Pregnancy Corner » Amy R.

Book Review: Pregnancy and Oral Health by Sheila Wolf, RDH ‘Mama Gums’

Amy R. — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:52:50 +0000

If you have not heard of Mama Gums yet, do a quick Google search. You’ll find a few links to her website, as well as videos and links to her various books she has published throughout her career. Mama Gums was an Award Finalist Best Books for USABookNews in 2004 for her book titled ‘Pregnancy and Oral Health.’

Although this book was designed to reach out to expectant mothers, it is filled with useful, educational information that everybody can benefit from. She is extremely thorough in explaining certain procedures, products and connections between oral health and overall health. The book is easy to read and understand, and as mentioned before, male and females, young and old, single, married, expecting or not-expecting, it doesn’t matter – everybody can learn a thing or two from Mama Gums.

To read more reviews and hear what others are saying about this book, visit her website (you can even purchase the book there too) at http://www.mamagums.com/

First Ever Twitter Contest! 1 Day Only…

Pediatrics at Its Finest

Amy R. — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:23:22 +0000

We’d like to take a moment and introduce a very important person to us at Pregnancy Corner. Dr. Edward Kulich is a pediatrician who does a little more than most in his field, especially for his patients in the New York City and surrounding areas such as New Jersey and Connecticut. He runs a concierge pediatric house call practice that provides urgent care and primary care in the comfort of the patient’s home, 24/7. He also treats travelers in the area in the comfort of their hotel rooms. Wherever he’s needed, he goes.

Patients are given his cell phone number to ensure they can reach him at any time of the day or night. His practice has been featured in Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, Parents Magazine, Parents TV, NBC, CBS, and ABC news.

Dr. Kulich is the president of the American Academy of Concierge Pediatricians and is board-certified. He holds himself and the care he provides at a higher standard. He is also very passionate about sleep problems in infants. In fact, of all the sleep consultants that provide infant sleep training, he is the only pediatrician that takes the time to sit down with parents to provide one-on-one time needed to prevent and correct sleep problems that may occur with their new baby.

Plus, Dr. Kulich takes times out each month to help us provide accurate and up-to-date information on topics with a pediatric nature. If you’d like to learn more about him and his accomplishments, please visit his bio page. If you’d like to contact him, please feel free to visit one of his sites, or by calling his cell phone: 917-617-2194

Practice website: www.kidshousecalls.com
Sleep training website: www.babysleepdoctor.com

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BellyItch: Feature Blog

Amy R. — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:11:04 +0000

Hi there everybody! I recently came across this awesome blog called BellyItch. I was hunting for a community for pregnant women who are interested in more than aches, pains and complications. With the motto “don’t sweat the small stuff” taking control of her reader’s minds, it’s no wonder why I find myself stopping by still just to see what’s been posted since yesterday. She talks about everything from celebrity talk and photos to product reviews and even tips while you’re pregnant.

Respectively, she has a very large following of women and men who enjoy being apart of something bigger. It’s been awarded numerous times for being a ‘Top Blog,’ making it easy to say that BellyItch will be around for a long time to come. You should stop by and join their community if you haven’t already. BellyItch Bump Days are devoted to pregnant women. And she knows what she’s talking about, as she’s experienced pregnancy thousands of times; three herself, and the rest through advice giving, tips and bringing pregnant women around the world into her life and heart.

This is definitely a place where you will feel welcomed. But don’t take my word on it! Check it out today…

http://www.bellyitchblog.com

We Just Opened Up A New Section… Pregnancy Loss

Amy R. — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:29:58 +0000

Hey blog readers! I just thought I would give you a quick update on a new section of the site here at PregnancyCorner.com. Over the past few months, we have felt the need for more information for women who has unfortunately experience the tragedy of losing their unborn child. We want to be here to offer help and inform you on what should know and expect with having a miscarriage.

