Quick Tips for Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Morning sickness.  Ugh.  Just hearing the words brings back flashbacks.  While morning sickness can be somewhat reassuring if you've had any early complications in your pregnancy, it is never fun, and- for some women- can be downright miserable.  Here are some quick tips to help you get through:

- Try everything.  Every woman and every pregnancy is going to be different.  Things I tried my first pregnancy didn't work the second time, as well as things that hadn't worked the first time, did sometimes help the second pregnancy.  Things like ginger gum, ginger ale, sea bands, ginger tea/drinks, crackers on the bedside table, eating something small first and something bigger second, trying preggie pops/drops and many more recommendations were all things I tried at some point in either pregnancy.

- Try to rest as much as you can.  If this is your first pregnancy, do your best to get to sleep earlier at night.  If you already have children, don't be afraid to ask for help.  A spouse/partner, friend, or family member may be able to give you a hand with your older child in order for you to get some rest.

- Drink as much water as possible.  Decreasing dehydration can help you to avoid nausea.  Pregnant ladies who are dehydrated may experience more nausea than pregnant ladies who are well hydrated.

- Learn your own body.  There were days during my first and my current pregnancy where I was physically unable to accomplish anything.  There were days where I did call off of work, put on a cartoon for my son at home so I could lay down, or take some time at work to stop and get a snack or rest my head on a desk for a few minutes.  Your body is telling you something when you feel that sick.  While our culture sadly rewards those who 'push through the pain', this is not one of those cases.  Take care of yourself and your body/baby!

- Don't be afraid to ask for help.  There are some medications your doctor can give you for morning sickness if it becomes excessive.  There is no shame in admitting you need help to continue to do your daily tasks.  

- Take comfort in the fact that, in most cases, morning sickness doesn't last forever, and you will get through this.  I promise, the end result is far more rewarding than the path to get there!

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Preparing for Your Second Pregnancy and Baby

After the initial overwhelming recognition that you are pregnant again, there are often some realizations that a second pregnancy can be very different than your first pregnancy.  No pregnancy is the same, and during your second or third+ pregnancy, there are many factors you didn't have to consider the first time around.

One of the very quick realities many pregnant mothers face is being sick.  Seeing as how my first child is still a toddler, something that I did very quickly was determine a safe place for him to be when I was having morning sickness.  We are lucky enough to have a space near our bathroom that is large enough to store a pack and play, and this was the safe spot I'd put him in when I was sick.  It was already stocked with toys and books to keep him occupied, toys that he only got to play with during those specific times, so he was happy just to sit and play.

A second consideration as the pregnancy progresses is where your first and second child will reside.  Do you have enough space for them to have their own rooms?  Do you co-sleep or roomshare, thus this being a non-issue?  Do you want them to share a room?  Do you re-decorate all over again?  Personally, we designed a unisex nursery the first time around, so we only had to plan/design/implement our son's toddler room.  

If your child is old enough to understand, you also may spend some time addressing the topic of preparing your child mentally and physically for their new brother or sister.  How you choose to approach that topic will vary greatly based on your child and your relationship with your child, as many children learn and process in different ways.

Last but not least, you have to prepare yourself.  Many mothers have fears and trepidations about bringing a (much-wanted!) second child into their lives.  There are few mothers who don't worry about how it will affect their first child, change their current lives, and try their patience or ability as a parent.  After having a few of these fears as a first time mom, however, most second time moms realize that you will get through these fears and get to the other side.  The second time mom realizes that everything is a phase, there is always enough love to go around, and cartoons are amazing on a rough day :)

What is something you are doing to prepare for your pregnancy and baby?

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Men Just Don't Understand

I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what to post about for my last two posts on this blog. And after asking for ideas from my family members, I never would have guessed it would have been my brother-in-law that would have a genius idea.

So thanks to him, I bring to you my short list of things my man will never, ever understand about pregnancy and childbirth. (Isn't it a shame that men don't get to experience it?) It doesn't matter how much we try to explain, there are just some things he will never understand.

--He will never understand how amazing it is to feel a baby moving and growing inside of him. Sure, he can feel the kicks and stuff, but actually feeling it inside your body is one of the most amazing things there is about the whole process.

--He will never get what an emotional roller coaster pregnancy and childbirth are. (See myPhases of Pregnancy post for an explanation of the roller coaster ride that it is!)

