Well that's good news.
Yeah, no kidding. If I remember the other disease can lead to retardation if left unchecked.
Well that's good news.
Anyone else here have or is planning a home birth?
I don't know if there's a separate "Fertility-GAF" thread, but I thought a bunch of new parents might have some thoughts re: my questions about pregnancy and fertility.
My wife and I are trying to have our first. We JUST started trying. We're using one of those apps that estimates when you might be ovulating and tells you when you should really be trying. So far, it doesn't appear as though we were successful on attempt #1. Lots of thoughts are going through my head - what if we can't get pregnant?
I'm pretty sure I'm being irrational at this point - it takes a lot of people months (if not years) to get pregnant.
How about you guys? Did it take a while? Anything we can be doing to improve our chances, other than good diets, lots of "trying" in the appropriate window? Just be more patient?
We're both incredibly excited to have a baby, but both really worried about the possibility that it can't happen for whatever reason. We're both in our (very) early 30's.
Also, should I be doing anything else to prepare BEFORE we find out she's actually pregnant? Talking to doctors? Anything else I'm just not thinking about? We're not doing anything yet, other than thinking about living arrangements, job arrangements, and financial planning. Also thinking about one of those live-in baby nurses for the first couple weeks. A few of her friends did that and said its totally worth it. Like a mommy-coach and helper. I feel like we should be able to figure this out and have parents around that can help and give advice, but not necessarily opposed to having a real pro on hand...
.....My wife and I are trying to have our first. We JUST started trying. We're using one of those apps that estimates when you might be ovulating and tells you when you should really be trying. So far, it doesn't appear as though we were successful on attempt #1. Lots of thoughts are going through my head - what if we can't get pregnant?
How about you guys? Did it take a while? Anything we can be doing to improve our chances, other than good diets, lots of "trying" in the appropriate window? Just be more patient?
We're both incredibly excited to have a baby, but both really worried about the possibility that it can't happen for whatever reason. We're both in our (very) early 30's.
Also, should I be doing anything else to prepare BEFORE we find out she's actually pregnant? Talking to doctors? Anything else I'm just not thinking about?...
I'm 9 1/2 weeks pregnant with our first baby
I'd like a home birth, and Tommie is being very supportive of my wishes. I'm very apprehensive of American hospitals for birth due to the heavy use of medical interventions that can lead to a C-section (someone else mentioned the documentary "The Business of Being Born", very insightful, if you can tolerate Ricky Lake - it's available on Netflix too).
I'd like a drug-free birth, and am enrolling in hypno-birthing classes to help me deal with the pain. I've also purchased a TENS machine to help reduce the lower back-labor pain in the early stages of labor (if you are unfamiliar with how it works watch this: http://youtu.be/4gUEtYAqPw8)
In Australia (where I'm from) and Europe labor TENS are quite common, so I was really surprised to find they weren't available in the USA (TENS machines with 2 electrodes for physiotherapy are, but the ones specifically designed for labor with 4 electrodes and a boost feature for contractions are not) so I purchased mine from the UK for about $120 (I bought it from here if anyone is interested: http://www.bodyclock.co.uk/distribution/elle-tens.html - email them and they'll arrange shipping to the US). I know lots of women back in Australia who swear by its effectiveness!
I also recommend a book called "Childbirth Without Fear", http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0953096467/?tag=neogaf0e-20
By Grantly Dick-Read, a British obstetrician who was the pioneer of natural childbirth. It is an AMAZING read for anyone who is fearful or apprehensive about childbirth, whether you're planning a hospital or a natural birth. While having been revised, it was first written over 50 years ago but it is just as relevant today as it was then. It really helps to understand how one's psychology directly impacts your physiology and the experience of childbirth, and the book is part of the required reading list for trained doulas.
I am still choosing a mid-wife/doula, so if anyone has any recommendations of a good one in San Diego let me know!
