Becoming a father is a huge thing, and it will undoubtedly change your partner’s life forever. Whether your pregnancy was a long time coming or a complete surprise, your partner is likely to have some worries about becoming a dad. You know all those little worries and insecurities that keep you awake at night? Well, he’s probably feeling the same way. Here are seven ways to help him prepare for fatherhood:

1. Communicate – talk and listen. Tell him your expectations, and how he can help you out during pregnancy and motherhood, but also take the time to listen to his concerns and anxieties. Offer support and guidance where necessary, and be understanding towards his feelings.
2. Help him to help you – during pregnancy and the first few weeks of parenthood, your partner will be tasked with looking after you while you take care of the baby. Make sure he knows this, and let him know how you want him to help. Cooking meals, tidying up, laundry and acting as a gatekeeper for unwanted guests are all important roles that your partner can take on to help you out during this time.
3. Bump bonding – you spend every single second of the pregnancy with your developing baby. You feel the kicks, the hiccups, and notice when the baby is sleeping. While your partner may feel lucky to have avoided the backache, swollen ankles and hormonal rollercoaster of pregnancy, he’s also probably a little jealous. Without even trying, you’re already starting to bond with your baby. To make the transition to fatherhood easier, you should encourage your partner to do the same. Feeling the kicks, talking to the baby, and generally taking a hands-on approach to your bump can help him prepare for being a dad.
4. Preparing the nest – while nesting is typically the domain of heavily pregnant women, there’s no reason why expectant dads can’t get in on the act too. Putting together the crib, choosing the car seat and getting the nursery ready, are all great ways to get your partner involved in preparing for the baby.
5. Birth bonding – it’s not just mums and babies who benefit from skin to skin, it has been shown to help dads bond with their newborns, too. Make sure your partner is topless for his first cuddle with his new baby, and encourage him to spend a bit of time each day having skin to skin contact with his new baby.
6. Baby care – get your partner involved in baby care from the very beginning. If you’re breastfeeding, your partner won’t be able to feed the baby, but he can play an active role in your breastfeeding journey by supporting you. Changing nappies, getting the baby dressed and carrying the baby in a sling are all things dads can do straight after the birth.
7. Reassurance and confidence – the first few weeks as a parent can be terrifying, and you may feel worried that you’re doing everything wrong. Well, rest assured that your partner feels the same way. He’s just as nervous as you, though he may not always act it. Reassure your partner when he’s doing a good job, and help to build his confidence in his new role. Trust him, encourage him and appreciate him, just as he is doing with you.

Is your partner nervous about becoming a new dad? How are you helping him to prepare for fatherhood?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

There are a number of big purchases to make when you’re expecting a baby, and the stroller is probably one of the most exciting. As you stand in the store, trying out strollers, it may all suddenly start to feel very real. Strollers can be expensive, so it’s not a decision to take lightly. Here are five things to consider when choosing a stroller:

1. Price – before you step foot in a store, work out a realistic budget for this purchase. Have a quick look online to see what sort of price to expect, and then work out what you can afford to spend. There’s no point falling head over heels for a designer stroller if you can’t take it home for you. Set a budget, and stick to it. Tell the shop assistant how much you have to spend, and ask them to only show you strollers in your price range.
2. Size – strollers vary drastically in size. From the nifty ones that are perfect for city living, to the larger systems designed for off roading in the countryside, you will be able to find a stroller to suit your lifestyle. It’s important to work out where you will store the stroller when not in use, and make sure you buy one that can fit in that space. You should also consider the size of the trunk of your car, because the stroller needs to fit easily in there. If you use public transport a lot, choose a stroller that will fit easily on public transport, and be easy to navigate on and off buses and trains.
3. Usability – it’s important to get a stroller you can use. There’s no point spending a small fortune on a fancy stroller only to discover you can’t get any of the additional functions to work. How easy is the pram to use? Does it feel nice to push? Is it the right height for both you and your partner? Are the breaks easy to use, and do they feel secure when on? Is it easy to fold down when not in use? Is it parent-facing so you can talk to your baby as you walk? Does it look comfy for your little one? Make sure you are familiar with every function of the stroller before you buy it.
4. Reviews – speak to your friends and family to find out what they think of their strollers. By speaking to people who have experienced strollers day to day, you can get more of an idea what that stroller is like. While it may feel great to push in the shop, you may find out that your sister finds hers difficult to push on county roads. Parents are the experts on this one, so speak to as many as you can before making your purchase.
5. Style – you’re probably going to be spending a lot of time with this stroller, and at times it may seem like an extension of your own body. Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, some are available in simple designs, and others have themes. Choose one that you love. If you’re planning to have more children, it might be worth avoiding strongly gendered themes. While your newborn daughter will look great in a hot pink pram, her future little brother may be less impressed a few years down the line.

