Are you a babywearer?

Don't know if you're a baby wearer yet. If you the thought of being away from your little one for even one second just makes you want to fall into a puddle of tears, baby wearing may be the way to go. By placing your baby on your body you increase the bond between you and your baby. Your constant heartbeat, smell and touch will be like heaven for your little one and it even makes your life a little easier and more comfortable. We naturally, I don't know why, tend arch our backs when we hold infants and that causes added strain, not to mention the weight it adds to the shoulders. By using a carrier, my recommendation is the pouch style baby sling, the baby's weight is evenly distributed reducing the strain and tension of carrying a baby. And as the child grows older, is able to hold its head up and sit up on its own, he can be switched to a hip hold. This is heaven for you. Babies and toddlers love to be held, but as they get heavier it becomes nearly impossible, a hip sling will be you lifesaver.

Month 10

Oh my gosh the baby is home, what now? Take every moment one step at a time. Everyday will get easier, trust me. Nursing the way wish and the baby wishes, using your maternal instincts you'll get through this. A nursing pillow can help ease comfort of both baby and mama and can double, later, as a baby prop(while you are around). Brighten your eyes with a little cream by Belli Cosmetics and no one will know you haven't slept in 3 weeks and fight back the effects of pregnany on your skin with their repair serum. Take care of yourself do something you love, as simple it as can be, smooth some lotion over your body and remember you're a girl, you're a mommy, you're a lucky mom.

When it's time to go out and you just can't bear to have your baby so far away in her stroller, wear her. Baby slings have come so far in fit, function and fashion. Wear your baby right in front in pouch type, sling. She'll curl right up and you'll be able to move about without pain and have so much more mobility. Plus, she'll be so close to you she'll complain less and be more comfortable. As she grows, you can move her to your hip and wear her without strain. In the mall, at the store, walking through a park or airport, you and baby are compact and happy. Fabulous.

Month 9

It's here the last month of your pregnancy! Time to get everything ready for the visit to the hospital. There are several things you will need for your bag, some of which include: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, makeup, Chapstick, suckers, massager, tube socks, ponytail holder, pajamas, nursing bra, nursing pads, clothes to go home in(do not take prepregnancy clothing--it will not fit--I don't care who you talk to--don't take prepregnancy clothing). Your baby bag should include, a few receiving blankets, a going home outfit, and infant hat. Unless you're going out after you leave the hospital, that's all you need. You'll be taking plenty of goodies home.

Month 8

You're really starting that final stretch of your pregnancy, literally. Your belly will grow to astonishing roundness during the next 4 weeks but keep moving, drinking your water and taking care of yourself you'll do fine. Depending on the size and placement of that tummy your belly, some of your shirts might be getting a bit short. No problem, pull your Bellaband back out and using it as a simple belly cami. You can slide this over your tummy, keep your waistband covered and be sure no tummy is poking out. Comfort is truly key during these last growing phases including bedtime. Getting a great pair of maternity pajamas that double for nursing is a great way to splurge on yourself, yet is totally practical. You'll already have them for your hospital bag. Sleeping on your side and wrapped around a pregnancy pillow will help get you that much needed rest. Sleep as much as you can, you're about to go into a sleep deficit.

Month 7

So now your body is just about unrecognizable. You have boobs, the likes you have never know before, a belly whose measurement would knock you off your feet, so don't even check, and feet that may be beginning to swell. All normal things that occur when you give your body over to mother nature, and all will return to normal soon enough. In the meantime, drink plenty of water to help with the swelling, keep moving and wear a great bra. You can also include your husband in your foot relief by allowing him to rub those tootsies with the best foot cream available for pregnant, tire and swollen feet, and it smells good too.

By now you have worn and been seen in that same favorite top at least 40 times. It's time for something new. Buy yourself a few more tops to get you through the next 90 days or so. 90 days is a long time to wear the same outfit over and over. Get yourself a couple of the fabulous novelty tees that will truly let you speak your mind. You'll love them and all those around you will love them. Relax and treat yourself to those wonderful things you enjoy, whether it's a mani/pedi, a new pair of shoes, or a great pair of jeans. You are worth it!

Month 6

Well, there is no mistaking it, there another person has moved in and he/she is making major renovations on your body. You belly has grown to a point that you never thought you'd see, and you still have more to go, seriously, there's more to come. Now this is a critical time for your emotional and physical well being. You don't feel good about yourself, you ache and your belly arrives a full 10 second before you. I know I've been there, but let me tell you, do not fall into big belly despair. You are not fat, you have a person growing inside you, a person that is going to change you life forever, this little bump in the middle of your body is nothing. You can deal with this, but you must accept it. You are not fat, do not call yourself fat and do not, whatever you do, dress yourself fat. Stretch pants and your husbands tee shirts are fine if you are going to walk the dog, but do not go out in public this way. It just reinforces that inner voice that tells you your fat and you don't look good. You look good but you have put some effort into it. Remember, you didn't just roll out of bed and walk out the door and look fabulous before you got pregnant, you did something. So every morning comb your hair, fix it, put make up on, wear perfume, you are a girl. BE THE GIRL. Now, wear something that is pretty, ignore the bump and wear something pretty. A beautiful maternity top will show off your pregnancy, remember you're pregnant not fat, and you will get compliments all day. You won't believe how good you'll feel when someone compliments you in maternity clothing. It's the best.

