There's a whole freakin' lot of responsibility that comes with being a parent. I'm not even one yet, but I find at times that I feel a little overwhelmed by the decisions that you have to make very early in your child's life despite not having a chance to educate yourself first.
This is a bit related to my previous post about educating yourself to make the best decisions in your own situation. I was having a discussion with the co-worker who originally sent me to my new chiropractor. This is a woman who I respect very highly and whose opinion I hold in high regard. We began to discuss the latest research that connects infant vaccinations to autism, ADD, ADHD and additional behavioral disorders. It really got me thinking about how little we know about the long term effects that these "chemicals" are having on our children.
I'm only just beginning to do my own research on the subject and I plan on discussing this more in depth later as I become better informed, but I was shocked to learn that mercury is used as the main preservative in vaccinations (known as thiomersol) and that these behavioral disorders are often seen to be developing immediately following standard childhood inoculations. Not only that, but the symptoms of autism are nearly identical to those of mercury poisoning.
The problem is that the U.S. Government and the CDC refuse to release information that has been gathered in their experiments on this subject. Europe has been much more forthcoming with information and dozens of countries now explicitly ban these preservatives while they still sit on the shelf, waiting to be used in the U.S.
Anyhow, I will continue to update with information I gather. I can't guarantee that I won't automatically refuse vaccinations for our daughter, but at least we're going to be heavily weigh our options and decide what is best for her. As much as I would like to post some websites that I think you should visit, I'm going to hold off until I feel as though I've looked at this argument from both sides. Until then, I encourage any parents-to-be reading this to start their own research and arm themselves with information.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Dr. Steve
This is just a quick follow-up to my journey through pregnancy back pain. After hearing rave reviews from a co-worker about the chiropractor she has been seeing since she first became pregnant 3 years ago, I gave him a call and was fit in for an appointment Thursday afternoon. All I have to say is that Dr. Steve (just what I call him...not actually what he goes by) is a miracle worker. He adjusted several of my vertebrae and took away so much of my pain that I could not believe how much better I felt.
As most of you know, I was very hesitant about seeing a chiropractor because I'm a little over-protective of my spinal cord. I couldn't be happier that I took a referral from a friend and found someone trust worthy and competent to help ease these aches and pains of pregnancy. I'm finally sleeping normally again and able to put my focus back on life. I even saw him again this morning and will continue to do so as often as I can throughout this pregnancy and after. So to all pregnant ladies, find yourself a great chiropractor. You'll thank me.
As most of you know, I was very hesitant about seeing a chiropractor because I'm a little over-protective of my spinal cord. I couldn't be happier that I took a referral from a friend and found someone trust worthy and competent to help ease these aches and pains of pregnancy. I'm finally sleeping normally again and able to put my focus back on life. I even saw him again this morning and will continue to do so as often as I can throughout this pregnancy and after. So to all pregnant ladies, find yourself a great chiropractor. You'll thank me.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
About those aches and pains...
Ok, so for all of you who tuned into yesterdays post about my back ache and my medication struggle, I didn't want to keep you on the edge of your seat much longer. I decided I just wasn't sure enough about the oxycodone to go ahead and take it last night. I did manage to get a little bit of sleep when I sat straight up on the couch, but those three hours didn't leave me feeling very well rested. So, I hemmed and hawed all day and spent half my day at work researching all of the horrible and detrimental side effects of giving this medicine to my little Tazby. I even made an appointment with a chiropractor and called my midwife for her expert opinion. After all the research and pain, I decided I was going to do the dreaded thing and "pop the pill".
So I took this little miracle pill that I didn't want to take, but I did it because I thought it was going to be the solution to all of my problems. And guess what? It didn't work! It didn't even leave me pain free for 30 minutes. Seriously, what a waste of hemming and hawing. Now it's back to the starting board. I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe the chiropractor will even call me back tomorrow. That visit will be a whole post in and of itself. If you happen to have any insight, feel free to comment. I could use any help I can get right now!
So I took this little miracle pill that I didn't want to take, but I did it because I thought it was going to be the solution to all of my problems. And guess what? It didn't work! It didn't even leave me pain free for 30 minutes. Seriously, what a waste of hemming and hawing. Now it's back to the starting board. I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe the chiropractor will even call me back tomorrow. That visit will be a whole post in and of itself. If you happen to have any insight, feel free to comment. I could use any help I can get right now!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Aches and Pains
Well, I'm currently 28 and 6 days along in this pregnancy which means that I'm officially in the third trimester! YAY for me for making it this far without any major psycho-hormonal moments! Well, I haven't asked my husband yet if that's really true, but I can't remember any so I'm going with it.
