Thank you all so much for the info. I'm hoping he'll be able to work something out with his supervisor. Appreciate the info!

Thanks. It looks like from the DOL links he is probably not entitled to any FMLA time off, as he will not have been there a year. Sigh. I'm hoping his agency will be a little more lenient and at least let him take a small amount of LWOP. I don't know what I am going to do without his help!!

Hi all, my husband just started work today with the federal government. I'm due in September, and I'm wondering what the policy is for paternity leave in the federal government. Are men allowed to take their vacation and sick time as paternity leave? I imagine he won't have much by the time the baby comes, but every bit will help. Also, I'm assuming that he will be allowed to take 12 weeks off total under FMLA, although a bunch would be LWOP. Can he work part-time for a while? Thanks for any info you can provide. I was shocked to find out that the feds don't provide any maternity leave benefits, as most employers I've worked for give women and spouses/partners anywhere from 2-6 weeks of maternity/paternity leave.

My back pain started a little later (20 weeks or thereabouts) but it's been terrible. My midwife recommended Dr. Anthony Noya, a chiropractor who specializes in treating pregnant women. It has really helped. He is at: www.noyachirpractic.com -- hope you feel better!

OP, I am so sorry to hear about HR. My experience with talking to my company about FMLA is that my manager has been super flexible (saying I can take pretty much as much time as I need), whereas HR has said "you can only take 12 weeks for your job to be guaranteed." My boss has effectively said "your job will be here when you get back," but HR's point is that they could choose to lay me off if I take 16 weeks as I intend (which is the standard in my office -- nonprofit DC worker, but fewer than 25 employees so they don't have to comply with DC FMLA law). It may be that your boss holds your job open for you, especially with your great reviews, even though HR is saying that technically they can lay you off.

I think it's terrible that your employer is not letting you work remotely when you have a real need for doing so and the support of your doctor, especially considering that others at your work are allowed to work from home.

I wish I had more practical advice. Good luck and keep us updated.

And I agree with everyone that H.R. just sucks, as the PP illustrated perfectly.

I love the clothes through Tranquilit (pronounced "tranquility") maternity collection -- http://www.tranquilit.com/maternit.html -- they are made from bamboo and super comfy and stretchy. Have fun on your vacation!

I was planning on the amnio too, as I'm 36, but after getting similar numbers to yours at the nuchal screening, I decided to skip it. I'm glad I did, as in addition to the risk of miscarriage, I'm scared of needles and think the whole thing would have creeped me out. If the numbers had been significantly worse, I would definitely have had the amnio, no question. It sounds like you know what you want to do, which is great; I agree that following your gut is key. Congrats on the pregnancy and on the great results!

Eat when you are hungry, and try to maintain a healthful diet. That's the most you can ask for. I've heard the goal is to stay about the same weight in the first trimester, then gain a pound a week after that. Some people lose weight in the first trimester, some gain a little, but no matter what most of the weight gain should be later in the pregnancy. Congrats, by the way, on your pregnancy!

Anonymous wrote:Michelle Barnes Marshall (does by Dr Barnes). 24th and M St. NW. She's a solo practice and we've always gotten in on the day we called with a problem. Awesome doc.

Do you know whether she works with a lactation consultant to help with breastfeeding? Thanks!

I really like Pea in the Pod, but it's expensive, so my policy is to only buy things that are on sale when they give an additional discount on sale items. (For example, recently they gave an extra 25% off anything that was on sale.) Also, I've found that the stuff that is on sale online isn't always on sale in the store.

I also bought a few pieces from Boden last week when they had a take 25% off everything sale online. I'm waiting for them to arrive, but I generally *love* Boden stuff normally, so I'm hopeful. The negative is that they don't carry talls in their maternity clothing, so if you're tall like me, you're more limited in what you can get.

I've also had lots of luck with Gap, also limiting myself to specials/sale items. I do find the Old Navy stuff runs VERY large on me. I bought a bathing suit from Target and really like it, and at Target you can buy stuff online but return in the store.

Some people recommended H&M to me, but like you, I'm over 30 (kind of "well over 30") and generally don't like H&M's regular line, so I've stayed away from their maternity clothing.

Good luck and congrats on the pregnancy!

Anonymous wrote:Question for both of you ladies...did you take breastfeeding classes before delivery?? Do you think that would have or did help with latching etc?? Just curious b/c I'm trying to decide if I want to sign up for those classes.

I'm not delivering at Sibley but have heard that it's a very good idea to take breastfeeding classes before delivery because for many women, it is very hard. I'm currently reading some books on breastfeeding at the suggestion of my midwife, and I've heard that the Breastfeeding Center on K Street has a good (and free) intro to breastfeeding class for those who are still pregnant, and that it's also a good idea to pay for an individual consultation before you give birth. I'm not sure whether I'll pay for the consultation, but I think the free class makes a lot of sense. Also, the breastfeeding center apparently has a free weekly get together for nursing moms.

Good luck!

Wow, unbelievable. That takes passive-aggressiveness to a new level. I say just name your daughter what you would like to name her (your name), and call her that. There's no reason why you have to change your plans when you were clear to begin with on your intentions.

try some light exercise. I like to take a walk around the block, but given how hot it is now, I may start walking the (air-conditioned) stairs at work.

OP - why not check out some of the other midwife practices in the area? Here is the list from Birth Options Alliance: http://www.birthoptionsalliance.org/MidwifeList.pdf. I see the midwives at GW and love them, but we checked in with a couple of other practices (including BirthCare and some midwives practicing individually) and generally liked them all. Good luck! Sorry to hear about MCA.

I have seen Whitney, Nora, Erica, and Laura thus far and like them all. Each has a different style, but I wouldn't say they have different expectations. Can you elaborate. On what you mean by this?