented...I once asked him if I should start solids and he suggested I wait until at least a year if possible, if for nothing else so we didn't have to deal with stinky diapers :)

I, too, am new to MDC but really like it. I must confess I am not completly AP but definatley lean this way. I like getting the perspectives from the women here and am always up for learning something new.

My question for the VT moms is: Can anyone recommend a good pediatrician? The one I have now is nice enough and supportive enough but the office and his nurses make me feel like I am putting them out if I ask a question. They can't get my dd's name right no matter how many times I correct them and they sort of talk in a condescending manner. Actually, I am thinking of calling the Women's Health Center to see if they can suggest anyone. Oh and I am in the central VT area.

lauren

10-27-2004, 05:12 AM

Becky Foulk in the S. Royalton area is THE dr. to go to if you can. She is very pro breastfeeding, co-sleeping friendly. She is quite tolerant of those who choose to delay vacc. or not vacc. She is willing to give single doses of vacc. if they are available (as opposed to combinations). I loved her and only changed because it was just sooo far for us to go. There is another good practice in Bristol. Let me know if you are closer to that and I'll tell you about it if needed. It's where we go now.

Anne is great! Yes, I think she and Will had at least one home birth of their own, and they are very supportive of alternative birth and childrearing!

maxmom

10-27-2004, 08:59 AM

I take my son to Becky Fouk in SoRo (irregularly) also and have found her to be flexible and knowledgable. She's the best we've got around here I think. The midwives at Gifford are wonderful too; I just attended a birth there as labor support for a girlfriend and it was absolutely lovely; in their big birthing tub, gentle, quiet, focused quality care. I've also seen Anne for myself and loved her too. We're fortunate to have some good practitioners around these parts.
Renaissancemom31--I think it's great that you are questioning things and seeking answers from alternative sources. You are totally welcome here. I think that's the essence of what Mothering promotes--thinking for yourself, questioning authority, listening to your inner truth and finding support for your choices. I think (and hope) you'll find multiple resources and support here for the issues you're facing with your kids.

Renaissancemom31

10-31-2004, 06:12 AM

Kate - you're in the "Rutland" central vt area right? I'm in the Barre "central VT area", our Pediatirician is great but (as with most pediatricians) he's got so many patients that they keep a pretty tight schedule and you're not always guaranteed to see him since he's part of a group practice w/ 4 or 5 other pediatiricians (some I like, some I don't). Unless, of course, you request to see him. Then you may have to wait a while. The nurses are nice and respectful as far as I've seen. What impresses me most is, that with easily 2000 patients between them, they always know me when I go in, and the Dr frequently asks how our last issue resolved itself (although I suppose he could find time to peek at the chart - but even then, he takes the extra time to make you feel comfortable and valued). The only thing I'm not sure of is their attitude toward AP/natural parenting. They told me I could start DD on cereals @ about 4-6 months and solids whenever she wanted them (except for the ones that may cause alleriges - they did suggest no eggs or peanutbutter, whole milk etc). Since I was no longer nursing I appreciated that - she loves fresh fruits and veggies, so I did start her a bit early.

kweir

10-31-2004, 06:42 PM

Actually I am in Waitsfield. We have an appointment in Nov. with our dr. so I will talk to him then. He is really nice it just the staff that is not so great. I have had this dr since I was a kid and I trust his opinions and know that he supports safe parenting styles. I am just going to mention to him that his nurses or the ladies that answer the phone could sound a little less irritated when they speak with patients...

m_n_m83

11-10-2004, 08:19 PM

lauren

11-11-2004, 05:24 AM

I just wanted to say welcome, even though I don't know any doctors in the St. Albans area! Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! Enjoy these first weeks!

Lauren (due with #3 in a few weeks)

grnmtnmama

11-12-2004, 03:06 PM

Just thought that I'd chime in here - Kate, I go to Waterbury Medical Assc. and have a family doctor that we love, but they actually have several great, open-minded docs and NPs. They're always helpful on the phone with questions and always have time for us during a visit.

DS was delivered by the midwives at Gifford, and they (and the nurses) are amazing. I will definitely go back there for all the future kiddos.

