Colostrum

After you give birth, your breasts will make a thick, yellowish substance called colostrum, which is full of nutrients to help babies build their immune systems. After two to three days, this liquid becomes thinner and whiter. Your breasts may become fuller and harder after a few days too.¹

Sore Nipples

Your nipples may be sore, extra sensitive, and cracked during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. If the soreness or pain is intense, talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant.

Number of Feedings Per Day

Newborn babies should breastfeed eight to 12 times per day for about the first month and seven to nine times a day from 1 month to 2 months. Initially, the time between feedings is whenever baby is hungry, or every 1 1/2 to three hours. As they grow, babies develop more predictable schedules.

One Breast or Two?

After baby finishes the first breast, it’s okay to offer the second one. Your baby will know when she’s full or wants more.

Duration of Nursing

Typically, newborns will nurse up to 20 minutes, some longer, on one or both breasts. But once your bundle of joy gets the hang of it, it could take as little as five to 10 minutes on each side.²

Getting it Right

Most new moms worry that baby isn’t getting a good “latch” and getting enough to eat. It just takes some practice. Here are some signs to help you know if baby is getting a good latch.³

Try different holding positions with baby’s chest against your body to help baby find his or her way.

• A good latch will feel comfortable.
• Baby’s chest rests against your body so he doesn’t have to turn his head.
• Your areola should be barely visible.
• Baby’s mouth will be filled with breast.
• Baby’s tongue will cup under the breast.
• You’ll hear or see baby swallow.
• Baby’s ears will “wiggle” a little.
• Baby’s lips will turn outward, not inward.
• Baby’s chin will touch your breast.

It’s understandable to have questions about breastfeeding your newborn, especially if you are a first-time mom. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if there seems to be a cause for concern.

Take one more concern off your plate by incorporating Prenate^® Restore into your daily routine. This prescription vitamin covers your recommended daily nutrient intake, while helping your baby grow and restoring your health.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Is this Normal? Breastfeeding Edition. appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Prenatal Visits

Before we start talking about what you can expect to happen to your body, let’s talk about the exciting things your prenatal visits will focus on. In your second trimester, baby is growing and developing, and you’ll be able to hear the heartbeat! And you could find out if you’re having a boy or a girl … but only if you want to!

Physical Changes

While baby is developing, your own body is further adjusting to your baby’s growth. You can expect your belly and your breasts to continue to enlarge. This is a great time to switch to a more supportive bra!

Some other physical changes you can expect in your second trimester:

Skin

Hormonal changes during pregnancy in the second trimester can cause some changes to your skin, including:

• brown patches on your face
• a dark line down your abdomen
• stretch marks along your abdomen, breasts, buttocks, or thighs

Nose

During pregnancy, your body produces more blood which can aggravate the mucous membranes in your nose, causing:

• nasal congestion
• nose bleeds

Mouth

Staying on top of your dental hygiene is important during the second trimester. During pregnancy, your gums become more sensitive to flossing and brushing, which can cause bleeding. To help prevent irritation:

• Rinse with saltwater
• Use a softer bristle toothbrush
• Make sure you stick to your scheduled dental appointments

Legs

It’s common for moms-to-be to experience nighttime leg cramps during the second trimester. Here’s how to help prevent them:

• Stretch your calf muscles before bed
• Stay physically active
• Drink lots of water
• Wear comfortable shoes that offer support
• Take a warm shower or bath before bedtime

Down There

You’ll also probably notice a discharge that’s typically clear or white. It’s normal. Also normal during this time are urinary tract infections. If either of these conditions become painful, foul smelling, or in the case of a UTI, are associated with a fever, see your doctor, so they don’t lead to vaginal or kidney infections.

Emotional Changes

The fatigue and moodiness you may have felt during the first trimester has probably improved, but as your delivery day approaches and your excitement builds, you’ll probably start to feel a little anxious and maybe unprepared. You may experience:

• Fear and anxiety
• Forgetfulness or “mommy brain”
• Tearfulness
• Negative perceptions of your body

To manage your emotions during the second trimester, focus on staying healthy and happy, and live in the moment as you ride the waves of impending motherhood. Don’t be afraid to talk about what you are experiencing – this is a much healthier alternative to keeping things bottled up!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Pregnant for the First Time? Here’s What to Expect in the Second Trimester appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

What is a C-Section?

