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]]>Prepare Your Child For A New Sibling:
6 Ways To Prepare Your Child For A New Sibling By Tanya Mayer.
Prepare Your Child For A New Sibling – The internet is full of funny gender revealing videos. Also, the older siblings reacting to the news smiling. Or most often than not, crying. It all seems pretty funny from an adult perspective. But if you’d rather your child accepted the news about the upcoming baby with calmness. We have prepared some useful pieces of advice. So you’ll know exactly what to do before the new family member’s arrival, and in the period afterward too. Therefore, here are some tips on how to help your kids deal with one of the biggest surprises in their little lives.
Start early
The sooner, the better. Of course, you’re not expected to say it bluntly and openly the moment the stick shows the result, but it is advisable to inform the older child as early as possible. There are several fairly good reasons for it. First of all, the safety of the baby. If you are experiencing nausea or your son or daughter loves surprising you with sudden jumps while you’re resting, it would be best to share the news on time and while well-prepared, instead of declaring it in a form of an abrupt exclamation.
Secondly, you will greatly reduce the child’s anxiety. Your kids will surely notice that something funny is going on, which will leave them confused and stressed. The atmosphere in the home is bound to change, so share the wonderful news timely.
Do not sugar-coat it
Naturally, you are going to present the upcoming huge change in your lives as the most wonderful thing that could happen to your family. However, the challenge would be to remain positive and smiling while still trying to explain all the little things which will require extra effort because a baby is a lot of work. That may surprise younger children, while the older ones will have to be persuaded that the baby won’t disturb their routine too much.
Get them involved
Try to involve your child in the preparations for the baby’s arrival. You know there are so many things to be done, so show that you value their opinion,
Some siblings give suggestions for the baby’s name, or choose the color of the nursery walls, or more interestingly, the baby’s toys. They can help to pick the clothes, and not to mention the diaper situation. Also, it could be a good idea to take them to one of your regular check-ups to hear the baby’s heartbeat. Young or old, they are bound to be both stunned and amazed.
A CALIFONIA MOM DELIVERED A 13.5 POUND BABY — VAGINALLY
Set special time
This will turn into an excellent comforting technique and a major stress relief once the little, noisy and extremely demanding bundle of joy crosses your threshold. If you haven’t got one already, set a ritual for yourself and your little boy/girl. You should have something to do that is only yours. Some time that belongs to only the two of you. “Nothing will change between us” is what most parents say to comfort the older brother or sister, but once they see you preoccupied with diapers, feeding, and so on, they are rather left disappointed, and a bit heartbroken, too.
With that in mind, you will keep having your ritual in exactly the same way as before, so the child can be rest assured your feelings haven’t changed one bit. Remember, it’s actions, not words that kids remember.
First contact
As for the first meeting between the big brother/sister and the baby, it would be best to have one more close family member present. He or she should hold the baby, while you’re giving plenty of cuddles to the older one at the moment they’re meeting the baby for the first time. It will immediately create a positive association.
Sibling classes
Depending on where you live, your area may even have some sibling classes organized at the local hospital. They can be really helpful in the whole process.
We all know that love only multiplies with new family members, but the older child may not be so sure about it, especially if this is their first time to welcome a brother or sister. However, with a bit of patience, you will help them eliminate stress and rejoice at the baby’s arrival.
DON’T MISS: NORTH CAROLINA COUPLE WELCOME TWINS AFTER TWO SONS WERE KILLED IN CRASH
About the Author:
Tanya Mayer is a writer and mother of two, currently based in NYC.
Find more of Tanya here!
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]]>Child-Proofing Your Home:
Child-Proofing Your Home: 13 Things To Look Out For!
Children are naturally curious and they learn by exploring their environment. As you would know, a child’s curiosity can be very dangerous and for that reason, parents will need to take necessary precautions in keeping their child safe.
