Pregnancy, Parenting and Beyond

Pack this bag once you cross 7 months, and keep it in a place your hubby/partner will be able to pick it up easily in an emergency... Baby clothes - preferably a bodysuit and blanket, socks, mittens and cap. (you just need it when leaving from hospital to home, till that time hospital provides everything) Extra diapers and wipes. Flexible clothes for u like tops and pants or feeding gowns, nursing bras, panties, moisturizer, Lanolin/breast-nipple cream. (get extra panties and maxi pads) Clothes for your partner for 2 to 3 days. Maxi Pads for bleeding like extra large(hospital people will provide disposable panties and pads but more thick and uncomfortable), no pads necessary for C-section. Blanket for your hubby/partner for night sleeping...if necessary one extra pillow. Dollar bills/Change for the Vending machine. Take out menu's in the area, for hubby/partner. Camera, Battery, Video recorder. Contact numbers of Family and Friends. (some hospitals don't allow use of ...

Most women will experience food cravings at some point or another during pregnancy. In fact many women will crave some type of cuisine or unusual food product during pregnancy. The most popular cravings include sweet and salty foods, while other women report craving spicy or fatty foods. Why all the cravings? Causes of Food Cravings During Pregnancy >>Some cravings are simply the result of your body's needs for additional calories for the growth of baby. >>Sometimes nutritional deficiencies present ethical problems as well. Many pregnant vegetarian women find they get uncontrollable cravings for meat this means you need more protein also your body needs more first-class protein. There is no easy answer to this. Some women give in to the craving over the short-term and revert to strict vegetarianism after the birth. Others find that including fish or balancing pulses and grains in their diet boosts their protein intake. Including more eggs, milk or cheese in ...

Tips to buy crib /bassinets etc 1.Make sure you and Baby can rest easy by choosing a crib with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal of approval, which indicates that the crib meets the quality, safety, and functional requirements established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2. Convertible cribs will last your child from birth to adulthood by first transforming into a toddler bed and then into a full-size bed. Some cribs will include all the necessary parts to complete these conversions, while others may require you to purchase additional conversion kits. 3. Most cribs feature adjustable height mattresses . Keep the mattress at the highest level so it is easy to pick up your infant. As your baby becomes increasingly agile, lower the mattress so she can't climb out of the crib. 4. Look for cribs with hidden hardware to ensure sturdy construction and to prevent your baby from being scratched. Your crib must also have a non-toxic, lead...

The crib is the first piece of nursery furniture usually purchased. It should be comfortable and easy for baby and parents too . TYPES OF CRIB >>Single Drop-Side Single drop-side allows one side to be raised and lowered for getting baby in and out. Benefit: Crib is very stable because one side rail is permanently attached to both the headboard and the foot board. >>Double Drop-Side Double drop-side has two sides that raise and lower. Benefit: Lets you get baby in and out from either side, without having to walk around. Kickbar Drop-Side Release enables you to simply lift the drop-side a little with one hand, then push your foot against the kickbar to release the drop-side. Benefit: Strong metal drop-side release ensures that the side rail does not drop accidentally. Also, it's durable enough to last through several children. >>Kick bar Drop-Side Release Kick bar drop-side release enables you to simply lift the drop-side a little with one hand, and then...

Stage 1 In stage 1, your body prepares to give birth. This is the longest part of labor where you are having contractions and your cervix is dilating and may take several hours. This stage can be divided into three phases: Ø The early of labor is marked by very light contractions that may be 20 minutes or more apart. You will feel uncomfortable but you can continue your normal routine or go to bed. Ø In the active phase contractions generally are four or five minutes apart and may last up to 60 seconds long. Women desiring medication are admitted to the hospital at this stage. Ø Later, your contractions may be two or three minutes apart, lasting up to a minute and a half. Some women might shake & vomit during this stage, but it’s normal. This stage will not last more than an hour or two & partners support is crucial. Stage 2 Stage 2 is the delivery stage. The baby starts to move down the birth canal. You will need to help push during your contractions. This is th...

