Fitness Tips for Pregnancy

While weight gain is a natural and healthy part of pregnancy, it’s not a time to totally neglect your fitness.  The more fit you are before and during your pregnancy, the healthier both you and your baby will be – and the easier time you’ll have getting your pre-pregnancy body back.

And even though it’s important to stay fit, it’s also important to make sure your exercise program is safe for your changing body. You may not be able to do the same things you did before getting pregnant.

The Benefits of Staying Fit During Pregnancy

Why is it so important to think about fitness while you’re pregnant?  There are many reasons why being fit is critical to your health and that of your baby.  You’ll be able to enjoy your pregnancy much more if you stay in the best shape possible.

One benefit of staying fit is having an improved mood.  You’ll be combating changes in your hormone levels that can affect your mood and being fit will help to counteract those mood swings.

You’ll also enjoy better sleep during your pregnancy.  Sleep is your body’s opportunity to become refreshed from the day and to heal and restore your body – and your baby’s growing body depends on your ability to sleep well, also.

Pregnancy is often fraught with aches and pains as your body changes and your weight becomes redistributed.  Being in great shape will help to combat those aches and pains and allow you to be more comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

Exercise will help you not to gain more weight than is necessary during your pregnancy. It also helps your blood pressure and blood sugar to remain steady even though growing your baby does put stress on your body.

Finally, when you’re in good shape, you’ll be more prepared for the stress and strain of labor and delivery.  You’ll have more strength and endurance to make it through this critical time and to recover after you deliver.

Start Your Fitness Program Before You Get Pregnant

The best time to begin trying to get fit is before you’re actually pregnant.  You should get as close to your ideal weight as possible before you conceive if possible.  While not everyone gets pregnant after a planning process, many women do.

If you know that you want to get pregnant in the near future, start your fitness program now.  Being in your best shape will actually make it easier to conceive and help you to stay at a healthy weight once you do get pregnant.

A healthy fitness routine combines aerobic activity, strength training, and flexibility exercises.  You should talk with your healthcare provide before beginning a fitness routine to make sure you’re doing exercises that are safe for you.

While it may seem frustrating to wait to get pregnant until you’ve improved your physical fitness, you’ll be glad you did once you experience the changes pregnancy brings to your body.

If you’re starting your pregnancy and you’re already overweight or not in good shape, pregnancy isn’t the time to try to actively lose weight.  You shouldn’t go on a diet or start a heavy-duty exercise program if you’re out of shape.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise, but you just need to have realistic expectations about what you’re doing.  You should also start slow and stick with exercises that are very low impact such as walking.

Get Aerobic Activity During Your Pregnancy

It’s critical to participate in aerobic exercise that helps you to keep your heart strong and burn excess fat.  There are several activities you can perform during your pregnancy that are generally considered safe for you at this time.

Aerobic activity should be performed in such a way that it doesn’t put too much pressure on your joints.  You should also make sure to keep your heart from beating too fast – and you should talk with your doctor about an appropriate heart rate during exercise.

One of the best exercises you can participate in while pregnant is walking.  This is a great low impact activity that can be done at just about any fitness level.  How far and how fast you walk will depend on your own fitness level.

Walking can be done just about anywhere and doesn’t require you to spend a lot of money by buying special equipment.  All you need is a good pair of tennis shoes and you’re ready to go.

If you’re looking for aerobic exercise that has even less impact on your joints, swimming and water exercise are great choices.  When you’re in the water, you only weight 1/12th of your actual body weight.

As you move through the water, you won’t be putting any stress on joints.  Swimming and walking across a shallow pool give you a great workout using water as the resistance. It can also provide you with some relief from the extra weight you’re carrying.

Biking may be appropriate if you’re comfortable with it and if your doctor approves it for you.  You may also enjoy activities such as dancing as long as you avoid activities that could cause you to fall or get injured.

You may want to participate in low impact aerobics.  Those are generally okay as long as you watch out for activities that can throw you off balance.  As your abdomen grows with the new baby, your center of gravity will change and it becomes easier to fall.

Running may be okay if you’re already a seasoned runner, but if you aren’t a runner pregnancy isn’t the time to start.  Talk with your doctor about what exercises are appropriate for you given your current routine.

Strengthen Your Muscles

During your pregnancy you need to continue keeping your muscles strong.  In particular, it helps to have upper body strength to prepare you for life with a newborn baby.

