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/