Here are 13 of the biggest concerns when it comes to the home and ways parents/caregivers can address them:
1 . Unsecured Drawers
Small children tend to climb on furniture such as freestanding bookcases, drawers, wardrobes and sideboards, and if the furniture is unsecured the child’s weight can cause it to topple. When shopping for furniture, look for furniture that comes with safety information or equipment for anchoring it to the walls. Drawer should also remain shut to prevent small children from climbing into them.
2. Draw Strings
Drawstrings on children’s garments at the neck and waist are a safety hazard. They can catch on cribs, playground equipment, and vehicle doors, resulting in injuries including strangulation. Waist drawstrings can become caught in bus or car door. Cut all drawstrings out of hoods, jackets, and waistbands in your young child’s wardrobe. It is also important to keep drawstring bags out of reach and warn older children about the risk of hanging a drawstring bag around their neck.
3. Window Blind & Cotton Cord
When window cords are accessible to small children, these seemingly harmless products may become strangulation hazards. Toddlers are usually unable to free themselves if they become entangled as their muscular control is not fully developed yet. More so, their windpipes are smaller and less rigid than those of adults and older children, this means that they suffocate far more quickly if their necks are constricted. If possible, use only non-corded window coverings in homes where infants and young children are present.
4. Family Dog
According to DogBiteLaw.com, the most severe dog bite injuries happen almost exclusively to children under the age of 10 and the majority of attacks happen in familiar places by a dog that belongs to the victim’s family or friend. Teach children to be gentle with dogs and to never tease, corner, or disturb a dog that’s eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. Additionally, pet food and pet toys with small parts can also be choking hazards.
5. Bath seat and rings
Bath seats are used to assist in supporting a baby or young child in a bathtub. The three primary dangers associated with baby bath seats include the bath seat tipping over, the child slipping or climbing out of the bath seat, and entrapment in the leg openings. In any of these incidences, there is a risk of injury or even possible death.Baby bath seats and rings pose a great danger of a child drowning if they climb out of the seat. In addition, many bath seats may easily tip over with the child or have defective seats and restraints that allow the child to slip through the leg holes, presenting a great risk of either injury or death to the infant.
Babies have drowned when the suction cups on the bath seat came loose and the bath seat tipped over, when the baby slipped through the leg openings, or when the babies were able to climb out of the bath seat. These deaths occurred when the babies were out of their caregiver’s sight and reach for only seconds.
6. Button Batteries
Parents and caregivers need to be aware of the risk posed by button batteries in their homes. Keep loose and spare batteries locked away and store any product that uses button batteries out of reach. This includes remote controls, watches, key fobs, calculator, certain games and toys, indeed any household item that is powered. Make sure that the battery compartments of all electronic items are taped shut or will require a screwdriver to open the battery compartment. Loose batteries should are always stored out of children’s reach.
READ: Heartbroken Dad Warns About The Dangers of Button Batteries
7. Cosmetics
Your makeup and lotion or aftershave and deodorant may not be the first things that come to mind as possibly dangerous household products. However, accidental exposures can make children sick and could require medical attention. As you probably know by now, toddler put everything in their mouth and these products are made for external use only.
If you look closely at the packaging on personal care items and cosmetics, you’ll notice that many of these products have warnings that instruct you to …
- Avoid contact with the eyes.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Get medical help if swallowed.
Use only cosmetic and other personal products suitable for the age of your child. Some products should only be used by adults, such as those containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), hair removal products (depilatories, waxes, etc.), hair dye, and tooth whiteners.
8. Toys
Toys are a fun and important part of any child’s development. And there’s plenty you can do to make sure all toys are safe.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has these tips for toy safety:
- Buy toys only from recognized outlets;
- Make sure the toy is suitable for the child, check the age range.
- Be particularly careful with toys for children under three.
- Be wary of young children playing with older children’s toys.
- Check for loose hair and small parts, sharp edges, and points.
- Ensure that garden swings and slides are robust and are not a strangulation hazard.
- Check toys regularly for wear and repair or dispose of them where necessary.
- Keep the play area tidy;
- Follow the instructions and warnings provided with toys.
- Supervise young children at play.
