Second Trimester 101

Congratulations for getting through the first three months of pregnancy. You are probably super excited to be moving onto the second trimester. Many people say that the second trimester is the babymoon of being pregnant. Things start to get a little easier and you can enjoy being pregnant for a little while. Although there are still some things to keep an eye out for, you are about to relax for the next few months before having a baby gets really serious. Check out these tips for the second trimester.

Amazon Baby Registry

Guess what mom! It is not too late to register that baby. If you sign up for a Free Amazon Baby Registry at Amazon.com, add everything you need to your wish list. Get extra discounts, and get an extended return period. Additionally, you can pick up your own Baby Registry Welcome Box from Amazon. This Welcome Baby Box is exclusive to prime costumers who have opened an Amazon Baby Registry. The Baby Registry Welcome Box contains product samples for mom and baby.

Tips for the Second Trimester

{Week 13 to Week 26}

Get out for walks: During the second trimester, as long as you are feeling good, don’t be shy about getting a few walks in. Your body probably appreciates the movement and exercise just makes you feel good all around. Plus, burning those extra calories is a bonus and will make loosing weight post pregnancy easier. It will also help the labor! Please consult your health care provider before any exercise!

Enjoy eating healthy foods: The second trimester you will experience a growing baby like never before. It’s important that you stay on track with healthy eating because you want your baby to grow strong and healthy as well. Talk to your doctor about taking a prenatal vitamin and supplements to give you body and baby all the nutrients they both need. Two additional supplements that are known to be  important are Folic Acid and DHA supplements – I liked Expecta. Again, consult your doctor first.

Start making a list of everything you want/need: If this is your first pregnancy, you have the fun task of going through and making a list of everything you want/need. The best part about this is that you can make it fun. It’s always a good time dreaming about all of the fun baby items that can be purchased. It’s also a good time to start thinking about a baby shower and when you’ll have it. It’s also okay to ask someone if they’re willing to help you plan it!

10 Must-Haves for a New Baby

1. Stroller – We love the Britax USA B-Ready Stroller (as it can convert to a double).
2. Travel Crib – We love the Graco Pack ‘N Play Playard Portable Napper and Change.
3. Carseat – We love the Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat (it’s wise to keep your car seat and stroller in the same brand so you can snap the carseat in the stroller.)
4. Baby Wrap – We love the Boba Baby Wrap.
5. Bouncer/Swing – We love the 4Moms Mamaroo Bouncer (favorite with my last three kids!)
6. Breast Pump – We love the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump. (Update: I have officially pumped for five kids. the Spectra S2 is my all time favorite. I preferred it over hospital grade it was so great!)
7. Swaddle Blankets – We love the aden + anais Classic Muslin Swaddle Blankets.
8. Thermometer – We love the Kinsa Smart Thermometer.
9. Baby Monitor – We love the Motorola Remote Wireless Video Baby Monitor with 3.5-Inch Color LCD Screen.
10. Tub – We love the Safety 1st Newborn to Baby Tub.

Enjoy the baby’s movements: Before long, you’ll start feeling baby move inside of you. While it’s the coolest thing in the world, it may catch you off guard. Try to enjoy those movements because before long, those movements will be stronger and stronger and after baby is born, you really will miss them!

Get out when you can: Like mentioned before, the second trimester is usually when moms feel the best during their entire pregnancy. If you can, try to get out and do things before baby gets here. Perhaps a manicure and pedicure is on your list or maybe you want to get some traveling done. The second trimester is an excellent time to get some of those “want to do’s” done – you are not too big and probably over the nasty feeling of morning sickness!

Get educated on childbirth and babyhood: Although a lot of understanding how motherhood and babyhood works comes naturally, there is no harm in reading up on it. It’s always best to come to your own conclusion about how you will do things, but it’s always best to be educated first. Start researching a few books to read or you can even as for advice from others. Trust me, there’s always a veteran parent out there willing to give advice on parenting. It’s also good time to sign up for a Lamaze class. If you are looking for a good laugh and some tips along the way, take a look at the book Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy.

