Just Sayin'

You know what's funny, I bet most people research more about the next car they are going to buy than they do about the birth and parenting choices they are going to make... 

...But when you bring up a topic of parenting, suddenly everyone has an opinion, more so than if you bought the cheapest piece of crap car. 

And they will offer it even without asking, whether it's where you should birth, how often to give your baby a bath, how your baby should sleep, when to start on solids, whether or not to vaccinate, how to deal with rashes, how long you should breastfeed for, whether or not to use a pacifier, whether to use a carrier or a wrap, or  what kind of diapers to use.

Do you know how many different cars are on the road today?

Probably the same number of parenting choices. 

So guess what. THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWER.

Even if you would choose something else for your child, guess what again: 

IT'S NOT YOUR CHILD.  

So when someone comes along who actually DID research more about their parenting choices than what car they drive, why the heck are you still offering them advice when they don't ask for it?  They more than likely already know more about your argument than you do.

So unless advice is wanted, just keep driving, stop honking when no laws are broken. 

And just for the record, I drive a Chevy. So bring it. 

But mine doesn't look this good... hope no one says anything...

Heather's Story

This mom reached out to me on the internet, and her story is worth the sharing.

 "...I myself am a mother to a quirky little 6 year old, Lily. She is my only child, and my whole world (I’m sure you know the feeling!)  The very beginning of Lily’s life was a little more turbulent than I would have hoped for. When Lily was just 31/2 months old, I was diagnosed with Mesothelioma; a type of cancer that kills 90-95% of those who have it.  As I’m sure you can imagine, the first thing that came to mind when I was diagnosed was my baby girl and how I wasn't going to be able to watch her grow up..."

When you think you have it bad, stop thinking! It can always be worse. What I love about this mom is she has turned her experience into a story of guidance, inspiration, and hope.

Learn of her story for yourself by clicking here for her blog.  You'll be glad you did.

Re: Home Births Are Stupid

I recently posted a picture on Facebook stating some sad, but serious facts about the cesarean section trend in the United States. This sparked some expected comments from friends who have received c-sections, which is fine. But I also discovered two unexpected, rude, and uncalled for comments from an acquaintance and her husband. This is what she had to say:

Ouch, right? I will admit, this hurt for a few days. So many friends came to my rescue while I was still trying to make sense of it. I let others on Facebook continue on in the thread, defending my birth choice, while I stewed over what I wanted to say to her, and how I was going to say it. So many thoughts went through my head. Since her attack was so emotional, I wanted so much to be emotional back... but I knew that it would only do more harm than good. I decided to take this opportunity to share with her almost everything I knew about the choice I made, and then some. So I wrote her a nice long, cordial message.

I posted this message for all to see because I want it to stop.Whether they or silent or spoken, I want all the harsh and ignorant judgments to stop. I want as many people as possible to see inside the point of view of one mother who decided to do a home birth. I know that Heather's comments are probably how most people feel towards home birth, but they choose to say it with a little more tact.  However, I think if you open your eyes, you will find that there are more of us than you think.  So to anyone who still thinks that home births are stupid, I direct you here:

Heather, 

You comment confused me a little because it seemed as though I have hurt or offended you or Jordan.  Believe me, that was far from my intentions.  Either way, I am sorry if my post struck a personal chord with you, and I am sorry if I somehow hurt your family.  I frequently post birth and pregnancy tidbits of information, and it is not intended to offend, but to raise awareness.  My overall goal is for every mom to be able to make the most informed choices about pregnancy and childbirth as possible, and this is why I make these posts.  I have frequently posted about how I am grateful to be living in a time where our medical technology is so far advanced, and when they are used in the correct circumstances, they can absolutely save lives.  It doesn't matter to me whether or not women choose home birth, a natural birth in a hospital, or a cesarean.  As long as they know that there are many options out there, and that they have the ability to make informed choices, that's all that matters.  

I want you to know that 3 years ago I thought exactly like you do. I told Chris that I wanted to have an epidural in the hospital and everything.  However, when we began to try to have a kid, I took upon myself the responsibility to research every birth option possible to make sure that I was making the best pregnancy and birth decisions for our family.  We prayed and pondered about our decisions a lot, and I am confident that the decisions we made were confirmed by the Lord. 

There are some things in your comment that I would also like to address. (Again, I don't want you to think that I am personally attacking you, you and Jordan are very nice people and you have been great friends to Chris in the past, and I have no reason to dislike you or offend you).  I want to begin with the very last thing you said, because I think once I address that, it will give everything else I say a little more credibility.

