How to prepare for baby when you don’t know the gender

So you’ve decided you’re going to wait until bubs arrives so you can have that traditional ‘It’s a [insert gender here]!’ moment. Maybe you’re happy about it or maybe you just lost the argument with your partner over the issue. Either way, you have yourself a dilemma – how on earth do you prepare for a baby when you don’t know the gender?

A quick scan of any of baby stores awash with pink and blue will tell you that manufacturers are assuming you asked that all-important question at your 20-week ultrasound!
Don’t panic, you can still make sure you’re prepared without buying double of everything, just in case.

Choose a gender-neutral theme for the nursery

There are some really gorgeous gender-neutral prints out there – jungle scenes with impossibly sweet giraffes and monkeys; circus clowns with brightly-coloured beach balls balancing on the nose of happy seals.
The beauty of this approach is you’ll be able to use the same sheets and sleeping bags for any future little brothers or sisters!

Leave space for pink and blue

It can be as simple as a delaying the purchase of a throw rug to draper over the chair and keep you warm during the midnight feeds; or leaving a space on the wall for a beautiful pink butterfly picture or a montage of dump trucks.
These final touches can easily be added in the days or weeks following the birth of your precious bundle.

Buy gender-neutral coloured baby clothes

Let’s face it, nobody likes lemon. It makes babies look jaundiced even if they’re not. Unless you’ve found a lovely pattern which combines lemon with other colours (crimson or navy make great contrasts), steer clear of pale yellow onesies!
White, green and red are great options, and good for staples like onesies and singlets, but they’re not particularly exciting on their own.
If you’re really looking for something that will really brighten up your baby preparations, consider opting for patterned clothing. The availability of gender-neutral patterned clothing is limited, but you’re certain to find a few lovely items that you can feel proud to bring baby home in.

Delay buying clothes and bedding

Obviously you need to make sure you’ve got something to pop bubs in when he or she is first born, and the last thing you want to be doing is hitting the shops when you get home from hospital!
However, there’s nothing wrong with waiting a little while to buy some really pretty pink or handsome blue outfits. What you may not realise is those first few weeks are often such a blur of highs and lows you probably won’t much care what baby is wearing – as long as they don’t cover them in poo and let you get some sleep!
And remember – there’s always online shopping, which you can do from home… on your phone… during the 3am feed if you like!

Gift-free baby shower

Baby showers are great fun, but if your friends and family don’t know the gender of the baby, you may end up with piles and piles of grey and white clothing and wraps that they didn’t really want to buy. You’ll be miserable and so will they.
Consider gently suggesting to your guests that they spend the baby shower having fun with you and celebrating your pregnancy. Point out to them how much more fun they’ll have shopping for your baby when he or she is born – they’ll be able to happily fling their way through racks of frilly pink dresses or robot-encrusted rompers!

Rebecca Bowyer is a Melbourne mum of two preschool boys. You can find her writing about all things parenting at Seeing the Lighter Side.

The post How To Prepare For Baby When You Don’t Know The Gender appeared first on All Mum Said.

Is It Safe To Clean When Pregnant?

Are you pregnant? Constantly cleaning, scrubbing and tidying? Is it safe to clean when pregnant?

As every woman who has ever been pregnant knows, you have the urge to scrub, tidy and generally have everything spotless. This is most commonly known as nesting and unfortunately (or fortunately for others in the home) we all suffer from it.

Should any housework be avoided?

I hate to tell you but most cleaning jobs are safe to do while pregnant. In moderation of course, so you don’t overdo it. There are some things that should be avoided (aka left to someone else) or kept in mind while on your cleaning spree. These include:

• Cleaning the oven – Due to majority of kitchens being a smaller, more enclosed areas; fumes from oven cleaners are cause for concern. Especially when pregnant. In addition to toxic fumes there is also the bending and crouching to consider. It is best to hand this chore over to someone else.

• Clean only in well ventilated areas. Most chemicals and domestic cleaning products are safe to use when pregnant however the fumes and smell may cause you to feel light headed and sick if the room is not ventilated enough. Open doors and windows to allow good air-flow!