Start budgeting: Yes, it’s completely possible to start budgeting for the baby to be. You can create a budget based on the price of diapers and the going rate of how quickly babies go through those diapers. You can also start looking at day care centers if you’ll be going back to work. The list of having a baby is so long that it’s really nice to start crossing these items off your list as you can.

Keep track of your growing baby: One of the best parts about being pregnant is watching your baby grow. A great way to pass the time in the second trimester is to keep track of how you baby is growing. I personally enjoyed doing this through a baby journal!

10 Popular Pregnancy Journals and Keepsake Books

1. The Belly Book (I had this book with my two girls.)
2. Expecting You: A Keepsake Pregnancy Journal
3. From Pea to Pumpkin: A Pregnancy Journal
4. Letters to My Baby: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever
5. The Nine Pregnancy Countdown Journal
6. Pearhead Pregnancy Journal
7. Fitbook Mama2B: 40-Week Pregnancy Journal for an Active Mom and Healthy Baby
8. Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You’re Expecting
9. Pregnancy Journal: A Week by Week Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pregnancy
10. Hello, I’m Pregnant: A Pregnancy Journal

These tips for the second trimester are to help you plan for your baby accordingly. There will be so many new experiences that it may be hard to process it all at once. Some of the best advice is to keep things simple and cross things off your list as you can. What tips do you have for other moms during the second trimester?

Also check out these Tips for the First Trimester. Pin to Pinterest.

… and our Tips for the Third Trimester. Pin to Pinterest.

Once baby comes, enjoy these Tips for a Newborn – AKA the Fourth Trimester. Pin to Pinterest.

Also take a look at our popular post – Newborn Tips and Hacks. Pin to Pinterest.

Enjoy these Monthly Baby Photo Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

FREE Stuff for Baby

Shopping for Baby? Check out these Baby Freebies on Frugal Coupon Living.

a FREE nursing pillow,
a FREE Eskimo hat,
a FREE nursing cover,
a FREE baby sling,
a FREE car seat cover,
a FREE belly bands,
a FREE nursing pads,
a FREE baby leggings.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Third Trimester 101

Forty weeks seems like forever, especially with a never-ending, growing belly. It’s now here and it’s hard to believe it’s already the third trimester in your pregnancy. People have different opinions on the third trimester. Some say it goes fast and some say it goes slow. However, you look at it, there are some things you need to buckle down and do this trimester. Check out these tips to keep you on track!

Baby Registry Welcome Box from Amazon

Guess what mom! It is not too late to register that baby. If you sign up for a Free Amazon Baby Registry at Amazon.com, add everything you need to your wish list. Get extra discounts, and get an extended return period. Additionally, you can pick up your own Baby Registry Welcome Box from Amazon. This Welcome Baby Box is exclusive to prime costumers who have opened an Amazon Baby Registry. The Baby Registry Welcome Box contains product samples for mom and baby.

Tips for the Third Trimester

{Week 27 to Birth}

Stay hydrated: One of the most important things you can do for you and your baby during the 3rd trimester is stay hydrated. Drink as much water as you possibly can. Water keeps you from swelling up and helps get rid of all of the toxins in your body. Water is basically the one thing in the world that you cannot get enough of. It will also be helpful to have a hydrated body in labor.

Read up on breastfeeding or bottle feeding: When it comes to feeding your baby, this is an important decision. No one is telling you to make a decision now, but you should, at least, read up on your options. You can plan to feed your baby a certain way, but won’t really be able to make a decision until baby day gets here. One of the best resources I had before my first baby arrived what this book – The Nursing Mother’s Companion. I took lamaze class but I only read one book before baby, after all labor is only hours, breast feeding is months! One other book I read after (I wish I had read sooner) was The Happiest Baby on the Block.

Finalize any insurance paperwork for yourself and baby: Insurance can be a real downer when it comes to having a new baby. Make sure you take care of everything you can, insurance wise, pre-baby! You don’t want that stress following you around the days before or even post-birth.