--He can't grasp exactly how strong pregnancy cravings are. I know he's not happy when I NEED muffins at 10:00 at night, but I sure am glad he's willing to go to the store and get them for me.

--He will never realize how unbelievably tiring it is to just exist in pregnancy.

--He won't ever understand how frustrating it is to have him call from work daily during the last couple weeks and ask if the baby is coming yet.

--He will never, ever, ever understand the pain of childbirth. And there is no pain he can endure that he can compare to it, no matter how hard he tries to.

--He won't ever realize how excruciating, frustrating, and rewarding nursing a baby can be.

--He'll never understand why I cry so often for several months after having a baby...but I really can't blame him for that one since I usually don't understand why I'm crying either.

--He'll never realize how glorious it is to be able to sleep in any position I want again after the baby is born.

--He won't ever know what an amazing experience he's missing out on (even if we mostly complain, making it hard for him to realize how amazing it really is and feels).

This list only makes me realize how lucky we are as women to be the ones that get to experience growing a human inside of us, in spite of any pain and discomfort we endure. I know our men go through their own trials, emotions, and excitement during the process, but what a wonderful miracle it is that we get to "man up" and do this. After having children, it is all something that I will most definitely not take for granted! Even though he'll never understand, I know for sure that we are the lucky ones.

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It's Summertime! (repost)

It was just barely over a year ago that I said on this blog " During my first pregnancy I was in the huge, uncomfortable stage of pregnancy right in the heat (and humidity cause I'm on the east coast) of summer! It wasn't fun. And I vowed to myself that I will never be in the third trimester of pregnancy in the horrible heat of summer again!!!"

And now I find myself practically eating my words. Although I'm not in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, I'm still almost 24 weeks and practically just as miserable as I was during that first pregnancy. Somehow I thought that having my a baby at the beginning of September was horrible with going through the pregnancy in the horrible heat and humidity of summer. BUT I thought that having a baby two months later this time, at the beginning of November, would be soooo much better. I was wrong.

So if you are like me, you might need to be reminded of how to make a summer pregnancy more bearable and keep you as healthy as possible.

--Make sure to drink lots and lots of water. Dehydration and pregnancy are not a good mix. (for me it caused contractions). You should have at least 6 to 8 glasses a day. For me, if I have a glass soon after waking up it makes it easier for me to keep drinking throughout the day. And yes, you already have to run to the bathroom a million times a day, but it's better than the alternative. If you aren't a fan of water and find it hard to get in the 6 to 8 glasses, make sure to get some watery fruits and veggies, too, like honeydew melon, cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumber

--Frequent the pool. It's a great way to cool off, relieve back pain, and get in some exercise. During my first pregnancy I was able to go to the pool often and it really was the best. And I'd hang out along the side of the pool doing leg lifts and other water aerobics. I may have gotten a few weird looks, but it felt so good, and I'm used to people looking at me like I'm crazy.

--Flip flops are pretty much the worst choice. It's so hard for me to say that since all my watermelon sized feet could fit into were flip flops, but most of them don't have the arch support that we really need while pregnant. Because of all of the extra weight and the stretching of ligaments, flip flops just aren't the best and wearing them daily could cause permanent damage. But if you have to wear them (I do believe I HAVE to) make sure to get some with good arch support.

--Prop up your feet. I'm not even kidding about how bad my hands, feet and ankles swelled because of the hot summer. (I'm tempted to show you a picture for you skeptics, but I will refrain) Keeping your feet up helps, and so does a nice foot massage! And going back to the first tip, drinking water helps with the swelling, too, along with taking in less salt.

--Stay indoors when you can on those super hot days. Yes, it can be boring, which is when you hit up the mall or go to a movie. And it can seem almost impossible if you have another child who needs to get out and get some energy. But do what you can to stay cool inside. Just take advantage of the cooler weather at sundown.

--Load up on sunscreen. I'm one of those people that will say this is a must anytime, pregnant or not. But did you know that higher levels of estrogen during pregnancy cause melasma and wearing sunscreen is the best way to prevent it? Make sure to wear SPF 50, even if it's cloudy. I've gotten my worst sunburns on overcast days.

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Telling him you're pregnant

Don't forget to enter the Milan Maternity Spring/Summer collection giveaway. (You can enter each day that you share the giveaway!!) Tomorrow is the last day! Click here to enter!

