7 Tips On Trying To Conceive

Trying To Get Pregnant? 

Try These 7 Tips To Increase Your Chances:


 Do limit movement after intercourse. Standing up after intercourse can cause the semen to leak out. Try to wait twenty minutes after sex before getting up and moving around.

 Do try to keep the sperm inside your vagina longer. You can hold the labia together to try to keep the sperm inside of you. You can also try putting a pillow under your pelvis to help tilt your body so the sperm can travel upwards easier.

 Do try to make sex enjoyable. Sometimes when a couple is trying to conceive it will affect the quality of their sex life. More enjoyable sex means higher sperm count and better "swimmers".

 Do take prenatal vitamins if you are trying to conceive. Folic acid and other vitamins are very important during the first trimester of pregnancy.

 Don't drink alcohol or use drugs at the time of conception. This applies to both the male and female. There is strong evidence that alcohol can effect your chances of getting pregnant. (See Video Below)

 Don't douche after having intercourse. It can wash out the sperm that has just entered your body.

 Relax!

If you have been trying to conceive for over a year please consult a doctor. You may need to have tests run or use fertility treatments.

Breastfeeding Tips

The Following Tips Can Help Foster Successful Nursing


Get an early start:
Nursing should begin within an hour after delivery if possible, when an infant is awake and the sucking instinct is strong. Even though the you won't be producing milk yet, your breasts contain colostrum, a thin fluid that contains antibodies to disease. (For more tips see Establishing breastfeeding with your newborn.)


Proper positioning:
The baby's mouth should be wide open, with the nipple as far back into his or her mouth as possible. This minimizes soreness for the mother. Getting your baby latched on can be a challenge at first. A nurse, midwife, or other knowledgeable person can help you find a comfortable nursing position.


Nurse on demand:
Newborns need to nurse frequently, at least every two hours, and not on any strict schedule. This will stimulate your breasts to produce plenty of milk. Later, the baby can settle into a more predictable routine. Because breast milk is more easily digested than formula, breast-fed babies often eat more frequently than bottle-fed babies.


No supplements:
Nursing babies don't need sugar water or formula supplements. These may interfere with their appetite for nursing, which can lead to a diminished milk supply. The more the baby nurses, the more milk you will produce.


Delay artificial nipples:
It's best to wait a week or two before introducing a pacifier, so that the baby doesn't get confused. Artificial nipples require a different sucking action than real ones. Sucking at a bottle could also confuse some babies in the early days. They, too, are learning how to breast-feed.


Air dry:
In the early postpartum period or until your nipples toughen, you should try to air dry them after each nursing to prevent them from cracking, which can lead to infection. If your nipples do crack, you can coat them with breast milk. Proper positioning at the breast can help prevent sore nipples. If the mother's very sore, the baby may not have the nipple far enough back in his or her mouth.


Watch for infection: Symptoms of breast infection include fever and painful lumps and redness in the breast. These require immediate medical attention.


Expect engorgement:
A new mother usually produces lots of milk, making her breasts big, hard and painful for a few days. To relieve this engorgement, you should feed the baby frequently and on demand until your body adjusts and produces only what the baby needs. In the meantime, take over-the-counter pain relievers, apply warm, wet compresses to her breasts, and take warm baths to relieve the pain.


Eat right, get rest:
To produce plenty of good milk, the nursing mother needs a good quality, balanced diet and six to eight glasses of fluid. You should also rest as much as possible to prevent breast infections, which are aggravated by fatigue.


Source: fda.gov

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Organic Baby Clothing

The Benefits of Organic Baby Clothing


Buying organic baby clothing or eco-friendly clothing for your baby is a great way to introduce your family and newborn a lifestyle of green living. Purchasing your baby organic clothing is another way to protect your little one from known dangers. Eco-friendly cotton clothes usually last longer than those made from regular cotton because of the safer methods used to make the eco-friendly clothing.

One of the main benefits of eco-friendly clothing is that some is made from material that was not grown using pesticides. When released, pesticides can be harmful to the environment. Some eco-friendly clothing just means that it is made from recycled material.

Why Should I Purchase Eco-Friendly Baby Clothing & Products for My Baby:

• Baby’s Skin: A baby’s skin is far more sensitive and porous than the average adults. This means that a baby's skin absorbs things very easily. By using materials that do not contain pesticides and toxins will keep your baby safe from harmful chemicals.