Also, parents are to avoid the purchase of loud noise-emitting toys as the noise can harm a child’s hearing. If you have to yell to be heard above the sound of a toy, then it is likely too loud for a child and should not be used. Supervise children at playtime.
9. Ballons
Balloons present safety and choking. Latex balloons are recommended for decoration rather than play as they pose both a choking and suffocation risk to children. The balloon could get sucked into and lodged in the child’s throat; there is also a risk of choking from pieces of broken balloons and uninflated balloons. Keep inflated and uninflated balloons, and pieces of broken balloons, out of the reach of children.
Parents should also be aware of dangers posed by helium balloons; danger occurs when the helium is inhaled into a child’s lungs thereby depriving them of oxygen supply. This can have fatal results.
10. Magnets
Swallowing magnets can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. It is especially dangerous if a child swallows more than one magnet over a short period of time. The magnets can attract one another while traveling through the intestines. When this happens, the magnets can slowly tear through the intestinal walls. It is also possible for the magnets to twist the intestines and create a blockage.
A wide variety of toys contain small powerful magnets that can pose a real danger to children if they are accidentally swallowed or inhaled. Types of toys that may contain these magnets include:
- construction sets
- puzzles
- toy jewelry and dress-up items
- action figures and dolls
- board games
- train sets
11. Handbags, Pursers, Briefcases
Any bag, backpack, or suitcase that someone brings into your home may contain items that could poison, choke, or injure children, such as medications, change, hard candy, pen caps, safety pins, nail scissors, and matches. It only takes a few seconds for a small child to choke on any of these items where adults are busy talking.
12. Cribs, Bunk Beds, and Bed Rails
Your baby will spend a lot of time in the crib. It’s your job to make sure it’s always a safe environment. The safest place for a baby to sleep is alone in a crib.
- Place baby on his/her back in a crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress.
- Do not put pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads, or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib.
- Consider using a sleeper instead of a blanket.
- If you do use a blanket, place the baby with feet to the foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, covering the baby only as high as his/her chest.
- Use only a fitted bottom sheet specifically made for crib use.
STEPS TO HELP PREVENT SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME
13. Second-hand products
Second-hand goods have become increasingly popular from charity shops, car boot sales, pawn stores, and auction websites – but buying a product second-hand is never as safe as buying something new. Never buy child car seats, helmets and other protective headgear second-hand expect of course you are assured of their history. These products once involved in an incident/ accident must not be used again.
Also, be sure to check with the manufacturer of a product for recalls before buying or using a second-hand product.
Completely childproofing a home can be difficult as little kids love to explore. To check your childproofing efforts, get down on your hands and knees in every room of your home for a kid’s-eye view.
Always close doors to bathrooms, the kitchen, and install a child lock. Remember you play an important role in keeping your child safe
BABY DIES IN HOT CAR WHILE MOM GOT HAIR DONE
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]]>Solly Baby Wraps:
Solly Baby wraps were founded in 2011 by Elle Rowley, an entrepreneur extraordinaire and a mom of four. The wraps are designed for the baby’s first year of life, and or up to 25 pounds. Made in the USA and made of 100% Lenzing Modal Botanic Fibers, the Solly Baby wrap is light and airy to keep the baby at a cool temperature, which is beneficial all year long.
Solly Baby wraps are so incredibly soft against mom’s and baby’s skin — And when you are ready to wash, just throw it in the washing machine with your other baby laundry. Each Solly Baby is one size fits all and you can even get FREE SHIPPING in the USA and a $10 flat fee for International Shipping. Plus, $1 of EVERY wrap purchased helps make a safe birth for a mother around the world in association with their Every Mother Counts campaign. To learn more about this nonprofit organization, click here http://sollybaby.com/every-mother-counts/
Each Solly Baby wrap comes with step by step booklet with instructions on how to properly tie and wrap your baby. If you need more help, watch this informative video by TV Star and mom blogger – Natalie Nunn
https://instagram.com/p/BlBaXD9hzAM/
You can also check out a tutorial on how to breastfeed your baby while he or she is in the wrap, here http://sollybaby.com/information/#tutorials
Here are some tips for safe babywearing:
- Use the T.I.C.K.S. Rule – T: Tight, I: In View at All Times, C: Close Enough to Kiss, K: Keep Chin off the Chest, and S: Supported Back. Babies, especially newborns, have a real threat of suffocation. So always keep these tips in mind for the safety of your child. Follow all of the directions for the correct way to wrap your baby and how your baby should be facing.