Enjoy a babymoon away with your spouse or family: If you have the finances and the time available, why not enjoy some time away before baby gets here? Traveling with a newborn is anything but easy for most people. Little babies are very demanding and often get more attention than your spouse. Get the travel bug out of your system now and enjoy those last few moments with just the two of you.

Create a music playlist for at the hospital: Another productive thing you can do during your third trimester is create a music playlist for the hospital. It’s always way better listening to your own music than someone else’s. Studies have shown that listening to relaxing music can help with the ease of the process of delivery and the pain. Here are some suggestions in case you want something other than your spouse’s loving and encouraging words.

Labor and Delivery Playlist

20 Relaxing Songs for Your Labor Playlist

1. The Best Day by Taylor Swift
2. Better Together by Jack Johnson
3. You’re Beautiful by James Blunt
4. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
5. Let It Be by The Beatles
6. Just Breathe by Pearl Jam
7. Arms Wide Open by Creed
8. Closing Time by Semisonic
9. I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz
10. Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles
11. Little Wonders by Rob Thomas
12. The Luckiest by Ben Folds
13. Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
14. Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle
15. He Gave Me You by Sierra
16. What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
17. Handprints on the Wall by Kenny Rogers
18. Lullaby by Dixie Chicks
19. Dream by Priscilla Ahn
20. All That She Wants (is another baby) by Ace of Bace – for good humor!

Create a birth plan: One of the most important things you can do during the third trimester is create a birth plan. While no birth plan is perfect, you can, at least, have an idea of what YOU want to happen during your birth. Believe it or not, you do have a lot of say when it comes to HOW you want to have your baby. Who do you want in the room? Do you want an epidural? Do you need music or a scent to help you relax?

Enjoy your last few weeks as a pregnant mom: As uncomfortable as you may be these last few weeks of pregnancy, you should enjoy them as much as you can. If you’re a first-time mom, get some naps in. No one can really prepare you for how tired you’ll be when your baby actually gets here.

Complete a walkthrough of the hospital: It would be very nice to know where you were about to have your baby. You can take tours of the hospital in which you want to have your baby. Tours are typically free and it only takes a few minutes of your time. Well worth it to be prepared in the long run.

Start prepping meals for your freezer: Food isn’t the first thing you want to deal with after having a baby. Although some people may bring you meals, it’s so nice to have frozen meals in the freezer ready. You can start prepping these meals in your 3rd trimmer to enjoy after your baby gets here.

Pack your hospital bags for you and baby: And one of the most fun parts of having a baby is getting those hospital bags packed!

Hospital Bag Packing List

1. Camera/Video Recorder and Charger – We love the Canon Cameras, of course your phone works too!
2. Nursing Pajamas and Robe – We love the Everly Grey 4-Piece Pajama Set.
3. Nursing Pads – We love the 10 FREE re-usable pads or pick up Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads.
4. Nursing Cover  – We love this FREE Nursing Cover.
5. Toiletries – Bring what you need, to organize we love the Vera Bradley Hanging Travel Organizer
6. Your Music Play List – See our list above!
7. Yoga/Birthing Ball– We love this one! This ball really brings baby down!
8. Oil Diffuser or Candle (check ahead) – We love Essential Oils or we love Capri Candles (check on hospital policy for candles!)
9. Going Home Clothes for Baby and Mama – So many cute options on Amazon.
10. Slippers – We love the Jessica Simpson Bow Ballerina Slippers.

Getting ready for baby during your third trimester may seem like a lot of work, but it’s possible to prep and have an easy transition. Many call this the nesting stage and taking advantage of the last minute to do list and rest is very important for baby and mama. Your newborn is coming!

Also check out these Tips for the First Trimester. Pin to Pinterest.

Further along? Enjoy these Tips for the Second Trimester. Pin to Pinterest.

Once baby comes, enjoy these Tips for a Newborn – AKA the Fourth Trimester. Pin to Pinterest.

