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Can't help with all of it, but I can answer a couple. You can definitely ask for a c-section. A lot of doctors here don't like VBAC's (vaginal birth after c-section) anyway, so that really shouldn't be a big deal. I would go for an OB in your case most likely, because midwives can't do c-sections anyway. They would be more likely to be supportive of a VBAC though, so if you changed your mind on that midwives might be a better choice. It's definitely a personal decision though! Oh, and I'm not sure if all insurances cover midwives, so that's something to consider.

Welcome to Hellobee and the U.S.! I hope some other ladies can chime in with more helpful responses. And congratulations!

@MrsH73: Hi neighbor! I live H20-town, right next to you

If you're looking for a hospital, I would highly recommend Mount Auburn! I also had pregnancy induced-hypertension and eventually pre-eclampsia. I was induced at 40 weeks on the dot after a couple weeks of bedrest that resulted in a vaginal birth. The midwives and OBs are fantastic, they really listen to mom and don't rush into anything if there is no emergency. They have on hand lactation consultants, a beautiful birthing center.

There are some GREAT second hand stores for kids and maternity and fabulous Facebook groups, too. I can get you some info.

Welcome!

Welcome to HB!

I'm currently pregnant with my first through the help of IVF and ICSI, too. Congrats on getting pregnant with LO #2.

I can't answer all of your questions but I can tell you that you can find some consignment stores that have previously loved maternity clothes for a good price. As for other maternity clothes, you could go to Yelp.com and search for maternity clothes in your area to find stores.

I'm hoping there are other users that can help you with your other questions.

@MrsH73: First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! Welcome to Hellobee, I think you will like it here. It's not as scary as some other boards I have seen, so don't worry about asking questions you think have already been asked. As far as the short hand, you'll pick it up.
The first thing you need to do is slow down and take a breath. You obviously have a lot of valid concerns but these are so specific to you that you should just make an appointment with an OB. First appointments are usually around 8-12 weeks. If you would feel more comfortable being seen earlier rather than later, explain your history over the phone. I am sure they would be willing to work with you. You have plenty of time to decide on some of the logistics.
As far as pregnancy wear, I know Motherhood Maternity has a plus sized line and maybe even Old Navy. Old Navy is almost always running sales.
Wishing you all the best!

Everyone I know who had a C for their first did an elected C for their second as well, that should be no problem.
As for reasonable (maternity) clothing in Newton (my home town, yay!), you could try TJ Maxx or Marshells on Needham St. They're sort of a discount clothing and home goods store. (I'm not sure about their maternity selection though since we're still TTC) Otherwise, trek out to Natick/Framingham, Kolhs or Target my have a better selection.

@MrsH73: if you are in Newton, MA, there are some great hospitals near you! As far as I know most OBs do not have any problem scheduling a repeat c section if that's what you want- you'd want an OB, not a midwife, in that case. I have heard Newton Wellesely hospital is really great. I delivered with midwives at Mt. Auburn, like rachiecakes, but had a low risk low intervention vaginal birth with midwives. There really are so many great hospitals around here, we are very spoiled!

Good luck and congratulations!

Welcome to HB Congrats on the successful IVF! I did two rounds of IVF last year in MA. I'm from the Boston suburbs, but I don't have kids, so I may not be too much help, but there are lots of good doctors in the Newton area, and a good hospital (Newton-Wellesley), so that may be a good place to start. As others have mentioned, I think an OB/GYN would be a better fit, but there are combo OB/midwife practices in MA, and BCBS covers them.

@MrsH73: I'll be 20 weeks on Thursday and I just scheduled mine with my OB yesterday! I'm also not a great candidate for a VBAC either. I'm seeing a doctor from the hospital's department of maternal fetal medicine because I'm high risk for a few things, had a lot of surgery on my uterus and will be over 35 when I deliver, so I talked with them about my chances of having a successful VBAC. They were around 10% since my son got stuck on my pelvic bone and he was a tiny guy. My chance of pushing another baby through is pretty small.

Welcome! I'm currently 26 weeks, and live in Waltham, so right next door to me too. I'm planning to deliver at Newton Wellesley Hospital, and they've been terrific so far.

A couple more local recommendations for you: my OB/GYN is Dr. Vasilakis at About Women By Women (http://aboutwomenbywomen.net/) in Wellesley, and she's fantastic. We use Waltham Family Medicine for our PCP (and they'll be our pediatrician as well - the nice thing about them is that they do house calls for infant check-ups!)

Welcome! Another Boston area bee here. Like @rachiecakes I delivered at Mt. Auburn and had a great experience! My baby ended up in the NICU and the nurses were fabulous to us throughout our stay. I would recommend my OB/Gyn but she is moving practices so I am on the hunt for a new one.

I found a lot of maternity clothes at Old Navy, Target (mostly online) and H & M. I had better luck shopping online!

Welcome to Boston and Hellobee!

@MrsH73: welcome! If you're in Newton, MA you are close to some of the best hospitals in the US! Brigham and Women's is excellent and I have a few friends who delivered there. There are also a few other hospitals near by as others mentioned! You can look up a practice and choose an MFM or OB. I would give them a call to get things moving, then you can discuss the c-section with them. You should also be able to speak with a nutritionist in your practice once you choose one to discuss diet.

Welcome! Happy and healthy 9 months!

@MrsH73: Maternity clothes - I'm plus sized and got my pants all from Motherhood Maternity. They run decent sales. My tops were from there or I was able to wear some of my "normal" tops that are longer.

Repeat elective C-section - very common, and if this is the path I would start with an OB. I had a repeat C-section at 38 weeks with my second child 5 months ago. I wouldn't expect one to be scheduled before 38 weeks unless there is other areas of concern.

OB - you got some good suggestions already, but the dr you saw for your IVF probably also has some suggestions. Since that seemed like a good relationship, that might be a place to start.

Doula - I'm not sure one would be beneficial in a C-section. You are typically allowed one person with you in surgery. I wanted my DH there over anyone else. At the end of the day, the birth is surgery, so I'm not sure what help a Doula would be in that case.