More than 30% of babies in the United States are delivered via a C-section.¹ A C-section is the surgical delivery of a baby that involves incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. A C-section is performed by an obstetrician when complications arise that make vaginal birth risky for mom or baby.

When a C-Section May be Necessary

Some C-sections are scheduled in advance if the obstetrician has determined during your pregnancy that a vaginal delivery would be too risky; others are emergency procedures performed when complications arise during delivery. Here is a breakdown of some of the circumstances when a C-section is necessary.

• Baby is in a breech (feet- or bottom-first) or transverse (sideways) position.
• Baby’s head is too large for the birth canal.
• Baby has hydrocephalus (excess cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, on the brain).
• Baby’s heart rate increases due to lack of oxygen (fetal distress).
• Mother has high blood pressure or heart disease.
• Mother has HIV or genital herpes.
• There are complications with the placenta.
• The umbilical cord is compressed or prolapsed.
• Labor stops progressing.

What to Expect During a C-Section

A typical C-section takes about 45 minutes. You will be administered anesthesia. A screen or drape will be used to protect the incision. The abdomen will be cleaned with an antiseptic. An oxygen mask may be placed over your nose and mouth to increase the flow of oxygen to your baby. Next, the doctor makes the first incision into the abdominal wall and then another incision into the wall of the uterus and removes the baby through the incisions. Finally, the umbilical cord is cut, the placenta is removed, the incisions are closed, and after baby is checked by your delivery team, your new bundle of joy will be placed in your arms.

Recovering from a C-Section

The recovery period from a C-section is slightly longer than for vaginal deliveries. You and your baby will most likely stay in the hospital for three or four days to give your body time to heal from the surgery. During your recovery period, you may feel pain from the incisions once the anesthesia wears off, itching, and nausea from the anesthesia. Your doctor will also encourage you to walk around to help prevent blood clots and constipation. You will probably experience some gas pains and vaginal discharge.

Once you are out of the hospital, the recovery process will continue. You can expect to experience discomfort and fatigue. Practice self-care to promote faster healing over the next two weeks. Here’s how:

• Rest as much as possible.
• Do not lift anything heavier than your baby.
• Ease pain by taking over-the-counter medications recommended by your doctor.
• Check your C-section incisions regularly for signs of infection.
• Abstain for sex for four to six weeks.
• Share your feelings and ask for help if you experience depression or mood changes.

If you experience fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge or bleeding with large clots, pain when urinating, or swelling or discharge from the incision, call your doctor.²

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post A Guide to C-Sections appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Where to Go and What to Do

While your first adventure with baby outdoors might be as easy as a stroll around the block or a bike ride around the lake, getting out in warmer weather offers endless opportunities to expose baby to new sights, sounds, people, and adventures. Here are some activities to try that aren’t just entertaining but also are good for your little one’s social and intellectual development:

• Hike a nature trail
• Play with bubbles in a local park
• Listen to music at an outdoor venue
• Pick berries at a local farm
• Eat at an outdoor café
• Splash in a kiddie pool

There are so many wonderful things to do outside in the spring that give baby the chance to get a sense of the world and his or her surroundings.

Dressing Baby for the Outdoors this Spring

Spring temps vary from state to state, so a warm March day in Colorado is certainly different than a warm spring day in Florida! Because babies can’t cool themselves as well as adults, they’re more susceptible to overheating. It’s a good idea to dress baby in layers so you can remove some of the clothing as the temps get warmer. Also, bring along a hat to shield those tiny eyes and fuzzy head from the sun and a blanket to protect their arms and legs from getting sunburned.

What to Bring Along

Depending on where you go, and how long you’ll be out and about, bring extra diapers (and a bag to contain the dirty ones), wipes, and an extra bottle if bottle feeding. Skip the toys and let the outdoors be all the entertainment baby needs!