Exercises for your biceps, triceps, and upper back are particularly helpful.  You can use free weights, weight machines, or resistance bands.  You shouldn’t lift weights that are too heavy for you.  If you can’t lift the weight comfortably, you shouldn’t lift it.

When lying on your side, leg lifts are a great way to use your body’s own weight to gain strength.  Squats can also help you to gain strength in your thighs and buttocks.  You should also perform pelvic tilts to help prepare your body for the extra weight your pelvis will be carrying.

It’s important to make sure that any exercises you perform are approved by your doctor.  You’ll want to stay away from any exercises that put strain on your joints or muscles and could cause injury.

Add Flexibility to Your Pregnancy Exercise Routine

While many people focus on strength training and cardiovascular activity, flexibility sometimes gets left behind.  But this is just as important for your health as other activities that keep you fit.

You may find that yoga is a great activity for you as you prepare for your child to be born.  You can take yoga classes or look for a pregnancy yoga video that will show you the proper techniques.  You’ll have to modify exercises for pregnancy.

Each day you should participate in a routine of stretching to help your body combat some of the stress of pregnancy weight gain.  Stretching your back, arms, legs, neck, and shoulders will be beneficial for you.

Shoulder circles where you move your shoulders forward and back a few times will help to release some of your tension.  Stretching your chest muscles by holding your arms up and pushing them back.

Stretching our calves is also important.  You can do this by leaning on the wall or a countertop and extending your leg backward, you’ll feel a stretch in your calf muscles that can bring some relief.

Breathing deeply can also help you to feel relaxed and allow muscles to rest.  Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly will help you to feel refreshed and restored.

Exercises to Avoid During Pregnancy

Once you get past the first trimester, your body won’t be able to do all of the same exercises that you could do before.  For example, doctors usually recommend that in the second and third trimesters you don’t do any exercises where you have to lie on your back.

That means abdominal exercises such as sit ups and crunches are out for a few months.  Stick with other moves that don’t put that much strain on your core muscles while you’re pregnant.

Exercises that cause you to put a lot of pressure on your joints are also not recommended.  You don’t want to be jarred or bounce while pregnant.  Jumping and changing directions quickly are also not recommended.

As you get further along in your pregnancy, you’ll notice that your joints become looser.  This is because your body produces a chemical that is designed to help your pubic bone get looser for delivery of the baby.

When your baby is getting bigger, you’ll notice that you don’t feel as much balance as you normally do.  It’s important, then, to make sure you avoid exercises that might cause you to trip or fall.

You should also avoid any type of sport that might cause you to come into contact with people and equipment.  It’s also not a good idea to participate in adventurous activities such as downhill skiing, which can put you at a great risk for injury.

No matter what exercise you’re performing, it’s always important to listen to your body.  If you feel good while you’re doing it, you’re probably going to be okay.  But if you feel dizzy or become short of breath, you’ll want to stop what you’re doing and avoid it in the future.

If you experience any type of pain, you should also stop what you’re doing.  There are serious warning signs you should also watch out for such as:

· Vaginal bleeding
· Contractions
· Fluid leaking from the vagina
· Chest pain
These are signs you should immediately stop what you’re doing and call your healthcare provider.  Always pay attention to the way your body feels and the signs it gives you.

Resources for Pregnancy Fitness

When you decide that you want to have a pregnancy that includes physical fitness, it helps to have some resources to get you started.  There are many ways you can learn more about proper exercises.

Your local gym or community center may offer pregnancy fitness classes that will help you to stay in shape safely.  Pregnancy aerobics, yoga, and strength training are offered at many facilities around the world.

There are also many instructional videos that will help you to exercise safely during pregnancy.  A quick online search will lead you to exercise videos specifically designed for different stages of your pregnancy.

There are also in depth books and guides on pregnancy fitness that can give you step by step exercises to perform during pregnancy.  You’ll find many selections available through online booksellers.

You may also find help with websites that give helpful information and resources for women who are trying to conceive or are already pregnant.

In most cases, exercise is going to be a great choice for you during your pregnancy.  Exercise will help you to have a healthier pregnancy, easier delivery, and faster recovery after you give birth.

You should always talk with your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program.  While exercise is usually beneficial, there could be personal circumstances that would make it inadvisable for you.  You should also listen to your own body and avoid any activity that doesn’t feel good to you.

