2008 Iowa Mama's Thread! [Archive] - MotheringDotCommune Forums

Dmitrizmom

02-26-2008, 10:20 AM

ds is at school today (he didn't want to go and feels that it isn't fair that "Ellie gets to stay home and have fun all day!" :(). I swear, I almost think that homeschooling him would be easier.

Is anyone interested in a "stitch - n - b!tch" group? I was thinking we could rotate homes and take turns bringing treats with the hosting house providing coffee/tea. :) I've got a couple knitting projects that I'd like to work on more consistently and I'm working on a rag rug. I also want to learn to crochet... Probably on Saturday mornings once or twice a month...

Oh... and I had suggested a Mom's night out a while back... Anyone up for any of the following dates: March 8, March 15, March 29? Dh is working 2nd shift M-F for right now, so I'm only available on the weekends. If it makes any difference, March 8 is International Women's Day. :)

happyhippiemama

02-26-2008, 10:52 AM

Oh... and I had suggested a Mom's night out a while back... Anyone up for any of the following dates: March 8, March 15, March 29? Dh is working 2nd shift M-F for right now, so I'm only available on the weekends. If it makes any difference, March 8 is International Women's Day. :)

March 15th might work for me, it's the first weekend of spring break so I won't have any homework. :thumb AND I start my orientation week for my new job that Monday (perfect timing, don't have to miss any classes!) so it would be a go-out-before-starting-work night for me.

Oh, and I HATE snow days. My classes and DD's age just are not conducive to Aria coming along with me. And her preschool closes on days when IC school district is closed. So I've been staying home from class waaaaayyyyy too much. And I'm a slacker anyway, so it hasn't been helping my grades any. *sigh*

Max'sMama

02-26-2008, 01:43 PM

Subbing:thumb:thumb will post something later when I am not with kids crawling on me.

Pynki

02-26-2008, 06:13 PM

Subbing:thumb:thumb will post something later when I am not with kids crawling on me.

When is it that this magical time happens D? Cause, I'll have to look into getting some!

March 15th is peachy for me as well, and I can talk Jake into watching the boys 1x a month for S-n-B guaranteed... more than that? :shrug: It's iffy.

CR Mama

02-27-2008, 08:27 AM

Hey girls. Another :cold: day! Hopefully the streets clear off this weekend so I can drive without bottoming out my car on the icy streets!

jorie

02-27-2008, 06:53 PM

Subbing:D

Lady Ivanhoe

02-27-2008, 09:22 PM

Yeah the 15th should work for me as well. I am totally up for the S & B sounds like a great time.

TattooedMama

02-27-2008, 09:46 PM

Hello from Des Moines! :wave
I posted this seperately but wanted to let other Iowa Mamas know about this...

BirthWorks is coming to the Midwest!!!
>>>>>>>
Birth Works workshops are open to anyone who wishes to attend. Entry into the certification program is not a prerequisite to attending the workshop. The workshop remains valid towards certification for five years from the date it was held. We encourage those in the certification program to attend the workshop early in their training, but anytime during the two-year training period is acceptable.

The workshop runs from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm the first two days and 9:00 am to 3:30 pm the third day unless otherwise posted. Advanced Educator Training workshops are open to all Birth Works members and birth professionals.

Date: April 11-13th

Location: The Thoreau Center
3500 Kingman Blvd. Des Moines, IA

Cost: $450

Host: Jessica Bottenfield-Biehn, RN CD(DONA)

Trainer: Cathy Daub, author of Birthing in the Spirit

Registration at http://www.birthworks.org/join.html#registration

Topics covered include:
1. Birth Works philosophies of childbirth
2. The systems approach to wholistic health care
3. The impact of emotional learning that makes Birth Works a unique program
4. Human values as the foundation of all decision-making
5. Pelvic bodywork and postural alignment advantageous to the baby in helping to prevent a dysfunctional labor
6. The art of discovering belief systems and changing them if necessary
7. Group facilitation and communication techniques through role plays
8. Setting a supportive atmosphere for classes
9. Components of labor, privacy, pain, and vocalization
10. Comfort measures for labor and labor positions
11. Guilt, blame, and judgment issues as they pertain to birthing
12. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and cesarean decision making
13. Multi-sensory visualization
14. Grieving and healing
15. Presentation of class topics and wise use of audiovisuals

usandthegirls

02-28-2008, 08:28 AM

subbing and :bang about the snow days!

Pynki

02-28-2008, 09:19 AM

AnnR33

02-28-2008, 12:12 PM

We are finally in IA! But gotta be honest...wish I wasn't with all this snow and COLD :cold: Why couldn't they move us in May? :eyesroll

We just moved into the house last Fri so we're waist deep in boxes. We are in Springville FYI. But I expect to be spending lots of time in IC this summer once the summer fests and music in the ped mall start up.

I'd be up for SnB too, I haven't got to work on my crochet WIPs in ages.

Can't wait to meet up with some of you again!

Lady Ivanhoe

02-28-2008, 12:59 PM

Ann,:love I was just wondering if you were around, yet. I thought maybe all of this snow scared you back to Washington. LOL

Lady Ivanhoe

02-28-2008, 01:02 PM

Today the boys were late for school because the van was stuck in the ice of our parking pad at the apt. When J was finally able to get us unstuck and I got the boys to school they were still 10 minutes late.

That sucks! Like I was saying Saturday, the streets by our house are ridiculous. I watch people getting stuck in the middle of the street all the time.

There is a red truck across from our house right now, that hit a icy rut in the road, swerved into a snowbank and the guy couldn't get out. He just walked off and left the truck there and it has been there for about three days!

Chryseis

02-28-2008, 03:40 PM

I'd definitely be interested in a get-together and/or a SnB. I'm pretty open on the evening of the 15th (we have pictures in the afternoon).

FiddleMama

02-28-2008, 03:46 PM

I have a gig in Waterloo on the 15th but I'd be interested in coming to the next one.

Have you been to the new AWESOME fabric/yarn store on North Linn St in Iowa City? It's called Home Ec Workshop and it's where Roominations used to be. They did a beautiful job with it. There's a coffee shop inside and they have a 'knitter's breakfast' every Saturday morning. They also have classes, lessons, etc The website's not up yet but it will be here (http://www.homeecworkshop.com).

Sheekara

03-01-2008, 04:36 AM

I'm so tired of the ice and snow. Today I braved walking out to the car parked on the street and couldn't get past the snow that had been plowed into our yard. Our neighbor was outside and came over to assist me so I wouldn't slip and fall.

I'm afraid I won't be up for meeting any of you any time soon. Tomorrow is my baby shower and then the rest of the weekends this month will have to be dedicated to getting the nursery finished. Then another baby shower on the 29th and then on into April! Wow! I can't believe April is almost upon us! So much to do and not enough energy or time to get it all done :p

Oh well, I am grateful for the warm melty day we had today, even if it was very windy. I understand it's suppose to be warm and melty again tomorrow. I am very much looking forward to warmer days. :)

Dmitrizmom

03-02-2008, 08:23 AM

Please check out this (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=856923) thread - its about a nurse in at the state cap tomorrow to support legislation requiring employers to provide space for nursing moms to pump that isn't a toilet stall.

Pynki

03-02-2008, 09:50 AM

I can't make it, but I will email and call my rep and senators tomorow. I posted this on my blog as well!

Dmitrizmom

03-05-2008, 09:26 AM

Hey all! Looks like the night out will be on March 15. Any preferences where we go? If I can get a head count the day before, I will call the place of our choice and get a reservation (if they do them).

Also, I'm having a Pampered Chef show at 10am on March 29. Bring your textile arts (knitting, crocheting, rag rugs, etc) and we can S&B while eating yummy food. :) If you can make it, PM me so I know how much food I need to have. (*no purchase necessary to participate*) ;) If you need to bring LOs, I'm good with that.

happyhippiemama

03-05-2008, 11:52 AM

well crapola, my mother just planned some family thingamajig for the weekend of the 15th.

but maybe I can make it to the Pampered Chef party? I'm not a s-n-b'er, but I love me some PC.

Dmitrizmom

03-08-2008, 04:24 PM

So, how's Hu Hot sound for the MNO? I'm thinking 6ish.... LMK. :)

Pynki

03-09-2008, 12:24 AM

Both sound good. Hopefully the $$ situation will be better by next weekend.... er... maybe.

Sheekara

03-11-2008, 05:27 PM

It's warm today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spring is on it's way!!

Dmitrizmom

03-11-2008, 07:42 PM

We've been a quiet bunch lately! How's everyone doing?

I'm doing ok tonight. I have a few homework papers to grade, but nothing major - both of my classes have exams tomorrow. My kitchen is mostly clean, laundry is almost caught up, dd is helping me vacuum and sweep, my projects are slowly taking shape, ds is playing with the neighbor kid, and dh is at work until 9. After 1pm tomorrow, I am on spring break until 3/24. :) I have a meeting with another chiro in the area on Tuesday and am hoping that we can come to terms about me working with him.

I've enjoyed the sunshine today.

I'm excited about the MNO on Saturday, and looking forward to my Pampered Chef party on the 29th (thinking about becoming a dealer).

So how's everyone else???

Pynki

03-12-2008, 11:16 AM

I'm looking forward to your PC party as welL! LOL. Altough, not thinking of becoming a dealer!

Any idea of how much your general bowls are at Hu Hot? I'm trying to get a feel for how much I need to bring.

happyhippiemama

03-12-2008, 01:07 PM

I think Hu Hot is $11 something for dinner, Pynki.

Dmitrizmom

03-12-2008, 03:21 PM

I'm planning on $15 to include a drink and tip... :)

Pynki

03-12-2008, 04:59 PM

Cool thanks ladies.

Max'sMama

03-12-2008, 05:20 PM

I have a meeting with another chiro in the area on Tuesday and am hoping that we can come to terms about me working with him.

