Finding the right doctor!

For the first day of Chanukah, Ill talk about a different first, my first doctors appointment. When we found out I was pregnant, the first thing I did was call the OB to make an appointment. Finding the right OB for you, can be a hard process, I changed doctor 3 times. Some of you may have never even went to an OB/GYN before and wouldn't know where to start or who to call. I did go to on OB/GYN before but I
didn't like them, and did not want to use them for my pregnancy. The doctor I called was my sisters, she had mentioned her doctor once, and I took down the name and googled the number, so when the time came I wouldn't have to ask anyone. Great; that was easy right? Little did I know that they did not accept my insurance, I'm not sure why they didn't ask me over the phone, while making the appointment. But when they called to confirm, I was asked and then was told "We don't accept your insurance, but you can keep your appointment, but you will have to pay $500 for the first visit." oh great thanks, but no thanks Ill try another place.

I thought I was getting of easy, but I guess not. So now it was time to start the doctor hunt, an easy way to find out what doctor in your area accept your insurance, is just to call the insurance company and ask, and they will provide you with a whole list. But they wont tell you how good, or anything about that doctor. So now that you have a list, time to start making calls. First question to ask them, is if they are accepting new patients? If they are you can continue the conversation, if not then that's one off your list. Feel free to ask them if they can provide you with information about there office, some may even let you come in and check the place out. But don't expect receptionist to be nice. (Big mmistake I made) If you like how it sound or maybe you heard of that office before and got some great feed back, then you are ready to schedule your first appointment.

I had went through my list and chosen a doctor and had my first appointment set for June 24 2013. (I was 6 weeks) When the day finally came, I had no idea what to expect for this appointment. I get to the office, and I already didn't like it, the receptionist had her daughter there with her and it just made me very uncomfortable. Remember how pregnant women can smell everything? This place had a smell that was making me so sick. They called my name and took me to the back, where I saw a lady standing there holding her urine sample and another getting her blood drawn, no not privately in there room, this was out in the hall where they had a little section where the nurse did her thing.

I met the doctor, it was a little awkward, he was a quite guy, that let you do all the talking. But it was my first appointment and I didn't know what to say, so there was alot of awkward silence. He did give me a book (the one good thing I liked) I let the doctor and the nurse do there thing, what ever needed to be done, I let them do it but I knew I wasn't going back there. Time to find a new doctor!

As I was on the hunt again, I needed to speak to the doctor, but he was on call so they had a different doctor call me back. The doctor who called me seemed really nice, and was on the phone with me till all my questions where answered. So I did the brave thing, and asked him if I can come to his office, and he was more then happy to see me. I thought I hit the jackpot, what where the odds of a doctor I liked, be calling me. He gives me the office information, to give them a call to schedule an appointed. Funny enough, I call the next day to find out its the doctors office I had went to before I was pregnant. I figured ill give them another chance, since its a different doctor who see you when your pregnant anyways. I was 8 weeks by this appointment and my morning sickness was really acting up. I spent half my visit in the bathroom, with my head by the toilet, and a nurse rubbing a wet cloth on my neck. And the other half sleeping waiting to see the doctor. The nurse had been asking me really strange questioned, like if I have a boy who will be my mohel, and other questioned that I felt were just so not relevant at the moment, I was only 8 weeks! But I brushed it off because I haven't seen the doctor yet, and I still liked him. My appointment was going ok so far, I even felt conformable enough to tell them to invest in air refresher's, as there are plenty of pregnant women here, and I couldn't be the only one bothered by the smell. They laughed and said they will take it into consideration.

I wasn't trying to be picky, but something was bothering me that the doctor had said. So I had asked other people there opinion and they agreed that it wasn't appropriate for the doctor to have said that. I wasn't actively looking for a new doctor, I thought I'll give them another try. A few days before my appointment they called me saying, how the doctor wont be in and well need to reschedule. We had hung up without setting a new appointment.