9 Tips for Successful Nursing as a New Mom

Nursing is a special bond that only mother and child can have. There's nothing quite like holding your newborn and literally feeding them nourishment with part of your body. There are benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers that cannot be matched with feeding formula. 

It’s good to give yourself and your baby the very best shot at successfully breastfeeding. Here are some tips to do so:

• Try to Nurse in the First Hour –Having the baby latch on with in the first hour of birth is a large indicator of future breast feeding success. If you can’t, it won’t stop you from being successful, but it is a great thing to do for both you and the baby.

• Make Sure the Baby Latches on Correctly – One of the main reasons for nursing failure has to do with the baby not latching on properly. Most of the areola needs to be inside the mouth in order for the baby to be latched on properly.

• Take a Class – Your hospital or birthing center can help you locate a class to help you learn about nursing. It might seem strange to take a class but if you weren’t raised around nursing women this will greatly increase your chances for success.

• Avoid Creams & Potions – If you do end up with sore or cracked breasts ask your doctor, midwife, or a professional lactation consultant. But sometimes these conditions are actually caused from washing your nipples too much or with wipes. You have natural oils in your areola that keeps your nipples soft, and germ-free. You don’t want to mess with this natural process if you can help it. Plus babies often do not like the flavor of these creams and potions.

• Don’t Time Yourself – Don’t try to rush breastfeeding. It’s not a contest. It’s not just to feed your baby either. It’s a time of great bonding that you’ll never get back. Just enjoy the time with your baby and the relaxation it can bring upon you both.

• Grab a Glass of Water – When you sit down to nurse, grab a glass of water or other beverage because you don’t want to feel uncomfortable and thirsty and have to stop to get something to drink. It’s best if you are ready at the time.

• Don’t Get Too Engorged – Sometimes the trouble with the baby latching on has to do with allowing your breasts to get too engorged. This is especially problematic for women with only a small amount of breast tissue, not allowing for extra space for the milk. Get ahead of your child’s hunger, before you’re engorged and you can avoid that problem. Yes, it’s okay to wake up your baby to feed it a little.

• Avoid Supplementing Too Fast  -- If you’re having issues it’s best to avoid supplementation for a little while, instead try the plastic nipple shields, or other solutions that a professional nurse or breast feeding expert can recommend to you. 

• Don’t Put Added Pressure On Yourself -- Realize that most women can breastfeed and that women have been doing it since the beginning of time. With all three of my babies, I took Fenugreek to help with milk production, and it worked wonderfully.

If you happen to be one of the women who cannot breastfeed successfully, don’t beat yourself up, be thankful that supplements do exist. However, do give it a try, you might surprise yourself.

The following from the Global Health Media Project is, hands down, the best video we have found so far to truly demonstrate the mechanics of breastfeeding:

General Tips on Car Seat Safety

There are plenty of heated debates about car seats, their proper use, and a child's overall safety in a moving vehicle.  My intention with this post is not to enter any debate, rather, it is to simply offer some advice that I have come across in finding and utilizing car seats that worked best for us and our three children.

First, understand that every car seat is different. It’s made for children at different stages in life and has an owner’s manual that you need to follow. Next, understand that your child should never ride in a vehicle without an age appropriate car seat or booster seat.

1. Purchase The Right Car Seat – There are some car seats that claim to work from birth on up and some probably do. But, be sure to check out their safety ratings first. Saving a few dollars for an all-in-one might not be the right choice.  A really good way to ensure that you buy the right one for your vehicle is to call your car insurance company.  Some insurance companies even offer discounts if you buy the one they recommend.

Growing the Bond Between Daddy & Baby

Sometimes moms have a difficult time giving new dads their time with the new baby.  This is a somewhat common problem among new parents. We want our partners to help us more, but we have a hard time letting go of the idea that if it isn't done our way, it may not be done the right way.

This is not really a surprise, since right from the start it is mommy that a baby will cry most for.

In general, men report performing about 20 hours per week less of household chores than women report doing. Many men admit to doing less, but their reasons for this aren't necessarily what we might think.

Let Him Find His Own Way of Doing Things

Many new fathers are already nervous enough. They feel that women have more instinct for child rearing than they do, not because it’s entirely true, but partly because society demonstrates this through television shows, commercials and more.

