Baby Bump Diaries » Pregnancy

Frugal Momma: The $50 Nursery

Amanda — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 19:51:43 +0000

How can you furnish and decorate a nursery for just $50?

1. Hand me downs
It takes a village to raise a child…and to fill their material needs. Start collecting early in pregnancy, so you know what to register for when it comes time for the baby shower.

2. Thrift stores
With a little time, you can come across some really great finds and save yourself a bundle! It helps to make a list of everything you will need, and then keep a lookout when you visit.

3. Craigslist
Never buy big ticket items new without checking here first. Chances are you can get it for below half the retail price.

4. Garage sales
Keep an open mind when it comes to garage sales, it might be out of date but still fun or useful!

5. Clearance
Your favorite store’s clearance pile is the way to go for trendy new things.

Do:

Be patient.
Find an inspiration room for an idea of what to be looking for when you shop.
Use lists and only buy what you need.
Be flexible.
Make do. Appreciate what you do have, and teach your children to do so. Teach them the value of money, the importance of gratitude, and how to be content. Help them to give to others and be generous.

Don’t:

Spend a lot of money early in pregnancy. You never know what the future will hold.
Stress about stuff. All babies really need is milk, a roof over their heads and clean clothes.

No related posts.

46 Status Updates to Announce Your Pregnancy on Facebook, MySpace or Twitter

Amanda — Wed, 12 May 2010 01:33:29 +0000

Ready to make the big announcement about your pregnancy to your social networking friend’s list? Here are the top ways to update your status: the good, the bad, and the hilarious.

How did you update your status when you announced your pregnancy? Do you have any clever, funny or good ideas? Post it in the comments so we can add it to the list! Include a link to your blog so we can credit your idea in the article.

…is pregnant…….what’s your excuse?!
…has a baby in her belly.
…is thinking of names.
…is looking up baby names.
Riddle: What bounces but should never be dropped?
Riddle: What gets a shower but doesn’t get wet?
Change your profile picture to your pregnancy test or ultrasound picture and write (Name) is wondering how observant people are these days.
…has a bun in the oven.
…is pregnant <3
3′s company in the (Your Last Name) household.
(1st child name) is going to be a big sister!
(Last Name) baby bump watch confirmed. Due in (month).
…is knocked up.
…is freaking out much less now than she was 12 weeks ago.
…is going to need a bigger car.
…is nurturing her inner child…literally.
…is cooking a bun with her husband.
…has a bun in the oven and it’s (Partner’s Name) fault!
…is creating life, because that’s how I roll. Should be done the beginning to middle of April.
I hope three is easier than two.
…is expecting the unexpected…. on or around (due date).
…is smuggling watermelons.
(Your Name) + (Husband’s Name) = Baby #1
Coming soon to a hospital near you…..baby #1!
… is growing a penis.
…is growing a playmate for (1st child’s name).
…is increasing her reproductive success to 1.
Remember that great family vacation we took to the (Vacation Destination)? Looks like we brought home an unexpected souvenir.
…apparently has two heartbeats right now.
…is growing brains and kidneys. Hard work.
…is tickled pink!
…is hoping I’m not going to be this tired for the whole 9 months!
…is well and truly knackered and is starting to show!
…is going to be a baby mama!
(Husband’s Name), is it ok if we tell everyone we are pregnant now?
… has bid adieu to her toes and will see them again on (Due Date).
…is spawning.
….is craving pickles.
…. is growing a person.
… is “full of life.”
Opps I did it again.
…is announcing her pregnancy.
…is freaking out, her Easter Egg was fertilized!
…is eating for two.
…My eggo is preggo.
Use a poem: We have a little Valentine, Although it’s still brand new. You’ll meet our little Valentine, Its September, when we’re due!

29 Creative Ways to Announce Pregnancy Plus Video and 14 Facebook Status Updates

Amanda — Sun, 09 May 2010 17:27:53 +0000

Whether it is your first, second or tenth baby, there are so many creative ways to announce pregnancy. Do you have a creative or favorite idea for announcing a pregnancy or a story about how you announced your pregnancy? Post it in the comments.