Have you chosen your stroller, or are you currently trying to decide which one to buy?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

The big day is finally here, you spent a few hours at home, bouncing on your birthing ball and breathing during contractions. Your contractions grew stronger, longer and more frequent, so you jumped in the car and headed to the hospital. You’re now bent over the front desk, huffing and puffing your way through another contraction, as your partner rubs your back while trying not to collapse under the weight of the three colour coordinated hospital bags you brought.

As your healthcare provider ushers you into your room and tells you to make yourself at home, your mind might be focused on other things. By this point, you may have forgotten the list of things you wanted to ask your healthcare provider. Of course, your healthcare provider will have a copy of your pregnancy notes, and this should include a birth plan; but birthing centres are busy places, so it’s always worth reiterating the important information in person. Make sure you tell your healthcare provider the following:

1. The type of birth you want – you don’t need to sit down and give a detailed and lengthy description including backing music and desired lighting, but it is worth giving a general outline. Would you like a water birth or active birth? What sort of positions would you like to try? Try to keep an open mind on the day, though. Remember, things can change.
2. Your desired pain relief – remember, this could all go out of the window because it’s impossible to predict how you will find labour, but you can give an idea of your thoughts on pain relief. If you’re hoping for a natural birth, your healthcare provider will try to support you in this plan. Alternatively, if you are hoping for an epidural, it is helpful to know this is a possibility so arrangements can be made with the necessary medical staff.
3. Your birth partner’s role – whether you want your partner to massage your back, get you drinks or sing your praises during labour, you should let your healthcare provider know in advance. Some birth partners may feel overwhelmed on the day, and forget to carry out certain roles, but your healthcare provider can help to involve them in the process if you state your wishes in advance.
4. Anything out of the ordinary – if you have experienced vaginal bleeding, or noticed a brown tinge to your mucus plug or amniotic fluid, you should inform your healthcare provider immediately. While it may be nothing to worry about, your healthcare provider needs to be fully informed about your situation to provide you with the best care.
5. How you feel about interventions – if you feel very strongly that you would like to avoid interventions, such as episiotomies, you should state this in advance. Of course, your healthcare provider is charged with safely delivering your baby, and sometimes interventions are unavoidable. However, knowing in advance that you want to avoid medical interventions may cause your medical team to question whether an intervention is really necessary before making a decision.

Finally, it never hurts to say thank you at the end. If you feel that you had the best care possible, and will be eternally grateful to your fantastic healthcare provider, let them know. Send them a card thanking them for their hard work. It’s always nice to feel appreciated.

Do you enjoy this App? Good news! You can now also download our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Today, there are classes for everything. One popular choice is a breastfeeding class, offered to women while they are pregnant. These are often offered by your local hospital, or by a lactation consultant or peer counselor. Essentially, they are designed to not only encourage women to breastfeed by going over the benefits of breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding, but also to help you learn some tricks of the trade that may make the transition to breastfeeding after delivery easier. But do you NEED these classes before the baby is born? Here are two sides to the debate for you to consider:

Stef Says:

This mom says no.  For one thing, the decision to breast or bottle feed is a personal one. Chances are you have all the information you need to make an informed choice. Secondly, no matter what your decision is, your baby may have a different plan once he or she is born. You may have had one child that breastfed perfectly, only to have a second child that doesn’t seem to take to the nipple well. And if your baby is not thriving after delivery and you are breastfeeding, the doctors may encourage you to switch to a bottle.

