Birh Baby and Beyond Magazine

Checkout Beautiful Baby Jadyn on the cover of this weeks online magazine!! Read about Jadyn, Is it safe to let my baby sleep in my bed, the truth about labor pain, and much more!! All you have to do is flip through the pages and click or tap on the article you want to read!! Download http://www.flipboard.com for a complete view of this issue and to subscribe to my magazine!! Thank you for sharing @mrs_odu Click on the link below to read more!!
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Also checkout Jadyn as my cover photo this week on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/birthbabyandbeyondpregnancy

Baby Registry 101: What To Skip!!

Get the scoop on overrated baby gear you might just want to leave off your registry list.

The truth? Most new moms will tell you that a lot of those must-have items ended up collecting dust in the attic. So, before you get too trigger happy with that registry gun, let us give you the lowdown on some things you might want to think twice about adding to your baby registry.

The changing table
Okay, we know what you're thinking: no changing table? But really, with all the frantic, last-minute poop cleanups you're about to encounter, we're willing to bet that 90 percent of them will happen somewhere other than on that pricey changing table you registered for. Instead, invest in a midsized dresser, get a comfy (and easy-to-clean) changing mat, throw it on top of the dresser and voilà! This will save you cash in the long run since you’ll be able to reuse the same dresser as baby gets older.

The wipes warmer
Let’s be honest: Whether you’re using warm or cold wipes, baby's bottom will come out just as squeaky clean in the end. If you think a fresh wipe will be too chilly on baby's tush, simply hold the wipe between your hands for a minute or two to warm it up with your natural body heat. This will create the same effect but won’t dry out the wipes, and—most importantly—it’s free.

Baby blankets
If you take nothing else away from this, just remember: There’s no need to register for baby blankets. People shopping for your shower and for the little one when she’s born will be unable to resist all the adorable baby blankets they see. Before you know it, you’ll be drowning in blankets, wraps and quilts. They’re soft and wonderful, and you’ll probably co-opt a few of them for your own use, but you’ll get plenty of them without having to add them to your registry.

Baby shoes
Sure, baby shoes are totally cute and irresistible when you see them on the rack, but once you get over the aww factor, are they really worth it? For pretty much the whole first year, baby's not exactly walking anywhere. This means all of those adorable Nikes you registered for will probably wind up getting kicked off and eventually tossed in the back of a closet somewhere. (Sad, but true.) Our advice: Stick with inexpensive booties or socks to cover baby’s toes in the beginning and wait until he’s really ready to walk before you splurge on some serious kicks.

The bassinet
We know—you had one when you were little, your mother had one, your mother’s mother had one…but unless you’re getting a handed-down heirloom for your babe, you can skip on getting a bassinet. It’s pretty to look at, but you’ll probably only get a few weeks’ worth of use out of it before it starts to collect dust in the corner of the room. Try a travel crib or even a play yard (many of these come with a bassinet option)—both of which you’ll get more use out of later on—and spend your time looking into a good solid crib for the nursery.

Tricks To Make Labor Easier

We're not going to lie. Labor lives up to its name. But this advice can help you through the rough stuff.

Know the plan
Once labor starts, you don’t want to waste energy by stressing out. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what to do, says Elizabeth Stein, a certified nurse-midwife in New York City. Talk to your provider about whether you should call her or the hospital first and how long you should stay home. Also, discuss the likely scenarios with your partner: What if he’s at work and you’re home? Will he come home to take you to the hospital, or will you meet there? (And how will you get there solo?)

Stay fit
There’s no exercise proven to make labor easier, but The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says staying fit can help you better handle any pain. It may also increase your stamina.

If you took Lamaze or another childbirth class, you probably learned that deep breathing can help with pain management. Throughout your pregnancy, consider working in another practice that focuses on breathing, like yoga. “[Yoga] breathing techniques and the philosophy of staying present really helped me,” says Bumpie klio79. “I think my yoga background helped me to have the endurance and mental focus to get through the experience.”

Have a support team
Make sure the people you plan to have around are ones you can count on to make you feel better. “My mom and husband were the best!” says LadyDelilah. “They really anticipated my needs and were so helpful during the labor period. They made the experience that much more beautiful.”

If you’re a social butterfly, you might want a whole team of your nearest and dearest with you (if your hospital allows it). But if you feel more comfortable when you’re one-on-one with your guy, make him your only guest in the delivery room.

Some moms also decide they want a specialist there to help them through labor. “My doula, Breana, helped me manage the pain, since I went med-free,” says InLovewSB. “She brought in a soothing CD. And she acted as a go-between for us and the nurses. By the end of the day, I loved her like my oldest friend.”

Save your energy
You’ll probably spend much of the first part of labor in your home. While you’re there, relax as much as you can, suggests Stein. “Don’t get to the hospital exhausted,” she says. Try taking a soothing shower, or ask your partner for a tender massage.
It’s also a good idea to have some snacks (something light and appetizing) and plenty of water, since once you’re at the hospital, you may not be able to eat and you’ll need your energy.

Get out of bed
Some women find that moving around during labor helps baby get into position for birth. It can also help you feel less antsy waiting for his arrival after you get to the hospital. If you’re up to it, walk the halls. Or sit and bounce on an inflatable birthing ball. “I loved the birthing ball!” says CourtneyR2N.

Depending on the amenities in your delivery room, you might be able to shower or sit in a tub, which could up your comfort level. “I labored in a birthing tub at the hospital, and it made a big difference—the contractions seemed to melt away in the water,” says SkiesOfBlue.

Go with the flow
“Be open-minded and flexible,” says Stein. Labor and delivery can be unpredictable, so let go of any preconceived notions. For example, some moms-to-be are adamant about having an anesthesia-free birth but are caught off-guard if they start wanting an epidural. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself; have an idea of what you want, but don’t feel like you’ll fail if it doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Use gravity
It’s likely you’ll be in an upright position when baby is born—not flat on your back. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be in the hospital bed. “Birthing beds are very flexible and can be converted to many different positions,” says Stein, so usually it’s more like sitting than lying down. But be open to other postures that, depending on how baby is positioned, could make delivery less painful or your pushing more efficient. “I prefer it when the mom is semi-squatting in an upright position. It opens the pelvis the most,” says Stein.

Listen to your provider
When it’s time to push, trust your OB or midwife to tell you when—and how hard. “I’ll say, ‘Okay, just push a little bit,’” says Stein. Do what your provider advises, and you could avoid wearing yourself out with ineffective pushing and even prevent unnecessary tearing.

#TDT Tasty Dinner Tuesday!!

It's Dinner Time!! Enjoy Expecting Mom's!

Dinner

1 serving Penne With Chicken and Broccoli*

1 slice Italian bread

1 teaspoon butter or margarine

8 ounces reduced-fat milk

#TLT Tasty Lunch Tuesday!!