I've enjoyed the sunshine today.

I'm excited about the MNO on Saturday, and looking forward to my Pampered Chef party on the 29th (thinking about becoming a dealer).

So how's everyone else???

Who are you looking to work with? I used to work for one of the chiro's in your area and have met lots of them!

We are good here. I am so happy it's finally nice enough to be outside. We were definitely getting a major case of cabin fever here.

Better now though......

AnnR33

03-13-2008, 10:08 AM

Hi everyone!
We still have tons of snow here in Springville....we went for a walk yesterday-well tried to anyway-and the snow still went up to my 3 yr old's knees :eyesroll I had to send my oldest back for a sled so I could pull him back home.

Won't be able to make the MNO -taking my DD to my niece's b-day party. They rented out a theater-sounds fun.

Still unpacking boxes here, it's going slower than planned since we are in the midst of painting as well. Hopefully all will be right in the next few weeks.

Hopefully I'll meet up with you all soon though.
Ann

Dmitrizmom

03-13-2008, 03:23 PM

Ann - come to my PC party on the 29th! It'll be great to see you again. :) I know at least a couple of the other ladies plan on being there.

Chryseis

03-13-2008, 03:29 PM

So it's 6-ish on Saturday at HuHot? I can likely make it. We have a photographer coming over for 2-year pictures that afternoon, but we should be done long before then.

Pynki

03-13-2008, 04:04 PM

That's great! It will be nice to see you Candace!

Has anyone told Jish about the MNO. I know she doesn't get online much anymore.

I've been trying to call her the last two days but haven't been able to get a hold of her to tell her.

Dmitrizmom

03-13-2008, 07:41 PM

I don't have her number. :( I'd love to see her tho. I told Becky, but don't think she'll make it.

Looking forward to seeing you Candace. :)

Chryseis

03-15-2008, 01:17 PM

I am begging off tonight. I have come down with the cold that has been circling my workplace for weeks now (after much bragging about how I hadn't). So I will be spending this evening at home, whining to my husband. I'm certain he's really looking forward to it.

Dmitrizmom

03-15-2008, 02:51 PM

Hope you are feeling better soon. Being pg and sick is not a happy combination. :hug

secondseconds

03-16-2008, 10:18 AM

Do any of you have any Moms Club experience? Is it worth joining?

AnnR33

03-16-2008, 04:30 PM

Do any of you have any Moms Club experience? Is it worth joining?

I joined Moms Club in CR about 5 yrs ago when they first started here. I was only in it for 1 yr because we moved. The moms were nice and I liked talking with other adults. They were well organized and different groups like a book group, scrapbooking, cooking, etc that would meet 1x or 2x per month in addition to the 1 main mtg per month.
However, there were not many AP/natural minded moms at that time. Things may be different now but I'd be surprised.
If you just want a chance for your kids to play and some adult time for you then I think it's worth checking out for yourself.

You might have better luck finding like minded moms if you visit a LaLeche mtg-even if you aren't nursing. Just a thought.

cranberry99

03-28-2008, 04:50 PM

AnnR33

03-28-2008, 04:56 PM

Hi.
1. Where can I watch the new Business of Birthing movie since I missed the showing?
2. What suggestions do people have for finding quality childcare (daycare, and/or babysitters) ie sites with reviews, for places in the CR area?
3. Is there another thread for ppl in CR?

2. Check with HACAP for child care info. I think they have a list of who's registered/taken training/etc. However, I do not know of any review type listing. The best thing is to get some names and interview them and ask for references.
I know it's a really hard thing to find quality child care so good luck!

3. There are a few CR people on this thread (I'm in Springville but consider myself CR). You'll find this thread is mostly with people from the CR and IC area in general.

happyhippiemama

03-28-2008, 04:57 PM

TBOBB is available through Netflix, I rented it for my family to watch.

Max'sMama

04-01-2008, 09:14 AM

Max'sMama

04-01-2008, 01:10 PM

So someone has gone DDDDC :flipped:energy::nut Did someone get a big tax refund and DDDDC lots of people? (-insert twilight zone theme song)

or are we seeing a 1st of april theme!

nevernever

04-02-2008, 10:58 AM

Hello, all!

We are listing our house tonight. When it sells, we are planning to move to the Mt. Vernon area. We will be debt-free, hopefully living on another acreage and raising a lot of our own food, and I'm really excited to be closer to an area that has some like-minded mamas! We are planning to rent in the interim between selling our house and buying land. I'd love suggestions on dog-friendly rentals, leads on land/existing acreages for sale , non-vax/low-intervention friendly docs and any other information you have to pass along. How is that for a broad spectrum of info requested? Thanks in advance!

Teeni

Chryseis

04-08-2008, 02:37 PM

Thread bump, but not an entirely frivolous one. I am in desperate need of a recommendation.

I really, really need good chiropractor recommendations in the Iowa City/Coralville area. In particular I need someone who is great w/pregnant women in pain (and who fall down a lot, I'm clumsy when pregnant). Also, it would be fantastic if the chiropractor took insurance.

Thank you!

FiddleMama

04-08-2008, 05:26 PM

I have two excellent chiro recommendations: Dr. Jane Bourgeois at Synchronicity Chiropractic and Dr. Kyle Deden at Washington Street Chiropractic.

Both are in Iowa City- Synchronicity is on North Dodge street and Washington Street Chiropractic is across from the New Pioneer Co-op.

Both do manual and activator method. PM me if you want more details. I LOVE these two. They're both awesome.

FiddleMama

04-08-2008, 05:29 PM

P.S. Both take insurance but Washington Street Chiropractor has you do a co-pay and they do the rest while Synchronicity has you pay up front and then they submit your visits as a group. I find the co-pay system to be easier and less expensive but that might be specific to my insurance plan (Blue Cross Blue Shield)

Dmitrizmom

04-08-2008, 08:09 PM

chiro here, but not yet set up to take insurance. Dr. Christine Bowman took care of me when I was pg with E - made all the difference in the world. :thumb

pageta

04-09-2008, 08:08 AM

IowaMom

04-17-2008, 11:13 PM

Can you share your experiences with me if you used them? Pam, Sea or Kim are there names.

I had 2 pregnancies with them but I'm leaning towards a homebirth this time but my husband wants me to consider that things could "go better" with them this time then they did before. (They weren't horrible or even bad experiences just not what I was hoping for)

TIA!

nevernever

04-20-2008, 04:17 PM

AnnR33

04-20-2008, 09:42 PM

I think Mt Vernon is a great area, I think you'll like it. I know there are alot of homeschoolers in that area (I've met about 10 different moms there) but they don't have a formal group of any kind. We just get together for park days now and then. I just happen to fall into the group by chance. Most of them use the MArion Homeschool Assistance program.
Can't help with the dr or animal info though.

We live just a few minutes from Mt Vernon in Springville but open enroll to Marion for the Homeschool Assist Program-but we just moved from WA so I can't tell you much about the formalities of hsing here yet. I know you can't really "join" the hs assistance program until your kids are school age though.

The best thing would be to just start putting feelers out like you're doing here to meet other hsers and get info.

There might be some other groups in IC though, maybe somebody here can help with that area.

Sheekara

04-23-2008, 01:59 AM

It's been forever since I checked in here.

Yesterday was my due date. Sat. my parents arrived and two minutes later they were in full swing re-arranging my life. It has been a stressful few days, but I am grateful that things are cleaner and more organized. Just not what I had expected to be doing at the very end of this pregnancy.

Hopefully the podling will arrive before my parents have to return home. If not, oh well, I have a clean and organized house. :p

Anyway it's way late and I am exhausted. I need to get DH's attention downstairs w/o waking my parents. I've had horrible swelling and edema in my legs the past week so my master herbalist mother has me wrapped up in a parsley poultice to help bring the swelling down and now my legs are beginning to ache from not having moved them for a while. I need DH to help me unwrap myself.

I'll let you all know when baby arrives, until then don't expect to anything of me.

Hope you all are enjoying the beautiful weather we've had. *Finally!!!!!*

TattooedMama

04-23-2008, 07:46 AM

Hello everyone! I am a long-time MDC member and my husband just accepted a job in Ames so I'm looking to find like-minded friends in Iowa. I am a knitter and homeschooler. My little one, who is about 18 months, is still nursing strong. We cloth diaper, too.

Just wanted to introduce myself and sub to this thread. Hope to be joining you all soon, once our house (near Lincoln, NE) sells.

Hi Pageta! :wave
I am in Des Moines. There are some moms in Ames and Boone that participate in our local cloth diaper group here. Here's is Wallypop's blog about natural living in Des Moines. http://desmoines.wallypop.net/

Welcome to Iowa!

TattooedMama

04-23-2008, 07:48 AM

happyhippiemama

04-23-2008, 05:07 PM

wow it's been a while since I checked in!! Just really quickly in regards to the chiro rec, I used to see Dr. Kyle Deden, whom a PP mentioned, and love love love him. Not sure what his experience with pg is though.

I'm currently seeing Angela Amias for my chiro work, who is actually right below Dr Deden on Washington St. She shares an office with my midwife Kathy. She takes ins, including Medicaid.

CR Mama

04-24-2008, 03:03 PM

Is anyone doing CSA this year? I am seriously looking into it for the first time. Any recommendations for CSA's or who to avoid? Any other tips?!?

Thanks!

mia_jean

04-24-2008, 09:25 PM

I just wanted to pop in and say hi as a fellow Iowan.

nevernever

04-25-2008, 11:56 AM

First, thank you AnnR33 for your response to my earlier post; I really appreciate it!

I just got my regsistration form for a Mt. Vernon CSA in the mail yesterday. The name is Abbe Hills Garden CSA and a friend in Mt. Vernon recommended it. She used it last year, and I got to try a some of the produce and thought it was excellent. I thought her prices were very reasonable, too. A regular share (enough for two to three adults) is $300. There is also a larger share for a family of 4-5 with "medium-sized" kidlets for $570. She is also offering the option this year of a half-year share, beginning in August and running through the end of the season (end of Oct) for $380 for a large share and $200 for a regular share.