In fact, the time to take a class, would be AFTER delivery, especially if you are having trouble with breastfeeding. Most hospitals today staff lactation consultants who will also help you through the process while you are in the hospital having your baby. Most often, this is enough instruction for you to breastfeed successfully!

Michelle Says:

I’m, of course, a little biased – I’m a lactation consultant, La Leche League Leader, and mom of 4 children who were all breastfed well past the national average. From a professional standpoint, I definitely recommend these classes to all pregnant moms. They are a great place to meet other like-minded moms. Because breastfeeding is rarely encouraged in public in the US, it can be nice to know others are making the same choices you are, and it can be helpful to make connections with those moms during pregnancy to start your support network for the postpartum.

Breastfeeding classes also give you the chance to learn about the myths and realities of breastfeeding. Your Aunt Sally tells you that you need to drink tons of cow’s milk in order to make milk for your baby – but is that really true? Having a trained instructor to ask can get you started on the path to success. The other benefit of these classes is that, while you can’t actually latch a baby to your breast, you may be able to practice positioning and holds to make you more confident as you bring your baby to the breast for the first time after birth.

What Stef and Michelle agree on is that whatever you decide, make sure that you make the decision that works BEST for YOU!

Did you take a breastfeeding class during pregnancy? Was it helpful?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational 
and
Michelle, writer, editor, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

As you prepare for pregnancy, chances are you are washing tons of cute little baby clothes, baby sheets, towels and blankets. And experts and pregnancy books always tell you to take care (and spend the extra money) to use baby laundry detergents such as Dreft, so that you don’t risk bothering your baby’s skin once he or she is born.

Truth is, your newborn will have very, very sensitive skin. They will likely get all sorts of little rashes, and skin peeling and difficulties with their delicate skin in the first few weeks after birth. And yes, some of that can be attributed to using harsh detergents to wash their clothes and blankets in. In fact, anything that comes in contact with your baby’s skin has the potential to cause a break out (including your own clothing) as they work to develop anti-bodies.

That being said, some of the amazingly smelling baby laundry detergents are super expensive! And you will be doing a lot of laundry once the baby arrives. While there is nothing that beats the smell of baby laundry detergent, you do have other options.

The key is to look for hypoallergenic, perfume and dye free laundry detergents. Many stores today even sell organic laundry detergents or detergents that are made for sensitive skin. Obviously, the baby detergents are not perfume free, because they smell like clean babies. So even though they may have fewer chemicals than your traditional detergent, you can actually find products that are purer than those.

One of the benefits to choosing a non-baby but sensitive skin laundry detergent, aside from the price difference, is that you can wash all of your household laundry together. And, many of the traditional baby detergents do not do well at getting out the typical organic stains on your baby’s clothes while other detergents do. In fact, for organic stains such as spit-up or bile, you might want to get a pre-treatment sold in the laundry detergent that is for biological stains.

Most often, the recommendations for washing your baby’s clothes in perfume and dye free detergents expire around the age of 6 months. But many moms switch back to regular detergents earlier. When you do switch back, just keep a careful eye on your baby’s skin to make sure that they don’t have any allergic reactions to the detergent.

All in all, the smell of freshly washed clothes in baby detergent is definitely one of the perks to pregnancy and having a newborn in the house. However, it is not always a necessity – and you may find other options that wash your clothes better. As long as your baby seems to handle the washing detergent, then there really is no need in spending triple the price for exclusive baby detergents.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Is it time? Are you ready? Is this labor?

You have been feeling sort of ‘off’ all day long. Nothing quite specific, just different. Maybe you had a burst of energy (nesting) or maybe you have had a nagging, dull ache in your back and abdomen all day long. Those contractions that you have been calling Braxton Hicks for weeks now, are seemingly stronger. You may even start to have some pelvic cramping that reminds you of period cramps. Could this be the first stage of labor? The truth is the signs of labor are different for every woman, and you have to go with your intuition!

