Week by Weeks of Pregnancy

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

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?

Take our 5 question quiz to find out why you can't get pregnant. Infertility can be a frustrating process, but there are some easy things you can try to make a change. I also discuss why it took us so long to get pregnant (and the positive results). Why can't I get pregnant? 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 ...
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What You REALLY Need to Do to Have a Healthy Pregnancy & Breastfeed

There is a firm foundation about what you should be doing to have a healthy pregnancy & breastfeed. Stop paying attention to gimics and ideas that really won't help you I have seen SO many "lactation cookies" or "pregnancy smoothies" acting like you NEED those things to have a healthy baby ...
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How far apart should I have my Babies?: Baby spacing

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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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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Painful Vaginal Exams: Internal check during pregnancy is painful

Vaginal or cervical exams aren't something that any woman looks forward to, but many women find internal exams during pregnancy almost intolerable because of the pain. Let's talk about why they are so painful and what you can do to make them easier to handle. First off -- HELLO! I'm Hilary -- I've been a labor nurse since 2001. I've performed thousands of vaginal exams (and stopped many doctors as well). A lot of women have this issue, and I'm excited to share some great info with you today! Be sure to check out all of my posts on labor ...
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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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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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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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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:

So, without further adieu -- ...
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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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Early Pregnancy

You’re Pregnant! Yayayay! Now what?

What You REALLY Need to Do to Have a Healthy Pregnancy & Breastfeed

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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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 ...
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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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What to Do When Pregnant for the First Time

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

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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The MOST accurate — am I pregnant quiz!

The harsh reality is that a pregnancy test is the most accurate -- but if you're looking to know if you're pregnant -- take my MOST accurate am I pregnant quiz to find out. And then go buy a home pregnancy test, because that's the best. 🙂 ...
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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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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!

What You REALLY Need to Do to Have a Healthy Pregnancy & Breastfeed

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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When Breastfeeding is Not 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, and share's this RN's tale of when breastfeeding didn't work for me. **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 ...
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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. I am so passionate about this topic I just did a whole podcast on what to expect postpartum: I also have a whole ...
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The story of my Pregnancy

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! Table of contents

Placenta ...
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Postpartum Recovery with Katie Clark from Clarks Condensed — PCP Episode 018

This week's episode is going to focus on what happens after baby. What's normal, what to watch for and I even have a guest on who JUST had a baby and is one of the best moms I know (but also struggling to keep her head above the water with baby #3). I can't wait to share it with you! This week's guest is Katie Clark from Clarks Condensed. If you remember, I actually Katie on a few weeks ago on episode 005 right before she had her new baby to talk about getting ready for baby, and I wanted ...
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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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Tushy Review & Coupon Code: Who it’s for from a nurse.

Today I want to review the Tushy bidet, give you a coupon to try it out for yourself, and share who I think it's best for, and some things to watch out for when you install it. Tush Bidet Review Tushy sent me a Bidet (but is NOT requiring this review, and you will find that it is my 100% honest opinion). And honestly -- guys -- I am not sure I've been sent anything more "up my ally" than this product. 🙂 I mean, perineal care is one of my passions (don't worry I'm an L&D nurse, and I've ...
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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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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.

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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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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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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Pregnancy Emergencies

medical team running to a pregnancy emergency

Pregnancy can have a lot of complications, but today I want to talk about pregnancy emergencies. These are obstetric emergencies that a good hospital is trained to handle, but with some care from you -- we can make sure it doesn't get this far. First off -- how do I know all of this? Well, after being a labor nurse since 2001, I've seen all these things, and I am trained to help in each of these situations. I'm excited to share a bit of what to watch for with YOU so that we can be partners in your health ...
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Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Discharge in pregnancy is almost like a crystal ball to a lot of ladies. We're going to talk about color, consistency and how it relates to the changes your body goes through during pregnancy. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy First off - let's talk a bit about why pregnancy discharge is different than regular discharge. During pregnancy, you have a lot higher blood volume, in order to get enough blood to your baby and still function as a human at the same time ...
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Protein In Urine While Pregnant

Why would you have protein in your urine while pregnant?

