Mom Central Baby

Working in the last weeks of pregnancy

I am officially 38 weeks pregnant this week and I am starting to feel it. On top of being in the last few weeks of pregnancy, I also started back to work this week. To say that it was exhausting would be an understatement. I am just one of those people who refuse to take up valuable sick days that I could use to spend with my newborn baby.

What does that mean? It means I will be at work until I pop! If it is anything like my first pregnancy I will be working until 41 weeks pregnant. I know there must be several other expectant mothers out there who feel the same way I do and are wondering how they can make it through those last few weeks.

Here are some tips that have been helpful for me:

Bring a stool to work

If you have a job that requires a lot of sitting, then you are going to need something to prop your feet up on, but in a professional manner. I brought one of Graham's wooden stools to work with me.  It seems to help a little with the swelling in my feet. It also helps if I can change up the position of my feet throughout the day. If you do not have a stool, try using a box from work.

Use a balance ball

In order to do this, it will depend upon the kind of environment you work in. Since I am a school counselor, I do not think people would take me very seriously. I do know that this can be a great way to help prevent swelling and also keep your back in a more comfortable position. It also helps to open up your pelvis so that if you do have minor contractions at work, they can be more tolerable.

Bring a water bottle

I know that I seem to bring up water in almost every post lately, but it is so important! If you have water in a water bottle you are going to be more likely to drink more of it. I like to set a goal to at least finish an entire water bottle before it is time to head home for the day. I know that this is not nearly enough, but it is a goal I can meet. Water helps minimize early contractions and will also help with swelling. Not to mention, you are going to feel more energized if you are hydrated.

Know when to call it quits

Most importantly, even if you are trying to save every single sick day, know when to say enough is enough! Ultimately, you want to have a healthy baby and have enough energy to labor. Keep this in mind when you start to feel worn down.

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

What NOT to say to a pregnant woman

I am nearing the end of this pregnancy and I had forgotten just how much the end can cause people to say the craziest and most thoughtless things! I am nearing the point of not wanting to venture to far from home for fear of what I may hear next. On the other hand, I started back to work today and have heard nothing but the sweetest comments from my colleagues. I truly appreciate their kind words and encouragement. 

So, as a reminder to myself as well as a lesson for those out there, here are the things you should never say to a pregnant woman:

1. “Have you not had that baby yet?”  Seriously. I am not quite sure what prompts people to ever have this response. As a pregnant woman, it just makes you feel defeated and huge!
2. “You look like you are going to pop!” Why, thank you for the encouragement and please stand back before I explode.
3. “Oh honey! Your feet are starting to swell.” My precious friend, I had not noticed. Thank you for filling me in.
4. “Now I can tell you are pregnant in your face!” I'm really not sure how to take this one. Did you mean to tell me that I was glowing or did you really just tell me that my face is fat?
5. “Can I touch your belly?” After the complete stranger has been rubbing it!

So not to end on a negative note, here are a few of the things I have heard that have been extremely encouraging!

1. “You look absolutely gorgeous!” Who wouldn't want to hear this?!
2. “Pregnancy looks good on you.”
3. “I am so excited to meet your new little bundle.” Great idea to take the focus off the looks.
4. “You can't even tell you are pregnant from behind.” Enough said.
5. “What a blessing you are carrying.”

Now, I know that we all say things that we do not mean to say. I am just as guilty as any one of these people who made these comments. I will say that after being pregnant it really makes you think about what you say to others. For me, I try to avoid anything about physical looks unless I know for sure it would encourage another pregnant person. The best bet is just to ask them how they are feeling and if they need anything. Be a supportive friend and listen to their subtle cues.

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

Fear of childbirth

I can honestly say that the first time I was pregnant there was some anxiety about childbirth, but no real fear. I guess I did not know what to expect and knew that I had no control over it at all. This time I feel different about things and I am not sure what that is all about! You would think I would have less anxiety because I have been there before, but the more I hear the more I know that every birth is different.

Even though my first son's birth was pretty hard, it went well and I can still sit back and think about how awesome of an experience it was. It is almost as if being there before has made me anxious for a similar experience (well...mostly similar) this second time around. My first son weighed 8lbs and 13 ounces which was a large load for my small frame. With a very patient nurse and doctor, I was able to deliver him vaginally with some assistance (vacuum).

I keep hearing that a second baby is often bigger than the first, especially if it is a boy. Maybe this is another reason I am feeling anxious. I was also induced the first time and have no idea what it might feel like to actually go into labor! I'm sure I will know if it happens, but that is a thought in the back of my mind.