• Use protection – I’m not talking to prevent pregnancy. I mean rubber gloves and a mask to protect yourself from touching and inhaling chemicals. You can never be too safe.

During the later stages of pregnancy, you will find it harder to get up and down to clean showers, bath tubs, etc. on a daily basis. I know all too well and as a result of me being 37 weeks pregnant and not being able to maintain the level of cleanliness I like in my bathrooms; I hired a cleaner for the first time in my life. My bathrooms have never shined so much, or maybe that was the euphoria I felt because I didn’t have to clean them and yet they were spotless!

I typically live by my 5 minutes a day rule for cleaning the bathroom << check it out! It will save you a lot of hard work but as I am now heavily pregnant, I just cannot keep it up. For more information on staying healthy and safe during pregnancy, click the link.

I never saw the value in a cleaner until that life changing day last week. My eyes have been opened. To be honest the bathrooms are my most hated household chores! I know I am not alone in this which is why I have a great opportunity for one of All Mum Said’s amazing readers.

HomeHello have offered their services to help a mum (or dad) get on top of their cleaning. Or just so you can have a day off! Both of those options sounds great.

Who are HomeHello?

HomeHello is a team of experienced and insured local professional cleaners that provide high quality cleaning services at a seriously affordable rate to thousands of homes across metro regions of Sydney and Melbourne.

By clicking on their website, you are given a 3 simple steps to book your next clean. Select the details about your home, how many hours you want them (or you can use their suggestions based on the details you provide) and any additional chores you want done. You then select the date and time you’d like your cleaner to arrive.

You also don’t have to set a regular appointment if you don’t want, you can hire for a one-off, weekly or fortnightly home cleaning with their instant booking confirmation.

Prize Includes: 1x 3.5 hour HomeHello voucher (valued at $92).

This prize is only available to metro regions of Sydney and Melbourne!

See if you are in the serviceable area by entering you postcode here.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

This is an S1 POST.

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Before you start your baby on formula, read this, breastfeeding benefits both you and your baby.

You are finally holding your precious little baby in your arms after a long 40 weeks of pregnancy. You just want to admire their precious little features but they are hungry. Often mothers have to overcome struggles; maybe you think you aren’t producing enough milk or perhaps your baby won’t attach to your breast properly. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to end there and here is why.

How Breastfeeding Benefits You And Your Baby

Breastfeeding benefits for mum

The benefits of breastfeeding extend further than just ‘breast is best’. Yes it is amazing for your baby but it is also beneficial for you, the mother. These benefits include:

• Weight loss – Producing milk for breastfeeding burns extra calories which result in pregnancy weight being lost faster. Like that isn’t reason enough!
• Emotional health – Breastfeeding encourages bonding and a stronger sense of connection between mother and baby. This results in reducing stress levels and the risk of postpartum depression.
• Lowers risk of cancers – Breastfeeding has shown to lower the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.
• Delayed menstruation – Women who breastfeed will find that as a result of feeding, their periods will be delayed. This is because the production of oestrogen and progesterone hormones are lessened by prolactin. As a result of the low level of fertility hormones breastfeeding mothers produce, it prevents ovulation and menstruation while breastfeeding.
• Feeling empowered – Having the knowledge and being able to watch you baby thrive and grow on breastmilk alone, will leave you feeling empowered. This is a wonderful way for a new mother to feel!

Breastfeeding benefits for baby

We know it is best for babies to have breast milk over formula but often we don’t know exactly why. The benefits of breastfeeding your baby is a list that goes on forever but the main ones you can identify with include:

• Breastmilk is sterile – This means there is nothing to clean, sanitise or be concerned about when feeding your baby. It is pure, sterile and perfect for your baby exactly how it is.
• More resistant to disease and infections – Antibodies are passed from the mother through breastfeeding to the baby, which strengthens their immune system.
• Formulated to suit your baby – Breastmilk has all the nutrients required in perfect dosages to suit your baby and their needs. With thousands of different ingredients, such as proteins, fats, lactose, vitamins, iron, minerals, enzymes, probiotics and stem cells. Breast milk is completely unique.
• First immunisation –Many of the proteins in breast milk are designed to kill bacteria and pathogens, while others act as immune barriers. Breast milk is technically your baby’s first immunisation.
• Gentle on tummies – As a result of it being tailored to perfectly meet the needs of your growing child. It is gentle on tummies and easy to digest thanks to the enzymes already packaged within it.
• Bonding and closeness – While this also benefits the mother, it has beneficial physical effects the baby. It calms the heart rate, increases oxygen levels and regulates breathing in addition to reducing crying.

