Welcome to the Cathedral’s Nursery! We are so happy you have found your way here and pray that the information you find will be useful to you as you begin or travel the journey of motherhood. For expectant mothers, we have compiled websites, book and magazine titles, and other resources to help answer questions you may have about the changes in your body, the growth of your baby, what you will need when your baby arrives and many other topics.  For new mothers and experienced moms, we have gathered similar resources geared to answering questions about your own health as well as that of your child. The Cathedral also sponsors events for mothers that are fun and a great way to meet other travelers on your journey.  Sometimes, becoming a new mother can be overwhelming and the most understanding and helpful people are other mothers. Please contact the Cathedral Ofiice at (407) 849-0680 or e-mail stlukesnursery@hotmail.com

“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:27

EXPECTANT MOTHERS	NEW MOTHERS	ROUTE TO BAPTISM	CATHEDRAL PROGRAMS
NEW & EXPECTANT FATHERS	TRYING TO CONCEIVE?	CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES	CHILD-BEARING LOSSES

	Websites
	www.BabyCenter.com	Allows you to register and track your pregnancy week by week. The searchable article index lets you look up answers to almost any question on any topic related to pregnancy. There are all different bulletin boards geared to different groups: Christian moms, moms expecting for the first time, moms expecting multiples, high risk pregnancy and even a chat group for dads to be. There is also a “Buy What’s Best” section where you can find products for your baby that other parents love.
	www.ParentsPlace.com (part of iVillage)	Another excellent website with on-line chat groups. You can join the Expecting Moms Club and chat with other moms who are expecting in the same month you as you.
	www.BabyResource.com	Includes a LifeServ pregnancy guide that you can register for online. With this guide, you track your pregnancy week by week, as well as receive “action plans” and “lessons” that include diverse tips, such as when to update your life insurance policy.
	www.quiverfull.com	QuiverFull Resources is an online informational source for prenatal and childbirth education materials. They sell handbooks, manuals, charts and books concerning childbearing, pregnancy and childbirth, family planning and family related topics. Their goal is to supply unique educational materials to give expectant parents the tools they need to have a healthy pregnancy, healthy birth and healthy baby. This site is not as gigantic as some of the others, but it is written from a Christian perspective and has solid information.
	www.motherisk.org	Offers fact sheets and news about the effects of medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They have an extensive page on “Drugs in Pregnancy” which discusses both use and exposure to a wide variety of substances.

 

	BOOKS	Undoubtedly, you will find in your local bookstore shelves full of books for expectant moms. Several Cathedral moms selected the following group of books as “staples”, finding them to be informative and enjoyable. If you are unable to find them in your local bookstore, you can order them from www.Amazon.com
	The Pregnancy Journal A. Christine Harris, Ph.D.	A day-to-day guide to both how your baby is developing in-utero and how you may be feeling. It periodically prompts you to record information about your size, weight, mood, appetite and also includes sections for notes. Each day of the journal details the growth of your baby for that day, as well as sharing tips on preparation for the baby and traditions surrounding childbirth from other cultures.
	The Pregnancy Book William Sears, M.D. and Martha Sears, R.N., with Linda Hughey Holt, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.	An excellent month-by-month resource from conception to birth. The book is easy to read and understand. It explains what is happening to both your body and the baby’s body. It has space at the end of each month’s chapter to write in your feelings and catalog any testing performed, as well to include a picture of you as your body changes. Some Cathedral moms think the book takes a less alarmist approach than What to Expect When You’re Expecting, and the author’s experience with her own pregnancies give this book a more sensible feel. This book also has a helpful chapter about the “tenth” month – postpartum. The authors also teamed up to write another excellent book called The Birth Book, which will help you plan and create the birth experience that is right for you. This book is really helpful in answering many of the “What’s it like” questions relating to childbirth.
	The Everything Pregnancy Book Maryann Brinley with Howard Berk, M.D.	Takes “the mystery out of pregnancy”. It includes such helpful information as when you will need to start planning and shopping for your maternity wardrobe (based on your due date), and what to pack in advance for the hospital when you deliver. It also details what to expect during the labor process and how to mentally and physically prepare for that time.
	What to Expect When You’re Expecting Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi E. Murkoff and Sandee E. Hathaway, B.S.N.	Highly recommended by doctors and is America’s pregnancy bestseller. Written from a medical perspective, it presents a month-by-month guide to your pregnancy, addressing concerns and questions of parents-to-be. Its follow-up, What to Expect In the first Year is also highly recommended.
	Pregnancy to Parenthood Linda Goldberg, Ginny Brinkley and Janice Kuka	A thorough and attentive guide that educates you on your labor and birth options, helping you make informed decisions in these areas. It takes you through the nine months of pregnancy into your baby’s first year. It also has great hints for the father-to-be.
	Expecting You Linda Kranz	A journal in which you can write to your unborn baby. It is thoughtful and warm, and prompts to you to record the slices of everyday life that you’ll want to eventually share with your children, such as where you live, who was in office, the prices of gas/cars/homes, which movie stars are popular, etc. It is also an insightful tool that asks you to reflect on such things as what you love about your spouse, which of your traits you hope to pass on to your baby, why you decided to have children, and how you feel after each of your doctor visits (first time your hear the heartbeat, etc.).
	The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy Vicki Lovine	A high-ranking favorite among many Cathedral moms/expectant moms. Being pregnant, especially for the first time, can be overwhelming. Written from a nitty gritty woman-to-woman perspective, this book has a humorous tone. With so much accessible information nowadays, the blessing of knowledge can feel like a burden (especially during the many insomniac nights you may experience!). The Girlfriends’ Guide is a welcome respite to this information overload and is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.