Also, you’ll want to decide how to transport baby on your outing. Will you be walking with a stroller? Wearing baby in a carrier or wrap? Carrying him or her in a car seat? Don’t forget to pack your apparatus!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post When is Baby Ready for the Outdoors? appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Same Room, Different Bed

While it’s tempting to let your precious newborn sleep next to you, experts say it’s not safe. Sharing an adult bed increases the risk of suffocation, strangulation, and sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS¹. However, having baby sleep in the same room as mom is recommended by health experts for the baby’s first six months to a year. This sleeping arrangement is beneficial in so many ways because it can:

• Help support breastfeeding.
• Help prevent SIDS.²
• Encourage emotional and social connection.

Crib or Bassinet Only

Your newborn should sleep in either a crib or a bassinet that meets the latest Consumer Product Safety Commission’s guidelines. While the Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t have a recommendation for which option is better, they do recommend a freestanding crib or bassinet as opposed to one that attaches to the parent’s bed.³

Bedtime Safety

Whether in a crib or bassinet, the sleeping surface should be firm and covered with a fitted sheet. The mattress should also fit tightly inside the crib with minimal space between the crib and the mattress. Additionally, avoid putting soft pillows and toys or loose blankets and sheets in the crib, as these can pose a risk for the baby’s safety.

Sleep Training

Now that you know where your little bundle of joy should sleep, training him or her to sleep is the next step – at about the age of four months. Sleep training teaches babies how to fall asleep on their own. It’s a natural process of getting them to understand how to put themselves to sleep by self-soothing, which is an important developmental skill. There are several different sleep training techniques to try, and not everyone works for every baby.

Read more about sleep training techniques to find out which suits your family best.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Sleeping Arrangements for Your New Baby appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Nursery Planning

If you didn’t stock up on nursery and baby gear over the holidays, now is a good time to make your list. There are some essentials that should be on every mom’s list, including a crib or bassinet, comfortable bedding (color-coordinated to match the nursery, of course!), a rocking chair or glider, a changing table, and a baby monitor. Not only do you want to purchase the gear ahead of time, make sure to assemble and test everything before baby arrives.

Baby Proofing

Baby proofing will be a never-ending battle after you bring your bundle of joy home. But there are some simple things you can do to help baby proof as you prepare for baby’s arrival. When decorating the nursery, don’t hang mobiles or netting over the crib that baby can pull down. Also, avoid table lamps on nearby furniture that baby could tug on and over.

Baby Essential Supplies

There is so much to do to prepare for the arrival of a newborn that it may seem impossible to remember everything. Use this checklist for the first four weeks to make things easier.

Feeding

• Breast pump
• Bottles and nipples
• Burp cloths
• Bibs

Changing

• Diapers
• Diaper pail
• Wipes
• Diaper rash cream
• Portable changing pads

Clothing

• Swaddle blanket
• Sleepers
• Knit hat or caps
• Booties and mittens

Bath time

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Soft towels and washcloths
• Baby moisturizer

Grooming

• Bulb syringe
• Baby nail clippers
• Soft hairbrush
• Gentle clothes detergent
• First aid kit

Nutritional Reserves for Mom

Through both the birthing and nursing processes, your reserves of iron and other nutrients may become depleted, which can leave you feeling lethargic and foggy. It’s common for new moms not to prioritize their own health and diet after bringing baby home. One of the best ways to take care of yourself is to create a postpartum nutrition plan prior to your baby’s delivery. Take a few hours to figure out a two-week to three-week postpartum meal plan, including a list of what you’d like to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and beverages. Create the grocery list and recruit friends, family, or neighbors to help you prepare meals.