Other breastfeeding benefits

It is great that breastfeeding benefits both mum and baby but the positive results don’t end there.

• Good for environment – There is no need to recycle tins, clean bottles, sterilise teats, etc.
• It is 100% natural.
• Convenient – You don’t need to prepare bottles prior to leaving the house in case your baby gets hungry. You have the convenience of it being ‘on tap’.
• Eases finances – It is FREE! Because it costs nothing, it eases the financial burden of purchasing formula.

Breastfeeding benefits come in many different forms but just because it is natural, does not mean it is always easy. If you are struggling and want to breastfeed, ask for help or visit Australian Breastfeeding Association online for more information. While breastfeeding is best for your baby, it is sometimes not what is best for the mother or family. This is perfectly OK as well; your baby is being fed, loved and looked after. Parents of formula fed babies should not feel inadequate or guilty by their decision.

Did you find breastfeeding easy and natural? Did you struggle? Was it simply not for you?

Share your tips below to help other mums on this journey?

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Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement. Well it is supposed to be.

Pregnancy Side Effects

Yes it is true that you are taking part in creating a life and it is such a precious and magical thing. What they don’t tell you is how horrible some of the pregnancy side effects can be. From heartburn to varicose veins and stretch marks to exhaustion. I like to call these the ‘not so joys of pregnancy’.

Stretch Marks

You think you prepare yourself for it but each time you have a glimmer of hope you will escape the wrath of whatever is to come. I am currently pregnant with baby number four and while I did receive a stomach covered in stretch marks from my first born, I have experienced worse in side effects in the consecutive pregnancies.

Morning Sickness

Baby number two introduced me to heartburn and all day morning sickness. What two better things to experience simultaneously (insert sarcasm)? I tried everything I could think of to help but unfortunately nothing I tried worked.

Heartburn / Indigestion / Varicose Veins

Then of course came baby number three. While I pretty much escaped morning sickness with her, I wasn’t fortunate enough to get away scot-free. I experienced torturous varicose veins and extremely severe pregnancy heartburn. I had experienced nothing like it before. I tried ginger, fruit tingles, eating small meals, not eating before bed, milk, quick-eze, Renee tablets but nothing worked. Well apart from not eating everything sweet, savoury or salty. I was left with pretty much only a selection of certain fruits and vegetables, rice and chicken. It was a very healthy diet so I cannot complain about that.

It wasn’t until after I had my daughter that I had heard about Gaviscon from a friend who had recently fallen pregnant and was also suffering heartburn. She swore by it and called it magic in a bottle! She said it was great because it was not only safe to take while pregnant but it also worked. Which when you are suffering indigestion you want nothing short of that. I have always had that conversation in the back of mind and kicked myself for not trying harder to find a solution when I needed it most. Now I am in my second trimester and have not experienced heartburn once. Maybe because now I know there is something that can help ease the pain and restore comfort.

Did you experience heartburn or indigestion during pregnancy? What was your ‘go to’ method for relief?

This is an S1 POST.

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With our youngest child at almost two years of age and already three children in our family; the last thing we were expecting and if I’m being totally honest, really wanted was another baby. You may remember me blogging about the screaming of ovaries but the head being so much more reasonable, well basically throw that out the window because it doesn’t really matter at this point.

Unplanned Pregnancy – Now What?

