Topic Archive: baby

Episode 249 | January 25, 2012

Pregnancy Ups and Downs

The joy of feeling your baby kick… and knowing it’s not just indigestion! Find out which panelist is able to pick up on the signs better in her second pregnancy. Has another mama-to-be actually experienced “the perfect pregnancy”? Is that even possible? Planning a homebirth proves easier when one of our panelists (more…)

January 18, 2012

Gender Conception: Boys Vs. Girls

Now that I am more and more visibly pregnant, people are starting to comment on it. And the one topic that ALWAYS come up – right after “When are you due? / How far along are you?” – is “So are you hoping for a girl this time?”. Because people either see or know that I already have two boys and assume that I am hoping for the other gender!

Now I will admit that I would be thrilled to have a little girl and finally being able to wander over into the pink section and immerse myself in tutus, princesses and dolls! But as a mother of a disabled child I have to say that “healthy baby” is on top of the list, no matter what gender!

Nevertheless, while we were trying to conceive I did some research to see whether there is any definitive information out there on how to influence the gender at conception. I was amazed by the massive amount of tips, tricks and devices that promise to result in the gender of the reader’s choice! Put “How to conceive a boy” into Google and you get about 10,000,000 hits! Some methods are free and some are pricey, but – with the exception gender selected embryo IVF – no method is guaranteed, despite all the glowing testimonials! (more…)

January 16, 2012

New Year’s Reminders

It’s the New Year and the traditional time to make resolutions. I’ll be honest, with the baby a month away, I’m not really looking to set steadfast goals. Would I like to write a book? Absolutely. Brush up on my French? Oui. Drop each and every pound of baby weight? I think that answer is pretty obvious. But, with this being my third baby, I know what lies ahead and I don’t want the pressure of caring for a newborn, while feeling guilty if I don’t have the energy to meet certain objectives. So, I’m not making resolutions this time around. Instead, I’m reminding myself of what I feel is important and desirable. And, so, my New Year’s reminders are as follows:

• Finally settle on a baby girl name.
• Have a natural birth with a healthy mom and baby.
• Spend at least the first year nursing without complaining about the time commitment.
• Read a lot, even if I’m tired from caring for a newborn.
• Run. And feel blessed to be able to do it again.
• Encourage a good sleep schedule for the baby, but don’t be beholden to it.
• Be more flexible. And I’m not talking about touching my toes (though that would be nice, too).

What about you? Did you set any resolutions or reminders?

Episode 246 | December 27, 2011

Weaning and Breastfeeding While Pregnant

Weaning is simply part of the breastfeeding process. But, when should you start? Which feedings should you eliminate first and why? And how can the medication sudafed help with the whole process? Plus, do you need to wean once you become pregnant? (more…)

December 25, 2011

Choosing Gratefulness Over Stress

I could stress out right now. After all, I have 8 major work projects, plus other deadlines I must meet over the next few weeks. Not to mention preparations for holiday gatherings we are hosting. We still need to pick up a few more gifts. And of course I haven’t even begun wrapping any that we do already have. Oh, and did I mention we have about 7 weeks until the baby will be joining us and we haven’t even begun to wash the clothes, diapers, blankets, burp cloths, etc., let alone set up the co-sleeper or changing table? So, I could take this moment to freak out a bit and wonder how everything will get done, while still chasing around my 3- and 5-year-olds. But instead, I’m taking a few moments to reflect and be grateful.

Why am I not taking the more typical road of being stressed out and a bit jumpy? Because I’ve read a few too many status updates lately. (more…)