Kundalini-Mama

12-05-2004, 11:59 AM

AmyD, are you going to UC this time? I think you saw my post on one of the older UC threads, but I birthed my fourth baby unassisted in May. I had quite a number of eye-rolling encounters with the state over getting her birth certificate. If you would like to know more, I'd be happy to share. They just don't "get" it, but at least we got the paperwork done.

amyamanda, I really need to pick your brain. I birthed my son unassisted the day after Thanksgiving :balloons :champagne and I'm filling out the paperwork. I finally stopped seeing my mw at 34w, but it was a very amicable split--so she might be able to help me (or the fact that I received prenatal care from a "professional" might work in my favor too). Did you UP too? Did the difficulty arise b/c of UP or the UC???

I'll PM you (or feel free to PM me) :)
Amy

muvra

12-10-2004, 02:27 PM

hi lauren
i'm new to this site also. moved to manchester vt this summer. go to rutland once in a while. love the back home again restaurant. looking for other moms in the area (i'm due to give birth to my first child in the beginning of january).
-bonnie

lauren

12-10-2004, 02:56 PM

Welcome to the area Bonnie! yes the Back Home is a great place. Where did you move from? And where are you having your baby? :)

muvra

12-14-2004, 03:16 PM

hi lauren
i moved from new york city- been coming to vt for a while b/c my in laws live here. my husband moved up last winter to help his dad on a pretty huge renovation project that will eventually (we hope) be a sort of wellness/retreat center. long story, though.
i'll give birth in burlington at uvm. another long story- i had to be with high risk specialists for this pregnancy. trying to have the birth be as natural as possible within a very medicalized environment. it's been interesting so far.
i'm trying to figure out how this posting thing works. it took a long time to navigate the system to find your reply (i forgot where i posted my message to you in the first place and i had to scrounge around looking for it). i'm sure there's an easier way to do it. any suggestions?

dirtgirl

01-05-2005, 09:39 AM

Hi,
I am new to this site but wish I had found it before the birth of my daughter 3 weeks ago. I really wanted to have a midwife but could not find any information about them in VT ( I have only lived here for 2 years and am still learning my way around). I ended up with a Dr. I really didn't like right now she is also her ped. I really don't want to vaccinate but the dr. is really pushing the issue. I would like to swith to a dr who will support our decisions. Does anyone know of any good dr.s in our area? We live in the St. Albans area (about a 1/2 hour north of Burlington). I would love any info anyone has.
Hi there! I live in Fairfax, and I take my 10-month-old daughter to Madeleine Mann at Mousetrap Pediatrics in Milton. We are selectively vaxing and I've felt supported there from Madeleine and the staff. (I would avoid seeing Dr. DiMichele - the other doc in that office. Nice guy, but he seems to "push" a more conventional approach.) I also took dd to see Dr. Laura Norris in Cambridge and felt very supported there. I haven't come across any super crunchy docs who would totally support not vaxing without at least trying to give you all the info they can about your options. HTH!

~Chelsea

helloworldVTmom

01-12-2005, 10:38 AM

Hi,
This is the most Vermont moms I have ever seen in one place. :D Most parenting message boards have like two posts in the Vermont section.

I live in Stowe with my daughter Acacia (21 months) and I am expecting our second at the end of Febuary.

None of our friends have children so Acacia has been around too many other kids. If anyone lives near me I would love to meetup!!

lauren

01-12-2005, 12:35 PM

hi chelsea and breanna! glad you found the site.

bonnie, did you have your baby yet?????

Momtotwo2004

01-13-2005, 10:13 PM

I'm from Champlain, NY but am minutes from Vermont. The NY board considers upstate to be Albany :eyesroll LOL Anyone here a bit farther up? Perhaps Alburg, St. Albans, Swanton?

I'm an AP SAHM to DS (6) and DD (6 months). We breastfed exlusively up until two days ago when we started rice cereal :crying She's not too interested in it so I still like to think I'm her only food source. I'm addicted to babywearing. I had an unmedicated hospital birth with midwives. We co-sleep as well.

dirtgirl

01-15-2005, 09:42 PM

Hi Breanna - I am a bit of a drive from Stowe - maybe 45 minutes or so. How long have you lived there? I sometimes work at the farmers market there in the summer.