I have been seeing a gastroenterologist, who is an amazing doctor, but is a little car ride away. I called and asked there office if they can refer me to on OB/GYN. They gave me someone who they were affiliated with. When I called, the receptionist on the phone was so nice, she stayed on the phone with me as we were looking online at all the different doctors, (its a group) and how there office is ran. She emailed me her information, and told me as soon as I get my medical record sent over, she will call me to schedule my appointment. My first appointment there was amazing. The office is nice, clean and no funny smells, everyone is friendly and there to make sure you are happy. My doctor is amazing, I guess third time really is a charm!

You may think I am crazy for changing so many times, but it is so important to like your doctor, it makes things alot easier. So if your not happy with your first, second or third doctor, don't be afraid to change. There is a doctor that is right for you, even if you have to travel a little like I do, its all worth it, you'll see!

P.S I recently received a call from doctor office number 2, asking if I had I changed doctors. Because they see I haven't had any follow up appointments since July.

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!
Babies heart beat!
My no show baby bump!
Memory loss?
Interviews!
Product reviews!
The advantage of exercise!
and much much more!

Happy Motherhood!!

Me at my first appointment, at the first doctor.

Interview with a mother of three kids!

Today’s interview is with Leah, a mother of three kids: Esty, whose 8, Shlomo 6, and Racheli/Kelly 2. We talked about her pregnancies and motherhood. She has a really good take on life and has great ideas on how to manage your day-to-day life. She was a really pleasure to interview.
CH: What’s the first thing that comes to your mind that you remember about pregnancy?
LM: When I was Pregnant with my first, Esty, I remember throwing up when I ate eggs. I couldn’t touch eggs after that. I still have a hard time eating them. I also remember not being able to walk into my kitchen; the smell made me so nauseas. When I was pregnant with my Racheli I couldn’t stand the smell of water!
CH: I can really relate to that, I have the same problem with eggs and my kitchen as well! All pregnancies are so different, how was each of yours unique?
LM: For starters, they were different because of the gender of the baby. When I was pregnant with my son Shlomo, it was a lot easier in the early stage of pregnancy than it was with my girls. With my first I was able to sleep and allow myself to be sick but with the other two I just didn’t have time for that, I had to ignore it. I also had very different cravings, with Esty I craved strawberry ices and  pita falafel. With Shlomo it was ice cubes and with my youngest Racheli, it was apples.
CH: Is there something you would have done different in your first pregnancy?
LM: Yes; I would have gone out more at night, you’re free you should go and enjoy your freedom. Because, after the baby comes, if you want to, you’ll need to find a babysitter.
CH: What helped you with your nausea?
LM: I ate a little bit frequently, when you’re hungry it makes it much worse and it’s not worth it.
CH: Rate your pregnancy on a scale of 1-10.
LM: With my Esty it was an 8, I was so sick and throwing up all day. Shlomo a 5, only first trimester was bad. With Racheli a 7, it was better than Esty, but not as good as Shlomo.
CH: How about your ratings of your newborns?
LM: Esty was a 10, she was so hard. Shlomo a 3, he was such a good baby he slept through the night from day 1, from 12:00-5:00 just ate and went back to sleep. We had to keep checking if he was breathing. We weren't used to it because Esty cried all night. Racheli a 5, she went to sleep late like 1:00 or 2:00 AM but then she slept through the night.
CH: I hope my baby's like your Shlomo! Transitioning into motherhood can be really hard, how was your experience?
LM: Really, really hard. Esty was very colicky, she cried from 2-5 every night, and all I did was cry with her. She did this till she was 4 months old. And then she became really good and I really started to enjoyed her!
CH: Wow that does sound hard and emotionally exhausting. How was it from one kid to two kids? Was it a lot better?
LM: Yes, it was really good. I learnt from my Esty what I didn’t wanna do: I knew I wanted to be home right away and not stay by someone, because the packing and going back and forth was too much for me. I wanted to be in the comfort of my own home.
