When I first became pregnant, I solved this isolation by turning to the net. There I found a new and growing global community that welcomed me with open arms and gave me access to the support and information I needed.

Here are just a few of the many wonderful resources available on the net today.

Childbirth.org

This is by far the best resource for pregnancy information on the net. Here you will find excellent information on a wide variety of topics, such as pain relief in labor and choices in labor and birth.

This site encourages women to find out all of their options and to educate themselves on all aspects of birth, thereby preparing themselves for the best and safest possible birth experience.

Well organized and easy to navigate; if you have any questions about pregnancy and childbirth, I strongly encourage you to go here first.

Pregnancy Today

Pregnancy Today offers several mailing lists for moms and moms to be. By far their most popular are the monthly pregnancy lists, where women can communicate online with other women due at roughly the same time.

There they share thoughts and fears, compare symptoms, tell jokes, offer support and encouragement, and form bonds that often last years after the babies are born. Other lists offered are twins, moms on bed rest, breastfeeding, and even one for dads!

Sabrina Cuddy's Pregnancy Page

Put together by a remarkable woman and dedicated childbirth educator, Sabrina Cuddy's Pregnancy Page is a must-see. She has compiled an excellent list of FAQ's for the misc.kids.pregnancy newsgroup, dealing with topics such as pregnancy nutrition, birth planning, and general pregnancy.

She also has real time, online pregnancy chats, many of which are open to the general public. Before you go, make sure to check out the impressive list of pregnancy related links - they will keep you surfing for hours.

Your Birth Plan

This site guides you through the process of creating a birth plan. The need for a plan is discussed, as well as the question of who should get a copy of your birth plan, then a list of options is presented for pregnant women and couples to consider when making their own plan.

An online form is available, guiding you through the creation process and excellent links to sample birth plan. The legality of birth plans is also addressed.

Pregnancy at Nurtured.Com

Nurtured.Com has an excellent pregnancy page with more sample birth plans, excellent message boards and free online birth announcements. But what really makes this site stand out are its "Ask a Midwife" and "Ask a Doula" sections.

The "Ask a Midwife" section allows you to get in touch with a midwife and find out first-hand the alternatives to obstetrician hospital delivered births.

For anyone considering hiring labor support (and I highly recommend it!), "Ask a Doula" is a great place to communicate one on one with a labor support professional and find out just what they can do for you.

The Positive Pregnancy Site

This site celebrates the beauty and mystery of pregnancy. Visit the art gallery or read the many personal pregnancy stories submitted by women from around the net. Share in their pregnancy journeys through pictures and words - and consider submitting your own to the collection.

La Leche League

This is the web site of what is probably the most well known breastfeeding support organization. Here you will find excellent information on breastfeeding and answers to commonly asked questions.

You will also find information on how to become involved with LLL both locally and internationally. La Leche League meetings are a wonderful place to get breastfeeding support, as well as make friends with moms in your area. This site will also help you track down your local group leader and get you involved.

ProMoM

This site is another excellent resource for breastfeeding information and support. Check out their list of 101 reasons to breastfeed your child, or search for a pro-breastfeeding doctor, hospital or business in your area. They also have an extensive list of breastfeeding links and a beautiful breastfeeding gallery.

Pregnancy Calendar

Print out your very own pregnancy calendar at parentsplace.com and follow along with the day by day development of your baby. Filled with lots of little gems of information like when baby begins to blink, and weekly updates on baby's weight, this calendar will be a wonderful daily reminder of the new life within.

The online version of the calendar links to some great web sites dealing with all sorts of pregnancy topics.

The Chinese Lunar Calendar

Now, just for fun, the Chinese Lunar Calendar chart will predict the gender of your baby based on your age and month of conception. It was right for me! Try it!

I hope that these sites have been helpful and I wish you all the best with your pregnancy.

I hope that these sites have been helpful and I wish you all the best with your pregnancy.