Ways to Announce Pregnancy to Family

Take a picture of you and your partner and get a blank card. Inside write, “Day Trip to Catalina: $70, Dinner at an expensive restaurant: $100, New Shoes she had to have: $50, Knowing there are actually THREE people in this photo: Priceless.”
Play a family game like Pictionary, scrabble, or shrades. And spell it out for them.
Make invitations for a birthday party with the date as your due date.
Put the sonogram on the refrigerator and see how long it takes them to find it.
Make or buy shirts that say, “Happy Aunt”
Wrap a small gift for each person (booties, binky) and have them open it at the same time.
Have movie night but only rent movies like Father of the Bride 2, Look Who’s Talking, Knocked Up, etc.
Bake cupcakes and use blue or pink frosting on them. Decorate them with plus signs or baby candies.
Send out a letter or email that says, “Updating our list of family birthdays”. List everyones birthday and the due date for the new baby.
Create a family tree with pictures of everyone. Leave a spot for the new baby with a picture of the sonogram or a stork and the due date.
Start a pregnancy blog and send the link to everyone via email or Facebook.
Make a scrapbook with your family pictures. On the last page make a page about the new baby that says something like, “Coming Soon, Due Date, and picture of the positive pregnancy test”

Ways to Announce Pregnancy to Grandparents

Create a gift certificate or coupon that says, “Good for one grandchild”.
Wrap a picture of the first sonogram up and have them open it.
Make or buy shirts that say, “Happy Grandma!”
Get a mothers or fathers day card for Grandma/Grandpa and put a picture of the sonogram or positive pregnancy test inside with the due date and a special note

If you already have other children (or pets!)

Buy or make a shirt that says I am going to be a big sister or big brother and have them wear it around the house until people catch on.
Get a picture frame that will hold a photo of your first child and the new baby. In the spot for the new baby put a note that says, “Reserved for Baby #2”.
Make a photo slideshow of your childs photos and on the last slide put “Coming this Summer, Baby #2”.Send it to them or display it at the next family event.

Ways to Announce Pregnancy to your Husband

Buy him a copy of Expectant Father or other parenting/pregnancy books and give them as a gift.
Get customized fortune cookies that say, “You will be a father by .”
Write “Baby on Board” on your belly in eyeliner and let your husband discover it.

Announce it on Facebook

(Also check out my 46 Ways to Announce Your Pregnancy on Facebook)

Use these creative status updates to announce your pregnancy to all of your Facebook friends

, is it ok if we tell everyone we are pregnant now?
… has bid adieu to her toes and will see them again in mid-February
.. is spawning
…is thinking up baby names
….is growing a penis.(if having a boy)
….is craving pickles.
…. is growing a person.
… is “full of life.”
… is caring for her inner child.
Opps I did it again
…is announcing her pregnancy
…is freaking out, her Easter Egg was fertilized!
…is eating for two.
…My eggo is preggo.

Video Pregnancy Announcements

#29: Send them a link to this page!!

Post your ideas and stories in the comments. I would love to hear them!

What are the chances of getting pregnant when…

Amanda — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:21:06 +0000

In our younger years we aim to do anything to prevent pregnancy. When we are ready to start a family, we try everything to get pregnant. Whether you are trying to prevent pregnancy or if you are trying to conceive, it is good to know what your chances are in different situations. Birth control methods, age, and health are all factors in getting pregnant. Read on for more information.

Jump to a topic:
During Ovulation
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
On the Pill
From Precum
Using Withdrawal Method
During Period
After Age 30 or 40
After Tubal Ligation
After Miscarriage

Chances of Getting Pregnant During Ovulation

Ovulation usually occurs regularly, around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. After the egg is released, it can last up to 48 hours. Meanwhile sperm can live in a woman’s body for up to 5 days. Given these circumstances healthy, normal couples have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant each month or cycle. 85% of these normal, healthy women who have sex without protection (birth control, condom, etc) will get pregnant within one year.

Chances of Getting Pregnant with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

5-10% of women at child bearing age have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, PCOS. The chance of getting pregnant naturally with PCOS is low. Lack of ovulation, irregular or missing periods is usually to blame. However, there are woman who have convinced naturally. In addition, for many women help from their doctor through medications, hormones, and IVF have increased their chances. Getting pregnant with PCOS is not impossible.

