Friday, January 13, 2012

30 Weeks & Counting

The weeks are flying by and it's hard to believe that I'm already in my third trimester.  Being so far away from home, family, and friends I've found comfort in some books that seem to have all or most of the answers.  I want to feel as prepared as possible, but know full well that once the reality sets in all the reading & theorizing may fly out the window.  Knowledge is power...right?

Books:
What To Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel this is a great book loaded with information that was given to me by my doctor's office back in Michigan.  I've referenced it countless times and found it very useful.  There is also a website - click on the link above.

The Baby Book by William Sears, M.D., and Martha Sears, R.N. with Robert Sears, M.D., and James Sears, M.D. was a Christmas gift that I was wishing for and possibly the closest thing to manual for a new baby.  The couple also has several other books on more specific topics regarding babies & children.  Another great resource full of information and they have a website - click on the link above.

The Breastfeeding Book by Martha Sears, R.N., and William Sears, M.D.  Even though our little bundle of joy is not yet here, I am still trying to learn as much as possible before hand and this book definitely has all the info a Mom-to-be will want to know about feeding her new baby.  I have not yet ventured down the road of finding a lactation consultant or anything, but this book has been very helpful so far.

FYI:  Even if you are not expecting or planning on future children - all these books, especially the first two make great shower gifts - as much as we swoon over the adorable clothing and miniature sizes these resources are priceless and useful for a long time.  Just an idea!

Websites:
http://www.babycenter.com/

http://www.whattoexpect.com/what-to-expect/landing-page.aspx

http://www.askdrsears.com/

American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.aap.org/en-us/Pages/Default.aspx


For those living abroad, specifically in Germany, I recommend using the Toy Town English forum http://www.toytowngermany.com/ when trying to find English speaking doctors and parent meet up groups or meet ups in general.  If you are a living abroad somewhere else there is a good chance that there might be an American Women's Club branch in the area - you do not have to be American to join, just English speaking.

Life is a great adventure - enjoy it!




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