by Raechelle Masuda

May 21, 2009

I was so disappointed to discover that gender identification and pictures were not shared with parents in the province of Nova Scotia. My two previous pregnancies were in different locations, both of which celebrated pregnancy, sharing as much information with parents and families as possible.

I am so not one that can wait to find out anything. I shake Christmas presents, I want to know! Then I heard about UC Baby, the first 3D/4D ultrasound provider for parents in Canada. I could not wait to find out more information! It was reassuring to discover that they have licensed and experienced ultrasound technicians, that were friendly and very informative. After contacting the owner I was delighted to head in to perform a gender identification about eight weeks ago.

We were thrilled to be informed that we were expecting a baby girl! Since I did not know what to expect, I did not bring in my children, instead they stayed with their Dad. However, once I arrived at the office I was disappointed that I did not bring them along. Not only were the staff super nice, the ultrasound room is huge. Definitely more than accommodating for my growing family. Not only that, the sonographer Kathy informed me that the kids were welcome, as well as could eat and drink. As most parents know, the key to good behaviour at appointments sometimes is a good snack!

For the 4D scan I totally brought my husband and kids along to experience it with me. My husband, a few nights before went to the UC Baby website to check it out and was so excited to get a good look at our new baby girl before she arrives. We have spoke at length with the children, to prepare them for the birth of their new sibling and I knew this experience would further the concept.

I was not disappointed the second time around. We did however discover that our baby girl was breech. Not a worry so early along, however it made it virtually impossible to get a good picture of her. Not only was she breech, she was all curled up with her hands and feet covering her tiny face. It was still so amazing to see her, watch her heart beat and share it with my family. However, UC Baby insisted we wait a couple weeks, then return to see if our little rascal had flipped.

I have to admit I was not sure I believed in going for an optional ultrasound. It felt frivolous and unnecessary. Yet when I was there, seeing my little baby girl all tucked inside me safe, cozy and a part of me, I could not have been happier in that moment. Being able to share that moment with not only my husband and children, but my friends and family that are far away was priceless. My mother in law has never seen her grandchildren on an ultrasound before and was able to be part of the moment through UC Baby’s free Live Broadcasting.

We returned for our final viewing last Tuesday. A good friend suggested I try standing on my head to flip the baby out of breech position. No matter how hard I tried, I could not get on my head, so instead I did a shoulder stand with the help of my husband. It must have worked because the baby girl was in perfect position. Once again my mother in law and a few friends were able to see the baby through UC Baby’s free Live Broadcasting. This time we had the microphone on so they could hear what was happening.

I was so pleased with the UC Baby experience. My husband was all gushy afterward, happy to have witnessed our baby girl inside me. Our daughter (almost 5 years old) was totally into the process as well. We were able to bring home not only a ton of pictures on CD, printed photographs from the sessions and a DVD of all the recordings during the sessions we went to. Such amazing memories we will be able to cherish and share with our children in the future.

For more information on products, packages and services provided by UC Baby check out their website. Really truly, it was amazing and absolutely worth it, I am still all giddy seeing our baby. So exciting only 10 weeks till we can snuggle her!