• Organic Clothes Last Longer: You save money when you buy organic baby clothing. Conventionally produced cotton material lasts 10-20 washes before it starts to break down. Organic cotton material lasts for about 100 washes before it begins to wear down.

• Less Energy Used. Eco-friendly baby clothing is also made using less energy than traditional baby clothing, and therefore helps save the environmental energy.

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Baby Colic

Baby Colic

Baby colic is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or screams quite frequently for extended periods of times without any apparent reason.

Baby colic typically occurs between the stages of three weeks after birth to three to four months old. It is more common in bottle-fed babies, but also it can also occur in breast-fed babies. Baby colic will typically occur during the same time or during a specific period of the day, often in the early evening.

Having ruled out other causes of crying, a common rule of thumb is to consider a baby "colicky" if he or she cries intensely more than three days a week, for more than three hours, for more than three weeks in a month and typically during the same time each day.

There is no commonly accepted explanation for colic. Since there is no general consensus on the definition of "colic", while no longer universally accepted, traditionally colic was ascribed to abdominal pain resulting from trapped gas in the digestive tract. This theory is not yet discredited, and some recent scientific evidence provides support.

Some doctors claim that it is a combination of a baby's sensitive temperament, the environment, and its immature nervous system that makes him/her cry easily and without control. Others believe that it originates in problems in the baby's digestive system, but as of yet, baby colic is still somewhat of a mystery to many.

If your baby is experiencing colic, here are a few tips to help relieve your baby as well as yourself during this time.

1. Gentle bouncing or rocking typically soothes the baby

2. Use infant gas drops to relieve any trapped gas in babies tummy

3. Offer your baby a pacifiers, the sucking motion is typically a soothing activity

4. Cuddle with your baby, the closeness allows them to feel safe and secure

5. Sing to your baby, a soft tune or lullaby might soothe your baby. The soft sound of a mother’s gentle voice generally brings peace to their baby.

6. Soothe your baby by giving them a nice warm bath and a gentle massage

7. Use a CD of background noises such as the bible on audio, gentle rain or ocean wave sounds. These will bring your baby peace to their spirits.

8. Give your baby some alone time in their crib for about 10 minutes. Keep monitor of baby.

9. The sounds of your baby crying constantly will cause you some stress, so give yourself some private time. Let someone else take over for a while.

10. Remain calm. This too shall pass. Just remember that when a baby to cries, the baby is trying to relate to us that something is wrong. Babies do not cry to annoy us or frustrate us. Do Not Lose Control! Even though we may not be able to discern the exact cause for colic, use this time to get closer to your baby by assuring them that they are safe, protected and very much loved.

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Fashionable Maternity Clothes

As we all know, maternity clothes have come a long way. We have come from the ugly and frumpy look to the trendy, stylish and very fashionable maternity clothes.

We owe a lot of this to the celebrity baby boom in Hollywood. Celebrities are sporting the "baby bump" in a very chic way, and of course we all want to look and feel our very best during our 9 months.

There are many maternity clothing stores on the scene now who offer maternity clothes designed to take you from work to evening wear without ever losing your style. You no longer have to look plain and outdated during your pregnancy.

Now you can dress like an A-lister with Isabella Oliver Maternity Clothing. Purchase pieces worn by Gwen Stefani, Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum and other celebrity moms.

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Top 10 Child Car Seat Safety Tips

1. Always read your child seat instruction manual as well as your vehicle owner's manual to find out the safest location to install your child’s car seat.


2. Never place a child car seat in front of an airbag. The center rear is the safest position for a child restraint system.

3. Rear-facing is the required position of the car seat for Infants who weigh 20 pounds before 1 year of age. Make sure infants ride facing the rear until they're about age 1 and at least 20 pounds. Children over age 1 and at least 20 pounds may ride facing forward in the back seat.

4. Snugly install the child seat. If installed correctly, the seat should not move more than 1 inch side-to-side from the belt path. The safety belt must stay tight when securing the safety seat.

Note: The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) suggests putting your weight into the child restraint system to compress the vehicle seat while tightening the safety belt as much as possible.

5. Straps should be at or below the shoulder and snug around the shoulder area. Make sure the harness is buckled snugly around your child. Keep the straps over your child's shoulder. The harness should be adjusted so you can slip only one finger underneath the straps at your child's chest.

6. Chest clips should be secured at a position that is level with a child's armpits.

7. Level the car seat correctly according to the instructional manual.

8. Backseat’s are generally the safest place in the event of a crash. If your vehicle has a passenger side air bag in the front seat, it's important for children 12 and under to ride in back seat.

