Before having your baby, you may want to stock up on some breast pads or nursing pads.  Sometimes while nursing, you’ll find that your breasts leak or are moist depending on your frequency of nursing.  Breast pads will keep you more comfortable and dry.  You can find disposable or reusable pads.  They also come in several different shapes and are made of a variety of materials.  You may even want to try a few kinds until you find the ones that are most soft and comfortable to you while also appearing invisible when inserted into your bra.  You should be able to find these at most drugs stores or through many online vendors.  Good luck preparing for your little one to arrive!

If you are a first time mom creating a room or part of a room can be overwhelming. Do we need a crib, bassinet, nursing chair, changing table, swing, playpen … and what should we pay for these items? What is most important?

You might be overwhelmed by the many products available, and your budget could be overwhelmed too!

We suggest that you start out small and purchase what you think you need for the first six months. If you have friends that have recently had a baby, ask them for help. They might even loan you a few items to get started.

When I asked a friend what was the most important thing in their baby’s room I was surprised to find that it was not anything for the baby, but a small water dispenser for the nursing mom. I kept it close to the nursing chair and made a concerted effort to drink water as I nursed. Something so simple as easy access to water really helped to make it easier to nurse, and to relax and enjoy my baby at the same time.

Another handy item that a different friend suggested was a basket of soft washcloths. It really is the small things that make a difference, not the expensive high-ticket items.

You could also simplify your stash of lotions and soaps – Mother’s Special Blend is all you need to keep your belly and breast skin toned, soft and flexible. It relieves sore, chafed nipples and is safe for your baby.

Remember, natural and simple is always best. Follow your health care provider’s advice when it comes to you and your baby, they have seen and heard it all, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions.

Forgetting things? Know that your elusive memory will improve after the birth of your baby. You are not crazy- this is normal. If you can remember just this one thing you will be ahead of the game.

Here are some suggestions for keeping on track:

• Most of all keeping a sense of humor is key and don’t forget to tell the father and your friends that you need their help. If everyone is asking how he or she can help then this is the time to reach out and let them know that your memory is spotty and gain their support and understanding.

• Recruit your friends to remind you of important things. Have them call you or text you a half hour before important appointments, or set alarms on your phone with the appointments spelled out (don’t think that you will remember what the alarm is about).

• Make lists and put them in your purse, on your bathroom mirror and next to your bed. You can’t have too many reminders at this time.

I have a memory story to share with other moms. I’m a good knitter (cable stitches, and interesting switches of color in my patterns) and overall I like to challenge myself with a complicated design. Well, I selected a very easy baby blanket pattern that I could do in my sleep. And it looked like I did it in my sleep. I ripped it out countless times, dropped stitches and forgot where I was in a simple three-step pattern. I knitted the blanket at least 6 times and it’s still not perfect. But, the love knitted in is infinite and I have the perfect baby. The imperfect baby-blanket is now packed in a box awaiting the next perfect baby.

Let go of perfection in yourself and others, life is more about the small moments that add up to the joy that you can share with your friends and family.

Mother’s Special Blend is a good reminder for scheduling joy. Give yourself permission to pamper yourself and loved ones with Mother’s Special Blend and the simple pleasure of massaging hands, feet, bellies and breasts as you await your perfect baby. Remember natural and simple is always best. Follow your health care providers advice when it comes to you and your baby, they have seen and heard it all so don’t be afraid to ask them questions.

Besides your growing baby-belly, your feet may also be getting larger. That is because the pregnancy hormone that loosens the ligaments and joints in your pelvis also loosens the ligaments in your feet, causing your bones to spread. It’s nice to know it’s the hormones and not the extra pounds of baby weight, right?

Here are some supportive ideas to help you as you change:

• Purchase a comfortable walking shoe. It may be a half size or even a whole size larger than you’ve been wearing.
• Slow down, walk more carefully, and avoid pushing yourself to exhaustion.
• Pamper yourself with a pedicure and play with a crazy color of polish. (Look for a non-toxic one )
• Raise your feet above your head for 15 minutes a day.
• This is a time to ask for mommy time from your partner. Ask for a foot massage using Mother’s Special Blend as a massage Oil for those feet, and totally relax.

