Meow

Even the cat likes the belly!

To Doula or not ?

I am seriously contemplating using a birthing doula to help Jason and I through our first childbirth. I know of a friend and a family member that both raved about their birth experience and how the doula was instrumental in helping them. Below are the most common benefits of using a doula. I'm very curious about other's experiences (good or bad) with a doula.

Benefits of working with a birth or postpartum doula include:

- 60% reduction in the rate of epidural use

- 50% reduction in cesarean rates

- 40% reduction in the need for forceps

- 25% reduction in the length of labor

- higher breastfeeding rates

- more opportunity to spend time bonding with baby

- easier transition into parenthood
(more postpartum benefits my cousin Amy Olsen sent me)
- feel more secure and cared for
- are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
- have greater self-confidence
- have less postpartum depression
- increased bonding with baby

Baby and Daddy

21 Weeks !

I usually feel our little one moving around when I am in a seated position. He's still pretty low in my belly and Jason hasn't been able to feel him. This week I've found him more active a little while after I eat. He is quite fond of Coldstone...lol

Last night I laid down on my back in bed to watch a bit of tv. All of a sudden he was super active. So, I called Jason in the room to come feel my belly. He placed his hand down and patiently waited. Then all of a sudden Jason jumped and said, "WOW!" He kept his hand on my belly for a while and felt our little guy's activity.

Jason was so excited to finally feel what I was feeling!

20 Weeks !

Half way there! This is getting SO exciting! My mom and Jason's mom joined us for the 20 week ultrasound. The tech pointed out the bones and major organs. We heard the heart beat and heard the blood flow through the body. You could even see the 4 chambers of the heart! And this little baby is only the size of a banana.

About 20 minutes through the ultrasound we got anxious and asked the sex. the tech took a good look between the legs.

It's A BOY !

My mom and Cathy both erupted with laughter (since they both have a boy) and congratulated Jason. They reminded him that he already has so much boy stuff, we're set....lol Jason is excited to

be a kid for life!

We finished off the day with a trip to Lullaby Lane to start looking at boy stuff. Now that we know it is a boy we get to start decorating!