It's lunch time Expecting Mom's lets see what your eating today!!

Lunch

Tuna salad: 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 medium tomato, chopped; 1/2 cup cooked green beans; 1/4 cup each chopped red bell pepper, sliced cucumber and grated carrots; 3 ounces water-packed tuna fish, drained and topped with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar.

1 ounce whole-grain crackers (such as 1 sheet Wasa Crisp Bread or Ry Krisp crackers)

#TBT Tasty Breakfast Tuesday!!

Time for breakfast Expecting Mom's enjoy!!

Breakfast

Egg-and-cheese muffin: 1 toasted whole-wheat English muffin; 1 ounce Havarti or cheddar cheese; 1 egg, fried in 1 teaspoon butter or margarine; 1 1-ounce slice Canadian bacon.

And a cup of fruit!!

10 Ways To Get Better Sleep: Third Trimester

You’re so frickin’ tired, and all you want is a restful night of sleep. So what the heck is stopping you? We asked a couple of sleep experts: Sam Sugar, MD, director of MedCheck and Sleep Health Programs at the Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa in Miami, and Matthew Mingrone, MD, lead physician at Eos Sleep in San Francisco, to share their sleep secrets for pregnant women.

1. Skip the late-night snacks. We know baby’s hungry, but seriously, don’t consume anything — we’re talking about food and drink — less than two hours before bedtime. “There’s the likelihood that it will cause reflux or heartburn,” says Dr. Sugar. And that would keep you wide awake and uncomfortable.

2. Move to the side. You probably know you should sleep on your side if possible, since it’ll reduce the amount of pressure on your uterus and help you breathe better. Plus, the position will help relieve backaches. And there actually is a good side. According to the American Pregnancy Association, sleeping on your left side can help increase the amount of blood and nutrients that flow to baby.

3. Prop your body. Get a firm pillow, and use it to prop your head and upper body up a few inches. This position allows gravity to put less pressure on your diaphragm and help you breathe easier. “Strategically placed pillows help support the stomach and can help you get to sleep — try a full-body pillow for this kind of support,” says Dr. Mingrone.

4. Quit tossing and turning. Seems counterintuitive, but if you can’t sleep, don’t just lie in bed miserable. “Get up and do something that might make you bored for a few minutes,” says Dr. Sugar. Try walking around your house or folding laundry. It might feel weird, but we all know that mundane chores are sometimes a bore — so use it to your advantage. After you’ve calmed down a bit, go back to bed and see if you can fall asleep.

5. Make your bed comfy. A comfortable bed is key. Since your spine feels more pressure than normal, get different size pillows and rearrange them to elevate your body or relieve back pain. You might need more to get comfy. Also, if you’re not getting enough support from your mattress because you’re finding that you have a lot of back pain or sore muscles, you might need to add a mattress pad.

6. Keep naps short and sweet. If you have time to nap (lucky you!), go for it, but don’t nap for more than 30 minutes, says Dr. Sugar. If you sleep for longer than that, your body will enter the stage of deep sleep and this will make it harder for you to wake up and will leave you feeling groggy. Don’t worry — even though you’re only allowed a half hour for a nap, you can take a few each day. It’s the perfect treatment for daytime fatigue.

7. Turn down the temp. Your body heat increases during pregnancy. You might be feeling hot all the time, and if your room is too stuffy, you might have trouble sleeping. So experiment with the thermostat to find a temperature that’s most comfy for you — maybe a few degrees lower than you normally set it to. “For most people, setting the thermostat to the low 60s [degrees Fahrenheit] is an ideal sleeping temperature,” says Dr. Mingrone.

8. Unplug well before bedtime. A few minutes before you go to sleep, stay away from any external stimulation — that means books, newspapers, television or any potential source of noise or light. Also, you should stay away from doing any strenuous activities like late-night workouts or deep-cleaning the house — they’ll keep you wired.

9. Keep the bed for sleep and sex only.Don’t do work on your bed, like responding to emails with your laptop or paying your bills. Your body needs to know that your bed is for resting, so you need to train it to think that way.

10. Turn off the lights. Keep your room quiet and dark. If you have an alarm clock with a bright light or any other electronics that have light sources (like smartphone and iPad screens!), make sure the brightness isn’t facing you. Put a piece of cloth over them or turn them around. “Artificial light can disturb natural sleep and inhibit the production of the hormone melatonin, which can mess with your sleep cycle,” says Dr. Mingrone. Keep your blinds or curtains closed, if there’s too much bright light in the morning, invest in some blackout curtains.

Have a good night’s sleep, mama!

Men Tell All: 8 Changes To Marriage Every New Dad Should Expect

Some of our favorite new dads got really honest about what's changed in their marriages since their babies were born. In short? A whole lot.

While we were expecting tons of dads to say, "Sex? What's that?" and plenty did (that's a direct quote from one of them), we were totally surprised by some of the candid confessions we got! From the good — pure joy — to the bad — lack of sleep — these dads aren't holding back when it comes to talking about what's changed in their lives since baby came along.

1. It's a more grown-up relationship.

"The reality of family finally hit us. Our second baby made us mature and really begin thinking of the other person and how to help them." — johnnyjay44

"We are both more confident — as people, friends, lovers, parents." — dad2b

2. Their wives are more absent — and they miss them.

"My wife? Have you seen her? Haha!" —lovemylittleguys

3. Quality time together is nonexistent.

"We only talk about our daughter and our sleeping arrangements...our time together has lessened." — yanksfan2

4. Some roles have been reversed.

"Now I'm the one who's always doing dishes, vacuuming or cooking." —prepping4baby

5. Sex isn't as frequent — but it can still be as good as, and maybe even better than, before.

"We're having less sex!" — jamesdad

"We share a lot more responsibility and I would definitely say more intimacy, as we appreciate our time alone a lot more." — 88giants80

6. They feel like they're finally getting this marriage thing right.

"It has made my wife and I grow stronger and forced us to develop teamwork." —prouDad45

"One thing I noticed on the positive is that we tend to argue about the little things a lotless. Who has time/energy to argue?" — chitowndad

"We've gotten better at taking turns...sleeping, eating, cleaning, holding the baby — a lot of emphasis on being equitable." — puertoricanpop

7. They believe this is the ultimate test.

"Everything changes. Sex life, conversations, time spent together. Kids change your routine, and it's when your relationship is truly tested." — luckyguydad

8. They've fallen in love with their partners all over again.

"I didn't think it was possible, but I fall more in love with my wife with every baby that we have together." — babyontheway77

Birth Baby and Beyond Magazine

Checkout Beautiful mom-to-be Kashmen  on the cover of this weeks online magazine!! Read about Kashmen, 5 things to know about baby’s coming home outfit, stuff no one told me about having a baby, and much more!! All you have to do is flip through the pages and click or tap on the article you want to read!! Download http://www.flipboard.com for a complete view of this issue and to subscribe to my magazine!! Thank you for sharing @kain._ Click on the link below to read more!!

http://flip.it/jtseM
Also checkout Kashmen as my cover on my Facebook business page

http://www.facebook.com/birthbabyandbeyondpregnancy

Checklist: Babies Medicare Cabinet

Be prepared for all of baby's scratches, sneezes, and sniffles.

