Tag: pregnancy

  • Must Have Newborn Essentials Checklist: What You Really Need

    Must Have Newborn Essentials Checklist: What You Really Need

    First, congratulations Mama-to-be! One exciting part of the pregnancy journey is gathering together all the necessary things for your new baby. Sometimes it could get overwhelming especially if you’re a new parent. There are a lot of things and different options you could choose from that are easily available in the market or suggested by your family or friends.

    Believe me, I’m on the same shoe last year when I had my little girl. With the excitement of having a new baby, I wanted to have everything I could to be prepared when the baby arrives but I ended up having way too much than what I needed during that time.

    Babies can be expensive if you don’t know how to budget your money. You don’t have to spend too much on things that you would end up not using. Besides, your newborn only needs basic things such as food, sleep, comfort and most especially love.

    Here are the things I considered the most essential and the “must-haves” for my newborn. I hope this will help you in preparing for your new baby.

    Newborn Checklist
    [icon_column title=”Clothing” icon=”icon-ok”]

    • 6-10 Onesies (Short & Longsleeve)
    • 4-6 Baby Footed Sleepers
    • 1-2 Hats
    • 4-6 Pairs Socks
    • 2-3 Pairs Mittens
    • Pants
    • Dresser or bins for baby’s clothes

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    [icon_column title=”Diapers” icon=”icon-ok”]

    • Newborn Disposable Diapers (about 2 boxes/packs)
    • Disposable Wipes
    • Diaper Rash Cream
    • OR if you prefer Cloth Diapers/Cloth Wipes (about enough per day like 8-10 diapers)

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    [icon_column title=”Breastfeeding Essentials:” icon=”icon-ok”]

    • 8-10 Burp Cloths
    • Breastfeeding pillow (Optional)
    • Breast pump/milk containers

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    [icon_column title=”Bottle Feeding Essentials:” icon=”icon-ok”]

    • 6-8 Bottles with soft nipples (6 ounces)
    • 2-4 Bibs
    • Bottle brush

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    [icon_column title=”Sleeping” icon=”icon-ok”]

    • Crib/Cradle Bassinet
    • Firm Crib Mattress
    • Waterproof mattress cover
    • Fitted Sheets for Crib
    • Remember for baby’s safety, it is advisable not to put anything in baby’s bed. No pillows or blankets and no toys.

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    [icon_column title=”Bath” icon=”icon-ok”]

    • Baby Bath Tub
    • 1-2 Hooded Towels
    • Baby Wash
    • 2-4 Baby Washcloths
    • Baby Lotion
    • Nail Clipper
    • Rubbing alcohol

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    [icon_column title=”Travel” icon=”icon-ok”]

    • Car Seat
    • Stroller/Baby Carrier
    • Diaper Bag

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    [icon_column title=”Health & Safety” icon=”icon-ok”]

    • Digital Thermometer
    • Nasal Aspirator
    • Pacifier (Optional)
    • Some rattles/plush toys

    [/icon_column]

    SAVING MONEY & BUDGETING FOR BABY

    BUY SECOND HAND OR USED ITEMS

    If you want to save money and be wise on budgeting, you can easily save with some necessities such as clothes and toys. It’s practical to get used ones or second-hand items since your little one will outgrow all these before you know it.

    BORROW WHAT YOU CAN

    You can borrow other things such as baby toys, high chairs, maternity clothes or baby clothes from your friends or other family members who have kids as well. Borrow what you can.

    But on travel and safety, make sure to purchase brand new items such as the car seat. This is very important since you have to assure that the car seat passed all the safety standards, not expired and quality guaranteed.

    BREASTFEED

    Breastfeeding will save you so much money rather than formula or bottle-feeding. No formula to buy nor feeding bottles. You may need a breast pump and milk containers when you’re a working mom or baby goes to daycare.

    USE CLOTH DIAPERS 

    Not practical but money saver for sure. If you’re on a tight budget this is the way to go. It would be an extra laundry but will surely save you money for other baby necessities.

     

    Newborn Essentials Checklist
  • 3 Simple Ways You Can Do To Relieve Stress During Pregnancy

    3 Simple Ways You Can Do To Relieve Stress During Pregnancy

    Another change is coming in your life thus affecting everything from your body to your environment. When you’re pregnant, all these changes seemed to be very overwhelming and it’s normal to feel a little stressed out once in awhile.

    Here are some of the ways you can do to help relieve stress during pregnancy.

