Being pregnant in the winter means that you will have some things to pay special attention to that you may not ordinarily have to during other months of the years. Some helpful tips for winter pregnancies include:


1. Maintain Hydration: During the cold weather, your body consumes water to humidify the air you breathe and to warm it up. Keeping hydrated will also help fight dry skin & maintain proper blood and amniotic fluid production.

2. Maintain Moisture to Nasal Passages: Nose bleeds seem to be more common during pregnancy due to hormones. But, the dry air of the winter months and from running the heater, can add an extra challenge to sensitive nasal passages. Restoring moisture to rooms by running a humidifier is helpful. Also, applying a pea-size amount of petroleum jelly to the inside of your nostrils and using a saline spray can help to reduce the dryness and prevent nose bleeds. Always call your doctor if nose bleeds are frequent or are difficult to stop.

3. Dress in Layers: Since your body runs about 2 degrees higher than normal during pregnancy, you may find that dressing in layers is most comfortable. For a layered outfit, try wearing a simple tank top under a light-weighted maternity sweater.

4. Wear Comfortable Boots with Good Traction: Invest in a pair of comfortable boots with good traction if you live in an area where snow and ice are prevalent. Pregnancy hormones, making you joints looser than normal, coupled with the fact that your center of gravity is off, can make you more susceptible to falls. If you exercise outdoors, consider buying a pregnancy-specific exercise DVD to use indoors.

5. Moisturize your Skin: Cold and windy weather makes your skin dry and itchy, so moisturizing with a safe, natural, and gentle unscented lotion is helpful. Also, keep your lips moist and prevent them from becoming dry and cracked with lip balm.

It seems like many are discovering that they have low vitamin D levels and it is becoming more common for doctors to test for vitamin D levels during routine blood work. If you are having a yearly physical exam or blood work done, you may want to ask your doctor about having your vitamin D level checked. Vitamin D helps your body with many functions, including the absorption of calcium,  to help form and maintain strong bones. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and many autoimmune diseases. According to an associate at the Pitt Public Health Department of Epidemiology, "Vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy is associated with lower birth weights." I would suggest calling your doctor to ask about your need for vitamin D supplements.

For additional reading, you may want to view the following articles:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind

http://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/news.php?id=375

The experience of breastfeeding can be challenging for the new mom, is surely was for me with my first born! However, it was a totally different experience with my second and third babies. The main contributing factors to the frustration with my first born, were mainly due to inexperience and stress. Therefore, I believe that it is crucial for a new mom to learn about breasting feeding several months before her baby is due. It is a natural experience, but it definitely does not come naturally and practice, patience, and support is vital. There may be breastfeeding classes to take at your local hospital, you can consult with a lactation specialist, and even watch you tube videos to help you learn about this new experience. My advice is to learn and prepare, as much as possible, to ensure your best success, which will then reduce your stress, which is a major factor to a positive nursing experience. Quality nursing clothing, such as nursing tops, nursing bras, nursing dresses, and nursing pajamas will contribute to a good experience, too!

The following link provides 24 helpful breastfeeding tips: Click Here!

http://www.pregnancyandbaby.com/pregnancy/articles/945397/pregnancy-colds-and-flu-tips-to-feel-better
Good article to read about cold and flu tips during pregnancy!

Great article on 10-fast-foods-a-pregnant-woman-could-love-and-five-to-avoid:

Pregnancy Nutrition http://www.babycenter.com/0_10-fast-foods-a-pregnant-woman-could-love-and-five-to-avoid_1313899.bc?print=true

Expecting parents spend a lot of time and energy when choosing baby names. Consequently, there is usually an interesting story behind the choice for each name.  I have found that asking others about  their "name story" can actually be a very intriguing conversation piece. Try asking someone about their "name story" and what their experience has been with the name their parent's chose for them. You may find that their response gives good insight to consider when deciding on a name for your baby. This evening, I asked a few people, aged 24 to 70, about their "name story" and have summarized some things for you to consider, based off of their responses.

 Things to consider when choosing your baby's name:

1. Would the name lend to being a source of embarrassment or teasing by peers, especially during the elementary and junior high days? The negative memories, from being constantly teased about a name, are not easily forgotten.

2. Would the name be difficult for others to pronounce? It can be frustrating & embarrassing when others, especially teachers, have difficulty pronouncing one's name correctly.

3. Would the name be especially difficult to spell?  It can become frustrating to be constantly asked how to spell one's name or for it to be repeatedly misspelled by others.

4. Is the name really cute or unique for a newborn baby, but not for a grown adult?

5. A name can be meaningful, such as one inspired by a distant relative, but some found it to be too unusual and would have rather had a more common name from the current time and culture.

