Baby Reading List (and a DVD)

First I would like to share that these books have changed my views on pregnancy and birthing. I will post again once I have personally experienced childbirth. I also think that anyone pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant should read at least one of these books and watch the DVD "The Business of Being Born." There is so much women just don't know and we are misinformed regularly. For example, did you know that U.S. has the second highest infant mortality rate in the modern world (Cuba's is lower)? Facts found here and here. Did you know that our cesarean rate is 40%? That means almost 1 out of 2 births are done with MAJOR surgery. Well I had never heard any of this. Some books that were recommended to me and now I am recommending to you are:

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
 -This books is about natural childbirth and a woman's 35+ years work at "The Farm", a kind of birthing commune in Tennessee. It has amazing birth stories in the first half of the book. The second half of the book walks the reader through the entire birthing process, explaining why modern medical childbirthing procedures are not based on the mother's health and needs, but are designed for convenience of the medical establishment. She gives a lot of facts and draws on her personal experiences, even with somethings being a little over the top, this book is amazing.
 
 Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn (4th Edition): The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin
- One of my favorite things about this book is it walks you through the different "stages" of labor and how they progress, as well as positions and situations to help ease the pain during each of these stages.This is a very balanced book, whether you have decided to give birth naturally or with medication.


 The Birth Partner (for couples or helpers) by Penny Simkin
- Back of the book: If you want to learn how best to help an expectant mother have a happy and healthy childbirth, The Birth Partner, Third Edition is the only book you'll need. For almost 20 years, husbands, partners, friends, relatives, and doulas have turned to this book for guidance on being a supportive partner in the delivery room. The expanded third edition includes the most up-to-date information about techniques, devices, and medications for easing labor pain; tests and treatments of the fetus and newborn; strategies to help labor progress; potential medical procedures and interventions; and how best to help the mother during the early days after the birth. And, with its easy-to-use format and new illustrations, the The Birth Partner is the essential guide have on hand in the delivery room.


The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
- This should be a book you read after you have read about natural childbirth or if you are open minded. While this book does provide facts, it is also very opinionated. The description on the back cover: "Every intelligent, informed woman is used to gathering the most complete information she can get before making a decision. But when it comes to one of the most important decisions in her life--how she will give birth--it can be tough to get the complete picture, even from an obstetrician. Surprisingly, much of the latest research goes against common medical opinion."

The Business of Being Born DVD

-This is an amazing documentary informing of the realities of hospital vs. home birth. It is really an eye-opening film and though it gets a little graphic and has some foul language, it really is a must see. The only thing I wish was added is there are other options, not just hospital or home births (ex. birthing centers).
Synopsis on back: Birth is a miracle, a rite of passage, a natural part of life. But birth is also big business. Compelled to explore the subject after the delivery of her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to question the way American women have babies. The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal. Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?

 

Nursery

The nursery is finally done! Well for the most part I am sure we will add things. My mom did an amazing job on the mural and we collected free/inexpensive furniture along the way. Surprisingly the most expensive item we purchased was her rug.
Here are the nursery expenses:
Crib- Given to us by my cousins friends Consuelo.
Changing Table- Purchased by me off craigslist for $20
Rocking Chair- Given to us by Steven's grandmother
Rug- Purchased by me from Old Time Pottery for $40
Dresser- Purchased by my dad from a garage sale for $35
The mural beginning:

 The finished mural:

Ducks (matches bumper)

"We will shelter you"

 

Baby Deer (matches bumper)

Here is the complete nursery:

Rocking Corner

 Changing Area

 Closet

 Inside of the closet

 Dresser

We also have a glider (given to us by my cousin) that we decided to keep in the living room for when she wakes up at night and we don't want to wake up one another.

33 Weeks and Seriously Nesting!

Only 6 weeks 6 days  to go! I can't believe how fast my due date is approaching. I am definitely starting to feel the pressure to get everything done.  I knew I had started to nest a bit but now I am in the full blown nesting stage. I am getting anxious now and when things don't get done I get really upset or disappointed. Steven has been amazing trying to help me when eve possible even after a 10-11hr day at work! Last night he got home and could tell my hormones were in full swing. I was getting really upset (sad) that we still had so much to do. The biggest thing is we still need to finish our master bath so we can put carpet in our bedroom and set an area for when the baby comes. I know Steven has really been trying but he just can't finish alone. He doesn't know much about drywall and can't do two things at once, hold 16" tile while it sets and continue tiling. I am thinking about hiring someone to finish but he has gotten so far and it is so expensive! Back on topic... he came home, finished the laundry I started and did the dishes. He has been totally understanding when I get really tired and frustrated. I am almost done with the nursery; all that's left is sorting, hanging, and putting away clothes. 

I have started putting a list of all the thing we need to get done BEFORE Stella's arrival (ex. install car seats). It's not a huge list but it is a time consuming list. I have decided to start my maternity leave the week before my due date. This way, if she hasn't made her appearance, I will be able to complete whats left and feel more relaxed. 

Something that has recently started is leg cramps. I will be sitting or lying down and my toes will start to curl, then my calf will get stiff. I am not liking this new pregnancy side affect. This is definitely one I could have done without. Also, I think she has dropped. I am feeling way more pressure and she even looks lower. 

