by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
The holiday season can be such a magical time of year, full of lights, laughter, and merriment as we get together and celebrate with family and friends. This season, the promise of a new baby arriving in the next few months brings an extra layer of joy to the festivities for you and your family. But the holidays can also be demanding and stressful, and dealing with a pregnancy on top of it all can add even more stress to your plate. What can you do to make the holidays stress-free for you and your baby?
1. Just say no
The holidays come with many obligations: parties, presents, decorations, the end of year wrap up at work. It can be overwhelming and very stressful to find time to fit everything in. But you don’t have to – and you shouldn’t. It’s okay to say no. Resist the holiday baking if it’s stressing you out and go store-bought instead. Say no to helping with the holiday pageant this year. Avoid the people and situations that cause you stress. The health of you and your baby is the most important concern right now, so listen to your body and say no if it’s too much. People will understand.
2. Online shopping is your best friend
Traipsing around all over town searching for the perfect gift, trudging back and forth across the mall – holiday shopping is hard enough without swollen feet, aching joints, and stopping to pee every half hour. Go online instead! Make life easier on yourself and enjoy the benefits of shopping from the comfort of your living room. A cup of tea, a few clicks, and you’re all done.
3. Plan something to look forward to
Make sure you set aside time for something you really want to do. Start a new tradition, have a cozy night in by the fire, visit with family or friends that make you smile. Having something to look forward to will help keep you positive and lower your stress. The holidays should be a joyful time, so do what makes you happy!
4. Get enough rest
Your calendar fills up fast during the holidays, and during this busy time it’s difficult to fit everything in while ensuring you have enough downtime. But getting enough sleep and rest is crucial to reducing your stress, and is especially necessary when you’re pregnant. Steal a nap here or there when you can. Skip plans if you’re too tired. Go to bed early. Take time to rest every day and try to get a full night’s sleep. You need it to keep up with the demands of your growing baby.
5. Eat, drink, and be merry
Everywhere you look, there are sweet treats and indulgent holiday spreads calling your name! The holidays only come once a year, so enjoy – in moderation. Avoid overeating, and try to eat mostly healthy food so you can properly nourish your baby with the right vitamins and minerals. Bring your own sparkling grape juice or non-alcoholic beverages to holiday dinners and parties so you can toast the season without worrying about whether there’s alcohol in your drink.
6. Let people help you
Now more than ever is the time to accept help. Let your significant other or a friend do the decorating for you. Take a family member up on their offer to watch your other children while you sit and rest. Let someone else host the holiday dinner this year. You don’t have to do it all! Learn how to accept help now, because you’ll need this skill once the baby comes.
7. Trim the tree…and the extras
This time of year always takes a huge chunk out of your pocketbook, and now you have to add buying new clothes and preparing for baby to the list. It can be a huge financial strain on couples, and you may be worried about how you’re going to manage. But you don’t have to spend a lot on the holidays. Cut out the extras – think about what you really need and what isn’t necessary. Reduce the amount you spend on gifts; remember it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag. You can have a wonderful holiday on a budget, and when it’s all over you’ll be grateful you did.
Happy Holidays Mamas-to-be!
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
What do weddings, parties, holidays, and New Year’s Eve have in common? They all stink when you’re pregnant! But, don’t let the lack of adult beverages and soft-cheese snacks ruin your time or your spirits. You can be all smiles when you ring in the New Year this upcoming holiday. Here are several tips that will ensure you have nothing but fun on New Year’s Eve!
Tip #1-Make a Mocktail
If you’re ringing in the New Year at a fancy establishment, you’re in luck because most bartenders are utterly amazing at making mocktails. They will taste so yummy, you’ll hardly even notice (or care) that the alcohol is missing. Even servers at local restaurants will also be able to offer you a few non-alcoholic alternatives, like non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic wine. But, if you’re celebrating at a friend’s house, some thought and planning should probably go into your evening. You can scan the internet to find a mocktail recipe that interests you. Simply gather up your materials, make sure there is a blender on hand; and you can make virgin drinks for not only yourself, but the designated drivers of the evening!
Tip #2-Let Loose, Let it All Hang Out!
So many expecting women spend months concealing their bumps. They remain tired, cranky, and stagnant in their homes. Newsflash! Being pregnant with a baby is a blessing, not a death sentence! So, this New Year’s eve, get all dolled up! Embrace your bump by sliding on a form fitting dress and go dancing. You’ll get an instant high from the exercise on the dance floor, and it will be hard for others not to notice and smile at you while you’re looking happy and having fun. You may even inspire other preggos to get out of their seat and let loose! What a way to ring in your exciting, upcoming year.