With each of my pregnancies, each time I brushed my teeth in the morning I would get that horrible nauseous feeling that was shortly followed by throwing up (mostly it was just phlegm or vile – too much information – I know) as I had a shower before doing anything else, there wasn’t much else that could come up. Well one morning out of nowhere I got this same feeling but my period wasn’t even due yet! I brushed it off, well I tried to, but it was seriously playing on my mind as it has never happened at any time I have not been pregnant. I did what any women would do in the situation and went and bought a pregnancy test. Well wouldn’t you know it, it was positive. We were expecting another baby. A very unplanned baby.

The next week would dish out more than its fair share of emotions and hypothetical discussions. We were in shock, we were surprised, we were (while I hate to say it) devastated. It was only for a moment but that feeling was worse than anything I had felt before. We have always been believers in everything happening for a reason and this is no exception. While it did take us a couple of weeks to get our heads around the idea, we are now feeling excited and beyond lucky that we can have the opportunity to grow our family. Far too many people would love to have children and are unable to do so. Knowing this, I would feel so ungrateful for not appreciating the gift of being able to carry a child to term. I think that is why I initially felt so bad when I wasn’t thrilled.

An unplanned pregnancy can be a life changing event in a couples life. I know because my first baby was also a HUGE surprise. I was 19 and working around the clock. My now husband was exactly the same and our career choice as chefs unfortunately didn’t pay enough that we would be able to afford to live, especially with a baby. Something had to change. We made a huge lifestyle change and my husband took on a completely new career path. We were extremely fortunate that our risk paid off and his new job paid well enough that I was able to stay home with our baby. Again we saw the unplanned pregnancy as ‘everything happens for a reason’. In that case it made us mature and work out what we wanted from life instead of just drifting through it.

So back to the original story. We are now expecting baby #4 and our other three children are over the moon excited. Bub is expected to be in our arms in early November.

Have you had an unplanned pregnancy? How did it change your life?

The post What Do You Mean I’m Pregnant Again? appeared first on All Mum Said.

Bonding with your baby through feeding

Bringing a new baby home is an amazing feeling. It is exciting. It is scary. It can be very overwhelming but it can also be the most important time of your life. Being able to bond with your baby is such a magical and unexplainable sentiment and for many women breastfeeding helps to establish this deep connection with our baby. Because of this we always hear about how important it is for women to breastfeed because of the advantages it gives both mum and baby but what about dads?

How are dads supposed to bond with their babies when they can’t breastfeed? With teamwork is how. The benefits of mum expressing milk help not only her but also dad and baby. First time dads especially feel like they are left out of the process when it comes to feeding so when a women expresses milk it not only gives dad a chance to bond with his baby through feeding; it also allows the baby’s mum a chance to enjoy a cup of tea/coffee, enjoy a sleep in or even be able to embrace her partner enjoying the closeness of their baby. As I said it’s magical. Even though dads don’t often express their needs where their baby is concerned, dads want to be able to feel this closeness and bond with their baby just as much as mums do. Bonding with your baby through feeding is a great place to start which is easy for mothers who breastfeed and often why they express breast milk.

There are so many breast pumps on the market that it makes it hard to know which one will be suited to you, which pumps works and which ones are a waste of money. My younger sister and brother-in-law have just experienced the beauty of bringing their first baby into the world which also meant she had been searching for the right breast pump in preparation of their baby being born. She was anticipating returning to work and expressing is a must for her as she wanted to breastfeed her son. She also wanted her partner to be able to experience the feeding process and do night feeds (because no one wants to get up every single time). This is when I received an email asking if I wanted to review the Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump. I called my sister and asked her if she was interested and she was beyond thrilled because she was looking at Medela for her pump mainly because she had heard nothing but great reviews. This particular pump retails for $449.00.

Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump Review

Set Up and Cleaning
The first thing I noticed about the pump after opening the box and taking all the parts out of their individually sealed bags was how simple it is to set up. Without even looking at the directions you can see exactly what fits where. Once I had it all together, I checked the instructions to ensure I set it up properly and to my surprise they are extremely simple and easy to understand. Don’t be scared by the size of the manual.