- Do not drive with your baby wrapped
- Do not cook with your baby wrapped
- Also, do not drink hot liquids (coffee, tea, soup) when you are wearing your baby
- If you need to pick something up, bend at the knee and do not bend over forward. I also suggest holding your baby’s head for extra security whenever you are not sitting or standing straight.
To follow Solly Baby on Instagram click here https://www.instagram.com/sollybabywrap/And on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sollybaby/
Shop the wrap here
And do not forget to take a picture of your baby in your Solly Baby and tag #sollybaby!
.
Sponsored Post
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]]>Baby Became Completely Unresponsive:
Mom Issues Bottle Lid Warning After Baby “Became Completely Unresponsive”
Chassidy Martin, from Mississippi, has sent out a warning to other parents about the danger of leaving bottle lids. Within close proximity of any baby after her baby boy became completely unresponsive. ‘It formed a perfect suction around his nose and mouth and it muffled any distress noises’.
The mom took to her Instagram page to share her scary experience. After a baby feeding bottle lid left her five-month-old son completely unresponsive.
In her post she said:
‘Mommas, please be super careful when using wide nipple area bottles that require large lids [baby feeding bottles that have large lids]. While I was getting Xaiden ready for school this morning and left the baby asleep. He got a hold of this wide area. No ventilation, bottle lid (that was unintentionally left in close proximity of him by his six-year-old brother). It formed a perfect suction around his nose and mouth. It muffled any distress noises. When I went to get him up is when I realized he was already awake and barely there. After I removed the top [baby bottle lid], he was blue. His nose was bleeding, and his respirations were almost non-existent. Then he became completely unresponsive.’
RELATED: TEXAS PARENTS WARN OTHER OF THE DANGERS OF DRY DROWNING
Chassidy then shared a photo of the bottle lid
Fortunately, Chassidy’s mom was able to perform CPR until an ambulance arrived.
‘I panicked, but by the grace of God, I was able to pass my mom on the way to the hospital. She started CPR until the ambulance arrived with oxygen. I’m SOOO grateful for God’s perfect timing and placement because there are SO many what-ifs. You think of large items like pillows or blankets and you think of small items that are choking hazards. But you don’t normally think of something like this. Hopefully, this will help prevent other moms from the same mistake and save someone else’s baby as well
.’
Terrified over what happened to her son, Chassidy wants to warn other parents about the issue.
‘Hopefully, this can help some other mom that uses these bottles. Have never thought of the possibility of this happening with non ventilated bottle tops, as I hadn’t.‘ she told pregnancybeyond.com
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Pregnancy After Cancer – Mom Welcomes A Beautiful Baby Girl. In October 2015, Castela McElrath of Crest Hill found a lump in her breast.
The mom of one who was 31 years old at the time, actually hoped the lump was due to residual pregnancy hormones as she had suffered a miscarriage the preceding month. However, on the 3rd of December 2015, a biopsy confirmed that McElrath had stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer.
Triple-negative breast cancer can be more aggressive and difficult to treat, and according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, it is more likely to spread.
After eight rounds of chemotherapy and the surgical removal of the tumor and four lymph node, McElrath was declared cancer-free in July of 2016.
And then more good news! In July of 2017 after a year of being cancer-free, McElrath discovered she was pregnant and welcomed a beautiful baby girl in January 2018. Speaking to Pregnancybeyond.com, the new mom says she is overjoyed ” I was told there was a chance I could not conceive due to chemical so I am overjoyed to be holding my child in my arms” she also goes on to say that she feels horrible that she can not breastfeed.