So, unless something is truly dangerous or unhealthy, let your husband take care of his child in his own way.  Try not to critique everything he does.

If He’s Reluctant, Give Him a Nudge

Find an excuse that you have to do something or be somewhere and leave him to it. This may be difficult, but he’ll be fine. I needed to train myself to do this, I found it incredibly hard at first.

However, as much as my husband needed to bond with baby without me around, I needed to step out for a break and have coffee with a friend now and again.

He needs to learn just as you’ve had to learn.  Ensure that he feels safe to call you or someone else if he has questions.  You want him to feel safe for asking, just like you do for asking your friends or family.

Let Him Take Part in Feeding Times

Once your milk is established, you may wish to try to pump and let daddy do at least one feeding per day.  My husband loved this, he began to look forward to it each day after work.

He can also take night duty occasionally if you both work, or on nights he doesn’t have to go to work in the morning.  We still struggle with this one though, it is usually me doing the night shifts with the little ones. Granted, he does get up much earlier for work.

One or two feedings each day will help the father bond with the baby in a way that other activities don’t. There is something about feeding your baby that creates a stronger bond.

Don't Be Too "Quick on the Draw"

When you first hear your baby cry and both of you are home, it’s hard not to jump right up to the sound. But, you should give your husband an opportunity to learn to react to your baby’s cries too.  If your husband can react to daytime crying he’ll be that much more likely to react to nighttime crying.

When you step back and let your husband do his fatherly duties you will be surprised at how much he’ll step up. Imagine if you had the opportunity to just let someone else do it all the time ... you might also slack off too!

Giving your husband the opportunity to father your child will pay off now and later due to the stronger bond that will be developed between father and child.

Now check out this super sweet video of baby and daddy bonding moments from Big Daddy!

Baby Care Tips for New Moms

It can be nerve wracking learning to take care of a tiny, newborn infant. But, don’t worry they don’t break that easy. If they did, humanity wouldn’t have made it this far. And of course, we need to put a lot of trust into ourselves as new moms.  

However, especially the first time around as a new mom, we could all use a little help to assist us in making those first few weeks and months that little bit more comfortable.

Here are some (hopefully!) helpful tips that I found useful with my three when they were newborns:

·         Learn Swaddling & Shushing Techniques -- The very best way to keep your baby calm is through secure swaddling. There are videos on YouTube.com about how to swaddle your baby. You want it to be snug, but not so tight that it cuts off the baby’s blood flow. Outside of feeding, swaddling is the very best way to keep a baby happy.  Our son absolutely would not go to sleep unless he was wrapped in a comforting swaddle.

·         Wear Your Baby – There are some wonderful slings you can buy to help you wear your baby while making them feel swaddled, snug and safe while you have free arms to do other things. Studies show that wearing your baby cuts down on fussiness and despite some common myths you cannot spoil your baby by holding him.  Both of my daughters loved to be 'worn' while I was going about the house and doing the tidying, especially with music playing in the background.

·         Give Breastfeeding More than a Passing Thought – The facts are in and breast feeding is the best way to care for and feed your child. Despite myths to the contrary breast feeding is not harder than bottle feeding. It can be more challenging if you have to go back to work, but if you can at least do it the first six weeks while you’re on maternity leave it can still offer many advantages to your baby and you.  Think about this for a moment: the milk that you produce was engineered inside of your body for approximately ten months - specifically for your baby.  Of course there are circumstances where breast feeding is simply not possible.  We all need to do what works best for us.  I was told over and over again not to use a nipple shield, but for all three, I definitely needed to for the first couple of weeks.  I found that the shields 'toughened' me up enough to be able to carry on with the nursing.  We are all unique, and need to honor our bodies and meet ourselves at wherever we may be.

·         Heat Bottles in Warm Water Not the Microwave – If you choose to bottle feed either formula or breast milk; do not heat the bottle up in the microwave or in boiling water. Instead, use a special bottle warmer or warm tap water then submerge the bottle for a few minutes until the contents has the chill off. If you use frozen breast milk you may need to replace the water again, but never use the stove or the microwave. Before feeding your baby test on your arm, the goal is to take the chill off and warm the milk a little bit not to heat it. 

