Comments on C. Jane, Enjoy It: Hearing the Ultra Sound

This seems a much more personal way to get to know...

2009-11-18T08:10:33.582-07:00

This seems a much more personal way to get to know your baby.

Work From Home India

I have done that a couple times. But I would stron...

2009-11-18T07:07:39.525-07:00

I have done that a couple times. But I would strongly suggest an ultrasound for medical purposes.
Work From Home India

Don't you wanna make sure there's not 2, o...

2009-11-17T22:38:18.001-07:00

Don't you wanna make sure there's not 2, or maybe 3 in there? (I'm just sayin'.)

I just gotta say that the ultrasounds are my FAVOR...

2009-11-16T20:48:57.519-07:00

I just gotta say that the ultrasounds are my FAVORITE part of being pregnant. I was high risk with my second, and thus had to get a stress test and an ultrasound every week during my last 2 months. Necessary? Probably not. Helpful? Not really, although it calmed my fear that she had the cord wrapped around her neck. Totally fun? You betcha. Every week I looked forward to it, like it was a little party with my baby. I would wave to my little girl, and just drink in the images of her. I couldn't get enough.

Once I had to have a renal ultrasound that had nothing to do with the baby, and after we were done, the tech whispered, "Let's look at your baby, kay? I can't document anything, but I'm just dying to see her!" I hungrily agreed, and we spent a happy 10 minutes examining her perfect little body together.

So count me in the pro-ultrasound group. I just think there isn't anything more spectacular than seeing your baby safe and warm inside your body before he or she makes an entrance into the cold world. Of course, I'm also the medical geek who, with both my kids, would sit with my stethoscope on my bare belly for hours, just listening to the soft "whoosh whoosh" of my baby's heartbeat. Seriously, nothing better. But I'm just weird like that.

It sounds like from the comments that there are a ...

2009-11-15T23:17:34.194-07:00

It sounds like from the comments that there are a lot of people out there who think you are great and enjoy reading your blog! I have to agree with those that have said that modern medicine is a blessing, after all MODERN medicine is what saved your sister and brother-in-laws lives- without it they would not be here today. What a blessing to be having another baby when you have waited so long for motherhood. Be smart about your decisions, let the spirit guide you, there is so much they can do for babies with problems these days- is it really a risk worth taking? In my opinion absolutly not. But our free agency is what this life is all about, there are many people who commented on this blog who differ in opinion, I think this goes to show that there are so many people who care about you.

Just my 2 cents!

God bless you and your family!

This all seems so ridiculous. Isn't the point ...

2009-11-15T15:18:01.484-07:00

This all seems so ridiculous. Isn't the point to get the baby here safe and sound? Focusing all your attention on the method you get them here or "when" you find out seems so ridiculous. I agree with Lisa. Modern Medicine should be looked at as a blessing and a miracle, rather than a curse.

I found out with my baby at 20 weeks and I will do it again. I had an epidural and I will do it again. These things don't make me appreciate my daughter any less or make me any less in touch with myself or her. It's an asinine way of thinking. In fact, I choose to focus on her now rather than looking back at her birth and my pregnancy with her to determine my relationship with her.

Do you know how many people would have killed to have modern technologies such as ultrasounds to discover problems early on that could be remedied before or just after the baby is born? There's like this new generation of mommies from on high who are throwing all of these things out the window for the sake of appearing more motherly. They're focusing on the wrong thing. It's self-indulgent. Who cares when you find out what you're having and who the heck cares how you get the baby here? It's all of no consequence in the end. The focus should be on the baby, not on you.

just wanted to second what Rebecca and Abbie said-...

2009-11-14T18:49:49.089-07:00

just wanted to second what Rebecca and Abbie said- without diagnostic ultrasounds several of my little ones would have gone through serious unnecessary trauma. Going natural shouldn't= being negligent.

C Jane, I hope you take the "cautionary tale&...

2009-11-14T18:16:34.627-07:00

C Jane, I hope you take the "cautionary tale" comments into consideration. I also know of several cases where a baby's life was saved due to an ultrasound detecting a condition mid-way through the pregnancy. Please don't be negligent. You'll never forgive yourself if, heaven forbid, something goes wrong.

I am a natural birth advocate and a soon-to-be-cer...

2009-11-14T14:38:49.144-07:00

I am a natural birth advocate and a soon-to-be-certified doula (but I'm not a natural nazi - do what is best for you and safest for the baby. And be educated! for heaven sakes! Make your own decisions!). I love all things birth, especially natural birth. I love it! Natural birth is empowering. I think the idea of not knowing my baby's gender is so exciting. Next time, I really want it to be a surprise (gotta talk the Mr. into it) and I'm doing it in a birth center, if the babe is down with the idea. (how was that for showing you my birth merit badges?)

