Week by Weeks of Pregnancy

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!

Smoking Marijuana While Pregnant: Will they take my baby away if I test positive?

Marijuana during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent. Hopefully, you'll consider actually reading this post before you comment. 🙂 This post points out the dangers of smoking weed while pregnant and how CPS will be involved. Will they take your baby away if you test positive? 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 ...
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How far apart should I have my Babies?: Baby spacing

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 I have my babies? 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. ...
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Why Can’t I Get Pregnant Again?

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. Even includes a quiz! Why can't I get pregnant again I was having a hard time getting pregnant with my second and third children. The third time it took us over three years. Secondary infertility is not unusual and I want to share the reasons I later saw as to why it happened. All of my tests came back normal -- what ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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What to Do When Pregnant for the First Time

This post is going to share what to do when you're pregnant for the first time. Or, if you've forgotten, you should still do these things for EACH pregnancy. What to do when you're first pregnant. Learning that you're pregnant, or trying to conceive is an exciting time! There are SO many questions though. 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: ...
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Fertile Window: Find your dates to get pregnant

fertile window / trying to get pregnant /infertility / crappy

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. And, if fertility is on your list of things to do -- don't miss my 2 other posts:

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 ...
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Keepin’ the Sexy On While Trying to Conceive

Keeping your relationship alive while trying to conceive is often harder than you think it will be. It becomes a chore. Here's how to keep the spark alive. A guest post by Marissa Lawton

Today's post is a GUEST post by Melissa from mamasandminimes.com. As a note, I don't normally take guests posts, but I felt like this post is REALLY relevant. We tried for 4 years for our last child and I felt a lot of the things in this article, she had great advice! Take it away Melissa! Keeping things sexy while Trying To Conceive is a challenge. Some of you are super lucky that when you decide you want to start a family, you simply stop using whatever prevention tactics you’ve been employing and wing it. It likely doesn’t take much effort ...
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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 ...
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Early Pregnancy

You’re Pregnant! Yayayay! Now what?

Smoking Marijuana While Pregnant: Will they take my baby away if I test positive?

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 ...
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The story of my Pregnancy

Today I want to share the story of my own pregnancy. I'm Hilary -- I've been a labor nurse since 2001. In 2008 I was experiencing infertility. We'd been trying to have a baby for over 2 years and weren't really sure what was in God's cards for us, but we also had 2 boys -- the youngest turning 5 soon. I was ready to close the baby factory. The items in this post will talk about my infertility, up through having our last baby in April 2009 (so, posts go from the oldest to the newest). I know I ...
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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 ...
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Questions to Ask Your OB on Your First Pregnancy Visit

Your first pregnancy visit is an important one -- and these five questions will help you know if your doctor is the right fit for you and your growing family. Your first visit to your OB is likely to be very chaotic. In fact, many women don't actually even SEE their OB on the first visit because they are mostly getting lab tests, and setting up paperwork/payment options with the office staff. However, once you get IN to see your doctor (or midwife, or whoever you are seeing) here are 5 questions NOT to be missed (and they may not ...
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What to Do When Pregnant for the First Time

Nosebleeds during Pregnancy: And other early pregnancy symptoms

nosebleeds during pregnancy & other early pregnancy signs

Nosebleeds during pregnancy are an odd sign but actually a common & normal early sign of pregnancy for some people. Early Pregnancy Symptoms Hi, I'm Hilary and I'm an L&D nurse, and while we don't see people as early as I'm talking about (these are symptoms of just the first few weeks of pregnancy) I've had 3 kids of my own and have been around countless pregnant women. These early pregnancy symptoms are NOT a pregnancy test. If you've had a negative test, but are wondering if you could still be pregnant, my friend Katie has a post on negative ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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The adorable second trimester

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

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Delivery Prep

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

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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: Signs breastfeeding won’t work

One of the most important things to know is the signs that 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). This post teaches the signs that breastfeeding isn't working. **If you are concerned that breastfeeding really isn't working -- I'd recommend making an appointment with a lactation consultant. I have a great online option that is cheaper than in person and they are great. If you haven't given birth yet -- I love this class.** First off, let me state ...
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Postpartum Recovery Tips: Healing your placenta scab self care

Here are some handy postpartum recovery tips from an L&D nurse. Your uterus is now healing from a "placenta scab" left from the baby making their exit. This post includes info on pads, pain medicine and the timeline you'll likely follow. 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! You might wonder why I ...
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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 ...
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The story of my Pregnancy

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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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!

