Wrapping a baby

Wrapping a baby is very soothing for some babies as they feel they are cuddled.This is also helpful to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) by keeping baby on her back during sleep. Babies can be wrapped from birth up until they can roll onto their tummies. For wrapping, you can use a cotton or muslin cloth. For babies who do not like wrapping, you can use a infant sleeping bag. Given below is a video showing a good way of wrapping a baby. You can modify the method depending on what suits your baby. Check out if the baby is uncomfortable and is crying. Do not use clothes which may make the baby feel hot. Check for any signs of uneasiness or overheating. For more videos on pregnancy check out this pregnancy blog

Breastfeeding your baby

Breast feeding can be a pleasure activity for both mom and baby once the baby is comfortable with breast feeding. Breast milk is easy to digest and contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. Research indicates that women who breastfeed may have lower rates of certain breast and ovarian cancers. Initially the baby may take time to latch on properly to the breast. There are various methods for breast feeding such as the cradle hold, football hold, cross cradle and side lying position. You can use any of this positions you feel you are comfortable with. Check out this video for more details.

Bathing your baby

This video shows techniques of bathing a baby in a very easy manner. It is very important to talk to the baby while bathing, so that it becomes a fun activity for both of you. Your voice soothes the child and he/she feels comfortable in water, even for the first time. After the child gets used to the routine, she/he starts enjoying it.

Felt the first movements of our baby today

This is my 20th week of pregnancy. As I was lying on the bed, tired from the days work, I suddenly felt one part my stomach going “pop” up and down. For a minute I wondered, “what happened?” Hmm, then I realized my little angel was busy playing in my womb. He/she might have been trying some soccer stunts!! Earlier today, we had a sumptuous dinner and he was enjoying every bit of it. I told my hubby and he too felt it. The joy of feeling the first movements of our baby was indeed magical.

Labor & delivery- Hospital bag

Here is a list of things in the hospital bag which you might handy when going to the hospital for the delivery. It is a good idea to pack it little bit in advance so that you are not running around shopping for things during your tough times.

For Mom for the hospital stay:
* Comfortable robe,nightgown or large shirt that opens in the front ( hospital may provide you with this)
* Nightgown
* Nursing bra and nursing pads( very handy as you may leak for quite a while when ur milk comes in)sometimes it can come on your outfit and be embarrasing..
* Warm socks
* Slippers non skid ones
* Comfortable outfit you can wear home, warm clothes
* Sanitary pads ( hospital may provide you with this), keep a lot handy at home for 2 months for heavy flow
* Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, moisturizer, lip balm, lipstick, take a bath in the hospital will be very refreshing
* Brush or comb
* Toothbrush and toothpaste

For Baby:
* Car seat
* Newborn hat
* 2 receiving blankets
* 2 "onesies"
* 2 pairs of socks
* "Going home" outfit — including sweater or bunting if the weather is cold
* Diapers and diaper bag
* bib

For Your Labor Partner (if staying in the hospital with u):
* Change of clothes
* Book or magazine
* Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other basic toiletries
* At least $20 in cash and change for snacks, phone calls, and so forth
* Snacks or soft drinks
* Watch with a second hand for timing contractions.

Documents:
* Birth plan
* Insurance cards
* Address book with phone numbers
* Birth announcements

Extras:
* massager
* Massage oil
* Some books and magazines
* Camera or video camera, tapes, charger, batteries, memory card
* Extra pillow
* Hard candy to suck on during labor
* Cell phone & charger
* Towel for the car
* Thank you cards for staff

Childbirth with Hypnosis - Delivery and labor

I used to always think that it is very tough during labor. But this video gave a new dimension to labor. It is talking about relaxation and deep breathing during the contractions. I am confident that we can have painless delivery and that too without risk. We can be as relaxed as sitting in an a/c couch and have our baby. Yes, I know you would say, “easier said than done”. But believe me, things look difficult when we just get started, but as you get accustomed to them, you feel “Oh is this what I was considering was so difficult!! It is so easy!!! If I had know earlier, I would have not been tensed at all”. Yes, you are not alone. We all feel the same, many a times. We only need to shift our focus to the positives and let all the bad/negative thoughts out of our system. We also need some practice before the delivery. We cannot get it done in 1-2 days. It is kind of a slow process but sure to get results. The earlier we start it the better it is if for us and for our baby. As I am a working women, it is difficult to manage home and work and sometimes gets stressed. So these techniques help me at every step. So my dear friends, consider it as a very close pal of you being at your side and telling you all this. I always wanted a close pal to tell me about how they felt. If we imagine the beautiful fruits of our labor there is nothing stopping us from giving THE BEST to our baby, our angel. Please share in your comments and views so that even we all can have the best of all worlds.