Week by Weeks of Pregnancy

Shares 794

We all know there’s 40 weeks of pregnancy.

Pulling Curls has you covered during every week of pregnancy!

You might be wondering why on EARTH I have so much pregnancy content. And that, my friends is I am a labor and delivery nurse — of 15 years. I love pregnancy. I love how the human body changes to create a human. If I can do anything to make that process easier, or easier to understand, I want to. 🙂 Hope you find it helpful!

If you’d like more information sent to you about the stage of pregnancy that you are currently in — I have a way to do that. I’ll follow you through your pregnancy with a newsletter that is like no other. It’s like an insider’s look at the delivery room. Check it out!

I do sell my own online childbirth class, if you click on the “look inside” on the sales page you can even see part of the first chapter on what to come in for!

Preparing for Pregnancy

From Ovulation through Conception — we’ve got it all! We’d say we’ve got you covered — but no covering now {wink, wink} you want to get pregnant!

Why Can’t I Get Pregnant Again

didn't get pregnant | infertility | can't get pregnant | getting pregnant

Why can't I get pregnant again is something I asked myself for years. If you can't get pregnant -- what can you do? What IS there to do? You might have a reason, or everything might be normal. Why can't I get pregnant again is something I wondered on both my 2nd and 3rd babies. The third time it took us over three years. Secondary infertility is no unusual and I want to share the reasons I later saw as to why it happened. All of my tests came back normal -- what was the reason for not getting pregnant ...
Read More

Marijuana While Pregnant: Consequences for you & your baby!

Marijuana during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent. Hopefully you'll consider actually reading this post before you comment. 🙂 Marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding can have serious consequences. I can't believe I have to write this post, but we're seeing it more and more -- and somehow moms are shocked and surprised by the consequences ...
Read More

How to Prepare for Breastfeeding: A Breastfeeding Checklist

There are few key things you can do, while still pregnant, to prepare your body to breastfeeding. You'll be as ready as you can be to give your baby the very best.

In this post: You'll learn how to prepare for breastfeeding. A few things you can do, while still pregnant to get ready! This post is sponsored by Boppy. Thanks to Boppy and their support of breastfeeding, in so many ways! Be SURE to enter their giveaway at the bottom of this post! Breastfeeding is somewhat nebulous until you have a baby. You're not exactly sure how it will work and what you'll need. I mean, you've never fed a human with your body before, and it does sound somewhat difficult, am I right? You might the person that feels like ...
Read More

Fertile Window: Find your dates to get pregnant

Not getting pregnant is one thing, but it just seems like there are heaps of other things that blow when it comes to being infertile. It took us about 3.5 years to get pregnant with our last child. While I strongly feel that pregnancy is a 2 edge sword that for some reason we just needed to wait for, it was a rough few years. So, without further adieu -- let's commiserate on the 10 worst things about being infertile -- besides, of course, not getting pregnant ...
Read More

Child Spacing: How far apart should you space your kids?

Deciding how to space your kids out is an imoprtant deicison for some parents. Here's some pro's for close and far apart.

How far apart should kids be? Child spacing is a hot topic and one that there are many pros and cons for each spacing. As a labor and delivery nurse, I get asked by expectant moms how far apart are my kids. I often get wide eyes -- they're awfully far apart (although certainly not as far apart as some). For your info, my kids are 5, 11 and 14 -- at this moment in time. I have 9 years between the first and the last, with only one in between them. And that's how God wanted it. God made it ...
Read More

What To Do When I’m First Pregnant?