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.

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 ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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Five C-Section Tips: What Happens in the OR

One third of all pregnancies will end in a c-section. Check out these awesome tips from a labor nurse who knows!

Having C-section can feel really scary. Will you be left cut in two like a bad magician’s assistant or will it be easier than a vaginal delivery? So many unknowns! I've had a lot of people emailing me asking for c-section tips. And you know me, I love to give what the people want! Here are 5 C-Section Tips that might ease your mind a bit: First, be sure to sign up to get my free hospital packing list -- get in the know on what to bring! C-section Tips (from a labor nurse who knows): ...
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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 ...
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Normal Signs of Pregnancy

Why Do I Need Prenatal Vitamins?

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 ...
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When to call labor and delivery: Reasons to go to the hospital or call your doctor

This post is going to tell you when to call labor and delivery if you CAN call L&D for questions, some of the reasons to go in -- and, we'll talk about when to go to the hospital for labor. When to Call Labor and Delivery You might wonder why I know this -- and that is a GOOD question. Hi, I'm Hilary. I've been an L&D nurse since 2001 and have probably seen thousands of pregnant mammas. I run triage at the hospital frequently, so I know what to watch for. I'm excited to give you some ideas of ...
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Postpartum Tips

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

When Breastfeeding Isn’t Working: Signs breastfeeding won’t work

Postpartum Recovery Tips: Healing your placenta scab self care

Postpartum Comforts

The story of my Pregnancy

Ode to the New Mom

Breastfeeding Support: Is Baby-Friendly Mom-Friendly?

Postpartum Period: What to have on hand

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!

Newborn Care

Wait, this baby depends on me? Help!

Can You Hold a Newborn too Much? Spoiling newborns & benefits

Spoiling newborns is a question a lot of new moms have. CAN you hold a newborn too much? Is it OK to hold them while they sleep? What are the benefits from all that holding? Can you hold a newborn too much? First off, I want to state categorically that mothers are born with instincts. One of the saddest things about delivering babies in the hospital is that I think we remove a lot of the instinct, by us following research and having safe patterns of practice. When I hear home birth stories I get chills. Your body knows what ...
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When Breastfeeding Isn’t Working: Signs breastfeeding won’t work

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 (because even with a coupon code you want it to be WORTH IT) -- from an L&D RN. For a VERY limited time -- Owlet currently has some units $100 off! Owlet montiors are also available with financing too!<< Owlet has also announced the Owlet Cam -- which will be shipping fairly soon! I have a whole post about the Owlet cam, and how you can buy both for a great ...
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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. Which is awesome, because when you walk into a baby store it's like you need ALL THE THINGS. And I'm here to tell you, you totally don't (I have a post about the 11 things you NEED for a new baby). When I had my first one, times were financially rough. I get it. Babies are expensive in SO many ways! BUT I do have 5 things that I think are worth a splurge on babies (but totally not necessary). Some of them are NOT worth ...
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Freebies for New Moms: Free baby stuff for expecting mothers

This post will share freebies for new moms & expecting moms. These free baby things for expecting mothers are often by mail too! No trip to the store for these pregnancy freebies! 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! A little something special freebies for new moms ...
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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! ...
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Unique Baby Gifts for Boy

Finding unique baby boy gifts can be hard. I'm going to share some of the most useful & unique baby boy gifts that new moms will love. FYI, this is part of my Gift Ideas for Families Series << that post has TONS of gift ideas for everyone on your list! Useful & Unique Baby Boy Gifts Here are a few items that parents will love to use, but are also unique and different than your average baby gift: ...
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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 ...
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Ode to the New Mom

The Owlet Cam ~ A way to keep EYES on your baby, when you want

The Owlet was a revolutionary tool, created to help parents feel some peace when stepping away from a sleeping baby. Now they have an Owlet Cam that will help them feel like they are still there. SO many of my readers have bought the Owlet, and then asked me what I thought they should do as far as a video monitor. And now, I have your solution. I am a big fan of having ONE app to check when you need to do something -- and now, with the Owlet, you can do just that! ...
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