To help fill in nutritional gaps, consider taking a prenatal vitamin. And yes – prenatal vitamins can also be taken postpartum. Prenate^® Restore is an excellent option for replenishing your nutritional reserves after delivery and has the highest levels of DHA of any leading branded prescription prenatal.^1-13

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Helpful Tips and Reminders for Baby’s Arrival appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Causes of Frequent Urination During Pregnancy

Thanks to the increased levels of the pregnancy hormone HCG and progesterone, the blood flow to your kidneys increases during pregnancy, causing you to visit the bathroom more frequently. While you might start seeing this common symptom as early as the first couple of weeks after conception, most women experience the urgency to urinate starting at week 10. That’s when the uterus begins putting pressure on the bladder.¹

Symptoms of Frequent Urination

Frequent urination can be one of the first signs of pregnancy, and the urgency can increase during the first trimester. In addition to the frequency, leakage – also called stress urinary incontinence (SUI) – can occur during certain events, including²:

• sneezing
• coughing
• laughing
• exercising
• lifting
• walking

How to Manage Frequent Urination

Want to gain control over your frequent flow? Here are some suggestions.

Practice Kegel exercises. These exercises can strengthen the muscles of the pelvis and urethra and support the bladder. Kegel exercises are performed by first relaxing the abdomen, chest, thighs, and bottom. Next, contract the pelvic floor and hold for 5 seconds to 10 seconds. Relax the muscles for 5 to 10 seconds, then repeat the exercises 10 times.

Empty your bladder completely. Each time you go to the bathroom, lean forward as you urinate.

Cut back on fluids before bed. This will keep you from getting up in the middle of the night.

Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, and it will cause you to have to urinate more frequently.

While it may be tempting to skimp on fluids during the day to help reduce trips to the bathroom, don’t! Staying hydrated during pregnancy is extremely important. You should drink eight to 12 cups of water a day.³

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Frequent Urination During Pregnancy and What You Can Do About It appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Here is a week-by-week overview of what you can expect during your pregnancy.

Weeks 1 to 4

During this time, symptoms are similar to menstruation: mild cramping, spotting, sore breasts, mood swings, constipation, bloating, fatigue, and a heightened sense of smell or taste. And, of course, a missed period.

Weeks 5 to 8

Some of the same symptoms from the first month carry over, including breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination, bloating, and mood swings. Here’s where morning sickness begins for many women, as well as headaches that can be brought on from caffeine withdrawal. Extra saliva production is also common.

Weeks 9 to 12

Morning sickness is still around, as well as a few new symptoms, including weight gain, increased clear vaginal discharge, digestive issues, visible veins, and round ligament pain in the lower belly. You’ll also start to notice a small baby bump and larger breasts. Acne is also a possibility, although some women experience a radiant pregnancy glow.

Weeks 13 to 16

At the end of the first trimester, dizziness and clumsiness may occur. You may also notice darker skin pigmentation, sensitive gums, a stuffy nose, and leg cramps. Mamas-to-be can also expect an increased appetite, increased energy, and increased libido!

Weeks 17 to 20

As baby grows, so do the backaches. Symptoms such as stretch marks, heartburn, constipation, swelling in the hands and feet, dry eyes, and varicose veins are also common. “Pregnancy brain” or increased forgetfulness is also possible. But something to look forward to – your baby begins to kick!

Weeks 21 to 24

Growing baby will put more pressure on your hips, groin, and abdomen and cause shortness of breath, which can lead to snoring. You’ll also see an outie belly button. Your hair and nails will grow fast, but your libido will slow down. You may also see some bleeding in your gums.

Weeks 25 to 28

With the approach of the third trimester comes general aches and pains, but also some strange new symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by swelling and fluid retention in the hands and hemorrhoids are possible. All these new symptoms can lead to problems sleeping.

Weeks 29 to 32

As your body prepares to give birth, you may notice leaky breasts. You also may experience false labor pains that come and go; these are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. Some other symptoms from your first trimester may also return, such as fatigue and frequent urination.

Weeks 33 to 36

Your little one is letting their presence be known! Braxton Hicks contractions will continue, and so will the kicks! As baby moves down lower, you’ll experience some pelvic pain, but breathing will get easier.

Weeks 37 to 42

Symptoms such as swelling, frequent urination, insomnia, and pelvic pain will continue until baby’s arrival. You’ll also lose your “mucus plug” about two weeks before labor. As labor nears, you’ll experience an increase in contractions, back pain, and dull abdominal pain, and restlessness.

