Jeni – Seven pounds, hm, one can only hope! I already told my mom that I wasn’t going to even tell her I was pregnant (when it happens!) because she repeats everything to her friends at work!

Only 4 lbs for you so far? No wonder you still look so chic!

Hey some GOOD NEWS for you : my mom is 6′ tall (kinda like you) , & she only gained *SEVEN POUNDS* when she was prego with me! (yes, you read that right!). So maybe no one will give you annoying advice for the first 7 months or so, since they won’t even be able to tell you’re pregnant! Problem solved!

I’m up 4 lbs by 5th month, so I have 3 lbs to go. Uh huh. I’m holding my breath here.

I think there is some good support in Morocco if you decide to go that route. As it turns out I would have been happier just squatting and getting the help of a traditional midwife rather that the medical assistance of my Rabat doctor. (Sana khol-in-the-eyes which is how they do it in some parts)

Jeni — it is true they are c-sectioning waaaaay too much in the US these days – but Morocco is pushing the limits and you find that they are doing them for no reason at all (especially with those who equate surgery with medical progress, ick!) – doctor gets paid more as well.

Jeni – Nooooo, not yet, ha ha. Hamou’s in Morocco right now, anyway, so it’s physically impossible. I hope I won’t have to even consider a c-section – my ob/gyn once said that I wouldn’t have any trouble having babies, must be the size of my hips, argh. As for circumcision, we haven’t decided yet, I just object to annoying interference from family/friends/strangers!

Anyway, I was sort of hoping that KIM would be next on the baby list!

From what I hear, they are just as C-section happy in the States, so I guess it’s six of one… half dozen of another? But if I *was* going to be sliced and diced…. maybe do that in the States???

I really like your theory of tuning out the advice by feigning lingual confusion… BRILLIANT!

I have gotten some strong opinions from people about childbirth and baby stuff and I just let it roll off…. I like to devilishly point out how “on different continents they have such wildly different views on baby-having, caregiving, and somehow most of the babies seem to survive!”

Good luck, I am very interested to watch this process! And as for circumcision… maybe you get lucky & have a girl, and no discussion necessary (thank GAWD you ain’t in Saudi Arabia). Here in Europe it’s just not done, and you don’t have guys running around with severe penis problems.

Maryam – Thank you! That’s great information.

Also, I swear, I’m just kidding about stabbing people in the throat – though I might ACCIDENTALLY trip you on your way out the door. Ha

If I were to have another child, I would have the baby in Morocco.

However, there are definitely some downsides.

In Morocco:
* Less equipment etc if dealing with problem births as compared to the US
* Tendency to be C-section happy with “rich” folk
* Less comfort with talking through all the miniscule details pre-delivery
* Complete lack of comfort with having the husband in the delivery room with a c-section (mine was the first that they ever allowed in the clinic where I was) and it took a great deal of cajoling/threats and a major avocacy campaign).
* Far less skilled nurses. The doctors are absolutely fine. But with the nurses/helpers, for example on the night shift, you wonder if they have had training at all (and I gave birth in an upscale private clinic)
* You need to bring everything with you to the hospital including stuff for basic care for you and your baby.
*Inability to have any special techniques, like leboyer births, etc. They do it “their” way – end of story.

Overall, my experience was actually much better in Namibia. But despite what I have outlined above, would not hesitate to give birth in Morocco IN A PRIVATE CLINIC. Hundreds of women do it every day, after all, with no adverse effects;-)

“…and you’ll be lucky if I don’t stab you in the throat with a fork.”

Back on topic, I think I’m starting to see what that psychological profile you posted is all about. You are 74% brutal, at least!