I'm 9 1/2 weeks pregnant with our first baby
I'd like a home birth, and Tommie is being very supportive of my wishes. I'm very apprehensive of American hospitals for birth due to the heavy use of medical interventions that can lead to a C-section (someone else mentioned the documentary "The Business of Being Born", very insightful, if you can tolerate Ricky Lake - it's available on Netflix too).
I'd like a drug-free birth, and am enrolling in hypno-birthing classes to help me deal with the pain. I've also purchased a TENS machine to help reduce the lower back-labor pain in the early stages of labor (if you are unfamiliar with how it works watch this: http://youtu.be/4gUEtYAqPw8)
In Australia (where I'm from) and Europe labor TENS are quite common, so I was really surprised to find they weren't available in the USA (TENS machines with 2 electrodes for physiotherapy are, but the ones specifically designed for labor with 4 electrodes and a boost feature for contractions are not) so I purchased mine from the UK for about $120 (I bought it from here if anyone is interested: http://www.bodyclock.co.uk/distribution/elle-tens.html - email them and they'll arrange shipping to the US). I know lots of women back in Australia who swear by its effectiveness!
I also recommend a book called "Childbirth Without Fear", http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0953096467/?tag=neogaf0e-20
By Grantly Dick-Read, a British obstetrician who was the pioneer of natural childbirth. It is an AMAZING read for anyone who is fearful or apprehensive about childbirth, whether you're planning a hospital or a natural birth. While having been revised, it was first written over 50 years ago but it is just as relevant today as it was then. It really helps to understand how one's psychology directly impacts your physiology and the experience of childbirth, and the book is part of the required reading list for trained doulas.
I am still choosing a mid-wife/doula, so if anyone has any recommendations of a good one in San Diego let me know!
I'm 9 1/2 weeks pregnant with our first baby
I'd like a home birth, and Tommie is being very supportive of my wishes. I'm very apprehensive of American hospitals for birth due to the heavy use of medical interventions that can lead to a C-section (someone else mentioned the documentary "The Business of Being Born", very insightful, if you can tolerate Ricky Lake - it's available on Netflix too).
I'd like a drug-free birth, and am enrolling in hypno-birthing classes to help me deal with the pain. I've also purchased a TENS machine to help reduce the lower back-labor pain in the early stages of labor (if you are unfamiliar with how it works watch this: http://youtu.be/4gUEtYAqPw8)
In Australia (where I'm from) and Europe labor TENS are quite common, so I was really surprised to find they weren't available in the USA (TENS machines with 2 electrodes for physiotherapy are, but the ones specifically designed for labor with 4 electrodes and a boost feature for contractions are not) so I purchased mine from the UK for about $120 (I bought it from here if anyone is interested: http://www.bodyclock.co.uk/distribution/elle-tens.html - email them and they'll arrange shipping to the US). I know lots of women back in Australia who swear by its effectiveness!
I also recommend a book called "Childbirth Without Fear", http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0953096467/?tag=neogaf0e-20
By Grantly Dick-Read, a British obstetrician who was the pioneer of natural childbirth. It is an AMAZING read for anyone who is fearful or apprehensive about childbirth, whether you're planning a hospital or a natural birth. While having been revised, it was first written over 50 years ago but it is just as relevant today as it was then. It really helps to understand how one's psychology directly impacts your physiology and the experience of childbirth, and the book is part of the required reading list for trained doulas.
I am still choosing a mid-wife/doula, so if anyone has any recommendations of a good one in San Diego let me know!
Any advice for Colic? My 5 week old is suffering with it at the moment and it's.. hard work to say the least. The bouts of continual screaming aren't nice and she's really struggling with the trapped wind. We have changed bottles, feeds and tried a number of medicines as recommended, but nothing seems to be shifting it. I guess this is one of those things where time is the only healer.
On another note, and just a general observation on fatherhood, but I'm really surprised by how many people ask me if I'm changing her nappies, and then act somewhat surprised when I say I am. "Oooo have you been changing the nappies then!?" is a regular question when people ask me how it's all going, as if the answer is going to be no. Is it still acceptable in 2012 for fathers to get away with not changing any nappies? In my experience it's just one of the main fatherhood duties along with feeding, putting to bed, changing etc..