The first stage of labor can last for hours or even days. Most women start feeling a little different and get a burst of energy as new hormones are released to prepare you for labor and delivery. The big question is – do you go to the hospital or wait it out?

If you are having some of the signs of labor listed above, but are not having contractions that are timely and getting faster by the moment, your best bet is to stay at home for a little longer. Now is a good time to lie down and take a little rest. Make sure that you eat well so you will have the energy for labor and delivery and try to relax. Being in the hospital for the very early stages of labor is normally not necessary, and many hospitals may just send you home anyway.

One of the most common signs of labor that says labor is imminent, or will occur within a day or two is the ‘bloody show.’ The bloody show is essentially the loss of your mucous plug from the cervix, which until now has held your cervix closed. Most women only notice this when they go to the bathroom and see a mucousy discharge that is tinged pink or red with blood. This means that your cervix has thinned sufficiently and labor and delivery are imminent. This would be a good time to call your doctor, but not necessarily the time to rush to the hospital.

Another sign of labor is the breaking of waters. Don’t worry – it’s not usually as dramatic as in the movies. But it’s certainly a sign you won’t NOT notice. If your water breaks, you should go ahead and proceed to the hospital where they will test the fluid to make sure it is amniotic fluid and not something else.  If it is, you will be admitted and can start letting friends and family know that you are about to be in labor. IF you call your doctor, some may even advise you to wait until contractions start to go the hospital, but you should do whatever is comfortable for you.

If you are suddenly getting contractions that are harder and faster and coming more consistently, you should definitely start timing them and place a call into your doctor. Most folks, at this point – go ahead and trek to the hospital to get checked in. Some doctors will recommend waiting until contractions are lasting a minute each, coming every 5 minutes and have been that way for at least an hour before coming to the hospital. If this is your first baby, you have no idea how fast your labor will progress, so being safe rather than sorry is the best rule of thumb.

At the end of pregnancy, it is very important to pay attention to your body and to go to your regularly scheduled well visits with your health care provider. If you are paying attention to your body, and notice the subtle changes that may take place days before active labor begins, you will be ready for the real thing when it happens.

How did you know you were in labor?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Benefits of listening to music during labour

Some women choose to use music during labour, either as a way to motivate them or keep them calm during contractions. For some women, controlling their birthing environment helps them to feel empowered during labour. While you can’t redecorate the birthing suite, you can do things to make it feel more like home. Music is a great way to change the ambience, and will distract from the background sounds of the labour ward.

Listening to pleasant music can release dopamine into the brain. Dopamine is strongly associated with feel-good activities such as sex and food, and may act as a form of pain relief. Scientists believe music can lessen patients’ experience of pain at the dentist, so why not give it a go during childbirth? As well as triggering the release of chemicals, music can act as a distraction from the discomfort. If you are focused on the music, you will be less focused on any discomfort you may be experiencing.

Music has been found to relieve the physiological symptoms of stress. During labour, these symptoms can act to impede labour by triggering the fight or flight response. Music can lower blood pressure, slow breathing down and ease muscle tension, all of which could have a positive effect on labour.

The practicalities

Most hospitals and birthing centres have CD players or music docks available, but it is worth checking in advance. If your hospital does not offer this service, they may allow you to bring your own in. Some women choose to listen to the music on headphones instead.

If you are having an elective cesarean, whether you are allowed music playing will depend on your surgeon. Some are happy to allow patients to choose music, but others may find it distracting which isn’t really ideal for operating! Speak to the hospital in advance, and find out what to expect on the day. Unlike with a vaginal birth, you should know in advance exactly how long the birth will last, and can plan a playlist accordingly.

What to listen to

If you want to use music during labour, you should create a playlist including your favourite songs. Try to cover all the bases – emotional, upbeat, angry and calming – you’ll probably experience a variety of emotions during childbirth.

It’s impossible to predict how you will feel on the day. You may find that after spending hours producing the perfect mix playlist for labour, you then want to sit in stoney silence throughout. If you usually like calm, sensual music, you may find yourself yearning for some loud, angry heavy metal for the pushing stage of labour. Be prepared, and take a mix of music types, so that you have something to suit every mood.

