Baby Names - Surviving Pregnancy

Of all the things you go through in having a baby, one of the toughest ones can sometimes be baby names.

Finding the perfect name for your new baby can sometimes even be frustrating. This may sound like no-brainer and something low on the list of priorities, when faced with the seemingly daunting world of parenthood. Even so, choosing baby names can be very time-consuming, frustrating and even a source of consternation for new parents.

There are so many things to consider when selecting the perfect name for your child. Many parents don't have a clue about where to begin and feel completely overwhelmed. The best place to start is with a list.

Both parents should take a few minutes and jot down the first ten baby names that come to mind that they would deem suitable for the new baby. It's not as difficult as it sounds - it's actually surprising, how many unique and quality names have been stored in your memory, just as you go through your every day life. Make sure that you list names for both boys and girls, unless you already know the sex of your baby.

Once the lists are complete, both parents should sit down and eliminate any names that either parent objects to. Even if only a couple of names remain between the two lists, this is a good start.

The next step, after this brainstorming session, is to define some agreed upon parameters for your baby names. Think about and discuss your preferences for cultural backgrounds, family names and number of syllables. You can also narrow it down to include only names starting with specific letters. Make sure that you keep plenty of paper handy and be aware when you are out and about. Listen for potential names when you're in the grocery store, listening to the radio and walking through a park. You'll be surprised at how tuned in you become.

Make sure to use the Internet when hunting for baby names. So much of the work is already done for you. Using any search engine, type in the phrase 'baby names' and a huge amount of websites will appear, handling all facets of the subject. You can narrow down your search any way you wish. There are even forums where you can browse other people's name ideas and post your own to get unbiased feedback as you work through your choices.

As you start to narrow down your list, pay special attention to the potential for teasing. Think of any negative words that may rhyme with or sound like the names you are considering. Also, look out for undesirable letter combinations formed by the initials of any baby names that have made it on your list.

Try writing out the names that you come up with and make sure to say them out loud, to ensure that they roll of the tongue with ease. Again, be aware of any similarities to negative words or phrases that may be formed by certain name combinations.

It is also a good idea, to ask friends and family for their thoughts and ideas. But beware! Your parents are from another generation and they may be stuck in a rut when it comes to good baby name choices. Too, siblings can be very opinionated and may try to take over the naming process. Just remember, that getting opinions on your baby names can be helpful, but at the end of the day, what you name your baby is up to you and your partner. You have the final say!

If certain people have an aversion to a name that is high on your list, stick to your guns! Once people get to know your baby and form an affectionate bond, you will find that they quickly forget any negative connotation they may have had with the name, and come to love the baby, name and all!!

So remember, choosing a name for your baby is a big job, but it can be a lot of fun and it's a good way to get your mind off the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. Going over baby names is something you can do with your partner, and it allows them to play an active role in the baby's life even before the actual birth.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started now on coming up with the perfect baby names!

Baby Shower - Surviving Pregnancy

Are you in charge of planning a baby shower for the new mother-to-be? What an exciting time to say the least. You want everything to come out just right and give her a special memory she will treasure forever. So, are you ready? You're not sure about what to do? Let's take a quick look at organizing and planning a baby shower.

Planning A Baby Shower

As you may already be finding out, planning a baby shower is not as easy as you thought. There are so many different details to think about when putting together an event like this that it becomes easy to get lost in the confusion.

Two very important points to follow is to create lists and delegate responsibility when planning a baby shower.One of the biggest mistakes the organizer commonly makes is trying to do too much on there own. Why go crazy running from store to store when you know that Aunt Sue works right next to a great discount store? She can easily run in and pick up the items you're needing. Include Aunt Sue when you are planning a baby shower. You will be surprised by how delighted she will be to help. If she doesn't want to help, then there is really no loss. You just have to work around it.

Baby Shower Footprint Invitations

What about invitations? You may want to consider giving out baby shower footprint invitations. This seems to be the newest trend. Baby shower footprint invitations look great and they really create a buzz.

Creating a good list is the number one starting point when planning any baby shower. Don't try to keep ideas and names in your head when there is pen and paper handy at your fingertips. You may be saying that you have an excellent memory, but writing it down is always better. Planning a baby shower includes too much to try to keep your lists in your head. Write it down. It is very important. You'll be thankful that you did.

Who Is Invited?