For me, telling my husband when I'm pregnant is one of the most exciting parts about the pregnancy. For my first pregnancy, I was so excited that I ran into the room where he was and just told him. He was mostly in shock I think, but it's one of those moments I'll always remember.

For my second pregnancy I decided to do something a little more and I thought it would be fun to get my son involved a little bit. So when my husband came home from work, my son was wearing this onesie I made him.

It took my husband a couple of minutes to take the time to read what it actually said and it was KILLING me!! But it was so much fun to tell him that way.

With baby number three, I wanted to do something fun. But then I had a thought. I'm always the first person to know, and I'm always the one somehow telling him. I thought it would be fun to let him be the one to see the pregnancy test first and tell me. So I took the test, left it in the bathroom, and told him he was going to get to see it first. When he walked out of the bathroom, I could tell immediately by the look on his face that it was positive. It was fun to do it in reverse.

I looked to our dear friend Pinterest to find some other cute ideas for announcing to your other half your pregnancy. Here's a few fun ones that I found.

This one made me laugh. (I couldn't find where it originated from since all the links took me to weird sites) But...I loved the idea! Simple and fun.

You could buy him this shirt, and place it in his shirt pile.

Or, presenting him with a coupon for 1 baby could be a fun route to go. (Although the ultrasound might later show he's getting a 2 for 1 deal :)

No matter how you tell him, it will be fun and a special moment for the two of you. And...don't worry if at first he seems more shocked or scared than excited.

What fun ways have you told your man that you're pregnant??

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Spring/Summer Collection Review and GIVEAWAY!!

When I saw the pictures of the new Spring/Summer collection, I was so excited to get my hands on them (and body into them).

I fell in love with the Luciana (pictured here in Watermelon Dot) from the moment I saw it. I'm a polka-dot kind of girl, and I loved the color combos (it's also available in White Dot). It's a very cute, very flattering maternity top. And the fact that it doubles as a nursing top for after the baby is born makes it that much better.

The next top I was excited about getting was the Viviana (pictured here in pink rose, also available in Marina Blue). I chose to get it in pink, but it probably would have been more appropriate for me to get it in blue, since it turns out I'm having a boy! This is a top that is great now when I'm not showing very much, and I know it will transition well into those last few months when I'm as huge as a house.

The Adelina was a perfect change from my normal maternity dresses. It fits great, feels comfortable, and is different from all the other dresses I have.

If you haven't had a chance to check out the new stuff yet, make sure you do! There is also the cute Feliciana dress (in Plum and Cerise Red) and the Marcella top (in Tangerine and Lime).

And here's your chance to win one of the new Spring/Summer items! There are lots of ways to enter, and here's how:

1) Go to the Milan Maternity website and tell us which new item you would like if you win.

2) Share this giveaway with one of the "share buttons" at the bottom of this post. It's super easy to share on Facebook, twitter, your blog, or e-mail! (One entry for each way shared, and for each day shared, leave a separate comment for each)

3)Follow Milan Maternity on Facebook , follow this blog, follow Milan Maternity on Twitter , post one of our buttons on your blog and leave the link (leave a separate comment for each )

Giveaway ends June 22nd, 11:59 PM.

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Are you happy with your provider?

In my opinion, birthing a baby is one of the single most important events of your life. And not only is it a super important life event, but it's a super important life event that is medically related. Feeling 110% comfortable with the care you receive during your pregnancy and the care you will receive during your birth isn't too much to ask.

If you are considering changing providers because you aren't feeling completely comfortable with the one you're with, here's some good indicators that it's time for a change (List from "Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy & Childbirth"):

*You spend a long time in the waiting room at every visit-a sign that your provider has more patients than they can comfortably handle.

*Exams are rough or uncomfortable.

*Your care provider dismisses, challenges, or demeans your questions, or responds with "Why do you want to know?"

*You feel like you can't be honest with your provider about your activities.

*When you call with a question, your call isn't taken or isn't returned promptly.

*You don't like the other care providers in the group practice.

*The hospital where your care provider delivers doesn't have features that you want, such as water birthing facilities.

* (From my own personal list) You don't agree with your providers views on such things as pain management, inductions, c-sections, etc.