Pregnancy has really been great up until now (once I got past that morning sickness, of course), but as much as I already love my little girl, but I have to say that this baby is getting on my nerves....literally. I saw a doc today to check out why my back feels like it's had a knife sticking out of it for the last several days. Apparently Tazby has decided to wedge herself on a nerve cluster in my back and is refusing to budge. Well, despite Timmy's stern talk with her and my threatening to ground her as soon as she makes her first appearance, she still isn't letting me sleep at night or focus on anything at work.
So the doc did the only thing he really could do (following a thorough examination)...he wrote me a prescription for percocet. Now, I'm not on the "natural birth" train when it comes to labor and delivery and will happily welcome an anesthesiologist into my room when the time is right, but I've really tried to avoid medications since I've been pregnant. I have my pill case stocked with pre-natal vitamins, tums, and extra-strength tylenol, but the vitamins are the only ones I take with any sort of regularity. As you can tell, I'm a little apprehensive about taking any dose of a pain killer...even one prescribed by an ob/gyn with full knowledge of my pregnancy. I haven't taken one yet and I'm not sure if I plan on it, but I guess I can't say until I've reached another sleepless night yet.
I guess the point is that I'm not trying to judge anyone who relies on prescription medication for any affliction, but in my own opinion, it's important to do your own research and decide for yourself what is best for you (and your baby, if the case my be). Just because a doctor prescribes it, you don't have to take it. I'll let you know tomorrow if I caved in and took a little help to ease my pain. Either way, I won't doubt my decision because I'll know I made the choice that was best for us.
Pregnancy has really been great up until now (once I got past that morning sickness, of course), but as much as I already love my little girl, but I have to say that this baby is getting on my nerves....literally. I saw a doc today to check out why my back feels like it's had a knife sticking out of it for the last several days. Apparently Tazby has decided to wedge herself on a nerve cluster in my back and is refusing to budge. Well, despite Timmy's stern talk with her and my threatening to ground her as soon as she makes her first appearance, she still isn't letting me sleep at night or focus on anything at work.
So the doc did the only thing he really could do (following a thorough examination)...he wrote me a prescription for percocet. Now, I'm not on the "natural birth" train when it comes to labor and delivery and will happily welcome an anesthesiologist into my room when the time is right, but I've really tried to avoid medications since I've been pregnant. I have my pill case stocked with pre-natal vitamins, tums, and extra-strength tylenol, but the vitamins are the only ones I take with any sort of regularity. As you can tell, I'm a little apprehensive about taking any dose of a pain killer...even one prescribed by an ob/gyn with full knowledge of my pregnancy. I haven't taken one yet and I'm not sure if I plan on it, but I guess I can't say until I've reached another sleepless night yet.
I guess the point is that I'm not trying to judge anyone who relies on prescription medication for any affliction, but in my own opinion, it's important to do your own research and decide for yourself what is best for you (and your baby, if the case my be). Just because a doctor prescribes it, you don't have to take it. I'll let you know tomorrow if I caved in and took a little help to ease my pain. Either way, I won't doubt my decision because I'll know I made the choice that was best for us.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Mommy Test
Whenever one of my pregnant friends (ok, so I only have 2 so that narrows it down) starts worrying about something pregnancy related (ie, not feeling kicks frequently "enough" or the ultrasound technician saying that the baby has a big head), I calmly explain that these are those moments of pregnancy that makes us into moms. I'm convinced that every pregnant women must go through some phase of over-worrisomeness in order to know that she indeed will survive motherhood, no matter how difficult and troublesome things may get.
I felt blessed to have made it through the first 18 weeks of pregnancy with total blissful ignorance. Although I knew that a few women have miscarriages, It never occurred to me that it happens as often as it does because I had no scares or worries about it. This is very unlike one of my friends who spent almost 12 weeks certain that she was losing her baby. Thankfully, everything turned out wonderfully and her baby boy is due in mid-October. This was "her scare", her time to worry. Although she sometimes does wonder if he kicks enough (yes, she over-analyzes everything), at least she knows that he's there kicking sometimes.
