For The Belly

Chicago’s first infertility support group

June 11, 2012

I am pleased to share with my readers Chicago’s first infertility support group: Shine. But more importantly I want to tell you about the amazing woman who runs the organization. Katie O’Connor and I sat down at my dining room table recently with a (strong) cup of coffee, and with a smile on her face [...]

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About breastfeeding.

February 1, 2012

Breastfeeding is hard. Or it was. At least for me. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever started. A physical, mental and emotional game. Your head’s got to be in it. Your heart, too, I suppose. I considered writing about all the details. But I won’t. Let’s just say I think I’ve been [...]

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When the whole family is fighting a cold.

November 7, 2011

We’re not sick and we’re not planning on getting sick. But you know that about-to-get-sick feeling? A little scratch in your throat or an ache in your back? We’ve got a plan to fight it this winter. What I’m doing:  Taking a lot of Emergen-C — 1 to 3 packets a day. Taking probiotics — [...]

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About my blood pressure

August 15, 2011

On Thursday, Tristan was seven days old. Our family of four took a walk to the park then stopped at the pharmacy where I bought a slew of embarrassing postpartum products then did this:   When you’re pregnant your doctor or midwife checks your blood pressure and urine at every prenatal visit. It was especially important [...]

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Breastfeeding and babywearing

July 26, 2011

I’m looking forward to trying two new things with baby boy as soon as he arrives. The first, breastfeeding the “traditional” way. At some point I’ll post all the dirty details about Elise but the short story is that due to latch issues then my re-hospitalization due to high blood pressure (we were separated for [...]

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How we love our children

July 20, 2011

Nolan handed me a naked, crying toddler tonight then he snapped this photograph. (I’m grateful it came out blurry, by the way.) I don’t really worry anymore about getting urinated on. Lately, immediately following breakfast, lunch or dinner, and before I have a chance to clean grimy little fingers, Elise leans in for a hug. [...]

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In the middle of the night (34 weeks)

July 4, 2011

Nolan: Are you having trouble sleeping? Me: Yes. Are you having trouble sleeping? Nolan: I can’t sleep because you keep tossing and turning. Me: I can’t sleep because you got me pregnant. I have six more weeks — give or take — to use this excuse. Wow. I’m 34 weeks pregnant. What a difference one [...]

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How to prevent your child’s identity from being stolen

July 1, 2011

Guest blogger Karin Prangley is an attorney and mom living in Chicago. She practices at Krasnow Saunders Cornblath LLP and enjoys taking long runs with her daughter and Chihuahua. Her first post for Big City Belly was on choosing a guardian for your child. Allison, a friend of a friend, was shocked to learn recently [...]

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Nothing prepares you for motherhood

June 24, 2011

My guest writer, Julie, is a 10-year Chicago resident. She is a former and future pre-school teacher, a wife, and a mother. Anna, 15 months, is the light of her life. I have a 15 month-old daughter. I am a proud and energetic mother. “Mama,” Anna calls me. As a kid, I helped in the [...]

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When Football Sunday and Fatherhood Collide

June 19, 2011

My Father’s Day guest columnist is Roderick Drew, who has lived and worked in Chicago since 1993 because it is the best city on earth — at least in the summer. When not watching football, he can be found telling jokes to his angelic wife, Tonia, because he loves to make her laugh, playing video games [...]

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