There's a few things to do when you're first pregnant. Check out what this labor nurse thinks you should do! #pullingcurls

Learning that you're pregnant, or trying to conceive is an exciting time! There are SO many questions though. "What to do when I'm first pregnant?" is on a lot of women's minds. Here's a few tips from an L&D Nurse. You can get my helpful tips your entire pregnancy by signing up for my pregnancy newsletter! ...
Read More

Not Getting Pregnant, When Everyone Else Is

It's that time of the month, you've waited and "worked" for a simple second line. You wake up early remembering to pee in the cup (or on the stick if you're pretty coordinated early in the morning - which I never was). If you're smart, you use the dollar store variety (woah -- I just found these on Amazon). And there it is, just one line. One late period and just one line. You're not pregnant. I would take a big sigh and think that at least I can take an ibuprofen if I have a headache for the next couple of weeks after ...
Read More

Why Do I Need Prenatal Vitamins?

We all know prenatal vitamins are important for the growth and development of your baby, but sometimes they're SO hard to get down (and stay down). Here's some ideas on how to get the nutrients you need to grow another human.

Babies are parasites. You heard what I just said. Babies are parasites. I mean, super adorable parasites that you created out of love.... but parasites. God created babies to take what they need from you -- that is how our race goes on. They sometimes grow at their mom's expense. I once had a good friend who had great teeth right up to baby #5. Then, suddenly she was spending hours at the dentist. That baby had sucked it out of her. The good news is there is a perfect way to stop that. That thing is vitamins. The problem ...
Read More

Why is Informed Consent Important?

Your doctor says you should do A, but you're not so sure. He says "it's what I would do" and leaves it at that. You feel a little lost and confused. What does the doctor chart? Informed consent given. But was it? What is Informed Consent? Informed consent (in a medical situation) is a doctor's obligation when giving a recommendation. It involves a few parts:

Explain the procedure. Tell you exactly what will happen and how it will go.
Explain the risks of the procedure. And, when done correctly this will often end with "you could die." That certainly doesn't ...
Read More

Finding a Primary Care Physician That Will Match You

The Nurse's Guide to Picking a Doctor will help you ask yourself some questions to see what kind of doctor you REALLY want.

With all the brew-ha-ha over measles/vaccinations plus how much flack I get about my birth plan post I have had a post bubbling at the surface for a long time. The reality is that choosing a doctor isn't just finding a name that sounds good from your insurance booklet. You need to find a good match. Finding a primary care physician can make or break your healthcare plans. I don't get people who are anti-vaccination still beg to get into pediatricians who are entirely pro-vaccination and won't allow unvaccinated children in their office. If you REALLY feel like we ...
Read More

Early Pregnancy

You’re Pregnant! Yayayay! Now what?

Cause of Premature Birth: Can it be predicted?

premature birth | preterm labor | pre-term | 32 weeks | uterus | pregnancy | predict | signs | symptoms | causes

In this post, we'll talk what can cause premature birth and what to watch for. Ten percent of all births are premature. You'll find out if you're at risk and what you can do! Preterm labor isn't something most people consider until it starts to happen. This post is sponsored by PreTRM, but I am an avid believer in preventing premature births -- ideas and opinions are my own. Sure, it might sound amazing to get that baby out and get out of the worst part of the pregnancy, but a preterm baby has lots of possible consequences, including a NICU ...
Read More

Normal Signs of Pregnancy

There's plenty of annoying stuff in pregnancy, but some of it's totally normal. Aka, there's no fix for it -- other than HAVING your baby.

I was once pregnant with my first. I wasn't an L&D Nurse and I would constantly worry that something was going wrong. What are the normal signs of pregnancy? As it turns out, growing a human inside you own body can be problematic while you're trying to live in that body too. Some things are just normal: Hilary has been a labor nurse for 15 years and excited to give you great info during our pregnancy but -- be sure to never take the advice of anything you read here (or anywhere on the internet) over the advice of ...
Read More

Marijuana While Pregnant: Consequences for you & your baby!

Baby Registry Lists: Things to Sign Up For During Pregnancy

Baby registry lists are things you're going to want to sign up for during your pregnancy. They include where to register, how to save some cash, look great -- AND get rid of your fear of the labor room Baby Registry Lists: If you're looking for what to PUT on your registry, don't miss my 11 things you need for your new baby and my awesome list of things you'll want for your new baby. Being pregnant is a unique time in your life -- and it will 100% change some of the things you're doing/have done. Today we're going ...
Read More

What To Do When I’m First Pregnant?