We've always grown our own in the past, but with moving from the acreage to a smallish lot in town, we're going the CSA route this year. I'm excited!

Teeni

Bellasmom

04-25-2008, 12:03 PM

We have donse ZJ Farms CSA for a couple of years and really like it. We split a share with another family (2 adults, 1 kiddo) and it goes well. There is also "optional" items that you can get each week if there are extras - usually there are! Website is http://www.zjfarms.com/

LittleSaylorBoat

04-29-2008, 08:40 AM

Hi -
I'm Angela, I'm a Cedar Rapids IA mommy who just started posting. I have one daughter - 21 mo. I am a single mom, and I work full time outside the home normally, but recently I have been home with my daughter who is in the process of potentially being diagnosed with special needs. The thinking is that she has a rare connective tissue disorder. We see a specialist on the 13th of May. She is a sweet and loving girl who is developmentally quite typical except that she has extremely brittle bones for some unknown reason. We should know more soon. Anyway, I am getting certified as a doula, I am into midwifery activism, I made my own baby food, we eat organic, and co-sleep.

cnjacobs

04-29-2008, 11:10 AM

This will be our 3rd year doing a CSA. The first year we went with Abbe Hills Garden. It was good food. It wasn't all organic when we had a share. I didn't like the drive to Mt. Vernon either. Last year we switched to Supernatural organics. All of their food is heirloom quality organic and is only 4 miles from the Wal-mart in Marion. Not as far as a drive for me. It is $350 for a small share-beginning of June to end of Oct- and they do have the option for delivery. They also have melons as well as all of the vegies. So we are sticking with them this year. There was a write up on CSA's a few weeks ago in the Gazette.

As far as chiroprators go we use a pediatric chiro. We've been using her for 3 1/2 years now and she has helped us out greatly with any medical issues that we have.

Max'sMama

04-29-2008, 12:47 PM

Welcome, Angela!

Christina-time to update your siggie!

Dmitrizmom

04-29-2008, 03:55 PM

Anybody up for trying a mom's night out? LMK. :)

cnjacobs

04-29-2008, 04:42 PM

I guess it is about time I updated my signature:wink

LionessMom

04-29-2008, 04:54 PM

Hi, everyone!

I posted earlier and didn't get a response, so I'm going to try again. We recently sold our acreage near Waterloo, and we just made an offer on a house in Mt. Vernon. I'm in need of recommendations for a non-vax friendly doc (would prefer a GP or NP instead of a ped to serve whole family) and also a good small animal vet in the area. (I'm also looking for a place to board a horse, in case anyone knows someone . . . )

On another tangent, my 2 boys are only 3 months and 21 months, but we're really considering homeschooling. Is it too soon to join a homeschool group? I know I've read that IC/CR has a strong homeschool community, but how do I learn more about it?

Please? I'd really appreciate it.

Teeni
hi, i live in lisbon.. right next door to Mount Vernon. all i can tell you is who i see. i see the mount vernon fmily practice. my doc Gina Butteris doesnt give me any problems with what i want to do. i also see a chiro in mv. brad kluver. i use the mv vet as well. he is friendly. i send my kids to lisbon school so cant help with the hsing part but everyone around here is real friendly and i am sure you will run into someone. i really love my doc she sees my whole family. if she is not available i see emily appleton. my chiro is awesome and loves working with kids. he is totally supportive of bf, non vax, etc. love him! ive lived in this area for almost 30 yrs (since i was in 1st grade). this is a great area for a family. Welcome!!!

roomformore

04-29-2008, 11:33 PM

Anyone else go to the Eastern Iowa Homeschooling Conference this past Saturday?

MamaWindmill

04-30-2008, 01:08 AM

LittleSaylorBoat

04-30-2008, 07:10 AM

Hi Angela - we'll be moving to CR in a few months! Glad to meet you!

Glad to meet you too! And thanks to everyone else for the warm welcome! Thank goodness for the internet - it is my only connection to the mysterious outside world of grown ups at this point.

AnnR33

04-30-2008, 11:58 AM

Anyone else go to the Eastern Iowa Homeschooling Conference this past Saturday?

Yep, I went and thought it went well for it's first time. I thought they had a good mix of speakers and I spoke on Thrifty Homeschooling ;)

Hi Angela-we met last night and now I realize that it was you who posted about your DD. Welcome to the boards :)

roomformore

05-03-2008, 12:08 PM

Anybody up for trying a mom's night out? LMK. :)

Well, as you know, I'm not so good about nights and weekends. :o Maybe we could try something during the day (during the week? A Tuesday?)? An afternoon at the park with the kiddos might be fun. We could bring our own picnic lunches or we could potluck.:eat:

Yep, I went and thought it went well for it's first time. I thought they had a good mix of speakers and I spoke on Thrifty Homeschooling ;)

I thought it went pretty well, too. My friend heard your talk. We went to different presentations and then we shared notes afterwards. :)

Allmom

05-06-2008, 02:03 PM

Sheekara

05-09-2008, 12:44 AM

I'm looking for a doctor in CR who is truly supportive of natural parenting choices. Any recommendations? Also, where should I recommend a friend to start on learning about homebirth stuff in Iowa? Any birthing centers near?
Thanks in advance!

Don't know about a dr. in CR, but I would suggest contacting Tammy at Baby Matters in CR for information on homebirth and stuff.
http://www.babymatters.org/index.php
Tammy is absolutely amazing and so is everyone I have met through the store and their classes/programs. She works with a home birth midwife that lives in IA City. The store offers a lot of classes and programs from LLL meetings to parenting classes. They also have a variety of baby items that you don't usually see in regular retail stores.

Max'sMama

05-09-2008, 08:57 AM

Also, where should I recommend a friend to start on learning about homebirth stuff in Iowa?

Why, the Mother's and Midwives potluck picnic in Iowa City tomorrow Sat May 10, 2008. It's a Lower City Park Pavilion 12 from 1-4 bring a dish to share. ( http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/0EokSF1lU_bzMqo4OQPoj1JZFMHMkZYCzlxJ1VGm2mT8rf2KSU yTE0aw16Vn0cgVP4F9zVJ0nEQyD4HR_tC8DMRGsVCf/PR%20Materials/picnicflyercolor.jpg ) Hopefully the flyer copied! If it doesn't pm me and I can send you it to you.

Dmitrizmom

05-09-2008, 03:31 PM

Why, the Mother's and Midwives potluck picnic in Iowa City tomorrow Sat May 10, 2008. It's a Lower City Park Pavilion 12 from 1-4 bring a dish to share. ( http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/0EokSF1lU_bzMqo4OQPoj1JZFMHMkZYCzlxJ1VGm2mT8rf2KSU yTE0aw16Vn0cgVP4F9zVJ0nEQyD4HR_tC8DMRGsVCf/PR%20Materials/picnicflyercolor.jpg ) Hopefully the flyer copied! If it doesn't pm me and I can send you it to you.

It didn't copy. :(

Max'sMama

05-09-2008, 05:09 PM

That really sucks it didn't copy. Well, I just received an email that it has been postponed. The weather doesn't seem to be cooperating.

happyhippiemama

05-10-2008, 04:57 PM

well good, because I'm at work and couldn't make it. Let us know when it'll be rescheduled?

MamaWindmill

05-12-2008, 11:02 PM

Anyone know anything about Pheasant Ridge apts in Iowa City?

Dmitrizmom

05-13-2008, 08:27 AM

Anyone know anything about Pheasant Ridge apts in Iowa City?
I don't know anything about the apartments themselves, but...

They are about 6 blocks from a grocery store (Fareway), it is a quick zip into campus on Melrose (but beware of speeding as the University Heights cop will ticket you even if you are only 2mph over the limit), relatively easy access to Hwy 218/I-380. They are close to at least one bus route that runs in to UIowa.

Dmitrizmom

05-13-2008, 02:47 PM

Wine and Cheese Party at my house Saturday 5/17 ~6pm.
We're frying a turkey and will have fruit&veggie trays.
If you want to come, pm me and I'll get you the directions.

Kids are welcome - we have a swing set, toys galore, dressup chest, puppets & theatre...

Chryseis

05-13-2008, 03:03 PM

happyhippiemama

05-13-2008, 09:10 PM

Okay, I'm loving my new job, but the schedule has just officially turned me anti-social. I work EVERY Sat and Sun until 9:30 at night. :(

The good news is, I'm kinda turning into a SAHM during the week, so I can run around town and meet up with some of you ladies during the week.

After this week (finals), that is. :thumb

Dmitrizmom

05-13-2008, 11:35 PM

Hoping for some MDC mamas to crash the party. :) The more the merrier - and the kids would love to have others to play with.

roomformore

05-19-2008, 03:02 PM

Does anyone know where we can get a few of those large (often blue) food-grade barrels in the Quad Cities area? We'd like to make rain barrels with them. :thumb

roomformore

05-19-2008, 03:03 PM

Also, thinking ahead to the summer, wondering if anyone knows of any good places to pick berries (all kinds)?:eat:

smokeylo

05-22-2008, 10:53 AM

Popping in to sub and say hi (:wave) -- I had my daughter in February and things are going great! I'm off this summer and am looking for people to hang out with for these brief months as a SAHM.

Also wanted to let those in IC/CR know that next week on Wednesday night, Red Avocado is hosting a benefit night for Friends of Iowa Midwives (http://www.friendsofiowamidwives.org). Should be fun!

smokeylo

05-25-2008, 08:19 PM

Hi friends. 2 Qs:

1. I'm trying to pick a ped that will be ok with delayed/selective vax. Has to be UIHC. And it would be nice if he or she was... nice! :wink I keep putting off taking dd to the ped because I'm nervous.