Here is the link to our new section: Pregnancy Loss

and here are some of the things we have talked about so far:

Miscarriage – types, causes and symptoms.

Signs of having a miscarriage – are you experiencing any of these?

Ectopic pregnancy – when a fertilized egg unfortunately doesn’t quite make it to the uterus.

Dilation and Curettage - a type of procedure to remove the baby.

Learn more about trying to get pregnant again after having a miscarriage.

Some advice about having sex again after a miscarriage.

Thanks for reading,
~Amy R.

Technorati Tags: baby, blog, infant, miscarriage, pregnancy

Top 10 Pregnancy Fears (And Why You Shouldn’t Fear Them)

Natalie’s Story

Amy R. — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:28:20 +0000

So, my water breaking wasn’t the big, dramatic to-do that you see in all of the movies. There was no moment of realization, followed by a look of show and awe as I announced, “It’s time!”

No, my water was broken for me.

I was in labor, and had been for a few hours. I was dilated- and stuck- at six centimeters when the doctor came in announcing she wanted to break my water. I was hesitant; wouldn’t it be better for me to wait and let it just happen on its own? My doctor looked at me skeptically but said that it was okay if that’s what I really wanted. She explained a few things to me as to why it would be beneficial to break it then; to be honest, I Had been given Stadol by that point and I don’t really remember why she said. But it made sense at the time, and my husband and I decided to allow her to break my water. I was afraid it was going to hurt- especially when she came at me with that weird crochet-hook looking thing.

She stuck it up there and I braced my self… And felt no pain. I hadn’t gotten epidural yet (that would come a bit later), and it still didn’t hurt. I was expecting that waterfall-like gush but there was no cascade of amniotic fluid for me. It was more like a slow leak; and it kept on going for several hours after. I felt like I was randomly peeing myself throughout the rest of the labor process- until I got the epidural. Once I got the epidural, they could have thrown a parade down there and I wouldn’t have felt it.

Be sure to check out Natalie’s Blog – http://www.hope-springs-eternal.com

Top 10 Pregnancy Fears (And Why You Shouldn’t Fear Them)

Amy R. — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:56:39 +0000

There are numerous fears an expectant mother faces throughout her pregnancy term. These fears are based on many aspects such as rumors, myths, emotions, hormones and even past experiences. However, educating yourself, especially early in your pregnancy, can help calm your nerves somewhat. Keep in mind that as your trimester changes, so does your fears. Some fears, such as the health of your baby may last the entire pregnancy, while other fears such as labor and delivery surface in the third trimester. It’s okay to be fearful, especially if you’re a first time mother. Each pregnancy is different. We’ve collected the Top 10 pregnancy fears, and try to explain why you shouldn’t fear them anymore.

1. Miscarriage- The number one fear expectant mother’s face is having a miscarriage. Less than 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, plus most miscarriages happen within the first few weeks of pregnancy when expectant mothers aren’t expecting. Once you’ve passed the 6-8 week pregnant mark, you’ll be able to hear a heartbeat at your doctor’s appointment and hopefully put your fear aside, as miscarriage percentages decrease dramatically after the first trimester.

2. Weight Gain- Many women worry about the amount of weight they will gain while they’re pregnant. Statistics show that 14-20% of mother’s keep some of the weight they put on, however, a steady diet and exercise can help shed the extra pounds. Finding an exercise class such as yoga during your pregnancy, can not only benefit you and your baby, but it can also help you maintain a routine once the baby is born.

3. Health of Baby- Many expectant mothers find themselves consumed with negative thoughts and emotions that deal with the health of their baby. Having a healthy baby starts with a healthy pregnancy. Taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy, exercising and doing things to keep your spirits high are all important things you can do to help ensure the health of your baby. Still, it’s important to remember the unavoidable risks of birth defects that are genetically related.