Another important point to keep in mind when planning the invitation list is, do you know who all is invited? You may be faced with an unusual dilemma that is becoming all to common nowadays. More and more adult children are from divorced families. As hard as it may seem to believe, many of these divorced families are still in turmoil even though many years have passed by. When you are planning a baby shower make sure that you are perfectly clear on who to invite.

You also may want to let both of the divorced parents know that the other party is invited. I ran into a very ugly situation at my baby shower. Two dear friends teamed together in planning a baby shower for me. One friend invited my mother while the other friend invited my mother’s arch enemy; my stepmother.

I get along with both very well, but when they faced each other in the same room, there was an ugly scene that will not be forgotten by anyone anytime soon. Unfortunately, you have to consider such rifts in families when planning a baby shower in this day and age. It's better to plan ahead and be prepared than it is to have a scene like that take place at your own baby shower.

You may want to leave the surprises in the gift wrapped boxes rather than in the guest list. It's a good idea to go over the guest list with the mother-to-be while planning a baby shower for her. This works out well. The guest list will be one less thing you have to remember.

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Breastfeeding - Surviving Pregnancy

You've most likely heard every doctor and health care professional say that breastfeeding new babies is the best nutrition there is. Not only is it the natural way to feed your baby, but the health benefits are enormous. Here are 10 great reasons why you should breastfeed your newborn baby.

1. Fat is vital to your newborn. Why? Because most all of the essential vitamins and nutrients that your baby needs, comes from fat. It gives vitamin A - D and E, and at the same time provides the necessary calories your baby requires. Breastfeeding gives your baby these vital nutrients to keep them healthy.

2. Milk from a cow can often times create an allergic reaction in a newborn infant. Breastfeeding reactions are extremely rare.

3. Milk from breastfeeding has many hormones and growth factors in it that assist your baby in growing and keeping healthy.

4. It's a fact that breastfeeding babies are healthier. They have lower risks of getting infections, illnesses and meningitis. Another important aspect is that a breast fed baby is 5-6 times less likely of getting childhood lymphoma. They are also much less likely to get ear infections than their bottle fed counterparts.

5. Another important reason for breastfeeding your baby has to do with staying fit. Research has been done and shows that breast fed babies are more fit and have a lower risk of becoming obese when they grow up. Why? It has been determined that bottle fed infants have much more insulin in their system which causes the fat cells to increase. We all know that obese children are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases as they grow older.

6. Breast fed babies have also shown to be healthier than formula fed babies. They have reduced rates of sickness, ear infections, allergies, and even hospital visits.

7. Breastfeeding also creates a sense of security and bonding with their mother. No bottle fed baby gets this added sense of security. A baby gets a sense of comfort, safety and joy by being nursed from their mother.

8. A breastfeeding mother gets an added plus by being able to lose the extra pre-birth weight and regain their pre-pregnancy size. It's also great for fighting off the postpartum depression that can easily strike a new mom.

9. Breast milk is free. You can save your money by not having to buy formula. And it is readily available.

10. When breastfeeding your newborn, colostrum is what your baby will first feed on. It's gives your baby all the nutrients and vitamins an infant needs. In addition, colostrum has the necessary amounts of immunoglobulins which keeps your baby from getting bacterial and viral infections.

Only you can determine is breastfeeding is right for you. I encourage you to take the time to seriously consider it. Learn all that you can and make a well informed decision that is in the best interests of you and your baby.

Pregnancy Ultrasound - What You Should Know - Surviving Pregnancy

A pregnancy ultrasound is a safe and effective way of looking inside the womb of a pregnant woman. An ultrasound will use sound waves to transfer pictures of a fetus to a monitor at the bedside. A transducer is used on the abdomen and a full bladder is usually required to raise the uterus up closer to the surface of the abdomen for a better view. This is a non-invasive way to check on the condition of the fetus and in a lot of cases, to find out if you are having a boy or girl!

There are several reasons why your doctor may order an ultrasound for you. One reason is to detect and confirm pregnancy in the early stages. By measuring the fetus, the doctor will have a more accurate idea of your due date and he will also be able to determine that the fetus is in the cavity of the uterus.

Another reason for a pregnancy ultrasound may be due to vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy. If you experience cramping and bleeding early in pregnancy, your doctor may order an ultrasound to check for a visible heartbeat. This can be detected as early as six weeks into the pregnancy. If no heartbeat is detected and the gestational sac is malformed, it probably indicates a miscarriage.