Also take a look at our popular post – Newborn Tips and Hacks. Pin to Pinterest.

Enjoy these Monthly Baby Photo Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Baby Freebies

Shopping for Baby? Check out these Baby Freebies on Frugal Coupon Living.

a FREE nursing pillow,
a FREE Eskimo hat,
a FREE nursing cover,
a FREE baby sling,
a FREE car seat cover,
a FREE belly bands,
a FREE nursing pads,
a FREE baby leggings.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Newborns 101

Having a newborn is an exciting experience for new mothers and fathers. You finally get to see this beautiful baby that you’ve been growing for 9 months. You will experience a lot of positive things when you’re looking this beautiful baby in the eye. Keep in mind that with everything positive, there are some things to keep an eye on. After you have your beautiful baby, keep these tips in mind.

I got many great tips from readers when creating this post. See all their great advice in our Facebook Thread full of Newborn Tips!

Amazon Baby Registry Discounts

Guess what mom! It is not too late to register that baby. If you sign up for a Free Amazon Baby Registry at Amazon.com, add everything you need to your wish list. Get extra Amazon Baby Registry discounts and get an extended return period. Additionally, you can pick up your own Baby Registry Welcome Box from Amazon. This Welcome Baby Box is exclusive to prime costumers who have opened an Amazon Baby Registry. The Baby Registry Welcome Box contains product samples for mom and baby.

Tips for a Newborn

{aka The Fourth Trimester}

Babies don’t need to take a bath every day: There is a misconception that babies need to take baths every day. This is far from the truth, giving your baby a bath every day can eventually dry out their skin. It’s not as if your baby is running marathons to get sweaty and dirty. You can easily use a washcloth to wash them up. Also, hold off a full bath until their umbilical cord stump has fallen off, generally around week 3. When bathing, don’t let the cold hair shock them. A happy baby is much easier than a miserable one. Cover your baby with a warm washcloth or two.

Ask for help if breastfeeding isn’t going okay: Breastfeeding is hard. For some moms, it comes easy and for other moms, it takes a lot of work. It’s okay to ask for help whenever breastfeeding isn’t going okay. Don’t make yourself feel like there is something wrong with you if breastfeeding isn’t going as smoothly as you thought.  If you are having latch-on issues while breastfeeding your baby, you can use breast shields to help the process.  One of the best resources I had before my first baby arrived what this book – The Nursing Mother’s Companion. I took lamaze class but I only read one book before baby, after all labor is only hours, breastfeeding is months!

Line up people you can talk to and receive advice: Having a newborn, especially for the first time, can make you question everything. In fact, you will probably have a million questions. Line up several people you can ask questions, just in case you have them. It’s nice to be able to text your mom, sister, aunt, or cousin, just in case you want reassurance. When the advice gets too overwhelming, follow your own mom instinct.

Let yourself heal from childbirth: Allowing yourself to heal from childbirth is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your body. Give your body time to heal. In fact, take as much time as you need. If you want to sit and watch movies the week after you give birth, then do it! Your body has been through so much in the past 9 months, it needs that healing time. This is a great time to snuggle and get to know your newborn.

Be Loud: Guess what?! The womb is a loud place. Don’t’ be quiet for baby when they sleep, you will regret this when they wake up at every other sound when they are older. Vacuum, turn on the TV, let the older kids play, and make some noise. Let them get used to sleeping with sound, especially if they are not the only baby.

Don’t feel like you need to have everything down the first week: Being a mom to a newborn takes some time. Some moms leave the hospital thinking they will be 100% awesome at everything that has to do with having a newborn. Slow down and remember that it takes time to learn something new. Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t have everything down the first week or even the first month. Everything will come in time!

Join a mama group of some sort: During the next few weeks after having a newborn, you are going to have lots of questions. You are going to want to know answers to all of the questions you have. You are going to want to make sure you’re not alone in some situations that come along with having a newborn. Join a group to relieve some of those new mama anxieties. This also gives you a good time to get out of the house so you feel like you are taking care of yourself and not only baby.