McElrath has used her stage 2 breast cancer as a catalyst. She hopes to help others by providing educational and financial assistance to families that have been affected by cancer through her non-profit organization – the Talking Initiative to Nature and Assist with Survival National Cancer Organization.
Congratulations mama! Wishing you and your newborn girl many years of good health, love, and happiness.
ALSO SEE: THIS MOM OF TWINS IS EXPECTING TRIPLETS
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]]>36 Weeks Pregnant Mom:
This Mom is 36 Weeks Pregnant And Has 2-Month-Old Twins.
New York Fashion Designer, Althea Harper, and her husband wanted to add to their family.
They both already have a daughter together and decided to start trying for another baby, however, they had no success with conceiving. Battling with infertility, Althea and her husband made the decision to use a surrogate to carry their biological child.
Shortly after the surrogate became pregnant with their twins, then more good news – Althea discovered she was also pregnant!
She is 36 weeks pregnant in this image with her two-month-old twins and older child.
What an amazing story. Congratulations Althea on your beautiful growing family, a true story of modern motherhood.
Thank you for sharing this photo and amazing story with us @glow_portraits
SEE ALSO: PHOTOS FROM THE ‘GRADUATION CEREMONY’ OF PREEMIES LEAVING THE NICU
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]]>Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – Prevention Guidelines, By Natasha Burgert, MD, FAAP (@doctornatasha),
Following the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference, Dr Natasha Burgert (@kckidsdoc) shares some key information that emerged from the recently concluded conference.
A SIDS Primer: Sleep Well. Sleep Safe.
There is nothing more terrifying for any family than the thought of infant loss. Sadly, despite increasing education on SIDS-prevention practices, the rate of sudden infant death is climbing in the US. This is concerning for those of us who devote our lives to child health because many of these deaths are preventable.
Researchers believe that the increasing death rate is partly due to families choosing to avoid safer sleep guidelines. Evidence suggests that although many parents know the safer way to sleep, some families “give up” on these practices because of parental fatigue, anxiety, or desperation for baby to sleep. Other parents don’t follow safer practices because they falsely believe SIDS is not preventable, and the guidelines won’t change a baby’s “fate.” A smaller group may be relying on products falsely marketed for SIDS-protection.
Here’s the reality: Creating a safe sleep environment and making the decision to follow through with your safe sleep plan, even when times get tired and tough, are the very best things you can do to prevent your new little one from suffocation.
The goal for all families should be quality sleep. For babies, this means back to sleep for every sleep, even when in the hospital after delivery. And after the baby comes home, it’s essential to create a safe sleeping environment based on the scientific evidence we know is protective. Finally, SIDS prevention is also about choosing healthy habits to support a loving and nurturing environment as your baby sleeps and grows.
Learn and follow these SIDS-prevention tips:
1 Back to sleep. Every sleep. Baby should be sleeping on her back, never on her belly.
2 Boring and bare. Baby’s sleep environment should be a simple flat, firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet. No bumper pads. No blankets. No toys. No cords from monitors should be in the sleep space.
3 Room share. Baby should be in her sleep space in the same room where your sleep, but never in the sharing the same bed.
4 Breastfeed. If you are able, choose to breastfeed to nourish your baby.
5 Pacifiers are OK. Once breastfeeding is established, putting baby to sleep with a pacifier is shown to decrease SIDS.
6 Vaccinate. Routine vaccinations are protective against infant death.
7 Don’t smoke. Keep baby away from others who smoke, and places where people smoke.
And remember:
It’s OK to wake. A healthy infant should wake periodically throughout the night for comfort and feedings. Sleeping “through the night” should not be an immediate expectation.
• Even babies with reflux can safely sleep on their backs.
• If you are sleepy, it’s safer to feed your baby in a bed free of all blankets and pillows, than to feed on a cushioned couch or chair. If you do fall asleep while feeding, move baby to her safe sleep space as soon as you wake.
