Every pregnant mom goes through the thought process of do i want to breastfeed or formula feed. You will always find a over the top activist for either option.

It is recommended that a mom dive into as much information that she can possibly get her hands on. The first time around for me, I didn't know that "I" was in control at the hospital. I could have refused to give my daughter a bottle. Some nurses just push it on you. This time around, I made it known in my birth plan that BOTTLES WERE NOT AN OPTION for me. I delivered at UCH in Tampa and all the nurses were great to work with me every time that I thought I needed it. I pumped with my first 2 children for about 10 months each. I nursed the 3rd for 14 months and now 10 weeks into nursing my last baby.

You should know going into it that it takes a good 6 weeks for you and baby to get the hang of it. Don't give up if that is what you want to do for the baby. If it hurts, then there is a latch issue. It could be a very simple one. Reach out to the la leche league or local hospital lactatation department for help. That is what they are there for.

You will also need a good support system at home. Make sure your husband is on board. This is a new venture for you, baby and your husband. There are a ton of other things that he could help you with regarding baby. Bring the baby to you to nurse, change diapers, rock baby, bath baby and the list goes on.

There are numerous products on the market to help new moms nurse in public. I am very proud of my product, the Under Wraps Nursing Poncho. It has given me the confidence to breastfeed in public and also makes a great cover for baby.

Which ever option you choose, your baby will turn out just fine. Just decide what works for you and baby. Any breastmilk is better than none at all.

Take each day with stride and know that it does get easier.

I remember when I was half way through my last pregnancy with baby #4, I realized that people don't think before they speak. From the moment I found out we had another baby on the way, the comments (positive or negative) along with unsolicited advise never seemed to stop. Don't get me wrong, a new baby is a special time in a couples lives and such a miracle from above. I am one of those crazy women who actually enjoy being pregnant! This was my last time.

My favorite comments are from the baby boomer or older population. I guess it has been awhile since they have had their babies and the actual facts have escaped their minds a little. My mother always said "if you didn't have something nice to say, then don't say it at all."

Here are a few of the intial remarks I heard and my thoughts I kept to my self:

* "Do you know by now how this happens?"- I think by having baby #4 on the way, we do and it is fun!"

* "What are you going to do now?"- Well I don't know. Do I need to send back one of my other kids. Any volunteers?

* "Can you really afford it?"- We always seem to make it work.

As my belly grew, so have the remarks:

* "Wow you are really big for 9 weeks. Is there twins?"- I am not in my 20's anymore and this is the 4th kid. Muscles do stretch!

* "Can I make a wish?"- Can I rub your belly and make a wish?

* "How much weight have you gained?"- It is not polite to ask a women how much weight she gains prego or not.

* "Are you due any day now?"- No, I still have 12 more weeks but thanks for noticing!

Baby is now here:

* "Your belly looks the same size as when you were pregnant"- Wow, you know how to make a new mom feel really good. Not!

* "Baby is always nursing, your milk must not be any good."- Breastfeeding is a natural thing and he is gaining weight like a champ!

Pregnancy is a special time in a women's life. We try and enjoy  every moment good or not so good as it comes. Take the crazy comments in stride and if you are bold enough, where your real thoughts on your shirt for the world to see! I did!

I wanted to welcome you to the site. We just went live 6-25-08. Still in the rough stages and will continue to add new info daily. Enjoy the mommy info and let us know if there is things you feel would be useful and other mommies would like to know.