I've heard stories about being pregnant. I have 3 sisters and 2 sisters-in-law, several cousins, and overall, several women who have told me stories about their pregnancies. Before and during my pregnancy, I read several articles about being pregnant and what to expect...but there were some things that no one ever mentioned to me about pregnancy, birth, and having a newborn.
This post is about pregnancy.
And what no one prepared me for.
Heartburn-I had heartburn my entire pregnancy, and a few months postpartum. It made me sooo sick to my stomach. I think I had had it for the first three months when I finally asked the doctor if there was anything I could take to get rid of it. You want to know what he told me? (And don’t take this as law because I am not in any way a doctor.) He told me to stop taking my prenatal vitamin. :O He explained that the prenatal vitamin is very essential for conception, but after the baby is conceived, it isn’t necessary. And let me tell you, my heartburn was cut in half the next day, if not more. After that, what I did to avoid heartburn was eat a LOT of Tums.
Morning Sickness- The biggest thing that kept me from throwing up during pregnancy was studying what I ate versus when I would get sick. I soon found that anything citric, mainly lemons, tomatoes, etc. would put me over the edge. It made for a very boring diet, but it kept me from tossing my cookies. But, I know that it won’t be the same for all women. I had a teacher who drank glasses of lemonade every day when she was pregnant because that was what she craved. However, I do believe it’s worth a try to analyze your diet and see if there’s a correlation with any food that might be making you sick.
Exercise- I was taking a dance class during my first trimester of pregnancy, and that was the only time I didn't feel overwhelmingly sick. I was distracted enough that I didn't notice it...unless I had to turn upside down, but let's just say I noticed it the first time and never did it again. Plus, exercise makes you develop more muscles to help you during pregnancy and birth! It also gives you much more energy and helps you sleep better at night. So find whatever exercise you enjoy, and do it!
Photography- If you are planning on doing newborn photos, find a photographer before you ever go to the hospital. Decide on if you want the pictures taken in the hospital, or after you get home. Also, keep in mind that there may be a photographer coming around to take “complimentary” photos in the hospital. We said yes, thinking they were complimentary. Of course, that didn’t include the $50 dvd you had to buy if you actually wanted to KEEP those pictures. And that was the cheapest option they offered. So do yourself a favor and decide who you want to take your pictures beforehand. And don’t assume you won’t want at least a couple, because your Mom brain will take over, and once you see that cute little baby that’s all yours, you will want a couple of pictures.
Meal Prep- This is a good idea even before pregnancy, but especially after birth. Come up with a list of easy to prepare meals that are somewhat healthy and won’t make you sick. Also include a list of quick, filling snacks for you and some meals and treats for your husband and any other kids you may have.
Tips: Fill your diet with lots of protein. I found that the more I had, the less sick and less hungry I was.
Protein: Meat, dairy, peanut butter, beans, eggs.
Quick/Easy Meals
Chef’s salad
Tuna sandwiches/Canned ham/ Chicken salad
Sandwiches
Hawaiian Haystacks
Smoothies
Homemade fries
Fajitas
Yogurt
Hot Dogs
Café Rio
Mac and Cheese
Twice baked Potato Casserole
French Toast
Breakfast
Quesadillas
Mashed potato chicken bowls
Pudding
Fettucini Alfredo
Cheeseburger Soup
Fruit
BBQ Pizza
Huevos Rancheros
Egg Sandwiches
Spam fried Rice
Taco Nachos
Tater Tot Casserole
Paninis
Crunchwraps
Corn Dogs
Hamburgers
Pasta Salad
Carribbean Salad
Split Pea Soup
Cauliflower Soup
Rolls
Bread
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Snacks
Fruit
Muffins
Yogurt
Pudding
Crackers
Cereal
Smoothie
PB&J
Rolls
Baby Items to have before labor- We received almost all of these from a baby shower, but this is a good list for anything you don’t have.
A few packages of diapers. Yes, every baby is different- some will wear preemie size, others will only wear newborn for a week before jumping into size one. But I would at least have three or more packages of newborn diapers so you don’t have to run to the store very soon after having the baby. I think we had 3 small packages of newborn size diapers and we went through them in less than a week. Newborns have so many blow outs and need so many diaper changes at first that you won’t have a problem using up the diapers you have. If you somehow don’t use all of those diapers, you can always save them for the next child or give them away.
Baby Wipes- Same thing. You'll be using them for the next two years, so don't be afraid to stock up.
Bottles
Pacifiers- I loved the Mam bottles and pacifiers. My son didn’t have a problem using either.
Burp cloths-several. You’ll need them.
Nursing cover
A water bottle
A soft light for nighttime feedings and diaper changes
Medicine (Tylenol most important for when they get shots)
Blankets
Clothes
A boppy pillow (not essential, but very useful)
Other Items to stock up on before labor
Toilet Paper
Feminine Pads (Tampons are a no-no)
Food (Very Easy Prep)
Is there anything I missed? Please let me know in the comments!
Want to read more?