The only reservation I have about not getting an ultrasound is that I've had multiple friends where the ultrasound saved the babies life (for real, I'm not just saying that for scare. because of the ultrasound, they saw health issues in the fetus that only certain certified hospitals were equipped to handle). Some of the women still could have gone natural (one did), but they had the blessing of technology too.

Follow you gut (the spirit), of course. But one of the things I love about birthing today (even in America where saying you want to give birth naturally gets you a lot of confused looks) is that we can have a wonderful marriage of natural birth and technology.

And the award for longest comment goes to Abbie. :) Thank you.

I think that is great, but just be careful.Ultraso...

2009-11-13T10:17:07.116-07:00

I think that is great, but just be careful.Ultrasounds are not just about finding out the sex. When I had an ultrasound with my last daughter, they found a cyst in the placenta. It grew bigger within the months, and I had to be induced 3 weeks early, becuase it could have stopped the blood flow to the baby.

I found out at my 20 week ultrasound that I was no...

2009-11-13T10:10:08.226-07:00

I found out at my 20 week ultrasound that I was not expecting one baby, but two. I think finding out that surprise in the delivery room would have done me in! I'm all for not caring about the gender and being surprised, but at the same time for medical reasons I definitely think having one ultrasound at 20 weeks is important. Because my twins were identical in the same sack, I needed to have ultrasounds twice weekly to monitor them and their amniotic fluid levels. Ultrasounds can save babies lives. They really can. They even did an ultrasound in between the babies vaginal deliveries to make sure that baby #2 was all lined up to follow his brother. I loved seeing my little ones so much with my biweekly ultrasounds. Of course, they are much cuter in person.

I love your blog and I'm overjoyed that you are having a baby! YAY! What a lucky little one-- or ones ;-) You never know. Twins could happen to anyone.

Hello :) I read the comment from 'Crissy'...

2009-11-13T08:15:42.298-07:00

Hello :)

I read the comment from 'Crissy' and I will have to strongly disagree. In fact, her comment shows great ignorance.

My 3rd daughter was diagnosed with a birth defect called Hydrocephalus or 'water on the brain' during a routine ultrasound. Because of that knowledge I was able to deliver her in a hospital (2 hours away from my home) where a pediatric neurosurgeon could was ready to perform surgery shortly after her birth.

If I hadn't found out early, she might not have survived. Also, a vaginal delivery would have put an incredible amount of pressure on her head, and she might not have survived that either. So we were able to plan a c-section ahead of time.

The things I found out because of an ultrasound saved her life.

Sometimes modern medicine is a miracle and a blessing. And there is nothing wrong with accepting it.

Best wishes with your pregnany :)

What a lovely post, and I hope your plans work out...

2009-11-13T03:47:55.860-07:00

What a lovely post, and I hope your plans work out for you.

I couldn't imagine not having an ultrasound! I don't mean that to sound rude, because obviously its your choice and very brave of you to share it with us. I think it would just worry me, if I was pregnant that is all.

I cannot believe your already almost 20 weeks! Where has the time gone?

I love your blog... you are great at putting words...

2009-11-12T23:11:03.412-07:00

I love your blog... you are great at putting words together and making me as a reader shake my head in understanding! Best wishes with this pregnancy and baby :)

I really love this post. Just a beautiful, person...

2009-11-12T22:48:06.588-07:00

I really love this post. Just a beautiful, personal approach to bringing a child into the world. There is so much to consider in terms of care that sometimes it fogs the simplicity and purity of the mother/child relationship. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

i meant to comment on your post awhile ago about w...

2009-11-12T18:19:46.257-07:00

i meant to comment on your post awhile ago about what offends you...and then this post reminded me (don't worry i'm not about to say anything mean to you!!! although you might be wondering)...

i am 32 weeks pregnant right now and have just made the decision to have a homebirth (i just changed from an OB to a midwife and am really loving the difference in care!). something felt different this time - i have questioned and researched more than i did with my first (and i even felt i researched with him) but my views have definitely changed or really just evolved. it has been a really spiritual journey that has led me to this decision and to have so many people doubt it (within my own family - we aren't really broadcasting the fact that we are having a homebirth because so many people think it's crazy) is what "offends" me at times (really the negativity just makes me sad). it hurts me that they question my ability to make good decisions.

i thought that was related to this post so i would share it. i'm not sure if you're having a homebirth this time or not (did you last time? i don't even know...) but whatever you are doing, you are doing what's best for you and nobody can know that except for you & chup. i think the less is more approach to childbirth is definitely awesome and it's one that i'm taking this time around too! can't wait to see your beautiful baby :)

I find out b/c of my history of pre-mature labor, ...