2. Anyone familiar with the UIHC Fam Care center in North Liberty? We're moving there later this summer and it would be nice to use them (bonus if a doc there is del/sel vax friendly!).

tia

Dmitrizmom

05-25-2008, 08:27 PM

Also wanted to let those in IC/CR know that next week on Wednesday night, Red Avocado is hosting a benefit night for Friends of Iowa Midwives (http://www.friendsofiowamidwives.org). Should be fun!

Shoot! I'd love to go, but I'll be elsewhere about 3800 miles away. :lol

NonasMama

05-30-2008, 02:50 PM

Anyone know anything about Pheasant Ridge apts in Iowa City?

About 9 years ago they were low income apartments, but then they had a long waiting list. I got on the list but never heard from them. I know there was a big controversy because many student athletes on scholarship were living there (who were receiving housing subsidies already), and apparently some coming from prominent families. Any way, not sure if this is still the issue there or not.

happyhippiemama

05-30-2008, 03:53 PM

My cousin is starting up a new business called Ruby Ellen Handbags (named after our late grandma :love), she's making purses and diaper bags, and they're BEAUTIFUL. She specializes in taking other people's sentimental fabrics and using them in the product. So each purse is completely unique and customized. She is truly very talented.

She'd like to keep the company very personalized, and is feeling drawn towards doing like "purse parties". It would be a little while yet before she gets that part up and going, but I wanted to help her out and toss out feelers here. She's a great AP momma of an almost 1yo boy, and I know she'd love suggestions.

Does a purse party kind of thing sound like anything anyone in the IC area would potentially be interested in attending?

JKW98

06-08-2008, 11:42 AM

Does anyone know where we can get a few of those large (often blue) food-grade barrels in the Quad Cities area? We'd like to make rain barrels with them. :thumb

I'd try the colleges and universities food service departments--I know my college always had a few of them around. Also the hospitals, the schools, and some of the bigger corporations (I know Deere HQ has a cafeteria, for example)--anyone who feeds massive amounts of people will buy things in containers like that!

I used to live in the QC area but moved south when I got married in May 2007.

aliall

06-08-2008, 07:30 PM

Does anyone know where we can get a few of those large (often blue) food-grade barrels in the Quad Cities area? We'd like to make rain barrels with them. :thumb

Frontier Coop gets them sometimes. They are in Norway, IA so not exactly close to QCs, but maybe you get out this way.

Dmitrizmom

06-09-2008, 12:38 PM

Hi all! I'm back from my trip and looking for people to get together with this summer. I'm only teaching on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the afternoon...

I'm planning on being at playgroup at the mall on Wednesday. :)

Crystal_R

06-09-2008, 10:16 PM

Has anyone had a birth at St. Luke's in Cedar Rapids or had Dr. Sterling as their OB? I'm trying to do the natural birth route, but all theses hospital and OB horror stories have me freaked out!

Dmitrizmom

06-09-2008, 10:47 PM

I birthed dd at St. Lukes in CR with Dr. Rexroth.

I went in with a very clear birthplan. I also didn't arrive until I was at a "stretchy" 7. Dh and I got there around 3:30 am, dd was born at 5:51 am. I refused to push until I got the urge (almost an hour from complete to pushing), I pushed in an upright position - they even had the squat bar out for me :), I refused a hep-lock (told the phlebotomist that if they tried to take blood while I was mid-ctx that I would punch them)... For the most part, they were very respectful and stayed in the background. My best advice is make sure your nurse is on the same page and if she isn't ask for a different nurse.

Crystal_R

06-09-2008, 11:23 PM

Did they fight with you on the Hep lock? i want to refuse one, but I doubt I'll be in the mood to fight. That makes me feel so much better that they got the squat bar for you. The website made them seem not too bad, but I was worried it was all for show.

Dmitrizmom

06-10-2008, 08:55 AM

They tried to pressure me a little about the hep-lock, but they backed off pretty quick with I said no. What helped is that dh backed me up on everything I said. :)

One thing to remember - dd was born 5 years ago next month... I don't know how much or if things have changed.

Oh... and the nurse that we had - when I gave her my birthplan and said, "if you can't tell, I want to go as naturally as possible." she replied, "Great. That makes my job really easy" with a huge smile. she was phenomenal.

LionessMom

06-10-2008, 12:23 PM

I had DD at St. lukes in cr. i like the womens center. it was nice. everybody was great except the one old nurse who tried to bathe my baby without asking. i had dr obrien. she was nice as well. it was a nice atmosphere. they knew i wanted a natural birth so when i asked for an epidural they had me wait for it to make sure i meant it instead of just saying it because i was having a contraction. i had a great birth and recovery there. i was kinda sad to come home. and the after birthing beds are huge. me baby and daddy all fit in the same bed. that was great. they even have someone who sells nursing bras at the hospital.

Crystal_R

06-10-2008, 12:42 PM

You guys are making me feel much better! DH is definitely on board with me wanting to go natural so all I need to do is warn him he might have to fight with a few nurses. Plus my mom who's a nurse will be there too and she's behind me too.

LionessMom

06-10-2008, 05:54 PM

when i went to pre-register i gave them a copy of my hand written birth plan, i also gave a copy to the doc and the nurse when i was admitted.

Crystal_R

06-11-2008, 04:02 PM

roomformore

06-11-2008, 05:10 PM

Is anyone familiar with the Anthropology program at University of Iowa?

LionessMom

06-11-2008, 06:52 PM

I hope everyone's doing ok with the flooding! I knwo it's crazy in the Cedar rapids area. I went to visit my parents and left DH at home since he's working crazy hours this week and I didn't want to spend all week freaking out alone.

i just came back from there. i live 20 miles east of CR. i just went to the LLL meeting last night and it looked ok but this afternoon they had the whole downtown blocked off and water everywhere. i was coming back along 30 west and the bridge on hwy 30 over the cedar is so close to be closed. i thought it was going to go down with me on it. and it is supposed to rain even more tonight. they are evacuating people right and left.

I hope all the Iowa mamas near flooding are doing ok. :goodvibes:

Crystal_R

06-11-2008, 10:51 PM

I just talked to my husband and he said they're evacuating parts of downtown CR and they're supposed to get another 8-12 inches of rain. Stay safe mamas!

LionessMom

06-12-2008, 07:24 PM

smokeylo

06-12-2008, 07:35 PM

:gloomy:
Hi everyone -- went out of town for a funeral yesterday, drove back today to an evacuated street. Drove through standing water to get out, had to leave our cats with lots of food and water sitting out. I'm so worried about them. We are very worried and upset about leaving them. We're in a hotel for now. Our house will be fine (up a high hill), but we live near Dubuque by the river so...

Yuck.

* * *
I am familiar with the anthro dept, pm me!!

Dmitrizmom

06-13-2008, 09:12 AM

they have now evacuated almost everyone in the 500yr flood plain. DH's brother, cousin, and best friend lost everything. they were very close to the water. DH's brother and best friend both have girlfriends due july 20ish. they lost all of the baby stuff they had bought :(. at least they got out and are safe. a lot of people didn't leave when they were supposed to and now have to be rescued. :1praying: for all those people who are not yet evacuated!

I don't know if they plan on co-sleeping, but if they don't, I have a bassinet that I'm not using and don't want to move that they can have. I also have a couple crib mattresses that are in good shape that I'm willing to part with. :) And an exersaucer thingy... :thumb

:gloomy:
Hi everyone -- went out of town for a funeral yesterday, drove back today to an evacuated street. Drove through standing water to get out, had to leave our cats with lots of food and water sitting out. I'm so worried about them. We are very worried and upset about leaving them. We're in a hotel for now. Our house will be fine (up a high hill), but we live near Dubuque by the river so...

Yuck.

* * *
I am familiar with the anthro dept, pm me!!

Hey - if you wnat someplace to hang out and not be in a hotel, I'm over in coralville. I'll PM you with my number (internet is currently non-functional at my house).

LionessMom

06-13-2008, 02:22 PM

I don't know if they plan on co-sleeping, but if they don't, I have a bassinet that I'm not using and don't want to move that they can have. I also have a couple crib mattresses that are in good shape that I'm willing to part with. :) And an exersaucer thingy... :thumb

thanks.. i will let you know if they cant find stuff.

Hey - if you wnat someplace to hang out and not be in a hotel, I'm over in coralville. I'll PM you with my number (internet is currently non-functional at my house).

be careful.. coralville is listed as being evacusted too. i hope you are far enough from the flood plain!

Crystal_R

06-14-2008, 02:36 PM

http://2008flood.org/

Here's a link to volunteer or ask for community assistance. Just thought I'd pass it along for all those mamma's who want to offer help or who need help.

NonasMama

06-14-2008, 03:23 PM

Does anyone have any experience with the midwives who deliver at UIHC? If so, I would love any info/reviews. PM me if you wish. Thanks so much.

happyhippiemama

06-17-2008, 01:07 PM

Does anyone have any experience with the midwives who deliver at UIHC? If so, I would love any info/reviews. PM me if you wish. Thanks so much.

I like Laura Dellos quite a bit, and Paula Eveleigh is fine, but Lynne Himmelreich I can't stand. I was pretty clear about preferring a natural birth at all of my appt's, and when I mentioned a potential yeast infection at an appt with Lynne, she responded, "Oh god, you're not one of those that just wants to put garlic up your twat, are you?"

Yes, you read that correctly, she said twat to me. During an appointment. The professionalism is astounding, yes?

It was right then that I knew I couldn't take a chance at Lynne delivering my baby, and went with a homebirth instead. When you go into labor at UIHC, you get whichever CNM is on call, and I refused to take the 1 in 3 chance of getting Lynne.

Laura Dellos really is a doll, though. :thumb

Dmitrizmom

06-17-2008, 07:30 PM

Coffee at my house on Friday morning if anyone is interested. :) I'll make up some scones (and cinnamon rolls, if I can get the gumption going).