Use this guide to stock your medicine chest, and you'll be prepared for all of baby's minor aches and illnesses. Always discuss medications and treatments with your pediatrician before giving to baby. (Items with a * are must-haves.)

[  ] Baby nail clippers or blunt scissors*

[  ] Cotton balls (don’t use swabs to clean baby’s nose or ears)

[  ] Baby thermometer*

[  ] Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator

[  ] Medicine dropper or spoon with measurements

[  ] Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)*

[  ] Infant acetaminophen

[  ] Antibiotic cream

[  ] Saline nasal drops

[  ] Baby gas drops

[  ] Disinfecting hand soap (for you)

Prepping for Baby #2

We hate to break it to you, but your second pregnancy might not be all “been there done that.” The fact is, you might have to deal with some pregnancy symptoms you didn’t get the first time around. And of course, you’ll have to get baby #1 used to the idea of a new sibling and make room at home for a fourth family member. Here’s how to get your body, social life, home and family ready.

Expect symptoms sooner — and stronger 

Don’t assume that if you didn’t experience certain symptoms the first time, you’ll be as lucky this time. Some moms swear those early-pregnancy symptoms — fatigue, morning sickness — are stronger the second time around. Some tricks to combat morning sickness? Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day, nibble on ginger, sip peppermint tea, suck on Preggie Pops, and try Sea-Band acupressure wristbands.

You also can expect most things to happen sooner than they did the last time around. Since you already know what it feels like to feel baby move, you’ll probably recognize the subtle sensations earlier. You might also start showing sooner. And labor? Well, it’s likely to go faster (woo hoo!).

Don’t think you have everything you need

Contrary to what some people think, it is perfectly okay to have a party for baby #2. You do actually need some new stuff (ahem, double stroller). And besides, it’s a good way to see all your loved ones before you’re too busy juggling two tots.

As far as stuff goes... Sure, you can reuse lots of things from baby #1, like old clothes, some furniture and gear. But be wary of any safety items you’re considering unearthing from the attic. Car seats are generally only good for about six years, so check the expiration. Also, if you have a drop-side crib, consider upgrading. This style is off the market now for a reason (one of the biggest problems with drop-sides is that they’re not as sound as fixed-side models and age-related wear and tear can weaken them, making them dangerous). So make sure yours is 100-percent sturdy and intact before committing to reusing it.

Get baby #1 on board 

As your pregnancy progresses, it’s important to be honest with baby #1 about how life will change with the new baby around. Make sure he knows ahead of time that you and Dad might not have as much time to spend with him once his little brother or sister arrives. And make sure he understands that he won’t be able to play with the baby for a few months after he’s born.

Some moms like to prep their kid by teaching him to be more independent in certain ways, like cleaning up his toys himself. Consider giving your child a baby doll or stuffed animal to “take care of” while you care for the new baby to make him feel included.

But while you want your big kid to be prepared, you also want things to feel as normal as possible throughout the changes — and that means making sure your kid knows you’ll always still love him and that he’ll always be very special to you. Make it a point to spend one-on-one time with him now and plan to continue to do that once the baby comes, too. Make arrangements with a sitter or family member so he can stay in his own bed when you go into labor. And, when the baby is born, ask friends and family who’ll bring gifts to bring one for baby #1, too.

Nurture your relationship 

Um, did we mention you’re about to besuper busy? If you thought you barely had enough time for romance with your partner now, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Hire a sitter and have a few date nights, so you can enjoy some much-needed couple time before baby makes four.

#TDT Tasty Dinner Tuesday!!

Enjoy your dinner Expecting Mom's!!

Dinner

1 serving Pork Tenderloins in Orange Sauce (optional)

1 cup green beans, steamed

1 cup couscous, prepared 

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

#TBT Tasty Breakfast Tuesday!!

It's breakfast time expecting mom's enjoy and have a wonderful day!!

2 whole-grain frozen waffles

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon butter or margarine

A few Berries (optional)

8 ounces reduced-fat milk

The Craziest Things Tired Moms Did

Running on only a few hours of sleep can make you do some pretty ridiculous things. Bumpies reveal their wildest tired-mom moments.

Read some of the craziest things below and tell us in the comments some of the craziest things you've done as a tired mom!!

“I made a hot fudge sundae and put it on the couch while I let my dogs outside. I sat back down on the couch and forgot the sundae was there! I was too tired to change and forgot all about it. But when I went to go get dinner that night, everyone was laughing at me. My husband said it looked like I’d pooped my pants!” — Cassidy F.

“I reached for my cell phone and put it in my son’s mouth, thinking it was a bottle.” —Celissa K.

“I kept trying to answer the phone by picking up the baby monitor — I did it quite a few times before my husband corrected me.” — Amanda S.

“I have twins, and I accidentally dressed my baby girl in boy’s clothes and my baby boy in girl’s clothes.” — Tiffany K.

“I tossed what I thought was a wet cloth diaper toward the laundry basket. It turns out that there was poop in it, and it got on the wall. Yuck!” — Jacquelyn P.

“After loading my toddler and newborn into the car to go to the grocery store, I got in the front seat, looked down and realized that my pants were on inside out.” —Megan M.

“We went down to the police station to sign some paperwork after we adopted my daughter. I walked in, sat my daughter down in her car seat, filled out my paperwork and left. As I was walking to my van, I realized I had forgotten my daughter! At least she was in a safe place!” — Sharla H.

“When I was brushing my teeth, I put hand soap on my toothbrush. Thankfully, I realized it before I put it in my mouth!” —Courtney J.

“I looked out the window and thought, ‘Huh, the neighbors across the street have the same car as us.’ Then I realized it was our car on their front lawn! I had forgotten to put on the parking brake and it rolled there!” — Michelle E.

“I fell asleep pumping — for 45 minutes! My nipples didn’t feel so great after that.” —Christine S.

“My husband and I were going out to eat for the first time with our daughter. While I was trying to get dressed, my daughter was throwing a fit. I got a lot of weird looks at the restaurant, and when I looked down, I realized I’d forgotten to put on a shirt underneath my sheer top — you could see everything not covered by my bra. My hubby said he just thought it was a new style.” — Kayla D.

“My cat jumped on my lap while I was starting to fall asleep on the couch. I said, ‘Oh, you must be hungry. Guess it’s time to feed you.’ I cradled my kitty and tried to nurse her!” — Jessica S.