·         Let Other People Help – It can be really difficult to let go and let someone else, be it your spouse, an older child, or a mother-in-law help you with the baby but you need to allow them to. This is most especially important with the other parent. They also need bonding time with your child. Everyone else can do some dishes, fold laundry, or help in other ways but be sure to give other people time with the baby too.  And by all means, if help is offered to you in any way, shape, or form ... take it!  You will need as much rest as you can possibly get.  The old adage is true - sleep when baby sleeps.

·         Avoid Medications Including “infant” Formulas – Unless prescribed by a doctor do not give your child children’s medications even if they are formulated for babies. No studies have ever been done on any medication for infants and in most cases they do not need them. Babies run higher fevers than adults, and a fever can actually be a good sign that your child is fighting off infection. Always check with your doctor or midwife. Remember also that infant formulas are actually concentrated rather than weaker so it’s imperative to stick to the right dosage as directed.

Get the Pillows out of Your Child’s Crib – Nothing should be in your baby’s crib including loose blankets, pillows, toys and other things. If it’s chilly, put your child in a onesie, a sleeper with feet, or put an infant cap on the baby, or swaddle the baby so the blankets aren’t loose if the baby is under three months.

·         Professional Help – If you can afford it, get some professional help such as a house keeper, or a breast feeding coach, or other help that can make these days easier. There is no harm in doing so and it’s preferable to trying to do everything yourself if you don’t have to. Your number one priority right now is the well being of both you and your baby.

Take your time, work on bonding with your baby, and let most everything else go for at least those first few weeks and months. It is also true what they say, that this time goes by fast.  It really, really does.  You will be tired, but this is also a time of great joy.  Allow yourself those opportunities to experience it.

Dust bunnies aren’t going to endanger the baby, and leaving a dish here and there won’t be the end of the world. Focus on your baby and if you’re not sure about something, check in with your pediatrician or midwife, whoever is your best source and personal preference of current information. 

**This post contains affiliate links.  I may receive a small compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on one of my links.  

How to Make Your Own Birth Journal

Creating a birth journal is personal and meaningful.  More than a photo album, a birth journal will prepare you for and document one of the most important and personal events of your life. Here is how to make your own special journal.

1. Make it personal. Choose a 3-ring binder with paper of your choice, a scrap book, photo album, or simply a notebook - whatever reflects your personality and feels comfortable to you.

2. Before your baby's birth, write your dreams and aspirations in the birth journal.  Also include specific plans for the upcoming birth - when you are in labor, it is not easy to think straight and remember all those details that make up your ideal birth plan. Be specific, such as:

-Where you want the birth to take place.   If it is a homebirth, note rooms or areas of the house. If you are going to the hospital, note at what point during the labor you plan to go there. Some women like to go to the hospital at the first contraction; others prefer to wait until labor has progressed.

-What medical interventions you do or do not want. Make sure others know this, too, so they can speak for you when you are busy in labor.

-Whom you want present at the birth.

-How you want your newborn to be treated. Be specific once again - do you want to hold the baby immediately? Are you comfortable with the hospital giving immunizations shortly after birth? Do you want the baby to be given artificial nipples such as pacifiers or bottles?

3. Ask your midwife, doula, hospital nurse, spouse, or whomever is close by you during labor and birth to write down  how things progress. Then put this piece of writing into your birth journal.

4. If there are pictures, put those in your birth journal, too.

5. Write your own impression and description of the labor and birth experience.

6. When you write your impressions, include your thoughts and dreams about your baby's future.

If you're looking for some creative, cutting edge ideas for creating a journal then you might just love Johanna Clough's YouTube channel as much as we do:

5 Good Reasons You May Want A Birth Plan

Whether this is your first or fifth pregnancy, you should know that no two births are identical and it’s impossible to plan every tiny detail of your birth in advance.  However, you can help prepare yourself for the unpredictable moments during your labor and delivery with a birth plan. Below you’ll learn how a birth plan will help you.

• It’s Personal – Birth plans are not generic, but instead are customized to fit your unique needs and wants. You can address as little or as much as you want in your birth plan. For instance, you may only want to address the major things like epidural, surgery, etc. or you may want to also address smaller issues such as visitors, who holds the baby first (after you of course), etc. The point is that it is your birth plan and will address everything you want it to address regarding your labor, delivery and after-care.

