With all of the adorable newborn clothes and new-fangled mommy-helpers’ on the market these days, it’s often confusing as to what your newborn really requires during the first couple of months. Well-meaning family and friends will flood new parents with every cute little outfit they see and the baby will either wear it once or never at all. ‘Unique Gifts for Baby’ has compiled a simple list of the most important 15 items that every new baby must have.

1.) Lightweight sleepers
2.) One piece snap shirts
3.) One or two ’showing off baby’ outfits for visiting
4.) Jacket or snow suit for winter babies
5.) Socks
6.) Appropriate hat for the season
7.) Battery operated baby swing or bouncy seat
8.) Stock up on newborn size diapers (4-5 large packages)
9.) A sweater
10.) Baby wipes
11.) Mild baby soap
12.) Cotton swabs and alcohol for cleaning umbilical cord
13.) Approved newborn car seat
14.) Crib or bassinet
15.) Newborn baby grooming kit: nail clippers, comb/brush etc.

Certainly, there are other items out there that many mommies can’t live without, but for the most part, this list will cover your newborn’s initial needs quite well. Remember, you’ll be buying most of these things in larger sizes before you know it. Make sure to buy your new baby age appropriate toys and you should consider a musical mobile or something like it that will attach to your baby’s crib to help calm a fussy child.

Enjoy this special time and nest away while preparing for your new baby’s arrival. Try your best not to stress over the small stuff and make sure you have the essentials before the baby gets here. Having everything you really need when you bring the baby home will relieve much of the anxiety that many new moms feel. Remember to ask for help if you need it and just love that baby!

Article by:

About the Author: Sherry Frewerd publishes ‘Unique-Gifts-for-Baby’ and other baby and toddler related websites and blogs. Find that special baby the perfectly unique gift at unique-gifts-for-baby.com

First let me begin with a disclaimer – before I became a mother I thought that playgroups would be a happy distraction from mundane daily household activities and a great way to make new friends. And it’s true, they are a great way of achieving these things. What I didn’t realise though was the emotional toll it can take on you, especially if you have survived infertility and are sensitive about some issues.

Some issues can be found in any social gathering – differences of opinion with regards to politics, religion, abortion or social policy. It has been known for some parents to use their playgroup as a networking opportunity for their direct selling ventures which can rub the rest of the group the wrong way. And sometimes there is just simply a clash of personalities. More likely though are the differences in parenting styles and the inevitable comparing (and criticising whether within the group or at home) between babies and techniques.

All babies are not the same, however most people feel the need to compare. All babies are not the same size (otherwise why the need for growth charts?!) but invariably the comparisons will begin, especially with young babies. Talk of weight gained per week or month will dominate conversations and if you are feeling sensitive about how big or small your baby is compared to the others, or if your baby is not feeding as well as they could.

Once the babies can move or make noises the comparisons change to motor skills and verbal ability. There’s always one baby that walks or talks first, one that eats anything put down in front of them and the “angel baby” who has slept through the night since 6 weeks of age and who happily sleeps in their pram while other babies scream, vomit, whinge incessantly or throw tantrums.

Apart from universal parenting issues there may be issues that arise which specifically effect infertile/IVF parents. Being in the fertile world many surprise many IVF parents. Casual talk of family planning and discussion of “when” and not “if” people will have another child can be confronting especially if you are grappling with being able to afford more IVF treatment cycles or you are dealing with secondary infertility. If you’ve joined a new mothers’ group then nearly all of the other babies will be firstborn children and it will be a level playing field. But once other women start having second or even third children while you are unable to conceive it can be hard to be around them. Even if you feel like you have dealt with your infertility issues the announcement of a surprise or “oops” pregnancy from a fertile playgroup member can cause old bitter feelings to resurface. People’s opinions on only children can also be upsetting, especially if your path to achieving just one live birth has been long and difficult and it is uncertain or unlikely that you could have another child.

This is not to say that playgroup/mothers’ group can’t be a rewarding experience. Indeed, it’s sometimes (or often) the only way to meet other new parents. Due to social isolation prevalent in modern society many families lack traditional support systems and so playgroups can fill this gap. But it’s worth remembering that, as with any group of people, frictions can develop and you may not get on with everybody. If you realise this you may find that you end up making strong friendships for both yourself and your child.