What songs have you got on your labour playlist?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

You may not have heard the word lochia before, but it’s the name given to the vaginal discharge following childbirth. Lochia doesn’t just refer to the vaginal bleeding, it also incorporates the tissue and bacteria that you will pass. Lochia can last anywhere from two to six weeks.

What is lochia like?

The lochia will change colour overtime. It will probably be bright red at first, then brown, and perhaps light pink towards the end, but this is different for each woman. For the first few days, the lochia may have a metallic smell reminiscent of menstrual blood.

The discharge may be intermittent or an even flow. You may notice some clots – these come in all sizes, big and small, and are usually nothing to worry about. A couple of days after the birth, you should notice your discharge becoming lighter and less like menstrual blood. About a week later, the discharge will be white, or almost white, in colour. After this time, you may have lochia for a few weeks longer, but it will be a lighter discharge.

Breastfeeding causes the uterus to contract, and this can cause a heavier flow during or immediately after feeds. Oxytocin released during feeding causes the uterus to contract, which will speed healing, but can also increase bleeding temporarily. If you find these contractions uncomfortable, speak to your healthcare provider about safe pain medication to take while breastfeeding. You may notice an increased discharge in your sanitary pad, or upon standing up, directly after a feed.

If you have started taking progesterone-only birth control (such as the minipill or injection), you may experience spotting for another month.

What should I do?

There are a number of steps you can take to look after yourself while you experience lochia:

• use the right protection – while the flow is at its heaviest, use heavy duty sanitary pads or maternity pads. As the lochia lessens, you will be able to start using regular sanitary pads. Do not use tampons for the first six weeks after the birth, because they can increase your risk of infection.
• get as much rest as possible – easier said than done with a newborn in the house, but do try to take things easy. Overdoing it could lead to increased bleeding. Most healthcare providers suggest lifting nothing heavier than your baby until you are healed.
• take extra bathroom breaks – try to visit the bathroom regularly. Your bladder may be less sensitive in the days following the birth, so you may be less aware of when you need to wee. A full bladder can restrict your uterus and cause increased bleeding and pain.

When to seek help

For most women, lochia is a completely normal part of a healthy postpartum recovery. It can, however, provide warning signs for when something isn’t right. Contact your doctor immediately if:

• the discharge is still bright red when your baby is four days old
• after lightning, your lochia is now getting progressively heavier or turns red again
• you are bleeding excessively (soaking through a sanitary pad in an hour)
• you are passing clots bigger than a lemon
• you have a fever and/or chills
• your lochia has a foul odour

If you are feeling faint and suffering from excessive bleeding, seek immediate help.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

WOW!  You have made it to third trimester. Chances are you are feeling a large range of feelings from excited and anxious to tired and stressed. Some things, such as getting regular exercise may be more difficult now. You also may have an increased appetite that seems hard to satiate – as your baby swallows up all of the nutrients he or she needs to grow. The third trimester is a period of rapid growth for your baby, and is also an important time to stay on course taking care of yourself and your own nutritional needs.

For the vast majority of women, most of the pregnancy weight gain occurs during the third trimester. This is just one reason that you want to avoid reaching for low nutrient, high-calorie snacks, even if you are craving them. Remember, the baby will take everything it needs first and foremost, and you will be left with the leftovers. This is why it is vitally important that you choose your foods wisely to keep your own energy levels high, and ensure your baby is getting what he or she needs.

The following snacks are not only packed with nutrients and complex carbohydrates but protein as well. Protein during pregnancy is very important. You should also be eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to keep a constant stream of nutrients pouring into your body.  If you are looking for some quick and easy snack ideas that won’t be packed with calories and non-essential ingredients, look no further. (Good news, these are all easy, portable and quick to fix!) The third trimester nutrition guide!