NonasMama

06-19-2008, 08:55 PM

"Oh god, you're not one of those that just wants to put garlic up your twat, are you?"

Yes, you read that correctly, she said twat to me. During an appointment. The professionalism is astounding, yes?

Holy smokes. What makes anyone think it is okay to use the word twat at work?

smokeylo

06-20-2008, 08:08 AM

A lot of people respond poorly to Lynne. IME she can be great during a birth but her bedside manner isn't awesome.

The midwives are a decent option for natural hospital birth, but be advised that their c/s rate is still about 25%. A homebirth midwife's is closer to 4 or 5%.

Still evacuated, BLECH. SO SICK OF THIS!!!!

Crystal_R

06-22-2008, 09:02 PM

Has anyone taken Bradley classes from Kara Seaton?

Is anyone still evacuated or are most of you home or close to it?

smokeylo

06-23-2008, 06:53 AM

Has anyone taken Bradley classes from Kara Seaton?

Is anyone still evacuated or are most of you home or close to it?

Kara is GREAT, I love her. I haven't taken her class but I know her through FOIM. She had a natural hospital birth with #1 and a homebirth with #2 4 months ago. She and her husband are really nice, laid back folks with great teaching experience. I think it would be an awesome class.

We are back home after 7 days of evacuation. :D

LionessMom

06-23-2008, 11:16 AM

Is anyone still evacuated or are most of you home or close to it?

i didnt have any flooding but i drove down through cedar arpids last night on the way home from a friends house. we drove through the area closest to the river and it was bad. i feel so bad for everybody. all of their stuff was in piles on the street. some piles were more than 6 ft high. everything they ever owned. and the smell.. more like a stench.. of the stuff was horrible. it was devestating. i actually saw my DH cry a little as we drove by some of our friends houses. he had helped some of our friends clean up and it was awful. he said the sludge was everywhere and it made him gag. you could see the marks on the houses where the water was. it was right below the roof. you could see the dirt left behind. one person had a boat in their yard. my friends fence was picked up and left 3 yards down. that is what i saw in cedar rapids.

LittleSaylorBoat

06-23-2008, 04:22 PM

AnnR33

06-23-2008, 05:11 PM

I talked to some of the librarians at the Hiawatha library, and they said that the Cedar Rapids downtown library collection seems to be fine. They said no bookcases fell and almost everything looks salvageable. I was really relieved to find that out.

At first they thought they would be able to salvage many of the books that were higher on the shelves. But it was reported in the paper just yesterday that what the water didn't get the mold did so the whole downstairs collection was now ruined. :( The upstairs children's area is fine but all the lower level books, movies, mags, and reference materials are a loss.
The mold is so bad now that you can't enter without a haz-mat suit! So sad!

Dmitrizmom

07-03-2008, 07:12 AM

Chryseis - congrats on the arrival of your little boy! :joy:

Dmitrizmom

07-03-2008, 07:14 AM

HappyHippieMama - congrats on the arrival of your little boy! :joy:

Chryseis

07-03-2008, 09:02 AM

Chryseis - congrats on the arrival of your little boy! :joy:

Thank you.

I was actually thinking about you yesterday, 'cause I used your Monster Good Bread recipe to make bread. I made one cheesy loaf and one cheese-less, both turned out absolutely delicious. :eat:

dawnredwood

07-05-2008, 09:34 PM

Wondering if there are any to be found in the Iowa City area? Thanks!

tzuru

07-07-2008, 09:51 PM

As a doula I just attended a birth with Iowa City Photographer Rachel Eng. I was so impressed by her work and wanted to share. She takes beautiful pregnancy, birth, and also newborn photographs. She does amazing work and has the fly on the wall approach in the labour and delivery room." Check out her blog or birth gallery. www.racheleng.com

smokeylo

07-08-2008, 01:24 PM

What's the water quality in North Liberty? Is it hard water? I'm wondering about this for my diaper wash routine. We're moving there in a few weeks. Thanks!

Pynki

07-08-2008, 09:35 PM

Hey, I thought I'd give you all a halla and let you know about a fundraiser in the Iowa City/Coralville area to help flood victims - They are going to be collectingknit or crochet - No needling snobbery will be had! - small squares, make them into wonderful blankets, and then raffle off the blankets to raise money for the Johnson County Crisis Center to help flood victims.

Three ways you can help:

KNIT or CROCHET! Make 6” x 6” squares out of any washable worsted-weight yarn. Drop off the squares between July 5 and August 8, 2008. You can take them to the Crazy Girl Yarn Shop in Coralville or Home Ec Workshop in Iowa City. (Use any leftover washable yarn, or stop by the Coralville store to pick up donated yarn for free! Use any stitch pattern and color that you like.) If you’re not in town, you could mail them to the Crazy Girl Yarn Shop, 1150 5th Street, Suite 152, Coralville, IA 52241.

SEW! On the weekend of August 9 &10, we’ll sew the squares together into a blanket (or maybe a few blankets!) at the Crazy Girl shop in Coralville. (Ann will give free lessons all day in the crochet slip-stitch method of sewing up!)

BUY RAFFLE TICKETS! Buy tickets at the Coralville store or at Home Ec between August 8-24, 2008 for a chance to win a wonderful blanket and raise funds for the Crisis Center.

I thought we could maybe meet up on Saturday morning at Home Ec in Iowa City since they have Saturday morning SnB, I'm sorry... Knitter's Breakfast every Sat. morning at 10:30.

Since they are one of the drop off locations I thought that would be a great place to meet up and do our needle craft and drop off any donations at the same time.

Bellasmom

07-08-2008, 09:44 PM

What's the water quality in North Liberty? Is it hard water? I'm wondering about this for my diaper wash routine. We're moving there in a few weeks. Thanks!

We don't use a water softener and I don't have problems with hard-water build up. As city water goes, I find it to be better than Iowa City and Coralville's. I wash diapers in a front-loading washer - doing a cold short cycle with no detergent to rinse, then a hot or sanitary cycle with Method unscented detergent. Occassionally I put vinegar in the "softener" cup, sometimes I do an extra rinse. (Obviously I have no strict routine!) The diapers are always very soft out of the dryer, and though they get a bit stiff on the line in the summer they are still soft. Hope that helps - let me know if you have any questions!
Angela

SabbathD

07-10-2008, 11:55 PM

subbing, and hello there!

I am currently just south of Seattle, and we will be moving to Des Moines, IA at the end of August. Anyone on here in Des Moines?

AnnR33

07-12-2008, 05:07 PM

Hey Hey! I found this cool hip consignment shop in CR! It's called Crazy Daisy and is at 7th St and 3rd Ave. In the old Fin and Feather building if that helps anyone. Next to Phelans.
Anyway, it's an awesome store! Lots of retro and fun housewares, a few pieces of furniture, women's clothes, lots of nice shoes, purses, etc and a fair amount of artwork. There are some awesome sets of chairs and a cool dining table that I'd love to have a place for. Clothes are nice and mostly name brand-not a big deal to me but I did find some nice things for just a few bucks each.

Anyway, everything in the store was 1/2 off today (Sat) and I'm not sure how long that will last. They are trying to clear space for fall stuff.

If you get a chance you should stop by.

I really miss the great thrift stores of the west coast and this was a lot like the ones I used to frequent.

Dmitrizmom

07-12-2008, 06:35 PM

Ice Cream Social and Birthday party
July 27, 2008 Sunday
2 - 4pm

For anyone who is interested. RSVP via PM for directions if you want to come. :)

Crystal_R

07-13-2008, 03:00 PM

Hey Hey! I found this cool hip consignment shop in CR! It's called Crazy Daisy and is at 7th St and 3rd Ave. In the old Fin and Feather building if that helps anyone. Next to Phelans.

What side of town is that on? I've been here over a year and I still suck at finding places.

Dmitrizmom

07-13-2008, 04:49 PM

subbing, and hello there!

I am currently just south of Seattle, and we will be moving to Des Moines, IA at the end of August. Anyone on here in Des Moines?

:joy: Welcome to the thread! I know that there are a couple mamas that are in the DSM area. :thumb I'm in Iowa City, but go back over that way a couple times a year to see family.

AnnR33

07-13-2008, 06:01 PM

What side of town is that on? I've been here over a year and I still suck at finding places.

It's on the SE side on the edge of the downtown area.

treelover

07-13-2008, 07:26 PM

subbing, and hello there!

I am currently just south of Seattle, and we will be moving to Des Moines, IA at the end of August. Anyone on here in Des Moines?

Hi! I'm currently in Chicago but we're also moving to Des Moines this August. I'm really looking forward to connecting with some mamas from here.

PS: I lived in Seattle for 8 years right before I was married and had children!

See you soon. :)

Jenifer

Bellasmom

07-22-2008, 07:14 AM

Hello Ladies,
I am expecting baby #3 in October and am planning to deliver with the midwives at the Univeristy in Iowa City. However, my daughters are flower girls in a wedding in Cedar Falls one week before my due date. I am planning on taking my mother-in-law as a backup caregiver for the girls, but would like suggestions on the best hospitals for delivery between IC and the WL/CF area. My last baby was born 11 days past her "due date", so I don't have much expectation for an early delivery. However, I also slept through much of my last labor, and waking up in time to drive to the hospital, hang out for an hour, and deliver. If that happens again, I'd like to have a good idea of where to go for the least number of interventions.
Angela

AnnR33

07-22-2008, 10:57 AM

It's only 1.5 hrs of driving from Waterloo/CF to IC so I'd just plan on driving back if you even think you are starting to labor.
I really doubt you want to try to have a baby in an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar dr. They are unlikely to follow any birth plan you have since they do not know you or any risks you might have. Any of the hospitals in the area are going to be similar in their interventions-it is IA after all. ;)
I think Mercy in CR is a little better than Luke's in CR but I don't know alot about Covenent or Allen Hosp in Waterloo.