• Helps You Prepare – Birth plans are designed to help both you and your partner prepare for the labor and delivery of the baby.  In order to outline a detailed birth plan, you will have to research various types of labor techniques, hospitals and their procedures and a number of other things.  This research will help you and your partner get an idea of to expect once you do go into labor.

• It Speaks for You – The good thing about birth plans is that they are prepared by you, when you are thinking clearly – not when you are in the middle of labor.  Once a woman is in labor, she can become vulnerable and make decisions she wouldn’t normally make as a result.  When you have a birth plan and a decision has to be made while you are in labor, it can be referred to and “speak” for you…you can even look at it to refocus your thoughts during the difficulties of labor too.

When you provide the hospital, nurses and doctors with your birth plan, you won’t have to worry about re-explaining your wants and desires in regards to your labor. The birth plan will speak for you and help prevent any misunderstandings from occurring.

• Helps Ease Fears – Creating a birth plan is a great way to help ease your fears regarding your labor and delivery.  Preparing for birth can be a scary process as there are many questions and fears that often go unadressed.  However, you will have addressed many of these questions and fears when you created your birth plan, which will help ease your mind and reduce your anxiety as your due date approaches.

• Protection – Not every birth goes perfectly as planned and if complications do arise, having a clearly defined birth plan can help protect you from unwanted interventions from family, doctors and nurses.

L       Looking for some ideas of how to get started with creating a birth plan of your own? Check out this video offering you tips for how to create a visual birth plan:

Preparing for Multiple Babies

Whether you’re having twins, triplets or another form of multiple babies you are probably feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension.  It may help ease your mind if you take the time to come up with a plan.  Below are a few suggestions to help you prepare for multiple babies.

•   Increase your food intake.  Many women don’t realize how important it is to increase their daily food intake when they are pregnant. This is especially important for those pregnant with multiples. If you are having twins you should increase your daily intake of calories to about 600. And, expect to gain at least 35-45 pounds during a pregnancy with multiples, you may even gain more and be within normal limits.

• Get the equipment you need. You’ll have to get baby equipment no matter if you’re having one, two or more babies. However, you’ll need a few more things when you’re expecting multiples than you would if you were only having one baby.

·         Car Seats – Obviously, you will need to have and individual car seat for each baby as they cannot share a car seat to be transported. To help save on the cost, you may be able to borrow used car seats from friends who are no longer using theirs or pick some up at a garage sale.

·         Strollers – If you are having more than one baby, you will need a stroller made for multiples. They have strollers for twins and even some for triplets. You’ll find the cost of these strollers well worth it when you’re trying to take everyone out at the same time.

·         Clothing – Two or more babies means that you’ll have to have more clothing. Not only will the babies have to be dressed at the same time, but you never know when one will have to be changed during the day (or how many times). Therefore, finding clothes at yard sales and thrift stores for cheaper prices is a good idea.

·         Furniture – You will also have to think about furniture. While you won’t need more than one changing table, rocking chair or dresser it is advisable to purchase a crib for each child. Experts recommend against having infants share a crib, but if you need to have them share a crib until you can get another one, that’s okay. Just make sure they are a safe distance apart when sleeping.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Having multiple babies can bring on a lot of stress for parents, especially if one stays home while the other goes to work. It can be difficult for the stay-at-home-parent to get an adequate amount of rest as the babies’ sleeping schedules may not be the same.  Therefore, don’t be afraid to ask for help in advance. If you have a friend or family member that you trust, don’t hesitate to ask them if they would be willing to come over a little during the day so you can catch a quick nap.  And of course, there is always the ever-handy self-help book to flip through when you need it!

• Baby-proof the house now.  Don’t wait to start baby-proofing your house until the babies are born because you’re going to be tired once they get home. Instead get the house prepared before they arrive!

• Talk to other parents of multiples. The best thing new parents of multiples can do is find other parents of multiples to talk to. Having a support group of people who understand your situation will prove valuable once your babies arrive.
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Read on for the next part of "Mom's Pregnancy Guide", Why You May Want A Birth Plan.

What to Prepare for Your Newborn Baby

When your newborn baby arrives, you'd certainly want to have all the things you need to use to be ready beforehand.  All the preparation and shopping can be done, of course, during your pregnancy.  If you are a new parent and are want to make sure you don't miss out on any of the basic essentials, then please check out the list below.