When the doctor uses an ultrasound to determine gestational age, he uses several different measurements. The first measurement he will look at will be the crown to rump length. This gives a very accurate estimation of the gestational age.

The next measurement will be the diameter between both sides of the head. This measurement is taken at around 13 weeks.

The doctor will then look at the femur length of the fetus. This is the longest bone in the body and helps to give an accurate estimate of gestational age and growth.

Another important aspect of using a pregnancy ultrasound is to diagnose fetal abnormalities. The ultrasound can pick up abnormalities such as, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, dwarfism and other congenital defects. This will prepare the doctor and the parents in the event an abnormality is found. Sometimes, depending on the condition, special equipment will be needed in the delivery room. Knowing what to expect ahead of time helps everyone to be prepared.

A new and exciting development in the ultrasound is the 3-D and 4-D ultrasound. This type of ultrasound can transfer images to the monitor and they can be processed into 3-D images. You are able to see your baby’s features and movements. These ultrasounds are also able to pick up smaller defects, such as cleft palates.

If this is your first pregnancy, do not be alarmed when your doctor orders an ultrasound for you. This is normal practice and it will give you the unforgettable experience of seeing your baby for the very first time. Bring your partner along and cherish the moment when you first lay eyes on your baby through your pregnancy ultrasound.

Cesarean Section - Surviving Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and have never had a C-section, or Cesarean section as it's also known as, then you may not know a lot about the procedure. And even if you don't think you will have the need to have the procedure done, it's always good to at least be aware of what a C-section is.

A C-section is a surgical incision made in the abdomen and then into the uterus to deliver the baby or babies. Circumstances vary greatly and can be quite different with each pregnancy, and vary from woman to woman.

Each woman’s individual medical and reproductive history is taken into consideration during the prenatal period, and is continuously evaluated throughout the pregnancy by the obstetrician. If warranted, a C-section will be scheduled to take place before actual labor begins, though this doesn’t necessarily mean that a woman won’t go into labor spontaneously before her scheduled delivery date.

A history of certain medical conditions may require a C-section When the baby, mother, or both are in distress, a C-section is the fastest way to deliver the baby without further complications. Developmental abnormalities or fetal anomalies require delivery by C-section, as do breech or transverse fetal positions.

Other indicators for a C-section delivery are irregular or decreased fetal heart tones, prolonged labor or labor that has failed to progress, a very large baby, baby unable to pass through mother’s hips, prolapsed umbilical cord, separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus (placenta abruption), blockage of the birth canal by the placenta (placenta previa), or maternal illness, such as chronic medical conditions, pregnancy-related conditions (pre-eclampsia), HIV infection, or active genital herpes.

A C-section is usually performed under regional anesthesia, allowing the mother to be awake and witness the birth of the baby. However, some types of emergency situations may require general anesthesia putting the mother completely asleep.

Despite the fact that a C-section is major surgery, it is relatively safe and has a low rate of complications. There is still a certain level of risk involved, as with any surgical procedure; bleeding and infection, injury to the bladder or urinary tract, or even injury to the baby could occur. Prenatal classes are offered to expectant mothers and their significant others, and cover everything from vaginal delivery versus C-section, to how to select a car seat and bathe the baby.

Even if a C-section delivery is not anticipated, physicians should discuss it with their patients prior to labor and delivery, to lessen their anxiety and promote a positive birth experience in the event a surgical birth is required. The expectant mother needs to feel comfortable with her prenatal care provider and trust in the level of care that is provided, and in the recommendations made to ensure that the pregnancy results in a happy healthy baby.

Having a C-section is fairly common today and understanding the full details can give you much needed peace of mind.

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Prenatal Vitamins - Surviving Pregnancy

Taking prenatal vitamins is so important for expectant mothers, and their babies as well. When you first learn that you are indeed pregnant, your doctor will prescribe a good prenatal vitamin for you to take. Sometimes your doctor will give you several different samples of various brands for you to take in order to find the one that is right for you.

You will often hear at times of people who assert that the vitamins are beneficial for women who are planning to conceive. Using the supplements before getting pregnant helps prevent certain birth defects. Some mothers choose to continue taking prenatal vitamins throughout their pregnancies and while they are breastfeeding.