9. Keep your child in a safety seat with a full harness until they are at least 40 pounds. Children weighing between 40 to 80 pounds can use a belt-positioning booster seat with the adult lap and shoulder belt.

10. Check safety belt fit on older children. The child must be tall enough to sit without slouching, with knees bent at the edge of the seat, with feet on the floor. The lap belt must fit low and tight across the upper thighs. The shoulder belt should rest over the shoulder and across the chest. Never put the shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind her back.

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Life Insurance For Your Baby

As a new parent, you may have received a lot of mail asking you to sign up your baby for life insurance. Baby life insurance is a big thing nowadays because people are finding it to be something that can not only help in case of the unthinkable now but give your child financial security years down the road. Life insurance for babies provides much more to your child other than burial or funeral expenses benefits.


Gerber Life Insurance Company has provided quality life insurance for families for years.  Millions of parents and grandparents have chosen to give their children and grandchildren an advantage for life by enrolling them in the Grow-Up-Plan.

The Risks of Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy

When you drink, the alcohol quickly travels through your bloodstream, crosses the placenta, and reaches your baby. Your baby breaks down alcohol more slowly than you do, so she may end up with higher levels of blood alcohol than you have.


Drinking endangers your growing baby in a number of ways: It increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. As little as one drink a day can raise the odds for low birth weight and raise your child's risk for problems with learning, speech, attention span, language, and hyperactivity. And some research has shown that expectant moms who have as little as one drink a week are more likely than nondrinkers to have children who later exhibit aggressive and delinquent behavior.

"Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders" (FASD) is the term experts use to describe the range of problems related to alcohol exposure before birth. The most severe result of alcohol use is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a lifelong condition characterized by poor growth (in the womb, after birth, or both), abnormal facial features, and damage to the central nervous system.

Babies with FAS may also have abnormally small heads and brains, as well as heart, spine, and other anatomical defects. The central nervous system damage may include mental retardation, delays in physical development, vision and hearing problems, and a variety of behavioral problems.

Frequent drinking (seven or more drinks per week, including mixed drinks, wine, and beer) or binge drinking (four or more drinks on any one occasion) greatly increases the risk that your baby will suffer from FAS. But babies whose moms drink less can also develop this syndrome. And babies exposed to alcohol before birth,  even if they don't have full-blown FAS may still be born with some of these birth defects or later exhibit a number of mental, physical, or behavioral problems.

Dental Care During Your Pregnancy

                                                                 

It is important to maintain your regular dental care schedule during your pregnancy. There are a few things you should know to protect the health of your baby during your visits to the dentist. Since changes in oral health are common during pregnancy, you should pay special attention to dental care while you're pregnant.

To maintain good dental care during pregnancy, follow these guidelines:

• Inform your dentist that you are pregnant. Your dentist will know whether any dental work such as certain forms of medications or x-rays are safe to take during your pregnancy.

• If major dental work is needed, try to get it done either before you become pregnant, or schedule to have it done after your delivery.

• If you have any concerns or questions about the safety of a dental procedure, don't hesitate to share them with your dentist.

• Eat a healthful diet. Eating plenty of foods rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins to help support the health of your baby, as well as protect your teeth.

• Brush regularly. You should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least two times a day, making sure you brush for at least two minutes.

• Don't forget to floss. Flossing at least one time every day can help prevent or minimize pregnancy gingivitis.

• Use mouthwash. Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help control the bacteria that contribute to gingivitis.

• Visit your dentist. See your dentist for regular dental care while you're pregnant.

Getting Healthy Before Your Pregnacy

Getting Healthy Before Your Pregnancy

If your thinking about trying to conceive, here are a few things you may want to consider before you become pregnant.

• Talk with your doctor about your decision to have a child.  Your doctor will be able to inform you wisely based on your family medical history or any health concerns that he may have that may cause a high risk of birth defects. 
• Make sure to discuss all the medications you are currently taking to ensure that these medications are safe for you and baby during pregnancy.
• Get a good overall pre-pregnacy checkup where you get tested for high blood, diabetes and cholesterol.
• Get checked for hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV
• If you smoke...Quit!  It is not healthy for either you or your baby
• In addition to eating healthy, you may want to consider boosting your system with prenatal vitamins. 
• It's particularly important to get sufficient amount of  folic acid before getting pregnant. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida, a condition that may arise very early in pregnancy.

