::: Info *

General Information

• VBAC, What can you do?

• Use of oxytocics.

• The Doula and the Partner: How they Work Together to Help the Birthing Woman.

• Tips for the Partner, Coach or Friend (While Waiting for Your Doula).

• Using a Birth Ball in Labor.

• Birth Plan Tips.

• What to Pack to Take to the Hospital.

• Recommended Supplies for Mom and Baby.

• Recommended Reading for Expectant Parents.

• What's Normal for a Newborn?

• Boy or Girl - Can You Choose?

VBAC, What can you do?

• Get moving. Labor is the hardest work you'll ever do, but it's worth it! Focus on good nutrition and exercise.

                 Make a daily checklist to ensure you are getting essential nutrients.

                 Exercise daily: swim, walk, yoga, prenatal fitness class -- whatever feels good.

• Childbirth Education Classes. Be sure to register early for VBAC, refresher or any other quality prenatal program. Even though you may have taken classes in a previous pregnancy, an evening out together with your partner will help to prepare you both, promote discussion, give you ideas on coping with labor and focusing on this baby and its birth.

• Find a supportive practitioner. Find someone who believes in VBACs, has a VBAC success rate over 75% and a cesarean rate that is lower than community average. If you are unsure about anything, get a second opinion.

• Hire a midwife/Doula/support person. Consider hiring a support person; it is worthy every penny to be reassured during labor by someone who believes birth is a natural function. Stay home as long as you can under the observation of this person. This support person will be your advocate in the hospital to help you have the birth you want.  You can call your Doula as many times as you want, she will be happy to share all the information she has as your doula, and will support you emotionally through out.

• Write a Birth Plan .  Make sure your tone is gentle and loving, many healthcare providers do not like to be told what they should do; remember you are entering their territory, their home and  their licenses and their livelihood is on the line. They will listen to your wishes.  Make a list in a gentle, tone of voice.  Don't make it too long.  I tell my clients to use 4x6 card, one for the labor room, one for the delivery room, and one for the baby's nurse. Include what is important to you and that which you have discussed with your care provider.  Know your hospital's VBAC policies and negotiate well before the birth for anything different. Here are some ideas to consider when writing your birth plan:

                  Ask to be allowed to try a variety of positions. Standing or walking instead of lying down facilitates labor and squatting to push can be  most effective. Try sitting on the toilet.

                Continue calorie and fluid intake. Labor is hard work and takes a lot of energy. Far from eliminating the risk of aspiration with general anesthesia, total fasting (NPO) may increase the risk by raising the acidity of the stomach contents. Fasting may also make it harder for the uterus to work. Ask for a heplock (that is when they place a needle in you hand or arm in case you need to be hooked up to an IV in an emergency.)

        Throughout pregnancy practice relaxation and visualization with exercises, CDs, massage, affirmation and touch. During labor, warm water (bath, shower, hot compresses) helps you relax and open up.

                Avoid medical intervention whenever possible. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring may restrict your movement and artificial induction such as rupture of the membranes can usually be avoided. There are pros and cons about fetal monitoring.  Ask if you can be monitored every hour for fifteen minutes at the time,  and change position or walk around the rest of the time.  Ask for more time to try non-medical methods to stimulate labor if your doctor thinks labor is not progressing. These include: change of position, walking, nipple stimulation, warm water, relaxation. Time limits are unrealistic as every labor is different. Unless you dilated 5-6 cm during a previous labor, consider this one your first labor. Discuss this with your doctor before going into the hospital.

                Discuss the length of time you care provider will allow you to wait after your due date.  Discuss alternatives to induction drugs; nipple stimulation, acupressure, chiropractic care, acupuncture. 

• Believe in yourself, your body, and the process of birth. Affirmations and visualizations are powerful; Here are some ideas:

  "I know everything I need to know to give birth to my baby. All I have to do is remember !"

  "I let go of the need to control the outcome of this birth, my body will lead me through the right path!"

 "Each contraction is embracing my baby"

  "At each contraction my cervix is opening up like a flower at dawn"

 "The waves of contraction are bringing me closer to holding my baby in my arms"

 "My baby and I are working hard to come together in joy and peace"

• Your feelings are welcome! Work through leftover negative feelings (guilt, disappointment, anger) from previous cesarean birth(s). Feeling you fears before hand and delving into it can help you let go and let this baby out.

Accept the fact that labor pressure is  a sign of how strong and well your body is.

