Congrats you are pregnant!

Congrats on your upcoming new addition!!!!! This is such an exciting time, but pregnancy is one of the strangest things you will ever experience. Your hormones are all over the place you might be nauseous, you're probably tired and irritable and your body is changing. You can grow new hair (everywhere), your skin could be glowing or completely breaking out like you are 15 all over again. If you haven't started gaining weight yet, you will and for most women it's depressing even though they know it's ok. These things are all normal, but they don't feel so normal and as excited as you are about the new addition in you life, it's kind of scary too. Here are some things that helped me get through my first pregnancy. Feeling good about yourself, feeling good physically and feeling prepared are 3 of the best things you can do to enjoy your pregnancy. Below is a list of a few things to help you achieve those things. Please feel free to comment and add or disagree, this is just my opinion. (I live outside Omaha, NE so any of the specific destinations are for those of you in or around Omaha)

Maternity Stuff

Pea in the Pod (online and or One pacific Place) Great cute clothes, good jeans and dress clothes, a little pricey, but all of their clothes really help you to feel good about the way you look

Target (sometimes they have good stuff, other times, nada)

Victoria’s Secret boyfriend sweats, they are loose, low and sooo comfy

A good zip up hoodie, I have a black Juicy Maternity Hoodie (Nordstrom.com) and I wore it all of the time

Nordstrom -  Finally has a decent maternity dept. online!!!

Fitted work out tops- I hated wearing my husbands T-Shirts to work out they just made me feel Huge. fitmaternity.com does a great job providing fitted work out attire, without being tight. Pea in the pod carry some nice ones too.

A good pair of maternity jeans, I have Sevens with the low band, they are great until you start getting really big and then you need the full belly coverage, so they don't dig in. Nordstrom and Pea in the Pod have several great options

What to expect when You’re Expecting - This is a great staple to answer your basic questions throughout your pregnancy.

Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven (great book about different foods and how they could affect the baby and you, ASPARTAME is really bad, give up diet stuff, but beware this book can make you a little overly conscious of what you are eating, just use good judgment)

Prenatal Yoga – I love the Shiva Rae DVD  and every prenatal yoga class I've taken : Yoga is great both physically and mentally, especially during pregnancy!!!

Baby Center. Com (join your birth month group)

Bella Band in black and white – get the Brand name bella band, the Target one’s stretch out

Chamomile Tea – Helps me sleep

Bradley Birthing Classes – they really helped both Mike and I feel prepared for anything that would happen in the delivery, 2 hours once a week for 12 weeks( Barb Hake in Omaha), it is a class that focuses on natural child birth, but even if you are planning on an epidural I would still take these classes, because they help prepare you for anything that could happen (ie, epidural doesn't take, labor comes too fast, you have to have a C Section...)

The Business of Being Born, this is just a very informative movie about the birth process in America

Prenatal massage- ONLY go places with a maternity table, the side massages just aren't worth it, but defiantly get regular massages especially in the the 3rd trimester ( if you haven't gotten regular massages in the past is best to wait until your second trimester to start getting massages)

Chiropractic Care- It will help the headaches, back aches, neck pains, even abdominal and rib pains. Many Dr.'s even recommend it to help turn a breech baby.

Baby Registry

Now it's time to register, this is so much fun, but so overwhelming, standing in Target in front of dozens of different bottle and how are you supposed to know one from the other. What do you need now and what do you need 2 years from now? Here are some products I loved and a few I hated!!

Favorite Baby Products

Fisher Price Papasan Swing – Josie slept in this for a couple of months, it is AWESOME.  Their are several styles out their apparently some come with plug ins while others are batteries only.  Who cares what it looks like get the one with the plug in.  We had batteries only and I would wake Mike up in the middle of the night to go get more batteries while I fed Josie.  With B we got the plug in soooo much better. C still awesome! for me it's a must have I liked it better than any other option

Fisher Price Bouncy seat – get one with lots of bells and whistles so it amuses them fisher price is best (rainforest or discover and go) They will have the swing for resting, we used the bouncy more for amusement.  I recommend toys on a bar they can play with, noise and vibration.

Baby Einstein Play Time Mat -  This was the first thing Josie truly seemed to enjoy.  It has a little "baby TV" ( lights and colors with music) that she loved and had lots of stimulation whether she was on her back or stomach. 