       

Best Pregnancy Sleeping Positions

What's the best sleep position during pregnancy?


Expert Answers
Donna Arand, sleep expert



Sleeping on your side is best while you're pregnant. In particular, sleeping on your left side may benefit your baby by improving blood flow – and therefore nutrients – to the placenta. It also helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body, which in turn reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands.

It's a good idea to start training yourself early in pregnancy to sleep on your left side whenever you can. Of course, staying in one position all night isn't likely to be comfortable, so turning from side to side while favoring your left side is probably the best strategy.

As for sleeping on your back, avoid that position throughout pregnancy, especially in the later months. Here's why:

When you're sleeping on your back, the weight of your uterus lies on the spine, back muscles, intestines, and major blood vessels. This can lead to muscle aches and pains, hemorrhoids, and impaired circulation, which is uncomfortable for you and can reduce circulation to your baby.

Back sleeping can make blood pressure drop, causing some expectant moms to experience dizziness. On the other hand, in some moms-to-be it can make blood pressure go up.

Finally, back sleeping can cause snoring and, with increased weight, could lead to sleep apnea.

The Importance Of Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal Vtamins: Give Your Baby The Best Start


Prenatal vitamins are an important part of pregnancy nutrition. Here's why you need them, when to start taking them and more.

By Mayo Clinic staff

A healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need — but even if you eat healthfully every day, you may fall short on key nutrients. If you're pregnant or hoping to conceive, prenatal vitamins can help fill any gaps.

How are prenatal vitamins different from other vitamins?

Most prenatal vitamins contain more folic acid, calcium and iron than do standard adult multivitamins. It's still important to eat nutritious foods, but prenatal vitamins can help ensure you're getting enough of these essential nutrients during pregnancy.

Here's why it matters:

 Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. These defects are serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.

 Calcium promotes strong bones and teeth for both mother and baby. Calcium also helps your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems run normally.

 Iron supports the development of blood and muscle cells for both mother and baby. Iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells.

 Prenatal vitamins may reduce the risk of low birth weight. Some research suggests that prenatal vitamins decrease the risk of low birth weight.

Do I need to be concerned about other nutrients?

Standard prenatal vitamins don't include omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote a baby's brain development. If you're unable or choose not to eat fish or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, your health care provider may recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements in addition to prenatal vitamins.

Vitamin D is important as well — especially during the third trimester, when calcium demands increase. Most prenatal vitamins don't contain optimal amounts of vitamin D, however. In addition to your prenatal vitamin, drink vitamin D-fortified low-fat milk or other calcium-rich foods containing vitamin D. If you don't drink milk or eat calcium-rich foods, talk to your health care provider about calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Do prenatal vitamins require a prescription?

Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter in nearly any pharmacy. Some prenatal vitamins require a prescription, however. Your health care provider may recommend a specific brand of prenatal vitamins or leave the choice up to you.

When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?

It's best to start taking prenatal vitamins three months before conception. The baby's neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy — perhaps before you even know that you're pregnant.

How long should I take prenatal vitamins?

It's best to take prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy, preferably with water or juice — not milk or soda. Your health care provider may recommend taking prenatal vitamins while you're breast-feeding, too.

Do prenatal vitamins have any side effects?

Some women feel queasy after taking prenatal vitamins. In other cases, the iron in prenatal vitamins contributes to constipation.

If prenatal vitamins seem to trigger nausea:

 Take your prenatal vitamin at night

 Take your prenatal vitamin with a snack

 Chew gum or suck on hard candy after taking your prenatal vitamin

If you're struggling with constipation:

 Drink plenty of water

 Include more fiber in your diet

 Include physical activity in your daily routine, as long as you have your health care provider's OK

 Ask your health care provider about using a stool softener

If these tips don't seem to help, ask your health care provider about other options. He or she may recommend another type of prenatal vitamin or separate folic acid, calcium and iron supplements.