    Simple Ways to Relieve Stress During Pregnancy

    1. Pause and Meditate

    Pause a moment and have self alone time. Think about all the life stressors you’re experiencing in the past months or years. I know it’s a heavy task but through this, you can start finding ways and solutions on what to do in a more calmly and relaxed manner.

    Have you had experienced one of these life stressors?

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    • Previous pregnancy
    • Arguments with someone
    • Unemployment
    • Health Issues
    • Marriage
    • Loss of a family member
    • Financial problems
    • Issues with in-laws
    • Divorce
    • Occasions like Holiday Season

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    • Mortgage or loans
    • New family members
    • New environment
    • Change in your living condition
    • Issues with your partner/husband/wife
    • Family gatherings
    • Law violations
    • Great personal success
    • Work responsibility
    • Children

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    There are more life stressors not listed here that you might have experienced. I know its exhausting, it’s okay to take a break, pause and take your time to relax and rest.

    Focus on yourself and your growing baby. When you’re rested and relaxed, your way of thinking is much better.

    2. Understanding Your Emotions

    Ask yourself what are the things that make you happy, sad, angry, worried or troubled? These emotions doesn’t only affect you but also your baby.

    I made myself a list last year about my emotions and how I cope with it everyday. You can try this method and I hope it can help you the way it helped me relieve my stress during pregnancy.

    What are the things that makes me happy?

    Above all that I could think of, I’m at my happiest when we traveland eat out with the whole family.

    Ways I do to feel happier?

    I take a lot of photos and videos about our trip and write about it.

    How it affects baby when I’m happy?

    I remembered before that every time I felt so much happiness, my baby just can’t stop moving around my tummy. She felt very strong and seemed to be happy too.

     What are the things that makes me sad?

    felt sadness every time I had arguments with my husband and misunderstanding with other family members.

    Ways I do to feel less sad?

    I would talk to them and open up my emotions, this way we try to understand each other’s point of view.

    How it affects baby when I’m sad?

    When I’m sad I don’t really eat, I tend to forget about my hunger and that was definitely a big mistake.

    What are the things that makes me angry?

    When I was pregnant I was very sensitive, little things that seemed wrong to me was a big issue. One of those was whenever I felt treated different and unfairly.

    Ways I do to feel less angry?

    Most of the time, I walk away, take a deep breath and cry my anger out.

    How it affects baby when I’m angry?

    Anger is a very heavy emotion, it’s exhausting for you and your baby. Whenever I’m angry before, my bump hardens and I couldn’t breath well. And after I cried all my anger out I felt all worn out so does my baby inside me.

    What are the things that makes me worried or troubled?

    I feel worried whenever my husband is away and he has to travel to another country without us. I also feel troubled whenever I don’t talk to my Mom (who is in the Philippines) for long.

     Ways I do to feel less worried?

     Whenever I feel worried, I always try to communicate with the people around me like my friends and other members of the family.

     How it affects baby when I’m worried?

     I get very emotional when I’m worried and it’s not good for baby too. Just like anger, it’s a heavy emotion and exhausting feeling.

    Be honest of how you’re feeling and don’t be afraid to share it to someone especially to your partner. Talking to someone who can listen and understand your emotions will surely help you feel better. Finding support that you need will be easier if you know how to open up your mind and your emotions.

    Remember, laughter is always the best medicine so laugh more often, it takes away stress and helps improve your mood and temperament.

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    Ways to relieve stress during pregnancy

    3. Discover More Source of Energy

    Whatever life stressors you are experiencing right now, these things surely takes away your energy and make you feel drained. There’s a lot of things that could happen when you feel stressed such as:

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    • Difficulty in sleeping
    • Shortness of breath
    • Aches and pains
    • Feeling weak
    • Fatigue or dizziness
    • Forgetting things
    • Worry

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    • Smoking
    • Breaking something
    • Make trouble or make a fight
    • Cry
    • Hurt someone
    • Walk away
    • Get angry

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    There are ways to find more energy in simple things. Little things can make a big difference if you could free yourself from stress. Here is a list of activities you might want to try.

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    • Chat with friends
    • Go for a walk
    • Meditate
    • Take a bubble bath
    • Dance or Sing
    • Watch a movie
    • Have a date night

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    • Get a massage
    • Pray or go somewhere spiritual
    • Treat yourself a spa
    • Get a manicure
    • Take a deep breath and slowly
    • Go to a relaxing beautiful calm place
    • Go shopping

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    You might think of more that you can add on the list! Share it with me in the comments below!

    Remember Mommies, be strong for your baby, take good care of yourself as you are taking care of another strong baby inside you. You can do this!