During my first pregnancy I was going to a regular ob/gyn office, but felt like I was being herded through like one of a million. I just didn't feel comfortable, so a few months into the pregnancy I decided I just wasn't ok with the care I was receiving and decided to ask around for other options (which is how I ended up at a midwife practice). If you have any concerns or doubts, don't hesitate to find something you feel comfortable with. And don't let how far along you are in your pregnancy hold you back!! My sister changed providers 2 weeks before her due date!! It wasn't easy to find someone that late in the game, but obviously someone will take you in if they have your best interest in mind.

Ask your friends for suggestions of providers, send out a mass text to all your mom friends, ask on facebook...modern technology is a blessing when it comes to asking for advice on a large scale. Whatever you do, just make sure you feel comfortable and at ease with your prenatal care and the views of your provider for your birth! And just know that it's never too late to look for other options!!

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The Phases of Pregnancy

I have realized that I have very clear phases of pregnancy. And it seems, from seeing and talking to other women, that they go through very similar phases.

#1, The "Oh my gosh" I'm really pregnant Phase

This phase is the briefest of all phases. It happens every time I've taken a pregnancy test, and the test was positive. As soon as I see the positive sign, my first thought is something along the lines of "OH my gosh! I'm actually pregnant!!" It happens every time. Even though all of my pregnancies have been planned and hoped for, I still have that brief moment of anxiety. This phase lasts anywhere from 10 seconds to 1 minute, then is immediately followed by Phase 2.

# 2, The Excited Phase

You've just taken a pregnancy test, you are indeed pregnant, and you've gone through Phase 1. You are now feeling all of the joy and excitement in the world. This phase usually lasts a couple of weeks. It's the phase where you look up everything pregnancy related on the internet, and want to soak in everything. It's a fabulous phase.

# 3, The I Am Soooo Pregnant Phase /Am I Really Pregnant Phase

Phase 3 has two different phases, depending on if you are the kind of person that gets sick or not. The I Am Soooo Pregnant Phase person is the person who gets sick and is reminded every single day that they are pregnant because they constantly feel sick or keep getting sick. It is not a fun phase of pregnancy.

The Am I Really Pregnant Phase happens at the same time other people are going through the "I Am Soooo Pregnant Phase." This is the people who don't get sick at all during pregnancy, and feel just like they always feel. They aren't sick and they aren't showing at all, so the pregnancy seems kind of unreal. It's not unusual for these people to forget that they are, indeed, pregnant.

# 4, The Good Phase

This phase typically coincides with the second trimester. Most of us are feeling better by this point. (I'm so sorry for those of you that don't!!) You have energy again (or a little more) (if you lost it) and you're usually starting to show soon after this phase begins. And it's also sometime during this phase that you usually start to feel the baby move, making it feel super real that there is a human life growing inside of you. And it's during this phase you usually get an ultrasound, founding out the gender if you so choose. Which means those that went through the Am I Really Pregnant Phase have proof that they are, in fact, pregnant. This phase is just....good and exciting.

# 5, The I Have to Actually Birth A Baby?!?! Phase

This phase seems to come at the end of the second trimester/beginning of the third trimester. It has finally set in that now that this baby is in there, it also has to come out. You've probably read too much information about the birthing process and are freaking out about all of it and wishing that the baby could magically go from being inside you to outside of you with no birth necessary. Or, if you've already had a baby, any of the scary memories that you have blocked out so well come flooding back to you. You're freaking out.

# 6, The I Want This Baby Out of Me Phase

You go from comfortably pregnant to uncomfortably pregnant. You are huge, you have to pee 10 times in an hour, and just can't seem to figure out how to feel comfortable. You want the baby OUT so you can just feel normal again! And you want it out soon, and by any means possible. Depending on how large and uncomfortable you get and when, this phase can last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple months. (I'm pretty sure this phase started at 6 months during my first pregnancy, but came much later during my second more comfortable pregnancy).

# 7, The Anticipation Phase

You are now full term and the baby can now come "at any time" and be healthy and every day you wonder if it's going to be the day, and every night you go to sleep wondering if you are going to wake up in the middle of the night in labor. Every day feels like the longest day ever, and you do everything you can to fill your day and stay busy because the anticipation is killing you.

