LiveWorld Transcripts

Women.com presents

Tori Kropp, RN
Pregnancy and childbirth

December 10, 1999

Tori Kropp, Women.com's resident health expert, is a Prenatal Registered Nurse and the founder of Stork Site. Tori, known as "the Dear Abby of pregnancy," has helped deliver more than 5,000 babies! She advocates a common-sense approach to women's health issues. Tori is here today to talk to you about pregnancy and childbirth.

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HomeArts: Good afternoon and thanks for joining our one-hour chat with Tori Kropp, RN. Tori, Women.com's resident health expert, is a Prenatal Registered Nurse and the founder of Stork Site. Tori, known as "the Dear Abby of pregnancy," has helped deliver more than 5,000 babies. She advocates a common-sense approach to women's health issues. Tori is here today to talk to you about pregnancy and childbirth. Welcome, Tori!

Tori Kropp: Hi! It's great to be back! Happy holidays to everybody! I'm looking forward to talking to you today about anything that has to do with babies.

Catluver: I'm trying to conceive, and I have several farm cats. My mother told me to give the cats away because outdoor cats carry something called toxoplasmosis. What is this, and do I have to give up my cats?

Tori Kropp: Catluver, congratulations on getting ready to have a baby! No! You absolutely don't need to give up your cats. Let me explain what toxoplasmosis is. It's a bacteria that is found in dirt, as well as cat feces. Any of us who have had cats have been exposed to toxoplasmosis. The worry about the bacteria is more for someone being exposed for the very first time during pregnancy. Since you have had cats for some time, this is not a worry. As a precaution, it's best to have someone else change the kitty litter. It's also a good idea to use gloves when gardening. Remember, this isn't a concern until you are already pregnant.

Carentrainer: I have a 3-year-old son, and I am expecting my second baby next month. How can I help my son not feel jealous of the new baby?

Tori Kropp: Carentrainer, at age three, it's very normal for your son to go through a significant period of adjustment with a newborn. The best way to keep the family happy is to include your son in all the activities possible that involve the baby. Encourage your son to touch and talk to your belly. And when the baby is born, help him to safely sit in a chair and hold the baby so that he feels very much a part of the new family. There are two great things that I've noticed. One is to buy a special gift to give to your son when the baby is born. Let him know that it's just for him as being the big brother. Secondly, when you are in the hospital, have Dad take your son on a special adventure that's just for the two of them. It's also very normal for your son to want to breast feed again if you are nursing, or to be a little bit needier as he makes the adjustment.

Emmyloo: What is the driving passion you have behind your company and all the work you do, and how did you get started?

Tori Kropp: Emmyloo, what a wonderful question! Thank you for asking. Certainly, pregnancy and childbirth has been a passion of mine from a very young age. I began studying to become a midwife and found that I was most comfortable with nursing moms that were having potential pregnancy difficulties and helping ease some of the anxiety around this very special time. There is nothing more intimate and rewarding than sharing the birth of a child with a couple. And I have found that this area is what I do best with my skills. Stork Site began as an education resource, and it didn't take very long for it to become a wonderful community of women supporting women through this very special time.

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