Keeping tabs on the latest health research is a huge part of my job, so I spend a lot of time reading medical studies. And every once in awhile, I come across a finding that seems so commonsensical, I can’t believe a study was commissioned on it in the first place.
This week’s contender: “Pregnant women who are lesbians want to be treated like any other expectant mother.”
I don’t doubt the intentions of the Swedish researchers who worked on this study were good – apparently, pregnant Swedish women who are lesbians reported that their health care providers were often distracted by their sexuality – but could anyone really be surprised at this outcome?
I’ve been saving these photos for a day like today, when I need a serious pick-me-up. The French photographer Thierry Bouët photographs babies in the first hours after being born. Don’t they look like little old men?
(Via A Cup of Jo)
Feb
25
From the moment I met my boyfriend, Dionisio, I knew he was the one. As cliché as it sounds, he’s everything I’ve ever wanted…and more. Once we introduced our children, we chose to sit back and let things happen naturally. We were very lucky; right from the start our gang “meshed” so well. In no time, without even realizing it, we became a family.
Dionisio and I both always dreamed of having a large family. We found ourselves with four children (all of whom reside with us), yet we were still entertaining the idea of having more. No matter how hectic the days got (and they are hectic!!!) we loved the thought of having a child of our own. When Dr. Jeejeebhoy told me that my heart was back to normal she briefly mentioned the possibility of more children. At the time I was so overwhelmed finding out that I no longer had Heart Disease, I didn’t pursue the matter any further.
Due to the changes in my life, I felt it was time to discuss the feasibility with Dr. Jeejeebhoy. She advised that she still believed my heart was strong enough to sustain a successful pregnancy, providing I was closely monitored by herself and an OB/GYN she works with who specializes in high risk pregnancies. There was certainly the possibility of a relapse; however, she thought the chance was minimal. When I left Dr. Jeejeebhoy’s office I felt like I was floating on a cloud – I was blissfully happy.
As I was driving away I immediately started to have doubts. I was feeling apprehensive but still a little excited. I expressed these feelings to Dionisio, who was feeling the same way. We talked for hours and finally came to a decision; a very tough one at that. We decided that I had been the recipient of an incredible Miracle; that if we chose to have more children we were tempting fate. We weren’t prepared to take any chances when we already had four amazing children.
I have no doubt that I would have been in the best hands possible with Dr. Jeejeebhoy and her associate; however, I have been truly blessed with a wonderful family and given a second chance. I think it would be selfish – unfair to our children – to take any risk, no matter how small it might be.
Feb
20
I’ll never forget the day Dr. Jeejeebhoy told me that I could not have any more children – that I and/or the baby would not survive the pregnancy. I was surprised at how awful I felt – considering this was the last thing on my mind. At that stage of the game, I had no intentions of having more children. I was single, had a lot on my plate dealing with my health issues and a small child, yet, hearing those words – I was devastated. I think, despite my prognosis, I had always hoped, deep down, that somehow I would get better, meet “the one” and have more children. I had always wanted a large family and now I had to face the fact that it would never happen.
During that time I found myself staring at my daughter, observing her every move, every smile and I realized how truly blessed I was to have her; so glad I had made the “unconventional” choice I did all those years ago. I found though, that seeing what a wonderful girl I already had made me long for more, more of what I couldn‘t have. My main concern should have been recovering and yet, for a short time, I was overcome with grief. I felt like something had been taken away – a real sense of loss. I think as women we often take for granted our ability to have children. It is not until something like this happens do we realize what a precious gift so many of us are given. I already had one gift, and as selfish as it may sound, I still wanted more.
Nov
24
We’re experiencing a baby boom at Chatelaine, with seven staffers either on maternity leave or patiently expecting!
Hopefully, they can put this website to good use:
What a Lovely Name helps you find baby names based on adjectives, such as adventurous, gentle and friendly. (Don’t worry, Mom, I’m not using this website for personal reasons!)
