18 Nov
Pregtastic
I discovered Pregtastic pretty early in my pregnancy, and since that time have listened to over 100 of the 158 episodes. I’ve skipped a few that I thought were frivolous (those that were discussion based, focusing on light topics I found unimportant), but for the most part I eat them up, listening in the car, when I get ready in the morning, while I do my grocery shopping, when I go for walks (although I admit the walking thing happens rarely). I can’t recommend this enough to those of you who are pregnant and looking for information on a variety of subjects and techniques.
Below are my 15 favorites. Many, many more are available on the Pregastic website or on iTunes as podcasts.
Dr. Jack Newman & Helping Mothers Achieve Their Breastfeeding Goals-I think I’ve listened to this one 2 or 3 times by now. I love Dr. Newman and I plan on reading his book when I get a little bit closer to my due date (I have a bad memory so I can’t be reading about breastfeeding too early or I’ll forget everything.)
Centering Your Pregnancy-This is the first I’ve heard of the Centering Pregnancy model of care and although I know my chances are slim of finding one I’m going to be searching out a pediatrician in my area who practices with this model.
Hypno-Curious about Hypnobabies-I thought this show clearly explained the difference between Hypnobirthing and Hynobabies, and I think Hynobabies is the best option for me. (There is also a similar episode by the founder of Hynobirthing if you would like to search it out.)
Dr. Sears and Vaccines-Any mother who has looked into alternatives to the normal vaccination schedule knows who Dr. Sears is.
Mommy’s Milk and More + Attachment Parenting-Attachment Parenting is currently my childcare option of choice based on this podcast.
Cloth Diapers: Getting Started and FAQs-Husbands worries about poop in the washer aside, for both environmental and economical reasons we are considering cloth diapering. This podcast answered the questions I never even thought to ask.
I’m Pregnant, Now What Do I Eat?-I ate more walnuts after listening to this podcast. And bought a bag of flax seed.
From Dude to Dad-I thought this program would be silly and I almost skipped it, but I appreciated the focus on how dads deal with the pregnancy and birth.
Circumcision-Love the expert they chose to do this show. I believe his exact words are “There are no medical reasons for circumcising your baby boy.”
Gestational Diabetes-This one includes a few tips on how to avoid a false positive on your glucose test.
Everything Epidurals-Most definitely not for the faint of heart. The description of the epidural tube inserted into the back almost did me in.
What is High Risk?-A great description of what medical conditions constitute a high risk pregnancy.
Homebirth 101: The Home Court Advantage-Of course I highly recommend this particular episode to anyone who would like to learn more about a fabulous birthing option. 
Elective Cesarean-I think the media makes us think that elective cesareans are much more common than they actually are.
Cesareans, VBAC, Inductions-With the rate of c-sections above 30% in the US (note this is for hospital births, I believe that out-of-hospital birth c-section rates are well below 10%, maybe even 5%), this is a podcast that EVERY pregnant woman should listen to. The type of suture your surgeon uses to close up your uterus, cytotec vs. pitocin, the risks of a VBAC, these are all things pregnant women should be educated on.
Any other podcasts out there that you think I should be listening to?
Also:
I'm a farm-raised almost-crunchy stroller-pushing picture-taking lifestyle-blog-writing gastronomy-obsessed divine-seeking thrift-store-combing cheese-inhaling pavement-pounding laughter-sprinkling lover of individuality and taking chances.
How many times, in how many ways, can I say I LOVE your approach to pregnancy? I love your environmental sensibilities combined with just well, being sensible! Are you open to natural approaches to parenting because your dad is an organic farmer? If I am lucky enough to get pregnant, I will check out Pregtastic!!! Thanks for the information.
Jenna Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 9:47 am
My dad really didn’t get into organics until I was out of the house so I’m not sure how much of an effect it had on me. My dad is organic, but he’s what you might consider mid to large scale organic so my parents don’t live the typical small farm organic lifestyle.