# 8, The Reality Phase

You are in labor, and this baby IS coming. There is no turning back now. It is only a matter of time before you will be a mother (again...). It is only a matter of time before this newborn baby that you will be fully responsible for will be in your arms and the constant feeding, sleepless nights, uncontrollabe crying (you and/or the baby) begins. It is only a matter of time before you get to hold that sweet, most perfect little baby in your arms that you have been dreaming of for months. You are going to have to really birth this baby, and you aren't sure if you can, but it's happening, and it's real, and you're scared, and you're excited, and your nervous, and...and...and...and... And even if you've already had a baby, you go through these feelings of excitement and doubt every time.

#9, The Unreal Phase

Your baby is here, your baby is perfect, and it feels like everything is a dream. You can't possibly put into words how you feel or what you are thinking, but nothing feels real, yet it all somehow feels utterly and completely perfect.

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Celebrity Baby Bumps

I've decided that one of the things in life that just aren't fair is how cute celebrities (usually) look when pregnant. Check out some of these famous baby bumps from the last few months.

Molly Sims always looks great and her and her baby bump look amazing!
Reese Witherspoon is too cute, especially with her baby bump.

Adriana Lima is a better model pregnant than I could ever dream to be when I'm not pregnant.

Alyson Hannigan looks so lovely with her little bump!
Seinna Miller looks so cute just strolling down the street. I wish that's how I looked on a daily basis.
I don't think Vanessa Lachey ever has a day where she doesn't look cute and put together. I love how she rocks her baby bump.
And of course Kourtney Kardashian can pull of dresses when she's pregnant that I couldn't have ever in my life have pulled of.

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Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

I had no idea before I started having children that there were so many foods I had to avoid. It was all new to me. Here's a list:

-Soft cheeses--During pregnancy, try to avoid Brie, goat, Camembert, feta, queso blanco, an blue or other veined varieties of cheese. The reason is that they may be unpasteurized and might contain listeria, which can trigger food poisoning. Cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan have been aged, which process kills bacteria naturally.

-Eggs--Don't avoid eggs, but we all know that can be contaminated with salmonella, which is more dangerous for pregnant women. Just make sure you eat refrigerated eggs that don't have any cracks and or have unclean shells. And, avoid runny eggs. We also aren't supposed to sample the cookie dough, but I have to admit, it is very, very hard for me to resist!!

-Deli and prepacked lunch meats--I somehow completely missed the memo on this one during my first pregnancy. Turns out they can also be contaminated with listeria if they aren't handled properly. Before eating deli or prepackaged lunch meats, make sure you heat them until they are steaming hot so you can kill the bacteria. Some meats can also be infected with toxoplasma. If the meats aren't fully cooked, it's one of the infections that can cross into the placenta.

-Some fish--There are fish that contains high levels of mercury, which is obviously bad for fetal brain development. Fish to avoid are shark, tilefish, king mackerel, swordfish, and albcore tuna. Don't think you have to stay away from all fish though. Canned tuna has very low levels of mercury and is ok once or twice a week. And salmon doesn't contain mercury. It's actually great for you during pregnancy, when your body needs a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, which it has!

-Caffeine--A 2008 study from Kaiser Permanente confirmed that high doses of caffeine daily during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage. It found that women who consumed more than 200 milligrams or more of caffeine per day had twice the risk of miscarriage than women who didn't have any. So beware of coffee, tea, soda, cocoa, and energy drinks...especially during the first trimester.

-Alcohol--I think almost everyone knows this by now, but let's cover our bases just in case. Did you know that alcohol crosses into the placenta immediately? Women who drink frequently while pregnant put their child at risk of fetal alcohol syndrome, which can have mild to very severe side effects. In 2005, the US Surgeon General urged all pregnant women to avoid any alcohol.

-Soft serve ice cream--I just heard about this one a few weeks ago! I had no clue. It poses another danger when it comes to listeria. It can live in the machines that hold and serve it. Listeria can affect the placenta, amniotic fluid, and the placenta if you are infected.

With all that said...if you've had these things, don't stress. I can tell you I have enjoyed large amounts of chocolate, soft serve ice cream, cookie dough, and unheated lunch meats while pregnant, and it's all been ok. Just use caution in everything!

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What I Wish I Had Known #8

I don't remember feeling this way with my first pregnancy, so I wish someone had warned me: Pregnancy makes you tired!! I wish I had known that for the second pregnancy (and now my third). I always have tried to limit my sons t.v. time, but when I was pregnant with baby #2, I'd turn on the t.v. for him, lie down on the couch, and be out like a light...I was SO tired! Now that baby #3 is on the way, all morning long I can't wait until the kids nap time because all I want to do is sleep, because I am just SO tired!