If your brain is spinning, understand that you may or may not experience these common symptoms. If something doesn’t feel right, you should always trust your instincts and contact your doctor when you have concerns.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post A Weekly Breakdown of Common Pregnancy Symptoms appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Go with New

It’s tempting to purchase a previously enjoyed crib with a lower price tag, but it’s not always the safest choice. Cribs manufactured after June 2011 adhere to the current safety standards. Also, without careful research, you may not know if a crib has been recalled.¹

Bars and Corners

Antique baby cribs make for beautiful nursery aesthetics, but their bars are typically spaced wider than the current 2 3/8-inch safety standard, making it easier for baby to get caught between them. And some have more ornate corners and edges, which means baby’s clothing can get caught. Basic is best when it comes to crib bars.

Height

Raised crib sides should be at least 26 inches above the mattress support when it is in its lowest position. As your baby grows taller, you can lower the mattress. You also want the height to be high enough that you can easily get baby in and out.

Installation

Before making your crib purchase, look at the installation instructions to see if it’s something you can handle. And always use the manual during installation. An unstable, improperly installed crib isn’t safe for baby. If you have leftover pieces after you’ve put it together, start over!

Convertible cribs

Convertible cribs are popular because they convert into toddler beds as your child grows. They can be expensive, so make sure you like the product enough to want to keep it around for years to come.

Mattresses

Who doesn’t love a soft, plush mattress? Not babies! Soft mattresses can be a suffocation hazard for babies. Choose a firm mattress that doesn’t sag under your baby’s weight. And make sure it fits sung with no space between the crib and mattress.

Bumpers

While bumper pads are often a staple in infant bedding packages, they pose a risk of suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment. Once considered a line of defense against bumps and drafts, there is no evidence they prevent injuries.² Do not use them.

Bedding

It’s fun to shop for adorable bedding, but make sure that all fabrics are flame retardant, including mattress covers, sheets, and dust ruffles or bed skirts.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Tips for Buying a Crib appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Just as positive thoughts can help improve your birthing experience, negative ones could prolong labor.¹ Instead of focusing on pain, control, and safety issues, concentrating on positive birthing affirmations can help remove emotional blocks so labor can progress. Here is a list of 12 positive birth affirmations to incorporate into your birth plan.

1. I let my body and my baby set the pace.
2. I quiet my mind and let my body give birth.
3. I feel confident. I feel safe. I feel secure.
4. I relax and my baby relaxes with me.
5. My baby will fit.
6. I look forward to giving birth.
7. I trust my instincts.
8. I am prepared to meet whatever turn my birthing plan takes.
9. I can’t stop the waves, but I can learn to surf.
10. With each deep breath, I feel better and better.
11. I am a force to be reckoned with.
12. Bring. It. On!

Affirmations for Your Partner

Positive birth affirmations aren’t just for moms. Several things can go through a partner’s mind during labor: Is she in pain? Will the baby be healthy? Is the nursery ready? Will I be a good parent? Positive birth affirmations can help empower partners to appreciate what’s taking place and to be a present source of support. Here are 12 positive birth affirmations for spouses and partners.

1. I set all fears aside as I prepare to support my family.
2. I anticipate our upcoming birth with joy and peace in my heart.
3. I am fully present in each moment.
4. My role in the birthing process is valuable and irreplaceable.
5. My partner and I are the world’s best team.
6. My partner, I, and our baby are doing this together.
7. I have all the knowledge and skills I need to support my partner as she gives birth.
8. My job is to guide, protect, and be watchful and patient.
9. Together my partner and I can handle anything that comes our way.
10. I set all fears aside as I prepare to welcome our baby.
11. I am prepared to calmly meet any unexpected turns on our birth journey.
12. I am relaxed and happy that our baby is finally coming.

So that you don’t forget them, create visual reminders of your affirmations. Download printable versions of these affirmations for yourself or your partner – or come up with your own and post them where you and your partner can see and recite them during delivery. This mind-body connection exercise can help you overcome any fear, exhaustion, anxiety, or pain you may experience.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post A Set of 12 Positive Birthing Affirmations appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.