A woman is in 'labor' when she experiences uterine contractions, thinning and dilation of the cervix. This takes place in the final stage of the third trimester. The distinct signs of labor are: Ø Lightening or the positioning of the fetus into the pelvis region. Ø Discharge of pink or slightly bloody mucus and the mucus plug. Ø Defined and regular contractions of the cervix, in a wave-like motion, accompanied by cramps. Ø Breaking of water surrounding the baby or the weeping of amniotic fluid. Ø Dilation and thinning of the cervix. It is important to differentiate between 'true' and 'false' labor pains. The Braxton Hicks contractions or 'false' labor pains might occur in second or third trimester. These are irregular cramps that might be uncomfortable or painful. 'True' labor is characterized by contractions at regular intervals that keep getting more frequent, despite movement or position change. The most defined ...

Usually called “morning sickness,” nausea and vomiting are common during early pregnancy and go away after first trimester. For many women, it isn’t limited to just morning and last throughout the day. Nausea creates loss of appetite & may result in weight loss. Nausea does not affect the baby in any way as the fetus is protected in the womb. Here are some of these tips to control your nausea:- Ø Get out of bed slowly. Sit for a few moments before standing Ø Eat crackers or toast as soon as you wake up... try Graham crackers or Wheat thins Ø Eat frequent small meals (6 to 8 meals a day, rather than 3 large meals) Ø Consume ginger products such as such as ginger tea, ginger candy, ginger soda/gingerale or lemon+ginger water Ø Take your Prenatal vitamins in the night Ø Stay hydrated with fluids and eat lots of fruits Ø Slowly sip a Soda (sprite with Lemon) Ø Do not force yourself to eat anything, eat whatever pleases your palate Ø Get plen...

== You may Email this list to yourself and take a Print-out to use it as a check list during shopping. BABY SHOPPING LIST Nursery Needs Bassinet or Cradle (used in the first three months) Fitted bassinet sheet (3 sets) Crib (4-in-1 convertible is a good buy) Fitted Crib sheet (3 sets) Quilt (place under the sheet to soften and protect the mattress) Waterproof crib mattress and protector {Sealy or Serta} Dresser/Drawer (with wheels makes it comfortable to use) Diaper changing station (preferably not portable) Night light Toy chest Humidifier Air Purifier Feeding Essentials Nursing Pillow Burp Cloths Cloth bibs (8 to 10) Nursing Bra Breast Pads (to absorb leaks) {Lansinoh, Medela} Nipple Cream (to relieve soreness - wash off before nursing) Breast Pump {Medela, Lansinoh - double electric, Playtex embrace} Breast milk storage bags {Medela, Lansinoh} Formula {Similar Advanced EarlyShield, Enfamil LIPIL, Good Start Supreme} Bottles (6 - 2 to 4 oz; 6 - 4 to 8oz : Angled neck or Vent prevents...

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth, which is usually discarded. Cord blood banking uses external facilities as a place to store and preserve your baby’s cord blood. Umbilical cord blood stem cells can be used in transplants to treat a variety of pediatric disorders including leukemia, sickle cell disease, and metabolic disorders. Patients who need a cord blood transplant can currently try to find a match with a sibling or from an unrelated person. An autologous (self) transplant can also be done if a child's umbilical cord blood has been stored in a private cord blood bank, although you wouldn't do that for conditions like leukemia because of the genetic risk of the leukemia being in the cord blood too. There are usually two fees associated with cord blood banking. The first is the initial fee which includes enrollment, collection and storage for at least the first year, and the second is an annual storage fee. The initial fe...