Taking Care Of Yourself During Pregnancy

You are creating another human entirely within your OWN body. Take care of yourself, and here's how -- straight from a labor and delivery nurse!

Oh Pregnancy, you turn my normally svelt body into a 90 year old. Or, at least I feel that way. The way my hips creak when I get out of chair, the way the skin on my belly peels like I've sat in the sun for 12 hours. Yuck. I'm suddenly old! The reality is -science backs that feeling up pretty well. Your body is put under a LOT of stress during pregnancy. That doesn't mean you can't be active and do almost all of the things you did before you got pregnant. But it DOES mean that you need ...
Read More

What We Know About The Zika Virus in Pregnancy

Let's all take a nice deep breath and talk about the Zika Virus in pregnancy. What we know, what we don't know, and what we can do.

I am getting a lot of nervous women about the Zika Virus in pregnancy. I wanted to do a post to give you the basics. As with all things disease you first turn to the CDC -- they have a great page about it! I thought I'd boil it down for you. Zika Virus in Pregnancy:

Zika virus can be transmitted by both mosquitoes and by having a sex with a male partner with the disease (although, it doesn't look like they know if this type of transmission also causes birth defects).
Just because you are bitten by a ...
Read More

Finding a Primary Care Physician That Will Match You

Prenatal Class On your Terms

Take prenatal class on your own time, on your jammies and in the cofy seat of your choice as a labor nurse and 2 other knowledgable bloggers take you through prenatal class, internet style. #pullingcurls

Prenatal class -- it's just ONE more thing to add to an ever-growing list of things to do "before the baby" and it's at an odd time, and with people who ask the dumbest questions. No fun. Not fun at all. {unless of course, you're in my classes, but I am currently on hiatus} That's why I'm here to rescue you with prenatal class on your own terms. In your jammies, in front of your computer/tablet/phone screen, with snack of choice in your lap. In case we haven't met yet... I'm Hilary and I'm a labor and delivery nurse. I've been one for ...
Read More

The adorable second trimester

The second trimester is the sweet spot of pregnancy. Isn’t it? No seriously, it is.

Cause of Premature Birth: Can it be predicted?

Hospital Checklist: The Nurse’s Guide to What to do Before the Baby

hospital checklist for mom to be | baby | labor | pregnancy | pregnant | labor and delivery | hospital bag

This baby checklist of what to do before you come to the hospital is straight from an L&D RN -- This to do list is going to get you prepared! Originally done in March 2014, was updated. My hospital checklist might be different from other people's, because I am also thinking on the hospital end. I'm a labor nurse of 16 years so I know what REALLY needs to be done before you head in ...
Read More

Birthing Plan: What Does Your Labor Nurse Think?

what does your labor nurse really think about your birth plan?

What DOES your labor nurse think of your hospital birth plan? Does it help you have a better experience? You might wonder why I know this -- I'm Hilary -- I've been a labor nurse since 2001. After seeing thousands of patients, and hundreds of birth plans, also working with hundreds of nurses along the way -- I thought some of you might be interested to know what goes on behind the scenes with your birth plan. What's a birth plan? Birth plans are simply letting your nurse know what you'd like. We're going to talk more about what we ...
Read More

Is my Water Broken Quiz

This Is my Water Broken Quiz will help you figure out if your water broke or if you just peed... even with or without contractions. It seems like it wouldn't be that hard -- IS my water broken? Water gushes out of your nether-regions. It's obviously broken... right? ...
Read More

Normal Signs of Pregnancy

Preeclampsia Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Preeclampsia is a disorder affecting 1 in 12 pregnancies. Come learn more.