Learn to trust, cooperate with and listen to your body it knows what you need and what to do. TRUST in the divine order and the natural flow of things.  You body was built for giving birth it is written in your DNA.

Feel good about yourself and your relationship as a couple and keep a positive outlook.

• About family and friends. Remember that according to medical studies VBAC is usually safer for both you and your baby than a repeat cesarean. Ask people to support you, and turn off worriers.

•  VBAC group support. Get on the web and join a chat group. Read stories of others who've "been there" and are willing to share their VBAC experiences.

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Use of oxytocics

The use of oxytocin or prostaglandins for induction or augmentation of labor in women with a previous cesarean section has remained controversial, because of speculation that there might be an increased risk of uterine rupture or dehiscence. This view is not universally held nor is it strongly supported by the available data. A number of series have been reported in which oxytocin or prostaglandins were used for the usual indications with no suggestion of increased hazard. Review of the reported case series show that an increased risk of uterine rupture with the use of oxytocin or prostaglandins is likely to be extremely small. When dehiscenses occur in women they are more likely to occur in women who have received more than one oxytocic agent, rather than a single agent used in an appropriate manner.

Such comparisons, of course, are rendered invalid by the fact that the cohorts of women who received, or did not receive oxytocics, may have differed in many other respects in addition to the use of oxytocic agents. Nevertheless, the high vaginal birth rates and low dehiscence rates noted in these women suggest that oxytocics can be used for induction or augmentation of labor in women who have had a previous cesarean section, with the same precautions that should always attend the use of oxytocic agents.

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The Doula and the Partner: How they Work Together to Help the Birthing Woman by Penny Simkin

Many partners are concerned about what their role will be when a doula is present. To answer some common concerns, Penny Simkin with Doulas of North America (DONA) has written the following (used with permission).

Myth 1:
If a woman has her partner, the doula becomes redundant.

Reality:
The doula may be the only person at the labor besides the partner who is there solely for the emotional well-being of the woman. The nurse, the doctor, the midwife have other priorities that compete with the emotional care of the woman: for example, breaks, shift changes, clinical responsibilities, office hours and hospital policies. The doula has few or no other priorities. She stays through shift changes, and until after the baby is born She is not just another stranger with the couple She has the woman's needs as her sole priority. In some cases, the couple will bring several other friends or family members into labor with them. Sometimes these people can be uncertain of how to help which leads to confusion and actually adds to the woman's stress. The doula can direct and coordinate the efforts of a group of people, giving them all something useful to do, so they work as a team on the woman's behalf.

Myth 2:
The doula "takes over", displacing the partner and interferes with their intimate experience.

Reality:
The doula can actually bring the couple closer. By making sure that the partner's needs are met (food, drink, occasional back rubs, and reassurance), the woman and partner can work more closely together. The doula allows for the partner to participate at his own comfort level. Some partners prefer to be there only to witness the birth of their child and to share this experience with the woman they love. They may not want to play an active role and do not want to be responsible for the woman's comfort and emotional security. The doula can fill in and allow the partner to participate as he wishes, without leaving the woman's needs unmet. When the partner chooses to be the major source of emotional support, the doula can supplement his or her efforts by running errands, making suggestions for comfort measures, and offering words of reassurance and comfort. During a long tiring labor, she can give the partner a break for a brief rest or change of scene.

While the doula probably knows more than the partner about birth, hospitals, and maternity care, the partner knows more about the woman's personality, likes and dislikes, and needs. Moreover, he loves the woman more than anyone else there. The combined contributions of partner and doula, along with a competent, considerate and caring staff gives the woman the best chance of an optimal outcome.

Myth 3:
The doula has her own beliefs about how the birth should go, and imposes it on the woman or couple.

Reality:
The doula's true agenda is to help ensure that the woman's or couple's agenda is acknowledged and followed as much as possible. If the doula is thoroughly familiar with the couple's wishes and their birth plan, she may actually think more about it than the couple, especially when labor is intense and things are happening rapidly. The doula can remind the staff or the couple of some items on the birth plan that are forgotten, but which later might be important. Sometimes if a birth plan is not followed, the couple later look back with regret or disappointment.

The doula helps with decision-making by asking questions that will ensure that the right information is given to the woman or couple so that they can make an informed decision. She may also suggest alternatives for the couple to consider. She does not, however, make decisions for the couple.

In summary, the doula helps make the birth experience to be as rewarding and satisfying as possible. As one father said, "I heaved a big sigh of relief when she (the doula) walked in. I hadn't realized how much pressure I had been feeling. She not only calmed my wife, she calmed me down."