Honest kids -shampoo, lotion…  So many organic products have no smell or a not so great smell.  These smell great ( I like the tangerine vanilla) but are still so gentle on babies skin. (I did not love their diaper rash cream) Now

Arbonne Diaper Rash Cream-  It stays on and protects that little bum instead of just absorbing into the skin.

California baby products are good too. I love there calendula cream for really dry skin and their sunscreen is one of the top rated baby screens out there.

Huggies snugglers NEWBORN diapers- ( I would recommend getting small pkgs of huggies and pampers so you can try out both) they have a blow out guard on the back and an umbilical cord cut out.  After the newborn phase I was not a Huggies fan. 

Pampers Swaddlers stage 1 (and up)- softer than Huggies and just seemed to be more absorbent.

Pampers wipes- (buy a pack with the hard plastic tub and then you can buy big refill packs to go in the tub) Again you may want to buy some of each until you find what you like. I always like pampers sensitive

Receiving blankets- the actually square, thin receiving blankets, they swaddle great to keep the legs tucked up in a swaddleme, buy cheap ones so they can double as a burp cloth or Aden and Anais makes a great thin one that stretches to make the perfect swaddle.

Kiddapotomus Swaddle me’s ( Kiddapotomus was just bought out by summer evening so I think both brands are the same thing) Both kids wore this over their onsie for the first 2 weeks probably 20 hours a day and slept in it until about 6 months. They are AWESOME (they have them on diapers.com search swaddleme) the other brands just don't cut it.

Chicco Baby Carrier or Travel System- decide before hand if you are going to buy a jogging stroller or not, most jogging strollers will accommodate baby carriers, so you do not need to get the travel system and a jogging stroller.  I liked my chicco stroller, it was easier to fold up than the Bob, and pretty easy to maneuver, but not as easy as the Bob.  I just sold my chicco stroller and will just be using the Bob for the new LO.

Britx B-safe-  since I bought my Chicco, Britax (who sets the bar for car seats, has come out with the B-safe and it is a great option.  the only thing i didn't like about it is it sits up more than the chicco, so harder for baby to sleep in the car)

Bob Revolution Jogging Stroller- pricey, but great, especially if you are actually going to jog, it is absolutely worth the money, it goes over cracks and curbs so easily and can be guided with just one hand so great for things like the zoo, parks.... The chicco baby carrier does fit on the Bob.

Avent Bottles(with newborn nipple) – If you are breast feeding this is one of the top 3 nipples recommended the others are Evenflo ultra and Playtex natural latch (again with newborn nipple) . (Nuk are considered the worst according to the Kellymom breastfeeding website) http://www.bfar.org/nipples-print.html here is the article about best bottles for the breastfeeding mom. 

Avent Pacifier – Just FYI latex pacifiers (the yellow gummier ones) hold more bacteria than silicone, we used Avent, because that was what kind of bottle nipples we used and it worked fine for us, the brand SOOTHIE is the most highly recommended by hospitals and is the best choice for breast fed babies, I didn’t know about them until Josie was a couple of months old, but they might be a good choice too, especially if you are breastfeeding. Bennett did not like them. He preferred the plain advent.

Avent Nighttime Paci- These glow in the dark and are awesome because they are so easy to find in the middle of the night.  A friend of mine gives it to her son when the power goes out so she can find him. :)

Avent Formula Dispencer and Snack Cup

Avent Bottle Brush

Moby - This wrap is great you can hold the baby in a bunch of different positions and it is very comfortable to wear.

Ergo- the moby is my favorite for the first few months, but I like the Ergo better than the baby bjorn, because it’s better on your spine and the babies.  Their is an infant insert for this that I plan to purchase before the next baby and it has great reviews.  I also recommend the teething pads.  Since your child's head is always facing one of the straps they are constantly showing on them and it is uch more convenient to throw the pads in the washer than the whole ergo.

Happiest Baby on the Block (this book is a God send read it before you have the baby and your husband too, it's all soothing techniques and the reasons why they work)

What to Expect the First Year

0-3 month onsies (10) Carters brand (Gerber fit weird and Chico are ok, but wear out fast)

Newborn snap across t-shirts- for the first week or so, so you don’t have to rub on their cord (carters or amazon and diapers.com have some cuter options to take to the hospital)

0-3 month footie PJ’s - this is all I put Josie in for the first few months- if you can find the ones with zippers they are the best target has them in packs, not the cutest, but soo convenient. Carters has really cute ones and they don’t look as warn with washing as some others.

