Experienced Mom or New Mom - What You Need to Know

Pregnancy, from the first day to the last day, is an experience unlike no other. Your body changes, your baby flutters and suddenly things seem unclear. What should you expect when you are pregnant? You will hear all kinds of stories, from the good to the ugly. In reality, this will be the best and the worst experience of your life.

Morning Sickness, as it is commonly called, can begin in the early stages of pregnancy and last a few weeks, a few months or the entire term of your pregnancy. Natural ways to deal with morning sickness include being prepared. Experiment, if you have the ability to do so, with different times to rise for the day. Prepare your nightstand, desk and purse with packages of crackers and bottled water or containers of ice water. With 5 children, the only thing that worked for me to save myself from the sick feeling was saltines or some other type of cracker and lots of water.

Eat small meals often. This seems to be a guide for everyone from wanting to maintain or lose weight to pregnant moms-to-be. It helped me to eat a small snack or healthy meal every 2 hours or so.

Exercise. Check with your Doctor before planning any type of exercise though! I walked for 30 minutes or so each day. It seemed to help with the upset tummies. Remember not to over do it though!

If your morning sickness is severe, your Doctor may be able to help with a safe medication for the baby. Don't be afraid to call him/her if you are unable to eat or keep food down. It is unhealthy for your baby if you are not getting any nourishment at all. And that is what your Doctor is there for! He or she gets paid a ton of money to take care of you and baby, so use them, abuse them and make sure that you are getting awesome care.

Prepare

If your pregnancy is planned, get a list of preparations ready. As time goes on, you will feel less like spending time in the stores shopping and more like spending time on the couch eating bonbons! There are a few different resources that I suggest for planning your pregnancy or helping you get ready as soon as you find out that you are going to be a Mom. You will find them listed at the end of this article.

Clothing -- You will need to plan clothing for yourself as well as the baby. Plan for comfort and worry about accessorizing after you find your favorite type of clothes to wear as you gain weight. I spent quite a lot of time pregnant throughout the Summer and Winter months. No matter what season, plan for your expanding belly by finding stretchable or adjustable waist bands. Remember to find a pair of comfortable shoes without high heels, as they will add to your discomfort immensely. High heels cause back pain for us at the best of times and will cause more when you are pregnant. They also increase your risk of stumbling and/or falling.

Hygiene -- Showers are generally the best way for a Mom-To-Be to handle hygiene. If you insist on that bath, be sure to have Dad around to help you in and out of the tub. Your growing baby and belly may make it difficult for you to do it alone. Ask your doctor if you can continue to use products such as hair removal cream to ensure your safety as well as your baby's safety.

Hair Dye is out for the next 9 months ladies! Your hair becomes more porous during pregnancy and that wonderful color that you use might turn UGLY. The more porous your hair is, the more dye it will soak up and faster. Plan to cut it out of your daily routine until baby arrives.

Animals -- If you have cats, it is time to find someone to deal with the litter box. Litter boxes are highly dangerous for a pregnant woman, and can cause complications such as Toxoplasmosis. If you do not have help to take care of your kitty while pregnant, be sure to use proper cleaning precautions such as rubber gloves and thorough washing of your hands immediately after changing the litter to prevent any issues.

Food -- Keep your fridge stocked with things such as fruit, vegetables and healthy snacks. You will munch, it may as well be healthy munching!

Research -- Ask the Doctor what type of formula he will recommend or put your baby on if you will not be breastfeeding. Begin to stock up on this immediately. Formula is an expensive item for everyone, regardless of income level. Check the expiration dates and start storing up! Also take advantage of the programs that you may be eligible for, such as Women, Infants & Children.

Pack Your Bags -- Pack your bag for the hospital early. Include comfortable clothing to wear home, travel sizes of shampoo, conditioner and other products that you like to use and keep it handy. Include reading material for your 1-3 day stay in the hospital. Don't forget baby's bag! He or she will need clothes to come home in, appropriate for the season, a blanket, diapers and wipes.

Car Seat -- By law, you will not be able to bring your baby home without a car seat. Purchase one or check with your local programs for car seats that have been refurbished and meet all required codes.

Coming Home With Baby

It is an old wives tail according to your Doctor, but if you are not breast feeding, it will take a while to dry up your milk supply and it will be painful. The white leaves of a head of cabbage seem to have healing properties for the body. It will sound awful, smell worse but instead of a week of pain, it will be a day or two. Insert the white leaves into your bra and cup them around the breast. Change them as needed, when they are wilted and no longer cold.

Your friends and family will want to be there to meet you. Try to limit the number of visitors at any one time in your home. A new baby is stressful for any mom, experienced or beginner. The helpful suggestions, the need for everyone to touch your baby and hold him or her, will stress you to the brink of exhaustion. I enlisted my mother and my mother-in-law to guard the door and the phone so that I could enjoy time with my baby and my husband alone. For a week or so, you may also want to ask a select friend or family member to help with things like cooking or cleaning to allow you time to adjust to an addition to your family, the changes to your body and the need to bond with that beautiful little child that is all yours.

As in any case, remember that knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you can expect and prepare for. Do your research, ask questions and don't listen to the scary tales your Mom will tell you!