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Tips for the Partner, Coach or Friend (While Waiting for Your Doula)

• If labor begins at night and she is not in a lot of pain, help her back to sleep with a soothing massage.

• If labor begins during the day, take her to a place you both love where you can get used to labor together. This could be a park or a comfortable room in your home. Enjoy your last moments together before your family size increases.

• Help her to remember to drink plenty of water or juice and to eat small meals as long as possible; prepare (or buy) her favorite foods.

• Take responsibility for seeing that the bags are packed and the baby's carseat is properly installed in your car.

• Take a shower and wear something she likes -- no aftershave, please.

• Keep in close, relaxed physical contact with her.

• As labor progresses, help her relax by encouraging her to let her body relax. Stroke her gently to reassure her.

• Breathe with her if she starts to panic. Help her to regain her control.

• Don't be embarrassed to use common endearments with your Doula, caregiver or nursing staff around; she needs to hear them from you!

• In transition, speak tenderly to her between contractions, and maintain eye contact during contractions.

• Once she is pushing, get your body close to her so she feels your support and reinforcement.

• Let her know when you can see the baby's head, and help her reach down and touch it.

• Tell her you love her, especially after the baby is born.

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Using a Birth Ball in Labor

The Birth Ball is the same as the physical therapy balls which have been used for years by physical therapists in a variety of ways in treating orthopedic and neurological disorders, and for exercise. It is also an excellent and relatively inexpensive comfort tool for pregnancy and labor and postpartum.

Most women prefer the 65 cm size ball. These can be purchased at any medical supply store for almost half the price you'd pay at specialty massage stores. Look for one that will hold at least 300 pounds and is burst resistant, meaning that the air will leak out slowly if the ball is punctured.

If I could only bring one "tool" to a birth, it would be the birth ball. In over eight years of doula work, I've only had one client out of over 200, who didn't like sitting on the birth ball during labor! A birth ball can help reposition a posterior (sunny side up) baby, provide access to your back for your partner or doula to give you a massage or counter pressure, helps keep you out of the bed, and, when you're not using the ball, it's a great place for your doula, your partner or a friend to sit!

When you inflate your ball, it should be should be slightly firm and large enough for you to sit on with your knees and hips bent at 90-degree angles. Sitting on the ball instead of in a recliner will help prevent a posterior baby, it can relieve the low backache of pregnancy, and you will probably find it unbelievably comfortable.

There are lots of ways to use the ball -- here are just a few:

The hands and knees position can be very comfortable for many women in labor, but your hands will become numb very quickly. If you get on your knees and rest your head and arms on the ball, there is less strain on the hands and arms and you will be able to spend more time in this relaxing position.

You can sit on the ball, with your partner or doula standing behind you and supporting you. Your legs should be about two feet apart so your feet and butt form a triangle for good balance. You should feel stable and secure. This position helps improve your posture, encourages you to rock side to side or forward and back or in circles, thereby giving the baby a better angle to enter your pelvis.

My favorite position requires two support people, usually the partner and the doula, but a mother, sister or friend would work just as well. The partner sits on the bed, facing the laboring woman sitting on the ball. The doula is behind the woman and is sitting on a stable chair (not one with wheels). During a contraction, mom leans forward and puts her head on the partner’s lap (pillows can be placed on the lap for the laboring woman’s comfort). This gives the doula great access to the woman’s lower back for massage, pressure, heat or cold packs. Between the contractions, the woman leans back against the doula and the doula gently rocks with her from side to side. This is a great opportunity for the doula to help the woman relax between contractions and prepare for the next one.

If you sit on the ball and lean forward against the bed, your partner or doula will have good access to your lower back for counter pressure or massage. Sitting on warm compresses on the ball will maximize perineal relaxation and help you avoid an episiotomy.

If you're having a long, non-progressing labor, it often means that your baby's head is turned slightly to the side and not in a good position for delivery. If this happens, you can get into the hospital bed with the foot lowered as far as it can go. Put the ball on the lowered foot of the bed and you on your knees, with your head and arms resting on the ball, so your hips are higher than your shoulders. This position will help baby to slip away from the position he or she is stuck in and to reposition for an easier birth.

The ball can be placed on the bed if you are standing and you can lean forward, resting your head and arms on the ball for a comfortable, leaning forward position to encourage pelvic swaying.

If you are standing and swaying, the ball can be placed against the wall and you can lean back against it for wonderful back support and pressure, helping you to sway from side to side and relax. Have your partner or doula hold it against the wall until you are leaning against it comfortably.