Article by:

IVF Babies is a resource site for parents of IVF babies. It provides links to relating to information about IVF, pregnancy and parenting after infertility, informative articles, free email and unique IVF clothing.

Breastfeeding is a loving and natural way to care for our baby’s needs. Studies show the benefits of nursing are tremendous, not only to our baby but to ourself and in our relationship with our baby. I nursed both my babies, and I loved it. It was the best choice for my babies and for me. Although, I will admit there were some drawbacks.

I am sure you are well aware that breastfed babies as all babies, need to be fed on demand. They will let you know when they are hungry and rather loudly at that. When and where doesn’t matter to them they just want fed. Breastfeeding in public IS LEGAL. As a nursing mom we are sometimes made to feel uncomfortable nursing in public places. Cold stares from others in restaurants, snide comments made under their breathe regarding you nursing your hungry baby in public or even worse asked to leave or to feed our babies in the restrooms at public places. Just think of it, would you eat in a public restroom? Why would anyone be so sick as expect us to feed our babies there, any adult certainly wouldn’t eat there? But incidents like this do happen. And sometimes we just don’t know how to react or respond to some statements.

Beleive me moms, I know how you feel. Then one day, I got MAD! No one has the right to tell me WHEN and WHERE I can feed my baby. I went home and began researching my rights and was amazed at what I found. The internet provides so much helpful and up to date information for us.

There are legal rights that all nursing moms and nursing babies have. We have the right to nurse our babies anywhere they have a right to be. One of the best resources to find out just what your legal rights are in your home state is http://www.lalecheleague.org/LawBills.html Check out the site for information on Breastfeeding Legislation in General, by state and the new Summary of Enacted US Breastfeeing Legislature.

We are doing what is healthiest and best for our babies and we SHOULD NOT be made to feel uncomfortable, embarrased or ashamed of it. BE PROUD. The law is on your side.

Here are just a few other online resources you may want to look further into for more information regarding working moms and your rights, and the National Alliance of Breastfeeding Advocacy should you ever need to report a problem or public incident and more.

http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/breast50.htm – 50 State Summary of Breastfeeding Laws , for reporting an incident go to http://www.naba-breastfeeding.org/advocate.htm#feedback, http://www.breastfeeding.com/workingmom.shtml , http://www.nursingmotherscounsel.org/workingmoms1.htm for working moms, http://breastfeed.com/resources/articles/bflaw.htm are just a few of really helpful resources.

There is so much information out there, take advantage of it and get to know your rights so if an incident does occur you will be well equipped to handle the situation. Knowing I had rights gave me the confidence to nurse whenever and wherever my babies needed to eat. I hope it empowers you as well and encourages you to continue doing what is best for your precious little one.

Article by:

Nanette Gomez is owner of www.BabyTalk-Learn2Sign.com Your online resource for information and products to help you teach your baby sign language and Twww.TheMommyCircle.com ~ Helping you find little ways to make and save.

Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and you’re
considering weaning?

The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that
“breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as
mutually desired.”

If you and your baby are still enjoying the nursing experience,
why not take a look at some of the advantages of nursing beyond
that first year?

1) Immunological Benefits

Contrary to popular belief, mother’s milk does not have an
expiration date!

Your baby continues to receive all the benefits of human milk for
as long as he is nursing. In fact, your milk changes to meet your baby’s
changing needs.

For instance, did you know that the milk of a Mom whose
baby delivers prematurely is different from that of one whose baby is full
term? The milk of a Mom whose baby is older has more protein, fat and more
lysozyme (which destroys E. coli and salmonella bacteria) than it did when her baby was younger.

Now that your toddler is, well… toddling about, he’s exposing
himself to more germs. He’s mouthing everything in sight and it’s getting
harder to keep his toys clean. And what about those bits of carpet fluff
and who-knows-what he always seems to find and quickly consume?

The immunological benefits of breastmilk may be even more
important now. When your toddler does get sick and refuses food, he may even revert to almost totally nursing again. If this happens temporarily, you
can rest assured that he’s getting his nutritional needs met. If he’s
vomiting or has diarrhea, breastmilk is far superior to keep him
hydrated than the popular rehydration drinks.

In addition, breastfed children tolerate vaccination better and
are less likely to have adverse reactions.

In the Journal of Human Lactation, September 1995, several
studies are cited which show that exclusive breastfeeding may continue well into the second half of the first year with no detrimental effects, and many positive effects.