Before using the Medela breast pump; I sterilised all the equipment. Step by step directions on how to clean are included in the manual which makes it basically fool proof. This can be done by hand washing, putting through the dishwasher or boiling. It took minimal time from start to finish to take apart the breast pump and clean it which is made even more enticing by the fact that all the parts are easy to wipe dry or can be left on a cloth to air dry.

Using the Breast Pump
I think what makes the Medela swing stand out compared to other pumps is the ‘2 phase expression’; which is the 2 stimulation phases that mimics the breastfeeding rhythm. The first stage encourages a milk let down and after 2 minutes the pump will automatically change to the second phase; the ‘expression’ phase, which imitates a long sucking motion similar to the one of a baby. If your milk starts to flow prior to the second phase, you can press the button and it will start the expression phase. I personally found it never took more than 30 seconds to get a good flow to then switch to the expression but as everyone is different you may need the full two minutes in stage one. Both stages are exceptionally comfortable and gentle on the breasts and nipples and the vacuum can be adjusted to suit your need at the time. I used mine mainly as my milk was ‘coming in’ days after my baby was born and there were times my breasts were too sore to even touch yet I could still use the Medela breast pump comfortably.

It took me approximately 10 minutes to pump both breasts and I would get around 100mL from each. What made it even easier was after you finish pumping you can just pop the storage lids in the bottles and store right in the fridge until they are needed. I use the double pump most frequently but it can also be used as a single pump, either of options offer the same great performance.

My favourite part about this pump is the fact that I was able to express breastmilk for my partner to be able to feed bub. It not only allowed him to provide our baby his feeds throughout the night when I needed that extra sleep but he was also given the opportunity to experience that special bonding time that without the pump he wouldn’t be able to do.

Storage
If there wasn’t enough to love about this pump already, the lack of space it requires to store should be added to the list. I was able to keep it in a container on a cupboard shelf where it took up minimal room. The Medela Swing Breast Pump is very portable as you are able to clip the motor onto your clothes and move around the house or store in your handbag for use while out and about thanks to it having the option to operate on batteries (6 AAA).

Pros
The efficiency from start to finish makes a light work load of expressing breast milk thanks to the simultaneous expression in combination with the 2-Phase which ultimately saves you time. The range of vacuum levels and settings allows you to be in control of your comfort and still gain maximum efficiency from the breast pump.

The Medela breast pump is very easy to assemble, use, clean and store. Thanks to how light and compact the pump is, it makes expressing flexible by offering use on batteries or the main adapter.

It allows my baby the opportunity to bond with his dad through feeding.

Cons
It’s very hard to fault this pump! I found that while pumping you have to hold a constant pressure with the shield onto your breast which can become difficult while you’re double pumping. This can be resolved by purchasing an ‘easy expression bustier’ which allows hands-free expressing.

I also noticed the pump makes a bit of noise during use and the harder you set your vacuum the louder it becomes.

Medela Breastfeeding Starter Kit

This kit contains everything a mother needs in those first few weeks of breastfeeding and expressing. It offers an easy and safe way to collect and store breast milk in addition to feeding while containing products that help make mum more comfortable and sooth sensitive nipples for months to come.

This Medela breastfeeding starter kit contains:
• 1x Calma, breastmilk feeding device (specially designed teat that mimics the natural rhythm of breastfeeding)
• 2x 150ml Bottles with multi lids
• 12x Disposable nursing pads
• 1x Purelan 100 7g
• 1x Quick clean microwave bag
• 5x pump and save bags

The Calma lets your baby feed in a way that is similar to breastfeeding which allows for easy transition between the two. Thanks to its one size and shape fits all, your baby will be satisfied from birth until weaning off milk. Just like a nipple.

This kit is suitable for every woman that is breastfeeding or expressing and is the number one choice of hospitals and mothers. I highly recommend it for all your storing, feeding, breast care and breastmilk management in those first few weeks and months! RRP $49.90.

Prize Includes: 1x Medela Breastfeeding Starter Pack. RRP $49.90.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I received the above product for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and my sisters.

The post Bonding with baby through feeding + Medela GIVEAWAY appeared first on All Mum Said.