Anyone else found similar?
^ I still have no idea what is so big deal about changing nappies. It takes 5 minutes and your child becomes comfortable. Regarding colic we tried breast milk only for a while. Some time it is not colic only go to doctor and see everything else is fine.
Try being a stay at home Dad, you get asked all kinds of stuff.
Regarding the colic, it could be reflux and they have stuff that you can give the baby for relief. My daughter had it pretty bad, she was really suffering. Got some stuff from the Ped and it went away, used it for about 7 weeks or so.
Any advice for Colic? My 5 week old is suffering with it at the moment and it's.. hard work to say the least. The bouts of continual screaming aren't nice and she's really struggling with the trapped wind. We have changed bottles, feeds and tried a number of medicines as recommended, but nothing seems to be shifting it. I guess this is one of those things where time is the only healer.
On another note, and just a general observation on fatherhood, but I'm really surprised by how many people ask me if I'm changing her nappies, and then act somewhat surprised when I say I am. "Oooo have you been changing the nappies then!?" is a regular question when people ask me how it's all going, as if the answer is going to be no. Is it still acceptable in 2012 for fathers to get away with not changing any nappies? In my experience it's just one of the main fatherhood duties along with feeding, putting to bed, changing etc..
Anyone else found similar?
Yeah, we have brought her to our local Childrens unit. Tried not to be that parent who rushes straight to A&E at the first sign of trouble but the last 24-48 hours have definitely been abnormal for our little one. Waiting to see someone now but we've just seen a nurse who says it sounds very much like a reflux issue. Im hoping they can give us something.
My daughter is 2 months old now. She has been a dream come true for my wife and I, she cries maybe 10 minutes a day. Already sleeps 4-6 hours straight at night and even during naps if we don't wake her. We couldn't ask for a better newborn. Only time will tell how long this lasts lol, my son wasn't this easy... but fingers crossed. We are so very lucky, so far so good.
Also, my son recently turned 3. He's my best buddy, I need more friends like him. He's a good big brother, looks after his sister already which is heart warming.
Anyone's baby demand to eat whatever you're eating ? None of our friends ever seen this with their kids.
Not long after he started solid foods my son will show an interest in our food, unless he is full. Can't sample stuff at Costco without him wanting some lol.
Even natto(fermented soy beans) aren't off limits.
Anyone's baby demand to eat whatever you're eating ? None of our friends ever seen this with their kids.
Not long after he started solid foods my son will show an interest in our food, unless he is full. Can't sample stuff at Costco without him wanting some lol.
Even natto(fermented soy beans) aren't off limits.
Encourage that. One of my kids is a picky eater, the other is adventurous. You want your kid to be adventurous, trust me
Encourage that. One of my kids is a picky eater, the other is adventurous. You want your kid to be adventurous, trust me
She did very well. Mine would have been screaming the second we got close.
Took Addie to see Santa a couple weeks back. She did great.
She did very well. Mine would have been screaming the second we got close.
That's a young looking Santa.
Congrats! beautiful and handsome kids you have. My daughter is 7 months and my son is 4, similar situation. She is a good sleeper, we just got through a rough patch where she'd wake up in the middle of the night but now she's back on track.
Hey, that is a classic isn't it. Maybe I'll pack the family in the hoopty and take a trip to the mall this week. I know the inlaws and their side will love it.There's another shot not my phone where she and Santa are staring at each other. It's great.
My wife and I were acutally hoping for screaming baby in Santa's lap, but it just didn't happen.
HaHa awesome. Like a Boss!My 3 year old nephew is amazing. He'll eat anything.
Was out at a restaurant where he was dipping bread into olive oil, he ordered a salad (my niece ordered chicken fingers and fries), and when he saw my mom eating french onion soup he asked to try some.
Oh we're thrilled he's adventurous and we encourage it
Never seen a baby prefer the parents' food over his. It's like he thinks he's getting just toddler food while we're getting the good stuff. He'll lose interest in his food and prefer ours if we eat around him sometimes.