After you decide upon your baby's name, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment! Share your excitement and announce or display your baby's name at your Baby Shower. There are many creative ways to reveal or share your baby's name with family and friends.
To view some great ideas, go to the Baby Shower and Baby Names section at the following website http://pinterest.com/ModMomma3/

Morning sickness occurs in up to 75% of pregnant women during their first three months of pregnancy. The main symptom is nausea, which may be accompanied by vomiting. It is thought that nausea occurs from rising levels of hormones and the increased sensitivity to smells. Usually, the symptoms are more pronounced in the morning and taper off as the day progresses. However, the symptoms seem to vary with each individual. Personally, I experienced slight nausea during the day and vomited in the early evening. I have thought that this may have occurred since I was reluctant to share the news of my pregnancy with my new employer and mentally held out until I arrived home. For my sister, she was extremely sensitive to smells and her nausea would be triggered immediately upon opening her refrigerator. She experienced a greater degree of morning sickness and had to carry a large container with her while driving home from work in case she needed to vomit.

Although each case varies in severity, I have found the following suggestions to ease the nausea of  morning sickness:

1. Get plenty of rest. I took a 20 minute nap during my lunch break or when I got home from work.

2. Arise slowly from bed in the morning. I kept a few crackers next to my bed, taking a few bites before I got up for the day.

3. Avoid caffeine, fatty and spicy foods. These can cause stomach irritation.

4. Eat less, but more frequently, every 2 hours or less. Eat quality carbohydrates, such as low acid fruits and veggies. I found that pairing a quality carbohydrate snack with protein was best. My favorites were banana or apple with peanut butter, and crackers with peanut butter or cheese.

5. Stay active. If possible, take a brief walk out in the fresh air 1-2 times per day.

6. Keep hydrated. I found that carrying a water bottle with me throughout the day worked best.

7. Avoid known triggers. For my sister, this was avoiding the refrigerator. Her husband did most of the cooking during her first trimester!

8. Consider wearing motion sickness wrist bands. These are available at your local pharmacy.

9. Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Studies have shown this to reduce the nausea of morning sickness.

10. Iron supplements have been linked with nausea. Talk with your medical doctor about this concern, if you are taking these.

11. Keep a sprig of fresh rosemary with you, some have found that smelling it may reduce nausea.

12. Ginger has anti-nausea properties. Consider putting a small slice of it in your water or boiling to make tea. I carried a few natural ginger candies in my purse.

Are you experiencing swollen ankles, feet, and hands during your pregnancy? These symptoms seem to be more common for expecting moms who are due in the summer months, in their final months of pregnancy, or past due. According to the American Pregnancy Association, a woman's body produces 50% more blood and body fluids during pregnancy, to meet the needs of the developing baby, which can contribute to swelling. Although slight swelling is common, a sudden swelling of the face and hands can indicate a more serious condition and your doctor should be notified.

Some helpful hints to help reduce mild swelling during pregnancy are:

♥Limit outdoor time when weather is hot
♥Limit long periods of standing
♥Elevate feet while resting
♥Avoid heels & wear comfortable shoes
♥Wear supportive tights or stockings. For maximum effect, keep the supportive stockings under your pillow & then put them on while lying horizontal, before you stand up to get out of bed in the morning. This may require some assistance, especially during the final month of pregnancy!
♥Avoid tight fitting clothes
♥Swim or relax in a refreshing pool
♥Apply cold compresses to swollen area
♥Limit salt intake
♥Drink doctor recommended amount of water & avoid caffeine

Suga' Lips Lip Balm: To keep lips moist during windy, dry weather & at baby's delivery!

Maternity Pajamas: To cuddle up for a comfy night of rest!

Jewelry: To show excitement for new baby & accessorize outfits!

Cleopatra's Luxurious Milk Bath: To use in a warm bath, to relax and wind down from the day!

Diaper Bag Purse: To use as a stylish purse now & later as a diaper bag for baby!

There is so much to do during the final weeks before your baby's due date! Very soon you will be holding your lil' one in your arms! Remember to pack a cute & comfy "Going Home Outfit" in your hospital bag! Plan to take pictures and even a video recording of getting your new baby dressed in his or her "Going Home Outfit." As you leave the hospital, you may want to record your thoughts and feelings on video. These very special moments will be something special to share with your child as he or she grows older. It is a time that you will want to share and remember forever!

ModMomMaternity: Relax and Wind Down Your Day in Comfort: There is no greater way to relax and wind down from your day than to slip into comfy maternity pajamas ! Whether you prefer long or shor...

There is no greater way to relax and wind down from your day than to slip into comfy maternity pajamas! Whether you prefer long or short sleeve pajamas, a night gown or lounge pant set, it is all about comfort! If you are a nursing mom, or plan to be, check that the pajamas have nursing access.