firsttymum:
For those who have to pump milk, did u pump on the plane? if yes how did u do it.

I had to constantly pump to keep up bm supply for my daughter (she was exclusive and I had to go to work). Ive pumped on planes, in cabs, in clients offices midway through meetings, in the car while driving and even a couple of times when I had to quickly get out of the car to buy a few things.
Just invest in a good portable pump with a compact bag and portable storage bag, preferably one thats not too noisy. Make sure the pump can use both battery and electricity. Also get a good handsfree nursing bra and nursing cover. Nobody needs to know what u are doing and if they wonder what is protruding from under your nursing cover thats their business.

If the reason you want to pump is that you are worried about breastfeeding in public though, forget that thing. Its your right. Just drape your blanket and go on. Ive breastfed with my baby in a carrier even while shopping and at parties and nobody has raised an eyelid. I just hang my nursing cover, pop the boob in her mouth and continue with whatever im doing.

missusadey:
I was told Walmart's parents choice diapers is better than huggies and pampers. I dnt know how true that is. Has anyone tried it out?

Used it for my first. The newborn size is not too bad but the bigger sizes are a bit papery. In my opinion its very similar to huggies snug and dry (which I used as well and which I dont think is great for small babies; for little babies (newborn to size 2) I think little snugglers is better for their tender bottoms). One thing I noticed was that it made my baby sweat on her lower back (this was size 3 so she was moving around a lot by then) so I discontinued use. Hear they've improved it though so you could give it a try. Its worth a shot if it works for you. You would save a lot. Can also recommend asda little angels in the uk (havnt tried the smaller sizes tho) and aldi mamia (also uk. Im not sure about the american variant).

effectsbaby:
Hello All, so i am unexpectedly back here. Just discovering i'm pregnant. though i had my baby in US the last time without hitch thanks to this thread; i have to change location of visit this time. Anyone has info on CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) around Arlington Texas?
i registered with one the last time and it was very cost effective. if your planned delivery is by VB and they always have surgeons available in case an emergency CS needs to be done.
Any info please help. PS: it's hospital birth o

I know Harrison Methodist in Fort Worth has CNMs. For birth center CNMs special beginnings in grand praire and fort worth birth center have CNMs. Dont know anything about their packages though, I use CPMs.

This is my 2nd (and last) missionary journey and I have gone through all 3 parts and read the thread daily; even though I got my visa (for birthing purposes) before I discovered it, and cant use the hospital info (im a waterbirth mama). If even I have found this thread so invaluable in terms of the richness of information provided, imagine all the mums looking for affordable yet tested hospitals or doctors the thread would have helped. Not to talk of those that come here looking for hospital and form life saving friendships.

I adopt the submissions of phema in their entirety as though they were mine, and join the wailers to plead "Pls keep the thread alive". Not necessarily for you or me, but for those coming after.

olokings:


infact you deserve a medal... seriously...!!!

cinakin:
hello @justwise please can you answer my question or anyone with knowledge of this: i want to apply for a us B2visa for childbirth purpose and the company i work for wants to sponsor me,(although i am related to the CEO)(that means me taking a letter and statement of account of the company,ill also take mine)....has anyone been rejected a visa based on this? is this a good idea? or how should i go about it and prove to the vo?

When I got the visa for my first baby, my company (im not related to anyone there and was just an associate) provided me with a letter introducing me and stating that they were aware I planned to birth in the us and wld bear part of the cost as part of my entitlement. They also attached a printout of my annual package and their bank statement. I also took my personal statement (showing that I personally had enough) which the vo also scrutinised. Incidentally I had a huge inflow a few weeks before the interview which he immediately jumped on, but I was able to show him that it was from my office and represented my annual bonus. I even carried the thank you card that they give us stating how much the bonus is. I think that strengthened my case because that was the end of the questioning. He probably decided that smne working in a company that could pay such bonus and medical bills abroad wld definitely come back.

So just make sure your office packages the documents in a professional manner. It wld help if its a known company as well, not a onr man business. And make sure you have enough in your account as well. All the best.

Hello mamas (and papas). Newbie here (although ive gone through both threads already so I almost feel like a veteran). Im due with my second in dec and the 2 birth centers I planned to use are now fully booked and have even jacked up their prices (I suspect you guys, cause they said they had an influx from nigeria).
Im a water birth mama so birth center is compulsory. Thinking of porting to Arizona (they have a couple of midwife groups that my former midwives highly recommend). Hubby is however afraid and thinks we should settle for home birth instead of going to a strange land. Please those that used MIHS, what was arizona like in terms of safety, ease of transport, shopping, things to do etc. Also are there any areas to avoid. Heard that mesa was a bit ghetto.
Thanks for your help and sorry for the long post.