There are a lot of blog posts out there about the typical things to prepare during pregnancy. Don’t skip over those! I wanted to add to those and create a list of a few additional pregnancy tips and tricks I learned along the way! Hope they help during your pregnancy!
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FIRST:
Get an at home pregnancy test that reads “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant”! I went through three different tests before I went out and bought the real one! That is a very anxiety provoking question to not know for certain or not if the stick says yes or no!
SECOND:
If you are the type to get sick when you are pregnant, make sure to get Unisom
Since Unisom is a sleeping pill, I only took half of one every night. I had to get up and go to work every day and I didn’t want to be a zombie when I got there! Most women just take Unisom and Vitamin B6 until about their second trimester when the sickness dies down. I had to take it every night my entire pregnancy. There were a few nights throughout the nine months that I tried to not take it and BIG MISTAKE! I would have to come home from whatever I was doing that day (work, church, anything) and lay in bed all day and not eat!
THIRD:
I wish I would have planned a newborn photographer! I ended up getting hospital photos, but it wasn’t by my planning. My sweet sister came with her camera and took a few (I’m so grateful for her!). Plan this ahead! It doesn’t have to be at the hospital. Pick out a photographer that you like, pin a few newborn family photos that you like and schedule it! It will be worth it!
FOURTH:
When heading to the store to pick up all your baby gear, make sure to grab a video monitor! I’ve found some really good deals on Levana Video Monitor
FIFTH:
Decide early on how you are going to treat your babies illnesses. I didn’t realize how often babies get sick. Especially during cold/flu season, and if other little kids are often around. Sickness spreads like wildflower with children! Are you going to treat with typical Motrin? Or do you prefer a little more natural? Either way is up to you, but research what your options are BEFORE your baby gets that terrible first fever. Also consider things such as constipation, allergies, acid reflex, asthma, etc. You don’t have to be an expert on every solution, but all of these issues are real and it’s good to familiarize yourself with possible solutions. That way you have some foundation to walk on when it happens.
SIXTH:
With that in mind, I would recommend getting a Snotarator
SEVENTH:
(I got this tip from a mother and baby nurse) About 8 weeks before your due date I would recommend preparing your body for breastfeeding, if you will be nursing. After your morning shower take your towel and rub your nipples for about 30 seconds. Work up to 1 minute if you can over the course of a few days/weeks. I would pinch and pull with the towel, or rub across the top. The purpose is to get your nipples tougher, more ready for sucking! If your nipples start to really hurt you can put some lanolin on them for comfort. I never experienced any pain when breastfeeding (well, that wasn’t mastitis). As a warning, you do need to be careful the closer you get to your due date. Stimulation of the nipples can cause contractions, so you can talk to your doc about this, or just stop about 2 weeks before your due date.
If you are planning on nursing, read more about tips for nursing moms as well as understanding the difference between Hindmilk vs Foremilk.
EIGHTH:
Take some time during the last trimester of your pregnancy to write your baby a letter! After time you’ll forget the amazing feelings you had while pregnant. It is truly a miracle to have a baby growing inside of you! Express your love, and wishes for them in a letter! Give it to them on a special birthday or graduation!
What are some other tips and tricks that you’ve found helpful that not many people mention?