2009-11-12T15:33:50.738-07:00

I find out b/c of my history of pre-mature labor, or I would wait. But I am so pleased that this time, my hubby can give me my shots at home and I have had far less trips or ultrasounds. Its a boy, so I need to go full term for him. But I am thinking of hiring a doula. And I have learned to knit since the last one, so I am knitting this boy soft lovelies. Best wishes for yours:) I know you will get the answers He knows you need.

Do you find out the sex of your baby? Discuss in ...

2009-11-12T14:20:26.727-07:00

Do you find out the sex of your baby? Discuss in Cjane's community!

http://theblogfrog.com/psearch/ViewThread.aspx?threadID=6203&blogID=1568

Bonsoir Cjane, Je crois que tu parles français ? ...

2009-11-12T13:04:12.769-07:00

Bonsoir Cjane,

Je crois que tu parles français ?

Je suis suédoise et habite en France depuis plus de 20 ans maintenant. Ton blog est un vrai bonbon ! Je goutte un peu tous les soirs, et tes paroles me mets toujours de bonne humeur.

Je ne pas l'habitude de faire des commentaires mais je voulais seulement te dire, ce que beacoup de lectrices ton déjà dit, l'écographie (l'utrasound) peut être vraiment utile. Ma fille ainée a aussi pu être sauvée grâce à cet examen. Pourquoi prendre des risques? même s'ils sont minimes ?

Je t'embrasse
Johanna

My children are 22, 19 & 15. No ultrasounds. ...

2009-11-12T10:09:09.025-07:00

My children are 22, 19 & 15. No ultrasounds. Granted, they weren't very popular with the first two, but with my last pregnancy they were gaining ground. We (or maybe us I) decided, even after the dr. encouraged us, to not have one.

I'm glad we didn't. Our Brad was quite a surprise. I really thought he was going to be a she.

Hey happy parents, whatever you decide is probably...

2009-11-12T06:33:40.574-07:00

Hey happy parents, whatever you decide is probably the right decision for you. I didn't think an ultrasound was anything but to make sure the baby was ok. We did it 3 times and all 3 times, my kid wouldn't let us see what or who she was. And she's STILL a big joker today. I love reading about your joys, your faith, your religion (v.interesting) and also how confident you are in yourself. Thx so much.

As a crusader for natural birth, I have to say gre...

2009-11-11T23:11:49.134-07:00

As a crusader for natural birth, I have to say great choice! I just had my third natural birth with a midwife--what an empowering experience! I've loved hearing my husband say, "It's a..." What a great surprise! (We did get the 20-week ultrasound every time, but we were very clear with the tech that we DID NOT want to know the gender.)

This is how I sum up my birth experiences: No pain, no distress, just complete relaxation and trust because I surrendered my mind and body to the birth process.

I truly feel that "less is more" where pregnancy and birth are concerned and am thrilled when I hear of other women who are educating themselves about birth options instead of simply following the crowd. Good luck!

We are going the same route for the first time. Th...

2009-11-11T22:54:26.826-07:00

We are going the same route for the first time. This is not our first baby, it is our 5th, but I have always wanted to try and see what it would be like as a surprise.

I do enjoy the ultrasound itself, since it comes before the fluttering of the baby and it is a confirmation, to at least my eyes.

On that note, ultrasounds are not perfect. We had one daughter with Turners Syndrome and nothing was detected by ultrasound (she died shortly after birth). Nothing would have changed that outcome, that is all the time she was meant to be here for. I do treasure every picture of her and that includes the ultrasound pictures. Another daughter was born without a kidney, which was also not picked up by ultrasound and was not discovered until she was 3 1/2. She is fine, but it did come to a shock to her parents.

I have felt all along that this one is a boy but the doctor keeps referring to it as a girl because of the heart rate. We will have to see....we can't wait to see.

Congrats on your pregnancy!

I love that we have all the options that we do, th...

2009-11-11T22:09:17.145-07:00

I love that we have all the options that we do, that we get to choose the path to motherhood that works for us. 25 years ago it was a different story. Good luck on whatever path works for you and yours.

5 of my 6 babies we did not know the gender until ...

2009-11-11T20:57:09.851-07:00

5 of my 6 babies we did not know the gender until birth. It was wonderful that way. I would do it that way all over again. I feel like many people miss out on a very special thing by finding out ahead of time. I hope you continue to feel blessed by each choice you make!