Tip #3-Pamper Yourself
Many pregnant women don’t want to leave their home or their sweat pants; let alone stay up to watch the ball drop. But, if you make it a point to pamper yourself, you’re more likely to commit to a festivity and have fun. Make an appointment to get your hair styled, your make up done, or enjoy a pre-natal massage. When you look good, you’ll feel good. And, you’re sure to want to show off your pretty pampering!
Tip #4-Play Chef
There are a number of food items pregnant women should stay away from. But, unfortunately around the holidays, many of those foods are served-brie, shrimp, sushi, subs, queso (the list goes on and on). Why not take control of what gets served by playing chef? Your friends will be thrilled to get some cooking help. And, you’ll be thrilled because you’ll be able to dig into and enjoy all the snack items you’re totally craving!
Tip #5-Host a Soiree at Your House
If you are hosting a New Year’s event, you’re more likely to participate in the festivities. You’ll be so busy playing hostess, you’ll hardly miss drinking. Plus, you’ll be able to control the food and beverages that are being served (a bonus if you are trying to watch your calorie consumption). And, when your feet start to swell and your back starts to ache, you’ll have no qualms about sliding on your slippers and jumping into a pair of active pants. Who cares? After all, it’s your house and you can even sneak off to catch a cat nap in your bed if and when the occasion calls.
Being pregnant on the holidays, especially New Year’s Eve is not a huge deal. Consider the several tips listed above to ensure you have a great night; and keep your thoughts positive. After all, you do have a lot to celebrate in your life and your upcoming year is about to change everything! So, raise a glass (non-alcoholic, of course) and cheers not only to yourself, but your new baby!
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
- 1.Woodland Animal Theme
When thinking of winter, (besides snow) most think of animals hibernating. Turn your nursery into a comforting “den.” Lots of trends are featuring an accent wall that is either constructed with weathered strips of wood (placed horizontally) or faux wood wall paper. Select a wooden, unfinished crib and fill the walls with pictures of colorful, baby woodland animals surrounded in white birch frames. Keep bedding neutral, and bring in a wooden rocking chair with a small leather ottoman, to bring out the hearty, rustic colors and ambience of the room.
- 2.White and Winter White
Shades of white can be so soothing, but also so chic. Splash your baby’s walls with a bright white paint, and allow the accents and furniture to offset this luminous color with contrasting, yet complementary hues of cream, winter white, beige, and even tan. The nursery will look reminiscent of a winter wonderland, but warmer. It’s also ideal if you want to keep your nursery gender neutral if you don’t plan to know the sex of your baby.
- 3.Bare-bone Rustic
Nursery trends are showing that less is more. And, that is quite different from what was featured in the past. Bare bone means that you only fill the nursery with the necessary, essential items like a crib, dresser, and rocking chair. Opt for a rounded, wooden crib to add simple shape. You can add a little print and pattern on the wall by putting up wallpaper that boasts a simple color and pattern, like black and white trees, or even a simple leaf pattern. Bring in rustic elements like moss plants to sit on window sills, or even hearty branches to lay up against the crib for an earthy element. Keep bedding plain, white, and organic; and ditch the crib skirt and bumper!
- 4.70’s Chic
An adorable trend for a girl’s nursery; 70’s Chic can be totally fun and inviting! Explore your local flea markets and antique stores to select unique styles of furniture that can easily be refinished and painted. Splash dressers and nightstands in pastel tones and in argyle prints. Add some pomp-pom lined curtains, some vintage décor pieces like an old tricycle, retro chair, or even miniature suit cases that house dolls and other toys.
- 5.Fuzzy Features
Another nursery trend is texture. Lots of nurseries are boasting fuzzy features and are promoting shaggy rugs, plush blankets, textured drapes, and furry pillows. You can have a lot of fun mixing textures, prints, patterns, and colors as well! Already have carpet in your nursery? Add yet another layer of texture by placing a fuzzy area near your baby’s crib. Not only will it look inviting and peaceful, but it will bring you and your baby lots of comfort during late night feedings, and during scooting and crawling sessions as the months go on!
Be sure to check out some of these awesome winter nursery trends so you can start to plan, design, and decorate your special room for your special delivery!
