Going to harpers ferry for the day and wondering what activities are baby-friendly? As in, stroller-friendly? I know there's a bit of hiking and don't know if there are paved paths or everything is on the ground (not hardy stroller wheels). Is there a cute area.just to walk around and look at stuff or go to shops? Is the entire thing a hill (also going with older parents). Thanks!!

My daughter was just born at 34.5 weeks and has to be in the NICU for some time. I had to have an emergency c section and had lots of complications, unfortunately. I was wondering if there are any programs I can apply for that will give assistance (financial and otherwise) to us while she's in NICU and then after she's discharged, being at home and providing her the best care? I know our bills are going to be very high Cross- posting as well! Thank you all.

Wondering what y'all did for insurance and open enrollment when you were expecting? When did you have to add your child to your insurance? Did you max out your HSA/FSA? Short or long term disability? Anything you wish you'd elected to do that you didn't? Also, what questions are good to ask HR? Thanks! (will cross-post)

Newly pregnant and have been told I need to plan a bunch of stuff now, like

a) enroll in day/childcare
b) write a will
c) get better life insurance

... any other recs for what to do as a to-be parent? Will cross-post.

Hello,
I am newly pregnant and was told I need to put my future kid on waiting lists ASAP. So, looking for recs for good day and childcare in the Takoma Park and Silver Spring area? Also will go a little father on each side.
Also, any other recs for what to do as a (very new) to-be parent?
Thanks!

I am 7 weeks and was told I need to apply now to get my child into daycare. Is this correct? Also, will cross-post, but how does one find a "good" day/childcare option? I'm in Takoma Park near Silver Spring. Thanks!

OP here:
I 100% agree that having ANY fertility coverage is wonderful. I cannot do IUIs for medical reasons and need to go straight to super-expensive IVF So trying to figure out ways to afford this!

OP here- there is no definition of infertility that doesn't include the words "heterosexual sex" except for one and you have to go through 6 IUIs first...which is ridiculous since IUIs have a very low success rate. What type of advocate do you suggest? One at the insurance company?

Anyone have any tips on getting insurance to cover you if you are a single person trying to get coverage? I am "infertile" by definition of doing this alone but social infertility is not an accepted definition for insurance coverage. Really frustrating

I am thinking about doing the SGF shared risk program and wanted to see if anyone has done it and what their take was. I was told it covers up to 6 cycles of IVF (including mostly everything) and if you don't go home with a "live born" baby you get all your money back. My question is about the fine print. They also told me if I want to withdraw after say 3 or 4 cycles I can still get all my money back if I haven't had a baby. And if I have embryos left over and don't destroy them I'll get 50% back. Is this on point? I am nervous because it seems like a bad deal for SGF to give thousands of dollars back to a patient if after only 3 cycles (which true is a lot) they can say they're out and not have a penalty financially or anything. Hope I'm making sense!

How can you get meds abroad without a prescription? I know SGF won't give you an international Rx for meds.

Anonymous wrote:Another SMC here. I paid to participate in the forum during the thinking/planning phase and joined the DC chapter.
https://www.singlemothersbychoice.org/members/full-members/dc-md-va-region-member-page/

I was also on this listserve, but haven't kept up since having my child: SMC-DC-owner@yahoogroups.com

COVID has, of course, upended everything, but the local chapter is quite active, plans several activities throughout the year, and members are very happy to talk about everything under the sun relating to this path to motherhood.

DCUM offers some useful input, but you'll definitely be in the minority and I found that although the infertility thread here was helpful for speaking about that in particular, this isn't where you're likely to find a sense of community, if that's what you're looking for.

Good luck to you!

Very helpful! Thank you- OP

Anonymous wrote:Not a book rec, but I highly recommend the singlemothersbychoice.org forum. Really good advice there on all stages of the journey, and you can join local area SMBC groups.

You have to pay to join though, right?

Is there a local SMC group in the DC area? I went to the site but you have to pay to see a list or their forum. Hoping to connect with some here and learn more since that is the route I'm planning. Since I have no idea how to respond to a post maybe places/times where groups meet? Thanks!

I have IBD and am looking to switch care from my current GI to one (pref a woman) who has experience around fertility and women's health issues. Anyone have a suggestion? DC preferred but will go to MD or VA if needed. Thanks!
K