Have You Packed You And Your Babie's Bag?

!±8± Have You Packed You And Your Babie's Bag?

4 weeks to go until your due date and suddenly everyone starts asking if you've packed your bag! Suddenly it all becomes very real indeed and instead of thinking what's going on in your body you finally have to think about how you're going to get your baby out of your body!

Packing your bag for hospital is a good way to start the changing thought process. I tried to keep my bag to a minimum but there are some key essentials.

2 front fastening nighties. If you have decided to breastfeed these are a must. Easy access when you're trying to get your baby to latch on and you are both beginners is essential! I also packed some loose pyjamas for walking around the ward in.

Nipple cream is also a good idea- rarely have I heard anyone saying the first few days were easy or pain free so chose a good brand. I liked Kamillosan Nipple cream that is very popular. Breast pads for between feeds and a comfortable breast feeding bra.

While we are on personal items you will also need maternity pads. Don't think you can get away with ordinary pads as, like me, you will discover that your stitches stick to them- ouch!

A wash bag with all the usual included but also remember some antibacterial wipes. With so much in the news about super bugs you really don't want to catch anything and a handy wipe before you use the bathroom only takes a second! Also remember a couple of dark towels (as you may well find you do get blood on them).

An iPod with all your fav' tracks so that you can shut out the noise of the ward when your baby is sleeping and have a bit of me time with your new book until junior wakes up and needs you! I never actually managed to open the book by the iPod was a life saver!

Your going home outfit. Many of us have friends who have walked out of hospital in their old size 12 jeans but none of us have actually witnessed it! Go for comfort and simply pull in your old elasticated trousers to the new you! A loose front fastening top is also perfect.

It's all too easy to get so absorbed in 'you' during pregnancy that you forget there will be two of you soon after entering the hospital! Once you've packed your own bag remember to pack a bag for baby too.

Essentials.

Nappies.

I made the classic 'first Mum' error of forgetting to pack nappies for my newborn, assuming that the hospital would provide these. I therefore spent the first few hours borrowing from the kind lady in the next bed to me! What I did find is that your brand loyalty starts right now. I was a 'Pampers' Mum throughout simply because they were the nappies delivered to me in hospital.

Clothes.

You will need at least 3 babygros and vests. Try to buy easy fastening babygros and vests. It's incredible how fragile your baby feels even at a good weight and to start with you need to practice so back fastening is too much of a challenge! Don't forget that your baby might be larger than average so unless you know you are having a small baby ensure you buy the correct size!

Muslin Squares.

Who could believe that simple squares of fabric will become such a major part of ones life! To start they are fantastic for wiping up all manner of drips and sick and eventually many become essential comforters for the baby itself! I love the coloured packs now available in lime green and lemon from Mother care!

Outfit for going home.

All hospitals are very warm so it's essential that your baby has something suitable, depending on the time of year, to leave the hospital in. This may mean a warm coat and socks and booties but will always mean a hat! A blanket is also useful for the first trip outside.

Car seat.

You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without a car seat! Practice fitting this into your car at home so that you don't struggle while your baby is in it!

Have You Packed You And Your Babie's Bag?

Great Deals Crosman Repair Parts Turtle Beach Gaming Headsets Immediately

A Practical Look At The Cost Of Raising An Infant

!±8± A Practical Look At The Cost Of Raising An Infant

How much money will it cost to have and raise a baby? This is an important question on the minds of most would-be parents at one time or another. And it's a question that often guides their decision to have one.

Sometimes, the expenses are obvious. For example, you'll need to buy diapers and food for your little one. Other times, however, the costs are less clear. You may lose your household's second income (if you decide to stay home); you might need to pay for child care (if you decide to continue working); and you'll need to purchase an assortment of baby gear, including a stroller, crib, and car seat.

This article will provide a closer look at the real cost of raising a baby. Most moms and dads discover it is far higher than they imagined, especially during their infants' first twelve months. Use the following information as a guide to expenses you may have overlooked.

A Decline In Household Income

When you have a baby, you'll either stay home or continue working. Chances are, you will have already made the decision. Many new parents decide that one partner will stay home, but underestimate the effect on their household budget. The situation can become particularly serious if the new mom and dad are trying to pay off school loans, car loans, and a mortgage. A lot of moms and dads, after choosing to stay at home, decide to get part-time jobs to supplement their single-income budget.

Also, keep in mind maternity leave is rarely paid. If you decide to stay home with your little one, make sure your savings, insurance, and other means will fill the income gap. A lot of new parents return to work earlier than planned due to the financial strain.