If you are feeling at all like you might go into labor can you send the girls to the wedding with grandma and demand they take lots of pics :) and you stay home? I honestly would not risk it if I was having signs. If you're feeling fine then go for the day and head home.
Good luck

Bellasmom

07-23-2008, 07:36 AM

If you are feeling at all like you might go into labor can you send the girls to the wedding with grandma and demand they take lots of pics :) and you stay home?
That is definitely the plan - however we will be there for 2 days - Friday for rehersal, Saturday for the wedding. Having gone to bed not thinking I was in labor and waking up just a couple of hours before delivery last time, I just want to have all my bases covered!
Angela

Max'sMama

07-23-2008, 07:41 AM

What is you called set up 'back up' care with one of the homebirth midwives in the area? Or had one of their phone numbers to call just in case? They could always come to the hotel, or where you are staying.

tzuru

07-28-2008, 10:27 PM

Our next meeting is this Saturday, August 2, 2008

What: A meeting about babywearing!!

Who: Anyone interested in carrying their baby or child on their body using cloth carriers such as slings, pouches, wraps, and traditional baby carriers. Children and their caregivers are welcome.

Why: • Meet others interested in babywearing
• Experiment with and get tips for using different baby carriers
• Learn about the benefits of babywearing.

When: First Saturday of every month, 1-3 PM

Where: Grounds for Dessert Coffeehouse (meeting room in the back), 345 S. Dubuque St. in the Court St. Transportation Center

j&bmommy

08-08-2008, 01:02 PM

Beware if you ever have to request a replacement social security card for your 5 year old, adopted son, born in a foreign country and god forbid if the country is Guatemala!

I thought I would be so smart and go onto the ss website and have all my ducks in a row before I hauled both kids with me to the office. It told me exactly what I needed and I was ready. When I get there they said I would need a document from a doctor stating who he is. I questioned why this would be more important than the goverment document of his State of Iowa birth certificate and the papers from the judge from his readoption and changing his name. They just said something from the doctor is more valid.
Shocking how powerful our doctors have become!!

The employee at the ss office was rude and very skeptical that what I had was accurate and was my ds even an US citizen. I was having a hard time not coming unglued!! Luckily I actually had the kids with me and the armed security guard out front helped me keep it together.

I guess the hardest thing to understand was this was for a replacement card. Not the original which I never had to have anything from a doctor then.
So after three trips to the office it was finally processed!!

Beware when shopping at the Hy-vee on waterfront. My wallet was stolen out of my purse out of the shopping cart. I have heard of a couple of other similiar situations. This is why I was having to replace my ds card in the first place since the doctor had requested it for when we went for his kindergarten physical and I put it in there for the next day!

Anyway thanks for listening to me rant!! I wont even go into my rant about registering my ds for school. We dont have enough space for that.....

It has just been one of those weeks!!

FiddleMama

08-09-2008, 12:21 PM

We're hosting a little hootenanny potluck tomorrow in Coralville. There will be lots of musicians jamming, good food, and kids running around. MDC families are welcome- PM me if you'd like details. :eat: :violin :thumb :D

smokeylo

08-09-2008, 07:54 PM

Mamas,

Friends of Iowa Midwives is hosting an August meeting and picnic in Iowa City. This would be a great chance to meet and greet folks if you are interested in joining our cause and should be lots of fun!

Details:
Aug 16th at Creekside Park in Iowa City
1:00 General Meeting
2:00-4:00 Picnic -- bring a side dish to share, we'll provide the rest. Please let Lauren (laurendoula@yahoo.com) or Monica (monica-brasile@uiowa.edu) know if you are interested in volunteering for misc. duties.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP! (http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=WVMWVALCWXCRWCSEYBGD)

And check out the FOIM website (link in my sig) if you haven't already.

Crystal_R

08-10-2008, 01:40 PM

Does anyone know if there's anything going on in Cedar Rapids?

Max'sMama

08-10-2008, 07:22 PM

Does anyone know if there's anything going on in Cedar Rapids?

Depends on what you are looking for.....there are lots of activities, maybe more information would be a good thing:thumb

AnnR33

08-10-2008, 09:01 PM

I know the farmer's market is up again downtown on Sat mornings. They have music in addition to the market sales.

Brucemore is having their annual Art on the Lawn on Aug 23-it's always a fun event.

I think the Freedom Fest events are being rescheduled soon too but not sure of the details.

If you can get a Penny Saver on Wednesdays it lists all the events/festivals/happenings for the week.

snitker79

08-10-2008, 11:44 PM

Anyone here from the Okaboji area? My husband's company may be branching out there and he may head it up. So I want to put out my feelers for what kinds of homebirth/midwife/babywearing/AP type options are around there just incase we have to consider relocating.

Thanks

Pynki

08-11-2008, 10:27 AM

Anyone who wants to is welcome to come out tomorrow to play in my not quite completely finished remodeling house with my we haven't mowed in a year jungle of a yard!

We 25 minutes or so SE of Iowa city. PM me for directions if you want them.

Warm Squishies,
Dyan
:joy:

Seeking Refuge

08-11-2008, 12:38 PM

We will be there! Hey Pynki, kiss your dh for me okay? I am currently looking at all of the photos that the geek squad and Microsoft told me were unretrievable. I used my Photoshop to import them off that partitioned drive he made and there they are, all 600 of them. :joy:

Fiddlemama, we had a fantastic time at your hootenanny last night. Thanks so much for the invite.:joy:

Dmitrizmom

08-11-2008, 03:21 PM

Dyan,
We'll be there too... I think we're going to carpool with Steph. :)

Seeking Refuge

08-13-2008, 09:15 AM

Thanks for having us out yesterday Dyan. I really think you guys did a fantastic job of laying your floors. I know from experience that laying square tiles in an old house that isn't square can be a real pain.

I also wanted to tell everyone that I am having a garage sale/craft sale/herb inventory reduction sale on August 28th and 29th. I am going to publicize it fairly widely so if anyone wants to try to sell some crafty type stuff, slings, etc... Let me know. I am hoping to get enough really fun stuff to sell that we draw a nice crowd because the kids Roots & Shoots group will be selling baked items and drinks to earn money for their activities this year.

They also decided to offer a free goody for anyone who brings a can of food for the Crisis Center Food Bank. The Roots & Shoots group will be doing a food drive in September and they will add the food they collect at the sale to that and turn it in then.

PM me if you are interested in selling something.

Sheekara

08-15-2008, 06:36 PM

AnnR33

08-15-2008, 11:44 PM

We are driving into CR for our bi-weekly shopping trip tomorrow (Sat.).

I heard rumor last week that there is a new Whole Foods opened in Marion. I can find nothing about it online. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

It's not the Whole Foods -man do I wish! But there is a new natural foods market off East Post Rd-kind of across from Mr Beans coffee if you know where that is. I don't know the exact name of it or I'd look it up for you-sorry.

secondseconds

08-23-2008, 12:05 AM

Can anybody tell me about the Vernon Heights of Blake Blvd. areas of Cedar Rapids. We are looking into buying an older home in those areas. Is there a crime problem? Any info would be lovely!

Crystal_R

08-23-2008, 01:28 AM

Dmitrizmom

08-23-2008, 09:18 AM

Hey Crystal, best wishes for your upcoming birth. :thumb. I know you posted before about this (I think I replied around post 100). :) I will tell you that my nurse was the best member of the the staff. She kept things low key, did the periodic checks for fetal heart tones without making me lay down. It's been 5 years since I birthed there... I hope someone who's been there more recently can help you out. :hug

LionessMom

08-23-2008, 10:07 AM

i just had DD there 4-07. i really liked it. the didnt make me do anything i didnt want to do. for a hosp it is pretty good. the birthing center is nicely done too. after you have the baby they take away the hosp bed and fold down a queen out of the wall so that you all can sleep together. i had dd sleeping with me and they didnt say anything. just asked to take her temp to make sure she wasnt getting too hot. they were really supportive of bfing and didn't even mention the take home bag of formula. I asked them for one so i could get a free diaper bag. they sell bfing bras there during store hours.

the bad thing was. the food is bland :shrug
and i didnt like that an old nurse tried to give my baby her first bath without even asking me. they said that they had to show me how to do it b/c it was mandatory. idk what she meant.
DH got mad at them though. apparently only the dad gets to eat with the mom from the buffet. they wouldnt let one guys daughter eat with mom and dad. they said she had to bring her own food. the dad snuck it, but DH left a nasty feedback card for them.

Sheekara

08-23-2008, 10:15 AM

I keep hearing all these horror stories (even on here!) about hospital birth. I'm due in 10 weeks and plan on having my baby at St. Luke's in CR. Can someone who had a birth there please tell me what to expect and possibly some positive things? The nurses there seemed incredible when we toured, but I have no idea if they're that nice when you refuse IVs and want a natural birth.

I had a home birth so I can't say anything about the nurses. But beware the Lactation Consultants!!! They are negative, uninformed and pushy. I strongly suggest getting in touch with Marjorie or Dawn the leaders of the local La Leche League. They will bend over backwards to help you.

Marjorie - 319-447-1499 lll@jorie.com
Dawn- 319-330-2539

I also strongly suggest having a doula with you during labor and delivery. Tammy at Baby Matters is absolutely wonderful, skilled, and very familiar with St Lukes and the nurses.
319-364-1144

Good Luck!

Crystal_R

08-23-2008, 02:01 PM

What are the LC's pushy about? I plan on contacting the LLL here before Smudge makes an appearance and actually took a bf-ing class from Tammy so I hope I'll do ok.

HybridVigor

08-23-2008, 04:31 PM

Tammy is great! I love her. I'm teaching her BWing classes now, and I'm super excited about it. I heard from her that there are some L/D nurses who are VERY supportive of natural birth at Luke's (two who are studying to be doulas or midwives), so hopefully you get one of them.