I wish I had known that growing a baby inside of me would completely zap all of my energy! (Not that it would change anything, but knowing what's coming is always nice.) So make sure you plan time for naps!

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Mother's Day Sale and.....that awkward phase

I'm at that stage in pregnancy when my regular clothes don't fit right, but maternity clothes are too big. This phase of pregnancy seems to be occurring earlier and earlier with each pregnancy. I am only 13 weeks, after all, and I'm already hitting the awkward clothes phase.

Luckily, Milan Maternity has some clothing options that are PERFECT for this phase. These options are ones that are good because most people probably wouldn't even notice that they are in fact maternity clothes. And they aren't huge on you during the early stages of pregnancy when your stomach is just starting to grow.

The Gisella is perfect. It fits well even in the early stages. It comes in two colors: coral and emerald. (And they happen to be on sale for $23. It's a win-win!)

I LOVE the Vittoria dress. And one of the most awesome things about it is that when I wore it, no one had the slightest idea it was a maternity/nursing dress. Which means when you are trying to cover up that teeny tiny baby bump, no one will know you are actually covering it with a maternity/nursing dress.

Another top perfect for those early stages of pregnancy that is also a favorite of mine is the Gabriella. It comes in both royal fuschia and vintage blue. And another one of my favorite things about it is that it can be worn with the detail in the front or the back.

The Carissa is yet another perfect option. The ruched sides are perfect for your growing belly, making it look good even when you're in the early months. It also comes in two colors: honeysuckle pink and nautical blue.

And last, but certainly not least is another favorite of mine. The Nicola is yet another top that doesn't look like a maternity top. In the early months it fits a little loosely, and no one would even know that it's a maternity top. I also LOVE both colors it comes in, berry and seafoam green.

See, Milan Maternity has you covered in every single stage of pregnancy and after. Even that fun phase when other maternity clothes are just too big.

And in case you're needing an additional incentive, our Mother's Day sale is going on through Monday!  Get 15% off everything with code "15FORMOM" and free shipping on all orders over $50. 

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For just a dollar

You may or may not know this, but the dollar store can be pretty awesome! It's unfortunate that I go as infrequently as I do, but I went enough to FINALLY notice that they have pregnancy tests! Did you know this? I wish I had known sooner. Pregnancy tests are not cheap. (Especially if you are like me, and feel like taking just one test isn't enough.) If you are also like me, you might be wondering "A pregnancy test? From the dollar store? Is it legit?" Leave it to me to put it to the test. For purposes of this science experiment, I bought my favorite pregnancy test brand along with the dollar store test.

My favorite pregnancy test brand:

The results:

The dollar store pregnancy test:

The results:

Turns out I've been wasting money all this time! I could have found out I was pregnant with my previous two much cheaper! It should be noted that it's not the typical "pee on a stick" test. There is an extra step, but hey...for a dollar, I can do one extra step.

Oh...and yes, I am pregnant! Baby number three is due at the beginning of November.

--aniC

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What I Wish I Had Known #7

Anyone who does any kind of reading about pregnancy has read the information about pregnancy weight gain.

If your pre-pregnancy weight was in the normal range, you should gain between 25-35 pounds.

If your pre-pregnancy weight was below the normal range, you should gain between 28-40 pounds.

And if your pre-pregnancy weight was above the normal range, you should gain between 15-25 pounds.

Now, I am no medical professional (obviously) but to this I say a big fat whatever! (Please pardon me if you disagree.) But here's the deal. I am CONVINCED that there is no standard for weight a woman should gain during her pregnancy. I am CONVINCED that every woman responds to pregnancy differently, not only different from one woman to another, but from one pregnancy to another for each individual person.