4. Parenting Skills- Many expectant parents spend a lot of time worrying about whether they will be a good parent. It’s a normal fear, and more importantly it’s a healthy sign that the parent will turn out just fine. Many experts remind future parents that they don’t need potty training skills right after their baby is born, and parenting styles are developed as the baby grows

5. Labor and Delivery- Almost every pregnant woman, especially first time expectant mothers, find themselves in sheer fear of labor and delivery. Questions like “How long will it last?” or “How much will it hurt?” can be found in the brains of pregnant women worldwide. Enrolling in childbirth classes such as Lamaze, The Bradley Method or Yoga can help prepare you for the pain, long hours and intense emotions. Childbirth classes not only help you understand the process of childbirth, but they also give you confidence when dealing with pain.

6. Harming The Baby- Many expectant mothers are very cautious when it comes to activities, food, beverages, medicine, etc. One of the biggest pregnancy fears is that the mom-to-be will somehow, unintentionally harm her baby. It’s important to remember that your doctor will give you a list of no-no’s, and if you stay away from these things, eat healthy and exercise, there’s really no need to drive yourself crazy.

7. Weight Loss- Many expectant mothers are fearful that they won’t be able to lose the weight they’ll gain while pregnant. It’s one thing to fear how much weight you’ll put on, but it’s a totally different fear agonizing if you’ll be able to go back to your ‘pre-pregnant days’ body. It’s a very common fear, however, if you’re that worried about it, make sure you continue to eat healthy and exercise regularly after you give birth.

8. Emergency C-Section- Generally c-sections are not spontaneous. In most cases, the c-section is planned if the baby is too large, breech, if there is problems with the placenta or if the mother has had previous c-sections. Doctors usually know of the problem before the baby is in position to be vaginally delivered, so they discuss the options ahead of time with everyone involved.

9. Stress- Ironically, expectant mothers find themselves stressing over the idea that their baby will be harmed due to the amount of stress the mother is experiencing. Experts say that mild stress is actually good, and that the stress releases good hormones for mom and baby. Severe stress however, has been associated statistically with lower birth weight babies.

10. Sex- Many pregnant mothers worry about having sex during pregnancy and if sex will ever be the same again. The truth is, as long as you and your doctor are okay with you having sex while you’re pregnant, there’s nothing to be fearful of. Even after birth, many women feel like their body parts will never return to normal, nor will they ever have a sex drive again. The truth is, your body will return to normal after the healing process, and yes breastfeeding does decrease your sex drive, however your libido will also continue to increase.

5 Tips for Multi-Tasking Moms

Amy R. — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:52:03 +0000

Many moms understand that with the “Mom” title, comes the “multi-tasking” definition. Some moms thrive on the opportunities to multi-task, stay on top of everything, shine in the limelight, be dependable for everything and still keep their sanity. While other moms could use a little help, advice or tips to enable them to get through those spontaneous, challenging, multi-tasking obstacles in their day.

As a mom whose juggling kids, work, cleaning, pets and a spouse, you know there are some things that can not wait; feeding the kids, doing the laundry, paying the bills. For first time moms, this can be overwhelming, stressful and exhausting. Here are some tips and reminders to help you battle through your problems and multi-task easier.

Tip # 1: Write it down

Make a list and check it twice. After all, you are Santa now. Making a list of the things you need to accomplish through your day can help you prioritize and organize your daily schedule. It also helps you find a time slot to squeeze those to-do’s into your schedule. Keeping a small notepad and pen/pencil handy can help you remember those spontaneous thoughts or ideas for later.

Tip # 2: Set alarms

Everything these days has alarms. Your cell phone, computer, microwave, oven, alarm clock all have alarms available. Utilize this tool to help you remember specific events that take place during your day. That way, if you are pre-occupied, you can set an alarm (at least 5 minutes early) to remind you to make that phone call, send off that email, leave to pick up the kids or start cooking dinner.