Chances of Getting Pregnant on the Pill

The chances of getting pregnant while taking the birth control pill are slim, but still it is possible. The pill is about 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, but it must be used correctly – taken everyday at the same time each day. If a pill is missed or late, an additional form of protection should be used. With typical use (meaning not everyone is perfect) pregnancy will happen 5% of the time. With perfect use (taking it everyday on time to the minute) pregnancy will happen only 0.1% of the time.

Chances of Getting Pregnant from Precum

Precum is also called: pre-seminal fluid or pre-ejaculation. Pregnancy is very possible from precum. Precum itself is not made up of sperm. It is created to clear the way for sperm and aid in lubrication during intercourse. However, sperm from a prior ejaculation can be picked up while the precum is on the move. This can cause pregnancy. Having the male urinate between each ejaculation can reduce the chances of pregnancy from precum.

Chances of Getting Pregnant using Withdrawal

The withdrawl method, also known as pulling out, is not very effective when used as birth control. When used alone it is only about 73% effective in preventing pregnancy (in comparison to most birth controls which report 99% effectiveness).

Chances of Getting Pregnant During Period

If you are having your period it means you are most likely not pregnant. However, bleeding may occur at other times of the month and may signal pregnancy – such as bleeding from the egg implanting in the uterus after conception. Pregnancy happens during ovulation, which is about day 14 of your cycle.

Chances of Getting Pregnant after age 30 or 40

Statistically speaking, the chances of pregnancy for women over 30 start to decline by about 3.5% per year. This rate continues to increase after the age of 40. After 45, however, experts say it is virtually impossible for a woman to conceive using exclusively her own eggs.

Chances of Getting Pregnant After Tubal Ligation

A tubal ligation virtually eliminates the chance of getting pregnant – in the first year after the procedure, the chance of getting pregnant is less than 1 percent.

Chances of Getting Pregnant After a Miscarriage

Many healthcare providers recommend waiting anywhere from 3-12 months to try and conceive after a miscarriage. The body and mind need time to recover. It takes time for the uterus to recover and for the endometrial lining to become strong and healthy again. If a woman’s body isn’t ready to support a pregnancy by the time that she conceives again, she faces an increased risk of experiencing a repeat miscarriage. But medically, it is safe to conceive after two or three normal menstrual periods if everything is normal.

*This article should not replace guidance from a doctor. If you are trying to conceive or prevent pregnancy please consult your physician.

Have more questions about your chances of getting pregnant? Ask them in our forum. Click here to go to the Pregnancy forum.

Postnatal Body Image

Amanda — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:27:15 +0000

If you recently or not so recently had a baby chances are you’ve noticed some changes in your body. The way you feel about your body is important. It affects your attitude and lifestyle. You are also teaching your children very important lessons about body image and self esteem by the way you feel and talk about your self.

Let’s do a little mental exercise.

Step One:

Get naked and stand in front of your mirror. No, I am not being a pervert; there is a lesson to learn here. We are talking about body image. So to start off we need to accurately determine how you feel about your body right at this moment. As you stand there naked – probably slouching – check yourself out. How do you feel? What catches your eye? Now stand up straight, suck in and tighten that tummy, shoulders back, butt in, and hold your head high – amazing difference, right? Why don’t you stand this way all of the time? This is called good posture. Practice it. It is your best friend. Notice not only the difference in the way your body looks with good posture, but they way you feel – a little more confident, a little more sassy maybe. Work it.

Step Two:

During your child(rens) nap time today, go find a quite corner, a warm sofa, or a relaxing place. (Hopefully you did step one during nap time also so little Jimmy doesn’t think it is fun to stand in front of the mirror making weird faces while sticking his belly out.) In your safe spot, close your eyes. Think about that body you saw in the mirror. Take any bad thoughts that come into your head and push them out. Just look. Focus/zoom in a part of your body that you are not fond of. With your mind, make it blurry/fuzzy. Now zoom out. Check out your whole body now but soft and glowing. From this point forward, you now only see the beauty you have to offer and only positive thoughts are allowed.

