Posts tagged: Third Trimester

Being told you’re having a caesarean section (whether it’s in advance of labor or smack dab in the middle of it) can feel a little unnerving, despite the fact that it’s pretty common. (32 percent of all deliveries are by C-section!) And while you can't always choose whether or not to have one, you can arm yourself with the facts well before your delivery date, says Jennifer Hollings, MD, an ob-gyn with the Richmond Community Hospital in Richmond, VA. (She’s had three C-sections of her own.) Here’s what to expect...

You've probably heard friends or fellow pregnant women talking about hiring a doula to help them through labor, delivery and early motherhood. But if you're new to all this, you may be asking yourself: What exactly does a doula do? Doulas offer physical, emotional and informational support to couples as they prepare to enter parenthood, says Lindsey Tjernlund of Minnesota-based Hummingbird Doula. Doulas — who are trained and certified through organizations like DONA — are most commonly known for helping out during labor and delivery, but a doula's services aren't...

Whether you're putting it on social media, sending it to family members, keeping it for yourself, or using it on newborn announcement cards, the first picture you take of your baby is incredibly special. And whatever your skill level is, there's really no way this shot won't be amazing. The sheer sentimental value of baby's first photo is pretty powerful, after all. But shooting immediately after you've delivered can be tricky without a game plan in place. Check out these tips to take that first shot to the next level—no...

Pregnancy is an amazing blessing. We don't have to remind you of that, right? But let's be honest here: It's not easy. Between morning sickness, exhaustion, food restrictions, weight gain and the fact that you're responsible for carrying another human being inside you...the experience can put a lot of pressure on you. Literally and figuratively. Our answer to this? #TreatYourself. As far as we see it, the best way to make the most of your pregnancy is to just make a commitment to not sweating the small stuff and showing...

There's an excellent possibility your pregnancy will pass by without your doctor placing you on bed rest. But guess what? Even if you do have to take some time off your feet, it's not the end of the world (even though it may feel like it!)...or the end of your life as you know it. If you're reading this while on bedrest, we know you may be struggling with this — and we get it! Bedrest is tough, especially for mamas who are on it for a long time, are...

Everyone loves a good party and nobody deserves one more than a soon to be mama — and that's why we're huge fans of baby showers. These events aren't just about stocking up on registry items (although that's always a bonus!); they also give a mom-to-be the chance to get dressed up, be pampered, and take in all the love her baby is about to receive from family and friends. They're rites of passage that have been around for ages and we hope the practice is always in place. But...

You’ve finished decorating your nursery, the car seat is installed, but that dooming hospital bag checklist has yet to be conquered. If you're one month from your due date, it's time to put yourself back on the to-do list. You’ll have plenty of other things on your mind when your contractions start and packing your bag shouldn't be one of them. We enlisted the help of you(!)—our customers—to provide us with the essential items you packed (and wished you would have!) for your hospital stay. For the little one: Kimono...

Adding a baby sibling into the mix is no small thing. Your #1 might be feeling anxious, excited, uncertain, or all of the above. You might be feeling some of these things, too! (Which, in our opinion, is totally okay.) We asked our community of M+A moms for their best advice on how to prepare your entire family for a new addition. And naturally, they delivered.Practice (On a Baby Doll) Makes Perfect“Buy your little one a baby doll to “practice” beforehand. My son was 14-months-old when his brother came along...

Nursery finished? Check. Car seat installed? Check. Your hospital bag packed? Um... If you're one month from your due date, it's time to put yourself back on the to-do list. You’ll have plenty of other things on your mind when your contractions start and packing your bag shouldn't be one of them. Read on for tips from new moms who know exactly what to pack. Monica + Andy Layette “So easy to just pack a Monica and Andy layette! loved that I didn’t have to think about what specific types...