Month 5

Your belly should be pretty obvious about now, your belly is catching up with those boobs, but if you feel like people are staring at your with a little question mark hanging over there heads, try one of these cute little maternity novelty tees by 2 Chix. Everything from Knocked Up, that'll stop the questions, maybe a few more stares, but that's alright. Plus, the fabulous What's Kickin maternity tee or We're Hungry. Any one of these will get you plenty of compliments and lighten your mood.

Month 4

Now some things are really starting to happen. You have probably officially grown out of your regular bottoms. If not, go back and read month 3. Tight pants are just no good. Now in the store our customer's generally come in for the first time between 11 and 16 weeks. It used to be 16- 20 weeks but that was at time when clothing was worn very loose and not quite so tailored. Now with the inclusion of lycra in most everything our clothing is tight and close to the body, which leaves absolutely no room for growth. So don't feel weird if all of a sudden you desire something more comfortable. But please, please don't go up a size, I know that advise is given daily and everywhere, but all you are going to do is buy pieces of clothing that you will literally wear for about 3 weeks, I know you don't believe me you're going to go out and try it because you just can't imagine putting on maternity clothing right now. Well, you're going to have to and I promise you will be much more comfortable. There are maternity designers galore that have your sense of style and fashion in mind and they want you to be comfortable. You can try a pair of zippered jeans with an adjustable waistband, or the super hot Paige Premium Maternity Jeans for a designer fit, seriously these fit great. Mama Black has created a super cool maternity jean with a low rise belt looped waistband and super soft jersey and Lycra mid belly band. They will look completely normal and feel amazing. Now I promise if you try you will find some maternity pants and jeans that will not only look amazing but feel amazing too. Yeah, it's only for the next 6 months, but they are looong months and walking around in clothes you hate and a body you don't recognize is no way to go through it. Trust me.

Month 3

Now from weeks 8-12 a lot is going under the surface and more noticeable things are happening on the surface. Remember those boobs, how could you forget, they should stop growing by the end of this month (I hear a collective sigh from the fellas) and the soreness should be subsiding. The nausea is probably going strong but should also start tapering off by the end of this month as well. Eating sensibly, drinking water and not wearing your pants too tight will help curb your tummy grumblings. That's right, your pants are too tight and it's making you sick. Your tummy has thickened a bit, you belly button isn't in the same place it was. Oh yeah, it's not in your face huge but your jeans just don't fit like they used to and all of that pressure is adding to your upset tummy. You can leave your pants unbuttoned, do the rubber band trick or go up a size. None of those last longer than a week, and going up a size is just a waste of money you will grow faster than you ever imagined. Try the Bellaband. Slide into this 9 inch Lycra band, unbutton your pants, and they stay up. Plus, your not squeezing that little baby factory anymore.

Months 1 & 2

Let's start at the beginning. Finding out your pregnant can be exhilerating, frightening and a bit sickening all at the same time. From the second that little pee stick shows 2 lines or a plus or the new fangled "pregnant" your life, your body and your soul will change forever. We'll talk about your life and your soul a little later.

Now during your first month, you'll find once you do baby math that it is actually 10 months, but i don't want to scare you, so forget all about that, nothing of real significance is noticeable. That little life form is busy dividing cells over and over again, but not really doing a whole lot to the outside. You might know a couple of weeks into your pregnancy, like I did (I knew at 20 days) or you might not even be aware yet that anything is happening. Most women (and the men who love them) know at about 6 weeks whether they've taken the test or not. Your boobs will be sore and grow as if you've just hit puberty again. Next is the unbelievable nausea. I don't know where the term morning sickness came from (I should check) but it is not allocated to just morning. Generally it is morning, noon, and night. Now I can't help you with the boob thing but your fella will probably volunteer to do what is necessary to make them, you, feel better. But for that nausea, 3 Lollies has a great little sucker and candy drop that seems to do the trick. Drink plenty of water, rest when you can and get ready for end of the first trimester.

All Things Maternity

This is a site dedicated to all things maternity and baby, the good, bad and the ugly. Whether it's help getting dressed for your 10 year reunion 10 months pregnant or how to get through a crowded airport with a 3 week old, we'll have tips and tricks to get you through it.