Source/Ideas:
http://www.kidsinteriors.com/nursery-trends-2017/
There’s nothing more exciting for a new mom than setting up her nursery. If you’re expecting a delivery during winter months, there are numerous ways you can make your baby’s room cute, comfortable, and cozy! Just take a cue from the most recent nursery trends and begin piecing together and designing the nursery of your dreams.
- 1.Woodland Animal Theme
When thinking of winter, (besides snow) most think of animals hibernating. Turn your nursery into a comforting “den.” Lots of trends are featuring an accent wall that is either constructed with weathered strips of wood (placed horizontally) or faux wood wall paper. Select a wooden, unfinished crib and fill the walls with pictures of colorful, baby woodland animals surrounded in white birch frames. Keep bedding neutral, and bring in a wooden rocking chair with a small leather ottoman, to bring out the hearty, rustic colors and ambience of the room.
- 2.White and Winter White
Shades of white can be so soothing, but also so chic. Splash your baby’s walls with a bright white paint, and allow the accents and furniture to offset this luminous color with contrasting, yet complementary hues of cream, winter white, beige, and even tan. The nursery will look reminiscent of a winter wonderland, but warmer. It’s also ideal if you want to keep your nursery gender neutral if you don’t plan to know the sex of your baby.
- 3.Bare-bone Rustic
Nursery trends are showing that less is more. And, that is quite different from what was featured in the past. Bare bone means that you only fill the nursery with the necessary, essential items like a crib, dresser, and rocking chair. Opt for a rounded, wooden crib to add simple shape. You can add a little print and pattern on the wall by putting up wallpaper that boasts a simple color and pattern, like black and white trees, or even a simple leaf pattern. Bring in rustic elements like moss plants to sit on window sills, or even hearty branches to lay up against the crib for an earthy element. Keep bedding plain, white, and organic; and ditch the crib skirt and bumper!
- 4.70’s Chic
An adorable trend for a girl’s nursery; 70’s Chic can be totally fun and inviting! Explore your local flea markets and antique stores to select unique styles of furniture that can easily be refinished and painted. Splash dressers and nightstands in pastel tones and in argyle prints. Add some pomp-pom lined curtains, some vintage décor pieces like an old tricycle, retro chair, or even miniature suit cases that house dolls and other toys.
- 5.Fuzzy Features
Another nursery trend is texture. Lots of nurseries are boasting fuzzy features and are promoting shaggy rugs, plush blankets, textured drapes, and furry pillows. You can have a lot of fun mixing textures, prints, patterns, and colors as well! Already have carpet in your nursery? Add yet another layer of texture by placing a fuzzy area near your baby’s crib. Not only will it look inviting and peaceful, but it will bring you and your baby lots of comfort during late night feedings, and during scooting and crawling sessions as the months go on!
Be sure to check out some of these awesome winter nursery trends so you can start to plan, design, and decorate your special room for your special delivery!
Source/Ideas:
http://www.kidsinteriors.com/nursery-trends-2017/
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
First, stay calm. It might sound easier said than done, but nothing productive will ever come from flipping out. In fact, all that stress can actually delay labor. That might sound ideal in a situation where you don’t want to give birth before you’re in a doctor’s care, but delaying labor when it’s already in progress is never a good thing. It can lead to the need for interventions that aren’t readily available for a woman who isn’t close to the hospital.
When a woman is under stress, the body produces cortisol. That cortisol impedes the release of oxytocin, which keeps contractions coming at regular intervals. Those contractions help to move the baby downward. The pressure of the baby on the cervix helps it to soften further and dilate. Thus, without cortisol, all of this could come to a screeching halt.
Plan B
The best thing you can do if an unexpected delivery outside of the hospital could potentially happen is to be prepared for it. This goes not only for the event of birth itself, but the mental and physical fortitude of the mother-to-be, too. Being prepared for birth involves a little bit more than knowing how and when to breathe.
If the roads are bad, it is best to attempt to have a home birth, not a roadside birth in the freezing cold. There are supplies that expectant parents may want to have on hand. Scissors will be important to cut the umbilical cord after it has stopped pulsating. These can be sterilized in boiling water. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol on hand at home, vodka is a decent substitute.
Even though the ambulance may not be able to make it through the snow and slippery streets to get to you, you will want to call 911. In many cases, they will dispatch you through to your doctor or a paramedic who may be able to help and assist you during the birthing process. Trash bags make an excellent barrier to protect mattresses and other surfaces so that Mom’s amniotic fluid and other birth fluids don’t stain or ruin your bed or sofa.
