Blueberry Squash: parenting

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Call Me Momma!

You might have noticed that I haven't posted recently, and assumed that my baby arrived. If so you would be right! Baby Molly arrived at 11:22 AM on May 13th, 2012 via waterbirth at a tiny 5lbs, 14oz. She made an early appearance at 37 weeks and 2 days so I didn't get everything checked off my before baby arrives checklist, but in the end everything worked out perfectly.

As I write this sweet Molly is nearing her 3 month birthday, and I have so many things that I want to share. I thought I would be one of those bloggers back writing the day after she was born, but I couldn't have been more wrong. The adventure of motherhood has consumed my life, and each minute of free time I get has been devoted to my sweet little one. Now that I am working towards fewer, longer naps and have caught up on my nesting around the house I plan on blogging more and sharing my journey along the way.

First on my list will include Molly's birth story, and the multitude of insight I now have into things I am so happy I got, and things I could have lived without. I have also been reading up so there will be plenty of book reviews on the way as well. This happy Momma has a lot to share!

I picked up Nurture Shock : New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson & Ashley Merryman on my way to the airport after my baby shower. I read the bulk of it on the plane ride, and finished it up when I returned home.

When I was peeking through the parenting section I decided on Nurture Shock because it is a scientific book about new ways to think about childhood that spans from baby into teenage years. I was ready for a break from pregnancy and baby specific books, and this was the perfect choice. The book is a New York Times Bestseller which I found in the Psychology section that is not like any other parenting book I have read thus far.

The book takes on topics like sleep, race, and lies with new insight backed up by scientific studies. It is less of a parenting book, and more of a thought provoking resource. When I read the chapter on why children lie I was intrigued by the theories, but in the end wasn't sure exactly how I would parent my child on the issue. I enjoy a book that opens up my mind to new ideas, and this book certainly fits the bill.

This book exposes some of the flaws in modern parenting, and offers scientific information to back up its theories. It is thoughtful, and well researched. A good read for parents in all stages of the journey.

Find out what other books I have been reading lately at this link.

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* This post contains affiliate links, but I was not paid by the manufacturer to review this product - I just like it! I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255. Images courtesy of Amazon.

Week 35 has been a week of rest, hydration and preparing for baby to arrive. All the bags are packed, the birth plan is on file so now as we approach a full term pregnancy at 37 weeks the excitement is building! I am looking forward to week 36 which will begin with my wedding anniversary and finding out what that cake that has been in the freezer for the past year actually tastes like!

* Images copyright Brooke Photo Studio, LLC.

I really enjoy stories from mothers about how events unfolded when baby was brought home, and what choices they made in the arena of how to raise their child. The more and more research I do I am discovering that motherhood is really a lifestyle choice. It is about the choices you make for yourself, and the choices that you make for your children. There are many ways to raise a child, and I enjoy reading about them all.

I found the book Let the Baby Drive by Lu Hanessian when browsing through baby books on Amazon. I often browse titles online just like in a bookstore and look for something that catches my eye. I ended up with a used copy at a great deal that turned out to be an old library copy when it arrived. At first I thought maybe I should have sprung for the new copy, but the worn pages grew on me as I read the book and I wondered about all the other people who read the same words on the same pages that I was.

The book is Hanessian's story of moving from high powered career woman into motherhood. She speaks with an honest candor about bringing her first child home, and then later in the book her second. She receives advise from many sources as most mothers do, and in the end decides to push the bulk of it aside and "Let the baby drive." The book is all about where her intuition took her on the adventure that is motherhood.

The book is humorous, thoughtful and an overall enjoyable read. It is a comforting and eye opening thought to trust your intuition for new parents who are buried in books and advise. It is not your average parenting book, and would make a thoughtful addition to your reading list for new and old parents alike.

Find out what other books I have been reading lately at this link.