Sounds interesting and informative! BTW, I’m interested — do Mormons not mandate circumcision?
Jenna Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Although the LDS Church has all kinds of commandments to follow, they tend to stay out of things like raising kids.
The Mormon wiki states:
Section 74 of the Doctrine and Covenants [1] gives an explanation of the issue regarding circumcision. Parts of the New Testament state that circumcision is no longer needed because it was part of the Law of Moses which has been fulfilled. Doctrine and Covenants, section 74 therefore provides more clarity on the issue. Circumcision is not needed for the salvation of little children because they are naturally clean and holy, being sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Circumcision has become frequently practiced in modern culture, because of assumed benefits to health and cleanliness. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leaves the decision up to the discretion of the parents and does not make a recommendation for or against the practice.
hannah Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
I was really interested to hear your thoughts on circumcision as I wasn’t sure what the LDS Church’s stance on it all was.
Being Jewish, I know if I have a son he will be circumcised. I have seen enough brit (the ceremony) to feel comfortable with it. I think people also have a lot of opinions about circumcision without having seen one performed.
If I were not Jewish, I don’t know that it would occur to me to have my son circumcised. Jewish women to have a lower incidence of cervical cancer - from my understanding this has been linked to circumcision but don’t quote me on it.
My concern about vaccines is not people who want to schedule differently, which I totally understand, but people choosing not to get them at all. It is dangerous for your own child as well as other people’s children. My friend’s father has been a head clinicial with various organisations worldwirse including the WHO and TB association and he said that lack of vaccinations is directly related to increased deaths from TB, whooping cough and for the re-emergence of polio. He did say that a lot of Drs don’t schedule properly for various reasons in the US particularly.
Kelli Nicole Reply:
November 20th, 2009 at 9:27 am
I don’t know what country you live in, but as far as I know, the United States doesn’t vaccinate for TB (when I traveled the the Philippines that was one of the vaccines I couldn’t get access too, though they did do a TB test as I came into contact with a dozen or so kids with the disease daily). Other volunteers that were with me there were from Canada and they DID have a TB vaccine, so…just saying, that one doesn’t really count (for the US anyway).
I’d be interested in your thoughts on vaccinations, Jenna. I don’t know if you discussed that already in your posts or not. I work in healthcare and personally am absolutely for vaccinations, but I know that many people have different views. You mention Dr. Sears, so I don’t know whether you are just pointing it out, or also feel that vaccination is a problem.
Jessica Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 10:13 am
I’m also wondering about your view of vaccinations. Please get your baby vaccinated. It’s important not only for them but for the other children they’re around! Vaccinations have eliminated so many terrible diseases…
Cécy Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
From just the summary it’s not about not doing vaccinations but how you schedule it.
I’m not against vaccines personally, although I don’t think all are a necessity in life.
Tetanus is a necessity, Hepatitis B depends on your lifestyle.
I had many vaccines as a child, my latest Dr in France (that’s where I was born and raised) was horrified to see how close some of the vaccines where and explained to me that it can make you overly sensitive at times. It’s sometimes best to leave time between vaccines from my understanding.
That same Dr had me tested for Hepatitis B antibodies when I was told I needed a new vaccines and I found out I had 300 times the needed amount.
So yes vaccines are important, but it’s important to know which ones and to be able to spread them through time if possible.
Jenna Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I like this view. And I share it.
hannah Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
See, in Australia, vaccines are spread apart. What exactly is the deal with scheduling in the US?
*goestoresearch*
AWESOME!! I can’t wait to download some episodes to listen!
4Another factor to consider in the cloth v. disposable diaper question is water availability. I live in CO, and a lot of moms I know chose disposable because living in a desert, water is scarce (takes a lot of water to wash diapers). I’m not sure what I will choose (always figured I’ll use cloth), but I had never thought of that before and thought it was interesting. Cheers!
