In response to a query from a twin mom considerng a tummy tuck, a mom in the group who had one offers the following list of important considerations:

1. Make sure you are TOTALLY, 100% sure you want to have this surgery. It is a BIG deal.
2. Make sure your spouse is on board, you will need their COMPLETE support and assistance.
3. You will not be able to care for young kids AT ALL post-surgery and need to line up extra help for your kids for a MINIMUM of 2 weeks but most likely 3 weeks (I needed 3 weeks).
4. See a few surgeons and then pick one.
5. Find out how your surgeon does the surgery. There are different ways to do this surgery and manage the pain post-op. Know if you will need a mini-tuck or a full tuck. (I had a full one).
6. Know that if your abdominal muscles are very split apart, the recovery is a bit longer and more painful. (I had a crevasse down the middle my abdomen!)
7. If you have stretch marks above your navel, understand that they will not totally be removed.
(They will be stretched taut, however, and look MUCH better.
8.  Be sure after any surgery that you are your best advocate for excellent, post-operative care.
Absolutely question your doctor about any concerns you have and be proactive.
9. If you are having a full tuck, realize your scar could be from hip bone to hip bone. (Mine is almost a foot across.)
10. Lastly, even though it is a lot to go through for an elective procedure, you will be VERY glad you did it. I am in spite of it all and would do it again in a second!

Where can I donate children's items I no longer need?

Room to Grow, see www.roomtogrow.org
Baby Buggy, see www.babybuggy.org

A few of you wanted to know what Karen Benett learned when she asked for Upper West Side tailor recommendations, so she collected these for us all. Thanks, Karen!

Anthony the Tailor
West 74th Street, west of Columbus, up the stairs

Mary's Tailoring
West 72, between B'way & West End, north side, 2nd floor

Silhouettes and Profiles (ask for Brenda)
160 West 71 Street, Suite 2JF (SE corner of B'way)
212-877-3372

Aphrodite
Between 81-82 Streets on Columbus
Ask for Ellen

Services some have used and liked for buying discounted infant supplies, including specialty formulas and diapers:

www.1800diapers.com and www.bulkforcheap.com