My first moment of worry came when the doctors first told us that our little girl may have a heart defect. Thankfully, after 4 weeks of worry and several ultrasounds, our pediatric cardiologist told us that everything looked great. I'm pretty certain that this was my "mommy test" (not the funny mommy test). Through patience and support, we waited to hear good news and were happily rewarded.
On Friday, I had my second "mommy test". I was unhappy to find myself having uncomfortable pains in my abdomen while working. As the pain grew worse, I finally decided that I had to call my doc and get in there. Although I was sure that it was just "round ligament pain", I was, as I was assured by my doctor, having contractions. Fortunately they were simple Braxton Hicks contractions, a common occurrence in the second half of pregnancy (someone could have told me that earlier, thank you!). I just needed to drink more water with the temperatures rising.
The point is, I think most of us over think every little thing that happens during pregnancy. We just need to use our intuition to figure out what are normal and what are "mommy tests". Just remember, that they all make us better parents and people in the end. I'm hoping these are the only two she puts me through though! I don't think I want to handle any more worrying!
I felt blessed to have made it through the first 18 weeks of pregnancy with total blissful ignorance. Although I knew that a few women have miscarriages, It never occurred to me that it happens as often as it does because I had no scares or worries about it. This is very unlike one of my friends who spent almost 12 weeks certain that she was losing her baby. Thankfully, everything turned out wonderfully and her baby boy is due in mid-October. This was "her scare", her time to worry. Although she sometimes does wonder if he kicks enough (yes, she over-analyzes everything), at least she knows that he's there kicking sometimes.
My first moment of worry came when the doctors first told us that our little girl may have a heart defect. Thankfully, after 4 weeks of worry and several ultrasounds, our pediatric cardiologist told us that everything looked great. I'm pretty certain that this was my "mommy test" (not the funny mommy test). Through patience and support, we waited to hear good news and were happily rewarded.
On Friday, I had my second "mommy test". I was unhappy to find myself having uncomfortable pains in my abdomen while working. As the pain grew worse, I finally decided that I had to call my doc and get in there. Although I was sure that it was just "round ligament pain", I was, as I was assured by my doctor, having contractions. Fortunately they were simple Braxton Hicks contractions, a common occurrence in the second half of pregnancy (someone could have told me that earlier, thank you!). I just needed to drink more water with the temperatures rising.
The point is, I think most of us over think every little thing that happens during pregnancy. We just need to use our intuition to figure out what are normal and what are "mommy tests". Just remember, that they all make us better parents and people in the end. I'm hoping these are the only two she puts me through though! I don't think I want to handle any more worrying!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Dressing my Growing Belly
Just to start off, Mommy and baby are doing great. Tazby is still very active and I love (mostly!) getting to feel her everyday. I think the next big moving milestone will be when I can actually see her distinct movements from the outside. In my head it seems really strange, like a scene from Alien, but I know, just like all of the other milestones of this pregnancy, it will be wonderful.
So, I feel very fortunate that I'm pregnant now and not, say, 10 years ago. Aside from the fact that I would have only been 15, but because maternity clothes are so much more fashionable now than they have ever been in the past. This is a great thing because as pregnant women adjust to their rapidly changing figures, it's nice to be able to put on clothes that fit and look good too and don't make us feel like houses. This giant belly certainly isn't going anywhere so I might as well embrace it for what it is (and in something better than a muumuu, thank you!). As I read somewhere "I'm not gaining weight, I'm growing life"...(also a very appropriate response to all those strangers who insist on commenting on my figure)...so I'll love it while I have it. I've actually started referring to non-maternity clothes as "real people clothes". I don't know what that makes me, but oh well. There are only a few clothing gripes that I do have...here they are.
1. Why does every maternity shirt insist on being equipped with strings that tie in the back. Although I do own my fair share of these and some of them are very complimentary to my new shape, it's also nice to have some days where I'm not forced to wear a giant bow on my back...but maybe that's just me since my pregnant friend Martha insists on only buying shirts with the giant bow.
2. With all of the different social events of the summer, I've had a hell of a time finding dresses. Most mornings when I wake up, it's too hot to even thinking about putting an outfit together (which may even consist of several layers). Dresses are a great solution for this. Although there are some nice dresses out there, they tend to all look alike (and have a giant bow in the back) and are ridiculously expensive for something with such a limited shelf-life. If you have any of your own clothing observations, I'd love to hear them so leave a comment!
