Our First Issue!

Glenni Lorick, Editor-in-Chief

I’ve given birth four times. The first time was 18 years ago. I can still remember the excitement I felt when my doctor told me I could head on over to the hospital because I was ready to have a baby. I didn’t know if I was carrying a boy or a girl, but I did know that I couldn’t wait another day to finally hold him or her in my arms. This summer my daughter Sarah finished high school, turned 18, and moved down to Auburn for college. Talk about life changes!

I feel sort of like I’ve given birth this summer all over again as I have worked on putting together this magazine. I’ve gone through the stretching experience of trying to round up advertisers to finance its publication. Because I love to write and edit, I feel like I’ve fulfilled some cravings in my soul. In the process, I have come to realize that I can’t possibly do it all alone…I really need a good team around me. I’ve even had grandparents help me out with my kids in the process. Nevertheless, it truly has been a labor of love because I do love working with and ministering to moms and babies…and the daddies who are such an important part of the whole process.

You may be expecting your first baby. Or perhaps you already have two or three children and are awaiting yet another blessing in your family. You will find that each birth experience is different, and each child is precious and unique. Maybe you are longing to start a family, but things just aren’t working like you had hoped they would. Regardless of your situation, if you are hopeful, expectant, or new parents, this magazine is for you.

In this issue you will gain insight into some first steps couples can take to combat infertility. Hopefully, our comparison of area hospitals will help you to make an informed decision about where you want to give birth. Our resource guide and calendar will provide you all sorts of interesting information about where you can find support and encouragement.

August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week. Since I’m an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), that’s pretty important to me! We celebrate WBF in this edition of Valley Babies by featuring several articles about breastfeeding. Jane Mitchell’s article will help you get off to a good start in the hospital. You will also learn how to combine work and breastfeeding. We even have an article to encourage single mothers as they nurse. Finally, you will see what the Alabama legislature has done to protect breastfeeding mothers.

Let us know how you like Valley Babies and what you want to see in this magazine. Send us your comments or suggestions! Thanks so much for picking up a copy and becoming part of the Valley Babies family!