“I used to wake up and think my daughter was on my bed. There were a few nights I found myself rocking a pillow while she was sound asleep in her crib.” — Angie G.

“My husband and I left all our groceries at the store once. The checker ran out to find us as we were loading our daughter into the car. All I can say is: We remembered the baby!” — Megan W.

New Dad: "What I Wish I Knew About Becoming A Parent"

Ryan, dad to 9-month-old Justin and a project manager in Los Angeles, admits to what threw him for a loop during baby’s first year.

Ryan, Los Angeles

I wish I knew…how much everything changes. 

Since becoming a dad, I’ve realized the biggest change is that you now have a baby who requires 24-hour care and instantly becomes your number-one priority. Talk about a shift! Everything in our lives has adjusted since Justin’s arrival. I’m a pretty big outdoor enthusiast—I love cycling, trail running and rock climbing—but finding time to exercise, or “my time,” is hard these days. Now that Justin can sit up in the jogging stroller, I get to take him along, which is great. Hopefully I’ll find more time to get out by myself when he gets older.

I wish I knew…your social life will never be the same again (but it’s actually not so bad). 

Where we were once meeting married friends for happy hour, we now find ourselves gravitating toward our friends with kids. But that doesn’t bother me—I suppose it’s the natural progression, and honestly, as time goes on, we have fewer and fewer friends who don’t have kids. Luckily, there’s no rift between me and my friends without kids—we support and respect one another. We still see them, but there are usually kids involved in our get-togethers now.

I wish I knew…that we’d have to prioritize our marriage. 

I honestly have a greater appreciation for my wife, Rachael, now that we have a baby. (Read her take on becoming a mom here.) She has completely embraced being a mother and is a natural. Our relationship has strengthened because of it, but we still have to work on our relationship constantly and be cognizant that we don’t just revolve our lives around our son—an easy trap to fall into.

I wish I knew…our entire home would need an overhaul, not just the nursery. 

Living in a one-bedroom house, we knew we’d need more space, so I enclosed a patio off of our bedroom and created a nursery. The room is on the small side, but it works perfectly for our needs now. But once I realized just how much baby gear we would acquire, I also built an eight-by-twelve-foot storage shed in our yard to free up the little closet space we have. It’s worked out great, especially since I didn’t anticipate needing three strollers, or my wife using the space to store “seasonal” clothes.

I wish I knew…what a great team my wife and I would make. 

Because we had friends who already had kids, we were able to get the scoop on what life with a baby was going to be like. I’m certain my wife asked all of her girlfriends with kids every question humanly possible, and there’s definitely a benefit to that. I think for men and women, the experience is completely different. Moms I know ask a lot of questions for the nine months before the baby, and men tend to wait for the birth and then start figuring things out. At least, that’s what we did. We have a good balance.

Sale!! Dad and Baby Onesie Set!! Sale!!

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#FMF Follow Me Friday!!

Checkout my website for everything Pregnancy, Baby and Beyond!! Click below!!

http://www.birthbabyandbeyond.biz

Birth Baby and Beyond Magazine

Checkout Beautiful Baby Emma Jean on the cover of this weeks online magazine!! Read about Emma Jean, 13 creative ways to document your bump, watch a video of a 10 week old baby saying "I Love You", and much more!! All you have to do is flip through the pages and click or tap on the article you want to read!! Download http://www.flipboard.com   for a complete view of this issue and to subscribe to my magazine!! Thank you for sharing @mammabearmoore  !! Click on the link below to read more
http://flip.it/UKqTH
Also checkout Beautiful Baby Emma Jean as my cover photo this week on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/birthbabyandbeyondpregnancy

Sale!! Sale!! Sale!! Diaper Salve!!

The pictures on the left are what happens to your hands from that same old white diaper rash cream. Tired of trying to wipe the white cream off of your baby's bottom? Wanna say Goodbye to diaper rash cream under your nails?

Try the diaper salve on the right from Motherlove’s Organic products!! It was $9.95 now it's $7.45 get yours today!!

An all-natural herbal salve for persistent, inflamed diaper rash. May also be used on mother's nursing nipples. Does not need to be washed off nipple prior to nursing. Diaper safe and compatible with all diapers including cloth. Motherlove’s diaper rash & thrush has a zero rating (zero toxins) on EWG’s skin deep database and is made with 96% certified organic ingredients.

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Checklist: For your Babies Nursery

15 must-haves you shouldn't skip when preparing baby's nursery.

Whether creating a nursery is a treat or a trial (or both!) for you, this checklist will guide you through the process. (Items with a * are must-haves.)

[  ] Crib, cradle or bassinet* 
• Slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart 
• Corner posts no more than 1/16 of an inch above frame 
• No cutouts in headboard or footboard
• Top rails at least 26 inches above mattress

[  ] Firm, flat mattress fit snugly in crib (less than two fingers should fit between mattress and crib)*

[  ] 1-3 washable crib mattress pads

[  ] 2-4 fitted crib sheets*

[  ] 4-6 soft, light receiving blankets*

[  ] 1-2 heavier blankets (for colder climates)

[  ] Rocking or arm chair

[  ] Music box, sound machine or CD player

[  ] Crib mobile with black and white images (remove when baby can support self on hands and knees)

[  ] Baby monitor

[  ] Nightlight

[  ] Dresser

[  ] Toy basket

[  ] Swing or bouncy chair 

Checklist: Interviewing a Doula

Find the right doula for you and your birth plan with our list of must-ask questions.

If you’re planning to use a doula, start with recommendations from friends, your OB, and real moms at lila guide. The Doula Organization of North America also has a local doula finder. Once you have a few names, move on to the (by now familiar) interview process. Remember, this checklist is a general guide —  add or omit questions as you like.  

□ Name:

□ Phone number:

□ E-mail:

□ Two references: (always check these!)

□ What certifications do you hold? How and where were you trained? Are you a member of any doula associations?

□ How long have you been a doula? How many births have you attended (or families have you cared for?)?

□ What types of births have you attended? What unique or difficult situations have you dealt with?

□ How will we communicate before the birth? Are you available to answer questions?

□ How do I get in touch when labor begins? Are you always on call? When and where will you join me?

□ What if you are unavailable when I go into labor? Do you have backups? Can I meet them?

□ Do you have any clients with due dates similar to mine? How many births do you schedule per month?

□ What are your philosophies on childbirth? How do you feel about epidurals? (Make sure your birth plan is compatible with her general opinions and practices. If you are still formulating your birth plan, ask for her suggestions, and see if they suit you.)

□ How will you involve and interact with my husband during birth?

□ How do you work with doctors and nurses during birth? How do you view your role, as compared with theirs?

□ What techniques will you use to help me through labor?

□ How long will you stay with me after labor?

□ Have you worked with my doctor or hospital before? What was the experience like?

□ What happens if I need a c-section?