1) "You should do more research."

As I said, once Chris and I began preparing to have a child, I began my research. I have been researching every and all aspects (not just the one I chose) of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum for a little over two years now. It has become a hobby for me, and I am still researching it, even after Kaden was born. I have read over a dozen books, watched 3 birth documentaries, read countless articles and statistics, attended 3 childbirth classes (one of which was by someone who teaches in a hospital), I am a member of 7 online birth groups and am connected with over 1,000 birth professionals and women who have had every type of birth imaginable, and I am in communication with them daily. I have helped about 8 women with their own pregnancy and birth research, watched countless birth videos of all types, and I have kept a pregnancy and birth blog for almost a year now.  It seems like you have done your own research to help form your own strong opinion on the matter, so if you think I have missed a scope of research, or if you know of any other research that I can get my hands on to further my ongoing education on the matter, I would accept it with open arms. So please share!

2) "I'm pretty sure that most women and children died from giving birth before our medicine was advanced"

If more women and children were dying than were being born, our population would not have increased over the ages, but the human race would have died off.  So logically, most women actually had healthy babies throughout history.  I personally believe that Heavenly Father created the female body to be fully capable in its natural and intended form to be able to birth children. Women were not created to have defective uterus's.  However, I do believe that Heavenly Father also blessed our time with medical advances that gives us the capability to aid mothers and children who truly need help, cesareans are one of these advances.  

3) "Why put your life and child's life at risk for selfish reasons"

What is selfish about wanting my baby to have the best birth possible? Research and prayer have told me that home birth was the healthiest and best option for me.  The fact that the United States spends the most money on healthcare than any other nation, and is 46th in the world for infant mortality, with 98% of births occurring in the hospital, logic would suggest that there is something wrong with the United States birthing trend as a whole.  Statistics aside, most people picture midwives to be these really old ladies who just come over to catch a baby. This does not do them justice.  Midwives are required to go to nursing school, and are then required to go to an additional two years of special schooling in order to be state certified nurse midwives.  They come prepared with a lot of medical equipment, and are constantly monitoring both mother and baby with their medical instruments throughout labor and birth.  In fact, after I birthed Kaden, I nearly fainted.  The midwives hooked me up to an IV  and I was fine.  Midwives are trained to help prevent a lot of birth complications that occur in the hospital, and are trained to know when it is necessary to transport the mother to the hospital if necessary.  Most midwives make sure that the mothers are within a reasonable distance (10-15 minutes) to a hospital before labor at home is considered.  In the event of a medical transport, it could take 15 minutes to go to the hospital, on the way there, the midwife will contact the hospital and tell them to have an operating room ready by the time they get there.  If a cesarean was necessary at the hospital, it could take around 30 minutes to prepare mom for surgery.  Therefore, the amount of time lost in the event of an emergency at home is zero, and no added risk was done to the mother.   

4) "Your baby could have died from being in such a stressful labor for such a long period of time."

I need to begin this segment by telling you that there was absolutely nothing stressful about my birth whatsoever. I created a birth plan that would allow for peace the entire time.  I was completely relaxed and in tune with my body, and I had people ready to help when I needed them.  I had studied natural labor and birthing techniques to help me experience the least amount of pain.  I was able to labor with absolutely zero fear and with complete confidence and faith. Giving birth to my son was one of the most spiritual experiences of mine and Chris's life.  Kaden entered the  world perfectly calm, and Chris and I grew closer together.  There were no bright lights, no cold metal objects, no strangers rushing around, no one talking over me or telling me what to do.  The lights were dim, everyone was silent, I caught my baby and brought him right up to my chest, right where they were intended to be immediately after birth. 

My labor wasn't long, either.  Natural labors, from early labor to when the baby is born, will spend on average between 12 and 36 hours in labor... and that is normal and expected.  My labor was only 22 hours from the very first Braxton Hix contraction to the very last one, and I was only pushing for 30 minutes.  To me, though, I felt as though the entire experience was only 5 hours.  When the female body is left to do what she was designed to do, and in her own unique way, she will experience the least amount of pain possible, and in the least amount of time possible. Only when she is intervened and interrupted will her natural instincts shut down and her hormones halt, and her body will not flow in the rhythm it was designed to.  As a result, she will need more interventions to help her body along, and many times this ends up in a cesarean birth. So no, my body was in the right place and was doing the right thing for me and my baby, and I wouldn't change anything about my birth.   