Ø Have ginger tea Ø Gargle with lukewarm water by adding some salt 3 times a day Ø Take a glass of milk. Add little haldi, ½ tsp black pepper, 5-10 dry grapes (kissmiss) & required. qty of water. Boil this milk & drink it before going to bed. Don’t drink water immediately after consuming this mixture Ø Take small pieces of ginger & garlic. Grate them well. Take a tsp of honey & mix grated ginger-garlic. Swallow before going to bed & don’t drink water. Ø Take 1 cup of rice (Sona masoori is best or else Basmati but not boiled rice) & prepare it like normal white rice. Add bit salt while preparing. For tadka- use ghee or any kind of oil. Heat it & to it add 1 tsp of black pepper, cumin seeds (jeera), hing, cashew nuts(optional), curry leaves. Let this mixture stand for sometime & then add it to rice along with some salt for taste. It should be warm/hot when you eat it. You can eat this for dinner along with dal too. Ø You can ...

>> Contributed by members on the IHM Comm. DEE - Pampers Sensitive Rocks..... For size N and 1 ... ur baby is so delicate and Pampers is so soft and wonderful.  I've used Pampers Swaddlers until month 8... Size 2-3. Then switched over to Cruisers. At 11 months, I started using Luvs... its economical and works well when my DS is teething, as he got diarrhea for every tooth that popped out. Mallika Suresh Diapers -- >Initially Pampers >After 6 months, Huggies. >After 1year, Sam's Brand - Members Mark Diapers Wipes -- >Huggies >Later started using Members Mark Namrata >HUGGIES ....is the best >You can get it frm COSTCO,Sam's club or BJs (more economical to buy in bulk. >Pampers unscented wipes is good. Also, wash your baby's privates once in a day. >Huggies wipes are thicker and more absorbent - better to clean baby poop. Bhavna Patel-Bhatt >Pamper Swaddlers N is good for the first 1 week - until cord falls of...

Contributed by members on the IHM Comm. Chicco Cortina KeyFit Travel System Evenflo Aura Select Travel System Shaily - Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System - Bermuda Its so nice and easy to maneuver. Tejas is 14 months and he uses a front facing car seat; he used the car seat of the travel system until last month. It can accomodate a baby till 30 pounds and 32 inches. Its sturdy and safe. It comes in 2 colors....both r nice. Graco Quattro Travel System Bhavna Patel-Bhatt I have bought 3 Travel systems in total Graco is the worst purchase ... Very bulky and inconvenient... i used the Snap and Go until 8 months Later on bought the macclearan Voila stroller... Best stroller in the world. Also, Indian babies never reach 32lbs within one year... and after than rear-facing car seat become uncomfortable for baby... so the smaller version is fine. Shriya There's one more choice for travel system too, the earlier one was Alano Travel System - Mulberry And the ...

Harpreet - Yes, humidifier is very useful and needed for the baby. During winters, the heater makes the room air very dry. Humidifier adds humidity/moisture to the air. In absence of that kids can have dry cough, difficulty in breathing, especially when they have cold. During the day, you might not need it but at nights it is required. So, I would strongly suggest u to buy one. Whenever kids r ill, the first thing doc will tell u to use a humidifier. Shaily - I'm sure the Safety 1st one is nice but i personally bought Summer Infant Baby's Health And Grooming Kit. ..Really like the quality of the nail clipper and the hair brush...it also comes with a case to keep everything organized. My son is 13 months and im still using lots of stuff from the kit. I got mine at babies r us. Just saw it on amazon too.. heres the link http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-BabyS-Health-Grooming/dp/B000FOTA9S/ref=sr_1_1/102-5148012-3731339?ie=UTF8&s= hpc & qid =1192591036& sr =1-...

Benefits of Breast-feeding: >For baby: > Builds a strong immune system. Protects against allergies, ear infections and illnesses during the first year. > B-milk is easy to digest, rarely causes constipation and is filled with nutrients. > B-milk is the prefect food, it changes in consistency based on the baby's needs. The first flow is called Colostrum, which is thick and full of nutrients. > B-milk is naturally formulated for a baby's diet and promotes normal weight gain. >For Mom: > B-feeding causes the uterus to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly. > B-feeding can reduce stress levels and help you feel happier. > B-feeding heals your body and builds up your immune system. http://www.promom.org/101/ Problems faced during Breast Feeding: > Stimulate your breasts before feeding sessions - massage the breasts. > After baby is done feeding - use a pump to empty out the breast - that way more milk will be produced. > S...