Momtotwo - Fairfax is only 10 minutes from St. Albans (east). How far does that make me from you?

Hi Lauren!

Wondering how things are going Bonnie - did you have your baby? Btw, I grew up in Manchester. Is that where you are living?

~Chelsea

muvra

02-03-2005, 01:51 PM

hi lauren
thanks for asking- yes, i gave birth on new year's eve. incredible experience. i have gavriel asleep (almost) over my shoulder at the moment. it takes much longer to type with just one hand! i think we're ready to go out into the wide world of other mommies and babies. any suggestions? i missed the LLL meeting in rutland yesterday. shucks. know of any other meetings/gatherings/people who want to get together? -bonnie (thanks again for asking about me, lauren- it made me feel good that you remembered)

lauren

02-04-2005, 08:44 AM

There are not many places where moms and babies hang out (that I know of, others can correct me if I'm wrong). Annie's bookstore has a story time and the Rutland LIbrary has one also. There are also playgroups in Rutland. There must be a playgroup in Manchester I would think, also. I used to go to playgroup (Pittsford) even when my first babies were too little to play, just so I could get out and hang with other moms.

The LLL meeting on Wed was great. Lots of moms and lots of new little ones, including mine (born Dec. 14). I hope you can come next month!

I am still on maternity leave. Perhaps we could meet for coffee/tea before I go back to work (early march). PM me if you're interested and we can figure out a place, etc. (we could also invite some other moms of new babies if you'd like!) (to send a PM, private message to someone, click on the name of the member and then your options will be listed)

muvra

02-04-2005, 10:38 AM

oops- a little confused! thanks for thinking of me dirtgirl (love the name!)- i thought lauren posted that message. and thanks lauren for responding anyway. chelsea- i'm in manchester (vt) now. my husband grew up here too- do you know oliver levis?
-bonnie

dirtgirl

02-08-2005, 08:37 AM

Bonnie - I don't know oliver levis. Did he go to Burr and Burton? I graduated in '93. I don't make it home much anymore - just holidays. Oh how I miss the Bagel Works...

Anyway, glad to hear you had a good birth experience. :thumb Did you deliver in Burlington as planned? You will get better at typing with one hand!

~Chelsea

muvra

02-08-2005, 02:52 PM

once again typing with one hand- even harder with a grumpy baby (last night/today have been rough). i think oliver went to burr burton. he must have graduated in 96. how far away are you from manchester? and yes, i did deliver in burlington. i spent the majority of my labor in a nearby hotel with my doula and midwife- then went to the hospital and was there for less than 2 hours before gavriel was born. it worked out better than we had imagined. where in manchester did you grow up? -bonnie

moonlightinvt

02-08-2005, 04:29 PM

Hello Bonnie~ I just caught myself up on this thread (well, not caught up but at least the last couple pages). I am in the Rutland area--actually between Manchester and Rutland. I also attend the Rutland LLL group. It is a wonderful group of ladies and kids. I hope you can join us next month. Sometimes a few or bunch of us will go to the Back Home Again after the meeting (yeah-yummy, healthy food :thumb ) if you want to "do lunch".

We don't go to any playgroups, just playdates with friends here and there so not much help on that topic. You might want to check out Dorset and/or Pawlet for groups. You could start with the Pawlet Library. I've heard they have some kid events, however, they may be for older ones???

muvra

02-09-2005, 01:47 PM

hi moonlight
i just posted an invitation to meet up at back home again next week (the 16th at 11:30). it would be nice to meet you if you can make it then. i was bummed to miss this month's LLL meeting- i plan to go to the next one. as for playgroups, i'm not necessarily looking for a formal one- playdates here and there would be good too, (although i don't know how much playing my month and a half old could do). i'll try to find out what's going on at the pawlet library. -bonnie

lauren

02-09-2005, 02:42 PM

dirtgirl

02-09-2005, 08:52 PM

I'm three hours north of Manchester - in Fairfax - so no get-togethers in Rutland for me. :( I grew up off of Barnumville Rd.