Hoodie towels

Diaper Dekor Plus – it’s great, no smell at all, and you just step on it, it opens and you throw the diaper in, the diaper Genie always confused me, this is EASY to use.

Diapers.com – this is the greatest website ever, great prices and FREE next day shipping on orders over $50 they have everything from diapers to to formula to breastfeeding tanks to tampons to bouncy chairs

Boppy Brand Changing Pad Covers - (they come with an extra plastic pad that lays on top and is easier to change)

White Noise machine – reminds them of the noise in the womb and blocks out other noises.

Cute diaper bag – It’s what you carry half the time instead of a purse. I love having one that looks more like a large purse than a diaper bag. Mine is storksak and I love it. It has the thermal side pockets to keep bottles warm/cold, lots of pockets and the fold out changing pad.

Munchkin multi use pad- Great disposable pads that can be used as burp cloth/ changing pad…. I love using them on public changing tables and then I can just throw them away.

Sassy disposable diaper sacks – Great scented baggies to keep in the diaper bag and wrap stinky diapers in when you are at someone elses house.

Velour or flannel crib sheets- They don’t get cold like cotton so it doesn’t wake the baby up when you lay them down.  Pottery barn has some great crib sheets.

Bundle me – any kind of zip up blanket for the infant carrier. I have the JJ Cole Bundle me and love it. Doesn’t blow off like a blanket in cold weather.

Bundleme light- for the warmer months and rain, or if your baby get hot easily

Enfamil D Vi Sol- at a couple of months the Dr. recommends you put the baby on Vitamin D this is the only supplement I could find that only had Vitamin D the others were a mix, (diapers.com)

Clean well natural hand sanitizer – all natural and alcohol free, so it keeps your hands from getting dried out ( diapers.com, Whole Foods)

Baby Sponge for the first month of so of baths, you can set it on a counter or in the tub (Target). I liked it better than baby tubs becasue it's so much softer and they don't slip.

Fisher price bouncaroo ( rainforest or precious planet) Get one with lots of noises/visuals

Baby Einstein excosaucer -  It's really personal preference on getting a bounceroo or and exersaucer, we have both and loved them, but if I had to pick one I would definitely do the bounceroo.

Chicco or Graco Pack n play - Graco are easier to assemble and disassemble, but chicco are a little more user friendly when assembled ( about a 5 min difference in assembly) on the chicco the changing table flips down where as on the graco it has to be removed.

Britax 5 point car Seat- it has side impact protection, for when they are out of their infant seat.  WE have the Boulevard and love it, but any Britax is great.

High Chair – just get one that reclines, raises and lowers and has a removable top tray, we have the Fisher Price Zen and it’s great

Chicco traveling seat- traveling high chair that breaks down into a bag the size of a purse and then attaches to a table AWESOME for travel and restaurants!!!!

Summer infant Best view monitor- spend the extra money totally worth it to be able to remotely view your child and not risk waking them up every time you check on them.

monitors that sink to i phone- I know people who have these and they are awesome.  you can sink to you phone, iPad.... and see baby without having to remember where the monitor is, can even view when out of the home.  DOWNSIDE  apparently their are some security issues because they are easily hacked.

Earth’s Best food and formula –Organic - love it!!!

Bumpkins super bibs – when they start on solids they clean up so easily!!!

Bumbo chair- AWESOME, they can only be in them for a couple of months, so see if you can find one used, but totally worth it!!!

Plum Baby mish mashes and pouches- When your baby starts eating solids these are GREAT. They are organic fruits or fruit/veggies in pouches with a straw in the top so babies can just suck them out of the top and you don’t have to use a spoon. Great for when you are on the go!

Bad Buys

Do not buy any baby blankets, infant bibs, stuffed animals, or 3-6 month clothes, you will get plenty as gifts

Bottle sterilizer – everything that can be sterilized can go in the dish washer and it only needs to be sterilized every few uses, so I just throw them all in whenever I run the dishwasher

Walkers- apparently for every 24 hours your child uses a push behind walker it takes them 3.3 extra days to walk