An ultrasound (also called a sonogram) is a non invasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create a visual image of your baby, placenta, and uterus, as well as other pelvic organs. It allows your health care practitioner to gather valuable information about the progress of your pregnancy and your baby's health. A standard ultrasound is done between 16 and 20 weeks. What information will my ultrasound provide? Check your baby's heartbeat Confirm your baby's location Measure your baby's size Check to see if there's more than one baby Check the location of the placenta Assess the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus Check the baby for physical abnormalities Try to determine your baby's sex(best done at 18-20weeks) Third Trimester Ultrasound is done... To determine the cause of vaginal bleeding To check on your baby's growth To check on your amniotic fluid level To check on your baby's well-being late in the pregnancy To determine whether you should...

GD, which usually occurs in the last half of pregnancy, occurs when your body can’t produce enough insulin to keep your blood sugar level within the normal range. GD is most often treated with diet alone, along with frequent blood sugar monitoring & moderate exercise. However, medication may be required in some cases. GD Test is usually done between 26-28 weeks. If this 1 hr. GD test comes positive, you will be tested for 3 hr. GD test. The 3 hr GD test is just the elaborated version of the 1-hr GD test. You'll be taken 4 blood samples. First a blood work, then a juice (said to be stronger than the one given in 1-hr test), wait for an hour each between the juice intake and the other 3 blood works. The idea is to find out your sugar levels upto 3 hrs from taking in sugary food, so it is said to be more accurate than the 1-hr one. In most cases, those tested +ve in the 1hr test, come out -ve in the 3 hr testing. It is rare that you get +ve in the 3hr test. Tips to prepare f...

Stretch Marks are caused due to expansion and contraction of our body. If you put on weight your skin also expands. Same during pregnancy- the belly part begins to expand and when it contracts, stretch marks begin to develop. Here is a list of creams that might help with Stretch Marks suggested by my Gyno.: Ø Hydroderm Ø Strivectin-SD Ø Mederma Ø Reintol Stretch Mark Ø Zemmed Ø Trilastin-SR Ø Stirpeptin Ø Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Ø Tummy Honey Ø Vita-K-Solution Most popular among our members is Palmers’s Cocoa Butter but some don’t like it’s smell & hence mix Vitamin baby oil & Vitamin E oil in it before applying. It is believed that these creams make stretch marks lighter but cannot make them totally disappear. It is helpful to keep the belly moisturized & not scratch it, drink plenty of fluids & consume Vitamin E sources like avocados, almonds etc. Avoid wearing clothes that leave marks on the skin. Itchy Tummy > Dry a...

These are some of the essentials that we have to buy before we get our angel home. == Bassinet/ Cradle (This is mostly used for first 3 months and many do not opt for this.) ==Crib - * Do not use a crib that has corner posts more than 1/16 inch higher. * Crib hardware such as screws,bolts and fitting must be secured tightly to prevent collapse of the crib *Pillows are not recommended for use in a crib. *Avoid placing the crib near lamps,dangling cords,windows or heaters. * If using a second-hand crib , make sure it is not older than 2 year and evaluate it according to U.S. Consumer Product Standards. Also check if that item has been recalled. == Crib Mattress * Never use the mattress plastic bag to waterproof the mattress. * Leave no more than an adult two-finger-width space between the mattress and the crib to prevent the child's body or face from getting trapped in the gap. ...

These are some of the prenatal vitamins that our members have found to be working for them. Each vitamin works differently for each person so it is always wise to consult your doctor before experimenting. Always keep your doctor in the loop if you are having problem with your prenatal vitamins or you are wanting to switch. The vitamins are: == Gesticare DHA with Choline == Vitafol-OB +DHA == Prenate DHA == CitraNatal Assure == Expecta Lipil + DHA supplement == One-a-day Prenat + DHA supplement == Prenate Elite == Cal Nate == Folbical == Multi Natal plus If there are others that work effectively and we have failed to enlist it, we would be glad if you could mention it to us.