Sure you might have some work to do but you love yourself as is! Love yourself the way your children love you – the type of love that sees straight to the heart.

Wear your stretch marks like a badge of honor. Your body is amazing, look at the beautiful things it can do and what it created – your children. When I see a lose belly decorated with stretch marks I see love. I see a miracle. And I see hard work and dedication.

The next time someone says to you, “You look great for having kids.” Say, “No, I look great because I had kids!!”

Body image has a lot to do with your thoughts. If every time you look in the mirror you think how much you hate your body, you will hate your body. If every time you look in the mirror you focus in on what you love, you will love your body! So next time you look at your belly, think about how glorious it is and smile. <3

And don’t forget to teach your children about positive body image and how to have high self esteem. Lead by example!

The Average Growth In Babies

Week 29: Placental Encapsulation

Amanda — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 08:42:52 +0000

Wow. I thought I’d heard it all in terms of natural childbirth and all the baby and mom friendly options we pregnant mamas have to think about. In pregnancies past I’ve taken Bradley Method Classes, Hypno Birthing Classes, read Birthing From Within and done prenatal yoga all second and third trimesters long. I’ve used birthing balls, water and birthing bars to help my kids enter the word drug free. My husband was on the receiving end of my first two deliveries. I held each baby on my belly even as the cord still pulsed. We asked to have the eye drops held. I was the first to give each their first bath (an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world) and so on and so on and so on…

But with all the healthy, conscious birthing choices we mamas have to consider… I’ve gotta say, this latest one I’m considering seems the furthest out there (at least upon first talking about it.) It’s definitely the hardest one I’ve come upon for me to admit to considering. It’s placental encapsulation… another way of saying I am seriously considering the health benefits of eating my placenta(s) post delivery of our twins.

I don’t mean I’m going to sit down to a nice placenta steak dinner with onions on the side (though I JUST watched a video of a women doing just that!)… nor am I going to offer it to my husband, family or friends (yes! I also saw this – freaked me out – to each his or her own I always say.) No, What I’m considering is the health benefits of having my placenta turned into powder and encapsulated to take following childbirth. WHY?!?!!?! you ask? Great question.

I know at first it sounds a little freaky. Some of the YouTube videos I watched (mentioned above) just now while doing my research still have my stomach turning. But let me tell you what ELSE I learned before you judge the whole thing as completely wacko, and then if you still find the idea of placental encapsulation insane, let the cannibal comments begin. *wink*

Why? It’s my new friend Sarah. Her personal story has me considering this. A mom of two, Sarah delivered her first vaginally and the second (breech) via cesarean. I asked her if the healing was harder this go around, post c-section. I got this reply via email today and it seriously has me looking into all of this. She wrote:

“I had a wonderful experience taking my placenta capsules… it literally was a night-and-day postpartum experience for me, compared to my first birth when I had severe postpartum depression (PPD). I had SO much energy after this last birth, even though I was recovering from my c/section and was sleep-deprived…”

And I know the PPD following her first had been severe. I know this time around she had the added stress of a first born to tend to on top of a new baby AND abdominal surgery! I also know the odds of reoccurring PPD are high…. and yet, her experience this go around was better?!?!? The only real difference she could attribute this to was the placental encapsulation. So the fact that she had such an amazing experience following her recent delivery and attributes it to the capsules goes a long way with me.

I asked her a lot of questions. She explained how they hired a local women trained in placental encapsulation to transform hers into powder placed into capsules which she then took daily. She said the effects were immediate and undeniable. I asked for the ladies name and number…

So now, sitting here at my computer after hours of research, here is what I have found; the sum total of which, in addition to Sarah’s experience, has me nearly convinced to do this myself:

The process is about $250.
The process is fairly simple. I just have to ask the hospital where we’ll be delivering their policies around releasing the placenta. And if I meet any resistance, I’ll have this placenta release legal form ready to go.
I’m supposed to have my placenta ready for pick up with in 72 hours of delivery.
The process of making the capsules is not complicated: The placenta is heated at a low temperature (below 100 degrees F) for 8–12 hours, dried, ground up and placed in tasteless capsules. And bonus, I don’t have to DO or SEE any of this…. that is where the $250 comes in. The capsules are just delivered in a pretty blue bottle to me a few days later.
The placenta is known to contain a high source of iron, protein and hormones. When given in the postpartum period it is thought that these hormones play a large role in preventing PPD (as it did for my friend.) It is also purported to help increase mama’s milk supply. (A good thing when having TWINS!!!)
Most women takes 2 pills, 3 times/day for the first 5-7 days postpartum. Then, it’s reduced to 2 pills/twice day for a few weeks. And then down to 2 pills a day until they run out.. (Sarah told me her placenta made about 100 pills and lasted her 7 weeks but some people get as many as 200 pills.)

OK, all this said I have not talked to my husband or my doctor about this yet. (I thought I’d tell the free world first!) I’d love to hear from you. How does all this “sit” with you? Does it make your stomach turn just a little bit (as it does mine and I’M the one considering this?!) Have you done this? Known anyone who has? Have you had PPD and would you consider this your next pregnancy?

As I said, I’ll talk to my doctor (ultrasound TOMORROW… so psyched!!) and hubby and get back to you. But here’s your chance to weigh in. I promise not to be insulted… what do you think?

PS: Just fyi, on cord blood banking (which I wrote about week 24) … after much research, we’ve decided to donate our babies’ cord blood a public bank. I hope this becomes a new trend as then we’d all have plenty to turn to if need be.

This Zen Mommy Minute is published in partnership with Due Maternity, a great place for maternity clothes. xoxo

Suzanne Tucker, aka Zen Mommy

In addition to mommying to two magical girls born in 2000 and 2003 and expecting twins in Jan of 2010, Suzanne co-owns a holistic health center with her husband Shawn in St. Louis, Missouri where she practices as a physical therapist, Certified Educator of Infant Massage and health education teacher. Certified in a number of healing and life education approaches, Suzanne offers ongoing tips on parenting and is the co-creator of the Yogi Parenting approach to positive parenting.

28 Weeks: Pregnancy Calf Cramps to Wake the DEAD

Amanda — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 08:41:04 +0000

If you are or have been pregnant, odds are you know what I’m talking about. Over 50% of pregnant women suffer (and I mean suffer!!!) from these horrible, jaw clenching seizures in the muscles of the legs, usually in the calves, and (for me anyway) the sneaky little devils like to strike in the middle of the night.

I started getting them every other night around 2a.m. about two weeks ago. One was so bad it lasted into the next day and had me limping… considering a cane or a crutch as I was going to a convention downtown and needed to walk a ton. Ego prevented me from going to that extreme so I just limped along for the day and sat as much as possible.

I’ve figured out a few things that work to help my cramps and hope they help if you are suffering from them too!

Sometimes if I freeze (much like a deer in the headlights) those nasty leg cramps will pass me right on by. I love when this happens but have to say, it’s the exception… not the rule.
When they do strike, I get right out of bed and put some weight through the leg. this not only flexes the foot putting the spasm-ed calf muscles on stretch, but weight bearing is supposed to have a mellowing effect on spastic muscles… a trick I learned as a physical therapist.
Massage the muscles. I use the same massage oil I use for belly massage and to prevent stretch marks. If I’m lucky, I wake my husband with all my moving around (not to mention the sounds of pain that come from me, enough to have anyone in earshot swearing I was in labor) and he works my calves with the oil. One of only two perks I can think of from the whole calf pain thing.
The other thing I do, and the second “perk” (if you can call it that) of having calf cramps to wake the dead in pregnancy… is that it gives me a chance to pretend I’m in labor. Yup. I actually have decided with each spasm to pretend I am indeed in labor… to soften my other muscles even as the one in questions locks into a spasm. This is exactly what occurs in labor, except that it’s my uterus doing the seizing not my leg muscles. I breathe in the mantra “I am love” and breathe out with “I am enough”. This really does help. Mind over matter? I think so.
Following nights where the cramps were super bad, I wake up and soak my legs in as hot of water as I can stand. This REALLY sets me up to win… taking me from limping in pain to limp free in 20 minutes.
And finally, I have started eating a banana, handful of almonds and glass of o.j. a day as I’ve read all of these can help. I think they do. That and being sure I remain hydrated through the day, but I tell ‘ya, if I drink any more water than I already am, I’m bound to float away.