Now, with that being said, there are some great things that I love about maternity clothes.
1. Elastics...yep, when at most times of my life, I dread the thought of only being able to comfortably wear clothing without zippers, buttons or snaps, there is nothing I like better these days. It gives total freedom to let it all hang out with absolutely no discomfort...amazing.
2. I think I may never wear real jeans again (well, at least I'll know I'll never be as comfortable in them as I am in my maternity jeans). What most people don't realize is that they are like stretch pants, only they look like denim! Get that? While we all know (or should) that stretch pants are a horrible fashion statement, there is absolutely no denying that if it was social acceptable, we would wear them everyday for sheer comfort alone. Not only do maternity jeans look like stretch pants, but some of them have big cotton panels that cover your whole tummy so you never have to worry about your shirt riding up and your belly hanging out. Yes, these are the things that get me excited these days.
For future reference, here are my absolute favorite maternity stores. Check them out:
GapMaternity (great weekend clothes, great prices and my favorite jeans!)
H&M Maternity (also some great deals)
Mimi Maternity (huge selection)
And here's a funny website on how to find good maternity clothes. I think the advice is great if you're going to live on your couch for the entire pregnancy (seriously, leggings and your husband's button-down shirts?), but nonetheless, I was entertained.
I'm excited for the day I can fit into my old clothes again, but for the time being, I'll be chillin' in my elastic pants and loving it :-)
So, I feel very fortunate that I'm pregnant now and not, say, 10 years ago. Aside from the fact that I would have only been 15, but because maternity clothes are so much more fashionable now than they have ever been in the past. This is a great thing because as pregnant women adjust to their rapidly changing figures, it's nice to be able to put on clothes that fit and look good too and don't make us feel like houses. This giant belly certainly isn't going anywhere so I might as well embrace it for what it is (and in something better than a muumuu, thank you!). As I read somewhere "I'm not gaining weight, I'm growing life"...(also a very appropriate response to all those strangers who insist on commenting on my figure)...so I'll love it while I have it. I've actually started referring to non-maternity clothes as "real people clothes". I don't know what that makes me, but oh well. There are only a few clothing gripes that I do have...here they are.
1. Why does every maternity shirt insist on being equipped with strings that tie in the back. Although I do own my fair share of these and some of them are very complimentary to my new shape, it's also nice to have some days where I'm not forced to wear a giant bow on my back...but maybe that's just me since my pregnant friend Martha insists on only buying shirts with the giant bow.
2. With all of the different social events of the summer, I've had a hell of a time finding dresses. Most mornings when I wake up, it's too hot to even thinking about putting an outfit together (which may even consist of several layers). Dresses are a great solution for this. Although there are some nice dresses out there, they tend to all look alike (and have a giant bow in the back) and are ridiculously expensive for something with such a limited shelf-life. If you have any of your own clothing observations, I'd love to hear them so leave a comment!
Now, with that being said, there are some great things that I love about maternity clothes.
1. Elastics...yep, when at most times of my life, I dread the thought of only being able to comfortably wear clothing without zippers, buttons or snaps, there is nothing I like better these days. It gives total freedom to let it all hang out with absolutely no discomfort...amazing.
2. I think I may never wear real jeans again (well, at least I'll know I'll never be as comfortable in them as I am in my maternity jeans). What most people don't realize is that they are like stretch pants, only they look like denim! Get that? While we all know (or should) that stretch pants are a horrible fashion statement, there is absolutely no denying that if it was social acceptable, we would wear them everyday for sheer comfort alone. Not only do maternity jeans look like stretch pants, but some of them have big cotton panels that cover your whole tummy so you never have to worry about your shirt riding up and your belly hanging out. Yes, these are the things that get me excited these days.
For future reference, here are my absolute favorite maternity stores. Check them out:
GapMaternity (great weekend clothes, great prices and my favorite jeans!)
H&M Maternity (also some great deals)
Mimi Maternity (huge selection)
And here's a funny website on how to find good maternity clothes. I think the advice is great if you're going to live on your couch for the entire pregnancy (seriously, leggings and your husband's button-down shirts?), but nonetheless, I was entertained.