The Internet can be a great tool during this time, too. While it may not be the best resource for a crash course in how to deliver a baby, it is a great choice for music during labor or reaching out to friends and family via social networking to see if anyone nearby can come to your aid. If you are home alone and don’t have a partner to help you with the delivery, a neighbor is the next best thing. Whoever can get to you will do. If no one is around for miles by some chance, rest assured that women have been having unattended and unassisted births for years. It is both possible and safe.
Getting Through It
Spend the initial hours of early contractions walking, reading or watching television. Take this time to sit down and write a letter to your new baby boy or girl for them to open and read when they’re older. Tell them about your emotions in that moment. This is a great tool to use to keep the mood upbeat and exciting instead of anxiety-ridden and fearful.
There is nothing to fear. Women have been having babies at home for centuries. In fact, much of the research on home births supports it being just as safe as hospital births. Plus, the risk of interventions is far lower. Many women worry about the pain of childbirth. This is totally normal. If you were planning a natural birth, congratulations — you’re about to accomplish just that. If you had your sights set on an epidural or other pain relief, try to relax. Tension will only make contractions more uncomfortable. Keep in mind that there are lots of pain management techniques you can employ during childbirth that don’t involve drugs. This does not have to be a terrible and debilitating experience.
One alternative for pain relief is getting into the shower or bath tub. Submersion in water is a great technique that takes the edge off of contractions. Keeping the water fairly warm and adding more hot water as needed is the best way to manage this process. You can even stay in the tub and birth there, too. Counter pressure is another great tactic that your partner or support person can use. It involves applied steady pressure on the lower back to counteract the pressure of the baby coming down the birth canal.
Remember to change positions throughout labor. While you may have seen the same scene played out again and again in the movies and on television, women in labor should not be laying on their backs waiting for a doctor to tell them when it’s finally time to birth their babies. Keep moving. Let gravity to the work and move that baby down. Push on your hands and knees or even while squatting. Do what feels best to your body.
When Birth Doesn’t Go As Planned
After the baby makes his or her debut, try not to dwell on how things didn’t go as planned. They went how they were supposed to. That is what you should keep in mind. You have a healthy baby and an amazing story that you can tell for the next several decades about the snow storm that forced you to give birth in your bath tub or bed at home. Some might consider that a blessing in disguise.
At one time or another during a pregnancy, most women wonder about what will happen should they not be able to make it to the hospital on time. This concern hits home even more for the moms-to-be who are due during the Winter months. With a snow storm around every corner, black ice and sleet impeding their path to the hospital, what would a mother in labor do in the event that she couldn’t get to the hospital to birth her baby?
First, stay calm. It might sound easier said than done, but nothing productive will ever come from flipping out. In fact, all that stress can actually delay labor. That might sound ideal in a situation where you don’t want to give birth before you’re in a doctor’s care, but delaying labor when it’s already in progress is never a good thing. It can lead to the need for interventions that aren’t readily available for a woman who isn’t close to the hospital.
When a woman is under stress, the body produces cortisol. That cortisol impedes the release of oxytocin, which keeps contractions coming at regular intervals. Those contractions help to move the baby downward. The pressure of the baby on the cervix helps it to soften further and dilate. Thus, without cortisol, all of this could come to a screeching halt.
Plan B
The best thing you can do if an unexpected delivery outside of the hospital could potentially happen is to be prepared for it. This goes not only for the event of birth itself, but the mental and physical fortitude of the mother-to-be, too. Being prepared for birth involves a little bit more than knowing how and when to breathe.
If the roads are bad, it is best to attempt to have a home birth, not a roadside birth in the freezing cold. There are supplies that expectant parents may want to have on hand. Scissors will be important to cut the umbilical cord after it has stopped pulsating. These can be sterilized in boiling water. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol on hand at home, vodka is a decent substitute.
Even though the ambulance may not be able to make it through the snow and slippery streets to get to you, you will want to call 911. In many cases, they will dispatch you through to your doctor or a paramedic who may be able to help and assist you during the birthing process. Trash bags make an excellent barrier to protect mattresses and other surfaces so that Mom’s amniotic fluid and other birth fluids don’t stain or ruin your bed or sofa.
The Internet can be a great tool during this time, too. While it may not be the best resource for a crash course in how to deliver a baby, it is a great choice for music during labor or reaching out to friends and family via social networking to see if anyone nearby can come to your aid. If you are home alone and don’t have a partner to help you with the delivery, a neighbor is the next best thing. Whoever can get to you will do. If no one is around for miles by some chance, rest assured that women have been having unattended and unassisted births for years. It is both possible and safe.