5) "You wanted to be all macho and do a home birth"

I wrote a blog post on this very subject: http://thebatemanbabyblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/why-yes-im-planning-on-home-birth.html

All I can add to what my post already says  is that your statement is nothing more than an incorrect assumption, and frankly, to have someone who doesn't know me tell me that I love myself more than my baby is one of the most disgusting and insulting things that anyone could say to me, or any mother for that matter.  I would lay my life down for my baby, as I'm sure you would. I chose a home birth first and foremost because I wanted a peaceful experience surrounded by people who love me and believe in me so that I could focus on my body.  If you really knew me, you would know that I had my baby's health at the top of my list of interests the entire time.  

In the hospital, women are told to lay down on their backs.  With the exception of hanging upside down, this is the worst possible position she could be in to birth naturally.  This puts pressure on the pelvis, reducing its expansion capability by 30% (making it much harder to push baby out), and puts pressure on the artery in your back that feeds your heart and the placenta, which could lead to lowered heart rate for you and baby, which could lead to a cesarean, which could have been avoided if the mother was allowed to labor the way she wanted. Laying on the back in labor is simply a modern medical trend that only benefits the OB so they can catch the baby easier. 

Also, a note to Jordan: Sorry, I should have been more clear with that other picture of the U.S. being ranked #34. Yes, I am aware that there are more than 34 countries in the world.   The reason that they all weren't included is because that was the list of industrialized nations.  It would be unfair to compare the United States healthcare with 3rd world countries for obvious reasons.  However, that table was created in 2008, so I wanted to find a more recent one with all of the countries included, and I found this: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2091rank.html

In this table (created in 2011), the United States is ranked 46th in the world for infant mortality rate, and it has continued to drop over the years, while the cesarean rate in the country is rising (it is over 3 times higher than what the W.H.O. recommends) 

Again, I have already said it on Facebook, but I want to reiterate it because I don't think you read it: I know that cesareans save lives. They are a wonderful invention, when used for the right purpose. I know that there are times when it would benefit mom and baby to have a cesarean.  

Below I have listed some relevant articles, statistics, and studies that would help you better understand what I have said above. But above all, I stress these two documentaries the most (and these links allow you to watch it online for free):

The Business of Being Born: http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/business-being-born/

Pregnant in America: http://www.hulu.com/watch/235715/pregnant-in-america

There are 47 other helpful links on this website, address everything from birth politics, to cesareans, to making informed decisions (complete with statistics and studies):

http://www.hencigoer.com/articles/

I'm not posting those links to make you change your opinion on birth, I just want you to know why I chose the birth I did. If you have further questions, I would be happy to talk. But if all you want to do is ignore what I have tried telling you and still keep the same hostility towards me, than there is nothing more I have to say to you. I would prefer the former option, though... :)

Take care and good luck,

Julene

Just Beautiful

This is my most favorite birth video. I cry every time. 

Why Yes, I'm Planning on a Home Birth....

...and If I hear one more person tell me how brave  I am, I just may lose it.

 When people tell me that I'm brave for doing a homebirth, I know that they mean well, which is why I am not confrontational with them. But honestly, a girl can only take so much. While someone may mean it as a compliment, it can easily be taken as an insult, because more often than not,  telling someone that they are brave usually can only be interpreted as:

Wow, you are so brave... I could never do something like that. 

To which I want to say:

"Oh really? Why is that?"

Well, because it hurts more and it's not as safe, right?

Actually, no.... it is more often than not quite the opposite.

I am not birthing at home because I want to show everyone just how tough I am, and I am not trying to make any kind of point.

******

What's even more irritating is when someone tells me:

 "Well, I just want to have my baby in the hospital just in case something happens and there's an emergency."

Here's how I see the conversation playing out in my head (which is far from what really happens):

Me: "Oh, you know, with all this planning that I did for my home birth, I guess I completely forgot about the fact that something might happen. It didn't even occur to me, I guess I will do a hospital birth then. Thanks for enlightening me."

*or*

Me: "So either you think that I don't love my baby as much and I am willing to put him at risk by having a home birth,  or you think that I'm a complete idiot by not taking advantage of all of the medical advances of the time, ensuring a safer birth, right?"

*or*

Me: "Oh, is this from all the research that you have done on the pros and cons to hospital and home births? Or is this just what you think is better because everyone does it? Just like how everyone chooses to enjoy the occasional fast food lunch... because it's not bad for them either, right?" 