Take turns taking care of the baby with your spouse: Make sure your baby has ample time alone with Daddy.  His touch and voice are different than yours, and this will begin a bonding process for baby and daddy. One of the best things you can do as a new mom is let your spouse help. Even if your spouse is resistant, pressure them into helping. Of course, you can do this is in a nice way. Not every person feels comfortable with newborns, but you can easily work your way into helping them feel comfortable. Getting comfortable with newborns comes with experience. The more your spouse is able to help, the easier it will be on everyone.

I hope you find these tips for newborns helpful. If there is one thing you do after having a baby, embrace it as much as you can. There are not any words to describe how fast the newborn stage goes. It seems to go slow at first and then takes off like a rocket ship. Do you have any tips for those with newborns? I’d love to hear your tips!

Enjoy these New Mama Newborn Tips, Hacks, and Tricks! Pin to Pinterest.

Enjoy these Monthly Baby Photo Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Pregnancy Tips

Also check out these

Tips for the First Trimester – Pin to Pinterest.
Tips for the Second Trimester – Pin to Pinterest.
Tips for the the Third Trimester – Pin to Pinterest.

Free Stuff for Babies

Shopping for Baby? Check out these Baby Freebies on Frugal Coupon Living.

a FREE nursing pillow,
a FREE Eskimo hat,
a FREE nursing cover,
a FREE baby sling,
a FREE car seat cover,
a FREE belly bands,
a FREE nursing pads,
a FREE baby leggings.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

First Trimester 101

Getting pregnant for the first time or for the tenth time is very exciting. However, your body is about to go through several changes that you can only understand if you are at this point in your life. Pregnancy is beautiful, but also a challenge. While you are going through this time period in your life now, you should know that it will be over before you know it. You’ll be onto your second trimester in just a short while, but you need practical tips for the first trimester now.

Amazon Baby Registry Freebies

Guess what mom! It is not too late to register that baby. If you sign up for a Free Amazon Baby Registry at Amazon.com, add everything you need to your wish list. Get extra discounts, and get an extended return period. Additionally, you can pick up your own Baby Registry Welcome Box from Amazon. This Welcome Baby Box is exclusive to prime costumers who have opened an Amazon Baby Registry. The Baby Registry Welcome Box contains product samples for mom and baby.

Tips for the First Trimester

{Week 1 to Week 12}

Get as much rest as possible: Your first trimester of pregnancy will really test your ability to stay awake. In fact, you are probably so tired you could fall asleep anywhere. And this is a different kind of tired, almost unexplainable. The best tip for being tired in the first trimester is to get as much rest as possible. Lower your expectations for how much you think you will be able to get done during the day.

Start shopping for maternity clothes: Not all women need maternity clothes in the first trimester, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start shopping now. One day you will wake up and your clothes won’t fit you quite the same way as they once did. Why not be prepared? One thing I did with my pregnancy was took a list of what I would need. I made sure items could be returned (because you never really know) and I created a full shopping cart at my favorite shopping spots. When coupon codes or sales came, I shopped then.

10 Places to Shop for Maternity Clothes

1. Diapers.com
2. Zulily
3. Isabella Oliver
4. LOFT
5. Gap
6. Old Navy
7. Motherhood Maternity
8. Kohl’s
9. JCPenney
10. Target

Eat when you can: A lot of women experience nausea in that first trimester. Some women feel guilty that they can’t keep food down or they can’t physically keep it down. Keep trying to eat when you can. Pack little snacks that you can tolerate in a bag, so you always have access to a yummy snack when you want it.  If nausea is causing an issue in your eating habits, there are some things that can help. Consider ginger or vitamin b6. Before starting anything, consult your healthcare provider first.  I found taking my prenatal vitamin in the afternoon helped my stomach verses taking them when I first woke up.