Getting Through It
Spend the initial hours of early contractions walking, reading or watching television. Take this time to sit down and write a letter to your new baby boy or girl for them to open and read when they’re older. Tell them about your emotions in that moment. This is a great tool to use to keep the mood upbeat and exciting instead of anxiety-ridden and fearful.
There is nothing to fear. Women have been having babies at home for centuries. In fact, much of the research on home births supports it being just as safe as hospital births. Plus, the risk of interventions is far lower. Many women worry about the pain of childbirth. This is totally normal. If you were planning a natural birth, congratulations — you’re about to accomplish just that. If you had your sights set on an epidural or other pain relief, try to relax. Tension will only make contractions more uncomfortable. Keep in mind that there are lots of pain management techniques you can employ during childbirth that don’t involve drugs. This does not have to be a terrible and debilitating experience.
One alternative for pain relief is getting into the shower or bath tub. Submersion in water is a great technique that takes the edge off of contractions. Keeping the water fairly warm and adding more hot water as needed is the best way to manage this process. You can even stay in the tub and birth there, too. Counter pressure is another great tactic that your partner or support person can use. It involves applied steady pressure on the lower back to counteract the pressure of the baby coming down the birth canal.
Remember to change positions throughout labor. While you may have seen the same scene played out again and again in the movies and on television, women in labor should not be laying on their backs waiting for a doctor to tell them when it’s finally time to birth their babies. Keep moving. Let gravity to the work and move that baby down. Push on your hands and knees or even while squatting. Do what feels best to your body.
When Birth Doesn’t Go As Planned
After the baby makes his or her debut, try not to dwell on how things didn’t go as planned. They went how they were supposed to. That is what you should keep in mind. You have a healthy baby and an amazing story that you can tell for the next several decades about the snow storm that forced you to give birth in your bath tub or bed at home. Some might consider that a blessing in disguise.
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
If you scan online pregnancy sites and popular baby retailers’ blogs; they will make you feel pretty stressed out about packing a hospital bag. Why? They absolutely over exaggerate just how much you need to bring with you on D-day. Take it from me-I packed way too much and spent more money than I needed to when packing my bag. After all was said and done, here are the things I feel are most important to have with you at the hospital!
- Bathrobe
Perfect for lounging, helpful for nursing, and ideal for basic coverage, coziness, and warmth; a plush bathrobe will be your best friend in the hospital. It’s easy to open, adjust, and it will allow you to forgo pants (which can really irritate a C-section) and cover up a nightgown.
Your Daily Basics
I thought I needed to buy stool softeners, nursing pads, numbing spray, pads, and other post-delivery items. However, the hospital had everything I needed, in excess; including undies (why ruin your own??)! All I would suggest bringing is your favorite face wash (sometimes the littlest things bring comfort), your toothbrush/paste, and contact stuff or glasses. Deodorant also obviously came in handy, as did my favorite shampoo; but again-not necessary if you want to skip this stuff. They hospital provided it all.
Three Pairs of Comfy Clothes
You certainly aren’t going to wear jeans, heels, and your best outfit in the hospital. But, you may want to bring a pretty pair of pajamas (for picture purposes) that are stretchy and soft. I made it a point to bring two pajama sets in case I had a post-partum bleeding incident ; and I had a pair of stretchy yoga pants to wear home with a soft, tunic on top. Think comfort, think simple, but don’t bring just one outfit-a few will do.
Baby Going Home Clothes
Your baby is going to be wrapped like a burrito in the swaddle blanket that the hospital provides during your stay. So, the only thing your baby really needs is an outfit to wear home. Be sure to bring a hat and an extra blanket to place on top of your carrier if you are bringing baby home during winter months.
Laptop
I was so glad I brought my lap top. Your baby will sleep most of your stay, and in between visitors, you tend to get pretty bored (when you’re not sleeping yourself). So, I had my lap top so I could post pics, check social media, read the news, listen to music, read about baby milestones, and watch Netflix-it was comforting to have one of my favorite items with me!
Slippers
The hospital will provide you with non-slip socks for sure. But, I found it kind of yucky to walk up and down the halls wearing them, and then climb under the covers with them. Invest in a nice pair of non-slip slippers to allow you to move freely, without getting germs or other hospital stuff on your bed sheets!
That’s it! Honestly, if I had to do it all again, I’d bring these six items and be totally fine! Packing is certainly a personal preference, but if you want to go bare minimum; I feel that these six items are all you need for a successful hospital stay!