Here's the reality:

To birth at home requires planning. Lots and lots of planning.  It takes initiative.  It takes courage to go against the social norm for reasons that you know are best for you.  It takes making your own decisions, and not letting others make it for you. It takes prayer. It takes telling people what you want and not being told. It takes doing lots of your own research, from weighing the pros and cons to hospital birth, to finding the right caregiver, to choosing who you want to attend the birth, to what kind of home birth you want (because there are many), and much more. 

I am not blogging to tell you all the reasons why I chose a home birth over a hospital birth, because I would end up writing a book, and you need to do your own research (but if you want I can provide some insight, just let me know). I am blogging to tell you that I made this choice based on completely educated and meditated decisions.  To completely disregard someone's informed decision just because you think it's not the best option, even though you've done no research of your own, is insulting at best.

Just so everyone knows, I did not always want a home birth. I grew up always wanting a hospital birth with an epidural and everything. Only recently, when Chris and I began thinking about having children, did I begin doing my own research and finding that the best birth option for me was not in the hospital.  

With that being said, I believe hospitals are absolutely wonderful when they are necessary. We are blessed to live in a time where we have such medical advances.  The problem is relying too heavily on these medical advances that we completely lose faith in our own bodies to do what they were divinely designed to do.  

If you want a hospital birth, or have had a hospital birth, great. I am not going to tell you that you are brave, or that you are stupid, because I trust that you made your own educated and informed decisions as to what was best for you and your baby.  All I ask is that you in return respect the educated and informed decision that others make to have a home birth.    

For everyone who is curious, women who chose home births love to talk about why they chose it. If you want to know why I chose a home birth, ask! Just don't tell me that I'm brave :)

Wonder Woman?

Or just another girl who wanted to avoid the pregnancy blues??? 

I wish I looked that good pregnant.

Either way, I have been able to avoid morning sickness, swelling, and all the other unmentionable side effects of pregnancy. (That's right, I haven't thrown up once).

The key is in your liver.  You liver is the main organ that regulates all the hormones in your body.  When you become pregnant, your liver has to work harder to produce the new hormones needed for pregnancy. If your liver is not functioning as well as it could, the hormone production can be thrown off, causing things like morning sickness, swelling, etc.

Your liver may not be up to speed because it also acts as a filter for your body.  It traps many harmful chemicals and residues that are consumed daily, and much buildup can occur if it is not constantly cleansed. Think of it as an air filter... the more stuff it traps, the less it functions.   To cleanse the liver, you need to eat foods and substances that aim to help rid your body of the chemicals built up in the liver, and that help regenerate your liver.   If you can do this before even getting pregnant, you can start out your pregnancy in an awesome condition, feeling great the whole way.

Depending on the health of your liver and your current diet, you may or may not need an extensive liver regeneration.  Generally, however, expect at least 3 months to fully cleanse and repair your liver.

And here is my not-so-secret ingredient to avoiding the pregnancy blues right off the bat: Green Smoothies. Every morning.

You can check them out on my Healthy Kitchen Flavors blog by clicking here.

Just remember, if you are doing the green smoothies everyday to specifically cleanse your liver, you need to use organic ingredients if possible.  This is because non-organic produce will have pesticide residue on it, which is exactly what you are trying to get rid of in your body!

If you are more curious on how to do an extensive liver cleanse, let me know! I just wanted to spotlight what has helped me, and pass it on to others!

You don't need to want children to get a liver cleanse, either. Like I said, the liver regulates hormones, which means a liver cleanse can help with just about anything that you have a problem with... it even helps to lose weight!

Imagine, if everyone did green smoothies... basically, we would be a country of superheroes.

To Hell and Back

The other day, I actually made time to do my prenatal yoga.  I was so excited to finally do my yoga again that I  did the whole video start to finish.  I loved it so much, I did it the next day too! For those two days, I was feeling freaking awesome. I was super limber, energetic, productive, THE WORKS.  But then, after those two days of bliss, reality brought me back down to the ground... HARD.

Here is a very professional looking graph that I created in about 60 seconds to explain to you in visual form what exactly happened. 

But Julene, I don't get it! Yoga is suppose to be really good for you! Surely there must have been another cause for Hell possessing your body overnight!


Nope, it was the yoga. And I'll tell you why.

When you are pregnant, neglect yoga for about three weeks, and then jump back into it without skipping a beat, your body will literally hate you for it. This is why: my belly had three weeks to grow. I am three weeks bigger than I was the last time I did yoga, and my body was NOT use to it at all.  BUT because of this lovely little pregnancy hormone that allows everything in your body to stretch beyond what is normal for a regular person, I was rockin' my yoga sessions! Little did I know that I was stretching TOO far, and it killed afterward.