Preeclampsia signs can be hard to spot. Here is what your doctor is looking for. In this post we'll discuss preeclampsia signs, prevention, and treatment while pregnant. Preeclampsia is one of the most common pregnancy complications, so being informed is important! **Please do not take any information given here in lieu of your doctor's advice. You pregnancy is special and you need to listen to YOUR doctor's advice. This is just information to help you hopefully understand it better. You can't make your own diagnosis of preeclampsia by anything you've read on the internet, leave that to your doctor. AND, most importantly, ...
Read More

What does a contraction feel like: BloomLife Monitor & Promo Code

Many women wonder what a contraction feels like, we'll talk about what to feel for -- as well as a way to monitor your contractions & track them. Looking for a Bloom Monitor Coupon Code?? What is a contraction? A contraction is your uterus (which is basically, just a large muscle) tightening down on the baby. I really like how this video shows it: ...
Read More

Marijuana While Pregnant: Consequences for you & your baby!

Decreased Fetal Movement: Kick counts for the win!

Fetal movement is your best indicator of fetal well-being. Decreased fetal movement can be scary and be due to a number of causes.

In this post we will learn what decreased fetal movement is and how you can use kick counts to be aware of your baby's movements as well as when to go to L&D for kick counts taking longer. I am seeing so many monitors, devices, and gadgets coming out to make your pregnancy safer. The cost a lot of money. And you know what most of them are doing -- counting fetal movement. And the beautiful money-saving thing that God gave you is an ability to count your baby's own movements. Problem is, we all get so busy and people don't ...
Read More

Vaginal Exams

Vaginal Exams are a part of pregnancy. Find out what they are used for, how they work and what the numbers mean. Ugh! The vag (pronounced v-a (short a) g) exam. No one looks forward to them. The gown, the glove, the whole checking part. No fun. BUT, then you end up with numbers and you have no idea what they mean. Today we're going to explore the process, tell you what the numbers mean and how you can understand them! ...
Read More

Delivery Prep

So, what do I need to know for the big ol’ day?

What to pack in your hospital bag

What to pack in your hospital bag is something many new moms struggle with. We'll go over what to pack for mom, baby, and what you need for delivery -- including a checklist of what to bring. After 17 years of L&D experience, I REALLY know what you need to bring! What to pack in hospital bag has a lot of options. you'll want a printable list for your newborn, for dad and for labor and delivery. This hospital bag list will be very helpful for both vaginal deliveries or a c section. The bag, the bag! I'm sure you envision ...
Read More

Signs You’re Going into Labor

The signs of labor can be confusing. The early signs of labor approaching can give you an idea for what's to come -- sometimes even a little diarrhea. Boom! Labor happens. One minute you're making out with your baby daddy, and the next minute OUCH -- OMGosh the baby is coming! That's how it happens, right? If you believe the movies, it sure is. I'm here to tell you that is NOT how it happens. This post is about the signs you're going into labor. When it's not "boom. labor" -- how do you know it's the real thing? Sidenote: I have ...
Read More

Birth Plan Template: Flexible Birth Plan for Success!

birth plan worksheet | template | checklist | Pregnancy | Labor and delivery | epidural | pain | vaccines

This printable, free, birth plan template PDF will give your hospital an idea of what you'd like in a simple and complete way. It's just a one-page birth template that will even help you have in mind what you want. Have you thought of making a birth plan, searching for a birth plan worksheet, or a birth plan template? This post will help you in writing a good birth plan -- or, it may make you consider just leaving the birth plan at home. 🙂 It also includes a printable birth plan worksheet that will help you understand your options. This ...
Read More

Who Should Be In the Delivery Room?

Making the choice about who should be in the delivery room can be hard. Mothers, mothers in law? Do they get to come? I'll talk about usual delivery room etiquette and how to make the tough calls. I have seen anywhere from none to maybe 10 people in a delivery (besides the patient). I certainly make sure the room is safe, but the majority of that choice is up to you as a couple. You might wonder why I have a clue about this. It's because it's my job to be in delivery room since 2001. I've seen hundreds of ...
Read More

Nervous About Labor and Delivery: You’re Not Alone

The hospital and delivering a baby is a scary place. I've done labor and delivery for 13 years, and being nervous is normal. Doe that make you feel any better?