□ Do you provide any postpartum services? If so, when do you start and how long do you stay on? Do you have any experience helping nursing mothers?

□ What is your fee and refund policy? What does it cover?

Is the Third Trimester hard for you?

How many expecting moms feel like this? Visit the Preggie community at http://preggieapp.com/r/birthbabyandbeyond to meet other Expecting Mom's that need support through the third trimester!!

#TDT Tasty Dinner Tuesday!!

Dinner

1 serving Sweet Potato, Kielbasa and Kale Soup*

2 1-ounce slices whole-grain bread with 1/2 ounce cheddar cheese melted on top of each

8 ounces calcium-fortified orange juice

1 medium nectarine

#TLT Tasty Lunch Tuesday!!

Lunch

Egg salad sandwich: 2 1-ounce slices whole-grain bread, 1 chopped hard-boiled egg, 2 teaspoons reduced-fat mayonnaise, 1/4 cup chopped celery, lettuce, and toast your bread if you like!!

1/4 honeydew melon, cut into wedges

8 ounces reduced-fat milk

Prenatal Vitamin Checklist

It’s hard to choose when there are so many different bottles on the shelf! Know your vitamin has everything you and baby need by making sure the label lists all of these.

[ ] Folic acid: 600 µG 
Prepregnancy, you need 400 µg, but up it to 600 µg to prevent birth defects.

[ ] Calcium: 300 MG 
You’ll be well on your way to your goal of 1,000 mg of calcium daily. (Yes, ice cream counts).

[ ] Iron: 30 MG
Pregnancy means a 50 percent increase in blood flow. Pop 27 mg of iron a day (double the usual).

[ ] Vitamin A: 770 µg 
Required for vision and cellular growth.

[ ] Vitamin B6: 1.9 MG 
Synthesizes serotonin

[ ] Vitamin B12: 2.6 µg 
Helps to maintain healthy nerves and red blood cells.

[ ] Vitamin C: 85 MG 
Aids in absorbing iron.

[ ] Vitamin D: 200 IU 
Assists in calcium absorption—think of the two of these as partners

[ ] Vitamin E: 15 MG 
Helps heal skin.

[ ] Thiamin: 1.4 MG 
Involved in both nerve and muscle function

[ ] Zinc: 11 TO 12 MG 
Keeps you healthy

[ ] DHA/omega-3: 450 MG 
Assists in brain development (and may come as a separate pill).

#TBT Tasty Breakfast Tuesday!!

It's breakfast time expecting moms!! Enjoy and have a great day!!

Breakfast

Berry breakfast smoothie: Blend 1/2 cup reduced-fat milk, 1/2 cup berries, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup crushed ice.

1 2-ounce plain bagel topped with 1 tablespoon peanut butter

Checklist: What To Ask HR About Maternity Leave

Every company’s different, and state laws differ, too. When you’re ready to talk to human resources, bring these questions. And take notes!

[ ] What is going to happen during the rest of my pregnancy?

[ ] What kind of paid and unpaid leave is available?

[ ] While I am on leave, is my job protected?

[ ] What provisions are there for me to ease into coming back?

[ ] What type of leave do I have to cover my doctor’s appointments?

[ ] Is there less strenuous work available while I am pregnant?

[ ] What kind of policies do we have for maternity leave and bonding time?

[ ] Am I covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act or a similar state law?

[ ] What kind of policies do we have for short-term disability?

[ ] Does our state have a temporary disability program?

[ ] What will happen to my job while I am gone?

[ ] What will happen to my benefits while I am on leave?

[ ] What policies do you have to support new parents on the job?

 

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Love and Pregnancy: 5 Ways Pregnancy Will Change Your Relationship

That little babe of yours is already making her mark!

Bigger boobs, a wider belly, swollen ankles, your body undergoes incredible changes to house the newest little addition to your family, and during this transformation the relationship with the guy on the outside of your womb will change as well. Simply put, love andpregnancy can be a tricky combination. "At times you'll feel inexplicably close, while other moments you could feel as though your partner is living on another planet," says Cathy O'Neil, co-author of the book Babyproofing Your Marriage. Being mindful of what's in store, and learning how to manage and understand your emotions will go a long way towards helping you maintain and strengthen your bond. Here's how to navigate the five most common changes.

You will get clingy

The pregnancy hormones surging through your body can have a profound impact on your emotions, triggering your feelings of panic. "Many women experience an overwhelming fear of abandonment during early pregnancy," says O'Neil. "Even the most independent woman will worry about her husband leaving her or getting hurt in a bad accident." This fear often leads to women making strange and unreasonable demands on their partners, such as wearing a helmet in the car or checking in every half hour. Don't worry -- this crazy woman will recede back into her primal cave as your pregnancy progresses. In the mean time, it's a good idea to warn your partner. Let him know you're feeling especially needy right now, and that it would really help for him to give you extra hugs and attention.

You might not be on the same page

The minute you see that extra line on the plastic stick, you feel like a mom. And your body gives you little signs to confirm your newly appointed status. Your partner doesn't have any of those physical symptoms -- and until science catches up with science fiction, he never will. Which means he may not feel like he's a father until he holds that bundle of joy for the first time. "It's not that he isn't excited about becoming a parent, he just doesn't feel the same immediacy about the situation that you do," says O'Neil. Try not to feel upset if he doesn't seem concerned about picking out nursery paint or looking at booties.

He might feel left out

Again, everything is happening to you. Aside from a couple of congratulatory back slaps or a handful or cigars tossed his way, most of the excitement about the pregnancy revolves around you. And since he can't exactly help you grow that thing, he might not feel so connected to it -- or to you, at times. Encouraging him to bond with the bump will help him feel more integral to the pregnancy. "Get him to start talking to your baby-to-be, play his favorite music, and share his excitement about teaching him to how to kick a soccer ball," says O'Neil. Be sure to set aside non-baby time, too. Making his favorite meal or surprising him with a movie date after work will help your partner feel like he's still your number one guy.

The intimacy will intensify

Getting used to your bodily functions during pregnancy is going to be interesting, and sharing them with your partner could be a new thing for you two. There will be moments when the two of you might be in awe of the life you're creating, you'll bask in love's glow and feel extremely close emotionally -- and then, you might fart. Be ready to laugh about it with your man. All the burping, gas, and nausea might seem a little embarrassing at first, but it will make you two more connected than ever.

Sex might slow way down

Romance tends to be pushed to the backburner during the first trimester, when most women feel queasy, exhausted, and downright icky. As the months tick by and your bump becomes bigger, getting busy between the sheets might seem trickier to figure out, but it's important to make it happen. "Keeping up that physical connection during pregnancy and talking about it with your partner strengthens your bond as a couple," says Craig Malkin, Ph.D., a psychologist in Cambridge, MA, who recommends scheduling Big O time. "It may not feel spontaneous, but finding passion in the moment and reconnecting physically will bring you closer."