5Hey…I have a question: Will you maybe write about post about what it’s like to be pregnant for the 1st time. Writen more to people who havn’t had kids yet.
I am someone who cannot wait until I get ot expience pregnancy. I am like a hungry like sponge…excitedly soaking in every little tidbit that you post about your pregnancy. I would love to hear from you about what it’s like. What is changing. What you didn’t expect or what is different that you had thought.
I would love love love a little more insight into how your pregnancy is going and what you think about it all. It’s funny how interested you can get in someone’s life…who you don’t even “know”
But I would love to hear more about what it is like to be pregnant for the 1st time.
Katie H Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
This would be a great topic!!
Mrs. D Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I agree! I’d love to hear about things that surprise you about being pregnant. Also, I love reading about the crazy things people say to pregnant women. If you get any weird comments/suggestions please let us know!
Jenna Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I expect them to start coming soon, I’m not showing enough yet. I’m going to have to hold my temper because I’m not sure how long I can be “nice” to those who don’t know how to mind their own business.
The pregnant women in my life are going to think you’re giving me kickbacks, for all the links I’m sending out to them.
Great post.
7Hey Jenna! I took my lens to Garland camera and repair on recommendation of my sister:
http://www.cameraandrepair.com/
It’s a little ghetto place, but they fixed it in two days and charged me $85. I’m picking it up today, I’ll let you know if something goes wrong. They were going to charge me $100 to fix my point and shoot so that was a no-go!
8It makes me smile when I thnk about how different things are today from when our parents were pregnant with us! Makes me wonder what it’ll be like when our kids have kids.
9Are you against vaccinations in total? Specific ones? Or is it the “accepted” schedule of vaccines?
Cool! Forwarding Pregtastic to a pregnant friend. Thanks for sharing!
10I love the links! Once the baby goes down for a nap I’m going to listen. Since you have the vaccine link and Dr. Sears up there I was wondering if you had read The Vaccine Book.
Jenna Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Not yet! My plan is to research birth, then breastfeeding, then vaccines. And of course a few other things thrown in as well.
Very interesting links. You are definitely building my pregnancy information database. I will definitely come back here when comes the time to look into all this. Thank you for sharing.
12Watching your childcare philosophy evolve is fascinating. It is similar to my own in many ways (but not all).
Tell TH not to worry about the poo - firstly you’re washing the nappies hot enough to kill all the yuckies, and secondly you’ll likely wash them with other light colours so most of his stuff won’t go in that wash anyway.
Are you planning on co-sleeping?
Jenna Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Yep! I keep finding co-sleepers (the small kind that actually sit in your bed, not the bassinets that sit next to your bed) on Craigslist but I keep forgetting to call and go pick them up. I plan on co-sleeping as long as I’m exclusively breastfeeding. I’ll of course be flexible if it isn’t working for us but that is the initial plan.
Jessica Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I’m so glad you’re going to get the appartus to make co-sleeping safe. I know this may engender anger from the internets, but this isn’t a scare story — my friend’s best friend, a few months ago — her baby died from suffocation while they were cosleeping. Their daughter was four weeks old, and her head got caught against the bedding, and she couldn’t move her head to allow herself to breathe. The just had her in the bed with them…. I just would never want anyone else to ever go through this…
hannah Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I was about to say the same thing! A friend’s baby had a really lucky escape - she was be suffocated in-bed.
I think co-sleeping is ideal but best with a co-sleeper to attach to the bed.
Just wanted to leave a piece of advice for what saved my breastfeeding experience. Just hang onto this info in case you get an infection that won’t seem to go away…Newman’s Nipple Cream. You have to get a prescription for it (I had to request this specifically) and then find a pharmacy that mixes their own stuff (usually not a chain pharmacy). It is magic. Without this stuff I would not have been able to heal my nipples and continue breastfeeding.
I had an amazing breastfeeding consultant who was just that, amazing. She told me about this magical potion. Hopefully though, you will never need it, but for anyone who does, it is amazing.
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