Ask for help when you need it: During the first trimester of your pregnancy, you may not be able to keep up with your other kids and you may lack the ability to keep your housework in order. It’s okay to ask for help. Most women have been there and know how hard it can be to not have the energy you once did. Also, learn to ignore what isn’t immediately important, your second trimester should be much better.

Look for a healthcare provider right away: It will take a few weeks to get into the doctor, but it’s best to schedule your first prenatal appointment right away. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, but also, make sure the doctor you want is in your insurance network. Often your first doctor’s appointment will be around the 8 week mark.

Try to eat as healthy as possible: During your first trimester, you will hear two stories. Some people will tell you to eat whatever you want and others will tell you to eat a healthy diet. Keep in mind that what you eat does affect your baby and your body. Try to eat as healthy as possible, but don’t stress yourself out about it. You are eating for two but that doesn’t mean you need twice the amount of calories. I tried to keep my intake very similar to the amount of food I ate when I was not pregnant. As your baby’s gestational age increas, you might eat as much as 300 extra calories a day. Again, consult your healthcare provider about how many calories a day is healthy for you and your child.

Make sure you’re eating enough: Although it’s important to eat when you can to help combat nausea, it’s also vital to ensure you are eating enough. Sounds weird, but your body needs the correct amount of calories to help your baby grow.

Go with the flow: When it comes to the first trimester, you really never know how you will feel on a daily basis. You could feel exhausted one day and have high energy the next day. Go with the flow and rest when you need to. Take it easy on yourself, you’re growing a tiny human.

Think about how you will announce your GOOD NEWS: Perhaps one of the most exciting parts of the first trimester is how you will tell everyone the news. You can make it exciting, fun, or you can just let out the news however you feel is best. This step can definitely help you take your mind off the exhaustion and nausea you are currently feeling. We love these fun ideas from Pinterest.

How to Annouce Your Pregnancy

1. Shoes and Feet Source
2. Twins Pregnancy Announcement from Arrows and Apricots 
3. Big Sister from Cye Photography
4. Tricycle from A Bit of Pop
5. Chalk Announcement from Notes from Dionne
6. Safety Pin Family Source
7. Crib Eviction Notice Source
8. Expected to Pop Balloon unknown
9. Coffee Cups Source
10. Eating/Drinking for Two Source

Talk to other moms: There are groups you can join that allow you to connect with first-time moms or moms who are in the same stage of pregnancy as you. Talking with other moms can help you feel empowered to make good decisions. Sign up for Baby Center for tips and advice from other moms who have gone through the same thing. They also will provide you with a weekly email so you can track yours and baby’s progress.

Get plenty of movement: Although exercising is probably the last thing you probably feel like doing while pregnant and queasy, it’s a really positive thing for you and your baby. Movement can make you feel better, but also give you more energy. More energy is always a good thing when pregnant! No one is saying you should go run a marathon, but walking around the block is always a great option. You know what you’re capable of doing, if you have any questions, always consult your doctor.

The first trimester is a very exciting time in a pregnant woman’s life. These tips can help you get through those first few weeks of nausea, exhaustion, and wonder. Get excited though because the second trimester is going to be super exciting! Do you have any tips to add?

The fun doesn’t end with the above list of pregnancy announcements. Also take a look at these Cute Pregnancy Announcement Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Also check out our Tips for the Second Trimester. Pin to Pinterest.

… and our Tips for the Third Trimester. Pin to Pinterest.

Once baby comes, enjoy these Tips for a Newborn – AKA the Fourth Trimester. Pin to Pinterest.

Also take a look at our popular post – Newborn Tips and Hacks. Pin to Pinterest.

Enjoy these Monthly Baby Photo Ideas. Pin to Pinterest.

Baby Freebies

Shopping for Baby? Check out these Baby Freebies on Frugal Coupon Living.

a FREE nursing pillow,
a FREE Eskimo hat,
a FREE nursing cover,
a FREE baby sling,
a FREE car seat cover,
a FREE belly bands,
a FREE nursing pads,
a FREE baby leggings

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.