If you have a picky toddler or one with food allergies, your
breastmilk serves as “nutritional insurance” for him and peace of mind for
you!

2) Nursing makes discipline easier

A toddler’s life is full of frustrations. Having to hear the word
“No”, wanting to do things that your uncoordinated body can’t do,
learning to communicate with Mom and Dad
and learning to accept limits is hard on a little person!

Nursing is a way of quickly calming a toddler, and it makes every
boo-boo better. At our house we refer to nursing as “Baby Prozac”. It’s
also a way to ease the suffering of a child cutting molars.

Nursing is an effortless way to calm a toddler to sleep, making
naptime and bedtime easier for everyone.

3) Extended nursing and Mom’s health

Breastfeeding helps lower Mom’s risk of certain cancers for
several reasons.

Firstly, the fewer times in a woman’s life she ovulates, the
less her risk. For some women, their fertility doesn’t return
until the end of breastfeeding. I’ve known Moms who experienced 2 years
without a period because their tot was still nursing.

Secondly, breastfeeding lowers a woman’s risk of getting breast
cancer, and the longer she nurses, the higher the benefit.

Breastfeeding showers a woman’s body with hormones that help make
her a calmer, less stressed out, and more relaxed Mommy. I’ve talked
with women who had to wean suddenly and they report that they were
shocked at the change in their attitudes compared to when they were
nursing!

I hope I’ve given you some food for thought on the benefits of extended breastfeeding.

Article by:

Carrie Lauth is a breastfeeding educator who publishes a newsletter full of tips and support for Moms doing things the natural way. Get your free copy at www.natural-moms.com . Listen to more free breastfeeding advice at www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio.com

If you’re a new Mom who is nursing your baby you may be nervous about breastfeeding in public.

Or perhaps you are disturbed by media reports of women who are harassed for breastfeeding in public and are considering pumping your milk to give your baby when you leave home.

Here are some tips for discreet nursing that have worked for many Moms. Hopefully they will help you feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public so you can avoid the inconvenience of pumping and preparing bottles.

1) Before you have your baby, attend a La Leche League or other breastfeeding support group meeting.

Unfortunately in our Society that gives lip service to the benefits of breastfeeding, it is still rare to see Moms breastfeeding in public, and so most of us grow up having our own babies never having seen another woman nurse.

Going to an LLL meeting and seeing how other Moms nurse their babies discreetly and confidently can boost your own confidence. They can also share with you tips that will make nursing in public easier for you. Visit http://www.lalecheleague.org to find a local group.

2) Invest in a baby sling.

These are wonderful for making life with a baby easier all around, but one thing they’re great for is discreet breastfeeding. I can’t count the times someone approached me in a store and commented on my baby having no idea that s/he was latched on and nursing! The fabric of the sling can be adjusted to come up over the baby’s head (yet most babies don’t mind this like they do a blanket), or you can use the extra fabric on the “tail” to cover baby.

3) After your baby is born, practice nursing in front of a mirror or a friend to perfect your technique.

Once you and baby are getting to be old pros at the latch on, you can most likely do so in just a couple of seconds.

4) Nurse at the first signs of hunger.

A nursing baby generally draws less attention than a screaming one! So latch your baby on as soon as you notice that s/he is hungry…rooting, sucking on fist, grimacing face, etc. A crying baby also makes you nervous and you and baby may take longer to get latched on comfortably.

5) Try turning your body away while you latch on.

If you’re sitting at a table in a restaurant, simply turn your body away from the table briefly while you latch baby on, then resume your normal position.

6) Try nursing clothes.

These are designed to cover your belly for more discreet breastfeeding. Motherwear.com is a great source. Or simply wear a thin top under a cardigan or other shirt. You can also make your own nursing top by cutting slits in a tank and wearing it under another shirt.

7) Bring a book or large purse to set in your lap for camouflage.

Your diaper bag would also work. Set it in front of baby on your knees while you latch baby on. Or hold a book so that your baby’s head and your breast are out of view.

And lastly…

Be confident!

You are doing something that is best for you and baby and that women all over the world for thousands of years have done. Be proud of yourself and give passersby a warm smile. You’d be surprised how often people will smile back or even approach with a commendation or anecdote about their own children.

Article by:

Are you a Mom who likes doing things the natural way? Come visit www.natural-moms.com for articles, resources and products that complement your natural mothering style.