-Leslie

Seeking Refuge

08-24-2008, 01:37 PM

ICHEN
(Iowa City Homeschool Education Network)
is hosting a

Not Back to School Potluck Picnic
Morrison Park in Coralville on Monday September 1st.

We will be at the Fireside Shelter from approximately noon to six. We will be eating at 1 p.m. There will be grill going and some drinks. Every family should bring something to throw on the grill or another main dish and a side dish or a desert as well as their own tableware, including glasses.

For anyone interested: ICHEN has a yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ichen_list/) in which we organize this and other activities throughout the year including a weekly gym day at Mercer/Scanlon in Iowa City.

Parents of preschool age children who are planning on homeschooling or thinking of doing so are welcome to attend. There will be other preschool age children to play with.

Crystal_R

08-24-2008, 08:35 PM

Does anyone know anywhere within 30 minutes of CR to go apple picking? My friend and her 2 year old are coming out for a day soon and they really want to do this. I know Allen's in Marion, but I wanted to see if there was anywhere else.

Dmitrizmom

08-24-2008, 08:37 PM

Wilson's Orchard. http://www.pickyourown.org/IA.htm

We were out this afternoon. we got some very tasty apples. kids had a blast.

tzuru

09-22-2008, 09:59 PM

Hello. Does anyone have an update on the status of the Iowa City Holistic Mom's Network? Last I heard they were meeting at the Coralridge Mall for playdates (not sure when). many thanks. jnm

hipmamatosunlight

09-22-2008, 10:00 PM

I've actually moved from the Iowa City area, but delivered both of my children with the CNM--specifically Lynne. Each of the midwives has a very different presence and I know of quite a few people are put off by Lynne's sarcastic and rough demeanor. However, during labor and delivery she was amazing. She was a true advocate for my VBAC attempt and I believe that it was her toughness that served me well as she advocated for me go home after regular but non progressing contractions during an overnight stay (UIHC wanted me on monitors as soon as labor started). I then spent the next day laboring at home with my doula and mother in law--resting, walking, going out for ice cream, and getting a pressure point massage to move things along. Although I ended up delivering my son C/S after another day laboring at the hospital, Lynne made sure that my doula was allowed into the delivery room along with my spouse. Between the birth of my daughter and the birth of my son, I suffered a missed miscarriage and underwent a D&E--although Lynne was not on call and the OB staff was performing the procedure, Lynne stayed with me throughout and made sure that I was supported and had my questions answered.

iris777888

09-23-2008, 12:28 AM

I just took over as chapter leader of the HMN and am trying to get things going again. We had a meeting earlier this month and a playdate at the Coralville ST Morrison park this past weekend. If anybody wants more details about the group or wants to be invited to events, PM me. Otherwise, once we have additional activities scheduled I'll try and make sure to post them on here.

On a separate note, what's up with the UIHC midwife group? I just got their letter in the mail about their "unanticipated" changes, but I'm wondering what led to it and is really going on.

Bellasmom

09-23-2008, 08:27 AM

On a separate note, what's up with the UIHC midwife group? I just got their letter in the mail about their "unanticipated" changes, but I'm wondering what led to it and is really going on.

I haven't gotten the letter yet, but at my 34 wk appt. Laura Dellos told me that Paula is not currently taking call for "personal reasons". As a result they have two midwives trying to do all the deliveries, and obstetrics is helping out when they are really busy. I know that they are having the interns assist them with deliveries so that they have some idea of what a midwife birth is like - low lighting, seeing positions other than lithotomy, etc.
I saw Paula for my 36 week appt. last Thursday, and she didn't mention anything. I am a bit disappointed, my biggest problem with my first birth at Mercy was having a physician that I had only met once. My second birth was with the midwives (Lynne - who was fantastic at delivery, somewhat to my surprise!) and I would love to have a repeat of that experience with babe #3. I am really hoping that I do not get an obstetric intern that I have never met before. However, I am also almost 37 weeks, so my options are a bit limited at this point!
Angela

tzuru

09-23-2008, 09:40 AM

Angela, have you thought about working with a doula? There are a number of us in the Iowa City area. PM me if you need help finding an available one on such short notice. Having a doula would guarantee you to have somebody there with you that you are familiar with and that will help you stay on plan. I had one birth where I met with the couple for the first time three days before the actual birth. So don't worry about time. In any case sending smooth birth vibes. :>

cranberry99

09-23-2008, 11:49 AM

Hi,
I have gone to this new natural foods place...it is in Marion off of 11th St across from Mr Beans and in a strip mall next to a tae kwon do place and a house of worship. I kept going there right when they first opened- their produce and bulk items hadn't come in yet. They focus a lot on supplements from what I could tell. I should go back because they probably have a fuller selection now than when they first opened.
By the way I think they are called Whole Natural Foods.
Hope this helps.
We are driving into CR for our bi-weekly shopping trip tomorrow (Sat.).

I heard rumor last week that there is a new Whole Foods opened in Marion. I can find nothing about it online. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

Dmitrizmom

09-24-2008, 07:43 PM

Someone posted a question about breech birthing in Iowa... here's the link: http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=972731

Hope someone here can help her.

Dmitrizmom

09-25-2008, 05:54 PM

If anyone else is interested.. I'm still doing a Friday morning Craft -n- Coffee at my house from ~9am to noon. :) You can craft and drink coffee/tea and chat or just have coffee/tea and chat. :lol

I'll probably be making a pumpkin roll for tomorrow. :eat:

Seeking Refuge

09-26-2008, 10:51 PM

We had a very nice time this morning. Thanks so much for the yummy pumpkin roll and for having a little craft project for the kids.

I did a little research on the "knit stitch" dilemma: I found at least a dozen different videos...all of which show the thread clearly being wrapped around the back of the needle. I thought I would link to a few so that we felt better. So Pynki, either the knitter you talked to at that store is on crack or she totally misunderstood what you were trying to do.

All of these videos show the English method. I can't pull off Continental

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYGqXAN8R-4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xho-iQdGNE

http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knit-stitch

Seeking Refuge

09-26-2008, 11:03 PM

ICHEN ( Iowa City Homeschool Education Network) is going on a field trip to Wilson's Orchard on Monday, September 29th at 4 p.m. We will be having a guided tour, riding on the tractor wagon and of course picking apples. There should be pumpkins available by now as well. It will be loads of fun. As always there are no age restrictions on these events. Anyone homeschoolers with preschool age children are welcome and encouraged to attend. We started going to ICHEN events when our seven year old was only two.

LionessMom

10-08-2008, 10:27 AM

Does anybody here now of a ND in the Lisbon, Mount Vernon area? I have been trying to find one but am having no luck.

Dmitrizmom

10-08-2008, 11:58 AM

Hey! For anyone who is interested...

Pampered Chef Party
Saturday, October 11, 2008
2pm - 4pm
Jennifer's house (PM for directions/RSVP)
kids and husbands welcome. :)

Seeking Refuge

10-08-2008, 12:19 PM

Does anybody here now of a ND in the Lisbon, Mount Vernon area? I have been trying to find one but am having no luck.

Naturopathy is not legal in Iowa, the only practicing naturopaths in Iowa tend to be chiropractors as well. The last I knew there were only 5 or 6 ND's in the entire state of Iowa.

I used to live in Mount Vernon and to my knowledge there are none although I have heard good things about Dr. Kluver. In Iowa City, Jason Bradley is a practicing chiropractor/ND and I believe that there is one at Eastwind.

One thing to keep in mind, about this is that generally insurance companies limit the number of chiropractor's visits you can have in a year.

aliall

10-08-2008, 01:38 PM

Hi all. Can some one fill me in on the homeschool groups in the CR/IC area. We are thinking about hsing the kids--they are in ps now although we did hs dd7 for kindergarten. We live in between IC and CR and probably wouldn't do any kind of HSAP (our district doesn't have one and don't want to open enroll somewhere else.) We would be looking for a secular type group with field trips and park days and such.

Thanks!

ali

AnnR33

10-08-2008, 01:45 PM

If you find one let us all know!
Unfortunately, the only groups I know of that are not HSAP are Christian groups. There are yahoo groups with non religious homeschoolers in this area but I don't think they get together on any kind of regular basis. I suppose we should start planning some things and hopefully people will start coming.
Any ideas?
I'd be up for a pumpkin farm tour.
My kids are 3,7,9.
Ann

Hi all. Can some one fill me in on the homeschool groups in the CR/IC area. We are thinking about hsing the kids--they are in ps now although we did hs dd7 for kindergarten. We live in between IC and CR and probably wouldn't do any kind of HSAP (our district doesn't have one and don't want to open enroll somewhere else.) We would be looking for a secular type group with field trips and park days and such.

Thanks!

ali

aliall

10-08-2008, 02:08 PM

Really? I would have thought there would be something around here. Well I haven't pulled the older two out of school yet...still (over) thinking the whole thing, but would love to meet up for a pumpkin patch if you are interested. If we do it in the afternoon, I would have my 2.5 yo and my 5 year old(he is only half day).

Where are you located? Do you know of any good pumpkin patches in the area?

Anyone else interested?

ali

AnnR33

10-08-2008, 03:26 PM

I was surprised as well about the lack of independent groups but I've found that most people belong to a HSAP or are pretty conservative compared to us.

We aren't far from you-we're in Springville but out in the country.
Knight's farm is supposed to be a good one by Whittier but I've never been there.
Anyone else know of some good pumpkin patches in the CR area?
Ann

Seeking Refuge

10-08-2008, 06:11 PM

ICHEN is secular , Ann. I mean there are people in the group whom I suppose are Christian but we don't talk about that kind of stuff at all. There are also atheists, pagans and everything in between.

The core group of us that get together regularly are liberals. On Monday afternoons we do floor hockey at Mercer/Scanlon. ( Not everyone plays field hockey the younger kids run around the gym or the playground if the weather is nice.)