Swaddling and Receiving Blankets

• After your baby is born, you will want to keep him or her warm and cozy by wrapping your baby in swaddling blankets. This will keep your baby snuggled and safe just like in your womb.  As a third time mama, I can honestly say there is nothing quite as therapeutic as snuggling with your own sweetly bundled baby.

Socks and Mittens

• Mittens and socks will keep your newborn warm, and also to protect him or her from scratching their own skin. Newborns may not be able to consciously control themselves from scratching, and wearing these will help protect them.

Clothes

• Newborn babies will need clothes (of course that goes without saying!).  Some people prefer to wait until during the later stage of your pregnancy to begin shopping for clothes for baby.  I was one of those moms that wanted to know the gender of my baby beforehand, so that I could dive full throttle into my shopping and decorating.  Newborn babies grow pretty quickly, so you will probably just need a couple sets of clothes to begin with.

• While there is no 'magic' number of clothing sets to get, you may wish to be prepared for the times when your baby soils clothing or spits up during feeding time.  It is truly amazing how many times I was caught off guard without enough changes of clothing for my newborn.  Think the unthinkable!

Diapers

• Diapers are essential items Iagain, that goes without saying), that babies will probably use for quite some time. For newborns, I found it worked best for me to buy one initial pack of newborn diapers, as these were very quickly grown out of.  Then I swapped between cloth diapers, Seventh Generation diapers, and the odd emergency pack of commercial diapers. You can get a mixture of cloth diapers and the 'regular' diapers to start with, and see what works out best for you.  

Bottles and Nipples

• Babies will use smaller bottles at the beginning, but as they grow (like with everything!) they will need a bigger bottle and nipples with larger holes to make it easier to feed.  Even if you are breastfeeding, you will probably find it handy to have some bottles on hand for when you pump, or even just for those times you wish to supplement with something like goat's milk.

• Please note: If you have chosen to breastfeed, and you find it hard to produce enough milk to keep the nursing bond between mom and baby in a 'happy place', please do not stress.  Especially with a first baby, it is not uncommon to have a low milk supply due to lack of sleep, and sometimes the worry that comes along with it all.  The more you stress about it, the less milk you will make, it's really that simple.  For all three of my babies, I used a wonderfully effective supplement to help calm my nerves and produce more milk - and that is Fenugreek.  Do not underestimate the power of this herb to make breastfeeding a much simpler, empowering experience! 

• Sidenote: Breastfeeding can initially be quite painful.  This is simply the truth, and nothing to be ashamed of.  Slather that nipple cream on, and please, whatever you do, do not allow anyone to make you feel ashamed for using nipple shields.  Again, these little lovely plastic sheaths are a godsend, and can save you hours, days, and even weeks of tears and struggle.  

Pacifier

• Pacifiers can be a mama's and baby's best friend, and as a new parent, you may not always be able to understand why your baby is crying.  We would like to think we are mind readers, and that we are never too tired to get to the very guts bottom of every single issue (super mom?... um, perhaps only on Sundays).  One way to soothe your baby is by giving him the pacifier, and most babies will quiet down.  My first two loved them, and my third would not have anything whatsoever to do with them.  Every baby is entirely different and has their own unique individual needs.  Let them guide you.

Car Seat, Stroller, and Carriers

• You will need to take your baby home safely from the hospital, and most hospitals will not let you leave without a car seat.  So you should have a car seat, stroller, and carriers ready for you to journey with baby.  Not all for leaving the hospital with, of course - and that's only presuming you are in fact giving birth at a hospital in the first place.  Strollers are perfect for when you need to take an outdoor walk and desperately need some arms-free time.  Cloth baby carriers worked best for me, all three of my little ones wanted to be held a lot, so I even wore them around the house at times while I was cleaning or prepping food.

Changing Station

• A changing table or changing station is essential.  At least, it was for me, even though I initially thought otherwise.  Most of these changing tables come with additional drawers and compartments where you can also store your baby's clothes and diapers, and other essentials such as diaper creams and baby wipes.  So handy!

Wipes

• Wet wipes are useful and great to have around to clean your baby with, in all kinds of messy circumstances!  I have learned that I must have some on hand at all times.  We have a pack in the car, on the kitchen table, sometimes in the bathroom, and always in the baby/toddler room.  Seriously, you just never know.