I am not saying that we should sit around all day doing nothing, and eat 23 donuts, 2 packages of Oreo cookies, and a couple cartons of ice cream and just have the attitude of "I'm pregnant, so I'll gain whatever I gain." We obviously have to be smart (within the means of being smart while having pregnancy cravings) and that we should do what we can to get physical exercise. But the fact of the matter is, I started both of my pregnancies at a normal weight. With my first, I gained about 60 lbs and with my second about 35. (Although, you can almost say all that extra weight during the first pregnancy must have been due to the Texas sized feet I got.) I didn't eat completely crazy during either pregnancy, and I didn't stay stagnate during either pregnancy. Although, the first was a boy and the second was a girl, and I think that can make a difference with some woman. My midwives gave me a hard time for gaining so much weight during my first pregnancy, and I was really bothered that I was gaining so much beyond what I was supposed to.

And I say all that to say this: I wish I had known not to hold myself to some "standard for pregnancy weight gain". I wasn't doing anything overtly unhealthy. And it goes the other way, too. If you are doing everything you can to gain weight during pregnancy, and it just isn't happening, don't feel bad. Everyone is different, everyone's body is different, and everyone's bodies reacts in a different way. Don't be upset if your normal isn't the "standard" normal.

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Pack your bags!!

I am such a procrastinator, so I really wasn't one to have a hospital bag packed much in advance. Plus, some things are last minute things anyways. But, it's still important to get it done! Here's a list that might help you out as you pack your bags to get ready for your hospital stay for your babies birth.

1. I absolutely say this is the most important. CHAPSTICK! I don't know what it is about labor and childbirth (perhaps all the heavy breathing during labor?) that makes your lips so dry. I remember not having any during my second birth experience and making my husband go get some. I applied it often and liberally throughout the remainder of labor.

2. Toiletries. Deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, make-up, hair elastics, shampoo, conditioner. Basically, everything you'd take if you were going on a trip where none of those things are provided.

3. Comfy clothes, socks, and slippers. I most certainly did take my housecoat with me the second time, and most certainly enjoyed wearing that over having to wear the hospital gown. And I was thankful to have some comfy socks to keep my cold feet warm on those cold hospital floors.

4. Photo ID, insurance card, birth plan, checks or credit card. This would probably not be the best time to forget such items.

5. Delicious snacks. Not that places let you eat while you are laboring. But afterwards, when you are starving like you haven't eaten in days, and all you're getting is bland hospital foods, you'll be happy to have some good snacks on hand.

6. Anything that will help you be comfortable, relax, or take your mind off of the pain. Whether this is in the form of an IPOD with your favorite music, a favorite book, or pictures of your family. Personally, I didn't have time for any of this stuff, but I know others find it useful.

7. Important phone numbers. Some hospitals don't allow cell phones (Crazy, I know!) Or some have really bad cell reception, thus sucking battery life out of your phone. Whatever may happen, it's always a good idea to have the important numbers written down somewhere in case you can't get them off of your cell phone.

8. Comfortable clothes for the ride home. I had jeans to wear home, but luckily also had some comfy pants. Maybe it's just me, but why would I even want to wear jeans?? I say comfy clothes going home are a necessity.

9. Your babies going home outfit. It's always so fun picking out the perfect outfit to take your new baby home in. Although, keep in mind, unless your baby is above average, the clothes are going to swallow them, so try to pick the tiniest thing available.

10. Comfortable undergarments. This is a time when "granny panties" are, in every way, ok. And needed! And whether your are going to nurse or not, make sure you have a comfortable supportive bra.

11. If you are planning to nurse, make sure you have some nipple cream. Whether it's your first baby or 5th, you'll need it!

Some last minute items (Electronics of course!):

-Camera and charger. I try to make sure the camera stays charged those last few weeks of pregnancy, and make sure it stays in a place that will be easy to grab when it's time to get to the hospital. And make sure you have plenty of storage space ready to go on your camera.

-Cell phone and charger. As previously mentioned, if you can use your cell phone, it might not get good reception in the hospital, so make sure you have a charger since it's battery life will go quicker.

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It's sandal time!

Today is the last day to enter the Lillybit Uptown Diaper clutch giveaway HERE! Don't forget to enter before tonight at 11:59 PST!!

Spring is officially here! I love spring. And I love that it really does feel like spring (at least where I am). And I love that spring means sandals!! My toes love the fresh air just as much as my face does!

When it comes to sandals and pregnancy/constantly carrying around a little one, comfort and support are key. Usually when I think of "comfortable and supportive sandals" I think of something a grandma would wear. But there are lots of great non-granny ones, too!

