Pregnancy calendar - week #31

Pregnant mothers - week #31

Au naturale.

Maybe you're the mom who's sitting on the fence deciding whether or not to breastfeed. You know it's healthier than formula, but prefer the easier route, out of a container. Or maybe you're worried that breastfeeding will hurt or be uncomfortable. Or maybe you're concerned that breastfeeding isn't convenient and you'll be interrupting all sorts of activities to feed your baby.

Whatever your concerns, we understand! This is a huge decision to make, and we definitely suggest researching your options. Here are a few stats to get you started:

• Formula has been around since 1867. Breastfeeding has been around forever.
• Breastfeeding is free. A years worth of formula will set you back about $1000.
• Breastmilk contains antibodies to fight infections.
• Breastmilk is easier than formula to digest.
• Breastfeeding uses more energy, thus you get to eat more. (Breastfeeding requires about 500 extra calories a day.)
• Formula allows other family members to feed baby.
• Breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies.
• Breastfeeding helps to shrink your uterus to it's regular size by releasing the hormone oxytocin.
• Most breastfeeding women don't have periods while breastfeeding. In this sense, breastfeeding also works as a contraceptive.
• The taste of formula stays the same, while breastmilk changes according to mother's diet.
• Some studies suggest that breastfeeding reduces the sex drive.

Before you decide, do your own research and consult your doctor. Good luck on making your decision!

Now that your belly is getting bigger, you may start to experience some soreness in your rib cage and pelvis. All that extra weight will do strange things to your body! Remember to lie on your left side while sleeping and avoid lying on your back. If you've found the perfect sleeping position for yourself, congratulations!

Since baby's bones are working overtime to harden and grow, it's especially important that you get enough calcium. You have many options to choose from: milk, yogurt, cheese, pudding, ice cream, fortified cereal, beans, spinach, and fortified soy milk.

Baby and fetal development - week #31

Baby fat.

As baby grows, so does her digestive capability. Each day, she is urinating several cups of urine. This urine comes from the amniotic fluid, which replenishes itself several times a day.

Baby's body is busy building up fat. Due to the recent increase in her total fat, her skin appears pink and not red (since the fat under the skin is white, the skin appears pink.) 3.5% of baby's body weight is fat.

Also in week 31:

• Eyes: The irises are able to dilate and contract when exposed to light.
• The fingernails may reach the end of the hands. Your baby's might even need clipping at birth!
• Baby now weighs about 3 pounds, 5 ounces.

Pregnant dads - week #31

Set your fears aside.

As the due date creeps closer and closer, you may be feeling nervous, anxious, excited, and fearful. You may even feel like you're not ready to be a father at all, let alone a good father. One thing we've learned is that good parents are not born, they're made. If you have the desire to raise your child as well as you know how, you'll most likely be an excellent father. Sure, the first days, weeks, and even months may be uncharted territory for you, but don't let fear stand in the way.

And you're not alone. Your family, friends, and partner are right there with you. There's truth in the old African proverb: 'It takes a village to raise a child.'