Because of this, seriously everything hurt. Torn muscles from my feet to my hips, disjointed hip bones, sore back muscles, everything.  Good news though: I was able to master "the waddle" while walking around on campus... all while sporting the belly bump. 'Aint no one got my skill!

But, being the humble person that I am, I didn't want to show off too much. That and I was just in so much pain, that I almost considered getting one of these:

However, my budget being the embarrassment that it is, I gratefully accepted the rides too and from school that Chris offered.

** Pause for sympathy card to work its magic**

I did, however, find quite a bit of temporary relief:

Before I got pregnant, I have never taken a bath in our bathtub. In fact, my friend, Kristi, explains my pre-pregnancy bathtub feelings perfectly.   But, I now believe that pregnancy does weird things to a woman (omg, I just referred to myself as a woman).  On my first and worst day of post-yoga pain, the first thing I told Chris when I got home from school was "I HAVE TO TAKE A BATH."  I'm sure Chris interpreted that as "HELP ME NOW, OR ELSE." because he dropped what he was doing to get the bath set up for me. After taking ten minutes to undress, this is the scene I walk into in the bathroom: lights off, Enya music playing from the laptop on the counter, the smell of lavender essential oil mixing in the water, and towels and robes at my disposal, all set to go. Chris leaves to nap, and I spend the next hour with my eyes closed as I let the lavender oil sooth my muscles.  Oh em gee... did that feel goooooood.  

The next few nights were full of lavender essential oil massages.  Some of which I did myself. Also a bad idea, because I woke up the next day with throbbing forearms from giving myself massages. WTH?!?? A sista can't win!  Solution: I brought my lavender oil to school with me to rub into my arms during class. Fellow classmates: you are welcome for the calming aroma during class last week. 

** Pause for sympathy card to work its magic**

A few days painful days and frustrating nights of enduring this yoga revenge, I finally convinced myself to call a  chiropractor.  I found one online who practices in Provo and conveniently specializes in back pain for pregnant women and massage therapy. Um..... sign me up!  My only hesitation for making an appointment with them was I had no idea how many days I would have to sit in pain before they could squeeze me in. But GUESS WHAT: they had an opening for 2 hours later.  

To anyone in Provo, pregnant or not, I totally recommend this chiropractor.  I walked into the office, and they had relaxing music playing throughout the whole place. I went right in, told him what my poor, pathetic deal was, and he told me what was going on. He started out by relaxing the muscles on my back by using a machine to massage warm lotion into the muscles and joints, and then a series of much needed cracking and popping from neck to feet. He then showed me some exercises and stretches to do in between adjustments... and gave me a complimentary ice pack for any pain!

Guys: I literally walked out of there feeling 200%. The best I have felt my entire pregnancy.  Graph time.

My only regret: Not freaking doing this earlier like Chris said I should do. 

New Toys

Maybe I'm spoiled, maybe I have an amazing husband, or maybe I finally whined too much; but I got some presents in the mail.  They really aren't presents, or toys, but when the delivery man rang the doorbell, I got just as excited.

Chris and I have been meaning to get these for a while, but just haven't made the time to research them.  Finally, the other night, Chris made time to research some products, read reviews, and find the best value out there for these two lovely items.

Showcase #1:  The Death Star

This is not what I got...

... but this is.

I couldn't help but notice the similarity. 

Meet the GoFit exercise ball.  In our house, we simply call it The Death Star. This has helped me a lot with some work outs and stretches. And it's suppose to be pop resistant! Heaven knows I will certainly put it to the test. It also makes a great foot rest, and a "perfect posture" inducing place to rest your bum.  

------

Showcase #2: The Foot Saver

I have never been so excited about getting a kitchen floor mat. But, I figure, you would be this excited too if you were pregnant, had torn muscles in your feet and legs, had to stand up to make meals every day, and (heaven forbid) had to wash dishes by hand. 

I don't think you can really appreciate the just how soft it really is. Let me help you out:

Meet the Imprint Comfort Mat. This is seriously the softest mat I have ever stepped on. It hugs your feet and never flattens! I am totally recommending this mat to all of my pregnant friends. 

Not only is this mat amazing, but they are having an amazing sale. Free shipping plus some other really good discounts. If you're gonna get one, get one soon.

Pregnant in America

I just finished watching this documentary, and I feel like I would be doing a disservice to all families if I did not share this and pass this on.