Bringing Baby Home Checklist

Baby Clothing & Accessories:

7 Infant Gowns
3 Blanket Sleepers
7 Cotton Undershirts
1 Snowsuit for Winter Babies
7 Pair of Baby Socks
7 Receiving Blankets
8 Burp Clothes
7 Bibs

Nursery Needs:

Crib or Bassinette
5 Fitted Crib Sheets
5 Fitted Waterproof Mattress Pads
Crib Bumpers
Crib Mobile
Rocking Chair
Changing Table
*Diapers
*Baby Wipes
*Diaper Pail
*Diaper Rash Ointment
*Baby Cornstarch
*Baby Oil

Breastfeeding Basics:

Disposable or Washable Nursing Pads
Nursing Bras
Nursing Pillow
Nipple Cream

Bottle-Feeding Basics:

7 4-oz. Bottles
7 8-oz. Bottles
Bottle Sterilizer
Bottle Warmer
Pediatrician Recommended Formula

Bath Time Needs:

7 Baby Washcloths
4 Baby Hooded Towels
Baby Tub
Gentle Baby Bath
Baby Shampoo
Baby Lotion
Baby Oil
Baby Scissors/Clippers

Medical Supplies:

Baby Vaseline
A&D Ointment
Cotton Balls
Rubbing Alcohol
Infant Gas Drops
Infant Tylenol
Saline Nose Spray
Baby Thermometer
Bulb Syringe

Car Supplies:

Car Seat
Neck pillow
Diaper Bag
Stroller
Pacifier

Exercising During Pregnancy

If you have been following a regular exercise program prior to your pregnancy, you should be able to maintain that program to some degree throughout your pregnancy. Exercise does not increase your risk for miscarriage.

If you are just starting an exercise program as a way of improving your health during your pregnancy, you should start very slowly and be careful not to over exert yourself.

Listen to your body. Your body will naturally give you signals that it is time to reduce the level of exercise you are performing.

Never exercise to the point of exhaustion or breathlessness. This is a sign that your baby and your body cannot get the oxygen supply they need.

Wear comfortable exercise footwear that gives strong ankle and arch support.

Take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of fluids during exercise.

Avoid exercise in extremely hot weather.

Avoid rocky terrain or unstable ground when running or cycling. Your joints are more lax in pregnancy, and ankle sprains and other injuries may occur.

Contact sports should be avoided during pregnancy.

Weight training should emphasize improving tone, especially in the upper body and abdominal area. Avoid lifting weights above your head and using weights that strain the lower back muscles.

During the second and third trimesters, avoid exercise that involves lying flat on your back as this decreases blood flow to your womb.

Include relaxation and stretching before and after your exercise program.

Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates.

The Ultimate Baby Guide

Do You Want To Be The Perfect Mother?

Get the right advice - right from the expert!

Did you know that nearly one-third of US parents know surprisingly little about typical infant development?
(Source: Reuters May '08)


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Covering the first twelve months of your baby's life, this guide will help you at every step of the way. With full back-up and support, you'll never have another question!


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Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms

Understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is important because each symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy. Some women experience signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a week of conception. For other women, pregnancy symptoms may develop over a few weeks or may not be present at all.

The easiest way for detecting pregnancy is with the help of a pregnancy test. There are different types of pregnancy tests. Most of these tests work by estimating the presence of a pregnancy hormone termed human chorionic gonadtotrophin. Some pregnancy tests are very sensitive and can give a clear positive result before a missed period.

Below is a listing of some of the most common pregnancy signs & symptoms. If you have been sexually active and experiencing any of the following symptoms it is important to take a pregnancy test.

Delay/Difference in Menstruation:A delayed or missed menstruation is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.


Breast Changes: Changes in the breasts are one of the very early pregnancy symptoms. The breasts of the pregnant woman appear swollen. They may also become tender and painful to touch. This change takes place because of the hormonal changes. Some women even feel tingling sensations in their breasts. Sometimes the beasts also become very itchy. The nipple area may become sore. The areolas get darker. The increased supply of blood towards breasts causes the veins to become more obvious. The blood supply increases to prepare for the breast-feeding.

Tiredness: Feeling tired and fatigued soon after conception is a common very early pregnancy symptom. The reason is the increased level of progesterone hormone. This hormone is essential for preparing the uterus lining for the implantation.

Cramping: Cramping also termed "implantation cramping" generally takes place when the fertilized egg travels towards the uterus and attaches itself in the uterus lining. This cramping is generally felt before 3 to 7 days before the next period is due. Some women also experience slight bleeding along with cramping and can sometimes be mistaken as an early period.

Excessive Urination: It is a trademark of pregnancy. The body starts to produce more blood soon after implantation. This is to ensure the adequate blood supply to placenta, baby and uterus. The increased blood production results in an increased blood passing through urine and kidneys. This is an earliest pregnancy symptom noticed by most women.