Baby Advice @ Cuddles 'n Gifts sending smiles!

Almost every pregnant woman has experienced the pregnancy blahs and I was certainly one of those women!

Throughout my two pregnancies I can remember feeling so big and unattractive and secretly wishing for the pregnancy to be over. I longed for the day when I was slim again and could fit into my normal clothes.

It is sad, really, because pregnancy is such a beautiful experience. The fact that you created this little human being that is developing inside of you should make you feel wonderful every step of the way.

Oh, but those pregnancy blahs kick in! You cannot fit into your normal clothes, your stomach is growing inch by inch, you can’t see your feet, you waddle when you walk, your feet and legs are swollen, and other additional physical changes can make you feel, well, blah! You may even start to feel bored with the pregnancy and/or feel depressed. Yes, those raging hormones kick in too.

Here are some tips to help you beat the pregnancy blahs:

• Eat healthy and get plenty of rest. Ensure that your intake is nutritious and choose healthy foods. Don’t forget to take your vitamins too. Of course, this not only benefits your health but your baby’s health as well.
• Exercise. Even a short walk in the outdoors will uplift your spirits.
• Take time to groom yourself and make yourself feel attractive. Do your hair and put on makeup. We all feel so confident and alive when we look good.
• Try to buy maternity outfits that will make you feel good. Do not buy something just because it fits you.
• Include pretty accessories in your daily wardrobe such as nice earrings or a scarf. Many women raid their spouse’s closets for clothes that they can wear throughout their
• pregnancy. Lovely accessories even dress up your spouse’s wardrobe.
• Choose an activity that you will enjoy to help you through the times when you start to feel bored with your pregnancy. Prepare for your new baby by going shopping or decorating the nursery or choose a hobby such as gardening. Other ideas might be to prepare a scrapbook or write in a pregnancy journal.
• Approximately 10 percent of women experience mild or moderate depression during pregnancy. Seek professional help if you feel persistent depression or anxiety.
• Don’t neglect your spouse. Spend quality time with your spouse. Go for a romantic dinner or out to a movie. Enjoy this time because it’s hard to find time after the baby is born.
• Pamper yourself and take time out for yourself. Motherhood is just around the corner so take this time to enjoy your independence.

Although it may seem like nine months is taking a long time, really, it goes very quickly. Enjoy the wonderful experience of pregnancy each step of the way. There may be a time in your life when your children have grown up and you wish you had the chance to live the pregnancy experience all over again. Feel good about being a woman and feel good about bringing a wonderful new baby into the world. You can beat the pregnancy blahs!

A majority of pregnant women do not anticipate delivering their baby via a C-section and are not prepared when the unexpected arrives and they are told that they must undergo a C-section to deliver their baby.

My daughter was delivered via an emergency C-section after 42 weeks of pregnancy and two days of undergoing inducement. Both my baby and I were going through physical stress and it was worrisome.

Oh, it was music to my ears when, during the second night, my gynecologist arrived in my hospital room at 4:30 a.m. and told me that they were going to do an emergency C-section. I must have been in shock or delirious! However, after going through a traumatic two days, I was at the end of my rope and I wanted to meet this precious baby who lived inside of me for over nine months.

The time arrived and I was wheeled to the operating room, underwent a C-section and what a blessed event it was to see my sweet new baby girl!

I wasn’t prepared for the aftermath of a C-Section but I am so grateful that I had a great family who were there for me and helped me every step of the way.

Plan ahead. You cannot predict whether or not you’ll need an emergency c-section. So prepare yourself with information.
Try not to be upset if you are told you have to undergo a C-section to deliver your baby. I know that many new parents are less than thrilled at the prospect and have expected to have a normal vaginal delivery. Plenty of women feel let down and feel less like a woman because they did not deliver their baby through the hard work of labor. I know it is emotionally hard but the main concern is you and your baby’s health. That is far more important than how you delivered your baby.

Expect a brief hospital stay. My daughter and I were in the hospital for four days after the birth. If you require assistance at any time in caring for you or your baby, are uncomfortable due to the pain, or have any questions, do not be afraid to ask for help. There were times when I was too proud to press the buzzer to ask for assistance from the hospital staff. But, believe me, their assistance is very much required, especially with the care of your newborn baby.

When the time arrives and the nurses and/or doctors tell you to walk around, do try. It may be difficult but try to do a little walking if and when possible. It helps to alleviate the stomach gases that are very much a part of the discomfort you feel after a C-section.

Enlist support! The day arrives when you and your newborn baby can finally go home. Do not be afraid to ask for help and ensure that you have family, friends or loved ones to assist you. Do not try to be supermom! I was fortunate to have a supportive family at home and could not imagine going through the recovery without them. It will take you 6 weeks to fully recuperate from a C-section, after all, it is major surgery.
Do not pick up heavy items. Remember, you have just had major surgery and your incision is in the healing process.

Eat healthy and drink lots of water. This is important for your digestive system returns to normal.

Take time out for yourself and get plenty of rest. You have many years of motherhood to go so enjoy this period of relaxation.

Enjoy this special time with your new baby!

Eighteen months after the birth of my daughter I gave birth to a healthy baby boy via a scheduled C-section. The C-section and aftermath were easier the second time around.

I am grateful to have two healthy children who are the joy of my life regardless of how I delivered them.