I know I’m not the only one out there so I’d love to hear from you, misery loves company… do you get calf or leg cramps? when did they start? and what do you do about them that seems to work?

This Zen Mommy Minute is published in partnership with Due Maternity, a great place for maternity clothes. xoxo

Suzanne Tucker, aka Zen Mommy

A Guide to Easy, Affordable Baby Shower Decorations

Amanda — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:02:42 +0000

Great baby shower decorations are more about using your imagination than your pocketbook! You can create a wonderful party mood with simple, high-impact arrangements. This article details some of the best ideas for baby shower decorations.

Use balloons artfully

Balloons make it feel like a party! Always have balloons at your events. Here’s a money-saver tip – your local 99¢ store will usually have balloons at a much lower price than most party stores.

A basic use of balloons is to create color spots around the room or area where you’re holding the baby shower. Tie a bunch of helium balloons to an anchor. Use baby items like booties, soft toys or baby bottles filled with water as anchors. Always use an odd number of balloons in a bunch.

If you have multiple tables, get a few baby items like shampoo, lotions, bottles, diaper packs, wipes, refill packs, baby formula packs, soft toys, etc and place them in the center of each table. Tie a bunch of balloons to them. Each table now has a color spot.

If you have large gifts like strollers or cribs, tie balloons to them to create a special look. Choose balloon colors according to the sex of the baby. If that’s not known, use both pink and blue balloons.

Use balloons to decorate mommy’s chair. Tie balloons in bunches to her “throne” and treat her like royalty! Also add streamers, satin bows and ribbons to her chair to give it a special look.

If you’re using a specific table for gifts, make sure it has several balloon bunches floating over it. That helps to create a focal point for the gifts.

How to use tubs and umbrellas for baby showers decorations

Use baby tubs as a punch bowl. Get one of those tubs that look like a whale. Fill it with clear punch and put in a small rubber ducky. The tub makes a wonderful present for mom-to-be after the shower.

Here’s another way to use the tub – fill it with individually wrapped presents. That can include diapers, shampoos, lotions, washcloths, etc. For an added effect, put some balloons into the tub too – they will look like floating bubbles! And fix a rubber ducky atop one of the balloons using ribbons.

You know what’s a perfect fit for any baby shower? Umbrellas. After all, it’s a shower, right? Here’s how you can use them.

Collect several different umbrellas from your home. Open them up, fix streamers in various colors (not just pink and blue, though those are fine too) to the umbrellas. Next, fix the umbrellas so that they hang upside down from the ceiling, and the colored streamers flutter above your heads. This makes a great sight!

You can also fill up umbrellas with balloons or even yarn in pastel colors. Hang them upside down at strategic points.

More baby shower decorations that enchant

Here’s a centerpiece idea that’s perfect for these celebrations — baby shower cakes. Not sure what those are? Baby shower cakes (also called diaper cakes) are essentially diapers arranged in multiple tiers to look like a cake, with many small baby products tucked into them. They’re very eye-catching gifts, just right for baby showers. Place one on a table as a centerpiece.

Here’s how to make your tables more appealing. Place small boxes of different heights on them. Drape baby items like receiving blankets over them. Your tables will end up with a more interesting look and feel thanks to varying levels.

Spice up your tables by sprinkling confetti on them that says “It’s a boy” or “It’s a girl.” If the baby’s sex is not known, use both.

Instead of piling gifts onto tables, try using a large item like a stroller or a baby crib to display gifts. This is just right for a baby shower!

Another tried and tested idea is to string a clothesline across the room. Use wooden clothespins to hang cute baby items from the line. Use diapers, baby clothing, booties, socks, bibs, hats, toys and other such items. These products make excellent gifts to mom-to-be after the shower.

Alternatively, hang disposable diapers on the clothesline and using permanent marker, spell out the baby’s name. If the name is not known yet, just write ‘BABY SHOWER’. Clotheslines with names and baby items on them are quite common at showers, yet they invariably become a conversation piece — they look quite cute!