Kundalini-Mama

02-12-2005, 11:28 AM

From bonnie---see other thread

get together in rutland

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hi all
it's been long enough- i'm ready to emerge from my newborn bubble. anyone else want to meet up with some mammas? me and lauren are getting together at back home again on feb 16th at 11:30. come join us!
-bonnie

Bonnie,
I plan to be there :) I'm going to invite another mama who was also at LLL and whose daughter was born 1/1!

I'm friends w/your doula, and I was knocked out by how fantabulous and empowered your child's birth was. Way to go! I can't wait to hear all about it first hand :)

Amy

muvra

02-14-2005, 08:56 AM

wow amy- that'a quite a compliment. thanks! looking forward to seeing you on wednesday.

chelsea- 3 hours is quite a schlep. too bad. but maybe we can meet up the next time you visit your family- barnumvile rd is very close to me - i'm south of manchester on 7A.

Kundalini-Mama

02-16-2005, 09:08 PM

I just wanted to thank you Bonnie, for a great afternoon out!! I had such a blast :) When I came home to the boys, everything was great and under control, so next time, I don't have to leave first :p

I would love to do it again, and lets do it on a Wednesday, as that is easiest for Lauren. My hubby held down the fort over here no problems :thumb

Amy

muvra

02-17-2005, 10:46 AM

i had a really great time too. it was such a relief to be in the company of so many nice mommas. and it's also nice to match up real faces with usernames. i was talking to the stragglers (hi lauren, terra and regina) about meeting up again before the next LL meeting. any day works for me. my mom's visiting next week (yay!) so if we meet up that wednesday, i might bring her along. she's a bit conservative, but i'm sure she'll behave herself. she'd be too happy around all those beautiful babies to complain about co-sleeping.
i have gavriel's 2 month appointment in 2 weeks and need to make my mind up about which vax's to do (if any). very much leaning towards skipping all of them but i need input!!!!
also- amy- i'm interested in buying a sling from you- how much do you charge?
-bonnie

Kundalini-Mama

02-17-2005, 12:57 PM

I'm going to PM you Bonnie :) We're going to Northshire next week or the week after next, so if you'd like I could bring the sling and we could meet up there as well. My hubby and 3 yr old will be there too.

I'd love to get together too before LLL. Any day is good for me.

Amy

lauren

02-17-2005, 02:20 PM

I had a great time too! My 'big kids' are home all next week so I don't think I could make it--we'll probably be doing activities to keep them busy--so don't plan that one around my schedule.

So nice to meet you and Gavriel in person Bonnie!

CarolGW

02-19-2005, 11:48 AM

Hello Everyone, My name is Carol Gibson Warnock . I am a midwife and live in Lincoln, VT. I would like to respond to a very bad recommendation that was posted by "dirtgirl". I have not met dirtgirl and am very stunned and concerned about her concerns about my qualifications, skills and care to pregnant women. I am so lucky to have assisted so many, many lovely families over the past thirty years. To date I have helped about 1100 women. I take my responsibilities very seriously. I practice with love, repect and care. One of my responsibilities as a midwife is to protect the confidentiality of the women I help. Because of this I cannot respond to accusations from people even when the information posted is inaccurate. This is very painful to myself and to the parents I have helped. Rumors are difficult to resist within our community. Perhaps this is human nature. We have all been guilty of this at one time or another, myself included; all of us have experienced pain and fustration from often well-meaning people. I would encourage anyone requesting information on a midwife's practice to please meet with her in person to make your own decisions with an open heart and mind. Love, Carol

CarolGW

02-19-2005, 11:55 AM

Hi Lauren !! Is this you? How are you, are you having another baby? Love and more love to you! I 'll give you a call, Carol

bIGGdADDY

02-19-2005, 06:59 PM

Carol Warnock

In Rebuttal to Dirtgirl:

As the parents of two of the births mentioned in Dirtgirl’s statement about Carol Warnock, in spite of the problems and tragedies we have had in our pregnancies, we could wish for no one better than Carol as a midwife. Her knowledge, love and support guided us through the births of our wonderful sons, and her strength and compassion helped us through our tragedy. Were we to become pregnant again we would want Carol as our midwife.

lauren

02-20-2005, 08:34 PM

Hi Carol! So nice to hear from you here! Yes, we had another baby, a girl, named Eliza Maris. She is now 2 months old, born right before Christmas on Dec. 14. We had this baby at Gifford, due to several factors. Do let's talk!

