Friday, June 28, 2013
Baby Shower Games
Baby Shower Games
Baby showers are known for fun games! Choose from a great selection of ideas that are affordable by downloading free printable baby shower games online at http://freebies.about.com/od/baby-shower-freebies/tp/free-printable-baby-shower-games.htm
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression, or the baby blues, is a term that is often credited to hormonal shifts that occur during the first few months after delivering a baby. While a woman's body is definitely going through hormonal adjustments after pregnancy, some experience overwhelming feelings, that are beyond normal, which require medical intervention for the safety of the mother and her baby. Therefore, it is wise for the mother-to-be, along with those who will be supporting her during this time of transition, to learn about the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression prior to delivery, so that immediate help can be sought, if necessary.
The article link below provides helpful information to learn about postpartum depression:
http://www.babycenter.com/404_how-can-i-tell-if-i-have-postpartum-depression_3452.bc
Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN
Friday, June 21, 2013
Caring for your Newborn during the First Week Home
Caring for your newborn during the first few weeks at home can be overwhelming, especially for new moms. Before your baby's delivery, make arrangements for a family member or neighbor to help you for a couple of weeks with light housekeeping & laundry, caring for your other children, preparing meals, and running errands.
Some tips to help you during your first week home with your baby include:
1. Rest while your baby is sleeping! It is tempting to use this time to get things done, but resist this temptation, knowing that your body needs rest for your physical and emotional health.
2. Set out a casserole in the morning, that you have stored in the freezer, to thaw & cook for dinner. Enjoy left overs for lunch the next day!
2. Get outside for fresh air and sunshine, with your baby snuggled in a baby sling, whether it be a short stroll around the block, or time in your backyard or patio.
3. Drink plenty of water each day to stay hydrated. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women who breast-feed consume about 13 cups of fluids a day.
4. Watch your baby for signs of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or other concerns, and call the pediatrician for advice.
5. Take time to bond with your baby, making sure to include daddy, too!
Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN
References:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/newborn_care/guide_parents.html#
http://www.babycenter.com/0_first-24-hours-at-home-with-your-baby_10345806.bc
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283/NSECTIONGROUP=2
http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/newborn_care/jaundice.htm
Monday, June 17, 2013
2-in-1 Designer Diaper Bags
2-in-1 Designer Diaper Bags
Finding a diaper bag to suit your personal style and practical needs can be achieved by the 2-in-1 diaper bags by Amy Michelle. These bags are stylish enough to wear as a purse, yet practical in that they have several storage compartments and space for your and your baby's necessities.
Among the variety of styles is the Lotus diaper bag which has a neutral black exterior with rich red interior, making it a classic for all seasons of the year.
This bag features:
Changing pad (24" x 14")
Single shoulder strap with 11.5 inch drop length
7 pockets for maximum organization
2 Internal & 2 external baby/water bottle pockets
Slip pocket on the back
Stroller attachments included
Top zippered closure
Credit card slots
Easy to find key ring & pacifier holder
Bright antimicrobial lining for keeping your bag clean!
4 metal feet on bottom
Size: 15.5"L x 6"W x 12"H
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Maternity Dresses for Baby Showers
Maternity Dresses for Baby Showers
In your final months of pregnancy, you begin making plans for your baby delivery and looking for maternity dresses for baby showers! With the many expenses in preparing for a baby, finding great prices on maternity dresses for baby showers is a priority! A beautiful, summer baby shower dress is available at ModMomMaternity.com, called the Cosmo Audrey, at 50% off!
This maternity dress presents with a chocolate, burgundy, pink and cream python print across the bust and a very full A-line skirt made from pink chiffon and lined with pink satin; both are brought together by a slimming chocolate satin ribbon under the bust, which self-ties in the back for adjustable fit. This maternity dress is perfect for your "It's a Girl, Baby Shower!"
Monday, June 10, 2013
Pregnancy Tips for Summer!
Pregnancy Tips for Summer!
Enjoy being pregnant during the summer months by considering these pregnancy tips:
1. Relax at the pool, lake, or beach in a lounge chair, as keeping your feet up helps to reduce
swelling in your legs. While relaxing, scroll through Pinterest on your smart phone to get
ideas for nursery decorating, maternity fashion, & baby showers!
2. Drink plenty of fluids! Add a slice of fresh fruit with plenty of ice to your water for a
delicious twist.
3. Buy a maternity swimsuit, in a fun print, to express your joy of being pregnant!
4. Enjoy the sun, as it helps your body produce vitamin D, which promotes a healthy pregnancy.
But, protect your skin from sunburn by wearing a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen. Stay in a
shaded area to avoid becoming overheated & if possible avoid direct exposure to sunlight
from 10am to 4pm.
5. Exercise by swimming to keep cool, relieve your body from the added pressure of pregnancy
weight gain, and maintain a healthy pregnancy weight gain. Choose a stroke that is
comfortable for your pregnant body. Most doctors recommend swimming since it is a low
injury exercise, but check with your doctor first.
6. Avoid common poolside foods that are salty, like french fries or nachos, as too much salt can
contribute to swelling of hands and feet.
7. Spritz water on your body with a water spray bottle, some include a small fan as an added
feature!
Written by : Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Pregnancy Fashion
During pregnancy, you may hesitate to buy maternity clothes, not wanting to spend the extra money on clothes that you will only be able to wear for a limited time. Are you looking for modern maternity clothes that are a good value?