Tip # 3: Occupy your kids

When it comes to occupying babies or children who are home with you part- or full-time, there are many products on the market to help parents. BottleSnuggers is a great example for feeding your baby, (which tends to take priority over everything the moment they are hungry). The cute, cuddly stuffed animals are made to hold the bottle in place, while your baby eats. This way, you can free yourself up to do a few things while your baby is eating. It’s a great product for moms who multi-task. Movies, music and play toys are also great items to occupy your children, even if it’s for a few minutes.

Tip # 4: Plan ahead

Planning ahead of time is a great way to keep your goals in focus, and keep you on track to achieving those goals. Buy a yearly calendar or a planner and write down all appointments, events, important dates, phone numbers and email addresses. And before you plan new events, double check your calendar to ensure you don’t ‘double-book’ that time and date.

Tip #5: Be flexible

As hard as it can be sometimes, the best approach to a hectic day is to roll with the punches. Things change constantly throughout your day and that’s okay. What’s important is how you handle the changes as they come. Understand and remind yourself that you might not be able to get everything done that you wanted to get done, and leave it at that.

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Saving Up For Baby

Amy R. — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:51:22 +0000

Surprisingly, recent studies have shown that one in five women don’t have their first child until they have reached the age of 35. There are many reasons for this increase, however, the expense aspect has many women and men waiting until they established a career, home, savings, etc. before trying to conceive.
Babies aren’t the only expensive part of getting pregnant. By the time you add of all the time missed from work by the expectant parents, new maternity clothes, additional snacks in the house while she is pregnant, hospital bills, and childbirth classes, you’ve already spent a lot of money, and the baby isn’t here yet!

This article is to help you understand (and not forget) all of the different costs it takes to be pregnant, give birth, and bring your baby home. But first, we will also go over different strategies, methods and tips to save your money.

Tips to Save for Baby

Garage Sales- If you’ve been against garage sales in the past, it’s time to get over it. Garage sales are a great place to find what you’re looking for (especially baby furniture and clothes) when money is tight.

Store Sales- If sales haven’t been your favorite part about shopping, they will be now. It’s important to take advantage of sales, especially when it comes to clothes, toys, learning tools, furniture, diapers, etc. Stocking up on these items can really help to take away stress down the road, especially if money is tight.

Part-Time Job- Being pregnant and a mother can be full-time jobs. However, it’s important for a mother’s emotional health, to get out of the house and away from children for a few days a week. Having a weekend job can increase the monthly income and help your emotional state as well.

No False Labor- It happens more often than you think: A woman goes into false labor, shows up to the hospital, doctors end up sending her home with a $500 bill. Sometimes women are experiencing Braxton hicks contractions, some women are progressing too slowly and someone are actually not in labor at all. Either way, its important to remember that you should make sure you are actually in labor before going to the hospital. Those unnecessary bills can add up quickly.

Coupons- Collect coupons wherever and whenever you see them. If it’s something that you buy, but only sometimes, clip and save the coupon for that time. Most coupons, even though they are expired, still work. Shopping at stores like Wal-mart allows you to bring in and use coupons from any store.

Calculate Costs- Doing this ahead of time, and including the items listed below, plus lost wages can help you understand your budget better as your due date draws closer.
These are just a few different ways you can save money when you’re pregnant and after birth. Being frugal doesn’t necessarily mean you’re being cheap. It simply means that you’re being economical and sparing, and nothing is wrong with that.

Unavoidable Expenses

Hospitals- up to $8,000 if uninsured. This includes pre- and post-natal healthcare and hospital stay.

Support Services- $500-$2500. This can include specialists, doula’s, birthing coach, etc. Many women find it easier to cope with pregnancy, labor and childbirth with the help of a specialist.

Maternity Leave- Varies. This varies due to wages and actual time lost. Most women take 12 weeks of maternity leave, however, some women only take time off for the actual birth.

Maternity Clothes- $200-$500. Having clothes that you can fit into is a must. It’s very important for your emotions that you spend a little money on yourself during the pregnancy. Buying new items that make you look good while you’re gaining the pregnancy weight can help an expectant mother stay positive.

