Need to write a thesis paper for Masters - Pregnancy topic? Any suggestions?

I am currently going for my Masters online and decided to take the paper writing course this time since I am due to give birth in 4 weeks or so.... it seemed easier than the other classes that I still have to take.

I would like to do my paper on some sort of pregnancy topic. I thought I could do a paper on Postpartum Depression..... but I would like some other ideas as well. Can anyone think of any topic that would be interesting to write about, or something they would be interested in reading? Thanks!

I have a bunch of ideas. I hope one helps you think of something. And if you need more info let me know because these are from personal experience as well as research.


- How women's birth choices are being stolen from them....meaning that in some states VBACs are actually being OUTLAWED, and in other states women are set-up to almost require them by being bullied into them by doctors. I can get you TONS of info on this


- Women who have c/s have a higher rate of PDD and Post tramatic stress. Also, the emotional state of women before/after a c/s is often ignored because 'she has a healthy baby'

-The US gov't policy on maternity leave and how it corolates to the low % of breastfeeding women in the country

Wow, thanks Michele, those are all wonderful ideas! I hope you don't mind if when the times comes I need some personal stories, if I fm you.... I would really appreciate any info you can provide. Thanks again for your ideas, they are wonderful..... the last is really intriguing to me as I am planning on breastfeeding and worried about what's going to happen when I go back to work, if I'll be able to keep it up, if there will be enough times to pump, etc. Thanks again!!!!

I have written many papers, and have done alotg of research regarding topics of pregnancy and childbirth as well as pst partum issues. I have a speciality in women's issues (recevied my master's in 1998).
Schools always love a paper written from a certain perspective, for instance the feminist persepctive on childbirth or breastfeeding.
You can also do the transitional phases through out pregnancy and postpartum and the effects on the mother. I've written paoers on all of these topics and found them so much fun to research,Good luck

Of course I would be happy to share my stories and the info I have.
And you can work and pump!! I will help you. I pump full-time so I know lots about pumping.

Thanks Emilain and Michele. Michele, I am really going to have lots of questions for you about pumping, once the time comes. I am so worried I'm not going to be able to do it. I haven't bought the pump yet but I'm thinking about the Medela Pump in Style Traveler (something like that).... the thing is, I work in a school and feel as though my only place to pump will be my car (which can seem weird if some parents see my sitting in my car doing this... although I assume it can be done without anyone really being able to tell). It's hard for me to get out of the classroom, so I thought I would pump around 8:30 when I get into the parking lot, I guess at lunch around 11:30, and then before I head home, around 3:45. Is that going to be enough? This is the one area where I feel completely stupid and feel as though I'll never get the hang of it.

I pumped in the car all the time, my job is to make home visits and I would pump in the car on the sunrise hwy, in parking lots, etc. It is pretty discreet, just pull up your shirt, and get a newspaper. Do they have a teachers lounge or a bathroom were you could do it? I pumped with the pump in style for both of my kids for their first year of both of their lives. It really is not that bad, I think I only had to pumo 1/day, at around 1:30, and then by the time I'd get home I'd be so engorged I'd either feed or pump again if they already ate. How old will thbaby be when you go back to work, by the time month 3 hits, baby eats less often, and remember it;s supply and demand, the more they eat, the more you will need to pump. So, you may need to pump less or more than other women. I always got ALOT of milk, like 7 oz per breast which is reeally al ot, some of my friends only pumped 3 ounces. I'm here to help as much as possible, i'm currently pursuing to receive my board certification for lactation consultant so I'm pretty knowledgable about this topic book wise as well as personally.

Wow, thanks! When I go back to work the baby will only be 6 weeks.... it's going to be so hard to leave the baby, but I really have no choice. Can you recommend a place where I can buy the pump (meaning the cheapest place? ) It seems as though I can get it online for around 229 vs 289 at babies r us.... any other suggestions? I guess time will tell once the baby is born how the breastfeeding will go, how much I'll have to pump when I go back to work, etc. There is a teachers lounge, but I don't think I would feel comfortable doing it there. I suppose I could go to the bathroom to pump, but I'm afraid it might take too long and the line for the bathroom will be a mile long by the time I get out. Well, once the baby is born I know I will have a zillion more questions... thank you for all of your help!

This is my experience...and I have been pumping for almost 9 months full-time.
My schedule is different from a nursing/pumping mom.
I would not buy or rent a pump just yet. Wait until the baby is 3 weeks old and see what is going on. If you are nursing well and all is going great then you can buy a nice NEW PIS or PISA (Advanced) from Le Leche Connection on eBay (she has one of the stores on the site) for $100 LESS than from BRU/BBB.
You cannot rent a PIS...so if anyone offers you one to rent DON'T. It is a single -user pump. You can rent a Medela Lactina or Classic but the Classic does not have a car adapter and it VERY heavy. It is great if you are having supply problems, but not needed if everything is okay.

I also HIGHLY rec'd that you get a hands free bra (easy expressions is the one I love) for $34. It holds the pump horns in place for you so your hands are totally free to read, use the computer, write, even feed the baby.
For me, I need to pump 30-40 minutes each session, 45-55 minutes for my first pump of the morning. That is my body. Some women can pump and get emptied in less time. You cannot know how your body will react until you do it.
Also, at 6 weeks you will need to nurse in the morning, pump every 3-4 hours, then nurse again at home. You can EASILY pump in your car. I have a car adapter for my PISA and I use it all the time. I have read that some women pump WHILE driving, but I have yet to do that. I do pump while Scott is driving. If you put a drop of olive oil or nursing creme on your nipples before you pump and it really helps A LOT. Also, Medela makes cleaning clothesthat will really help you so you can clean the parts in between pumps.
One hint I have for ALL moms to be is to bring the phone number of a good Lacation Consultant with you to the hospital. I used Dawn Frank, South Shore Lacation. She was a GOD SENT for me and got me from full formula feeding to full breast milk within 3 weeks (even though Molly would not latch). The hospital lacation consultants are not always very good or even around when you need them. If I had placed a call from the hospital most likely my breastfeeding relationship would have been saved!