The first two comfortable/supportive brands I thought of were Aerosoles and Crocs. Now...Crocs are something I have never owned. I just never could jump on that bandwagon. But for the sake of you guys, I looked up what they had, and I have to say these two caught my eye.

The first pair I noticed were the "sexi sandal" (their name, not mine!). And they come in different colors. Black, oyster, espresso, nautical navy, and scarlet (pictured).

The "Adrina Strappy sandal" comes in aqua/celery (pictured), black, espresso/bronze, ultraviolet/berry, and scarlet/oyster color combinations.

I have to say, even though I have had a Croc aversion for years, I'd love both of these...in all colors.

I also found a couple of pairs of Aerosoles. I actually own these "Plush Around" sandals. And I love them! They come in black, brown (pictured), beige , natural, demin, gold metallic, leopard, and silver metallic. Truly, You can't go wrong with these!

And these "At First Plush" are super cute. They come in bone (pictured), black, and red.

And there's tons of other comfortable/supportive sandal options out there. (But I have 2 kids and not enough time in the day, so I can't find them all for you.) The point is, there are options! And it is sandal season, so for Pete sake, get yourself some cute (comfortable) sandals!

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Don't ask!

Don't forget to enter the Lillybit Uptown Diaper clutch giveaway HERE!

I was pregnant for the first time at this time 4 years ago. The crazy comments and questions started right away before I was even pregnant! You know...I got married so people automatically started asking when we were going to have kids. Then, believe it or not, when I went to the drugstore in my hometown in South Carolina to buy a pregnancy test, I placed the pregnancy test on the counter and the woman working asked "Ohhhh, what are you hoping it will say?" Ummm....wow.

Since those first experiences, I have had a plethora of questions and comments that have made me think "Ummm...wow." Or often times "Ummm...awkward." or "Ummm...really!?" But to be truthful, I am sometimes guilty of asking some of those questions or making some of those comments myself.

If you aren't sure what questions and comments I might be speaking of, I've taken it upon myself to make a list for you. You might find these useful for yourself, or, perhaps you can think of a person or two to send this list to.

Of course, the first...When are you going to have a baby? I always wanted to respond to this question with "None of your business." but as a rule, I try to stay classy. But seriously, it is no one else's business, unless of course you choose to make it their business. I think everyone should make it a rule to avoid this question.

The first is followed closely by Are you pregnant? I am guilty of asking this question once. I felt so bad afterwords for asking that I vowed to never ask again. Not because it was one of those awkward I asked but the person wasn't actually pregnant situations. But because she was pregnant, and I realized that pregnant women tell people they are pregnant when they want to tell people they are pregnant.

Was it on purpose or a surprise? This question also invokes the desire in me to say "None of your business", but again, I resist. I admit, there have been many times I have wanted to ask someone this question myself, but I think the more appropriate route to go is just pay attention and see if I can figure it out yourself.

Wow, you're only 6 months? It looks like that baby is coming any day now. I feel like I shouldn't have to explain myself on this one. If you ever feel the desire to say this, I have one piece of advice for you: Keep your mouth shut. Or perhaps you like the wrath of a pregnant woman?

Awww...Poor thing. You look miserable. Really? Because, personally, the 50 extra pounds, swollen feet, and need to go to the bathroom every fifteen minutes makes me feel like a million bucks. Seriously though. If I look miserable, I don't need anyone telling me so.

I love the obvious You haven't had that baby yet? Actually, I did. But I love being pregnant so much, I had them put it back in so I could carry it around for a few more months. This really has to be at the top of my list of "questions" that I despise the most.

Then it happens. Your joyous little bundle has arrived and all of a sudden you hear someone say So when are you going to have another one? I kid you not, when I had my first, one of the prenatal nurses at the hospital asked me how long I thought it would be before I had another. And, I kid you not, I wanted to claw her eyes out. This question is just wrong. Wrong, I tell you!

That's not how you do it. I have to say, that as a new mother, that is probably the worst thing you can hear. Everyone wants to give advice, and let's admit it, sometimes we need it. But no new mother wants to hear that she's doing something wrong.

Don't you love having a newborn and not getting a whole lot of sleep? And don't you love when people ask Are you getting any sleep? If you ever have the desire to ask, switch things up and instead ask "Can I watch the baby for a couple hours while you take a nap?"

I'm certain there are ones I'm forgetting. Feel free to add to the list. I think everyone should be educated on this topic!

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