• Half a bagel with cheddar cheese. The cheddar cheese is packed with protein, and the bagel is full of carbohydrates that will keep your energy levels up. You can also try a bagel with low-fat cream cheese spread. This snack is quick and easy to fix and portable.
• Apples and bananas are literally perfect pregnancy foods! Not only do they have extra fluids and natural sugars to give you an energy boost but they are packed with nutrients. And their the easiest to take along – they need no preparation!
• Almonds! If you are not allergic to nuts, almonds are the very BEST choice for you eat during pregnancy. A handful of almonds can give you a lot of protein and energy and normally very easy on your digestive system.
• A pear and some cheddar cheese. Fruit and cheese makes a great power snack that you can grab on the go. And it will keep you satiated, because not only is it sweet, but the cheese is salty as well.
• Carrots, celery, cucumbers or even breadsticks dipped in healthy spreads such as hummus. You can find some very tasty varieties of hummus in your grocery store deli aisle, and you will be surprised at how good they taste. Plus, you can never go wrong with veggies.
• Whole wheat toast or crackers with cream cheese spread or cottage cheese. These are also powerful snacks that you can eat on the fly.

Also, remember to keep snacks such as crackers and fruit handy in your purse at all times. The most important thing to remember during the third trimester is that you don’t want to be hungry. Eat often enough that you never feel starved, and you will feel less likely to binge eat or grab foods that are unhealthy.

What was your favorite late-pregnancy snack?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

The idea of pregnancy nesting has been around since the dawn of mankind. In ancient civilization, women who were about to give birth were typically left to their own resources to create, literally, ‘nests’ of straw and hay for their baby. In fact, the tradition of nesting often involved the entire extended female family members as they celebrated together the up and coming birth of a baby.

Today, the idea of nesting is when a woman, late in pregnancy, suddenly gets the urge to get up and clean and prepare the house for no reason at all. If your friend comes over to find you cleaning the cabinets, and you are in your last month of pregnancy she will probably say, “Uh-oh, you are nesting – baby is coming.”

So is pregnancy nesting real or imagined?

The answer, just like many woman will tell you is that pregnancy nesting is absolutely the real deal. One day, you may wake up with all the urges of a domestic Goddess and energy to boot. This welcome boost of energy is usually attributed to a surge of hormones that takes place in the last phase of pregnancy. It can also be a way for you to burn off some of the anxiousness and anxiety you feel about giving birth. The baby may have also dropped, making you feel a little lighter on your feet and making it easier to breathe and move around. When the urge hits to clean every nook and cranny of your house, to do some laundry or to spruce up things that have been lying dormant for months, there is nothing wrong with following the urge. Heck, all this extra exercise and scrubbing may be just the thing to get your labor started!

Of course, if you are on any type of bed rest or modified activity, you may need to clean and domesticate with care, or enlist the help of family and loved ones. You may be able to satisfy the urge by sorting through bills or coupons, scrapbooking, or addressing the envelopes for the birth announcements.

Nesting for your baby, or otherwise preparing your home, occurs in around 80% of all pregnant women, somewhere after the 36th week of pregnancy. It may last for hours, days or even a few weeks. And this is just your way of making sure that everything is perfect and prepared for when the baby comes. Some experts say that even men tend to get a nesting instinct in the late phases of their partners’ pregnancies.

If the nesting instinct doesn’t hit you, though, no worries. Just sit back and relax and realize that the baby won’t notice whether the sheets are clean, the house is vacuumed or the cabinets are cleaned out.

Do you enjoy this App? Good news! You can now also download our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Tired much?

In the third trimester of pregnancy, one of the most common complaints of women is that they are tired. Oh, so tired. They spend their nights waking up and falling asleep, unable to get comfortable in one position, having to get up and use the bathroom every few hours, and generally unable to sleep. Pregnancy insomnia is not uncommon, and is caused by many factors. Not only is the inability to get comfortable a contributor, but anxiety about your upcoming delivery and motherhood are factors as well. Some folks laughingly say that third trimester pregnancy insomnia is just preparation for when baby comes and keeps you up all night. Even so, it can be maddening to spend your days fatigued.

The following tips may help you to sleep better!

