the pregnancy debates
16 June 2008 3:13 p.m.
Anyone who has already had one child will identify with this little picture below. For anyone on a first time pregnancy, it is rather true. Still, we all laugh about it further down the line when we have our wonderful little ones with us.
Tomorrow marks pregnancy week 20. Yes, phyically halfway there now should all be running to time. Still, I very much doubt that.
It seems strange to think that the biggest growth stage is over and the next 20 weeks will about getting to the final length and for our baby to put on layers of fat ready for birth.
At precisely this time (2.45pm) in 2 weeks, I should be undergoing my second scan. I am really excited by this and looking forward to the fact that this time, Matthew will be coming with us to get a clearer view of his brother or sister. He is looking forward to it too though it could be the promise of the Pizza Hut buffet that is actually winning on that front.
He loves to just cuddle my belly and kiss it but will now talk to the baby more and more. The baby is aware of big brother too as I often get alot of movement while Matthew talks and makes a fuss of them. It seems like they already have a little bond as Matthew plays the big brother well in advance.
I think that as soon as we have had the scan we may possibly start buying things ready for him/her. We will not notice the odd little baby shampoo or bath lotion, cotton wool, baby wipes and so on as they fall into the trolley on weekly shopping trips. A couple of pounds here and there seem easier than a big shop a few weeks before hand and ending up with a £40 bill for baby toiletries and nappies in one go.
Also in that list, I would include formula for baby. I decided quite early on that I am going to bottle feed from birth. I did start off breast feeding the first time round but Matthew was being underfed as he lost nearly a lb in weight the first few days of his life which was alot to lose and despite "latching on" properly, he was just not getting the nourishment he needed.
I know I am in the minority but it worked best for me before and I have a bright, non sickly 4 year old child. Whilst I do think breast milk is probably better for them at first, I don't think there should be so much pressure on mothers to breast feed. If a mother wants to bottle feed, why should they be made to feel the odd one out and almost be bullied into it. The whole thing with new borns is to try and try with new methods to get a happy plateau for both mother and baby. This time I don't want that worry that my baby will lose that much weight at first.
It's almost the same issue with nappies. The popular thing now is the reusable rather than disposable nappies. But what is better.
People are turning anti disposable nappies due to the room they take on landfill sites. Still, does that make things worse than the extra energy used to clean them. I suppose there is never a right answer. With money, over time it is cheaper to buy reusable but then you spend more on cleaning products and electricity getting them clean to reuse. No clear winner there for me but disposables will be used again here as they are so convenient and that can mean alot.