I am excited beyond words at the pending arrival of my baby. My husband has been the sweetest most supportive man during this entire process. If you had asked me if he could get any sweeter at the beginning of this journey I would have told you he was already at maximum sweetness, but somehow he has found even more love to share with me and the baby.

I never anticipated how powerful of a journey pregnancy would be. The two birthing classes we have attended were life changing for us both. Not only were we able to grow in our relationship, and see just how lucky we are to not face some of the challenges we saw other couples face, but we have grown both our spiritual and practical knowledge of parenting beyond words. These classes were nothing like what you see on TV, but rather spiritual workshops that have proved to be one of my favorite parts of the pregnancy process.

I chose a birthing center as the place to have our baby because they believe a baby should be born into the world in the same way we do, but I didn't anticipate how powerful the guidance I would gain from the midwives would be. Each visit I gain more and more knowledge. I have even compared the experience to friends as a college course. I feel educated and ready for my journey.

So week 34 has been a week of reflection, a week of thankfulness, and a week of anticipation.

* Images copyright Brooke Photo Studio, LLC.

Ina May Gaskin is recommended reading for parents to be weather you are planning a natural or medicated childbirth. After reading Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding I was hooked, and read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth almost immediately following. So when I was asked to read and review Ina May Gaskin's book Birth Matters by Seven Stories Press I jumped at the opportunity, and eagerly checked my mailbox for the book to arrive.

This book gives a comprehensive history of midwifery, and a detailed account of healthcare in America today verses other countries. It is a startling fact that women today are more likely to die in childbirth than their mothers, and Gaskin tackles the topic head on.

Birth is described in practical matters as a sexual and spiritual experience unique to each child. In order to have the best outcome a woman must be surrounded with support. The important aspects of childbirth are discussed, and for more intimate details one can read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. I especially enjoyed the chapter What's a Father-to-be to Do? The advise Gaskin gives to fathers is not only useful, but charming. When a father is deeply involved in the birthing process he is able to bond on a deeper level with his child, and the birthday becomes a truly life changing event.

When it comes to birth in modern day America this book covers how we got to a system where C-sections and interventions are the norm despite the fact that they are not usually medically necessary. The book goes beyond the problems faced by women giving birth today to offer up detailed solutions that can be utilized step by step to improve the system and place a new value on the birth experience.

In each of her books Ina May Gaskin speaks to the importance of positive birth stories, and includes several in the text. This book is no different with birth stories separated on colored pages throughout. Perhaps beyond the scientific evidence that she speaks of, these stories are even more important reminders of the importance of how birth is treated in society.

This book is a must read for expectant parents as well as anyone looking to gain knowledge on the subject. With women's issues in the news lately it becomes and even more important resource for those looking to educate themselves on the topic.

Find out what other books I have been reading lately at this link.

* I was not paid by the manufacturer to review this product, but I was provided with a free copy courtesy of Seven Stories Press. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255. Images courtesy of Seven Stories Press.

The highlight of my 33rd week of pregnancy is the farm share that I signed up for spring! On Tuesday I picked up a box of fresh fruits and vegetables for baby and I to enjoy and was head over heels for the freshness and surprise of contents. Another bonus is that I now have a supply of fresh, local, produce for photography shoots and I slow down my client work in preparation for the baby.

Since my registry was emptied by my loving Mother I took some time to stick some toddler and childproofing items on there in case there are any stragglers who wanted to send something for baby. I feel so good about having everything we need to get started. The nursery is cute, and organized on an extreme level that both my husband and I enjoy. Last weekend we grabbed a cute cabinet for $15 from Craig's List that solved some storage dilemmas, and this week the toy box was delivered so all the nursery needs now is some art!

I feel good still, my only complaint is fat ankles but that's not so bad - just not so cute either! I will be back to report next week on week #34. Not to far to go now ...

*Images Copyright Brooke Photo Studio, LLC.

