I've been thinking of how thankful we are for all the wonderful people who have been, and continue to be, such a big help to us: care provider professionals, relatives, friends, and neighbors.
October 2008 DDC (Due Date Club) at Mothering.com
What would I have done without the ladies in my online DDC? I'm still in touch with these women (as much as one can be while caring for a newborn). Being able to discuss the numerous questions and concerns that come along with being pregnant for the first time with other women who are going through the same thing is invaluable. Better yet, these were mamas who shared my enthusiasm for natural childbirth - a rarity among most of my friends and relatives (though I got plenty of support from them).
Dr. Rina Roginsky
The perfect doctor for the first two trimesters of my pregnancy, Dr. Roginsky was very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. When I had a bleeding scare early in my pregnancy, she was able to calmly reassure me that everything was all right. I was disappointed when she moved during my pregnancy, but it gave me the opportunity to discover the perfect doctor for my last trimester and Calla's actual birth.
Prenatal Yoga at Evergreen Yoga with Laura Allen
My pregnancy went so smoothly. I had very few physical complaints aside from morning sickness. I honestly believe that practicing prenatal yoga weekly up until Calla was born had a tremendous effect on how great I felt. Not only did yoga keep my body feeling good, but it helped me relax and focus. Laura at Evergreen is a great instructor, and a warm, friendly person.
Melissa Stallings, DEM
Melissa is a midwife, who served as my doula (monitrice). A doula can be described as being a professional labor coach. I think that without Melissa there's no way my birth experience could have gone so well. Having her around while I was laboring was such a reassurance. Having never been through labor before, it really eased our mind to be able to rely on her expertise. She helped Bill help me and be involved in the process, which was very important to both of us. Also, she is such a really cool, down-to-earth person. A really good person to know. If I were to become pregnant again, I would love to have the baby at home with Melissa as our midwife.
Dr. Lanetta Anderson Brooks
If you ask around for an OB who is experienced with and supportive of natural childbirth, you'll hear about Dr. Anderson. Bill and I immediately took a liking to her when we first met her. She wasn't the type of doctor who merely tolerates the notion of natural childbirth, but she really seemed to understand, respect, and even advocate it. Also, she came in to deliver Calla even though she was not on call, thanks to Melissa calling her. Dr. Anderson and Melissa Stallings work together wonderfully as a team, which was another benefit of selecting Dr. Anderson.
Aunt Stacy
Bill's sister is a former L&D nurse who is an excellent Lactation Consultant and Childbirth Educator. Along with her medical background, she has the practical experience that comes with being the mother of three. She has given me great advice on birthing naturally at her workplace, helped write my birth plan, gave Calla her very first bath, came to our rescue when breast feeding was going abysmally at first (and as we all know it's going quite well now), and so much more.
Methodist Germantown Childbirth Classes
These classes were great for learning what to expect during pregnancy, labor, at the hospital, and once we got the baby home. Our teacher was awesome, and just happens to be Calla's aunt! We're so glad we participated in these classes. We had a lot of fun while learning so much.
Dr. Alison Stiles
Calla's pediatrician is awesome! She understands breast feeding, having successfully breast fed her own child. Also she is very patient. She always takes the time to listen to our questions and give us knowledgeable answers while being respectful of our concerns. We're very happy with her.
Our Family, Friends, and Neighbors
To keep this post from getting too long, I'm grouping these together. It has been so touching to see everyone share in our excitement. We have been blessed to receive their advice, wisdom, and a seemingly endless stream of gifts (for which I still struggle to send thank you notes!).
Bill began referring to all these individuals as Team Calla while I was still pregnant.
THANK YOU TEAM CALLA!
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