Trips To The Doctor And ER

You may believe your health insurance will cover the entire cost of delivery. But are you certain? Many people are surprised to learn following their babies' births that their insurance only covers a percentage of the services provided. For example, if you need or want an epidural, is the entire expense covered? If you require a C-section, will your coverage suffice? A typical delivery may cost up to ,000 (or more) depending on your needs, generating multiple invoices from the hospital and doctors. Health insurance often covers less than the full amount.

You'll also need to pay a co-payment each time your baby needs to visit her doctor. Add to this expenses related to prescriptions and immunizations, and the or per visit can quickly erode your budget.

Increase In Food-Related Costs

At first, when it comes to food, it's tempting to only consider the price of formula (if you choose not to breastfeed). But there are other food expenses related to the arrival of your baby. For example, a lot of moms and dads begin to eat out rather than prepare meals at home. The reason? Taking care of a little one can be exhausting, and leave little energy for cooking. Unfortunately, eating out can also be expensive.

If you decide to breastfeed, you might be tempted to think your little one's food bill is essentially zero. Consider, however, that you may need to purchase a breast pump. You might also need to buy nursing bras, and other clothes that can accommodate your baby's nursing schedule.

Splurging On Special Occasions

Because your baby's first birthday is special, you may want to organize a party to celebrate the occasion. Bear in mind that doing so can be expensive. Decorations, food, and gifts can cost two or three hundred dollars, and even more if you invite a large number of guests. Special occasions can also include traveling to see family, trips to amusement parks, and family vacations. Having a baby in tow increases the cost of each of these activities.

You already know that having and raising an infant poses a high cost. But a lot of new moms and dads neglect to plan for the items mentioned above. If forgotten, they can quickly cause unexpected financial stress.

A Practical Look At The Cost Of Raising An Infant

Discount Total Body Chuck Norris

The Evolution of Fashionable Breastfeeding Clothes

!±8± The Evolution of Fashionable Breastfeeding Clothes

Oh what a joy! Just as information and support regarding breastfeeding has become more easily accessible, so have innovative and fashionable breastfeeding outfits.

Not long ago, breastfeeding outfits consisted merely of nursing bras and tops. The designers' main focus for both bras and tops was to provide additional support for milk-filled breasts, and to permit comfortable breastfeeding without the need to remove them. This was accomplished by flaps or slits that could be easily snapped off or opened to expose the nipple while the mother was still fully covered below the breast area. Designers made sure that they accomplished good functionality and partial comfort, however, they compromised greatly on style. Meanwhile, nursing tops were available in only a few designs with boring colors. They had slits with overlapping fabrics covering the slits and were usually loose on the torso, and were certainly unflattering to wear, making nursing mothers look frumpy and feel pudgy.

It is not a surprise that most women claimed "it was too difficult to nurse for a long period of time." Of course! Just imagine going through nine months of hormonal changes, and growing bigger each week until the end of gestation when the baby finally comes out. It may be fine nursing in the comfort of one's home for a few days or weeks. However, when reality sets in and a woman would have to deal with responsibilities outside of the home, nursing mothers have natural apprehensions of going through another six to twelve months sacrificing their appearance and self-esteem. Although breastfeeding clothes back then were designed to make breastfeeding more manageable when feeding outside of the home, it didn't give women much confidence and the lame fashions made them feel so unattractive. In addition, the fabric composition of these outfits didn't really allow feeding discreetly in public. As a result, most of the mother's breast was exposed, while the public frowned upon it. It was simply easier for most women to shy away from making the long term commitment because of the unflattering and flawed designs available.

Guess what? Times have changed, gone are those nursing outfits that looked like they belong in the 80's! As opposed to outfits that are loose with full frontal overlapping fabrics which made a woman's post-baby body appears worse than ever, designers came up with clothes that are so stylish and fashionable that others can hardly notice that underneath this clothing were lactating breasts! Nursing outfits these days have done a great job in bringing their designs up to speed to blend in with other modern outfits when worn out around town, at work, in clubs, at weddings, and anywhere. They are also made with a mixed composition of the highest quality fabrics such as spandex, cotton, bamboo, and rayon, ensuring that the outfits are sized properly, last longer, are flattering, and fit properly on a nursing mother's body. These fashions are quite innovative when it comes to integrating function and support as well. The modern nursing tops, dresses, sleepwear, and swimwear, feature hidden openings so mothers can easily nurse their baby discreetly and confidently at any time, while looking very stylish before and after a feeding.