Having protein in your urine while pregnant isn't too unusual, but when the results start to be +1 or +2 your doctor will start to become more concerned, as you enter the third trimester. Let this L&D RN tell you exactly why this happens and why it's a problem. Hi, I'm Hilary -- I'm an L&D RN, but before I was that, I was pregnant and sort of wondered WHY all the urine tests -- what were they learning about? BTW, do NOT miss my post all about preeclampsia that will give you more insight to all of this. I 100% ...
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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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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 the reason 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 (RN) 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 ...
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Preeclampsia Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Preeclampsia Signs: Preeclampsia can be a scary complication of pregnancy. We're going to talk labs, prevention, why it sometimes happens postpartum, when it occurs, how it may affect the baby and what causes it. **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, PLEASE pick a doctor you ...
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Did my Water Break Quiz: The game of leaking amniotic fluid

This Is my Water Broken Quiz will help you figure out if your amniotic sac broke or if you just peed... even with or without contractions. It can be really hard to tell if your waters are leaking... We'll talk about how long it can be before baby needs to get out, and how often it happens? Plus, what does water breaking look like? It seems like it wouldn't be that hard -- IS my water broken? Liquid gushes out of your nether-regions. It's obviously broken... right? ...
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Postpartum Tips

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

What You REALLY Need to Do to Have a Healthy Pregnancy & Breastfeed

Ode to the New Mom

When Breastfeeding is Not Working: Signs breastfeeding won’t work

Postpartum Comforts

The story of my Pregnancy

Postpartum Recovery Tips: Healing your placenta scab self care

Placenta ...
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Postpartum Recovery with Katie Clark from Clarks Condensed — PCP Episode 018

Postpartum Period: What to have on hand

Tushy Review & Coupon Code: Who it’s for from a nurse.

Breastfeeding Support: Is Baby-Friendly Mom-Friendly?

Newborn Care

Wait, this baby depends on me? Help!

What You REALLY Need to Do to Have a Healthy Pregnancy & Breastfeed

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! News Flash: As of RIGHT ...
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Ode to the New Mom

When Breastfeeding is Not Working: Signs breastfeeding won’t work

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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Best Child Monitor

Having a great child monitor makes it so easy to know if they're awake (or even up to mischief when they're older). Check out some of the top brands and see what specs you really need!

In this post: A nurse will help you explore different child monitors on the market and you can figure out what type will be your best child monitor at your house. (saving yourself money on bells and whistles you won't use). Having a new baby in the house is tough. I remember I always worried I'd sleep through their crying. Turns out, past about 2 weeks that never happened. BUT, the worry is there, and also if you live in a larger house or have thick walls you might want a monitor to help you stay in touch with your ...
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What you need with a new baby: Fill those needs!

baby products 2017 | must haves | baby needs | newborn | pregnancy

Having a new baby is overwhelming! I remember standing in Babies R Us and just feeling the weight of my world on my shoulders. How could I afford ALL this? The truth is, you really only need to afford a few items, and you'll be set to go! Today I'm going to share some of the new items on the market that can fill those needs at your house! This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx who lets me share some of the cool new products on my market and give 100% my own opinion of them! ...
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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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Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping

It seems so harsh -- one snip of the scissors and that baby that has relied on you for months is on their own. Oxygenating, crying, eating all on their own. Of course, I'd rather it be scissors than my teeth.... but I digress.... Delayed cord clamping is being requested more and more by patients anymore and I'm excited to share some info on it for you: ...
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Things a Baby Needs: 11 Things You Can’t Do Without

This baby list will help you save enough to be home with your baby for maternity leave but still get the essentials. No splurges here. Just black and white. Needs for the baby.

We were really poor when we had our first baby. I worked as a nurse in a nursing home full time and my husband had JUST gotten his first full time job out of college running errands for a steel company. We were, quite honestly, as poor as we have ever been. I didn't get any paid maternity leave with my company, and headed back to work just shy if my 6 week checkup even though I had ripped stem to stern with his delivery (thank you forceps). What are the things a baby NEEDS weighed heavy on my heart ...
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