CH: And how about from two to three?
LM: Extremely hard, my son Sholom was almost 4 and was l already used to the no baby schedule.  Just taking care of all kids and then also having a baby with a baby schedule, was hard. I couldn’t just going out with kids anymore, I now had to bring things and think of baby stuff, like feeding time and changing.
CH:  How did you manage the struggle of three kids?
LM: I went with who needs me the most, I learnt that a baby can cry a little and won’t remember you ignored it but a 7 year old will. A baby crying bothers me, not the baby, but it does bother the kids when you ignore them, and tending to the crying baby when they need you. When my husband is around, then everything is much easier. I also learnt how to multitask- we now do homework in the bathroom, while the other is the bath.
CH: That's actually really smart! Is there a challenge you feel that other parents are going through as well?
LM: Yes; giving attention to all your kids, with school and everything else going on, I only have about 3 hours to spend with them. I make sure I spend time with all and remember to enjoy them, they’re not robots.
CH: How do you divide the attention so that they each get alone time?
LM: Racheli is home before Esty and Shlomo, so she gets her time then. Esty comes home a little earlier then Shlomo, and as we go on the way to get him, it’s her time. By the time Shlomo comes home, he’s hungry, so while he eats I give him his time. Bed time is when they get real one on one time, with me and my husband. We put them in one at time and talk about the best  and worst  part of their day. We do it privately so they don’t feel uncomfortable saying it in front of the others kids. If you show interest in what they’re saying, they really start to talk.
CH: Finish the sentence: Motherhood is_________?
LM: Everything: it is my way of life.
CH: Can you share some of the things your kids say that you find cute or funny?
LM: Well my Kelly is hysterical, everything she says is funny, even her faces, you just look at her and laugh! My Esty, she told me the other day that she remembers me saying how I liked her doll carriage better than the baby’s stroller. I had bought her a stroller when my 3rd was born so she shouldn’t use the baby’s. I find it really funny when my 2 big kids talk about me, I feel old. When they talk they can seem like adults.
CH: Is there a conversation that you have in mind that makes them seems like adults?
LM: Yes, when my grandmother pasted away my son said I'm so sad, so my daughter asked him why. He answered because we can never see her again. So my daughter says don’t worry will see her when Moshiach comes! He then asked me if she was going to be buried in Israel, I said no I didn’t think so, so he replies, “Oy, it’s much better to be!” I guess his teacher taught him that. I thought it was funny how mature it was.
CH: Does it make you proud when they act mature?
LM: Yes; but it’s not even when I expect them to be. Like, in grocery store, and I warned them to behave. But when we’re at home, they are so respectful, mature and polite. It’s not only when other see, it’s the times when you don’t expect it that makes me proud.
CH: Do have someone who you go to for advice?
LM: Not someone specific, but my mother, all of my sisters- they are my life and a friend.
CH: Was this during pregnancy or motherhood?
LM: Both.
CH: What advice did they give?
LM: My friend always tells me, “It’s ok/good to take time for yourself, without the kids. A vacation, or even a night is important.”
CH: Do you have philosophy/motto of life that you go by?
LM: Yes; I was at a parenting seminar and we were talking about how there are going to be hard days, but that doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother. They said "You need to be a good parent 80% of the time, the 20% won’t destroy your kid. Keep trying to be 80% and if you mess up, tomorrow is another day." So I follow the 80/20 rule.
CH: How did you juggle work and being a mom?
LM: When Esty was born I stopped working, but then got a part time job in a play group, and I was able to take her with me, and I did online course in my spare time. So by the time my second was born I opened up my own studio, and worked around my kid’s schedule.
CH: From your point of view, how is my blog helping others?
LM: When you read it, you see you are not alone. We all go through this, and it can be really hard to go through it alone.