You know that moment between knowing you are SO done with having more babies and getting rid of the very last pieces of baby furniture you will ever have? And you stop for a second. You think… What’s one more? 

I had this feeling when B1 was a baby. I knew I wanted more than just one child but it was when he went from the cot to a bed and starting doing things for himself that I really wanted another one. Two years and one month after B1 was born, B2 entered the world. I thought I wanted three but after trying for a while and talking we decided two was enough. Two was plenty.

So of course now that we had planned to move forward and get on with life I fell pregnant. Isn’t that always the way?! We had a few complications at the beginning with a Subchorionic Hematoma. What is that you ask? It is basically blood clots that form within the layers of the placenta. More often than not, they resolve themselves and I was one of the fortunate ones that it did. Once that cleared up the pregnancy was smooth sailing with the exception of painful varicose veins. You can read about my third pregnancy here and how it isn’t all glamorous.

Now Poppet turns two in June and it has gone so fast. I don’t know whether it is because the ‘fluffy puppy’ period is over and she has turned into a cheeky little shit of a kid (like all kids do) or maybe it is because everyone around me is having brand new tiny bundles that the thought crosses your mind about adding another to the family. I know deep down I don’t want any more. I have had three caesarean sections which has resulted severe scar tissue, making it extremely difficult if I were to have another one. Financially it would be crazy, our cars wouldn’t accommodate another and the list goes on. It wouldn’t be ideal. But… those damn hormonal ovaries keep gooing and gahhing every time I come within a few metres of a baby. Seeing their tiny little fingers and chubby little thighs. Teeny button noses and that smell….that delicious smell of new baby.

I don’t want more babies but I can’t make the ovaries be quiet!

Please tell me I’m not alone!

The post Stupid Ovaries – Just Be Quiet! appeared first on All Mum Said.

The words IVF are often dreaded and yet welcomed by couples who have been trying to conceive, but have had no success. Plagued with the misconception that it is always a financially draining experience that comes with a lot of uncertainty, it puts a negative outlook on something that should be embraced. Having the option available of this fertility treatment is nothing short of amazing. Of course the financial aspect has to be considered when exploring this avenue to have a baby however there are some clinics that are less expensive than the alternative options available. BUMP IVF realise that there are five major contributing factors taken into account when choosing an IVF clinic; not surprisingly cost is at the top of the list, closely followed by the clinics claimed success rates. Location and doctors running the clinic sit at approximately 50% of the contributing factor, with word of mouth from family and friends taking the fifth position. All of these are very important factors that impact this life altering decision.

It’s no secret that infertility and IVF can take its toll on a relationship and the individuals involved however BUMP IVF want to relieve some of the pressure by giving couples as much control as possible. This is why they endeavour to empower their clients and offer a simplified IVF process while providing women with the highest quality fertility science without discrimination. IVF discussions need to be more open and accepted instead of being accompanied by judgement and to make this happen more awareness is needed for the general public. IVF is not a taboo topic or something women should be made to feel embarrassed or guilty about. It is an incredible treatment that enables couples to enjoy the gift of having a baby; couples that are having a hard time conceiving or are affected by fertility issues that wouldn’t be able to enjoy the experience of parenthood.

This is an S1 POST.

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My youngest child may now be one however since finding out that I am going to be an aunty it has bought up a lot of memories from my 3 pregnancies. One of them is the horrible torturous pregnancy heartburn. Until I was pregnant with B2 (my second pregnancy) I had never experienced heartburn, pregnancy or otherwise. Unfortunately the heartburn started early on during my third pregnancy, kicking in at  approximately 8 weeks and it didn’t stop until about two weeks after she born. I will never forget the burning acid feeling in my throat. I ate healthy in an attempt to pin point the cause but it didn’t seem to be anything in particular that triggered it. I found eating chips or chocolate did result in it being worse but not the cause.

