Special Guest Sunday: Stirrups and Stories

Have you entered our Giveaway yet?? Click HERE

http://www.stirrupsandstories.org/

Have you checked out this website before?

Here is the information at the bottom of their website:

The images and statements depicted on this website are based on individuals' own experiences and knowledge, and may not apply to your situation. They are not to be considered medical advice, nor ought they replace the medical advice given by your provider. 'Stirrups and Stories' is intended to empower you, the patient, to address concerns with your provider and to find additional information to demand satisfactory, safe, and appropriate health care. Please do not consider anything found on this website to be specific medical advice.

As a healthcare provider I found this website very insightful. It has taught me that while I do exams on a daily basis I need to make sure I never ever let them become commonplace. I need to respect every woman and acknowledge her feelings with the current and past exams.

Be aware that there are some graphic images and some foul language, but each story is a different perspective of an individual.

Fashion Friday: Baby Owl

Guess what? If you win our GIVE -A -WAY from yesterday (open until Wednesday night at midnight!) then you could get this cute little number from Babies R Us.

It is on sale right now!! HERE

Since when did owls get so cute? I love that they are in style now.

Thankful Thursday: GIVEAWAY!!

I am thankful for Giveaways!

They are always so fun and when a blog is small and just growing (like ours!!) you have such great chances of winning.

So Laborlooks would like to announce our very first giveaway. It will be going on for 1 week and it will end on Wednesday night at midnight pacific time. We will announce the winner next Thursday.

There are multiple ways you can win.

1. Post a comment here on the blog.

2. Like us on facebook (then post a comment saying you liked us!)

3. Share our on your blog or facebook about our giveaway (then comment saying you did so)

4. Blog about us and your favorite post of ours (comment with the link so we can link to your blog as well!)

5. Become a follower (then post a comment saying you follow us!)

Pretty awesome, pretty easy. I don't know many people out there who couldn't/wouldn't use a $25 gift card to Babies R Us. Even if you don't have a baby- try to win this for a friend! You all know someone who is having a baby.

Wild Wednesday: Tina Fey

I don't know why this makes me so happy- it isn't really "wild" news- I guess I just think Tina Fey is the funniest woman of all time. It makes me happy that she is having another baby!

Neilson Barnard/Getty

Baby no. 2 on the way!

Tina Fey, 40, debuted her bump Sunday night at Catch Me If You Can‘s opening night on Broadway in the Big Apple.

The 30 Rock star — and author of new memoir Bossypants — is five months pregnant with her second child.

The new baby will join big sisterAlice, 5½, Fey’s daughter with husband Jeff Richmond.

RELATED: Tina Fey Agonized over Having Second Child

Trusting Tuesday: Grandma

This article was taken from HERE at About.com

We all love our mother and mother-in-law, but here are some tips to help trust them around your birth

10 Tips for Grandmas About Birth

By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com Guide

See More About:

• third trimester
• childbirth classes
• guests at birth
• grandparenting

Photo (c) iStockPhoto

Dear Grandma-to-be,

Here are some things I've been meaning to share with you about our upcoming birth:

1. It's not your birth.
   You've had your children. It's my turn.

2. My choices are my own.
   No one is forcing me to do anything. I've learned quite a bit and studied. I've taken childbirth classes and chosen a path that is my own. I'm happy to explain some of my choices to you, you might really find it fascinating.

3. It's a due date not an expiration date.
   A due date is a guess not an appointment. Please avoid calling me multiple times a day to ask if I'm still around. I promise to keep our plans to let you know what's going on.

4. Dads are allowed in.
   It's not going to scar my husband to see me giving birth. It's a decision we've made together and thankfully no one has to handcuff themselves anywhere.

5. Invitations are to be given not assumed.
   I know all the other grandmas are going into labor rooms. If that's what we want I promise you'll be the first to know. If we decide against it, don't be offended.

6. Follow my lead.
   I may not want a whole waiting room of people while I'm giving birth. Follow my lead on this one and come when I call and not sooner. I know you're anxious, but the most important thing is that I'm unhindered to give birth.

7. It's a doula.
   A doula is someone to help me. The difference between you and her is that she can step back and be objective. She also has lots of training to support us in our decisions.

8. It might seem a bit strange...
   But I've decided to have an epidural/homebirth/unmedicated birth. It took me a long time to come to this decision and it wasn't made lightly.

9. Give me some time alone.
   Once the baby is born it will take a bit of time to get me cleaned up and for me to greet my new baby. Don't take it personally if you're not in the room five seconds after the baby is born.

10. You're going to be an amazing grandma!
    I can't believe you're going to be a grandma. But I'm also excited. There are so many things I need your help with and I can't wait to share my baby with you.

Love,

Your Daughter or Daughter-in-law

Mommy Monday: Cravings

When you were/are pregnant, do you have any cravings??

I always wanted Cupcakes when I was pregnant with my first. Maybe because I was so limiting on my sweets and sugar during that pregnancy.

I don't remember any cravings with my second one, but probably because I ate so much I didn't let myself ever have time for a craving.

What about these cravings? Pickles? Ice Cream?

I found the cutest little etsy shop who makes these as SOAP! They are scented and adorable for a gift for that mom to be.

Special Guest Sunday: Norwood Photographs

I used to work with a nurse in my labor and delivery unit who decided to start taking pictures for kind of a side hobby. Well guess what? She and her husband make an amazing team. It has grown and I am constantly amazed at how well and professional their pictures look. As they should- because at Norwood Photographs they are professionals!

I have wanted to get our family pictures taken from them for over a year now. I have blog stalked and followed and liked them on Facebook. They have a wonderful website that is easy to navigate and use.

Now you ask, "Why haven't you had your pictures taken?" Well, because as a midwife my hours are constantly changing. I hate committing to things when I am not sure if I will be able to make it. But I am starting to look at what we have planned in the next few months and I am pretty sure I have a couple dates that I can get this done. I have the time off, my girls will be 4 and 2 (hopefully old enough to be bribed throughout an entire photo session), and if I give my husband a couple months to ease into the idea of family pictures it might actually happen!

Stay tuned for our family pictures, but in the meantime... if you live in the Phoenix area... give the Norwoods a call and set up your own pictures!

Oh can I also say they have the best Maternity and Newborn package deal??

A one hour maternity AND a one hour newborn session for $275.