So glad you showed up here. And of course I would echo bigdaddy, you're a terrific midwife! (of course!) :throb

dirtgirl

02-22-2005, 07:20 PM

I would like to apologize to Carol Warnock for making a statement against her in a public forum. At the time I posted the statement (October), I was angry and saddened by bIG dADDY's tragedy, and wanted to prevent anyone else from going through what they had just gone through. I felt strong enough at the time to make a personal recommendation against using Carol as a midwife, but not to make a public statement (which I now realize is exactly what I did). Now that time has passed, I regret that I made any statement at all. Making a public statement was not my place, nor my intention, having not been directly involved in those births. I respect Carol's need to protect the privacy of her clients and not engage in discussion in a public forum. With that in mind, I have deleted my original post. It is devastating to think that I have contributed to the pain I was intending to help someone avoid.

I recognize that choosing a midwife is a personal decision, and I very much respect that choice. Thirty years of experience in a small community, and having helped 1100 women are numbers that speak for themselves. I am sorry for having spoken out of turn. I would like to echo Carol’s advice to meet with a potential midwife, do your research, and follow your gut.

lauren

02-22-2005, 08:04 PM

Dirtgirl I wish more members had the grace to apologize and edit as you did. Thanks. :twothumbs

CarolGW

02-23-2005, 09:35 AM

Dear Dirtgirl,

Thank you very much for your apology. It was heart felt and I will carry it with me. I have been thinking of you and wish you and your family well. Some day we may meet in person and I want you to know that I look forward to that occasion.

Warmly, Carol

nancy926

02-24-2005, 10:14 AM

Dirtgirl/Chelsea,
I also live in Fairfax! Right near River Berry Farm. We've lived here about 18 months.

Where are you in town? Do you ever go to the toddler gym on Saturdays?

:)
nancy

dirtgirl

02-24-2005, 06:58 PM

:bag: Can I still post here?

Carol - Thank you. This has been weighing heavily on my heart this week.

Hi Nancy. We've lived here for about 15 months - right on Main St. I went to the open gym once a couple of months ago and was a little shell-shocked, but then again Hazel and I haven't been in too many wild kid scenes like that yet. I left wondering, where are all the crunchy mamas/kiddos?

LorrieJ

03-02-2005, 10:38 PM

Hi mamas! It's been ages.

Bonnie, my husband met you at the meeting for the future wellness center. He is a tai chi instructor. Have the renovations been going well? Are you also renovating apartments? We are always looking for decent housing in the area as we live in Manchester and will probably not be able to purchase a home in this area.

As for playgroups, in case you haven't already found them, Success by Six has one in Arlington at the Dorothy Canfield Fisher library, Manchester at Mark Skinner Library and Pawlet at the Mettowee School. I am planning on attending the Pawlet location this Friday if all goes well.

So where is the LLL in Rutland? Would like to visit that group. My daughter is 22 months and still nurses quite frequently and boy are my nipples sore this week! OK...hope to see more get togethers that I might be able to join in on.

See ya!

sahmof2girls

03-03-2005, 12:39 PM

That is so great about the playgroups. I am only about 15 minutes from arlington. That is great to know.

LorrieJ

03-03-2005, 10:42 PM

Hi sahmof2girls, I should say that is martha canfield library in Arlington, but I am sure you know where that is right....it is across from the high school and next to the elementary. How old are/is your children/child? My daughter is 22 months. You probably aren't very far from Pawlet either. How long does it take you to get over there? I hope I can get Jade together early enough to attend that group. The facilitator of the Arlington group is also the facilitator of the Manchester group. OK gonna go look at your thread and say hi over there!

sahmof2girls

03-04-2005, 10:13 AM

Yes I know where that is. My Girls are 31/2 and 4 months. Not too far from pawlet either. Have friends out that way.