The most important thing for me to focus on at this point is that very soon I will have a brand new baby. I also need to remember that again, none of this is in my control. I have to trust the process and know that what will be will be. It has helped to spend time with friends and to remember what it was like to have a sweet little infant in my arms! Most importantly, I have a precious three year old who keeps me busy and constantly reminds me of how amazing new life is.

How about you? What were your child birth fears? How did you deal with them?

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

Pregnancy and nesting

When I was pregnant with Graham I was a little offended by the term “nesting” for some reason. I suppose it made me feel like a bird of some sort!  People would ask, “have you started nesting yet?” My response was always polite, but wanted to be, “What do I look like?” At any rate, nesting did take place, and when it did I was very aware.

What is nesting anyway?

If you are a first time mom you may be asking yourself what is all this nesting hype about? I know I certainly did. I can tell you that when it happens you will know. All of a sudden you have a uncontrollable urge to have everything organized, cleaned, and squared away. Maybe it is your body's way of letting you know you are soon going to be more overwhelmed than you have ever been in your life and you need to have a few things taken care of.

When does nesting take place?

I think that for most women, nesting happens within that last month of pregnancy. The first time around for me it was around week 37. I found myself vacuuming the house daily, dusting, reorganizing the already organized closet, and stockpiling things. This time around it hit a lot sooner. At about 33 weeks I had an uncontrollable urge to have every thing taken care of. I'm not sure if it hit so much sooner this time because I have another child to look after or if it was because I am out of work for the summer. I definitely have a desire to know that everything is in its proper place. I also have a new nesting desire this time; baking and freezing food! I guess I remember how hungry I was last time!

Nesting tips

You can definitely start to become overwhelmed once the nesting desire takes over. I know that my husband was probably tired of me constantly nagging him about completing the baby's room, but I felt a strong sense that things were not right until it was finished. My tip is to try to take a step back from whatever it is you are doing that day. Make some time for yourself and do something relaxing. Above all else, remember that finished room or not, your baby will never know and you are still going to love that precious soul more than you could ever know!

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

Ideas for turning a breech baby

First of all, I want to make absolute sure that everyone knows I am in no way a doctor and that you must consult your doctor before doing anything. With that said, my last OB visit has left me wondering about how my baby may be positioned. When she asked if I felt like the baby was head down, I told her that it seemed he flipped and I wasn't sure anymore. When she located his heart beat higher than normal she told me she wasn't sure either. I have one more week before my major exams begin, so we will know more then.  In the mean time, I have been researching ways I can hopefully ensure that this little guy turns head down! Here are a few of the tips I've read:

Music

In this MP3 player age, most people have access to music with ear phones. You can place the ear phones near the bottom of your belly to help encourage the baby to move towards the music. It is true that at about 15 weeks gestation, your baby can hear what is going on outside of the womb! There are even different devices on the market today that are made especially for playing music to your unborn baby.

Water

When you think about it, the baby in your womb needs plenty of amniotic fluid in order to be able to move well. The more you intake water, the more your amniotic fluid will increase, which will hopefully give baby room to wiggle around. Make sure you are taking in even more water if you are pregnant during the summer months. It is amazing how quickly you can become dehydrated.

Balance or exercise ball

A balance ball is great for so many reasons! When you are pregnant you can use it for labor, stretching, and to open up your hips. By keeping your hips open you can possible help your baby have room to move to the head down position. You can sit on the balance ball while watching a favorite show or just during commercial breaks. If anything, it can help soothe that aching back! Make sure to avoid sitting in recliners or any type of chair that may compress your pelvic area. This will only make less room for baby to move.

Swimming

Swimming is a great way to get in some exercise as well as open up your hips! I also have found that if I am having lower back pain, swimming is just the thing to relieve it. If you have another child, you can get in some family fun time as well!

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

Cure the third trimester slump!

Here I am with about five weeks to go in this pregnancy and I am definitely starting to feel it physically. It is amazing how you can go from loads of energy to not being able to lift your head in the matter of a few weeks. What makes it even harder is the fact that I have a thre year old who is relying on me every single day. There are absolutely no sick days and there is little to no time for a nap (unless I take one when he is napping). Maybe I was this exhausted the first time around, but I definitely do not remember it! I have been trying to take matters into my own hands and find things that help pick me back up during the day. Hopefully some of these ideas will be helpful to you as well!

Exercising in your third trimester

I am most certainly not running or even jogging at this point in my pregnancy, but I can definitely still walk! As tempting as it is to park in the “expectant mother” parking or find the closest available parking spot, I try to park a little further away just so I have to walk more. It is easier for me because I have a child who can walk by himself. I understand that if you still have a small toddler it may be easier for you to park closer and carry your child (still a work out though)!