As your breasts get larger you will need some extra support. You may even grow out of the bra that you bought just last week. That bra will come in handy and will fit again in the future. You will come down in size after breast-feeding and need to be fitted again. This is a good time to find help in proper fitting. Many department and specialty stores have trained staff that can help you as you go up and down in size. Don’t buy a lot of bras in any one size, but arrange them in your drawer by sizes so you can find the one that fits today.

Getting around town with your new addition to your family can be challenging. New babies are so little and need special care in the car, in a snugli, or sling. Make sure to support the babies’ head in any situation. For car seats they make car seat head supports that you can throw into the wash. They are well worth the investment for your babies’ comfort and you can find them for under $20.

A sling is a wonderful way to walk around with your little one and keeps them right up against your chest. The sling continues into toddler years. Slings come with diagrams of many different ways to position your baby to toddler in comfort and a sling frees you up to use your hands. A sling supports your posture too. Make sure the support around your back is wide and padded for your comfort.

Other recommendations for you and your baby:

• Take your baby out of the car seat when you are parked You will be giving your baby air, connection to you and best of all, divesting yourself of 15 pounds that you do not need to carry around. You will get adept at getting your sleeping baby to and from the car without putting unneeded strain on your back.

• Simple umbrella strollers are great to keep in the car for Dads, baby sitters and grandparents too. Find the ones that you can open and lock together with one hand, pushing a button just like a traditional rain umbrella. Make sure it is light- weight and the handles are adjustable.
• A large blanket or quilt can be put down anywhere. Keep 2-3 in your car for impromptu park picnics, or play dates.

Remember natural and simple is always best. Follow your health care providers advice when it comes to you and your baby.

For naps and bedtime, it’s all about routine.

With naps it’s good to have a short routine, 5 to 15 minutes is all you need – nap-time should be a bit different from the night-time routine, so your baby can learn to distinguish between the two. Some babies nap a longer time but then are up at night.

For the short morning or afternoon nap start by:

• nursing, or feeding the baby
• check for a dry diaper
• take off shoes and any restrictive clothing
• find the favorite stuffed toy or blanket
• play a special song

The five things above should be all it takes to get your baby to settle. Of course a regular naptime is helpful in triggering the natural rhythm. Many babies and toddlers think that they are going to be missing something when they go down for a nap.  All family members should help with their own quiet time at naptime.

At night the stakes are higher because you need time with other family members, yourself included. You want your baby to stay asleep for the whole night, or at least most of the night.

So begin with the all important:

• bath and playtime  ( laughter is good exercise )
• massage your baby using Mother’s Special Blend (see earlier , our blog on baby    massage)
• pajamas that are the right size and weight
• sing, read a story or play a different series of nighttime tunes

Natural and simple is always best and wherever you can,  simplify. A baby grows fast and things are always changing, try to pay attention to how special these moments are. Always follow your health care providers advice when it comes to you and your baby.

All the best for your nesting adventure,

Mother’s Special Blend

If you are a new, first-time parent, that first long bout of crying can be unnerving. These tips could help you get back the cute little cooing baby you brought home. (Remember- never shake or bounce your baby.)

• Is the baby  hungry? Maybe they are in a growth spurt and need more food?
• Check for a wet diaper. Yes, check again, even if you checked a few minutes ago.
• Look for any restrictive clothing or scratchy tags
• Provide a favorite stuffed toy or blanket
• Babies sometimes fight going to sleep. They will fall asleep eventually if they need sleep.
• Gentle burping will stimulate burps or passing gas.
• Massage just one small area (think hypnotize… right between the eyes was my go-to spot).
• Play music at a level that the baby will need to stop crying in order to hear.
• Umbrella stroller time! Secure baby comfortably. Walking back and forth in just a 10 foot space will relax and calm baby to sleep. You can tilt the stroller back a little, just make sure there is a small  folded soft blanket under baby’s  head in case it tips back to the floor by mistake, especially if a small child is doing the pushing.

Colickly babies are the most troublesome. They are so uncomfortable. A teaspoon of fennel tea can help greatly. Try putting the baby on your upper legs on their stomach, then on their sides, left side first. ( always support their head)  Otherwise, leaning them against a shoulder and rocking usually works to soothe the baby.

Other things could be at play that you need to be aware of, such as constipation, teething, upset tummy, or fever. You will intuitively know something is not normal for your baby. If you are concerned don’t hesitate to call your healthcare professional or take the baby to see your doctor. Always follow your health care providers advice when it comes to you and your baby.