10 PREGNANCY TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME MUMS

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Since you announced that you’re pregnant, have you lost count of the number of times people have asked how you’re feeling?

Often, you don’t actually know how you’re feeling – especially during those early days when you’re just trying to control the nausea and not freak out about what’s happening.

One of the scariest things is not having total control – of your hormones, the changes to your body, and when baby arrives.

Relax!

You’ve got roughly nine months to get your head around having a baby and becoming a mum. While some things are beyond your control, there are other bits that you can organise and prepare for in advance.

So, make a (decaff) brew, put your feet up and read our top pregnancy tips for first-time mums…

Pregnancy Tips for First Time Mums: Listen to your body

We’ve all ignored our bodies at some point in our lives – whether that’s doing an extra lap of the park while out running, staying up late even though you’re exhausted or having another chocolate when you’re already full.

When you’re pregnant, it’s vital to be kind to your body and listen to the little signals it sends you. If you feel tired, take a nap. If you’re craving a peanut butter and jam sandwich, have one. If you feel any pain or think something isn’t quite right, don’t ignore it. Contact your midwife or GP and get checked out. It’s probably nothing but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Find your support network

While there will always be people who are quick to offer their advice, it can be overwhelming when you’re bombarded with different information, especially if you get conflicting advice.

Finding a group of women, or even just one person, who’s going through the same journey at the same time, can be really useful. Not only can you compare notes and discuss your hopes and fears throughout your pregnancy, your baby will also have company while you share poo stories and compare sleeping patterns over coffee with your fellow mum friends afterwards.

Joining an NCT class or prenatal yoga session can be the perfect way to meet other mums-to-be, plus you’ll be getting active and learning some valuable skills at the same time.

Follow expert advice

You might think there is no need to include this on our pregnancy tips list however, as we mentioned, you’ll likely receive lots of advice from friends and family about what to do and what not to do.

You can also drive yourself crazy by googling everything and freaking yourself out about what you find.

The best advice to follow is that of your GP or midwife. They have years of knowledge and experience, plus, they know you and your medical history, so are best placed to offer the right guidance.

Have a plan

They say that best-laid plans often go awry, and that can be true when it comes to giving birth. Nonetheless, it’s good to write a birth plan and share it with your midwife so they know your ideal scenario for labour and delivery.

Planning is also key during pregnancy, as once baby arrives, you’ll have very little time or energy to do much at all.

Create a list of everything that needs to be done before you give birth and set some goals for when you’ll complete each task, so you don’t leave everything until the last minute.

The list could include things like:

  • Decorating the nursery
  • Buying essentials for baby (like a car seat, pram and cot)
  • Writing your birth plan
  • Doing a test run to the hospital
  • Batch cooking some meals
  • Packing your hospital bag

Pregnancy tips: Keep active

Although you may not feel like it, especially towards the end of your pregnancy when you feel like the size of an elephant, it’s recommended that you keep active with some gentle exercise. Just walking for 20 minutes each day can do wonders for you and your baby.

Not only does exercise release endorphins, which can boost your mood, experts say that active women are less likely to experience problems during their pregnancy.

If you’re not a particularly active person, it’s advised that you don’t suddenly become a fitness freak and try and make up for lost time! Walking, swimming, pilates or yoga are great exercises to do while you’re pregnant. But remember to stop and contact your doctor if you experience any pain or unusual symptoms.

Eat well

Despite what they say, you’re not actually eating for two when you’re pregnant. Your appetite may come and go, and you may go off certain foods that you loved before you got pregnant. There’s no need to worry though, as this is quite common.

Eating healthily during pregnancy can do wonders for you and your baby. Include lots of fruits, vegetables and fish in your diet to keep your energy levels up and boost your immune system, but a little of what you fancy every now and again is also key to a happy, healthy pregnancy.

It’s inevitable that you’ll gain some weight while you’re pregnant, so accept this and don’t try and diet, as this could harm your baby.

Talk about your feelings

This is a very important one in our list of pregnancy tips. Being pregnant for the first time is scary. This is a completely unknown journey you’re embarking on, so it’s common to feel a mix of emotions – excitement, terror, sadness, happiness, nervousness – there’s no right or wrong way to feel.

The important thing is to talk about how you’re feeling. You might want to talk to your midwife or maybe you prefer to confide in your partner. Whoever you choose to talk to, don’t be afraid to open up and be honest about your feelings.  

Pregnancy tips for first time mums: Practice your pelvic floor exercises

You’ve probably already been told about the importance of doing your pelvic floor exercises, as these muscles can come under strain during pregnancy and childbirth. It’s recommended that you start doing pelvic floor exercises when you first find out that you’re pregnant, but it’s important to continue these exercises throughout your pregnancy, and even after you give birth.

Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to a little wee escaping when you cough or sneeze. But doing your pelvic floor exercises regularly can strengthen these muscles and help reduce incontinence.

Get some rest

You might feel extra tired, particularly during the early stages of your pregnancy. So, as recommended in point 1, listen to your body and get as much rest as you need.

We’re not going to lie, sleep can be hard to come by once baby arrives, so enjoy being able to nap when you want while you can.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

There are no silly questions when it comes to pregnancy, labour and birth. Everyone’s experience is different, so don’t assume that because it happened to your friend, it’ll happen to you too.

