The Knowledge I've Gained

I am almost 27 weeks pregnant now and the pregnancy is going very very well. I have made sure to drink plenty of water, I have been doing prenatal yoga, and lots of swimming, and taking my prenatal vitamins regularly this time! I have had less aches and pains and more energy as a result. Caroline is really becoming aware of our little Katie, and likes to show people my belly and talk to it. It is cute, sometimes she thinks she has a baby in her belly and maybe even in her daddy's belly LOL.
I have really stepped up and taken charge over my learning for the midwifery. I am almost done with the Orientation stage and should have it mailed within the next few weeks! That means that after I turn in the Orientation assignments I will be able to start on the curriculum!!! In just this past year I have learned so much. I think armed with this knowledge and all the work I am doing to keep healthy is why my pregnancy is going so well.
I am not nervous about my home birth at all. In fact I feel so much more relaxed that we are going to be here for the birth. I will be in my own familiar surroundings, everyone around me is someone I know and love, and I will be able to control what does and does not happen around me. I especially love that I will not be disturbed while I am in labor.
I have done alot of reading this pregnancy...so far I have read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and Spiritual Midwifery, both of which I highly recommend. I have also read Sarah Buckley's Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering which is one of my new favorite books, and one I plan to do a separate blog on. I just recently finished Henci Goer's Thinking Woman's Guide to Childbirth which has a lot of good information in it, but very biased (which she does warn you about in the introduction of the book) and I am currently reading Penny Simkin's The Birth Partner which is a must have if you are planning on working in the birthing world.
Just from these six books, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and ideas on how I can make this birth the best one! If anyone wants to borrow any of these books, just let me know :)
Well, I am going to take a nap while I can, lol. Caroline is down for her nap, and I have the dishes and laundry going, I think that is pretty good for the day :-D