Safe sleep is hard, but the commitment to safety is easy. If you follow the evidence-based suggestions for baby’s safer sleep, everyone can rest easy knowing you have done your best to protect baby from needless risk.
Sweet dreams!
RECOMMENDED : HOW TO GET BREASTFEEDING OFF TO A GOOD START
About the author: Dr. Natasha Burgert is a board-certified pediatrician in Kansas City, MO and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. She shares evidenced-based child health information blended with her experience as a mom of two on KCKidsDoc.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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Sex After Pregnancy – Here’s the 411 By Dr. Angela.
We received a number of emails from new moms wanting to know when it is okay to start having sex again after Pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Angela graciously shares her professional tips on this topic.
Sex After Pregnancy….Here’s the 411:
Six weeks post delivery, vaginal or c-section, is when a woman typically follows up with her obgyn for her routine, postpartum check. This visit is to ensure that mom is doing well, and has healed appropriately. As long as there are no signs of infection, or vaginal sutures that haven’t completely dissolved, most are cleared to resume sexual activity. Even patients that are status post a c-section can be cleared for sex at this point. Things to consider would be, has the incision completely healed? If you are someone that labored and then ended up with a c-section, has the cervix healed/closed?
Girl on top, girl on the side, girl on all fours…all of these are safe modes of intercourse as long as you have been physically cleared by your obgyn.
You may want to consider using a heavy lubricant for several reasons. One, the hormones of pregnancy may yet still be in flux. Two, breastfeeding tends to lead to a low estrogen state. Both translate into DRY VAGINA, and hence, painful sex.
Patience is a MUST, as your body is certainly different post delivery. Some women feel embarrassed, or ashamed of their post delivery bodies due to weight gain, leaky boobs, c-section scars, etc. Remember, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! Pregnancy is beautiful. Your body was and still is AMAZING! Going with the flow and having an open mind will carry you and your partner far as you both delve into the adventures of sex post baby.
For those of you who can’t seem to wait 6 weeks and are wondering if things like masturbation are safe before you hit that magical mark, I encourage you to keep in mind that tears, lacerations, etc., can occur almost anywhere; i.e., the cervix, the perineum, the labia, the urethra, in, near, or around the clitoral hood. The reason to mention these things is that if there was an insult to the aforementioned areas, you want to give them an adequate amount of time to heal; hence decreasing the risk of wound disruption, as well as infection.
If none of the aforementioned applies to you and you had no lacerations or tears “down below,” you might entertain external masturbation, i.e., clitoral stimulation. I would, however, avoid putting anything into your vagina; hands, fingers, toys, etc., until you’ve been cleared by your friendly obgyn. Safety first. The idea here is to decrease the risk of infection. You want the cervix, vagina, etc., to have adequate healing time.
Hoping today’s blog has been informative. Don’t forget the lube and perhaps a glass(or two) of wine!
Until next time,
Look Better. Feel Better. Be Better.
Dr. Angela
ALSO SEE: HOW TO FIX YOUR POST-BABY BELLY FLAP
About Dr. Angela : Wife, mother, Midwesterner, and award-winning OB/GYN, Dr. Angela is equal parts best girlfriend and bold professional, supporting women’s health with innovative approaches to care and heavy doses of humor. Dr. Angela has done more than launch a successful practice, she has defined herself as a voice for a new generation of womanhood, established her ASK DR. ANGELA brand committed to authenticity, and built a community rooted in trust, candor, and compassion. Find more of Dr. Angela on her website and on her Instagram account.
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]]>Dealing With Nausea During Pregnancy:
Dealing With Nausea During Pregnancy – 6 Tips By Jaymi Green (@followmyfirst).
Some 70-80 percent of pregnant women will experience what is generally referred to as morning sickness. The good news is this condition which usually leaves the expecting mom drained and worn-out can be managed effectively. In this article, Jaymi Green (@followmyfirst) provides top tips on how you can cope with morning sickness, and hopefully, these tips will help in making you feel a whole lot better.