Thank you, Leah!
I hope you enjoyed reading this interview as much as I did giving it!

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!
First doctors appointment!
Babies heart beat
My no show baby bump!
Memory loss?
Interviews!
Product reviews!
The advantage of exercise!
and much much more!

Happy Motherhood!!

Normal pains, that seem abnormal!

Okay, ok so I found out about this really weird thing that pregnant women can have, and apparently it's normal. But, when you have it, you just simply can't understand how it possibly can be; it’s called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. The Symphysis Pubis is a stiff joint that connects the two halves of your pelvis together. Your body produces a hormone called relaxin, which softens your ligament to help your baby pass through your pelvis.
Your pubic joints and ligaments move during pregnancy (yes, they move), and can widen too far and can cause inflammation and pain which is the condition SPD. The pain kinda feels like someone kicked you in your groin, as weird as it sounds, it is actually extremely painful! You can barely walk, stand or spread your legs, everything just hurts down there.
Of course I have this, I guess my baby needed another symptom to check off its checklist. I hope I finished the list already. My doctor told me to try Spanx or something like that, because applying pressure somehow helps, or to take baths, which who doesn't love.
If you feel that you may have SPD, don't be alarmed even though it feels like something would be extremely wrong. But, of course, confirm it first with your doctor, and come up with a way to relieve your pain. You can always Google more about SPD for more information.
As strange as it may seem, I'm almost glad I experience so many weird and crazy things in my pregnancy. Because, not that many people are opened to talking about their experience, let alone blog about it. Some of you may think I reveal too much, but I'm ok with it. SPD is something that feels like it can be something really wrong, but it's really nothing serious. But not many people know about it, and always run to the doctor with a lot of concern. I would have called right away, if I wasn't headed to the doctor in the morning, but if I felt it was getting worse I would have called. Yes, the pain can feel that bad! So I hope my experience through my pain, can somehow help you, in some way or another.

Stay tuned for an interview tomorrow!

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!
First doctors appointment!
Babies heart beat
My no show baby bump!
Memory loss?
Interviews!
Product reviews!
The advantage of exercise!
and much much more!

Happy Motherhood!!
.

Pushing past your will!

How is everyone recovering from there long and awesome weekend? I'm recovering by taking upon myself something new that I recommend others should too.
I had such an amazing day yesterday, that I was even to busy to post. My Hebrew birthday was this past Thursday, but it was to hard to celebrate during the week, so we pretended that it was on Sunday. My day started off amazing I woke up late, and noticed my lovely husband has done all the Shabbas dishes, that's was the first special thing he did. Next, he came home with balloons and a Starbucks coffee with my favorite flavor...Carmel, so far my day was off to a great start.
Many of you know that the way you feel, can be extremely unpredictable in pregnancy one day your fine and the next your stuck in bed. For me it's not even by the day, it's also by the hour, so we know to plan our day cautiously. I usually don't end up going out much, just because I'm nervous how I will feel once I'm out. I definitely never go anywheres that require to much walking, it's painful for my back and my legs, so I just end up complaining more then enjoying. But yesterday was different it was my 'birthday' and I was ganna force myself to get out of house and actually do something, and I am so happy I did.
Once I got out, I felt so good, I felt accomplished by just making it out my door and having a destination that wasn't an earn. Yes my back killed and I could barley walk but it still was an amazing day.
My husband and I went to go see Spider-Man on Broadway, I thought it was the only Broadway show my husband can also enjoy. The show was really cool, Spider-Man flies around in the audience and lets out webs.
It felt really good to be out and doing something different/special, it made me almost forget about the pain I was in sitting there, but so worth it. We then went out to dinner and froze walking those few short blocks to the restaurant, it was freezing in the city, but again so worth it. When we finished eating and the night was over, my back was just bothering me to much to walk to the car, so my dear husband hailed us a cab.
I am so so so glad I was able to go out, I now find it necessary to try and push myself to get out more. Even on the days I'm not feeling that great, I think I should at least try to get out... it felt... healthy. I know it can be really tough some days, but we should all try, I'm not saying to push yourself behind your limits, but push your self beyond your will. And make things happen, don't sit at home and complain (like I do) how your in pain and can't do anything. Get out there and do stuff in pain, because it ain't going anywheres. And I can bet, when your out you'll kinda forget about the pain because you'll be focusing on other stuff around you. So for those of you who are uncomfortable, in pain or just lazy, like I am let's try and get out there more, it can only benefit us!

