Preparing for Baby

  • Simple Strategies to Prepare for Baby and Reduce Stress

    What causes the most stress in new families? Discover the usual suspects, add predicted new ones, then clarify and create action plans ahead of time to improve family organization and cohesion.

  • Ten Ways To Have a Baby On a Budget

    Thinking of having a baby? Are you already expecting? Not sure if you can afford the additional costs? There is no question that adding that little bundle of joy can add up. Here are ten simple and painless ways to cut costs and lower your financial related stress.

  • What to Prepare for the Arrival of a New Baby

    When you have a new baby coming, another thing to think about is adding "finding the right babysitter" to the checklist.

  • Podcast: Family Finances

    Episode 4: Getting the Biggest Bang for Your Bucks: Family Finances with Jeff Tromberg - August 20, 2009 Listen Now



  • Smart Tips for Taking a Hospital Labor and Delivery Tour

    An advance tour of the labor room not only removes the mystery of the unknown but provides a firsthand view of where your baby will make his or her grand entrance. Many hospitals offer free tours of their labor and delivery suites, and expectant families should take full advantage of this opportunity.

  • WondaWedge

    The WondaWedge, developed by a physiotherapist for proper back support, allows the mother-to-be to set her own level of support by inflating or deflating.

    The WondaWedge is a lightweight, inflatable triangular pillow with a permanently attached mat, offering three different sitting or reclining positions. Made of 'sueded' vinyl, it's easily hand washable, and stows away in a small space when not in use. When deflated, the WondaWedge fits nicely into luggage for travel.

    Rating: 
    6 - Highly recommend
  • Prenatal Vitamins

    Prenatal supplements consist of a variety of vitamins and minerals. During pregnancy, a woman's daily intake requirements for certain nutrients, such as folic acid (folate), calcium, and iron will increase. Vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and folic acid are vital for proper fetal growth, development, and healthy adult living.

  • FDA Warns Birth Defects with Paxil

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising that birth defect warnings should to be added to the prescription-only antidepressant, Paxil (Paroxetine).

  • Before Hiring a Midwife

    Before you hire a midwife, be sure to interview several carefully. Take your time reviewing their history, call up their references, have a list of questions handy, research the legal issues in your state and ask the midwife for proof of her certification.

  • Getting Insurance to Cover Midwife

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I need to write a letter to my insurance company explaining why I need a midwife that is closer to me than an hour away. I don't have a car. This is my second pregnancy and the first one was fast.

    Can you give me some more reasons why it would be better to have a midwife near me?

    Thanks.

  • Nic's Nerves

    Our story, is probably not too rare.
    My husband and I were married 2 1/2 years ago and decided that we wouldn't wait to start a family. My mother was extremely fertile so I never thought that I would have any problems conceiving. After 6 months I began to feel nervous. After persuading my Doc. to give us the battery of tests that they usually make you wait a year for we were diagnosed with unexplained infertility.

    Almost one year after our marriage we found that we were pregnant, and were over the moon. Unfortunately it was shortlived and at 6.5 weeks while on holiday I began to miscarry. I think I lost a large part of my heart that day. It took me a long time to get over it.

    Over the next year, we tried chineese acupuncture which helped regulate my cycles and I took a mind body class which helped me get my emotions undercontrol. I began to meditate regularly listening to Jennifer Bloom's fertilty meditations www.anjionline.com and slowly came to a place of peace about our fertility journey.

    I've had many thoughts over the past two years. I can't say how many times I've wished that the pregnancy test would just show positive. So many negatives, how hard would it be to have a positive! The month that I got pregnant after the first year, I knew I was pregnant before I checked the stick. My boobs were sore and I'd had funny aches in my tummy. I just new it, the test was just a confirmation.

    In November I took a pregnancy test, not expecting any thing extraordinary and there it was...pregnant! I was totally suprised.

    The next few days were long and painful, with every twinge I thought that I'd get a late period. I was terrified of loosing this one too. I booked an appointment with my Dr. but couldn't get in for a week. I couldn't imagine staying pregnant for an entire week! My fears were confirmed a few of days later when I felt that my boobs had got much less sore. I figured it was only time before I bled. I sat at work in my cubicle and couldn't stop crying. I had to excuse my self (via email so no one saw me) and went home.

    I didn't start to bleed, but I did start to feel nauseus and my boobs got sore again. My Doc. ran some tests and said that my HCG was just fine and doubling on schedule. I was still pregnant.

    I was really nervous about passing the 6.5 week mark that had been my miscarriage last time. Unfortunately it came over christmas surrounded by family. I was feeling really sick and would pretty much rather have been any where else as long as I could have been alone.

  • To Marry or Not to Marry

    QUESTION

    Dear Mr. Dad,
    My girlfriend and I are about to become parents. She wants to get married before the baby is born, but I don’t really see the point. Can’t unmarried parents be just as committed as married ones?

  • Circumcision: Not Just a Little Snip

    Circumcision is as American as apple pie. For the most part, it is not questioned but rather accepted as the standard of care given to newborn babies. Why is this the case?

  • Can I be pregnant?

    I think I may be pregnant! I want to make this as clear as possible.

  • Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo

    • Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo

    Fisher Price Jumperoo is highly recommended! Great fun and quality that lasts.

    Rating: 
    6 - Highly recommend
  • Bumbo Baby Sitter

    • Bumbo Baby Sitter

    Bumbo Baby Sitter - great investment. Does require supervision!

    No assembly required. Easy to clean! It is excellent for young 3 mo. - 4 year olds! My children use it to watch TV. I use it to help feed baby. It helps if you have a high chair and baby wobbles around. Very simple product, but for me it has been a life saver! Great investment!

    Cons:
    Unless you are on the floor you can't leave the child alone in it. No seat belt or restraint. For that reason I give it a 5.

    Rating: 
    5
  • Baby Shower Gift Ideas

    Here is a dilemma: I have four friends who are pregnant. What are some unusual and popular baby shower gifts? I'd like to get something new and different if possible.

  • Cord Blood Facts

    Cord blood is a non-controversial source of "stem cells," which has the ability to differentiate into any type of blood cell and stimulate new growth throughout the body. It is being used in the treatment of over 40 life-threatening diseases.

  • Evenflo Triumph Advance LX Convertible Car Seat

    • Evenflo Triumph Advance LX Convertible Car Seat

    Convertible car seat by Evenflo - highly rated for ease of use, comfort, and safety!

    I wouldn't use this with a newborn since I wouldn't be comfortable with the amount of recline (not that much).

    For my newborn, I went with an actual infant seat. But I really like this seat a lot. The harness is easy to do/undo, but hard enough for little hands to have difficulty I think (mine's not old enough or quite strong enough to really try yet).

    Rating: 
    5
  • Baby Crib Options

    A baby will sleep just about anywhere, so baby crib options are mostly based on style, personal taste and functionality. Here are some descriptions of options to accommodate a sleeping baby.

Join the Community

Become a VIP! Get Social!

Fan us on FaceBook!Follow the Buzz on Twitter!

Enter Our Photo Contest!

Enter to Win!

Site Search

Pregnancy Partners

Visit the Pregnancy Partners today to become a great dad!

Ask the Experts

Have a question?
Check out our panel of experts to address your questions, challenges, and concerns! From getting pregnant to parenting, we have the answers for you!
Fan Us on Facebook!   Become a VIP for FREE!   Follow the Buzz on Twitter!