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Registry help
By Meghan M., mom of one
Before you register for your baby, ask a friend or relative with a baby about the most useful and most useless baby item she bought/received. A girlfriend with a baby or young child will know more about the new products than your mother or mother-in-law.
Ways to get through those difficult days
Alicia G., mom of two
I believe that the best way to get through those hard and exhausting days is to first always take a nice, hot or cool shower (depending on what your heat index is). Personal hygiene, clean clothes, and just a fresh start can do wonders for you — especially if you are feeling run down and unattractive!
Make life a little easier
By Julie Z., mom of one
Somewhere around 5 months or so, I found that reaching down to tie my shoes was starting to take a great deal of effort. It was just not in my nature to ask my husband to come tie my shoes for me. I found some nice slip-on shoes that were very comfy. They really helped out. I find that I still wear them even now that I can easily reach my feet again!
Exercise!
By Mary M., mom of one
I found exercise really helped my aching back and tired body. I especially enjoyed prenatal yoga. All the breathing, stretching, and relaxation exercises really helped!
Banana for mama-leg pains
By Radhika K., mom of twins
My legs used to ache all day, and especially at night, during my pregnancy. It got particularly bad in the third trimester. I was carrying twins, and no amount of rest, naps, or sitting with my legs elevated really helped. A simple solution I discovered was eating a banana every day! Just one banana and the pain was almost gone, or at least it became very bearable!
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Sore pelvic area and hips
By Casey H., mom of five
Toward the end of my fifth pregnancy the baby would bear down on my pelvic region. It was really uncomfortable until one day I sat on my exercise ball. The relief was immediate! And, you can't help to bounce, which is good exercise!
Mom-Dad-Baby bonding
By Kerry B., mom of two
When I was pregnant, Dad loved cuddling with baby (and me) as we were sleeping. It made us all feel more connected. Since baby is really active when you're resting, Dad gets to feel the kicks and movement. It's also a great time to chat and talk about getting ready for baby coming.
Some things you don't need
By Cara R., mom of two
Don't feel like you have to register for every baby gismo and gadget on the list. Ask your mommy friends what items you really need. For example, don't waste your money on a fancy bottle sterilizer! The dishwasher can do the job just as well.
Buy satin for sore hips
By Julie H., mom of one
If you have sore hips during pregnancy and find it hard to roll over in bed, get a fitted satin sheet. It's easier to slide around and roll over.
Don't forget the four-legged family members
By Kerry B., mom of two
If you have pets, ask dad to bring a receiving blanket home from the hospital before you bring baby home. Let your pets get used to baby's smell.
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Maternity clothes for less
By Chris K., mom of two
I wanted to build a nest egg for my baby, not build a wardrobe of expensive maternity clothes. Secondhand stores had lots of great clothes, many with the tags still on them.
Relief for itchy stretch marks
By Anne B., mom of three
While it may not relieve stretch marks (apparently, that's hereditary!), a good lotion or cream can soothe the itchiness and help you feel as if you're giving baby a pre-birth massage.
Meal planning while you have the time
By Dawn S., mom of two
Write down the recipes for five easy-to-make dinners. Be sure your kitchen is fully stocked with all of the ingredients. Do this now and you'll find that pulling together a meal will be much easier once baby is born.
Save the upholstery
By Missy H., mom of one
When you're nearing the end of your pregnancy, keep a waterproof pad in the car you plan to take to the hospital. If your water breaks during the ride, the car's upholstery will be protected.
If they ask about gifts, be honest
By Jeannette G., mom of two
My generous family provided all the hand-me-down baby clothes and furniture we needed. So when friends wanted to buy a gift for my baby shower, I was honest. What I really wanted was a membership to the zoo so my baby and I could spend hours walking and watching the animals. It was the best gift we could have received.
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