Dont worry the drink was non alcoholic!

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!
First doctors appointment!
Babies heart beat
My no show baby bump!
Memory loss?
Interviews!
Product reviews!
The advantage of exercise!
and much much more!

Happy Motherhood!!

Helpful tips to cleaning for shabbas!

Oh don't you just love Fridays?! That feeling that shabbas is coming and the weekend is here. That sense of relaxation we earn for all week, that book we haven't picked up since last week we just can't wait to finish. There's something special about that feeling, but it takes a lot to get there! Shopping, cooking and cleaning there always so much to do.

I know your all busy doing all that, so hears helpful tips on cleaning, for you or your cleaning lady to use.
My number one cleaning supply I love is my Mr. clean magic eraser. I use it for everything, my white leather kitchen chairs that show every little dirt, it takes it right off. I use it for my oven and even my doors and moldings, it gets ride of those black lines. ... Not impressed yet? Try using it in your bathtub/shower and bathroom tile. It helps you skip the bleach, soak and rub routine, and all you have to do is rub, it makes life so much simpler!

                                 

Another thing I always must have to clean, is a dryer sheet... No not for my launder, did you know it take off those wet stains on your faucet? Try it ull see!
To dust my furniture (especially my wood furniture) I use swiffer sweepers cloths, (the ones that are meant for the mops) It catches all the dust and keeps it there. I'm sure you can you a regular paper towel and it will still work, but I like these cloth, no scratches are ever left behind.

If your wood has a finished touch (like a shine) NEVER use any kind of spray unless it says it's meant for wood (I made that mistake once) also never ever leave any liquids or soups directly down on the wood the soup can leave a mark, it takes off the finish! Do you ever do your own wig or fix it up and curl it and then use hair spray? Yes your hair spray can be ruining your bedroom set! Moral of it all don't use anything to be safe on your wood furniture!!

Consequences, it happened for leaving a pluggable air reshener on the dresser, it leaked all over! 

Have a Good Shabbas and relax!!

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!
First doctors appointment!
Babies heart beat
My no show baby bump!
Memory loss?
Interviews!
Product reviews!
The advantage of exercise!
and much much more!

Happy Motherhood!!

Awful strech marks!!

Some women swear how coco butter and so many other products on the market really work for stretch marks. But that doesn't have so much truth to it. The reality is they may only help for the itchiness of stretching, so apply away because that itchiness can be a real bother!
Ask you mother, sisters and other female relatives if they have stretch marks, chances are if they do, you will too. Stretch marks are genetic, so you may just be doomed if you find out everyone has! But there is other reasons you can get stretch marks, so you may be in luck, your family members might have it, because of other reasons.
For example, if they carried multiples, chances are there marks came from that more, then your genes. So if your Octomom or expecting multiples, there's a much high chance of getting them. Friendly reminder expecting multiples are genetic as well.
Another way you can get them is by gaining too much weight too fast, gradually gain your weight, is the way to go.
There are some helpful tips you can try. But not to prevent them, but to try and minimize the severity of them. A health diet is not only good for your physical health, it's good for your skin as well, Healthier skin = less marks.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants, which help nourish and protect skin, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (blueberries, strawberries) also food that contain vitamin E, which protects skin cell membranes (nuts, seeds, avocados) Foods containing vitamin A, which repairs skin tissues. (carrots, sweet potato)  also foods contain omega 3s, which keep cell membranes healthy and make your skin glow. (fish, eggs)
Keep hydrated, how ever you can by fruit, water, or tea (without caffeine) Water helps detoxify your body and keeps your skin cells plump which is healthier and better for when it bounces back after stretching.
Exercise during pregnancy, helps your skin not be so stretchy and it improves your body's circulation. It also can help by preventing you from gaining too much weight.
So keep you, your baby and your skin health during pregnancy, they all go along way.