And he can be picky sometimes as well, it's tricky to get him to eat vegetables and fruits are tricky. Almost makes me miss the days where the bottle is all I had to worry about.
Alright baby-gaf, does this work on crying babies or is this just some weird japanese prank?
Out of curiosity, what did you guys get for your baby's first Christmas?
I bought a gloworm lullaby plush toy and a new book "My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes".
I'm sure she'll enjoy the wrapping paper more..,
I guess you've been through some of this with two kids, but its fascinating how every aspect your entire life is a new experience again. The gift that children give you, I suppose. (Oh man, so tired..;p)You're correct, the wrapping paper will be the focus heh. We bought our daughter more clothing, a few toys she can chew on when she starts teething soon and a few light up soft plush toys. We mostly bought the stuff and wrapped it so our 3 year sees his sister getting gifts as well.
The real focus was the 3 year old who is going ape shit this year for Santa and Christmas.
It's the full cycle of life and personally a must. Before having kids, I thought I had an understanding of what life could be etc... Then you have kids and have a moment of clarity. I no longer dream of money, possessions, stuff, degrees, traveling. I dream of growing old, sharing life experiences with the lives I've created and nurtured, watch them have kids and do the same before dying fulfilled and happy down to my DNA.I guess you've been through some of this with two kids, but its fascinating how every aspect your entire life is a new experience again. The gift that children give you, I suppose. (Oh man, so tired..;p)
It's the full cycle of life and personally a must. Before having kids, I thought I had an understanding of what life could be etc... Then you have kids and have a moment of clarity. I no longer dream of money, possessions, stuff, degrees, traveling. I dream of growing old, sharing life experiences with the lives I've created and nurtured, watch them have kids and do the same before dying fulfilled and happy down to my DNA.
Enjoy these moments with your kids, they are magical and the answer to the meaning of life IMO. I sometimes wish I had kids earlier, all those years wasted chasing girls, bars, money hungry...all vapid in comparison.
My new baby was also born yesterday! It's my third but the experience is still anything but routine, haha.
My wife's water broke at about 5:00 am and for our past two kids she went right into heavy labor after that. So, we called the midwife to come over (we had a planned homebirth), got my dad to take the other two kids, got everything set up etc. The problem- no contractions. We ended up sitting around watching movies most of the day. However, about halfway through the Avengers, my wife felt a strong pop and after that heavy contractions started. Three hours later, at 5:39pm, the baby was born.
It was a bit touch and go at the end though. When the head was about halfway out the baby's shoulders got lodged in there somehow. My wife was in the birthing pool and when it became clear she was not going to be able to push the baby out on her own the midwife started yelling OUT OF THE POOL, ON THE FLOOR! Me and the three midwives pulled my wife out of the pool got her down on all fours first where the midwife dislodged one shoulder and then on to her back where she got the other shoulder out. When I asked the midwife afterwards she said that once the head is in the birth canal, you have 4 minutes to get the baby out before there's damage. She dislodged the baby with a minute and a half to spare. Crazy stuff! It turns out the shoulders were 3 cm wider than the head which I guess is unusual- the head and the shoulders are supposed to be about the same.
I'm getting back into the newborn reality now...got about 4 hrs of sleep last night, seems like that's going to be the norm for awhile. Baby and mom are doing great, the baby started breastfeeding like a champ as soon as she came out.
My new baby was also born yesterday! It's my third but the experience is still anything but routine, haha.
My wife's water broke at about 5:00 am and for our past two kids she went right into heavy labor after that. So, we called the midwife to come over (we had a planned homebirth), got my dad to take the other two kids, got everything set up etc. The problem- no contractions. We ended up sitting around watching movies most of the day. However, about halfway through the Avengers, my wife felt a strong pop and after that heavy contractions started. Three hours later, at 5:39pm, the baby was born.