Nausea during pregnancy is a common symptom of early pregnancy. Also known as morning sickness, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can happen at any time of the day and usually last through the first trimester.
In this article, I will be covering why we experience morning sickness, and tips on how to cope with it.
Why do we experience morning sickness? Nausea and vomiting can be one of the first signs of pregnancy and it usually starts as early as week five or six which is around two weeks after your missed period. Feeling nauseous during pregnancy is not necessarily a bad thing, indeed many doctors say that morning sickness is a good sign because it means the placenta is developing well and the baby is getting all the nutrients it needs as the baby grows. If you cannot keep any food down then you may have developed hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a pregnancy complication that is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and possibly dehydration. This condition can be harmful to you and your baby if left untreated due to the lack of nutrients your body is getting.
How do you cope with dreaded nausea? These six tips will help deal with morning sickness during pregnancy:
1. Pressure points: Did you know that there is a pressure point on the inner aspect of your wrist that can help relieve nausea! How to find it, place the first three fingers of your right hand on the inner aspect of your left wrist. With the ring finger and right hand directly over the wrist, place all 3 fingers on the wrist. The acupuncture point will be located under the index finger. Press that point firmly to relieve nausea.
2. Eat Early: Stash 100 percent whole-grain crackers by your bedside and eat a few as soon as you wake up. It definitely helps to get something in your stomach before you start your day. Some women have found starting their day with a small bowl of cereal, decaf peppermint or ginger tea generally helps calms the stomach.
3. Go for a balanced diet: Aim for a diet high in protein such as chicken, turkey, eggs, greek yogurt, and complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, and sweet potatoes. If you start adding rich, fatty food you may be more likely to suffer from nausea.
4. Eat healthy and high-calorie food: If you’re concerned about getting enough nutrients, try chicken noodle soup which will both hydrate you and give you calories. Also, smoothie bowls are another great option because they are easy to digest and are packed with all the nutrients you are looking for.
5. Ice cold remedies: Sucking on ice cubes or a popsicle may numb the stomach. The same is true with cold sports drinks, which will help replenish glucose and electrolytes if you are having a tendency to vomit. Also, some women have found that sniffing or sucking on lemons helps calms the stomach.
6. Stay clear of spicy, greasy foods: this can upset your stomach and cause heartburn. Avoid going to bed on a full stomach and you also might want to steer clear of cooking in your first trimester
Overall morning sickness is not fun, it really can be mentally and physically draining but I hope these tips will help make your pregnancy journey a much easier one.
RECOMMENDED: TOP TIPS FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
ALSO READ: My Bump Story: Essence Price
About the Author of Dealing With Nausea During Pregnancy: A certified personal trainer with CanFitPro. I am also a certified nutritionist, pre/postnatal certified trainer, TRX coach, core conditioning specialist, and FST and Kin taping specialist. My main clientele are pre and post-pregnancy clients so I have a lot of knowledge when it comes to pregnancy training and nutrition. Currently 15 weeks pregnant with my first child and so excited to share my journey and experience. I intend to make moms and soon to be moms get a better understanding of how to obtain a healthy and active pregnancy that’s safe for both them and the baby. Feel free to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
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]]>Essence Price – My Bump Story – Gorgeous New Mom
Gorgeous new mom to a baby girl, Essence Price, shares her bump story. Shares some precious moments from her pregnancy journey with us!
Enjoy!
What was your reaction when you first found out you were pregnant?
I had a strong urge that I was pregnant! We had been trying for a couple of months and I could just feel it in my heart so I told my husband and we went to take a blood test! They called back and said I was a few days pregnant! I almost dropped my phone and started crying but I kept it together and we both were so excited for the journey we were about to embark on
Your funniest memory over the 9 month period?
One of the funniest moments during pregnancy was when my husband got home from work and I ran up to him and tried to give him a bear hug and basically bounced off of him. LOL! Ny belly came out of no where and we both didn’t realize how big I was getting overnight!
What was the easiest trimester and which one proved most difficult?