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!
First doctors appointment!
Babies heart beat
My no show baby bump!
Memory loss?
Interviews!
Product reviews!
The advantage of exercise!
and much much more!

Happy Motherhood!!

Where it all began

It was a saturday night and I had just got home from a shabbas spent at my mothers, with another sister and her 4 kids. Two of her kids had just been recovering from a bad stomach virus, that was contagious. I was up all night, most of it sitting on the bathroom floor next to the toilet. I didn't think I was pregnant, I just thought it was quite obvious that I had caught the virus. I waited for it to pass all Sunday and then all Monday but it wasn't getting any better, and the virus that was going around was just a 24 hours virus, not a few days. It was not until I was on the phone with a sister of mine, saying how I was still sick, when she joked "Maybe your pregnant." To her feeling sick meant being pregnant, because she is pregnant, and was going through morning sickness at that time. We joked about it for a little and then I started to question myself and my 'virus'. When I hung up the phone I couldn't get the thought out of my head, but still very questionable about the whole thing.
I'm ganna get personal and explain, and I hope this won't offend anyone. Again my blog is to make people more aware of anything on this topic.
Many of you have probably heard that once your on birth control, and go off, your body can take some time to ovulate and may need time adjusting. It's like a heads up if you don't get pregnant right away it's normal, even if its a couple of months. But no one tells you that not always is there a few month wait, it maybe even be a few weeks. So next time you may not want to take the 'waiting till my body adjust' into your time frame.
I was on birth control for a little over a year, and my husband and I made the decision we should go off. But we had in our minds that it will probably be in a few months from now...but it wasn't. About two and half weeks later is when I experienced my so called 'virus'. I didn't think was possible to even start feeling things so early on in pregnancy, and I certainly didn't think I was pregnant so fast. Still hesitant or maybe in denial, I still thought it was just a virus, after all I wasn't even due yet for my period and I haven't missed one so I thought I would always have at least till then. But my virus wasn't getting any better, so I decided to take a test, waiting for the result was one of those most scary, anxious, exciting, nervous and emotional few minutes of my life... basically the most bipolar moment ever! I took a digitally test and I was just expecting/waiting for it to say 'not pregnant' (clearly I was still in denial) I never would I have imagined to see the words pregnant, but when those 8 letters P.R.E.G.N.A.N.T became visible, I was SO in shock, I bursted out into tears (happy tears of course) and just hugged my husband and was laughing and crying, jumping and hugging  saying "were pregnant" "were pregnant" "were pregnant" obviously another bipolar moment, but now we can just call it HORMONES.
My virus turned into a 4 month virus called 'morning sickness'! And this is where it all began, the emotion roller coaster, the sleepless nights or the sleep all day days, the nausea and vomiting, the no appetite and an amazing sense of smell. You cry for absolutely no reason and can laugh at things that just aren't funny, you cry because your crying and get mad that your just crying, for reasons you don't understand. Your in the mood a specifics food, so your husband goes and gets you it, but by the time he comes back, you no longer can look or think about eating it. And all we have to blame for this, is that tiny tiny thing in us called a baby/fetus, that causes us to have massive hormones... In other words PREGNANCY!!!

Here's what to look for in up coming posts!
First doctors appointment!
Babies heart beat
My no show baby bump!
Memory loss?
Interviews!
Product reviews!
The adcantage of exercise!
and much much more!

Happy Motherhood!!

My pregnacny test!