I also try to take about 30 minutes a day, three days a week to walk on our Gazelle. Yes, it is one of those Tony Little devices that makes me feel completely ridiculous, but the point is that I do it and it helps! Even just exercising for one day will make a huge difference in any pains I may be feeling in my lower back or pelvis.

Water,  water, and more water!

Water is so vital to everything, especially when you are pregnant! Being dehydrated can even lead to preterm labor if you are not careful. While it is important to stay hydrated to avoid things like preterm labor, it is also important to stay hydrated for energy. Your body's cells are like sponges and absorb up every ounce of water you can give them.  If your cells are full, you are going to have more energy. If your cells are shriveling up so are you!

Treat yourself

Truthfully, if I had the money for a massage that is exactly what I would do! Instead, I opt for things like having my husband watch my three year old for me one night every once in a while so that I can go out, run errands, and take my time! It is amazing how relaxing a drive down the road, windows down, and no kiddie music playing can be. It is even more inviting to be able to do some shopping or get things done without worrying about a snack cup, nap time, or a convenient potty break. The point is to find something that is a treat for you and do it! If you have other children in the home I'm sure there is bound to be someone who can take them off your hands for just a few hours, even if you only do it once!

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

Ideas for preserving pregnancy memories

If you are pregnant for the first time it may feel like you are never going to get there. I know my first pregnancy seemed like it took forever. I completely enjoyed it, but it was definitely long.

This time around things seem to be speeding past me before I realize what has happened. I have not been doing as good of a job of documenting this time, but I have thrown in a few things to keep as mementos.

Monthly picture documentation

Many women do not like the way they look when they are pregnant, but I can assure you that you are going to want those memories one day! I started documenting how my belly was growing in photos.

I started at about 12 weeks and tried to keep up with it each month. It is fun now for me to look back and see how different I looked when I was pregnant the first time as compared to this time. This is also an easy and free way to keep up with things.

Many of my friends use their phone cameras and take a picture using a bathroom mirror. It is a good idea to choose the same location every time so you can truly see the difference.

Ultrasound pictures and videos

This is probably the most common way parents document a pregnancy. Make sure to ask your ultrasound technician if you will be allowed to have a video. I know several places will, but others frown upon it. Both pregnancies we were able to bring in one of those old school VHS tapes and have most of the ultrasound recorded. My philosophy is that it never hurts to ask!

Also, if you leave the ultrasound and the technician forgets to hand you a few photos make sure to speak up. You can take those and frame them or put them in scrapbooks for safe keeping.

Belly cast

This is something that I have never tried, but always think is a great idea! It used to be that you had to find a tutorial to create a belly cast. Now you can purchase kits online at places like Amazon or Babies R Us that include everything you need as well as instructions.

The kits I have seen usually retail for about $25-$35 depending upon what you want. I have seen some women create beautiful pieces of artwork out of theirs. I also think it could be a neat idea to let your other children decorate it and hang it in the new baby's room. This could be a great way to get the entire family talking about the brand new addition.

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

How to feel pretty and pregnant

Pregnancy is a very exciting time in a woman's life. From the moment you saw a positive result on the home pregnancy test to the time you feel the baby move inside of you, pregnancy includes a full spectrum of emotions. The initial feelings are generally those of excitement and nervousness. As you read books, take classes, and listen to advice from others, you become more comfortable with the idea of pregnancy. However, nobody tells you that as you get bigger, you feel big and unattractive. Here are some fun ways you can feel pretty and pregnant.

Buy new maternity clothes

I remember being so excited to wear maternity clothes. I could feel myself getting bigger and outgrowing my every day clothes, which was a hard thing to deal with at first. It was great to have maternity clothes that were cute and comfortable. Perhaps you may want to buy a dress for a special occasion or capris for an upcoming trip or even a new pair of jeans to wear around the house or out with friends. New clothes are always fun to wear and you often find yourself prettier and feeling good about yourself.

Get a haircut

I almost always feel so much prettier when I get a haircut. When you are pregnant, you may be feeling exhausted, big, and unattractive overall. When you get a haircut, you change your appearance somewhat and feel different...even pretty. Whether you want to cut it short or just give it a trim, a haircut is both relaxing and fun and will leave you feeling pretty and pregnant.

Get a manicure and pedicure

Manicures and pedicures are the ultimate way to be pampered when your pregnant. Grab a girlfriend and head out to get your hands and feet pampered. You'll walk out feeling like a million bucks with your beautiful pregnant figure and gorgeous hands and feet. 

Put on a smile

Do you ever notice how much better you feel when you smile? Not only do you feel better, but smiling makes you look prettier to yourself and to everyone around you. Plus, smiles are contagious!

If you are the husband or partner

If you really want your wife/partner to feel pretty, compliment her and tell her how beautiful she looks and how much you love her for having your child. Compliments definitely make a pregnant woman feel pretty!