Sale!! Sale!! On Motherlove Products!!

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Birth Baby and Beyond Skincare for Expecting Mom's and Baby's

I'm creating my own Organic Skin Care line for Expecting Mom's and Baby's!! I'm starting with a Baby Bottom Salve!! (Diaper salve) If your interested in a FREE sample email birthbabyandbeyond@hotmail.com

Birth Baby and Beyond Magazine

Checkout gorgeous mom-to-be Kimberly on the cover of this weeks online magazine!! Read about Kimberly, toddler attachment to the pacifier, what's in a new mom postpartum care kit, and much more!! All you have to do is flip through the pages and click or tap on the article you want to read!! Download http://www.flipboard.com for a complete view of this issue and to subscribe to my magazine!! Thank you for sharing Kimberly!! Click on the link below to read more!! http://flip.it/XcgQT Also check out Kimberly as my cover photo of my Facebook page this week by clicking  this link http://www.facebook.com/birthbabyandbeyondpregnancy

Checklist: Packing a Hospital Bag

Forget all those other (excessive) checklists — this is the only one you’ll need, we promise.

Have your bags (one for you, one for baby) packed and in your car by 35 weeks. (Taxi-taking moms — stash your bags in the front hall closet.)

A tip for the thrifty: Ask your hospital what they provide for babies and mothers, and take those items off your list.

Must-Haves:

[ ] Insurance info, hospital forms and  birth plan (if you have one)

[ ] 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor)

[ ] A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause

[ ] 2  maternity bras — no underwire — and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection)

[ ] Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)

[ ] Toiletries and personal items — hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup (as if), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution (remember, travel-sized products are your friends)

[ ] Eyeglasses

[ ] Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips — they’ll probably poke you)

[ ] Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)

[ ] Pen and paper

[ ] Lots of change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed)

[ ] Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth, prepaid calling card (if your hospital doesn’t allow cell phones)

[ ] Camera, film or extra memory card, battery or charger

[ ] A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner

Take it or leave it:

[  ] Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)

[ ] Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or, just wear the clothes you came in… sorry, but they’ll probably still fit)

[ ] Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)
 

[ ] Hairdryer

[ ] Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things, but bring your own if you’re picky)

[ ] A few pairs of  maternity underwear that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)

[ ] A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)

[ ] Breast pump, if you plan to use one

[ ] Slippers that can get dirty

[ ] Very light reading (think mags and newspapers, not War and Peace)

[ ] Your MP3 (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course)

[ ] Massage oil and tools like rolling pins or tennis balls, and lucky or inspirational objects (honestly, we doubt you'll use 'em…but feel free to prove us wrong!)

Leave Home:

[ ] Any clothes or nighties you really like (they will get ruined)

[ ] Stopwatch (your nurse or a monitor will take care of timing contractions)

What to Bring For Baby:

[ ] Approved car seat

[ ] A coming-home outfit

[ ] Warm blankets (for the ride home)

[ ] Outdoor gear like a snowsuit and hat, as seasonally appropriate (remember, babies are extra sensitive to cold)

 

5 Natural Ways to Relax During Pregnancy

The words "pregnancy" and "relaxation" don't typically go hand in hand -- especially given the onslaught of hormonal and bodily changesthat are sometimes extremely difficult to take in stride, not to mention the emotional upheaval. Of course, on the flip side of things, some pregnant women experience a very easy, blissful nine months and glow from beginning to end! (Lucky them!) Pregnancy is the ideal time to learn how to unwind, stay healthy, manage stress and process emotions so your body can direct all of its energy toward growing a human being -- and so your baby is hosted in as happy and serene an environment as possible! Read on for five natural ways to relax during this important time in your family and your baby's development.

1. Go on a Babymoon Vacation

You’ve heard of a honeymoon, but babymoons have also become popular in recent years — and with good reason. While the true meaning of “babymoon” is a vacation you take with your partner and your new baby, to promote bonding and togetherness, the meaning of the word has been modified to define a last hurrah before baby makes his big debut into the world, officially turning your lives and home upside down and inside out (for the better of course)! Choose a relaxing destination such as a spa resort or beach destination where you can really kick up your feet and release your cares. Your second trimester would be the ideal time to go forth on this journey, once you’re over morning sickness, and before you’re headed for the homestretch. If you don’t have the time or resources to hop a plane and fly to a remote place, consider going to a local spa or resort near your home. The point is that you take time to unwind and relax. Email personaltouchtravel@hotmail.com to book your BabyMoon!!

2. Fuel your Body with the Right Foods

Food truly is the body’s fuel, and now you’re responsible for feeding two people (which doesn’t mean doubling your portions)! What you consume will directly affect your mood… whether it elevates your spirits or causes you to feel downtrodden and sluggish. It’s much easier to relax when you maintain a good diet. This means monitoring or foregoing caffeine entirely, see what renown pediatrician Dr. Greene says about caffeine consumption during pregnancy. Dr. Greene also advises that during this crucial time, eat only organic fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to avoid ingesting toxins that would go straight to your baby. We’re all familiar with sugar highs and lows, so although you may experience some intense cravings in which ice cream literally calls your name from the freezer, do your best to use moderation and discretion when it comes to consuming sugar and sweets. Dr. Sears advises that “happy foods” such as such as milk, bananas, and leafy green vegetables may produce pleasant feelings because they stimulate the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. He adds that “Tryptophan-containing foods also have a relaxing effect.” See Dr. Sears’ list of foods for sleep here.

3. Breathe and Meditate

Breathing and meditation offer two of the best and easiest ways to relax. Practicing proper breathing techniques can improve your overall health, and mindful breathing and meditation may also help reduce stress and anxiety. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends his 4-7-8 relaxing breath exercise as “a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system.” Breathing is seen as such a useful tool that the Bradley Method of childbirth goes so far as to incorporate relaxed abdominal breathing into pain relief techniques that may be used during labor. Additionally, deep breathing has a cascading effect on the body as it may help lower blood pressure, relieve tension and enable your circulatory system to be more efficient.

4. Go For a Swim!

Staying fit by exercising regularly during pregnancy will naturally translate into feeling more relaxed. Exercising relieves physical and emotional tension and also helps the body release “feel good” endorphins. Swimming is a great pregnancy exercise. Inhabitots editor Jill Fehrenbacher wrote a comprehensive article about how swimming was highly beneficial to her during her pregnancy. One of the wonderful perks of swimming while pregnant is the feeling of weightlessness you’ll feel in the pool. Swimming is also low-impact and easy on joints and ligaments. Taking a dip in your first trimester may also help relieve nausea and morning sickness — just ask Olympic swimmer and mom, Dara Torres. The backstroke and breaststroke are the best swimming exercises for pregnant women. You may also find water aerobics for pregnant women in your community, which will enable you to make new friends while you workout.

