More...

I told you I'd share with you any more information I had regarding home birth and the benefits and why I'm choosing to do it this way. I have 2 articles by Dr. Mercola that I think give good medical and scientific reasons why it makes more sense. Here are the links:

Should American Woman Learn to Give Birth at Home?

Is Breast Milk the Key to Mother-Baby Bonding?

I get daily newsletters from Dr. Mercola's website and it is a great source of information on Holistic natural medical treatment and alternatives and lifestyle. You should check it out.

Pregnancy Progress

I know I said that I would be keeping my blog updated with all my new findings and birth information and I guess I've done a very poor job. I'm not keeping my promise. I guess it's because I really feel like there's not a lot new to share. My pregnancy is going about the same as last time. I am really blessed and very lucky that I don't get sick and I feel so well. Actually the question, "How are you feeling?", which as all pregnant woman know is the first question you get asked as soon as you walk in the door or talk to someone on the phone, is getting really, really old. I don't know what to say to them. I'm in my third trimester, morning sickness (which was hardly ever there anyway) has been gone for a long time now. It's just normal pregnancy discomforts, back pain, Braxton-Hicks contractions (which I had my first of today), and all of those things I've been keeping at bay with yoga anyway.

Lately I've been looking for a lamaze class, hypnobirthing, something to teach me how to relieve my pain and discomfort in the labor process. But I waited too long. Most of those classes are a few weeks anyway and I honestly don't have that much time anymore from when they start to when they finish. I was able to find a really helpful DVD at the library though. It is definitely geared toward later in pregnancy if you are an experienced yogi, but good for someone looking to start yoga in their pregnancy. Very basic, kinda slower paced. For me, it's not enough by itself, but it's a good supplement. And since I'm no longer able to keep up at regular yoga so much anymore, it really helps. And it has good birthing yoga tips. So I've decided to forfeit classes and just use the information I already have and will learn in the next 9 (I know, single digit!) weeks.

I've also been participating in a local birth group. They also have a blog with a lot of good information, including birth stories, which are so inspiring.

I'll try and keep up more with the information in the next few weeks, but I think the best information I'll have to share is my birth story.

We would like to introduce

Little Eleanor.
I kept getting a little girl vibe, but I didn't want to read too much into it, because I felt the same way with Jonah.











I'm excited. I know I said I really wanted another boy, but for the last week or so, I have really been thinking about how much fun it would be to have a girl. And just because it's not a brother, doesn't mean Jonah still can't have a buddy to play with. I can't wait to meet her. I hope she looks just like me, because Jonah looks just like Derek. And I want a mini-me.

Love you little girl. I hope the time passes quick so I can see you soon. We're all excited to meet you.

Update

It has been far too long since I've written anything. Here's the happs right now:

I am now 4 months (17 weeks) along. Went to the midwife just yesterday and heard the heartbeat, again. Every time I go in, I almost can't believe it. It's still in there, growing good, and it always makes me smile. I'm finally starting to show, just a little and am annoyingly in between normal pants and maternity. So since the weather has been gorgeous, I've been wearing plenty of elastic waistband skirt.

I keep being asked by everyone if I know what it is yet, but I won't find out for another month. My preference, which I also keep getting asked, is another little boy. Of course, I'll be happy with whatever, boy or girl. But if they're gonna ask, I'm gonna give my opinion.

It seems to be going by so fast. I can't believe I'm already 4 months along. Only 5 more to go. I really haven't taken any progress pictures yet, so hopefully next time I'll have a belly picture and not long after an ultrasound picture. Wish me luck!