On the "wow y'all have experiences" tip, anyone got experience with shin splints? I've had them on and off since January and it's making me crazy. Every time I think they're healed, the next time I even try to do a TINY bit, they're hurting like crazy again. I got insoles and stuff so I'm supposed to be good there, but apparently not. My roommate thinks I should go to the doctor, but I feel weird asking my GP about it, but even weirder calling some other doc (orthopedics? Sports medicine? No idea) about it--and I really dont want to pay for two visits!

Stretch, ice, pop NSAIDs, and change your shoe & running stance. Your GP should be qualified to deal with your splints, but I did love going to my sports therapy doc.

This sounds counter-intuitive, but your shoes might be TOO padded, so your calves and associated muscles might not be working properly. I'm not a barefoot running advocate, but a zero-drop shoe has saved my running life. It might be worth checking out. (I love the NB Minimus Trail, even though I mostly run on pavement. [link]

Thanks Juliana--apparently I have high flexible arches and pronate like whoa (though on review of video of my ankles at the fancy running store, the insoles seem to have mostly fixed it). So everything I've read online other than serious barefoot rvangelists says not to do that.

I have high arches, too, and I was nervous about the change, but what I've discovered is that my feet are compensating for the strike much better. I've had to be much more vigilant about stretching my calves out, but it's been so much less painful to run that I'm okay with it.

I used to organize blood drives at my old office all the time. I don't recall anyone passing out. At least, not while I was donating or thanking people.

I haven't been able to donate for a while though, thanks to my anemia issues. It makes me sad.

I underpronate, so it may not apply, but what helped me was more flexible soles and stretching.

I would go barefoot all the time if it were practical.

I can't donate due to eating beef in Britain in 1996 so I would always volunteer at the drives at my old work place, manning the "cantina." I once saw a coworker about to faint, and caught her head just as she started to fall. I was stupid proud of myself for that. I don't know why I get such of a kick out of first aid - I guess I like to help people and it's about the most indisputable immediate help there is?

smonster, how was the chiropractor visit?

I haven't given blood in a very long time, my last experience kinda freaked me out.

This was like 15 years ago - I gave blood and seemed fine. Then I went home and was tired so I went to bed and fell asleep/passed out. I didn't wake up until my then boyfriend came to check on me. I wasn't answering my phone and when he came over my door was wide open with the keys in it.

And I came home to St Albans in time for a heat wave. I checked weather.com's hourly report and it says that by 11 am it should be 85 feels like 91 and by 5 pm 94 feels like 101.

I don't know if it will be like that, but I'll break out my fans and try to keep cool. I plan to drink lots of water and not go outside very much.

Kate - you have gotten excellent advice. I struggled like crazy with BFing for about 2 weeks, but then it got much better. If it had gone on like that for months? Forget about it! Also on the plus side, you won't have to worry about weaning when she is old enough to protest. Mama's comfort and well-being is just as important as baby's. No guilt!