As a future mother, I feel that I have a huge responsibility to my baby to make the most informed decision for my childbirth experience that I can. That means learning everything about every option there is.  After much research and prayer, I have decided that as long as I remain healthy and low-risk, I will give birth at home in water with a midwife, a doula, and close family.

This video has helped to confirm my decision.  It is amazing for everyone to watch. It is about a filmmaker whose wife becomes pregnant, and decides to do a documentary about her pregnancy and birth. Once he began filming, he and his wife saw the reality of pregnancy and childbirth that America has created for itself.

This is a beautiful film, very emotional. I laughed, I cried, I was angry, I was scared, I was empowered, and I felt like I connected with the people in it.

Here is the trailer to the film:

This film can be streamed online and ordered through Netflix. If you don't have Netflix, rent it. It is that worth it.  They also have a great website: www.pregnantinamerica.com

I'm not trying to persuade everyone to do a home birth, because I know that it may not be for everyone. I am trying to encourage families to take the step to do your own research and make informed decisions about your childbirth and pregnancy, which includes knowing all sides.  I do believe that hospitals definitely have their place, and they can do amazing, miraculous things.  But so can mothers. If a mother is healthy, you let her do what she was physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually designed to do, and you will witness a miracle.

Sold

I think the idea of infomercials are just hilarious... they are all the same and are completely predictable.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE! CALL WITHIN THE NEXT 10 MINUTES AND RECEIVE A SECOND ONE ABSOLUTELY FREE!

****FREE! FREE! FREEEEEEE!!!!!****

That being said, I actually still want to get this. I have never been a fan of store bought baby food, or formula, and have been trying to figure out a good system for making my own baby food. I have heard a couple different methods, but I think this one really speaks to moms... it's so quick and easy. And I must have it.

Introductions

I want to introduce you to one of my good friends, Prenatal Yoga, the DVD.

I highly recommend doing some type of prenatal yoga for those moms-to-be. There are tons of prenatal yoga DVD's out there, it doesn't have to be this one.  But I LOVE this one.  It helps you strengthen and tone parts of the body that are undergoing changes during pregnancy, and also helps to strengthen other areas that are needed during labor.  I also feel so rejuvenated and awake after doing one of these sessions. It also helps relax me... getting rid of stress. Stress is bad new during pregnancy. 

One great thing about this particular DVD, is that it doesn't matter what trimester you are in, they show modifications based on trimester. There are three women in the DVD, each in a different trimester, and you follow the lady in your corresponding trimester. Easy peasy!

In Between

Last week, I had to meet with a separate midwife about some blood work. She was an awesome lady, a little frank, though.

Her:  "Congratulations on being pregnant! How far along are you?"
Me: "Thanks! I'm 15 weeks."
Her: "Oh great! Just wait till you get to 20 weeks, that's when all the fun begins."
Me: "Oh ya?"
Her: "Ya, you can start feeling kicks pretty strongly, and your belly is big enough so people aren't wondering if you are pregnant, or if you are just fat."

Once I started getting a belly, I began wondering what the heck am I suppose to do until I have a "belly" belly.

I didn't want to wear this every day...

And when you are sitting in class, with your tummy poking over your pants even more, people begin to wonder.  No seriously, true story: I was sitting next to a guy in class (who is already an extremely annoying person), and he kept sneaking glances at my belly to try to figure out if I was pregnant or not. He even did the old "pretend-to-lean-back-in-my-chair-and-take-a-really-big-stretch,-but-have-my-head-turned-so-I-can-look-at-her-belly-without-her-knowing" trick, but I was waiting for that one too. So I looked back at him and gave him a mean glare. He didn't bug me after that. 

But I don't want to go through that with everyone, I won't have any friends left!

So this is what I came up with to do in class..

Sit with my hand on my belly the whole time, and that's it. 

 Simple, but completely effective. What normal fat person caresses their belly like they love it?  Well, at least it makes me feel like its obvious. I told a couple pregnant friends about this too, and they all do it now, feeling better about their in between bellies.  

I just can't wait till  20 weeks so that I can have my hands back for taking notes! kidding, kidding, I just have a really good memory, I don't need to take notes ;)

16 weeks along, and I am still wearing my regular jeans!

Every new momma needs to know about the Bella Band.  To be honest, I don't really want to get maternity jeans... they just look so weird! Instead, I found the Bella Band.  It is a really elastic band that you can wear over your jeans, and no one has to know that they are unbuttoned, or even unzipped! I sound like an advertisement right now, but I just want everyone else to know about this :)

You can do a shopping search for them on Google, but I just got them at this website