Be sure to clean the ball well after your birth. I use a 10% bleach solution in a spray bottle to clean mine. It's also a good idea to cover the ball with a Chux pad, even if you use a birth ball cover, so it won't get wet when your bag of waters ruptures. Remember that the ball will be coming home in your car or van after the birth!

If you have a doula, she will most likely bring her birth ball to your birth, but you might want to buy your own ball. It can be used as a rocking chair when baby comes, bouncing or rocking on it can help to quiet a fussy baby. It can also be used for colic by placing the baby on its stomach on it; the pressure on the baby's abdomen seems to help.

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Birth Plan Tips

Your birth plan must be read and respected. Here's how to increase your chances of having the care you want from the hospital staff.

Keep it brief - list only what's most important to you -- don't list every possible intervention you'd like to avoid. Remember that you can refuse any intervention when it is offered. If you want to eat and drink in labor, it will help if you can get your caregiver to sign your birth plan (or at least initial that one item) and include it in your chart.

Make it easy to read - avoid using a small font or handwriting unless your handwriting is clear and easy to read. Use bullet points and leave some white space.

Make it relevant - make a separate birth plan for the nursing staff and the doctor, including only relevant items on each. The nursing staff doesn't need to be told that you're having a doula since your doula will arrive with you and the doctor doesn't need to be told that you'd like to keep the lights dim while you're in labor, since he or she probably won't arrive until the very last minute.

Humor Helps - if your birth plan is entertaining, amusing, or somehow different, the nurses will be more likely to take notice. A cute baby picture, or funny observation can make all the difference!

Say it with food - nurses work long hours and sometimes miss their lunch break, so they always appreciate snacks. Your birth plan, with its photo attached, will be read by every nurse at the station if it is presented along with a small basket of reasonably healthy snacks, such as cookies, fruit, crackers and cheese, nuts, etc. Chocolate can be included but there should be some nourishing food along with it.

Personalize it - attach a snapshot of you and your partner to the birth plan. This will make you more real to the staff as well as identifying who provided the food basket (leave a blank area to add your room number once you've arrived at the hospital). If you've had other birth experience, you might mention that, i.e., "My first child was born by cesarean delivery, so it's important to me to have a vaginal delivery this time."

Solicit their help- most doctors and nurses go into the health profession because they want to help. However, because they are in the medical profession, many of them have never seen a natural (unmedicated) birth, and they truly believe that the epidural, episiotomy, IV, Heplock, catheter, internal fetal monitor, etc. are all "helpful." If you ask for their help in avoiding these interventions, it gives them a different focus for their desire to help.

Keep it positive - avoid the words and phrases that include "no," or "don't." Find the positive way to say what you want. Saying "It's important to me to have the freedom to walk and change positions during my labor" will be respected more than "I don't want to have continuous fetal monitoring."

Keep it simple - “I am hoping to work with a nurse who believes in natural childbirth” and “I expect to actively participate in all decisions to ensure my ability to provide informed consent” are the types of simple statements that will get you what you want.

If you're looking for an interactive birth plan maker, here are a few sites which provide them: Childbirth.org | Parents Place | Baby Center | Baby Corner | Baby Zone

REMEMBER, these interactive plans are for you and your partner to help you decide what is most important. It is better to bring a short, easy to read and remember list that is meaningful to you.

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What to Pack to Take to the Hospital

• Waterproof pads for the car ride (don't pack these, but keep them handy)
• Basket of food for the nursing staff
• Unscented oil for massage
• Lip balm
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Gown and robe (if she prefers them to hospital clothes)
• Shower cap
• Rolling pin, camper's ice, or cold soft-drink can - for pressure and cold on lower back
• Warm socks and slippers
• Hair ties or "scrunchies"
• Tapes or CDs of favorite relaxing music, and tape or CD player
• Personal focal point (a picture, flowers, a candle, a figurine) to focus on during contractions
• Favorite juice, popsicles, electrolyte-balanced beverage (such as Gatorade), or Rite-Aid Pediatric Electrolyte pops (this brand does NOT have aspartame, like Pedialyte Pops) in a cooler
• Fan (small, hand-held, battery operated is best)
• Birth Ball
• Pillows from home (use brightly colored cases to distinguish from your birth place's linens)

For the birth partner's use:

• Copy of the Birth Plan
• Watch with second hand
• Grooming supplies (toothbrush, breath freshener, deodorant, shaver)
• Food for snacks, such as sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers, beverages (consider beforehand what they will do to your breath)
• Sweater
• Change of clothes
• Swimsuit so you can accompany the mother in the shower
• Paper and pencil
• Reading materials, or handwork for slow times when the mother does not need your help
• Phone numbers of people to call during or after labor
• Change or credit card for pay phone
• Camera with film (400 ASA or higher) and batteries (still or video)
• Extra film (400 ASA or higher) or videotape
• Baby book for getting the footprints done by the nurse when she does the paperwork

For the mother's use during the postpartum period: (note:  this should be packed separately and brought into the hospital when mom moves to her postpartum room -- this does not belong in the labor room)

• Gowns that open in front for breastfeeding, (unless she prefers hospital gowns)
• Robe and slippers
• Cosmetics, toilet articles
• Witch Hazel and small (not newborn) baby diapers to be packed with ice for perineal care (note: the ice should be inserted by separating the plastic outer liner from the padding and then folding over the edge of the opened plastic outer liner to keep the ice in the pack -- pour Witch Hazel on the pad)
• Tasty snack foods, such as fruit, nuts, cheese and crackers - her favorite treats
• Nursing bras
• Reading and writing materials, address book, birth announcements
• Money for incidentals
• Going-home clothing (you will still be about 5-6 months pregnant-looking)

For the baby: (note:  this should be packed separately and brought into the hospital when mom moves to her postpartum room -- this does not belong in the labor room)

• Car seat (this should be correctly installed in the car prior to the due date)
• Receiving blanket for baby
• Outside blanket, bunting, booties and cap for baby
• Going home outfit (nightgown or stretch suit)
• Undershirt
• Diapers

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Recommended Supplies for Mom and Baby

MOTHERCARE SUPPLIES

Perineum
* Witch Hazel and small (not newborn) baby diapers to be packed with ice for perineal care (note: the ice should be inserted by separating the plastic outer liner from the padding and then folding over the edge of the opened plastic outer liner to keep the ice in the pack -- pour Witch Hazel on the pad)
  Sitz Bath (tub to soak your bottom in)
  Hot water bottle or heating pad
  Peri bottle (sterile)
  Sanitary pads

After the Birth
  4 containers of cranberry juice

• All these items can be found at Grocery stores-Drugstores-Medical Supply stores

• All items with an asterisk (*) are to be packed for the hospital

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Recommended Reading for Expectant Parents
(Most Parents Wish They Had Read More Books on Baby Care)

Birth

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

Wonderful, empowering birth stories and information -- a must read!

Hey! Who's Having This Baby, Anyway? by Breck Hawk

Easy to understand -- written by a midwife.

The Thinking Woman's Guide to A Better Birth by Henci Goer

The title says it all.

Misconceptions by Naomi Wolfe

Will give you a new perspective on the hospital experience.

Birthing From Within by Pam England & Rob Horowitz

Offers numerous original, creative, and enjoyable ways for birthing women and their partners to become more aware of their strengths and needs for birth and afterwards. It is a book that honors nature and helps a woman find her own way to go with nature and her body. This book will help women tap their resources so that their birthing will be life enhancing and empowering.

Active Birth by Janet Balakas

Inspiring and in-depth treatment of natural birth, in or out of hospital. Balakas tells how using yoga can prepare you for birth, and how to use it during labor.

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Simkin, Whalley and Keppler

Best all-round book; with helpful ideas for labor as well as what to expect from the baby and a basic guide to breastfeeding. Not patronizing like some other books.

HypnoBirthing: A Celebration of Life by Marie F. Mongan

A guide to using Self HypnoTherapy techniques to prepare for labor.

Easing Labor Pain by Adrienne Lieberman

Every possible comfort measure is covered in detail, from breathing and relaxation to TENS units, hypnosis and epidural analgesia.

The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin

Everything you need to know to help a woman through childbirth. Labor, comfort measures, medical procedures, and more from the partner's point of view.

Mind Over Labor by Carl Jones

Visualizations for labor; ways to use the power of your mind to help you through contractions.

Breastfeeding

Bestfeeding by Renfrew, Fisher and Arms

Simple and natural guide to breastfeeding. Lots of pictures help you get the right positioning; focuses on success rather than problems.

The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins

Solutions to every problem you could possible encounter. Great reference book, but don't sit down and read it, as you will feel overwhelmed with what "could" happen.

Baby Care

The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Karp reveals a treasure sought by new parents for centuries... the "calming reflex" (the automatic “off-switch” for any baby’s crying). It really works!