Remember, most pregnant women at one point or another feel unattractive and it's completely normal. Just remember that pregnancy is a blessing and you are more beautiful than you know!

Shannon Steen-Larsen is the author of The Mommy-Files, a blog where she talks about motherhood, recipes and cooking, travel, product reviews, and giveaways. Shannon is a busy mommy of three boys living in California and experiencing the many joys and challenges of motherhood.

Are you hospital ready? Preparing for the birth of your child

If you are preparing for your first child, it can be quite overwhelming to think about all that is about to happen, not to mention, what to take to the hospital! There are so many things that you could include depending upon the route you are taking for your birth plan, but here are a few of the highlights that you may find important.

Labor and delivery items

One thing I highly suggest is grabbing some Arnica Oil. You can find it at GNC or at your local health store. This is a great alternative to the oil your doctor may use during the delivery.

Make sure you bring any music you may want to listen to as well as aromatherapy if that is part of your plan. Most hospitals will provide you with a large water cup, but you may want to pack your own water bottle.

What you’ll need while in the hospital

One of the first things you are probably going to want to do after delivery is take a shower and put on some fresh clothes that are your own. Make sure you bring something that is comfortable and giving to accommodate your swollen abdomen and possible incision. Also, if you plan on nursing, bring either a nursing camisole or a nursing gown. Keep in mind that the nurses will be coming by to check you frequently. Slippers or socks are also a good thing to remember so that you are not walking barefoot on the hospital floors.

Nursing pads may also come in handy if your milk comes in right away. If you plan on pumping you may want to bring the pump along for tips from the lactation nurse. You may also want to bring a favorite snack as you will be living off of hospital food for a few days. If your husband plans on staying with you make sure he packs a bag as well!

For baby

If you plan on using a pacifier, you may want to pack one. You also may want to bring your own swaddle blanket so that you can practice and have the nurses help you.

Heading home

Make sure you pack some of your maternity clothes for leaving the hospital. Unfortunately,your abdomen will still be swollen, so maternity or loose fitting clothes will be necessary.

Don't forget baby! You are going to want to bring baby's first outfit for pictures and traveling home (you probably want to pack two as accidents happen quickly). Also, every hospital will require you to bring baby home in a certified car seat. Make sure you have it properly installed before the big day arrives. (Most fire stations can do this for you free of charge.)

What am I missing?  I would love to hear what you would include!

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.

Pretty Pushers. Modern, disposable delivery gowns!

My son decided that life outside of the womb was not such a good idea, so I had to be induced. The preparation behind this induction was pretty extravagant. There were questions, monitors, waivers to sign, and of course – a gown. I remember my nurse saying to me, “I made sure to pick out one without any blood stains.” 

Now, I'm sure she was just kidding, but the thought horrified me! So, when Mom Central was contacted about the possibility of featuring a new line of disposable, stylish delivery gowns, I thought it would be a great choice to share with readers.

Pretty Pushers offers four different options in gowns to choose from. I was sent the 100% organic cotton disposable delivery gown to try out. Of course, I have not yet had my baby, so I have not actually used the gown in the hospital. However, I did try on the gown to see what my thoughts were on it.

First of all, it is extremely soft and light weight. I remember at one point in the hospital that I was so hot that I just wanted to strip down. Labor is hard work and will make you hot! Not only is the gown soft, but it is pretty. I never thought I would say that I felt pretty in a hospital gown. The 100% Organic Cotton Pretty Pusher features a beautiful frill design around the neck as well as along the bottom.

Practicality was also taken into consideration when creating the Pretty Pushers line. There is a low open back that is suitable for an epidural while keeping your bottom covered.  This means no more flashing everyone from behind! There is also an opening in the front that has a double tie closure. This opening is meant for any monitoring that the hospital may need to use around your belly. With my first pregnancy, they had to continually come in and lift my gown to adjust the monitors.  The top is also roomy enough for nursing your baby after birth.  Once  you are done, you simply throw the gown away!

Pretty Pushers also has a commitment to the environment. Instead of using synthetic fibers, pure cotton and water-based inks are used. 60% of the paper used in the packaging is recycled and millions of gallons of water and chemicals are not being used on the washing of all the hospital gowns.

The Pretty Pushers gowns retail for about $22 and can be purchased at several stores and online boutiques across the United States.  Find a retailer near you by visiting the Pretty Pushers website.

FYI: You may want to check with the hospital you plan on delivering in to make sure there is no policy on hospital gowns before you purchase a Pretty Pusher gown.

Felicia Carter is the author of Go Graham Go, a parenting blog with advice, products and money saving tips. She has a three year old son and is expecting number two in September. Connect with Felicia on Twitter.