Fat and Normal

I borrowed this format and some of the wording like the sections about epidural and breastfeeding from Holly at Shumate Shenanigans.  Thanks Holly for your great inspiration and ideas!

When did we find out we were pregnant?
April 8th. We were both amazed to say the least. I have been off of birth control for nearly two years now and with D’s previous conception issues we really didn’t think it would just happen like this. We are so excited and so blessed!

What are we doing as far as medical care goes?
We are seeing a fantastic group of midwives at Metro Partners in Women’s health in Novi, MI. What is a midwife and why not see an OBGYN? Well a midwife is someone with medical training who deals with normal low risk pregnancy and by seeing a midwife over an obgyn I have lowered the chances I will die in childbirth. Mostly because I greatly lowered the chances I will have a c-section. If you would like more information on midwives or the Metro Partners in Women’s Health midwives.

How far along am I?
14 weeks today. Due December 17, 2008.

Are we going to find out the baby’s gender ahead of time?
Yes! I don’t really want to but D is all about finding out. Next time it’s a big surprise though. Be ready for the big news around August 1^st.

Have we picked out any names?
Yes, But I’m not telling you or anyone for that matter.

Am I going to get an epidural?
No, no, no! The birthing center doesn’t even offer them and if they did I’d decline. Epidurals tend to cause more problems than they solve. They often slow down labor, increase the chances of medical interventions (i.e. forceps delivery and induction), and increase the risk of c-section. And despite the growing trend of moms electing to have c-sections they are not the safest way to deliver a baby. C-section doubles a mother’s mortality risk. They are emergency procedures and I hope to avoid an emergency at all costs. Pain medications also interfere with the establishment of a strong breastfeeding relationship. Plus if you have an epidural you’re stuck in the supine position which is the worst possible position for giving birth. I’d much rather be able to get up, walk around, and use more natural methods of pain control. Women were designed to give birth. I for one am looking forward to doing it “au natural.”

Am I going to breastfeed?
You bet! The list of reasons mother’s milk is best (for baby AND for mom) is a mile long (again, e-mail me for some FASCINATING reading on the subject) or visit ProMoM or kellymom!
The American Academy of Pediatrics says:
“Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child… Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother… There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.”
And the American Academy of Family Physicians says:
“Breastfeeding beyond the first year offers considerable benefits to both mother and child, and should continue as long as mutually desired.” And “If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned.”
(emphasis mine)
The World Health Organization recommends nursing continue to 2 years of age and beyond.

Am I taking care of myself?
You bet! I’m taking prenatal vitamins and an Omega-3 supplement. I’ve always been concerned about good nutrition. We love veggies, whole grains, fresh fruits, etc. during my pregnancy we are following the Bradley method so I am following Dr. Brewer’s diet.

Are we hoping for a boy or a girl?
We would like a girl but we are just blessed to be able to have a baby!

Are you seriously going to use cloth diapers?

You could bet your buttons we are. We have found a great diaper service that will be picking up the dirties and dropping off clean prefolds for us weekly. I mean with the diaper service it cost the same as disposable and honestly I have never changed a diaper as is. So it won’t be any harder or easier for me to use cloth over disposable. Not to mention that even with transportation and cleaning it is still more ecologically friendly to use cloth. Keep in mind that all disposable diapers that were ever in existence are still in existence in the exact same form that they were when your mommies dropped them in the bin.

Here is some great information about cloth diapering!