I tried everything I could to prevent the pregnancy heartburn from striking again however nothing seemed to work. I gave everything that was recommended to me a go. I ate smaller meals and ate them slowly, avoided fatty and salty foods, cut out coffee and sugar, didn’t drink fizzy drinks, didn’t eat prior to going to bed, drank plenty of water but nothing helped. There have been a few things I have since heard that may help get relief from heartburn. They include drinking herbal tea, acupressure and standing or sitting up after eating. I used to drink ginger ale to help with morning sickness however it is also supposed to help with pregnancy heartburn. I tried a few antacids but had never heard of Gaviscon which according to their website relieved 9 out of 10 pregnant women, which is pretty impressive. Surprisingly chewing gum is supposed to help relieve heartburn as well which is great if you are out and about, most women have a packet of gum in their handbag.

Studies show that three quarters of pregnant women experience heartburn during their third trimester. I know that what helps relieve pregnancy heartburn for one woman may not work for another but as I was one of the 75% who suffered, I am fully aware of how important it is to share any remedies that have worked.

Did you suffer pregnancy heartburn? What remedy helped you?

This is an S1 POST.

The post Do you suffer from pregnancy heartburn? appeared first on All Mum Said.

Eat well and you’ll feel well, it’s pretty standard advice. But things get a little bit trickier when you’re “eating for two”! Most people know that maintaining a healthy diet and eating well during pregnancy is extremely important, both for your health and wellbeing and that of your baby. While it’s always essential to talk to your doctor about a pregnancy nutritional plan, here are some tips to get you eating well and feeling your best while you wait for your little one to arrive!

Tips for feeling and eating well during pregnancy

Get the right nutrients

One of the most important things you can do to support your diet whilst pregnant is to make sure you’re eating nutrient rich food and taking supplements where necessary.

Iron – It is vital to maintain your iron levels during pregnancy as iron helps to carry oxygen from your blood to your baby, supporting the development of the cardiovascular system and the brain. Unfortunately, iron deficiency is common amongst pregnant women so be sure to eat plenty of iron-rich foods such as red meat, seafood, dried fruits, legumes and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C is also recommended to help your body absorb the iron present in these foods.

Calcium – We all know that calcium is necessary in the building and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. This is particularly important during pregnancy when extra strain is placed upon a woman’s skeletal system. It is recommended that you consume two servings of dairy per day to support your bones and the development of your baby’s. However, be sure to check all labels on cheese products to ensure the milk ingredients have been pasturised as non-pasturised milk products should be avoided during pregnancy.

Folic acid – This vitamin plays an extremely important role in the development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord during the first trimester. It is recommended that you begin taking a folic acid supplement if you are planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you find out that you are pregnant and continue doing so until the 12th week of pregnancy. You can also find folic acid (folate) in dark green leafy vegetables, dried legumes, oranges, cereals, bread and pasta.

Take care of yourself

It’s easy to forget to take care of yourself when you’ve got so much else on your mind, but you have to remember that taking care of yourself means taking care of your baby!

Eat well – besides making sure you’re getting the proper supplements, you also need to be wise about what else you’re putting in your body. Make sure you’re eating a variety of good quality goods from each of the main food groups every day, drink plenty of water (you’ll need more than you usually would), reduce the intake of foods that are high in artificial sugar, salt, saturated fats and caffeine, and abstain from alcohol.

Balance rest and exercise – Unfortunately, pregnancy can completely drain your energy stores and leave you fatigued and exhausted. It’s important for you to rest whenever you feel the need and take naps to supplement your nighttime sleep, especially towards the end of your pregnancy. Having said that, light exercise on a regular basis can really help boost your energy levels and support your wellbeing so be sure to consult your doctor on the right type of exercise for you.

Don’t worry; be happy – It’s surprising how many women don’t realise that their mood and stress levels can have a huge effect on their growing child. While you shouldn’t feel guilty for having a ‘down’ day every now and then, try to be proactive in maintaining a positive and stress-free outlook. Take some time to yourself when you’re getting overwhelmed or ask a loved one for help – you’ll be surprised at the difference it can make!

If you’d like more helpful pregnancy tips and advice, visit http://www.maternitysale.com.au/ and make sure to consult your doctor on a regular basis for professional advice on eating habits and other lifestyle changes you can make to support the happy and healthy development of your baby.

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