Thermometer

• A thermometer is so incredibly useful.  There will be those nights when baby is screaming the house down, and you are unable to tell for sure whether or not they have a fever.  Or, perhaps you are uncertain as to whether or not they have an infection.  Once you do know baby's temperature for sure, your mind can be put more at ease because you will have a clearer idea of what your next steps should be.

Warmers and Sterilizers

• If you want the convenience of having warm milk at any time of the day to feed your baby without the hassle of using the stove or oven to reheat the milk, then you may want to consider getting yourself a baby bottle warmers and sterilizers. These will be useful for you to keep the milk warm the entire day and also to allow you to clean the feeding items like the bottles and nipples easily.  Personally, I couldn't stand the thought of using a microwave, ever, so these came in very handy.

Nursing Pillow

• To make it comfortable for your baby during feeding time, you can get a nursing pillow to use when you feed.  Nursing pillows are designed in a way that it keeps your baby in a comfortable and correct position while feeding, while at the same time allowing you to relax into it and save your back, neck and shoulders.

Bibs

• As your newborn baby learns to feed, you can expect that they will spit out milk at times.  It can get exhausting having to change outfits so many times in a day, so having your baby wear bibs instead will remedy the soiled-spit-up-clothing issue rather quickly.

Diaper Bag

• You will need to take a lot of things with you for baby when you go out. If you know you will be taking your baby out a lot, then get yourself a diaper bag that is large enough for you to store all the essentials that your baby will need to use when you are outside or away.  Diaper bags make life so much easier as they have everything compartmentalized for you.  Some diaper bags that you can find are incredibly stylish, as well!

I'm sure there are some other things that I have not thought of to mention here just now, but by all means, if you have some suggestions to share, please do so in the comments below.

How Necessary Are Prenatal Vitamins?

Believe it or not, the answer to this question varies from person to person.  Many people believe that prenatal vitamins are necessary for a healthy pregnancy and baby while others dismiss them completely. 

Still, there are others who think that only certain types of women should be taking prenatal vitamins (vegetarians, smokers, etc.). Below are a few things to consider as you make your decision regarding the necessity of prenatal vitamins.

What is the Controversy About?

Some experts have mixed feelings about prenatal vitamins because there have been studies done that have shown women who took prenatal vitamins had babies who weren’t any healthier than women who didn’t take prenatal vitamins. 

However, other experts believe that prenatal vitamins reduce the risks of various birth defects such as neural tube defects and other serious conditions.

Then, there are the doctors who believe prenatal vitamins are a good thing to supplement your diet with, but they don’t press the issue upon their patients. And, there are other experts who take the stance that it’s the supplement industry who is pushing the “need” for prenatal vitamins and there really isn’t a need for them. Obviously, there are a lot of opinions regarding prenatal vitamins to choose from.

Folic Acid – One thing that every expert agrees on is that there is a need for folic acid during pregnancy. There can be serious consequences for babies born with folic acid deficiencies and since folic acid isn’t prominent in the average diet, taking a folic acid supplement is something you need to do if you aren’t taking a prenatal vitamin.

Getting Sick – There are some pregnant women who get sick when taking prenatal vitamins and others who don’t suffer any effect from them. There are others who get nauseated when taking them. The pills are very large, much larger than other pills. Therefore, many women stop taking them altogether due to how they make them feel.

Absorption – Another common dispute regarding prenatal vitamins is whether or not they are absorbed by the body. Many people believe they are while others do not feel the body absorbs them well enough to get any real benefit from them.

Alternatives to Prenatal Vitamins – There are some alternatives for prenatal vitamins suggested by some experts and doctors. One includes eating fortified cereals for breakfast in place of the pill. Just make sure you’re eating cereals that have 100% of the USDA of all major vitamins and minerals in them. This suggestion is often presented to women who can’t stomach prenatal vitamins.

Also, you don’t necessarily need a prescription for prenatal vitamins as they can be purchased over the counter. Some even come in food-based forms/capsules, making them more likely to be absorbed.

If you purchase a prenatal vitamin at a drugstore and not through a prescription, make sure you read the directions thoroughly as some require 3-6 pills to be taken each day!  Many women who take prenatal vitamins like these find it easy to spread the pills out over the course of the day. However, there are prenatal vitamins available that only need to be taken once a day.

Read on for the next post in the Mom's Pregnancy Guide, Overcoming Pregnancy Tiredness.