• Body pillows. Doctors recommend that you sleep on your left side. And prop your belly up with a body pillow. In fact, positioning pillows around your body, between your knees, and making sure that your head is propped up to avoid heartburn – can help you get more comfortable. Body pillows and pregnancy pillows are definitely a God-send when you are pregnant.
• Try not to drink anything right before bed. The weight of your uterus pressing on your bladder is what makes your need to urinate so irritating. You can alleviate this some by avoiding fluids right before bedtime (or up to an hour before you go to sleep.) Still, chances are you will have to get up and pee during the night.
• Exercise. Take a nice walk mid-day. Do some yoga. You shouldn’t exercise at night before bedtime because it will give you a boost of energy that may make it hard to fall asleep. But don’t forget to exercise. Not only will it give you energy during the day, but it is a good way to blow off some steam and work out your anxieties.
• Give yourself 20 minutes of worry time every day and no more. Dedicate 20 minutes to write down your worries, your fears, or the thoughts that keep you up at night and then move on. You cannot fix or change these things at 2am. This can take some discipline, but is a helpful way to head off stress.
• Lavender or chamomile oils on your pillow or in your bedroom can help you slip off to slumber. Just remember that your sense of smell is stronger and a little can go a long way.
• Listen to calming music or meditate before bedtime.
• Take a nap during the day. A 20-30 minute power nap during the day can help reenergize you, and can help you feel less sleep deprived. Just don’t nap too long or you will interrupt your nighttime sleep routine.
• White noise! Get a fan or white noise maker for your bedroom. Studies show that white noise not only helps people fall asleep, but can help you stay asleep during the night.

Also, remember that this too shall pass. Even so, chances are once the baby is born, you will never get the kind of sleep that you used to.

Do you have any tips for women suffering with pregnancy insomnia?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Talking about childbirth sometimes seems like a secret code: what are the three stages of labour, anyway?

The first stage of labour

This is usually the longest stage of labour, lasting on average between six and 20 hours for first time mums. If you’ve given birth before, your first stage could be between two and 10 hours, although these are just averages and of course individual labours vary wildly.

During the first stage, your cervix softens and begins to dilate. Your contractions may last between 10 to 40 seconds at first, but this will increase as labour progresses. The first stage of labour officially starts when you are 4cm dilated and experiencing regular, strong contractions.

You should time your contractions to keep track of how regular they are. Going for a short walk, soaking in a warm bath and practising your breathing techniques are all good ways to spend the beginning of labour. Find a position you feel comfortable in, be that kneeling, squatting, leaning, and rock your hips with each contraction.

Your contractions will continue to increase in strength and frequency. Once you think labour is established, you should contact your healthcare provider. Once you arrive at the hospital, your healthcare provider will monitor your baby’s heartbeat from time to time to make sure he isn’t in distress.

By the end of the first stage of labour, your cervix will be fully dilated and you will be ready to push.

The second stage of labour

By this point, your cervix is dilated a full 10cm, and it is time to start bearing down to deliver the baby. Your baby is about to make the journey out of your uterus, through the birth canal and out into the world. The pushing stage of labour can last from just a few minutes up to around two hours. To help you get to the finish line, you could try:

• three short pushes with each contraction, this is said to be more effective than one long push
• an upright position – let gravity do some of the work for you
• bear down – imagine you are trying to push out a very big poo
• exhale – breathe out steadily during each contraction

By the end of the second stage of labour, you will have delivered your baby. When the third stage starts, you should be cuddling your baby on your chest for some skin to skin bonding.

The third stage of labour

Now that your baby has been born, the placenta is no longer needed. During the third stage of labour, you need to deliver the placenta.

When your baby is born, the umbilical cord will still be connected to your baby and to the placenta still in your uterus. Some parents choose to clamp the cord immediately, but others choose to wait for the cord to stop pulsating first. This pulsating is the passage of blood from the umbilical cord to the baby and back again.

Some women choose to deliver the placenta naturally, and others choose to have an injection to speed up the process. This is a personal choice and entirely up to you. Once the cord has been cut, the umbilical cord will be clamped close to your baby’s navel. In time, this will shrivel up and fall off, leaving behind your baby’s beautiful belly button.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.