It is important to remember that the prenatal vitamins are supplements. They do not replace a balanced diet. It is not good practice to rely on vitamins for all of your nutritional needs. It is more important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet than it is to take pills, no matter how beneficial they are. The vitamins also work better when they are taken with a healthy diet. Some of the nutrients in the foods help to absorb the vitamins.

Calcium is an extremely important element in a pregnant woman’s diet. Prenatal vitamins do not have the recommended daily allowance of calcium for an expecting mother. Prenatal vitamins have about 250 milligrams of calcium but an expectant mother requires between 1,200 and 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day to assure that the baby will develop properly. This is a significant difference.

Not every prenatal vitamin is the same; in fact some may not benefit the expectant mother as much as they claim. Recent studies show that a pregnant woman’s body does not necessarily absorb all of the nutrients provided by the vitamins, especially folate. Folate is extremely important in the baby’s prenatal development. The vitamin helps prevent birth defects like spina-bifida. Only three out of nine vitamins on average actually provide the amount of folate labeled on the bottle. This is not to suggest that the supplements do not have the vitamin, it just is not absorbed by the woman’s body.

Some argue that it is better to take a prenatal vitamin prescribed by a doctor. However, this is not necessarily the case. While prescribed vitamins are ideal, many of the very same vitamins are available in stores and without a prescription. The most important thing to consider is the ingredients in the vitamins. Another important factor to consider is whether the prenatal vitamins are easily absorbed or not.

There is an easy test you can use to determine if the vitamins will be absorbed into your system. Put one of the prenatal vitamins into a cup of water. Wait ten minutes. If the vitamin is dissolved, or is very soft, it will be absorbed into your system. If the vitamin remains hard, it will probably pass through your system without depositing many of the nutrients it carries.

It is a good idea to talk to your doctor when deciding which prenatal vitamin is best for you. I found that the vitamin my doctor prescribed made me very nauseous. I told my doctor about the trouble I was having and she recommended a supplement that I could buy over the counter. This vitamin was not a potent as the one she originally prescribed, but I was getting more nutrients because I was able to tolerate them much better.

Finding the right prenatal vitamin may take a little trial and error, but the benefits are great. Just continue to keep in mind that you still need to maintain a healthy diet. The benefits of prenatal vitamins are enormous and highly recommended, but good nutrition is still better than any supplement.

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Eating Whilst Pregnant - A Guide Through the Minefield

When you are pregnant there is lots of advice on what you should and shouldn't be eating. This guide is designed to help you sift out the facts from the old wives tales.

It is important to eat a balanced diet whilst pregnant to make sure your baby gets all the nutrients it needs. It should also give you the energy you require to care for your growing baby.
You should try to eat:

* Plenty of fruit and vegetables (aim for 5 portions a day) these can be fresh, tinned, dried, frozen or in juice.
* Plenty of starchy foods such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes - try to choose wholegrain options
* Foods rich in protein such as lean meat and chicken, fish (aim for at least two servings of fish a week, including one of oily fish), eggs and pulses (such as beans and lentils). These foods are also good sources of iron.
* Plenty of fibre. This helps prevent constipation and is found in wholegrain bread, pasta, rice, pulses and fruit and vegetables
* Dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt, which contain calcium to help growing bones

Vitamins and Minerals:

* Folic Acid - Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Ideally you should take a daily 400 microgram (mcg) Folic Acid Supplement from the time you start trying to conceive until the end of your first trimester (12 weeks). However if you haven’t been taking it start when you find out you are pregnant. You should also eat foods containing folate - the natural form of folic acid - such as green vegetables and brown rice, fortified bread and breakfast cereals.
* Iron - Pregnant women can become deficient in Iron so make sure you eat lots of iron rich foods such as red meat, pulses, green vegetables, bread and fortified breakfast cereals. Try to have some Vitamin C (found in fruit juices, and fruit and vegetables) at the same time to help your body absorb the Iron. If your blood iron levels become low your midwife will recommend some iron supplements. (Note: Although liver contains Iron it is best avoided during pregnancy - see below - What to Avoid)
* Vitamin D - Vitamin D is found is a small number of foods but we get most of out Vitamin D from the summer sunlight. If you are not spending much time out in the sun it is worth taking a 10mcg supplement daily. (Note: If you are out in the sun take care not to burn)
* Vitamin A - Avoid supplements containing Vitamin A as too much is harmful to your unborn baby. (See below – What to Avoid.)