Sure, pregnancy is great. 9 months ago you made a baby. You were sure it was the right thing to do (or you weren't, either way is fine) but picking at clothes and bedding and dreaming what your little bundle of joy will look like is fun! Babies are fun, right? But there's that nagging feeling. Before that baby -- comes a big mountain to climb -- the delivery. Plenty of people are nervous about labor and delivery. That's where your helpful neighborhood labor and delivery nurse comes in (me). After doing over a thousand (probably -- I've stopped keeping ...
Read More

What does your labor nurse know?

Today we're going to talk about what your labor nurse knows -- that you don't know. Why you should trust her and, most importantly, ask her questions. 5 things your labor nurse knows Loads of schooling ...
Read More

Does labor still hurt with an epidural?

Most women's #1 fear of labor is the pain they will be in. One of the most often asked questions is does labor still hurt with epidural? -- Will the epidural take away ALL the labor pain? Let's find out. Labor pain comes from your uterus contracting. There are ways to reduce it and this post will specifically talk about labor pain management. Just like when you're carrying 12 bags of groceries up 3 flights of stairs -- your bicep hurts, so does your uterus. Labor Pain They start as cramps, and then progress into more painful contractions. They feel ...
Read More

Save on an Owlet Monitor & NURSE review

Sleep monitor | owlet | sids | prevention | sleeping | tips | alive | habits | beds | alarm

This post is all about looking for ways to save on an Owlet monitor or an Owlet promo code. But first, let's find out if it's actually worth it -- from an L&D RN. Having newborn is really similar to a battlefield. You never know when they're going to go off, or what they need, or really if you can fix it. The mounds, and mounds of sleepless nights. Read on to learn more about the owlet monitor, why it might be worth it to you! Scroll below to find out if there is a special or a limited time ...
Read More

Second Baby Checklist: Get prepared for #2 (or #8)

Baby #2 brings a lot of different needs. Let's give you a second baby checklist (that also works for any baby after #1) to help you prepare the items & tasks needed for a second baby. Stay tuned for the new wife analogy! You thought having your first baby was hard? Bringing baby two home (or 3, 4 or 12) home has a whole new list to bring along with it. New things you'll need, things you'll need to prep for. Here's a new baby checklist, to use as you approach D-day. Let's not waste time, you're a busy mom ...
Read More

Hospital Checklist: The Nurse’s Guide to What to do Before the Baby

Tips for Delivery

No, I don’t plan on you delivering it yourself, but these tips are going to help you in the delivery room!

When Breastfeeding Isn’t Working

One of the most important things to know is to know when breastfeeding isn't working. More and more women are finding that biologically breastfeeding is NOT working -- and they are not actually feeding their baby (often accompanied by guilt). First off, let me state CATEGORICALLY, I am a STRONG proponent of breastfeeding. I think it is the A#1 best way to feed your child. There are so many wonderful things about it. I won't get into all that here (because I have a lot of other awesome breastfeeding posts). But suffice it to say that I push breastfeeding hard ...
Read More

Postpartum Comforts

10 things to keep close at hand after a baby to stay as comfortable as possible (becuase total comfort isn't likely). HANG IN THERE NEW MOMS, it gets better!

