Your Pregnancy Tips

A tip I was told in hosp was to wet a newborn disposable nappy & put it in the freezer. Perfect shape & fit for sore boobs esp when you have mastitis - the relief was great.

My best advice which I offer to anyone I know planning on getting pregnant or being pregnant is to excercise! I kept very fit during pregnancy walking over steep hills every day even the day I went into labour. I had a quick uncomplicated first birth with no pain relief. Being fit helps you cope with the duration of labour and excercise increases your pain tolerance.

Also sleep in as much as possible if this is your first baby for it will be a long time before you get to sleep in once bubs arrives! Go to the movies and out for dinner as much as you are able too and do all the things you want to do while you have the chance!

Enjoy long relaxing baths and make sure you shop for all that bubs needs before they arrive. Water births where possible I highly reccomend but of course they arent for everyone.

And of course pamper yourself as much as you dare, you'll kick yourself later if you don't. Enjoy your little one they not little for long!

If you are a working fulltime make sure you finish up work at least a couple of weeks before due (& hope you dont go early) so as you have plenty of time to just to rest & relax. Rent some movies cause it will be a long time till you get to watch them again.

I also found eating something every hour or two (instead of just the usual 3 meals a day) kept the sickness at bay. I would just have a piece of fruit, some nuts, yogurt etc

But most importantly ENJOY it, its a wonderful time

*I used Palmers Cocoa Butter mixed with Bio Oil on my tummy twice a day & didn't get one stretch mark.

*If you have any strange cravings, give in to them, it's obvious your body is missing out on something.

*Just nod & smile when given advice, only use what you want, the rest is up to you.

*If you plan on getting 'belly photos' have them done at around 30 weeks. My baby came the day before I planned to have 'belly photos' I was a little disappointed but got a nicer gift in the end.

*Regular excersise will help during labour, you won't get so tired so soon.

*Ask as many questions as you want when in hospital, because you won't have that profesional help at home.

*Join a local Child Health Clinic ASAP after the birth of your child, you will learn very valuable lessons & meet some really lovely Mums.

The best tip that i can offer for pregnant women is to.....

........................BE READY EARLY!

I left a few things a little late!

I was hospitalised at 32 weeks and gave birth at 33 weeks.

It makes it harder when you have to wash clothes/set up nursery when you have had bub.

If things are done early, you know you can consentrate on bub and your own recovery when he/she comes home!

I would recommend having some barley suger or lolly pops (Chuppa Chups worked for me, but not the creamy ones, made it worse!) stashed somewhere if you suffer from morning sickness, and ant-acid type chewy things as well for heart burn.

Make a list of things to ask your doctor or OBS at your next appointment, and write things down as soon as you think of them, no matter how silly they sound to you. I had alot of these list and always felt so much better for having asked the questions.

Also Peppermint Oil on a hanky is great to get rid of a wave of morning sickness, or even just having a bottle on hand and having a sniff works wonders.

A nap before tea always re-energised me after a long day at work, and constant rest after 30 weeks too. I left work at 34 weeks, and felt bad because i didnt really think i needed to, but am so glad I did, as I was suddenly exhausted and spent half the day on the couch. Also when your resting put a sign up on the front door and take the phone of the hook, people will always visit or call at those times, garrenteed!! I made a sign up at work b4 i left and laminated it, and its still up sometimes, and DD is 10mths old! It was seriously invaluble for after she was born.

Listen to other peoples tips & give them a go, but take into account they might not suit you and your partner, dont fell discouraged/dissapointed if they dont work for you.

Lastly, everyone has an opinion and think its their duty to share it with you. Try not to get P***** off, (as they probably mean well). Dont let them get to you, as its not good for the baby or yourself. This applies before and after bubs is born.

Buy one of those Bath SHEETS they are a towel but extra big for that ever expanding belly. Sometimes the normal size towels can make you feel bigger than you actually are!

And I wish someone had told me to read up on babies sleep requirements and basic feeding and sleeping routines. Its good to go in with some knowledge. I knew everything there was to know about being pregnant but when my darling son got here, all that study on pregnancy was useless what I should have been reading about is babies!!!
So pick up some books on babies first year from second hand book stores or eBay you will find them a fantastic resource.

Use the helplines and child health as much as possible to reassure yourself and put those mummy minds at ease.

Have fun smile

Hi Lauraine.

I too, have found books and mags great, but am definitely in the same boat as you regarding the constant changes!

I'm not coping very well with the changes in my body! I feel overweight and unattractive at (nearly) 22 weeks, so I'm dreading how I will feel and look as my pregnancy progresses. This has definitely hampered my enjoyment of being pregnant.

I cope by realising these feelings & changing body image won't last forever! Supportive partner/friends/family helps too.

PAMPERING yourself & your partner extremely beneficial during pregnancy as it helps to lift your spirit even if temporarily. Funny how the mind works & if you look good you most definately feel good. The small things like romance, bathing with candles, massage, gift giving, kind words, poems, cook & dress for a nice meal together. No need to go to any expense you know what works for you & your spouse. Support from your partner and being thankful for the little things, will make you happy, will make pregnancy a little easier to cope especially at times when you feel down.

EXERCISE" after you do it, your revitalised! leave the car at home, 30mins is all you need a day.

Dry biccys & snakes for the train ride or drive home from work when you are hungry

Tradie gals..dont let your Obs turn you down in what you cannot do when you love it...find simple alternatives to make your job still enjoyable.

Ditto on exercising...keep exercising! you feel great, bubs gets a high and you will bounce back better after. Plus get hubby/partner involved as well (let him hold the water bottle for you hehe)

Ditto again..especially for first time mums, have heaps of rest and spend as much time as possible with your partner doing the things you are going to take for granted once you little angel or terror comes into the world!

Mel

New mums need : a cordless phone with answering machine (to put people off visiting if you aren't up for it, or to tell callers that you miss the birth details), a kettle that switches itself off auto, a sign for the front door "our family is resting, please come back later", a freezer full of frozen meals ( I cook double before I have the bub and freeze the extra)
I swear by Lansinoh, bulk buy nappies and wipes, have calling list ready for hubby to let the friends and fam know your happy news.
I'm also a fan of Raspberry Leaf tea capsules (hate the tea - it's ewwwww)
Coffee dates with gal pals is great in the time leading up to the birth...its not illegal, immoral (and you are all ready "fat")and its cheaper than therapy.

i had family and friends all coming to visit in hospital and all wanting a hold..and LOATHED IT. ask yourself now if you want all and sundry holding your newborn who is trying to tune in to his/her mummy and daddy, and tactfully make a rule if you think you need it...next one my rule is family only at hospital and friends when I am home and settled and ready. of course that's just how I felt but think about it..other people may be think differently.