Labor & delivery tips

Everyone's labor is different. I'm sure you've heard all the pros & cons of an epidural. Just talk to your doctor and do what is right FOR YOU. You know your body, you know your pain threshold. You want mirrors? Do it. You want a doula? Do it. You want to have your baby at home in your bathtub? Do it. One thing I remember from my labor experience is a nurse looking me straight in the eye and saying, "It's all about YOU. You tell me what you need to be comfortable and I will make it happen." So I had 6 pillows, 2 baths while being served ice chips, Zoolander playing in the background and a constant supply of popsicles and Jello. 25 hours in the hospital and I made it count. Here are some tips from my own experience + some great words of wisdom from others:

1. Have a birth plan before you get to the hospital. Epidural? Circumcision? Is family allowed in the room? Who will be the baby's pediatrician? Do you have a name? Try and have these decisions made before the bun comes out of the oven. Otherwise you're drugged up from the epidural, legs feel like rubber and nurses are shouting these questions at you. 
2. Have your hospital bag packed in advance w/everything you need to feel at home. The hospital does provide some items but if you're picky/high maintenance (like me) you'll want your own shampoo, pads & bathrobe. Google a labor checklist for help! 
3. Deep breathing. This tactic was the only way I got through contractions and getting the epidural. Tell your partner to remind you to deep breath as soon as you wince from a contraction. Even better if they are deep breathing with you and holding your hand. This is also a good thing to remember when getting the uncomfortable cervix checks. 
4. When the doc says to push, just imagine you are pooing, bare down and PUSH HARD! If you think you are pushing hard, you need to push even harder. And maybe you will poo, just remember that it is common and the doctor has seen it all so don't stress over it. 
5. Be nice to your nurses then they will be nice and gentle to you. 
6. Once you have the baby and you are resting in a recovery room, don't be afraid to let the nurses take the baby to the nursery. You need to rest and heal while you can. Stay in the hospital as long as you need, accept help from others. You are doing this for your sanity. Then you will be in better shape to care for your little one. 
7. Ask questions! The doctor, nurses, lactation specialist, etc - They are there to help you. 
8. Stay ahead of the pain - take your pain medications as directed until you feel like yourself again.   
9. Collect as many of those mesh panties & ice packs as you can from the hospital! 
10. Ask for a sitz bath. Nurse should bring you a thing to put over your toilet seat that holds warm water. Sit on it with your butt and lady parts immersed in the water and relax. Then take it home and do it consistently until you're healed. Some people use epsom salt in the water to help the healing process but I just used warm water. 
11. Hemorrhoids, sweating, crying uncontrollably...it's allll part of the experience.

Stretch mark tips

So here's the deal - majority of people get stretch marks when they are pregnant, lets just face it. The best thing to do to prevent/ reduce? Don't gain the weight too rapidly, drink water & moisturize. A healthy weight gain during pregnancy is 25-30 lbs but you must be careful to not gain it all immediately. Just follow what the doctor tells you - healthy eating, small meals throughout the day, exercising - This allows you to maintain your weight and GRADUALLY gain as you near the wretched 3rd trimester. DRINK WATER. Yes, you are already peeing like a race horse every 30 minutes but water is sooo good for you and the baby. Plus, the more you drink the less you retain (I don't get it either but it's true.) Also, it will reduce stretch marks and help them to fade quicker. And it helps keep skin clearer & more vibrant - win win! I tried to drink 40-100 ounces a day and I would try to stop by 6pm to avoid peeing all night. MOISTURIZE. EVERYWHERE. Obviously we all know that you gotta lotion up that belly to reduce stretch marks. But surprise surprise, you get stretch marks in other places besides the belly when you are prego so lotion up everywhere - you never know where those pesky marks will pop up next! For me, it was thighs, butt, belly and sides. And I know there are a million products out there claiming to erase the marks but guess what? None have been tested and proven to completely work on everyone so it's a big guessing game. I found one product that worked to fade my marks - Moderma. CON? It's expensive and has fragrance so do not use if you have sensitive skin. But it comes with a $5 off coupon since you will need to buy another bottle before you get your desired results. It's thick & creamy and smells good but you will need to apply twice a day. Also, it only works on the new stretch marks, it won't fade the old ones. I also used vitamin E and Aveeno 24 hour moisturizing lotion. I still got marks but it helped A TON with the itchiness. Bottom line, don't get depressed if you look like you've been mauled by a bear or your stomach has been butchered. They will fade to white eventually; quicker if you follow the tips mentioned. And wasn't your baby worth it?? Of course.

Tips from the beginning...

Let me start by saying, I have 1 baby. So one pregnancy under my belt - obviously I am no expert. But I had a great...(we ARE talking about pregnancy here)...GOOD pregnancy and labor experience because of some good tips I got. Plus some good products I tried out. So why keep it to myself? So I'm starting this blog from the beginning, quick pregnancy tips --

1. Sleep whenever you can, in whatever position you can. My favorite sleep tip? It's all about the pillows; 1 behind your back, 1 between your knees, 1 under your belly.
2. Take your prenatal vitamins. If you are trying to get pregnant, start taking the prenatal vitamins immediately.
3. Exercise. Even if it's just walking around the grocery store, it will help.
4. Drink water.
5. Lotion up.
6. Eat healthy, snack a lot. PLEASE do not use the 'ol "I'm eating for 2" excuse to over eat or eat crap. You're feeding a baby for goodness sakes. Think before you eat!
7. Nauseas? Try fruit. Week 7-9 I lived on fruit, water, Ritz crackers and Sprite.
8. Talk to someone, get excited! No one should be prego alone, it's too overwhelming. Share the news with a female, buy a onesie, take those progressive tummy pics that you criticize on Facebook.
9. Keep a journal. Record how you are feeling, cravings, advice, pictures, Dr visits...when it's all over you'll be glad you did.

The why & what

So I recently had a baby and, like most parents, felt like I had no clue what I was doing. I frantically began seeking out every resource for help: books, baby magazines, parents, friends, monthly newsletters from the hospital...each resource had great advice but that was the problem - too many resources all over the place! I thought, how convenient would it be to go to 1 blog and find all the baby tips I need from each resource. Presto! This blog is born. I have gathered tips, tricks, recipes and other info from various sources that I have found very helpful. Yes, everything here I have tried with my little one. I also categorized everything with the labels off to the side for easy hunting. Each time I come across something new & helpful I will post it here. Hopefully it helps! If you have any questions/suggestions please drop me a line: ncamp@outlook.com. Happy reading!