If you’re having a baby shower around Christmas, try this one. Buy an artificial Christmas tree and decorate it with little baby items. Like diapers, clothes, booties, socks, small bottles of lotions and so on. Use twinkle lights as well. This is a wonderful centerpiece for the room.

You can even do miniature trees on each table, similarly decorated. It creates a lovely effect.

There are no limits to the number of ways you can create dazzling baby shower decorations. Combine the above ideas, add your own twist and create an unforgettable shower!

About the Author

Jessika Ryder is a successful business writer and party enthusiast providing valuable information on hosting fun baby showers. Her numerous articles provide tips on party planning, baby shower decorations, invitations and other aspects of these events.

Introduction to Childbirth Classes

Amanda — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:09:18 +0000

Childbirth classes can be a helpful and informative step for new parents. A detailed knowledge of pregnancy and delivery is helpful for both the expectant mother and father because there is comfort in knowing what the future holds and having the resources handy to make it as easy as possible.

Childbirth Class Locations
Childbirth Classes are often held at your local hospital. You can contact your local hospital or doctors office to get information on locations and times.

Online Childbirth classes are a great alternative for busy parents-to-be. They offer the flexibility and privacy that some parents desire without compromising the quality of education. An Online Childbirth class often consists of videos, ebooks, and online components. They can be purchased in digital format or distributed on CD/DVD.

Types of Childbirth Classes
It is important to match the type of childbirth class you take to your desired method of delivery. This will ensure you get information that will be useful to you. Below is a list and short description of the types of childbirth classes.

Hospital Childbirth Preparation: This class will often include a tour of the hospital, information on where and when to arrive at the hospital, rules, breathing exercises, and general delivery education with or without medication.

Lamaze Classes: Lamaze classes will focus on using breathing and focal points as pain management techniques.

Bradley Method Childbirth Classes: The Bradley Childbirth method focuses on natural child birth whenever possible and teaches natural methods to pain management. It includes active participation of the husband or partner.

Birth Works Classes: This method focuses on both emotional and physical preparation for delivery with emphasis on emotional.

Hypno-Birthing Classes: These classes use hypnotherapy to prepare women for delivery.

Birthing From Within Classes: These classes place an emphasis on journaling and writing as a method to prepare for delivery. From the authors of the book Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation

On a side note, I am submitting this website to Technorati and they need me to add a verification code. So here it is: ZAZRMTDJXR8F

How to Make a Diaper Cake

Amanda — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:40:13 +0000

What is a Diaper Cake?

A diaper cake is a creative gift for expecting parents made from cloth or disposable diapers and garnished with other baby items like pacifiers, bottles, etc. Ribbons and bows are often used to hold it all together. The diapers are rolled and stacked so that they look like a traditional tiered cake. A diaper cake can have as many tiers as you like. Most diaper cakes have between one and three tiers. They are popular at baby showers, both as centerpieces and gifts.

Supplies Needed to Make a Diaper Cake

Serving Platter
Bottle of Wine
Diapers
Wide Ribbon
Thin Ribbon
Rubber Bands
Baby Items to Garnish (Pacifiers, Small toys, etc)

How to Make Diaper Cakes

Place the wine bottle in the center of the serving platter.
Start on the first tier by rolling each diaper and securing it with a rubber band.
Once you have enough rolled diapers to surround the wine bottle and serve as the base of the cake, secure them with the wide, decorative ribbon.
Repeat the same process for a smaller second tier, and yet again for the top tier. The diapers should fully cover the wine bottle.
Using the thin ribbon, fasten the remaining baby items (pacifiers, lotions, bottles, etc) to the cake.
Add decorative bows throughout using the remaining ribbon.

Instead of using a bottle of wine as the center of the cake, baby bottles, lotion or body wash can also be used. In addition, you can cover each tier with tissue paper to give it the look of a real cake.

There are infinite possibilities for the decorations that can be used on a diaper cake. One can be made to match almost any baby shower theme or expecting parent’s taste.

If you’d like a more comprehensive course in diaper making, click here to visit HowToMakeADiaperCake.com. They offer video tutorials, a detailed workbook, and beautiful diaper cake recipes that are sure to please! Click Here!