Even breastfeeding bras, which have always been an essential part of the post pregnancy wardrobe, have evolved and they are also available in so many varieties. They have become very innovative when it comes to functionality and support. Breastfeeding mothers can now find the proper bras for sport activities, a casual summer day, a black tie affair, or a sexy date night with the hubby (or their significant other)!

We give thanks to the burgeoning breastfeeding group of mothers who started the buzz about the need for more comfortable, functional, and fashionable breastfeeding outfits. Their efforts have led to the development of beautiful nursing wear in many styles, colors, sizes and varieties. There is no reason, in this day and age, that a woman shouldn't look fashionable, chic, and sexy while engaging in her maternal responsibilities. Anything that makes a new mother look good and feel good about herself, will serve to enhance the maternal-infant bonding experience which, in turn, will benefit the entire family.

The Evolution of Fashionable Breastfeeding Clothes

Promotional Kettler Elliptical Machines Promo Great Body Shop

Top Breastfeeding Dresses For Nursing Mothers

!±8± Top Breastfeeding Dresses For Nursing Mothers

For any woman, finding the stylish solution to occasion wear is a tricky one but for new breastfeeding mums the search is even harder. High-street selections for nursing mothers are predictably dull, or non-existent. Now is the time to search on-line for the best breastfeeding clothing available. Christenings, parties, weddings, Christmas and New Year's events are all wonderful occasions to dress up in your finest and celebrate. As a new mum you want to wear something girlie and glamorous, that makes you feel fabulous but also allows you to breastfeed your little one easily. You want to wear your beautiful dress and you don't want to leave the party to sit in another room when your baby is hungry! Trying to breastfeed in a non-nursing dress is always tricky, involves pulling acres of fabric over your head and you usually end up exposing more of yourself than you would like. We are frequently asked about dresses which are suitable for wearing when you want to feel chic and stylish, but are easy to nurse in.

The perfect solution to breastfeeding at special occasions with confidence is a dress which has been specially designed to provide easy nursing access. Nursingwear designers have risen to the challenge of providing fabulous nursingwear for new breastfeeding mothers, and there really are some deliciously chic nursing dresses now available. Halter necks, scoop necks and deep v-necks flatter new mum decolletage, whilst elegant ruffles, shirring, pleats, ruching and pretty detailing give a foxy, fashion-forward look. Many new mamas have found fabulous nursing dresses perfect for special events and occasions, and here is a selection of our favourites:

Milk Nursingwear's fabulous Keyhole dress is stylish and elegant - wonderful for wearing for special occasions, or anytime when you want to feel chic. The black stretch fabric falls beautifully and the fashionable keyhole design detailing gives a lovely twist to this classic dress. This dress looks beautiful accessorised with sparkly earrings or chunky bracelet - the simple design is a perfect foil for some fabulous jewellery. Nurse effortlessly by pulling up the dress at the empire band to access nursing openings beneath.

The divine Mayreau Cowl neck dress is one of the most luxurious breastfeeding dresses available. Made from the softest modal fabric, the fabric feels buttery soft on the skin and gives a real feeling of luxury. The cowl neck cleverly conceals the nursing access, and the gathered sleeve detail is just divine. Wear dressed up with jewellery and heels, or down with leggings and flats, this dress is incredibly versatile and looks great whatever the occasion.

For special occasions, Milk Nursingwear's Flirty Halter Neck is perfect. This sexy halter style for nursing mamas ensures you look effortlessly fabulous. Milk have magically added a built-in shelf-bra and place to hold your nursing pads - meaning you can strut your stuff in style! Gorgeous ruffles add a flirty fun edge to this pretty little dress, whilst the adjustable tie allows for a more customized fit. Nursing Access is simple, just lift up the empire layer to access openings.

Dote's Black Noir dress is a firm favourite for nursing style, this stylish Singaporean label has been a huge best-seller with nursing mamas in the UK, and now wonder, as it is simply divine! The dress has a gathering across the neckline and skirt, disguising any post-baby tummy. It can be accessorised with a belt or sparkly scarf, giving an edgy fashionable look. Nursing access is innovatively through the oversized armholes, ensuring this dress looks high-fashion all the way!

So whether you are looking for a stylish dress to wear to a Wedding, a figure-flattering dress for a special occasion or an elegant dress for your little one's Christening, there are some great choices available. Knowing you are wearing a stylish nursing dress which will enable you to feed your baby quickly and with no fuss will go a long way to making your special occasion more enjoyable.

Top Breastfeeding Dresses For Nursing Mothers

Best Prices Black And Decker Gizmo Can Opener Tiffany Style Table Lamp Buy Now Carbon Waffle Maker Buy Now