See if your baby is hungry

• Perhaps the most common reason for babies to cry is hunger. They will fuss, make noises or root around the breast. Sometimes they will stop crying right away, but sometimes they will continue crying until their bellies are full.

Check their diaper

• Nobody wants to walk around wearing a soiled diaper. If your child is crying, it may be a good idea to check, although it may be good to make sure they have finished completely before changing them.

They’re too hot or cold

• Babies are very sensitive to the environment. They like to be bundled up and kept comfortable. If they’re too hot or cold, they’ll complain.

They want to be held

• Babies like a lot of cuddling. They like to hear their parents voices and feel their heart beating.

Your baby is annoyed

• Although babies thrive on attention, sometimes they can get overwhelmed, especially if there are a lot of people, too much noise or lights. Keep the atmosphere around your baby peaceful and calm.

Maternity pillows come in different assortments. There are full-length body pillows, bean shaped pillows, wedge pillows and simple maternity pillows. Full-length body pillows are ideal for those who suffer from back and neck strains. They are usually about 5 feet long and relax back, neck and abdomen of expectant mother. Bean shaped pillows provide comfort to mother by taking the strain off her stomach and knees. Wedge pillows support belly and help pregnant women relax and fall asleep. Simple maternity pillows are designed to bring blissful sleep as woman can sleep between two supporting pillows.

Right Bra

Maternity bras are specifically designed to accommodate changes in your breasts providing breast and diaphragm support during pregnancy. And when baby is born and ready for feeding, maternity bras have specially designed drop feeding cups. Nursing bra is a practical bra designed with fuller cups, comfortable fabrics, and wider shoulder straps for increased comfort. It is designed to support a woman’s increased breast size during lactation and provide ready access to her breasts for nursing.

Lotion for Stretch Marks:

Stretch marks are one of the most talked about skin changes that can occur during pregnancy. Almost 90% of pregnant women will experience stretch marks. Stretch marks appear as pinkish or reddish streaks running down your abdomen or breasts. What can you do? Exercising and applying lotions that contain vitamin E and alpha hydroxy acids have been said to help in the prevention of stretch marks. These remedies have not been medically proven to have a direct effect on stretch marks, but it never hurts to try. If you find that nothing is working for you, take comfort in knowing that these streaks will fade to silvery faint lines after delivery.

Maternity wear

Maternity clothes are important for the feelings of the mother and the comfort of the unborn baby. Pregnancy is a wonderful time in life and it’s important to dress for the event. Clothes that are cut to accommodate the growing belly that don’t cut off circulation and bind are so important. Too tight clothes that constrict aren’t good for Mamma or baby. It’s fun to dress in fashionable maternity clothes that will be able to take you through your pregnancy and those months after, while you are regaining your figure. Maternity clothes are good for physical and mental well being and a show to the world of your proud accomplishment. We are all defined by what we wear, military wear uniforms, chef’s wear aprons and hats, dancers wear tu-tu’s and leotards, so maternity clothes define what we are doing…the greatest job of all.

Photo credit: Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

• You smell just right. Babies are born with a keen sense of smell. Research shows that in the first five days after she’s born, your baby will recognise your scent and find it deeply reassuring.

• You give her food. Whether you’re breast or bottlefeeding, your baby will soon realise who to turn to if she’s hungry or thirsty.

• You make her laugh. By about six weeks, she’ll start to smile and by four months, she’ll be laughing and gurgling. Toys and pictures are fine, but what really makes her chuckle is another grinning face – especially yours.

• You praise her. Even in the first few months, she’ll respond to encouragement from her parents. If she’s feeding well or slept until 7am, let her know how happy you are.

• You’re always there. Your heart may sink when she wakes crying, but somehow you drag yourself out of bed. Knowing you’re there for her gives her confidence and helps build a bond of trust.

Be careful with new mattresses

• New mattresses have a variety of chemicals used during their manufacture. Chemical gasses will evaporate and may cause respiratory difficulty in sensitive children. Wash new blankets several times and allow several months for new mattresses to off-gas before using them.

Avoid freshly painted rooms

• Many people furnish and renovate the babies room in preparation for the blessed event. Painting is one of the last chores. Paint fumes are toxic. Allow plenty of time (several months) for the paint to dry thoroughly before using it.

It’s OK to sleep with your baby

• Many cultures consider it natural for babies to sleep with their mothers, especially in the early weeks. This will not do the baby any harm. In fact, there’s some evidence that it helps the baby’s heart rate and sleeping patterns.

Rock your baby to sleep

• Babies take comfort from gentle rocking movements. Perhaps it reminds them of when they were in the womb. Rocking and gently rubbing your babies back will help calm them down and prepare for sleep.

2 MONTHS: Smiles at you. By now, your baby will aim his first social grins at faces that are becoming familiar, like yours.

4 MONTHS: Imitates you. Stick out your tongue and he may try to mimic your moves, a reflex that becomes more intentional as he figures out that you love it. The more animated you get, the more he’ll copycat.

7 MONTHS: Raises his arms to be held. Once he has the motor skills to grab for his favorite toys, he’ll start grabbing for you, too.