*Consult your doctor or midwife about your exercise regimen to get the “okay” with regard to your specific pregnancy.

5. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy may prove to be an effective relaxation tool for some women during pregnancy. During the first trimester, essential oils including lavender, ginger, lemon and spearmint will help combat nausea from morning sickness. For overall relaxation, “rosewood, calendula, geranium, lavender, ylang ylang, bergamot, sandalwood, frankincense and patchouli are earthy scents that ground, calm, relieve nervous tension and relax individuals.” Aromatherapy is as easy to incorporate into your environment as adding a few drops of essential oils to your bath, to a bowl of water by your bed, or into a handkerchief for inhalation and remember to use aromatherapy safely  during pregnancy!!

#TDT Tasty Dinner Tuesday!!

Time for dinner!! Try this yummy dish!!

Roasted Shrimp and Veggies – Toss peeled and de-veined shrimp with cauliflower, broccoli, onion, minced garlic, chopped tomatoes and a little olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt and pepper. Roast until shrimp is pink and veggies are tender.

#TLT Tasty Lunch Tuesday!!

It's lunch time ladies enjoy!!

Taco Salad – make your own taco shells by rubbing whole wheat tortillas with a little olive oil and sea salt, press onto an oven safe bowl, and bake at 400 degrees (tortilla side up) for 10 minutes or until crispy. Add shredded greens like romaine, chopped veggies of your choice and/or pico de gallo, sliced avocado, mexican-seasoned cooked ground beef (grass-fed and lean), and a sprinkle of colby-jack cheese if desired. Top with a dollop of plain greek yogurt mixed with fresh salsa.

#TBT Tasty Breakfast Tuesday!!

Time for a Yummy Breakfast Expecting Mom's!! Try this healthy choice!!

Greek Yogurt and Berries – use organic, plain greek yogurt, mix in fresh berries, cinnamon, and vanilla. For some crunch add sliced almonds. Quick and easy.

Top 9 Labor Positions!! (+ How to relax in the hospital)

By Wendy Staas

Laboring can be a lengthy process for some women and not for others.  Some say the ‘pains’ of childbirth are necessary, however, more importantly; it is progressive rather than painful.  The tips listed today help the laboring mother feel more confident that her body can do what it needs to do to birth.

Relaxation is the #1 required item for us to allow our bodies to open up and allow the baby to descend.  Gravity is a close #2 requirement to help the process along.  Relaxation and gravity working together is a perfect combination for labor to progress.  When we tense up our bodies go into a ‘flight or flight’ mentality and labor/ progress can slow down, if not stop all together.  So it is imperative that we keep a healthy and calm mindset while laboring.

Along with the laboring positions to be listed later, packing a Relaxation Kit is just as important if not the MOST important bag to pack to take with you wherever you give birth.

My Top 5 items to include a Relaxation Kit are:iPod with different genres available to listen/ CD’s of different genres.  Pick at least 2-3 CD’s to take with you because you never know what you will be in the mood to listen to.Essential Oils that help with relaxationFavorite blanket/ ‘lovey’ that brings you back to your bedroom and instantly relaxes youComfortable pajamas you can relax in during labor until baby is ready to be bornFavorite DVD’s that you can bring with you and play in the background to help you feel more at home

The keywords listed above are “Feel more at Home”.  No matter if the birthcenter/ hospital has the most beautiful rooms, it is not home.  You need to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible to you can relax.

Now, you are ready to relax and no matter if we are laboring at home until the last moment when we leave for the hospital, laboring and birthing at home, or at the hospital trying to avoid the epidural, the suggested labor positions listed will help us relax and allow our bodies to do what is necessary to birth our babies.

Top 9 Laboring PositionsWalking the halls

This is a wonderful way to help get labor moving if you are stalled or god-forbid your water has broken and labor has completely stopped/not started. You can also include in this walking hills/ stairs, but please make sure you have support of a partner/doula when you do. Leaning against wall/ bed and having partner/ doula push on lower back during contractions.

Some women experience back labor, which typically occurs when our babies are ‘sunny side up’ in the womb.  There are exercises that can be done to try and rotate that little one, but in the meantime this is a great way relieve that pressure/ pain.

Having your partner and doula wrap a rebozo (long sheet/ scarf) around your lower abdomen

You are either on your hands and knees/ leaning against the bed or wall.  You rock from left to right in between contractions, when a contraction hits the partner and doula pull the rebozo tight to help distract the lower abdomen pain associated with contractions.  Thus giving you the ability to breathe and relax through each contraction/ surge.

Dancing with Partner/Doula

This rocking motion from side to side while the partner/doula support you, the laboring woman, gives a nice rhythm that does not stop during a contraction.  Keeping you relaxed and focused to breathe.

Hands and Knees

While in the position you will do what is called “pelvic rocking’, which if your baby is ‘sunny side up’ (not face faced toward your back), will help relieve the back labor associated with the baby’s position.  This will also encourage the baby to rotate to the more preferred position.

Rocking Chair/Labor Ball

This is a great way for the mother to center; spend time laboring with her eyes shut while doing a ‘pelvic rock’ sitting down.  This can help the baby rotate, descend while the mother rests while laboring, yet still utilizes gravity.

Kneeling on the Bed, laying overBirth Ball

A more relaxed way to ‘pelvic rock’ without straining the wrists.  Plus, laying over the birth ball encourages  allowing the body to go ‘limp’, which is ideal for allowing labor to progress.

Sitting on a Birth Ball and leaning over the Bed

Another way to do ‘pelvic rocking’ without having to exert much energy holding the body up.  Leaning over the bed, resting the head encourages the body to go limp and relax.

Sitting on Toilet

Those sweet babes can make it feel like our pelvis is crushing and the pressure can feel nearly unbearable.  However, sitting on a toilet helps all of that.  How?  The wonderful hole designed in a toilet seat makes for a great way for us to face the tank, sit, rest our hot heads against the cold tank and just relax.  This relieves so much pressure and if you are in a hospital. . . even the tile wall behind the ‘non-tank’ toilet feels amazing.  Try it, you will be amazed!! (If you’re worried about having a baby on the toilet, you can place a towel over the bowl, then put the seat down.)

Tub/ Shower

A lot of hospitals are installing showers into their labor/delivery rooms.  Know what else? They come with jets that hit the lower and upper backs. . . laboring at home? No problem, install a removable shower head before that labor starts and use it to point very powerful jets at your lower back during labor; it takes your mind off the pain.

Also, did you know that laboring in a shower/ tub actually can shorten labor?  However, wait till you are in active labor (4 cm dilated and contractions close together) or it could slow it down.  The water helps relax us, which in turn shortens our labors; heck, if it is allowed, why not just birth that baby right in the tub. You will love the experience.