Crib Bedding- this one is up to you, it's so cute and makes the nursery look adorable, but it is a total waist of money. You cannot use the bumper until the child is over 1 (they can suffocate on it), they will not ever use the blanket, again until they are over 1 and you will have way softer/washable one's you'd rather use. The crib sheet is fine, but ours isn't very soft so we never use it. So that leaves you with just the skirt and half the time you can barely see it depending on your crib. Like I said up to you. I bought one and WISH I hadn't $300 down the tubes. We got a window valance too, of course it didn't fit and we do use the diaper caddy, but I could have bought any diaper caddy for $20.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the greatest gift you can give yourself and your child!!! You will treasure the time that you two have to bond and the health benefits to BOTH of you are MANY. FOREWARNING- It is not always easy, especially in the beginning, prepare yourself. For many people your boobs will hurt not only because they are huge and full of milk, but your nipples can get so cracked and sore and when baby latches on it can feel like someone is ripping your nipple off. Also it can be exhausting, you alone are responsible for feeding your child so every 2 hours they need you, your mom can't do it or your husband or the babysitter (obviously until you start pumping and they can give a bottle, but you usually still have to pump at the same time, so your boobs don't explode). Another thing no one told me before hand is the first few days( or possible even weeks) when your baby breastfeeds it will cause your uterus to contract,  this is good for your uterus and the size/shape of your stomach, but it can feel like you are having contractions again and can be painful. 

I am not saying this to scare you away from breastfeeding. I just don't want you to get started and think there's something wrong with you or your baby or not be prepared for the struggle. After a few weeks it will be sooooo much better!!!!! And again the health reasons alone are worth it!!!

Here are a few things to help. Nothing can prepare you for motherhood, but having the proper equipment / support and having some understanding of what will happen, helps immeasurably.

Breastfeeding

Medela Pump – I have the swing and it’s great for me, it fits in my purse and runs on a couple AA batteries, but pumps one side at a time.  For working moms the Pump n Style is recommended, it's in a bag like a back pack or shoulder bag and pumps both boobs at the same time, can be battery operated.  The ladies at the breastfeeding boutique say the Free Style is a waist of money, but apparently there is a bra like apparatus that works great, I will look into it and get back to you. I have rented the Symphony , which is the hospital grade pump and it’s GREAT, if you start having any supply problems or are trying to store a bunch I would recommend renting this for a couple of months. 

So That’s What They’re For( LOVE this and read it before you have the baby and take it to the hospital with you, this was my breastfeeding bible)

Bravado Nursing Tank – love this tank perfect fit and easy snap/unsnap

Bravado Nursing Bra- Super comfy kinda like wearing a sports bra, a little lining so you don’t nip out or see the breast pad lines and easiest snap, fits like a sports bra

Bravado Bliss- same comfort but gives you a little more lift and contour (As my friend Madeline said "holds the girls nicely and adds some va va voom")

V Neck shirts or zip up/button up tops – I wear a tank every day now, so that if I do have to lift my shirt you can’t catch a glimpse of my stomach , but my favorite thing to wear is a button down or zip up shirt over a tank so I just have to unzip it a little

Mamajama PJ’s (1 nice set of nursing pj’s for the hospital and when you come home, you will want to be comfy and it will take a little while to get the hang of nursing and it’s easier in actual nursing apparel, but it does feel nice to kind of match and be a little cute, especially with all the people visiting you.)

Le Leche League- join a Le Leche League near you, it's a great way to talk to people going through the same things you are with breastfeeding.

Le Leche reusable breast pads - these are the best reusable pads they are big so they absorb a lot and they don't give you weird lines in your bra.  They also wash great in the washing machine and dry quickly sitting out.

Lasinoh, lanolin-  this stuff is AMAZING.  Start using after the very first feeding to help prevent/sooth sore/cracked nipples. ( also makes great diaper rash cream) 

Lasinoh disposable breast pads - these are great for when you are on the go.  Lots of times it's easier to just throw out a wet breast pad then put them in your diaper bag until you get home.

Hooter Hider – I like the fact that it can’t fall off, like a blanket does, and it gives you complete coverage, but you can still see the baby. Make sure to get the kind with the wire in it. Diapers.com and many baby boutiques have these or look on etsy.com, for a custom made option.

Nuk warm/cool relief packs- these are awesome use them in the freezer for relief of engorged breast and heat them in the microwave for relief of blocked ducts, mastitis or to help let down.

Kellymom.com - a great website all about breast feeding great articles and great forums, they can answer tons of questions.

Lactation Consultant- Find/use a lactation consultant, my hospital had 2 on staff and they were so helpful, not only in the hospital, but the did follow up calls and I could call them/go see them any time I had questions.