== Drink lots of water to flush out your system (we sound like a broken record but sometimes we tend to forget the obvious!) == Add Cucumber and Lemons to your diet. == Eat fresh veggies and fruits. (You know your mom was always right when she made you eat your veggies, so now do the same for your kiddo!) == Avoid Standing or Sitting in one place for extended periods. Try to walk around a bit and always elevate your feet when you sit. == Lie on your either side: left or right but not on your back. According to some moms of our group, left is better since it helps you digest and you can always prop yourself with a body pillow. == Avoid fast food, restaurant food,canned stuff, frozen and cold cuts. These all contain extra sodium.

== Raw eggs - e.g. salad dressings like Caesar salad, pasta carbonara == Raw fish - e.g. Sushi == Blue Cheese - The live bacteria in the cheese is what gives it the blue veining so it is wise to avoid it. e.g. the Waldorf salads contain different blue cheese varieties like Stilton, Gorgonzola, Roquefort,etc. == Feta Cheese/Goat Cheese/ Brie- These contain bacteria called Listeria and is found in most soft cheese. e.g. Mediterranean wraps have soft cheese. == Apple Cider - It is unpasteurized and contains bacteria. == Papaya - It increases body heat and may cause bleeding. == Fish with mercury levels - Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, fresh tuna, raw shell fish. Indian Food Items that are safe to consume: Mango Watermelon & Cantaloupe Rajma and Cholle Peanuts and Almonds (combine with Black Grapes - Prunes) Saffron in Milk (after 5th month) Avocado FISH == Tilapia (lowest mercury), Salmon, Indian fish varieties: Hilsa, Rohu, Tengra What to Avoid: Papaya Methi Dates (Khajoor)

Causes of Constipation: Increase in the levels of progesterone slows down the digestive system. At the same time extra iron from prenatal vitamins can harden the stool. In the third trimester, the pressure of the uterus on the intestines and the rectum can add to the problem. This all makes you feel bloated, gassy, and generally uncomfortable. Constipation can also lead to hemorrhoids , another common side effect of pregnancy. Relief Measures: Include raw fruits, vegetables and whole grain in your diet. Eat approx. 6 prunes every morning (if u like them) - good source of fiber. Drink at least 8 glasses of water during the day - take a glass of warm water in the mornings to stimulate digestion. Exercise - a short walk 20-30mins will get your bowels moving. Contributed by various members on the IHM...

Causes of Back Pain : ==Is due to your growing uterus and hormonal changes for your aching back. Your expanding uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, changing your posture and putting a strain on your back. ==The extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why your back may feel worse at the end of the day. Your growing uterus may also cause back pain if it's pressing on a nerve. ==In addition, hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things. Steps to avoid back pain: == Stretch and strengthen muscles that support the back and legs, including your abdominal muscles. Be careful to stretch gently because stretching too quickly or too mu...

==Is Normal ==Is good ==Try to eat balanced diet ==Is due to nausea and loss of appetite http://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy-weight-gain-estimator http://www.gerber.com/Tools/Pregnancy_Weight_Chart.aspx

Why does your body need Folic Acid? >>Women who are pregnant or might become pregnant need folic acid (vitamin B9 or folate) for a number of compelling reasons: * It helps prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) – serious birth defects of the spinal cord (such as spina bifida) and the brain (anencephaly). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that women who take the recommended daily dose of folic acid starting at least one month before they conceive and during the first trimester of pregnancy reduce their baby's risk of neural tube defects by 50 to 70 percent. * Some research suggests that folic acid may help lower your baby's risk of other defects as well, such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and certain types of heart defects. * Your body needs folate to make normal red blood cells and prevent anemia. * Some research suggests that taking a multivitamin with folic acid may reduce your risk of preeclampsia, a complex disorder that can affect you...