You asked and you shall now receive. It’s only fair for us to share all of this stored up knowledge about having a baby and what is going on with your body during those nine (really ten) months. We now will answer, in a very public forum, all of those burning questions about having a baby. Each Monday, we will tackle a commonly-asked-question from the point of view of an expectant parent. Chiming in to give her feedback will be three women who have been there and done that: an expert (you know someone who does this for a living), a mom from our community (for the “best” friend advice you need) and a babybites’ team member (someone who will promise to give you the REAL deal and no fluff). Earmark, share and add your own input to today’s question; it’s good karma.
Whom should I have in the delivery room with me?
Expert: Renee Sullivan
The doctor or midwife is always a great choice! Kidding aside, how we decide to birth our little ones is such a personal journey. Some moms see the birth as bonding experience with their partner, some want to be surrounded by family, others have always dreamed of having their mom by their side. For others, some choose to work with a doula to provide comfort and support, and some want to go it solo – check in with your hospital to see what their policy is. All choices are fine – taking the time to envision what you’d like your birth to be, is a great way to begin.
Mom: Andrea Reid
I think this is a very personal choice and one that you should make for yourself or with your partner. One thing to note is that every hospital has a limit on the number of people that can be in the actual delivery room with you, so you’ll want to check that out ahead of time. I found it helpful to talk with other expectant or new moms to consider different scenarios but ultimately you need to decide what makes the most sense for you, which scenario will make you feel the most comfortable and ensure you have the best delivery experience possible.
Mommybites’ team: Elise Jones
Having a baby is well, not when you might be found at your best. I’ve even heard the most docile and calm people used expletives that would make a sailor blush. Yes, I was one of those and I’m pretty sure my head started to spin and fire shot out of my mouth; but that’s just me. So using my personal experience (as well as the fact ALL of my personal effects were hanging out), you must really be comfortable with whom you have in your delivery room. The birthing process is so individual to each person not to mention each baby you have, so you have to know yourself and then expect a little more. Pain brings out a unique side of us that can only be explained away later because you were doing the hardest thing you’ve ever done: giving birth.
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About our team:
Renee Sullivan
Renee Sullivan, parent coach and support group director, works with moms each week to create their own personal parenting plan that is right for them, while making sure that each mom gets the support, resources, and community they need for their parenting journey. Drawing from her experience as an birth coach and educator, she guides moms – new, seasoned and expectant through the never – ending array of decisions that come with having a child. Before joining Mommybites, she narrowly escaped the trenches of Corporate America where she was a Senior Project Manager for The New York Times, Morgan Stanley, and Pfizer. She lives in New York City and is the mom of one happy kindergartener.
Andrea Reid
Andrea Reid is a expectant mom awaiting the arrival of her first child (a boy!) around January 20th, 2012. Andrea moved to NYC from Chicago in May and started attending expectant moms groups organized by Baby Bites right away to learn as much as possible about becoming a mom. After participating in four cycles of expectant moms groups, she feels very fortunate to have gained a ton of insight and knowledge from facilitator, Renee Sullivan, and fellow participants on all things related to having a child. Prior to moving to the Big Apple, Andrea worked as a Senior Clinical Specialist with Genentech. She continues to volunteer as an alumni recruiter for the University of Michigan and enjoys exploring the city with her husband, Dustin, and Yorkshire Terrier, Zeus.
Elise Jones
Elise is the social media director and blog editor for Mommybites. She is responsible for engaging and investigating a variety of parenting topics found on Mommybites’ social media channels: parenting videos (webbybites), blog, Facebook, Twitter, and BlogTalkRadio show. The Mommybites’ blog is an outlet for moms who are in search of information to support them in their role as a parent. Prior to working with Mommybites, Elise was a teacher and worked in corporate PR. She is a wife and loving mom of two lovely girls and currently resides in New Jersey. In her spare time (HA!) she performs in the theater and is an active member of her local public arts council as well as blogs at Here in This House.
