End of the 2nd Trimester

My 2nd trimester is coming to a close this week.  I cannot believe that it's already been 29 weeks.  It was six months ago, at 6 weeks, that I had my first sonogram.  Here is a summary of some of the amazing things I've learned about birth so far:

Getting ready for birth:

• Instinctively eating all of these foods with fat, protein, salt, and other specific nutrients was super awesome for baby!
• A prenatal vitamin and fish oil are two daily must-haves.  I was resistant to supplements at first, but found a good whole food supplement I was okay with taking.
• Water is essential, because our bodies need it to make more blood for the baby.  And, dehydration can cause preterm labor.
• Regular light/moderate exercise, even if just walking, can make for an easier birth.
• Kegels, pelvic tilts, squats, and tailor sitting are all daily exercises that can get your body in shape in the right places for birth.
• There are two teas that are super awesome for pregnancy: nettle and red raspberry leaf.
• Coconut oil and baking soda make an awesome (and messy) natural deodorant.
• Raw honey is a secret acne weapon, and perfect for a natural face treatment.
• Routine sonograms aren't necessary.  I could go for the initial sonogram and then get another one at 20 weeks to see how baby is doing. 
• Chiropractic care during pregnancy will help align the pelvis and make for an easier birth.
• There are many ways to minimize varicose veins during pregnancy.
• It's better to be a single mom than to live with an abusive partner.

During birth:

• Giving birth takes an average of 18 hours for first-time moms, so don't rush to the hospital or birth center when you know it's time.  If you're sleeping, go back to sleep.  If not, keep going on about your day as usual.
• Drugs during labor often only put off pain until later.  Also, mom and baby are often so out of it afterwards that they can have trouble connecting and breastfeeding at first.
• Keep low light in the birth room.
• Hypnosis can be used to have a relaxing and possibly pain-free birth.
• Relaxation is the key to minimizing pain during labor. 
• Laying on your back during birth can create the most work for the body.  Moms should follow their intuition 
• Don't be afraid to touch baby's head as it crowns, and don't be afraid to use a mirror to see the baby's head.
• When the baby is born, immediately place it on the mother's chest.  
• The baby's first glance at the mother will help instinctual bonding.
• Many babies are able to immediately begin to breastfeed.
• Don't wash the baby at birth, and rub the vernix into the skin.

After birth:

• Breastfeeding is awesome!  There are so many disadvantages to formula when compared to breast milk.  Breastfeeding is really magickal.
• Babies can learn a few pieces of sign language to communicate their needs before they can learn to speak.
• We can start potty training newborns using elimination communication.   
• Picking out a cloth diaper is hard work.
• Some people choose to not vaccinate their children.  Others choose to space out vaccines over a graduated schedule.
• Babies depend on us to meet all of their needs.  Since babies' wants and needs are the same at this point, the recommendation is changing from letting a baby cry to teach independence towards keeping baby happy.
• There are many more cosleeping parents that I realized.  Babies and parents find separation hard, and being next to one another at night often feels right. If done properly, this can actually be safer for baby, make feeding easier, and everyone can get more sleep.

It is amazing to enter the third trimester.  I cannot believe how far Lily and I have come.  I love her so much.