The Baby Book by William and Martha Sears

Gentle and reassuring advice on raising your baby. Daily care, feeding development, health, parenting, attachment, and more! Best baby book on the market.

Your Baby and Child by Penelope Leach

Many parents rely on this book; common-sense, down-to earth approach with an emphasis on child development.

The Portable Pediatrician by Laura Nathanson

More mainstream guide to caring for a baby, month by month. Covers normal development, feeding, sleeping, discipline, day care, health concerns and more.

Postpartum

After the Baby's Birth by Robin Lim

A slightly alternative, holistic approach to healing body and mind after childbirth. Lim has lived in many different cultures, and shares the wise ways of those cultures for coping with recovering from birth.

The Year After Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger

This book begins where most leave off; gives you some support and reassurance about your own body and feelings in the next year.

Siblings

From One Child to Two by Judy Dunn

Having a second baby is different, from the very beginning! How pregnancy and birth change, how to break the news and prepare for your first child's reaction, coping with new demands on your marriage, burnout, and sibling rivalry.

Siblings without Rivalry by Bager and Mazlish

Written with compassion and humor, explains the reasons behind sibling rivalry and teaches you skills to help your children get along. Practical guidelines and real-life examples for fostering wholesome relationships, Fun to read, too.

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What's Normal for a Newborn?

• The soft spot (known as the fontanel) is the diamond shaped area just above the hairline, where the baby's skull bones have not yet fused together. If you see a beating pulse there, don't be alarmed. Although it seems vulnerable, the soft spot is protected by a tough membrane that can be rubbed or gently washed.

• Nearly all fair-skinned babies are born with blue or gray eyes, which may gradually change color over the first 12 months.  Darker-skinned babies most often are born with brown or darker eyes, which usually stay that color.

• Dark-haired babies usually stay that way, but blond hair often darkens with age.

• Infants breathe primarily through their noses, which leaves their mouths free for nursing.  They take an average of 30 to 50 breaths per minute.

• The pulse of a newborn is fast, ranging from 100 to 170 beats per minute when awake, 70 to 80 when sleeping deeply. After a baby is six months old, the waking heart rate slows to 90 to 140 beats per minute.

• Breasts and genitals may be slightly enlarged in both boys and girls, due to the influence of pregnancy hormones that have crossed the placenta.  This swelling resolves within a week after birth.

• Hands and feet often look mottled or slightly blue, and you may see white or red blotches on the body due to the baby's immature circulatory system and unstable temperature.  If you're concerned about your baby's circulation, check the inside of the bottom lip-if that's blue, talk to your pediatrician.

• Dry skin is normal for a newborn.  Applying moisturizer won't help because some of the outer layers of a baby's skin dries up and flakes off naturally in the first couple of weeks.

• On average, birth weights range from five pounds five ounces to eight pounds. Most of an infant's body weight is water, so vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and weight loss.

• Legs may look bowed due to cramped conditions in the uterus. As muscles strengthen and lengthen, legs will straighten themselves out.

Baby's Birthmarks

There are several different types of birthmarks:

"Stork bites" are flat, pink patches that are collections of blood vessels under the skin.  They usually crop up on or around the forehead, nape of the neck, nose or eyelids.  They are normal but take about a year to fade.

Strawberry marks first appear as tiny red dots and may increase in size up until the end of the first year.  They usually disappear by five years of age.

Mongolian spots are blue-toned and are found on the lower backs of babies with dark skin tones (such as African Americans, Asians and some Mediterraneans).  These eventually fade. Some birthmarks, however, are permanent.

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Boy or Girl - Can You Choose?
(For Entertainment Only)

According to this chart, you can choose for yourself whether you want a boy or a girl. The woman's age (from 18 to 45) is on the top line while the months (January to December) indicate the month when the baby is conceived -- NOT the date the baby is born.

By following the chart you are supposed to be able to tell in advance whether your baby will be a boy or a girl. This chart is said to have been taken from a Royal tomb near Peking, China, with the original copy in the Institute of Science of Peking. The accuracy of the chart is believed to be 99 percent accurate. According to the legend, a Chinese Scientist discovered and drew this chart which was buried in a Royal tomb about 700 years ago.

By reckoning, you follow a line drawn from the figure representing the woman's age to a line drawn from the month the baby is conceived. For instance, if the woman is 27 years old and her baby is conceived in January (according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar), then her baby will be a girl. The chart is based on the month the baby is conceived and not on the birth of the baby.

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 Copyright © 2006 Arrival Doula