Birthing From Within provides a course for natural childbirth that is based on confidence in your body's natural ability to birth a child, and encourages personal growth throughout the process. I completed a 4 week program earlier in my pregnancy, and still reflect almost daily on the things that I learned about myself, my partner, and my future during my class time. It is not a traditional childbirth class, but has been the most valuable experience in preparing me for the birth of my baby up to this point in my pregnancy.

The class consisted of two couples, and a trained doula. We met weekly in candlelight, and practiced pain management techniques whose impact has stuck in my mind weeks later. With the soothing voice of the doula guiding me I was able to discover what techniques worked for me, and was surprised at the impact of a touch, smell or candle flame.

We talked about the realities of birth, and how to put fear aside to use the productive pain of childbirth to achieve the end results. I learned that childbirth hurts, it is hard, and I can do it. I faced my fears, and spoke of what I would do if things did not go as planned -- even though at the time I did not want to speak those words. I was able to get a visual image of what my birth might be like, and learn from ancient stories how women have birthed throughout the ages.

At first I thought this class might be too "granola" for my husband when I saw the candles and quiet mood of the room. However, in the end we were able to really connect and it turned out to be a pleasurable experience for us to go each week. We took our already strong connection, and made it stronger which gave me the confidence that I will need when our baby's birthday arrives. I enjoyed the experience so much that I wished we could return every week to spend that quality time as a couple together.

* I was not paid by the manufacturer to review this product - I just like it! I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255. Images courtesy of Birthing From Within.

Things are getting so exciting in my 32nd week of pregnancy. I feel frequent kicks, and have added a few more items to my maternity "wardrobe" to get me through these last weeks before baby arrives. My mind has shifted to tops easy to nurse in and healthy foods to eat for breastfeeding, and the research continues.

My only complaint is that my range of movement and energy level are down as I get larger and larger. It has become harder for me to do my beloved workout videos which I used to practice every day and now get to only a few times a week. Instead walking has been my best exercise and I get in as much as I can daily. Some days I can go much longer than others, and I am just taking it one day at a time.

If anyone is curious I am still diligent with my two, one hour sessions with the Baby Plus daily. I am driving my husband crazy with the thumping pattern, but we both figure that I have come way too far with this experiment to give up now. Plus the baby seems to like it!

The second birthing class is going well, and now I have just a few more things on my to-do list before we play the waiting game for baby to arrive! This is such and exciting time, and I can't wait to take the next step and become a Mom.

Here I am with another weekly pregnancy update! The third trimester is turning out to be an interesting one, and I am so excited for baby to arrive.

The first highlight of the week has to be the chiropractor. There are many benefits to chiropractic care which I will need to blog about someday soon, but for me there has been one really big one. I have had rib pain on my left side since about week #12 that no one has been able to pinpoint. It has settled in just about everyday in the late afternoon, lasting until bedtime. It got so annoying, but regular that I started calling it "my thing" and dreading its daily arrival.

It was recommended by my midwife to visit a chiropractor for general pregnancy health around week 28 so on week 29 I made my first visit. The chiropractor knew exactly what was causing my pain and went ahead to fix it. By week 30 the pain was minimal, and by this week it was gone! I am so excited to be able to go through my days without this annoying pain. I will be back in 2 weeks to continue to keep my pelvis in alignment - which will hopefully shorten my labor and keep an eye on baby to make sure it stays head down.

My second excitement for the week is birthing class #2. We enjoyed the first birthing class so much that my husband and I decided to take another one. This class is more practical then the first as far as general information like breastfeeding & baby wearing, but not as heavy on pain management techniques. I think the two classes compliment each other and am glad we decided to take both. I also really enjoy the time out with my husband, and find that I love him more and more with each session.

So all is well. I am more tired then I was in the weeks prior so I have cut back a little on my workout routines, but I am still doing my best to keep my fitness in line for baby's arrival. I won't say that I am not pudgy, and puffy - but I will say that I can't imagine what I would look and feel like if I hadn't done anything but sit on the couch and eat!

The excitement continues - I will be back with another update next week!