Regardless if you are laboring in a Hospital, Birth Center, or Home these tips can help you endure the pains of labor and help you achieve a drug free birth or low-intervention birth.  Print this list out, practice it before you go into labor and don’t forget to tell your husband which positions were your favorite.

Do or did you have a favorite labor postion? Post in the comments section to give other expecting moms ideas!!

Baby Taking the Bottle from Dad is Great for Bonding

LETTING YOUR BABY TAKE A BOTTLE FROM DAD IS A GREAT WAY TO ENCOURAGE BONDING AND GIVES MOM A MUCH-NEEDED BREAK. THERE’S A SPECIAL CLOSENESS THAT COMES WITH FEEDING YOUR NEW BABY. GAZING AT ONE ANOTHER, FEELING THE TENDERNESS OF SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT

Letting your baby take a bottle from dad is a great way to encourage bonding and gives mom a much-needed break. There’s a special closeness that comes with feeding your new baby. Gazing at one another, feeling the tenderness of skin-to-skin contact, and knowing that you’re providing vital nourishment make feeding time the ideal time to bond. But feeding is not a pleasure reserved for mothers alone. Dads, too, can get in on the bonding action – even if Mom is breastfeeding.

Mary Fetzer

Armin Brott, aka Mr. Dad, is one of the country’s leading experts on fatherhood and the author of The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year. “Dads should never miss an opportunity to burp the baby, carry the baby, change the baby,” says Brott. “They’re great ways to start forming a relationship with his child.”

When can dad start giving baby a bottle? If you are breastfeeding, wait until your milk supply is established and your baby is latching on and feeding well to avoid confusion to baby. If you are bottle feeding, you can start immediately.

Here are five tips to help Dad get the most out of the experience.

Hold the baby close
When you’re baby is nursing, she’s as close to her precious Mommy as she can possibly be and feels safe, secure and satisfied. Daddy can provide the same comforts, too! Blythe Lipman, president of Baby Instructions and author of Help! My Baby Came without Instructions, offers dads this advice when feeding squirmy babies: Place a receiving blanket in the dryer for a few minutes to make it nice and toasty. Swaddle the baby before you begin feeding. The effect is a calm baby who’s ready to eat.

Have confidence
Don’t be nervous, says Lipman. Your baby doesn’t know you haven’t done this before, but she does know when you’re uneasy. Take pride in the important role of caregiver and provider.

Perfect the latch-on
It may seem obvious, but make sure to gently guide the bottle into baby’s mouth above, not under, the tongue, says Lipman.

“Place the bottle in the baby’s mouth and gently push her lower lip up to form a seal until she latches on,” continues Lipman. “You can gently hold her lower lip with your pinkie finger while she drinks if it makes it easier for her to eat.”

Manage the burping
Lynn Daue breast fed her daughter and involved Dad as much as possible. “My husband was responsible for most of the burping when he was home,” says Daue. “We also made sure that the two of them had chest-to-chest cuddle time, which seemed to relax her.” Knowing that Dad can comfort her takes a lot of pressure off of Mom.

Take turns
“Dads should try to avoid getting up in the middle of the night to do anything with the baby,” says Brott. It may sound unfair, but it’s not.

Brott believes that a tag-team approach can be a real relationship saver. It’s chivalrous for Dad to bring the baby to Mom, burp and change the baby, and then put her back to sleep, says Brott, but it’s impractical. “A far better solution is for mom to handle a couple of the nighttime feedings alone,” suggests Brott. “While she’s up, she can pump a couple of bottles and leave them for Dad.” Meanwhile, Dad gets four to five hours of uninterrupted sleep. Early in the morning, Dad can take over with the pumped bottles while Mom gets her share of uninterrupted sleep. “This way,” explains Brott, “you have two very tired people instead of two sleep-deprived people. There’s a big, big difference.”

Dads can – and should – be involved in every aspect of this new little life. “The more comfortable Dad is with the basic baby-handling tasks, the more confident he’ll feel,” says Brott. “Meanwhile, the baby is getting used to the sights and sounds of Dad.” And creating a bond that will last a lifetime.

Birth Baby and Beyond Magazine

Checkout adorable Baby DJ @thedeejnco on the cover of this weeks online magazine!! Read about Baby DJ, see a video on how to calm a crying baby in 15 seconds, pregnancy and diabetes, and much more!! All you have to do is flip through the pages and click or tap on the article you want to read!! Download http://www.flipboard.com for a complete view of this issue and to subscribe to my magazine!! Thank you for sharing @trasmith22!! Click on the link below to read more!!
http://flip.it/goNuq

Your Babies Cold: When to Call a Doctor

WebMD Feature by Ellen Greenlaw

With most little kids, you can expect about 6 to 12 colds a year. The good news is you can usually treat cold and flu symptoms at home with a few remedies and lots of TLC. But if you’re a new parent -- or even if you’re not -- how do you know when to call the doctor?

Symptoms to Watch For

We asked Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, a pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Claire McCarthy, MD, a pediatrician in the Primary Care Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, for a list of symptoms that should be checked by a doctor.

●Not feeding. Call the doctor if your baby’s symptoms are so bad he or she isn't eating normally. "A good rule of thumb is to make sure your baby is wetting a diaper at least every 6 hours or so," says McCarthy.

●Strange sounds or breathing problems. "If your baby is making strange noises when taking a breath in, or making loud noises during sleep, that’s a concern," says Swanson. You should also get the doctor on the phone if your baby is breathing fast for more than a few moments or having trouble breathing.

●Fever. If your baby is 3 months or younger, call the doctor for any fever of 100.4 or higher, or if fever lasts more than 72 hours. "Babies under 3 months are at higher risk for more serious problems when they get sick, so we like to see them right away," says Swanson. For older babies, call about any fever of 102 or higher, as well as any milder fever that lasts longer than 72 hours.

●Extreme sleepiness or crankiness. Nobody likes feeling sick, so you can count on some crankiness from your little one during a cold. But if your baby seems especially sleepy or irritable, it’s a good idea to give the doctor a call.

●Bad cough. Coughing is good because it helps clear mucus from the lungs. But if your baby has a cough that doesn’t go away after 72 hours, or a cough that’s so bad it causes vomiting, call the doctor. Another red flag: your infant has cold symptoms and there have been cases of whooping cough in your community. Call the doctor if your baby has noisy or troubled breathing, or doesn't seem to be drinking enough.

●A cold that doesn’t go away. If your child’scold symptoms don’t seem to get better after a week, call the doctor to make sure it’s not some other type of infection.

●A chronic runny nose. When a runny nose doesn’t get better, or if your baby is sneezingand has red eyes along with a runny nose, call your doctor. It could be a sign of allergies

●Other symptoms. If your child has serious ear pain, blue lips, or a sore throat with a swollen neck and a fever, call your doctor. These could be symptoms of another type of illness.