For me, there are few times in my life that I wouldn't mind missing more -- by being in a coma -- than the postpartum period. It hurts, you're tired, it hurts, your baby sucks on parts of you, you're tired, it hurts. There's no leaving it behind, it's attached to you. The postnatal monkey on your back. Well, here are my 10 tips to make that a tad more comfortable -- postpartum comforts, if you will. AND to make things even a little easier -- I created a postpartum pack with Dollar Maxi Pad Club. I also have a whole ...
Read More

Breastfeeding Support: Is Baby-Friendly Mom-Friendly?

baby-friendly hospitals | postpartum | breastfeeding | lactation | couplet care | mother-baby

This article is going to talk about breastfeeding support at the hospital -- and ask the question if baby-friendly hospitals are really all that friendly long-term? I read another thought-provoking postpartum article this morning about how tough life can be after a baby. There seem to be a lot of those out there, and I gave a silent amen as I finished it. I've certainly had my own. And it got me thinking of the thousands of babies that I've seen born. I've had a cold lately, so I've also watched more Call the Midwife than my tear ducts can ...
Read More

Dollar Maxi Pad Review

The Dollar Maxi Pad Club provides quality feminine products at a low price, shipped to your house conveniently, even with a treat! Dollar Maxi Pad Club The Dollar Maxi Pad Club is just like it sounds. It doesn't sell a lot -- but what it sells are quality.

Pads $1
Tampons $3
Wipes $1
Menstrual Cups $20
Panti Liners $1
Pamper package (my favorite part -- like a gift for being a woman) for a limited time this is only $6
They also have a POSTPARTUM package that is a dream!

Having a baby is hard work! Sometimes you don't think about all that your body is going through (or WILL go through AFTER you go through labor). I know I was guilty of thinking I'd be 100% back to normal when I got out of the hospital. Wow, was I in for a surprise! This post is going to be SO helpful -- and I have even created a little after-baby checklist of things to watch for and have on hand: After having 3 of my own, as well as being a labor nurse for 15 years I have found ...
Read More

Ode to the New Mom

New mom survival | new mommies and daddies | newborn | postpartum | depression | info

Originally written in January of 2011, photos editing/post re-published in 2017 I have a hard time at work sometimes. Sometimes I feel like I'm that drill Sargent sending troops off to the war that was so very painful to me. I wheel them to the curb with a little tear in my eye. I know where they're going. I've been there. I've watched my friends go there. It is a war. I have literally choked away tears as I wish them good luck. Lately I have a lot of friends who are having their first baby (seriously, how did I ...
Read More

Postpartum Period: What to have on hand

You'll bleed for 4 to 6 weeks after your baby, during the postpartum period. Postpartum just means after the baby comes out. You'll find that your body is truly recuperating from what you put it through during the postpartum period ...
Read More

Fetal Survival Depends on Maternal Survival

Having a baby surrounded by a dead mom doesn't help the baby at all.... it also doesn't help the 5 year old, or 15 year old...

I am taking ACLS this week. That's the one where you learn to shock people who are in cardiac arrest. There's more to it than that, but my ACLS focuses on OB cases... It's super interesting. All the changes that happen in the body that demand that we change how we do CPR. I guess at one point in time there was a lot of controversy over if you save the mom or the baby. I've even had patients tell me that if there is a choice between them or the baby to take the baby. I just laugh (to ...
Read More

Pregnancy Complications

There’s a reason people have babies at the hospital. And who do you turn to for tips about complications — your favorite nurse, of course.

Guest Post on Pregnant Chicken — When to Call Your Doctor

When and what to call your doctor for (besides labor). Stay healthy during your pregnancy!

Amy at Pregnant Chicken asked if I'd help her with a reader question, and I was all too happy to oblige. Today's answer is about what signs/symptoms to call your doctor (or head into labor and delivery for). Excluding labor. That's a blog post for another day ...
Read More

What We Know About The Zika Virus in Pregnancy

Zika virus can be transmitted by both mosquitoes and by having a sex with a male partner with the disease (although, it doesn't look like they know if this type of transmission also causes birth defects).
Just because you are bitten by a ...
Read More

Why is Informed Consent Important?

Explain the procedure. Tell you exactly what will happen and how it will go.
Explain the risks of the procedure. And, when done correctly this will often end with "you could die." That certainly doesn't ...
Read More

Why Do I Need Prenatal Vitamins?