I'm excited for the day I can fit into my old clothes again, but for the time being, I'll be chillin' in my elastic pants and loving it :-)
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
UPDATES!
I know it's been a while since my last post. I certainly didn't mean to let it go this long, but thankfully I'm in the "honeymoon" period of my pregnancy and therefore don't have too many things to report on.
I recently switched doctors for convenience reasons and am thrilled with my new midwife (no, I'm not having an at-home, unmedicated birth...bring on the drugs as far as I'm concerned at this point!). Anyway, the point is, I'm really glad that I've switched and will be delivering at Brigham and Women's Hospital (yes, the same one where I was born!) I'm also pleased with the fact that I've only packed on 11.5 lbs. as of my 23 week appointment...not so bad from what I hear!
Tazby's doing great and she's moving like crazy these days. It's very reassuring to have a constant reminder that she's doing well and thriving in there. This Sunday was my very first Mother's Day (even though I'm only a mother-to-be I still think that I get to celebrate.) I have to say that the best part of the day was Tim finally being able to feel her kick. Lately, every time she's been kicking like crazy, I've tried to get him to feel it, but usually as soon as he gets close, she stops. This time though, she was running a marathon in there and he definitely didn't miss it. I can't wait until he starts feeling it more and more. Sometimes I feel bad that he doesn't get this time with her like I do. At least I know he'll be a wonderful father and probably never want to put her down! We also picked up some very cute baby things at Target. It's crazy to think that with medicine these days, if little Tazby was born today (knock on wood), there's a good chance that she would be just fine. I think I get more excited for her arrival every day. Also, my mom finally remembered that my due date was September 6th JUST LIKE MY LITTLE GIRL! WEIRD! I'm not sure why this blows me away, but it totally does.
I'd say the worst part about this time of the pregnancy is the allergies. I'm so used to popping a benadryl every night before bed when this time of year rolls around, but that's a no go for now so I'm living off of our new awesome ionic air filter...so far I have to give it a thumbs up. I'm sure you'll all be checking in every day for my allergy updates (yeah, right...I warned you that I didn't have much to report).
Unless, something miraculous happens in the next couple of days, my next post may just be about the ridiculously difficult time I've had finding a dress to fit my growing belly...that's ok though. It's worth it for our little girl! Happy Mother's Day to all you mommies and mommies-to be! You deserve it!
I recently switched doctors for convenience reasons and am thrilled with my new midwife (no, I'm not having an at-home, unmedicated birth...bring on the drugs as far as I'm concerned at this point!). Anyway, the point is, I'm really glad that I've switched and will be delivering at Brigham and Women's Hospital (yes, the same one where I was born!) I'm also pleased with the fact that I've only packed on 11.5 lbs. as of my 23 week appointment...not so bad from what I hear!
Tazby's doing great and she's moving like crazy these days. It's very reassuring to have a constant reminder that she's doing well and thriving in there. This Sunday was my very first Mother's Day (even though I'm only a mother-to-be I still think that I get to celebrate.) I have to say that the best part of the day was Tim finally being able to feel her kick. Lately, every time she's been kicking like crazy, I've tried to get him to feel it, but usually as soon as he gets close, she stops. This time though, she was running a marathon in there and he definitely didn't miss it. I can't wait until he starts feeling it more and more. Sometimes I feel bad that he doesn't get this time with her like I do. At least I know he'll be a wonderful father and probably never want to put her down! We also picked up some very cute baby things at Target. It's crazy to think that with medicine these days, if little Tazby was born today (knock on wood), there's a good chance that she would be just fine. I think I get more excited for her arrival every day. Also, my mom finally remembered that my due date was September 6th JUST LIKE MY LITTLE GIRL! WEIRD! I'm not sure why this blows me away, but it totally does.
I'd say the worst part about this time of the pregnancy is the allergies. I'm so used to popping a benadryl every night before bed when this time of year rolls around, but that's a no go for now so I'm living off of our new awesome ionic air filter...so far I have to give it a thumbs up. I'm sure you'll all be checking in every day for my allergy updates (yeah, right...I warned you that I didn't have much to report).
Unless, something miraculous happens in the next couple of days, my next post may just be about the ridiculously difficult time I've had finding a dress to fit my growing belly...that's ok though. It's worth it for our little girl! Happy Mother's Day to all you mommies and mommies-to be! You deserve it!
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