There are 3 main causes of morning sickness–Hormones, Stress levels, and Fatigue. Multiple baby pregnancy usually means more intense symptoms. Some women do not experience morning sickness and this does not mean there is something wrong. Other women are so bad off, they need to be in the hospital to say hydrated. Rarely though, does the sickness that comes with pregnancy interfere with baby’s nutrition.

Other things you can do–
Cool rags on your face, wrists, and neck/throat area
stay hydrated to avoid additional muscle pain
Keep a little (nutritious) food in your stomach all day–not eating can cause nausea
Extra sleep and reduce stress
Acupuncture depending on severity
Get someone else to do the chores that involve smells: garbage, dishes, cooking,etc.

And remember, this too, shall pass.

For some this can be one of the scariest, most heart-wrenching experiences. On the other hand, some sign their baby up over the phone without ever visiting the center/home. Here is what you must do to keep baby safe and you sound.

Identify what is the most important to you…

Location? This is important if you are breast feeding on your lunch hour.

Price?Some daycares charge a flat rate, others charge hourly. Do the math.

Provider personality? Will you be able to tell this person they need to change baby’s diaper a little more often if you have to?

A daycare center can provide other playmates, organized play, and strict state guidelines. Every diaper change and feeding time are written down and given to you at then end of each day. The cons could be frequent change of “teacher” during breaks, days off, etc., nap time when theydecide, or baby just doesn’t seem comfortable in an institutional setting. Make certain you speak with parents of other children who attend the daycare you are looking at. In bigger cities you can find daycares with webcam so you can check on your little one anytime.

If you think this is the option for you, call your local Job Council, they will email you information and ratings on several daycares within miles of  the location you choose. Make sure you visit several times to whatever daycare you choose. Is it clean? Do they follow the rules? Are they patient?

A babysitter can provide closer attention, and provide a comfortable setting in their home. Make sure your baby will sleep in a crib or portable crib and never on a bed. Ask what the discipline philosophies and styles are. Are there pets in the house? Does baby like pets? Again, speak to parents who have used this babysitter before.

Typically, baby can take up to two weeks to be completely comfortable. But, you should see improvement by the third day. If your baby hates the daycare after a few days, consider visiting another! Listen to your baby!

The best part about being 9 months pregnant is that everyone answers their phone when you call. Everytime. Everyone is waiting to hear you say “It’s Time.”

Print this list to help you pack for when that day comes.

• a new favorite scented shower gel/lotion  Everytime you smell it from this day on, it will take you back to the best day of your life.
• Camera/Video camera/ batteries/tape     You don’t want to wish you had taken more pictures, but you can always delete what you don’t want, so keep filming!
• outfit for baby
• going home outfit for you - Probably some maternity clothes from the second trimester.
• Dominoes, Cards
• Favorite Music
• Toiletries
• snacks for you and dad- You don’t want him in the cafeteria during a crucial moment!
• carseat
• phone numbers of those you want to be there

Enjoy! Many women say this is the best part of the whole pregnancy! You can do it!

So your gynocologist told you to feed baby 20 minutes on each side, and your pediatrician told you 10 on each side, and your grandmother told you to let the baby decide. And to top it all off, your poor baby’s tummy is hurting no matter what you’ve tried. Here is the secret every mom needs to know!

Your breasts produce fore-milk and hind-milk. The fore-milk is thin and full of lactose, while the hind-milk is thick and filling and most importantly nuetralizes the lactose. If you nurse on both sides at one feeding, your little one is getting too much lactose!! Try one side at a time and wait about a week. You will see an improvement in Baby’s tummy troubles.

You have experienced Vanishing Twin Syndrome. Occurring in about 25% of all multiples during pregnancy. The miscarried twin will either be absorbed or occasionally will shrink and flatten, coming out at birth, no harm done to surviving twin or mom. No physical harm that is.

When expecting twins, one heartbeat may only be half a heartbeat to a mother. The feelings of loss are common and the thoughts of ‘what might have been’ are painful. Mom must take extra care of herself and protect the surviving twin.

 Need some new ideas?
Keep in mind to introduce one new food at  a time to see how baby reacts to it. 

0-6 months
formula/breastfeed only

6 months-10 months (or until several teeth have arrived)
Add…
water/ organic whole milk/ organic soy or rice milk
freshly juiced carrots and apple
baby cereal mixed with breast milk, or other milk
blended organic zuchinni, yellow squash, acorn squash, etc.
organic yogurt
naturally sweetened applesauce
blended seedless fruit with soft tofu
blended green beans, peas, carrots, or mixed veggies

Now you get to add some variety! Don’t worry if you don’t get all food groups in each day, instead ask yourself, “Did Baby get a balanced diet over the week?”

10 months-when the molars come in
Add…
Cheerios,Kix,Chex with and without milk
banana-mashed
mashed potatos and gravy
organic cottage cheese
vegetarian, cage-free, organic egg yolks (no egg whites until 1st birthday)
tomato soup
blended soups; lentil, garden vegetable
mushroom soup
oatmeal
cream of wheat
organic butter
peeled, shredded apple mixed with baby cereal
legumes with the outside shells removed

molars-2 years
Add…
100% whole wheat bread with almond butter
Whole grain cereals with milk
skinned plums, grapes
mashed avacado with lemonjuice, diced tomato, salt
olives
raisens
Whole wheat crackers
tofu cooked with tumeric
tofu salad
egg salad
boiled eggs
scrambled eggs
lentils and brown rice
quinoa
blended Kix and fruit
watermelon and other melons
mango
pineapple
peeled apples, sliced with a vegetable peeler into soft ‘chips’
diced oranges
vegetable crackers
artichokes
asparagus
millet
thinly sliced cucumbers

Just because baby doesn’t like a new food offer it (but don’t force it) many times.