8 MONTHS: Wails when you hand him over to the babysitter. Yes, it’s heartbreaking, but separation anxiety shows he prefers you to others.

11 MONTHS: Says “mama.” The combination of easy-to-make sounds and a desire to name what’s important to him means “mama” is often among babies’ earliest words. (Try not to worry, though, if “dada” comes first!)

12 MONTHS: Gives you a kiss. Around his first birthday, your baby finally has the motor and communication skills to respond to your smooches. His won’t be perfect — he may forget to close his mouth — but no matter what, those first efforts show that he thinks you’re pretty special.

A happy baby will mean happier parents. This is particularly important for mothers who may easily slip into post-natal depression after giving birth. The first year can be very trying for the most positive of people. There will be great changes in your lifestyle, and you may often feel alone. In this article, we look at some simple ways you can contribute to the happiness of your baby, from the right children’s clothing to being positive yourself.

• Staying Connected. All babies crave attention. Breast-feeding is not only good for a baby’s physical health, it is a way they can connect with their mothers on an emotional level. There are so many benefits from breast-feeding, including the fact that mothers who breast feed have less chance of slipping into post-natal depression. A baby massage is a great way to care for your baby, and it can be interpreted as love.

• Clothing. We must remember that babies are not used to clothing, and so clothing that breathes, and allows them to move freely is always the best. It is important to check the label before you purchase. Man-made fibres can be uncomfortable, even if expensive.

• Don’t Forget Your Well Being. Keeping yourself happy will influence your baby’s well being. The happier you are, the happier your baby will be. You might need some free time, or do the things you love. Care for your needs just as much as your baby’s.

• Active. Babies are just like us adults, they need to be kept active. Could you imagine just sitting around all day? The more active a baby is, the better it will sleep. Being active also means mental stimulation. A baby needs all of these things.

• Point Of View. It is important to understand that each child is different. Just because we have a high maintenance baby compared to a friend’s baby, it doesn’t mean we are a bad parent. Understand your child is a little human, with an individual personality and special traits. Try to see your baby’s point of view in any given situation. They are only trying to communicate something to you.

• Foster Good Sleeping and Eating Habits. A baby will not live by your rules, nor will they do things when you expect them to. Pay attention to the times they most want to sleep and eat, and try to recreate these situations to encourage more sleeping and eating. Sleeping and eating means your child is healthier and growing well. Fresh and natural foods are always good for your baby once they have started to eat ‘table’ foods. Make sure your baby is only eating what is right. All too often we start a child’s life off with many of the bad foods we all eat. At such an important time of their life, sweet and other fatty foods just have to be avoided. This should set up positive patterns for their future.

Placenta previa is usually not a problem early in the pregnancy. But if it persists later into the pregnancy, it can cause bleeding, which may require you to deliver early and can lead to other complications. Many cases of placenta previa in the later stages of the pregnancy result in a c-section.

If the placenta covers the cervix completely, it’s called a complete or total previa. If it’s right on the border of the cervix, it’s called a marginal previa. If the edge of the placenta is within 2 centimeters of the cervix but not bordering it, it’s called a low-lying placenta. The location of your placenta will be checked during your midpregnancy ultrasound exam.

• Placenta previa
• Premature labor in this pregnancy (even if it has stopped)
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Abdominal cramping
• Cervical insufficiency
• A dilated cervix
• Ruptured membranes (your water has broken)
• You or your partner has an outbreak of genital herpes or feel one coming on. Also avoid intercourse and other genital contact for the entire third trimester if your partner has a history of genital herpes, even if he has no sores or symptoms. The same applies to receiving oral sex if he has oral herpes.
• Other sexually transmitted infections

There are other situations in which you may be advised to not have sex. For example, if you had a spontaneous preterm birth in a previous pregnancy, she will probably advise you to stop having sex at some point during this pregnancy, and possibly for the whole pregnancy until you reach 37 weeks.

Whatever your situation, don’t be shy about talking about sex with your practitioner. If she has advised you not to have sex, be sure you understand whether she’s just talking about intercourse, or about putting anything in your vagina, or about any activity that may bring you to orgasm.

If you notice any unusual symptoms during or following intercourse, such as pain or discharge, be sure to let your practitioner know. If you can’t have sex, don’t despair: You can still kiss, give each other long massages, and share your feelings for each other.

• Lie sideways. Lying partly sideways allows your partner to keep most of his weight off your uterus which will definitely be more comfortable for you.
• Use the bed. Your belly isn’t an obstacle if you lie on your back at the side or foot of the bed with your knees bent, and your bottom and feet perched at the edge of the mattress. Your partner can either kneel or stand in front of you.
• Spoon it. Lie side-by-side in the spoon position, which allows for only shallow penetration. Deep thrusts can become uncomfortable as the months pass.
• Get on top. When you’re on top of your partner, it puts no weight on your abdomen and allows you to control the depth of penetration.
• Sit down. Have your partner enter you from a sitting position, which also puts no weight on the uterus. Try sitting on your partner’s lap as he sits on a sturdy chair.

Don’t worry and have faith! With a little experimenting, you and your partner are sure to find a technique that works for you.