False Labor Pains: Is it the real deal?

False labor pains can be difficult to figure out. IS it the real thing? Here are 4 secrets to false labor that will help you make up your mind, at lesat for now!

Oh man, the contractions are coming hard and heavy, you think it's the real thing. You head to the hospital only to find out that they disappear as soon as the nurse puts the monitors on and you head home. Ready to call off the troops. Dejected, and still pregnant. False labor pains can be deceiving. The thing is, they totally hurt. I prefer to call them "practice labor" -- as it truly is your body just getting ready for the real thing. As a labor nurse of 15 years, I've certainly sent a lot of women home and had ...
Read More

Being Pregnant with Twins: Double the fun & risk

pregnant with twins | babies | pregnancy | identical | expecting | Pregnant

In this post we'll talk all about being pregnant with twins. Everything from the different types, complications all the way through delivery and after baby. You'll learn tons about a twin pregnancy! Twins. Two. Double the fun. Whether your twin pregnancy is something you hoped for, or if it's a big surprise (and maybe not even a happy surprise) twins are a lot to take in. You'll get looks from strangers, with people wondering if they were natural or IVF. First off, there is no shame in dealing with your feelings in being pregnant with twins. It's a lot. Yes, ...
Read More

Epidurals During Childbirth: The risks, benefits and procedures

Epidurals during labor are commonplace in the United States. Find out the pro's/con's, procedure, risks and benefits. epidural side effects epidural long term side effects epidural risks epidural pros and cons epidural during labour epidural meaning does an epidural hurt epidural drug

Epidurals during labor are commonplace in the United States. Find out the pro's/con's, procedure, risks and benefits. **As always please take the advice of your physician over any advice on my blog (or frankly, anywhere on the internet). They know your personal circumstances and health history.** First off, let me introduce myself. My name is Hilary and I have worked as a labor and delivery nurse since 2001. I've seen countless epidurals, as well as a similar number of very nervous women to get them. Let's calm some fears with some good information ...
Read More

Don’t Cut Your Ring Off!!!

Dear pregnant women of the world. Don't cut your rings off! I just found a very cool Youtube video that will give you instructions to get it off. A couple other things to try: 1. Lotion or soap -- if you lube it up, will it come off? 2. If that doesn't work: Try this. Instead of an oxygen strap you could use some thin elastic. Anyway, not unusual to get swollen fingers during pregnancy, I hope this helps someone. If you're concerned about your swollen fingers be sure to check out my preeclapsia post. If you like great ...
Read More

VBAC risks vs benefits: 5 things to think about

Vbac risks vs benefits. There is a whole lot to consider when heading in for a VBAC, I cover 5 things you need to think about in my experience as a labor and delivery nurse.

First off, they're actually called TOLAC (Trial Of Labor After Cesarean). But, no one wants to be a Toe-lac. They'd rather be a VBAC (a VBAC would actually be a sucessful vaginal birth after cesarean section). There, feel educated? This is always on a pendulum. I'm not sure how much of that pendulum is associated with the malpractice insurance, as that is where a lot of anything comes from in this business. When I first started (13 years ago), NO ONE VBAC'd, and then we went to where most OB's were trying it, and now I feel like we're swinging back ...
Read More

Pubis Symphysis: The glue holding a pregnant woman together.

symphisis pubis | dysfunction | pelvic pain | pregnnacy | pelvis | pain | tail bone pain | sciatica

Ths post is going talk the pubis symphysis -- it can be a real problem for .5-1% of all pregnant women. At the age of 28 I had a nine pound baby. My previous one had been a pound and a half smaller than him. I thought I was going to have to push for the rest of my life to get him out. When he did come out, I noticed that things were "off" with my hips (and hips don't lie). My tailbone hurt like CRAZY when I was sitting. Even after he was a few months old, I ...
Read More

Postpartum Tips

So, the baby is out. What happens now? Do I get a fairy Godmother?