What to Avoid:

There are some foods is best to avoid during pregnancy because they may make you ill or could harm your baby.

* Some Cheeses - You should avoid soft, ripened cheeses such as Brie, Camembert and blue veined cheese such as Stilton. You should also avoid cheeses marked as ‘unpasteurised’. These cheese may contain a bacteria called Listeria which may harm your unborn baby.
* Pate - Pate could also contain Listeria so should be avoided
* Eggs - Avoid raw egg and food containing raw or partially cooked eggs. This is because of the risk of salmonella which can cause food poisoning. It is OK to eat eggs which are cooked through so both the white and yolk of the egg is solid.
* Meat - Avoid raw or undercooked meat. Make sure all meat you eat is cooked right through so it is piping hot and no pink meat is left. This is especially important with poultry and food containing minced meat like burgers and sausages. This is because raw and undercooked meat might contain bacteria which could cause food poisoning. Also make sure you wash your hands after dealing with raw meat and all raw meat is kept away from food ready to eat.
* Liver and Vitamin A supplements - You need some vitamin A, but having too much means that levels could build up and may harm your unborn baby. Ask your GP or midwife if you want more information.
* Some types of Fish - Fish is good for you and your baby and shouldn't be avoided all together however it is not recommend you eat Shark, Marlin and Swordfish because the high levels of mercury they contain could damage the baby’s nervous system. For this reason also you should limit your Tuna intake to a maximum of 2 tuna steaks of 2 medium sized cans per week. Also have no more than two portions of oily fish a week. Oily fish includes fresh tuna (not canned tuna, which does not count as oily fish), mackerel, sardines and trout.
* Raw Shellfish - Avoid raw and undercooked shellfish as it may contain bacteria which may cause food poisoning.

Peanuts:

Serious allergies to nuts and nut products and some seeds affect about 1 to 2% of people in the UK. Your baby may be at higher risk of developing a nut allergy if you, the baby's father, brothers or sisters have certain allergic conditions such as hay-fever, asthma and/or eczema.

If your baby is in this higher-risk group, you may wish to avoid eating peanuts and peanut products when you're pregnant and breastfeeding.

Alcohol and Caffeine:

Opinions vary on how much, if any, alcohol is safe to drink whilst pregnant. The Food Standards Agency recommend you limit your alcohol intake to 1-2 units once of twice a week.

Caffeine should also be limited although it isn’t necessary to cut it out completely. It is important not to drink more that 300mg a day as high levels of Caffeine can cause babies with low birth rates and even miscarriage.

Each of these contains roughly 300mg of caffeine:
- 3 mugs of instant coffee (100mg each)
- 4 cups of instant coffee (75mg each)
- 3 cups of brewed coffee (100mg each)
- 6 cups of tea (50mg each)
- 8 cans of cola (up to 40mg each)
- 4 cans of 'energy' drink (up to 80mg each)
- 8 (50g) bars of plain chocolate (up to 50mg each). Caffeine in milk chocolate is about half that of plain chocolate

Remember Caffeine is also found is some cold and flu remedies so always check with your GP or pharmacist before taking anything.
Foods you DON’T have to avoid (dispelling the myths):

It is OK to eat the following:

* Shellfish, including prawns - as long as they are part of a hot meal and have been properly cooked
* Live or bio yogurt
* Pro-biotic drinks
* Fromage frais
* Crème fraîche
* Soured cream
* Spicy food
* Mayonnaise, ice cream, salad dressing - as long as they haven’t been made using raw egg. Generally, mayonnaise, ice cream and salad dressing you buy in shops will have been made with pasteurised egg, which means it’s safe to eat. But it’s better to avoid home-made versions if they contain raw egg. You should also avoid soft ice-cream (more commonly known as Mr Whippy) from machines as it's possible that the pipes in the machine can harbour bacteria if not cleaned correctly. If you're not sure about any of these foods when you're eating out, ask staff for more information
* Honey - it’s fine for pregnant women but honey isn’t suitable for babies under a year old
* Many types of cheese including:
- Hard cheese, such as Cheddar and Parmesan
- Feta
- Ricotta
- Mascarpone
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella
- Cottage cheese
- Processed cheese, such as cheese spreads

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