The Charlene Maternity Dress (shown above) is a tube top dress that is designed for multiple functions. First, it can be worn as a dress or skirt for a casual summer outfit or dressed up with jewelry and nice shoes for a special event. After pregnancy, breastfeeding is made easy through an opening at the empire waist.
This maternity dress is a great value as it can be worn for a variety of occasions & during pregnancy and beyond!
Available at ModMomMaternity.com for under $89. Manufactured by Annee Matthews.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Nursing Pajamas
Nursing Pajamas made for Bonding & Nursing Ease!
Following delivery, newborns usually have a period of alertness which elicits a special time of bonding with their mother. During this time, nursing pajamas, with snap openings at each shoulder, allow moms to lay their infant on their chest for skin to skin contact and nursing, while keeping covered and warm.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Best Baby Shower Gifts
Most moms-to-be have a baby shower registry for ideas on what they need for their new baby. However, if you are looking for a unique baby shower gift, the "Mommy's New Baby" Necklace is a beautiful, personalized gift that the mom-to-be may not purchase for herself. It is available online at ModMomMaternity.com for $33.00 and comes wrapped inside a nice gift box, with your personalized gift message, and a silver gift tag & bow to adorn the top!
For more ideas on the best baby shower gifts, click on the link below:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_top-ten-baby-shower-gifts_5387.bc
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Diaper Rash
Diaper Rash
Knowing how to prevent and treat diaper rashes is important for all parents, since their baby will probably get some form of a diaper rash during their first year of life. Diaper rashes can range in appearance from a few red scattered spots to larger patches of redness & swelling on your baby's bottom.
Since the combination of moisture and bacteria, from urine and stool, create the perfect environment for a rash to develop and thrive, the best way to prevent a diaper rash is to keep your baby's bottom dry and clean.
Basic Diaper Rash Remedies:
*Change wet or soiled diapers, as soon as possible, even if it means waking up in the middle of
the night for a change, especially if you are trying to prevent a small rash from getting worse.
*Expose your baby's bottom to the air for short periods of time by letting them go without a
diaper. Although this can be challenging, the best time is after a bowel movement, when your
baby's bottom has been rinsed with lukewarm water and patted dry. Most find that laying a
thick bath towel over a waterproof covered crib mattress is the best location. To completely
clean the area, a squirt bottle can be helpful or even a quick bath. Be very careful to not rub
the area! For parents of baby boys, be prepared with a small wash cloth to quickly cover
unexpected surprises from streaming at you!
diaper. Although this can be challenging, the best time is after a bowel movement, when your
baby's bottom has been rinsed with lukewarm water and patted dry. Most find that laying a
thick bath towel over a waterproof covered crib mattress is the best location. To completely
clean the area, a squirt bottle can be helpful or even a quick bath. Be very careful to not rub
the area! For parents of baby boys, be prepared with a small wash cloth to quickly cover
unexpected surprises from streaming at you!
*Use baby bottom balm, to protect your baby's bottom.
*Avoid using diaper wipes with fragrances or alcohol.
beginning stages of a rash. To make sure the area is completely clean and dry, use a squirt
bottle or give your baby a quick bath. Be careful to gently pat the area dry and not rub the
area!
Also, it is important to be aware of certain things that can make your baby prone to diaper rashes, such as new foods, an allergic reaction to laundry detergents used to wash cloth diapers, diarrhea, or antibiotics (taken by baby or nursing mom).
If your baby's diaper rash does not improve in 2-3 days or gets worse, call the doctor immediately.
Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diaper-rash/DS00069/DSECTION=prevention
http://www.babycenter.com/0_diaper-rash_81.bc
Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN
If your baby's diaper rash does not improve in 2-3 days or gets worse, call the doctor immediately.
Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diaper-rash/DS00069/DSECTION=prevention
http://www.babycenter.com/0_diaper-rash_81.bc
Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN
Monday, June 3, 2013
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has many benefits for both you and your baby. By learning about the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding and building good support resources before you deliver your baby, the better your chances will be to continue breastfeeding when you become discouraged or frustrated as a new nursing mom, which I learned the hard way from personal experience.
1. Benefits of breastfeeding:
When you nurse your baby after birth, a hormone is released to help reduce uterine bleeding and help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. As you continue to nurse, extra calories are burned, helping you lose the extra pounds gained in pregnancy. Overall, you will save time and money in not having to clean bottles and buy formula. The later benefits have been found to include lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis (bone loss).
For your baby, breast milk provides the best nutrition with just the right amount of vitamins, protein, and fat, for your infant's health and growth. It has antibodies to help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, and reduce risk of asthma or allergy development.
For additional benefits, click on the link below.
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/breastfeeding-9/nursing-basics
2. Basic breastfeeding positions: There are varied ways to position your baby during breastfeeding. Try the various positions to find out which position is most comfortable for you and your baby, since this will allow you both to relax and promote the best flow of milk.
Click on the link below for visuals of the above techniques-
http://www.babycenter.com/100_guide-to-firsts-breastfeeding-your-baby_10348176.bc
3. Breastfeeding Support Groups: Look online for a support group or ask your pregnancy doctor for a local support group in your area. Establish these contacts prior to your baby's birth. Here are a few online recommendations which may help you get started.
http://www.lalecheleague.org/webus.html
http://www.phfewic.org/BFsupport.aspx
http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a25215/breastfeeding_support_and_help
Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN
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