Tuesdays we have a chess club that meets at the Coralville library. (ETA Keiko organized that club Ann. You should try to make it down sometime, we would love to see you.)

Wednesday afternoons we have a get together for the younger kids at the Iowa City Public Library because the older kids belong to the ICHSAP and the Tweens group meets then.

We do potlucks, parties, and field trips. It isn't uber organized but there is a solid group of us.

Dmitrizmom

10-08-2008, 06:53 PM

I am so incredibly annoyed at the stuff Ds keeps bringing home from school and the loss of skills he has a year ago... HSing is gaining appeal, but it would mean a major revamping of our schedules... I'd have to convince dh first.

Seeking Refuge

10-08-2008, 06:56 PM

Careful you or the Friday craft date will be listed on the ICHEN list. LOL

It almost is anyway... We are starting to schedule stuff around it.

AnnR33

10-08-2008, 08:27 PM

Oh that's great to hear! I thought ICHEN was just a yahoo group, I guess I didn't realize you got together.
I'll be in touch!
Ann

Dmitrizmom

10-08-2008, 08:42 PM

Careful you or the Friday craft date will be listed on the ICHEN list. LOL

It almost is anyway... We are starting to schedule stuff around it.

:lol This tickles my funny-bone. :)

AnnR33

10-15-2008, 01:47 PM

La Leche League-Cedar Rapids area
Meeting this Friday-Oct 17 at 10am at the Marion Public library.
This is an informal meeting to discuss any breastfeeding/natural parenting topics that you'd like to discuss. There is a mix of ages from infants to preschoolers (+ a few older homeschooled kids) so feel free to bring any age child.
We meet in the conference room so there's a good amt of room to play.
Hope to see you there!
Ann

Our regular meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month at BabyMatters in CR.

PM me if you need more info.
Ann

LionessMom

10-16-2008, 10:11 AM

i dont ususally make it those so much anymore. i live at least 30 miles away. i will be sitting at home wishing i was there though.:D

roomformore

10-23-2008, 01:12 PM

Does anyone know of any Food Not Lawns groups in eastern Iowa?

Sheekara

10-24-2008, 07:45 AM

Max'sMama

10-24-2008, 08:10 AM

Sheekera, Pm'ed you!

Dmitrizmom

10-24-2008, 08:19 AM

We have decided to have our family pictures taken. We haven't had them done since I moved here. Most photographers in CR want enormous sitting fees and require minimum purchases in the $$$ range. So our choices are Walmart, JCPenny, and The Picture People.

Anyone have experiences with any of these places? Ive heard that The Picture People aren't very good, but no one I know can really confirm that. Then there's :eyesroll Walmart. I wonder if they can take decent pictures of kids in such a small place and tons of noise and distractions.

I just want some halfway decent family photos done that aren't gonna cost an arm and a leg. Any thoughts on the matter?

We got our family pictures taken at Sears and they did a great job. http://photo.xanga.com/photosmain.aspx?user=jengineerw&uni-47-pg=3 There are more pics on page 4 too.

I sometimes get coupons for them. They also have online ordering - usually we just "share" the pictures on the Sears site with dh's parents and they order what they want. :) Last time we got the CD with the pictures on it (they finally made the quality of the pics on the CD decent for actually printing on your own) and a package. We got all the pics taken in less than 25 minutes, but didn't feel rushed. At the online site you can also order coffee mugs/key chains/etc with the picture of your choice on it.

happyhippiemama

10-24-2008, 08:38 AM

i love the family2 pic of you all vertical!! tres cute. :)

tzuru

10-24-2008, 08:55 AM

For a very reasonable price and beautiful results
we had ours taken with Kim at http://www.lifes-moments.com/#
her sitting fee is $50 and then you order a la carte. We took ours outside and I'm super happy. You will also have the pictures on-line in an album, which is great for long distance relatives.

Crystal_R

10-24-2008, 08:21 PM

Does anyone know any pediatric dentists, ENTs, or doctors that clip a tongue tie in CR? I'd like to be able to walk into the pediatrician's office Monday with a few names that I'd like her to refer us to.

yebos9

10-27-2008, 02:48 PM

Hi everyone! I am in the Cedar Rapids area, and new to TTC. We just moved to the area last year, and I went to the midwives in Iowa City for my yearly exam.

So far, I am thinking to deliver there when the time comes, but wanted to know if there is anywhere else recommended in the area. Being new to CR, and not knowing anyone, I didn't have anyone to ask when I made my first appointment with the midwives.

I don't mind driving to IC if that is the best place to go, but if there is somewhere in CR that isn't bad, I'd like to be able to check it out too.

Thanks!

Max'sMama

10-27-2008, 03:09 PM

I would recommend HOME. But that's just me:mischief

Are you referring to the midwives at UI? As far as CR goes, I have been told that Mercy is the way to go and that St Lukes is less natural friendly, not as breastfeeding friendly, etc. But I think it's really a matter of perspective. I have not delivered at either and chosen to go with homebirth here in CR. I would recommend you go to the LLL (http://www.lllusa.org/web/CedarRapidsIA.html) meetings to find resources. There are also resources at Birth, Baby and Beyond (http://www.birthbabyandbeyond.org/) they have a list of classes and opportunities on their site for more information.

tzuru

10-27-2008, 11:57 PM

Welcome. Here are some great local resources to add to pp.

Courses:
* Bradley Method, North Liberty http://www.bradleybirth.com/ndweb.asp?ID=S717
* Birthworks, Iowa City http://iowacitybirthworks.googlepages.com/home [this is an amazing class. I took it as a part of my doula certification]
* Courses available through Birth Baby and Beyond (BabyMatters), located in Cedar Rapids
http://www.babymatters.org/class.php , specifically the Lamaze class
Babymatter has a doula registry for Cedar Rapids

There are a few doulas in Iowa City with experience working with the UIHC midwives

Bamboo Birth Services- doula www.bamboobirth.com, specializes in hypnobirthing

Katherine Parker Bryden- specializes in the Bradley Method

Lauren Wipperman- specializes in pregnancy massage

and others. You can find most of us on online doula registries

smokeylo

10-28-2008, 08:45 AM

I would have my baby at home with one of our amazing midwives! :p

Crystal_R

10-28-2008, 04:08 PM

I took Bradley classes from Marcus and Kara and they were great so I wanted to second those.

I delivered at St. Luke's and I loved it. The nurses were great (ok one was ditzy, but she was still nice) and the LC's were great, especially Carol. I went completely natural and no one even asked me if I wanted an epidural. After I said I was going natural they got me in the tub and got the birth ball out in case the tub didn't work. It probably helped that I had gone over my birth plan with my doctor (Dr. Sterling at Family Medicine Specialists, but Dr. Angenened (sp?) delivered Ella) so the practice knew I wanted to go natural, no pitocin, no IV, etc.

Max'sMama

10-28-2008, 04:15 PM

Crystal, I think the difference is that you had Sterling and not one of the on call OB's that most of the residents in CR go with. There are a few family docs that deliver regularly here and they have much more natural instincts since they are not OB's and, are not generally, surgeons.

It's great that you had a positive birth at a local hospital, though!

Seeking Refuge

11-02-2008, 09:44 PM

Does anyone know of any Food Not Lawns groups in eastern Iowa?

There is a group that meets in Iowa City but I am not sure how regularly. We went to a potluck in October and it was a lot of fun. I will let you know when I hear of another meeting.

Dmitrizmom

11-05-2008, 04:31 PM

Hey all. Just wanted to give us a bump. Any chance anyone is willing to do a roll call?

Jennifer
dh: Dan
ds - 7
dd - 5

nevernever

11-06-2008, 08:07 AM

Teeni
dh: Trevor
ds 28 months: Silas
ds 10 months: Rowan

Bellasmom

11-06-2008, 08:08 AM

Angela
Tom
Ella - 5
Käthe - 2
Thea - 5 days

smokeylo

11-06-2008, 08:18 AM

Announcement: Friends of Iowa Midwives is having a meeting this Saturday to start a central Iowa chapter. It'll be at 3:30 at Almost Home Birthing Center in Des Moines. PLEASE GO!!!

ROLL CALL:
I'm Lauren, 28, mother to almost-9-month-old Robin who was born at home in a waterbirth. We live in North Liberty and I'm a grad student at UI. My husband works in Cedar Rapids. 3 cats, ummmm...??? I'm on the steering committee for Friends of Iowa Midwives which is hoping to license midwives this year (or more realistically, next year!).:wave

Chryseis

11-06-2008, 08:46 AM

Candace
Husband - Mark
Daughter - Molly - 2, 3 in February
Son - Max - 5 months
Shih-Tzu - Xander - 4 years :p

Dmitrizmom

11-06-2008, 09:31 AM

Angela
Tom
Ella - 5
Käthe - 2
Thea - 5 days

:joy::jumpers::jumpers::joy:

Congrats to Angela and Tom and family! Welcome to the world Thea!

:joy::jumpers::jumpers::joy:

Crystal_R

11-06-2008, 02:18 PM

Crystal
DH - Kevin
DD - Ella - 3.5 weeks old

Pynki

11-06-2008, 03:01 PM

Dyan (Pronounced DeAnne, I know, it's confusing)
Jake the hubster
4 boys
MErcury 10
Xavier 8
Liam 5
and
Gabe 2
(and how VERY 2 he is!)

AnnR33

11-06-2008, 03:26 PM

Dmitrizmom

11-06-2008, 04:21 PM

Ann- We live in between Springville and Mt Vernon
DH-Shawn
Brenn-10 (next week) :geek:
Tessa-7 :guitar
Colbey-4(next week) :mischief
VERY unexpected bun in oven-due Late June/early July ;)

I know I HAVE to get together with some of you again! We've been back here over 6 mos and I still haven't made it to any gatherings. Soon!

Congrats on the upcoming little one. :joy:

You know that you are always welcome to join us for crafting at my house on Friday mornings. :love