For me the easiest trimester was my 2nd. I loved being pregnant and dressing my bump. I loved being able to feel baby girl move inside of me. No morning sickness, my energy was back and I just felt amazing and excited that I was half way through! My 3rd trimester was probably the most difficult. I felt so exhausted and overwhelmed trying to make sure everything was ready for when baby arrived. My daughter was a week overdue and in that last week I was in so much discomfort, and grew impatient I just wanted to meet her already.
Any fashion tips and tricks for maternity dressing?
Dressing up my bump was one of my favorite things to do during pregnancy. I loved carrying life inside of me and showing it off. Confidence and style was so important to me during this time. It’s hard for some woman to watch their bodies change and we start to feel unsexy or unfamiliar with ourselves. Finding an amazing maternity line , or some cute comfy clothes to express yourself in and keep you feeling like yourself is key to helping you enjoy every bit of this amazing journey!
Did you have any weird and wonderful cravings?
I craved a lot of spicy stuff during the first trimester! I would eat potato chips with hot sauce and also loved fried pickles and cereal! By the middle of the second trimester, I started getting my cravings back for all the foods I normally would want!
The craziest thing you googled during pregnancy?
The craziest thing I googled during pregnancy was whether the eclipse will affect my baby!
What did you struggle with most being pregnant?
I think what I struggled with most while being pregnant was the lack of energy I felt at times. There were days, lots of them where I didn’t even want to get out of bed. I work out all the time and there were days I just could not fathom walking into a gym and that was hard for me to feel unmotivated and just tired. But you soon realize that nothing is more important than listening to your body and doing what’s best for you and your little one.
Any tricks and tips that made your pregnancy journey easier
I loved going out to eat and enjoying time with my husband. That really helped make my pregnancy journey be enjoyable and go by so fast. I loved getting massages, and mani/pedis! Basically, treat yourselves and enjoy every bit of you-time!
How was your birth experience?
I was 41 weeks when I went into labor with my baby girl. I labored at home because I was only 1cm dilated and was scheduled for an induction at midnight that night. So they sent me home at 11:30 AM on Friday. I labored at home from then until about 10:30 PM when I began having unbearable contractions. So I checked in to the hospital at about 10:30 PM.
They started me on Pitocin at about 12:30 AM and I received an epidural at about 3:00 AM. I labored all through the night, all through the day and they finally checked my cervix at 5:30 PM Saturday and said I was 9 cm dilated. I immediately felt the urge to push, my epidural had worn off and I was just in so much pain.
They brought the doctor in and I began to push at 6:00 PM. Baby girl was born at 6:51 PM on Saturday. It was a long, hard, painful labor and I would do it all over again. Once I held that sweet little body I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. It’s amazing what our bodies can do. Women are so incredible and I wouldn’t change a thing about my birthing experience because it was mine and I loved it.
How do you intend to get your groove back?
I am now one week postpartum and sucking up all the cuddles with baby. I’m resting and nursing and loving taking care of this little human. But I can’t wait to add her to my routines and get back in the gym once I’m cleared to work out and go about my normal activities!
What were you most looking forward to sharing with your baby?
For 9 months I all I wanted to do was share kisses and hugs with my baby girl. When she was born I think I kissed her about 5000 times. Now we’re home and we love spending time rocking in her nursery and exchanging smiles to one another. She already has changed so much in this first week. I just can’t wait for what is ahead.
Top 5 Newborn must-haves
5 newborn must haves for me are a swing- Arslyn would live in hers if she could! A boppy pillow- a life saver for breastfeeding! Nose frida- sounds gross , but works magic to get little ones boogies out! Rocking chair- we love ours it’s so good for bonding time my little one loves to rock while I nurse her! And a baby camera- my husband can talk to me and baby girl from work and we love it!
Congratulations on such a beautiful baby girl and thank you for sharing your story! Find more of Essence on her Instagram page
ALSO SEE:- BUMP STORIES FROM OTHER MOMS
&
“We Beat Infertility”: Woman Recounts Her Near-Death Experience.
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