When Breastfeeding Isn’t Working

Postpartum Comforts

Breastfeeding Support: Is Baby-Friendly Mom-Friendly?

Dollar Maxi Pad Review

Pads $1
Tampons $3
Wipes $1
Menstrual Cups $20
Panti Liners $1
Pamper package (my favorite part -- like a gift for being a woman) for a limited time this is only $6
They also have a POSTPARTUM package that is a dream!

Ode to the New Mom

Postpartum Period: What to have on hand

Fetal Survival Depends on Maternal Survival

Newborn Care

Wait, this baby depends on me? Help!

Save on an Owlet Monitor & NURSE review

Freebies for New Moms

This post will share free baby stuff for expecting mothers, or new moms. These freebies are often by mail too! No trip to the store for pregnant mammas! These freebies for new moms will have you seeing smiles. While some come by mail and do require shipping a lot are SO cute -- I think you'll love them! ...
Read More

When Breastfeeding Isn’t Working

What is SIDS and how to prevent It

6 Sids precautions you might not know about to give you some peace of mind each day.

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a horrible thing. I think it is something all parents have had to come to terms with. The reality of parenthood is that you truly can't control ALL things, but science has made a few things you can control with your newborn to give you SOME peace of mind (although you can easily follow every precaution and it just happens - my heart goes out to every single family affected by SIDS). As an L&D nurse for 16 year I've educated countless families on SIDS precuations and I'm excited to share them with you! SIDS ...
Read More

5 Baby Items You Don’t Need

It's so hard to know what's worth it to spend that extra money on, or not. Here's 4 worthy splurges for your you and your new baby!

Yes, this post is about 5 things you certainly don't NEED for your baby. BUT I have 5 things that I think are worth a splurge on babies. Some of them are NOT worth it on your first baby, but more worth it for subsequent babies. I do have a full second baby checklist you might find helpful! I have a detailed list of just the things you NEED. And I would NOT recommend going into debt, at any point, to get things for your baby. Borrow, buy 2nd hand, all that jazz. BUT, when you've got a little cash that ...
Read More

Care of the Feeding Breast

Be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom to win some FREE Bamboobies! Ray Romano has a great sketch where he talks about how men view breastfeeding. What was once a super fun playground is now a juice bar. So sad, so very sad.... 🙁 Breastfeeding takes a lot out of you. Not only do you still need great vitamins, minerals and nutrition while you breastfeed, you need to take care of the juice bar itself, as it were. I mean... we grow up a great portion of our lives not doing much more than holstering the ladies. They ...
Read More

Getting Ready to Breastfeed

Breastfeeding truly IS best, but being prepared for it can be a big help. Getting prepared is pretty simple thanks to some good advice!

I literally had never spent one minute of my life considering how a baby was fed until I showed up to couplet care as a student nurse one day. I was shocked by how HARD it was. How there needed to be pamphlets and help. I mean, the baby cow just walks up to the mom cow and it just WORKS. Where did mother nature leave us so alone? When I teach prenatal classes, and when I talk to my patients I'm adamant to share that this is something that will take a little practice. Much like riding a bike ...
Read More

How to Prepare for Breastfeeding: A Breastfeeding Checklist

Breastfeeding Support: Is Baby-Friendly Mom-Friendly?

Children’s Fever

Children's Fever - when do you worry? High fever in children can be really disconcerting. We'll talk about unsafe fever temperature for kids. Children's fever can't be cured, but it does have remedies to make your baby, toddler or kid feel better. Fever in children is a lot different than fever in adults. Let's talk symptoms, how to take their temperature, and what you should do if its in an infant. You hear your sweet baby crying, you go in and press your lips to their cheek only to feel fire on your lips. Does that make you cringe inside? Fevers ...
Read More

Have a question or want to learn more about a certain phase of pregnancy. This super informative site has your back! Check it out!

Shares 794