Mamatoabunch

Don't expect much. It is common to do a pap, if you have had one in the past year you can refuse. They might do some blood work. Some do U/S, some do not.

Yesterday I went to the feed store w/ dh. The wife of the owner, who does not know me, asked when I was due. I replied June, she said, "You are huge. Maybe it is twins." I said, no feels like one, I already have twins. She the asked what baby is this, I said 11. That shut her up, LOL. I am used to it now, but still…

Breaking your water is unnecessary. It usually intensifies the contraxs for you *and* for your baby. It sometimes speeds up labor by a bit, but the trade off sucks. It can also lock a baby into a less desirable position.

It has been lovely here too. I walk about two miles. I am starting to worry about not being able to make it through w/o a potty break. I can pee in the woods, but not easy in pants. I cannot wait until it is warm enough for dresses and skirts. I have 17 dresses to wear, LOL. Then I can bring a cup and pee in it in the…

Yes this is the cascade of interventions. The hospital often now "keeps" women, even if they are not in active labor. It used to be, when I was expecting my first few, they did not admit women until clear, active labor and dilated to 4. If contraxs are not strong at 4 they would send you walking. Now procedure is often…

I have done it twice myself. My girls have done it many times as well. Both of my twins got their hair cut last week and one cut hers very short, donated it.

My first labor was 24 hours, the next was 3 hours and 45 minutes. The rest except one were under 4 hours. All born at home. I have now gained about 23 pounds.

Going to the hospital too early is one of the biggest mistakes, IMO, especially for first time moms. My advice is always to wait until you can no longer talk through them, you need all your focus to get through them. Going early often, these days, starts a big cascade of interventions, something you do not need.

I am such a b**** in some areas if I experienced this I would tell him to never, ever put red on my chart around my weight. Having not seen an OB for 17 years I am still shocked at these kinds of things. What are we in 3rd grade? I never grade my own kids work in red. Anyway, I find it great you can let it roll off your…

My dh is circ'ed, my 4 boys are not. It has been a positive decision for us. I don't want my boy to go through unnecessary pain for something cosmetic and w/ no clear benefit. There is a benefit to men and their future partner, having their foreskin later in life, in terms of sex, something few ever discuss. I figure God…

That is absolutely appalling.

Finnian's was $99.

I have had drop down sides cribs since my twins were born 17 years ago. We no longer have one as of this past month. Over time the screws on the side holding the bars would come loose and would have to be retightened. This lies the problem, potentially missing loose screws on the side causing and even greater gap. Also, I…

Pressure is normal, but BH are tightening in your tummy muscles, usually only felt in front, especially at the top. Your uterus will feel harder.

I knew this would bring us to an impasse on this subject.

Yes, you can spray them w/ canola or olive oil spray too. Yummy!

You have BH w/ every pregnancy, early on, but you only start to notice them usually in subsequent pregnancies. Yes they can get very strong at the end. They accomplish a goal of toning your uterus and are good, but whew they can get intense.

You can make them cheaply by buying pita pockets and preparing them yourself, easy and cheap. My kids favorite thing is hummus and pita chips, but we need three bags, LOL, so we make them ourselves. Otherwise go to Trader Joe's, bags are much cheaper there.

W/ a 4 week embryo on ultrasound you will only see a gestational sac. At 5 weeks hopefully a feta pole, occasional a heartbeat and definitely a heartbeat around 6 weeks.

We have an Emma, middle name Eiley Emma.

The calcium is easier on the stomach than vitamins. Does the calcium also contain magnesium and how many mg are you taking? You need 2000-3000. Oh what kind of calcium? Calcium lactate is easier on the stomach as well, but more costly.

I hate it too. I remind myself it is temporary.

Another option is an au pair or sharing a nanny w/ another family. Friends of mine did that, shared a nanny. Nanny came to their houses switching off, watching both families children. Having a nanny in home would cost a bit more, but you get other negotiated benefits such as cleaning and laundry done.

That is true.

How much were you taking and were you consistent? Another option is a few sips of wine or other alcohol through the day. Whe I had a strong episode of intense contractions at 35 weeks I drank a glass of wine, settled things right down. I have added you to my prayers already. Remember each day inside saves you baby 2 days…

I understand your feelings and your comments. Believing something is so, does not make it so.

Congratulations! I find I am gaining more now that I am in my late 30's in pregnancy.

As Catholics we believe that only a Catholic priest can consecrate the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. A Catholic priest allowing non Catholics to receive, w/ his express knowledge, is misinformed about the teachings of the Catholic Church. Not all Catholic priests as well as laypeople, sadly, are properly…