Cloth Diaper Info

After a ton of research, Steven and I decided to try the cloth diapers. I am not a crunchy mom but after all my research I decided cloth diapering was right for us and if we stick with it, we will be saving $2000-$3000 over the course of Stella's diapering. There are multiple types of cloth diapers these days and I have a little of  everything. Here are the different types:

DIAPERS THAT NEED A COVER:
 
Prefolds- This is the original cloth diaper that was used by my parents generation and prior generations.  They need to be wrapped, pinned and covered. This is the most economical option of the cloth diapering world. These run anywhere from $1-$5 a piece. They usually come in dozens, and are made of either bleached (white) or unbleached (natural) cotton, also know as Chinese or Indian prefolds. They must be washed several times before use to prep them, in order to increase the absorbency.


Fitteds - These are similar to disposables, but they require a cover. They come either sized, meaning you need to change sizes as the baby grows, or one-sized, with snaps that enlarge the diaper as the baby grows (can be more bulky when the baby is younger). A one-sized diaper can usually last from newborn stage to potty-training (most are 10-35lbs), so they are be more expensive. These diapers range from $10-$30 a piece.


DIAPERS THAT DO NOT NEED A COVER:

Pockets - A diaper cover that has an opening for an insert, made of bamboo or hemp (or a number of other fibers) goes in the pocket. People sometimes use prefolds to stuff them, for nighttime or heavier wetters. When the baby soils the diaper, the insert should be removed and the whole diaper needs to be washed. These also come either sized or one-sized. They range in price from $12-$25. The outsideiof this diapers is waterproof, so it can go cover-less.

All-In-Ones (AIO) - These are the most like disposables (and usually the most expensive) cloth diapering system. Everything is sewn in, no inserts needed, but they can be added as "doublers." When it's dirty, the whole thing goes in the wash and a whole new one goes on. Once again, they come sized or one-sized. They range from $15-$30.
All-In-Twos - These are similar to AIO but they have either a snap in or lay in soaker . The name All in Two arose from the ability to get two uses out of each diaper. When your child pees, theoretically you can remove the soaker and replace it with another if the shell did not get wet. AI2s also have a much faster drying time because the soaker is external.

DIAPERS EXTRAS: 

Covers - There are a few different types of covers: the wrap- this refers to covers which can be velcro or snap closing, that fasten in front, like disposable diaper (most popular); the side closing- these are usually snap closing covers, but there are some side-aplix covers out there; and pull-on- which is exactly what they are, they can only be used with fastened prefolds or fitted diapers.They also come in a variety of fabric- polyurethane laminate, fleece, and wool (which a lot of people consider to be the ultimate cover material).

Doublers Inserts, and Liners - Doubler are used for extra absorbancy and a lot of people uses these for naptime or at night. Liners can be washable or flushable, this is what some people use instead of full cloth or full disposables. Inserts are used with pocket diapers and can be used by themselves or as doublers.

Snappi and Pins - These hold prefolds or fitteds together. 









I currently have a little if everything. Mostly prefolds, fitteds, and covers. I have a stash of the FLIPs system but that will be for after she hits 10lbs or so. I also have some pockets and AI2s for when she is ready for daycare. I will updated you with what works for us as time goes on. 

Belly Pictures

After multiple requests I am putting up the belly pictures I have so far...

 14 Weeks

 22 Weeks

 23 Weeks

 27.5 Weeks

29.5 Weeks

Stats

How many weeks?:   31 weeks down!  9 to go!                                      

How much weight gained:  Haven't weighed myself lately.  Probably around 25 pounds.

Is this your first pregnancy?:  Yes.

Latest food craving:  Slim Jim's.

Baby's name:  Stella Grace.

Worst Thing about being pregnant:  No sushi. No running.

Best Thing about being pregnant:  Feeling every little kick and wave.

Are you more scared or excited:  More scared but that's starting to change.

Happy or mostly moody:  Varies

Last time you cried over something ridiculous was:  Last week

You pee an estimated __ times a day?:  10-15, more? I pee constantly now.

Weirdest dream you've had since pregnant?: Steven being pregnant and then having the baby come out of my stomach (like X-Files).

Will you breast feed:  Yup!

Words of wisdom:  Work out when you can!  I am so happy I took good care of myself before pregnancy, because I feel like it is paying off now during pregnancy.  Even though I can't work out as much, I try to work out as much as possible, even though everybody stares at the gym! Don't overwhelm yourself!

Baby Shower

I had my baby shower this past weekend and I had a blast! I got lots of great things I needed and even more of what I wanted! Stella's room is now filled with all the presents.


Some of my favorite items are the travel system (chicco-adventure), breast pump (which was actually given to me before the shower but it was still my shower gift), pack in play, moby wrap, bedding set, diaper sprayer, wet bag (for dirty diapers), sophie the giraffe teether, learn & groove musical table, a few clothing items and baskets. One thing I got quite a lot of was bath soaps; shampoo, body wash, lotion, etc. Something I thought I would get more of was blankets and clothes. 

One of the "games" that we had was painting onesies and bibs... here are some:

I had a blast! It was really overwhelming but I can't wait to put my presents to good use. I have already started washing everything and getting everything put together. Steven and I had a blast sorting thought the presents and putting together the travel system. During which we pretended we were actually ready for the baby (we totally got freaked out and had to take a break). The baby room is also coming along nicely. The playroom is another story. I will put baby room pictures up by the end of the month. Here are some pictures of the shower:

 My Sister and Sister-In-Law

 My Mom and Virgi

    Friends

Family

    My Mother-In-Law and Sister-In-Law

 More Sister-In-Law and a Niece

       Nanoo (great grandma), Aunt Becky and Me

   Me Overwhelmed

  (and my grandmother in the background)