Twomoms2b

04-22-2005, 03:01 PM

My partner and I are about to become parents, well in about 7-1/2 months. I am six week, as told to me buy my doctor in Ct. I have just moved to the Bennington, Vt area and I wanted to know if there were any doctors in around that would be comfortable with a lesbian couple? I am open to anyone, but my girlfriend is convinced there is a bias in the medical community to gay parents. Any names would be great.

Thanks
Kim

amyamanda

04-22-2005, 03:52 PM

Congratulations to you and your partner, Kim! Best wishes on your parenting journey.

I'm not near Bennington, but I would strongly encourage you to look into having a homebirth with a midwife. In my opinion (and experience) you're far more likely to receive privacy and respect if you birth at home rather than at a hospital. Not to say you won't get that at the hospital, but it's a gamble...where a homebirth with a midwife who knows you well (by the time 9 months is up) may be more comfortable for you. (It certainly was for me - I've had two hospital births and two homebirths.)

I wonder if there is a LLL group near you? LLL is open to all moms including single moms and families with two moms. You might find support and information there. I have the info on VT leaders somewhere, or you can call 1-800-LALECHE to find the leader nearest you.

Good luck!

Twomoms2b

04-22-2005, 05:20 PM

AmyAmanda,

Thank you so much for your reply. You have to excuse us, as the whole pregnancy lingo is new to us. What does LLL stand for, and where do I find midwifes. Also... don't I need to pick a doctor for check ups and such for now. I went to my last visit with my Dr. in CT, but he didn't give me any names for Doctors up here. We really didn't care for him, but he was on my Insurance and I didn't want to switch until we really settled here.

Now that the move is final, I had wanted to get things switched around. I think at this point Jan and I are getting overwhelmed at all the particulars.

Thanks.. for your help though,
Kim

Kundalini-Mama

04-22-2005, 06:26 PM

Hey Kim,

Call Helena Wu at her store in Manchester, 802-367-1100. She is a homebirth midwife. Tell her you are new to the area & are trying to look at your options for birth. And no, you don't need a dr. You both can meet w/her & get a feel for her & homebirth in general & she'll give you some names & #s of other midwives in the area.

And I birthed my 1st son in the Bennington hospital, it was far from perfect, but if I needed to hospital birth for medical reasons, I would go there in a heartbeat. And, honestly, I've found VT to be very open to all kinds of families, and I would call the Bennington hospital (SVMC) socially progressive.

Go to mothering's honebirth forum http://mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=20 for more info. Oh, and VT medicaid pays for homebirth.

Hope that helps!!
Amy

oh, LLL--- la leche league

sahmof2girls

04-22-2005, 08:43 PM

Hey Kim!!!!

I don't know what insurance you have but womens veiw in Cambridge, NY is a wonderful place and the ob is actually a lesbian. and there are 2 midwives. I delivered both girls in Bennington at the hospitaal and it is wonderful. You choose how you want your l&d to go and that is how it is. Womens view is a great place. There office # is 518-677-2626. And they are only about 15 mon from bennington VT.
By the way CONGRATS to you and your partner!!!!!! :love :love

Amydoula

04-23-2005, 06:40 PM

Hi there Kim,
I am going to second everything that was said about Women's View and Dr. Biggers, she is a lesbian, she delivered my son 3.5 years ago and I would use her again in a heartbeat. Her midwives are wonderful too as is Southwestern
Vermont Medical Center. It is a wonderful place to birth! I am a certified postpartum doula who services Bennington,VT if this is something you are interested in please email or call me. My website is www.tendercaredoula.com my phone and email are listed on there. If you do want a homebirth I also know Helena Wu and would readily recommend her, she is a great person. I also know some great birth doulas in the area if you are interested in those services as well.