It was a bit touch and go at the end though. When the head was about halfway out the baby's shoulders got lodged in there somehow. My wife was in the birthing pool and when it became clear she was not going to be able to push the baby out on her own the midwife started yelling OUT OF THE POOL, ON THE FLOOR! Me and the three midwives pulled my wife out of the pool got her down on all fours first where the midwife dislodged one shoulder and then on to her back where she got the other shoulder out. When I asked the midwife afterwards she said that once the head is in the birth canal, you have 4 minutes to get the baby out before there's damage. She dislodged the baby with a minute and a half to spare. Crazy stuff! It turns out the shoulders were 3 cm wider than the head which I guess is unusual- the head and the shoulders are supposed to be about the same.
I'm getting back into the newborn reality now...got about 4 hrs of sleep last night, seems like that's going to be the norm for awhile. Baby and mom are doing great, the baby started breastfeeding like a champ as soon as she came out.
I am still choosing a mid-wife/doula, so if anyone has any recommendations of a good one in San Diego let me know!
If you've read the whole thread, then you know that me and Gary ended up with a hospital transfer after our first 30 hours at home. I still think that homebirth is a great option for most women, but I'm going to offer some unsolicited advice based on our experience
When you're interviewing midwives, ask them if they've had to do any hospital transfers, if they're able to practice at any hospitals (ours wasn't), how long they will stay at the hospital in the event of a transfer, what role they will play at the hospital (ours acted as a doula in the hospital), and if/how a transfer will change their postpartum care plans.
Also if you're a worst case scenario planner, ask if the midwife has ever had a client that had a c-section and how she supported that mother and her family. Not all midwives are equipped professionally and emotionally to handle that sort of traumatic experience. Ours was amazing during our transfer and in the 20 hours following, but when the c-section happened, she had a huge shift in attitude, detached from the situation, and totally dropped the ball.
When you choose a midwife and talk about the transfer scenario, it can't hurt to have a few prenatal appointments at the chosen back-up hospital. We did shadowcare at a hospital five minutes from us and since I was established as a patient there with a handful of prenatal appointments and a growth ultrasound, it made the transfer really simple.
Hopefully none of that will be necessary and you will have a beautiful and uncomplicated homebirth, but I think it's important to have a back-up plan in place and asking those questions will also tell you a lot about your midwife and her philosophy. I automatically ruled out anyone without transfer experience, as I didn't want to be birthing with someone that had any kind of agenda and a lot of midwives here are so anti-hospital that they will keep women at home when it's unsafe.
My new baby was also born yesterday! It's my third but the experience is still anything but routine, haha.
My wife's water broke at about 5:00 am and for our past two kids she went right into heavy labor after that. So, we called the midwife to come over (we had a planned homebirth), got my dad to take the other two kids, got everything set up etc. The problem- no contractions. We ended up sitting around watching movies most of the day. However, about halfway through the Avengers, my wife felt a strong pop and after that heavy contractions started. Three hours later, at 5:39pm, the baby was born.
It was a bit touch and go at the end though. When the head was about halfway out the baby's shoulders got lodged in there somehow. My wife was in the birthing pool and when it became clear she was not going to be able to push the baby out on her own the midwife started yelling OUT OF THE POOL, ON THE FLOOR! Me and the three midwives pulled my wife out of the pool got her down on all fours first where the midwife dislodged one shoulder and then on to her back where she got the other shoulder out. When I asked the midwife afterwards she said that once the head is in the birth canal, you have 4 minutes to get the baby out before there's damage. She dislodged the baby with a minute and a half to spare. Crazy stuff! It turns out the shoulders were 3 cm wider than the head which I guess is unusual- the head and the shoulders are supposed to be about the same.
I'm getting back into the newborn reality now...got about 4 hrs of sleep last night, seems like that's going to be the norm for awhile. Baby and mom are doing great, the baby started breastfeeding like a champ as soon as she came out.
My wife and I had a baby girl this past friday (Dec 28th) and everything went mostly to plan with the birth, aside from having to be induced due to low amniotic fluid getting to the baby. But once they did induce, labor came on fairly quickly.
Everything is going good now aside from the baby crying all night and wanting to sleep during the day. Even trying to keep her awake and stimulated during the day is hard because she just goes right back to sleep.