Baby Clothes- Varies. It varies because many expectant mothers receive tons of baby clothes as gifts before or after the baby arrives. However, there are many items like shoes, socks, hats, sleepers, coats and outfits for all seasons that the parents will need to buy themselves. While many parents buy their children brand new clothes, others prefer hand-me-downs. Remember, that your baby will soon be a toddler, who will soon be a pre-teen, who will soon be a teenager. On average, baby clothes cost about $60 per month.

Baby Gear- up to $1500. Most items cost around $100 each, but this cost will depend on which items you buy and where you buy them. Many experts recommend you invest in a good stroller (such as one that converts into a high chair). Carseat, playpen, portable crib, baby carrier or sling, diaper bag, high chair, and a baby monitor are also other items you’ll need to purchase.

Formula- $100-$500 per month. Formula is expensive. That is just another reason why experts recommend breastfeeding for as long as possible. You could even pump your milk and store it for later to save additional money.

Diapers- $70-$100 per month. Depending on where you buy your diapers, prices range dramatically. Buying in bulk or using cloth diapers are great ways to decrease this cost.

Toys- up to $50 per month. Toys can include actual toys, learning material, DVD’s and musical items. These items are great ways to keep your baby occupied and in most cases are necessary. But, allowing your child to play with household items such as pans, whisks and empty boxes is another option that allows you to spend little to no money.

Childcare- Varies. Many expectant mothers are expected to go back to work shortly after giving birth. This could be due to an employer or a need for income. Childcare plays a major role in many parents lives. For full-time care, it’s best to ask a relative or friend who might not charge as much as a day-care service or child care provider. Offsetting work schedules with your partner can also reduce monthly or weekly costs of childcare.

First Ever Twitter Contest! 1 Day Only…

Amy R. — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:04:53 +0000

Starting Today – Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 8am PST we will be holding our first twitter contest!

Follow @pregnancycorner and send out the retweet below and automatically be eligible for a chance to win our Editor Dr. Shawn Tassone’s newest book “Hands Off My Belly!“. Two eligible followers will be chosen at random after 8pm tomorrow and the winners will be announced the following morning.

Here’s the ReTweet that you must tweet:

RT @PregnancyCorner enter 2 win Hands Off My Belly! book by following @PregnancyCorner and RT. Today only! See rules: http://bit.ly/5vTPY3

Dr. Tassone graduated from the University of Oklahoma health and sciences center in obstetrics and gynecology. After spending time in the US Army, he moved to Tucson AZ in 2002. He’s recently released his book “Hands off my Belly – A pregnant woman’s survival guide to myths, mothers and moods.” To learn more about him, please visit Dr. Tassone’s personal bio page.

Mom2be Contest Winners!

Amy R. — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:18:55 +0000

Congratulations to Mom2Be Blogger Natalie, Dad2Be Blogger Anthony and Adoptive Mom2Be Blogger Jackie!! You three are our Winners!

A month and a half ago, when we started this contest, we had no idea what it would turn into. We are so pleased to have met so many different nominees and bloggers who take their time to encourage, sympathize with, help and listen to others who are in the same position they are.

Although we are only choosing one winner per category, we here at PregnancyCorner.com would like everyone who participated, to know that you are all winners in our book. Sharing and hearing each one of your stories has been a wonderful, emotional and self-helping experience over the past 6 weeks. We would also like to congratulate the other finalists who do an amazing job blogging about their experiences and journey of being pregnant. We’d like to wish all of you the best in the future!

Now that you know us, stop by! Don’t be strangers and most of all, don’t be shy to ask us questions you may have regarding your pregnancy. We have an amazing editorial team who is there when you need them.

Again, Congratulations to Mom2Be Blogger Natalie, Dad2Be Blogger Anthony and Adoptive Mom2Be Blogger Jackie!! You three are our Winners!