Nesting...and a Beautiful Natural Birth

I'm so happy to know that I am going on maternity leave this Friday...I had the option of taking it starting 8 weeks before my due date and decided that enjoying the summer sun with my family is just what we all need as we await our newest member.

I've started having crazy urges to clean....my house is in order and I am busily converting receiving blankets into flat fold diapers. A little more sewing awaits as I have a baby swing in need of a cushion and I want a washable cover for one of my nursing pillows. Last week I was getting impatient but that's passed: now I am ready to enjoy the next several weeks in peace.

This weekend I'm off to the baby shower of my best friend (she's due the same day I am). I can't wait to see how her belly casting turns out! Next week we're having our bellies hennaed and I am just trying to figure out what I want on my belly. I've picked up some great bikini tops so I'm hoping to get some great pics. Then it's off to Nova Scotia to sit on the beach sunning my henna belly.

I was checking out the Birth Matters Virginia Video Contest Winners this morning. I love so many of the entries for this contest, and the following video is especially lovely - enjoy!

Great video talks about the role of doulas

I found this little gem this morning. It's a great introduction to doulas and what they do!

Celebs talk about their midwife-assisted births

From Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, the producers of The Business of Being Born, have launched a new website dedicated to "taking back your birth!" : mybestbirth.com.

Their newest addition is a video in which they discuss celebrities' birth experiences. You'll get to see what Cindi Crawford, Laila Ali and Christy Turlington have to say about giving birth.

Here's a preview, definitely worth checking out!