Best,
Amy

sahmof2girls

04-23-2005, 09:16 PM

Wow amy...I wish I new about you after I had Madeline. I had a horrible transition. My milk wouldn't come in and I had/have horrible ppd. It was debililtating. But I am getting through it now. But I only knew of l&d doulas not postpartum. Your great! :thumb

Amydoula

04-23-2005, 09:28 PM

Thank you Megan! I love my work, it is very important to me. I have only been doing it just over a year and it ebs and flows as far as how much work I have but I do my best to market. I suffered from postpartum anxiety disorder after having Aidan pretty severely and that is what brought me to helping new moms! I wish I could have been there for you too.
Hugs,
Amy
PS let me know if you need any resources for the area.

Kundalini-Mama

04-23-2005, 09:34 PM

:topic Wow, Amy, yet another thing we have in common. I was blessed w/some nice postpartum obsessive compulsive d/o after my 1st son's birth.

Oh, and I wanted to let you all know that there is VT moms role call thread going on right now.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=3008248#post3008248

Amy

Amydoula

04-23-2005, 09:38 PM

Amy,
LOL! Must be something about those Aidan births.....:)
I'm glad you didn't get it the second time around. I am too scared to try again for fear of going through that, we are just really happy we got Aidan and I made it through the experience. I got so bad I couldn't leave the house for awhile.

amy

Kundalini-Mama

04-23-2005, 09:49 PM

Hey Amy, I got a little taste of it this time, but nothing to write home about. See my member title---I'm sure that is what helped it this time around.

I am so sorry to hear that it caused you so much pain though :hug

Amydoula

04-24-2005, 07:53 AM

Amy,
What is it about the placenta that helps postpartum depression? I am very interested in this.

thanks,
Amy

Kundalini-Mama

04-24-2005, 09:13 AM

I'm toh as I'm bouncing a baby, but search mdc, there are tons of threads here on it.

In the meantime, here is a couple of websites I just found by searching "placenta depression":

http://www.mothers35plus.co.uk/placenta.htm
http://www.geocities.com/virtualbirth/placenta.html
http://www.unhinderedliving.com/placentaessence.html

I once read an incredible article online, but I can't find it now......
FOUND IT!!!
http://birthrites.edsite.com.au/placent.html

http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=199226&highlight=placenta

HTH
Amy

Amydoula

04-24-2005, 04:02 PM

Thanks Amy, I am going to check these out!
A.

amyamanda

04-25-2005, 05:47 PM

LLL is La Leche League. http://www.lalecheleague.org/ It's a breastfeeding/mothering organization based on mother-to-mother support through free monthly meetings that anyone can attend. Leaders are also available for help by phone or e-mail. It's a super resource for moms-to-be, new moms, and even moms who have been nursing for quite awhile. :D

Kundalini-Mama

04-27-2005, 09:47 PM

So where is the LLL in Rutland? Would like to visit that group. My daughter is 22 months and still nurses quite frequently and boy are my nipples sore this week! OK...hope to see more get togethers that I might be able to join in on.

At Trinity Episcopal Church on West St/Business Rt 4. It meets the 1st Wed of the month at 10.30 :thumb

Kundalini-Mama

05-11-2005, 10:37 PM

Anyone want to go camping?? :)

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?p=3109890#post3109890

Kundalini-Mama

05-17-2005, 11:51 AM

Xposted, and taken from an e-mail I sent out:

We are planning a camping trip for moms and
kids to take place on june 27, 28, 29 in Echo Lake at
Plymouth State Park. It is $4 a night for those of us
age 4 and over (children 3 and under are free), and
you are more than welcome to camp both nights, or one
night. If you are unable to camp, you are more than
welcome to spend the day w/us :)

We're planning to spend some time swimming in the
lake, building sand castles, cooking together,
enjoying each other's children (imagine, being able to
use the bathroom facilities by yourself!!!), and some
fun scavenger hunts and nature walks!! A community
for those of us who aren't lucky enough to have one :)

We need to get a minimum of 8 moms for each night to
secure our group camping spot. We are very close to
the limit and need some moms to help us fill the
remaining minimum spots. If you are planning just a
day trip, it might even be in your best interest to
sign up for a camping spot, as it is probably cheaper
than a day pass...not that I'm recommending this, just
a thought ;)

If you are interested, please drop me an e-mail so we
can get moving on this. We hope this will be an
annual event!

Thanks
Amy

http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/plymouth.cfm