If you experience any unusual symptoms or feel confused about things, seek help from your midwife or GP. They’re experts and are on hand to help.

Paula Veverka is a specialist Maternity, Newborn and Baby photographer based in Blantyre, Glasgow.

Thinking about a newborn photoshoot? Discover more at www.paulaveverka.co.uk/newborn-photographer

And why not consider a Maternity Photoshoot?

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7 common baby skin conditions

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It’s common for babies to develop a skin condition in their first few days or weeks, as their delicate and sensitive skin is adapting to the outside world. So, it’s essential to treat your baby’s skin with care.

Although it can be scary when your baby comes out in a rash and you’re not sure what it is, there’s often no need to worry, so don’t go jumping to conclusions and definitely don’t go googling symptoms.

Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own. Others can be easily treated at home. However, if you’re at all concerned by your baby’s skin condition – particularly if they seem unwell and have a high temperature – contact your doctor. They can advise about the cause and whether treatment is necessary.

Here are 7 common baby skin conditions that occur in babies and are easily treated…

Baby skin conditions: #1 Eczema

Eczema is a common condition in babies, and it can be very irritating. It causes the skin to be red, itchy, dry and sometimes cracked, especially in the creases at the elbows and knees.

Eczema can be worsened by a number of things like strong soaps, detergents, bubble bath and chlorine in swimming pools. Heat can also make the condition worse as the skin becomes drier.

Try and keep their room cool at night and stick to cotton clothing. Using a suitable emollient cream every day can help prevent flare-ups. There are a number of products on the market, or you may prefer for your doctor to prescribe one.

Eczema isn’t contagious or infectious, although it can get infected if the sores are opened by constant scratching. So, it’s a good idea to keep your baby’s fingernails short in case they’re tempted to scratch.

baby skin conditions

Baby skin conditions: #2 Nappy rash

Next on our list of common baby skin conditions is nappy rash.

Nappy rash is an inflammation of the skin in the nappy area that appears red and sore. It can be caused by a number of things including urine or poo irritating baby’s skin, a yeast infection, and it can also be a sign of teething.

To avoid nappy rash, keep the area clean and dry as much as possible by changing their nappy frequently. If possible, it’s also good to give them some nappy-free time.

Barrier creams can help soothe the skin and protect the area from becoming irritated. If the nappy rash is persistent, it may be better treated with a medicated cream.

#3 Cradle cap

Cradle cap usually appears as white or yellow scaly patches on baby’s scalp, but it can also appear on the face. It’s a harmless condition that isn’t itchy or painful for your baby and it’s not contagious. It usually clears up on its own within 6 to 12 months.

Although the cause of cradle cap is unknown, there are a number of things you can do at home to help treat it.

You could lightly massage the affected area with an emollient moisturiser to help loosen the scales and brush your baby’s scalp with a soft brush. Avoid using olive oil and don’t be tempted to try picking the scabs, as this could cause infection.

#4 Milia

If your baby develops small white spots on their face, especially the nose, it could be milia. These are blocked pores that usually clear up within a few weeks without any treatment needed. However, if you notice a rash or crusting around the milia, take your baby to see a doctor.

Don’t try and squeeze or scrape off these spots like you might do with a pimple, as you could cause scarring or infection. Just be patient and wait for them to disappear naturally.

Baby skin conditions: #5 Baby acne

Some babies can get acne on their face in the first few months of life. These pimples normally clear up without any treatment, usually in the first few months.

Again, don’t try and squeeze the pimples as this could cause scarring. Keeping your baby’s face clean and dry can help but avoid using lotions and oils, as these can irritate the skin.

Baby skin conditions: #6 Hives

Hives usually appear as red, raised bumps or welts and can sometimes be blotchy. They’re normally caused by an allergic reaction and can be itchy and irritating, but a mild case of hives may not bother your baby.

The tricky thing is working out what caused the hives, to stop them coming back again. Common causes of an allergic reaction are from foods – like shellfish, nuts and dairy – pollen and pets.

Hives tend to appear within a few minutes to two hours after exposure to the offending irritant. If your baby comes out in hives, think about what they’ve recently been exposed to. This may give you an idea of what caused the hives to form.

Antihistamine medication can help reduce the hives, but if your baby is too young to take the medicine, you could try applying a cold compress to the affected area.

If you think the hives were caused by something they ate or drank, contact your doctor as they may have had an allergic reaction that could be worse next time.

#7 Heat rash/prickly heat

Heat rash or prickly heat might appear if your baby gets hot in a humid environment. It’s usually caused by blocked sweat glands and shows as little red bumps or blisters on the skin, which can be very itchy. It’s common for babies to get heat rash because they can’t control their own body temperature.

If your baby has heat rash, keep them out of the humidity and as cool as possible. It should then clear up within 2 to 3 days without treatment.

Other common baby skin conditions

Of course, there are some common baby skin conditions that are more serious for babies. These usually occur at the same time as a high temperature and obvious signs that your baby is unwell. If this happens, take your baby to see a doctor and get advice on how the condition can be treated.

And no matter what the condition, there’s never any harm in getting some peace of mind from a professional.

Paula Veverka is a specialist Maternity, Newborn and Baby photographer based in Blantyre, Glasgow.

Thinking about a newborn photoshoot? Discover more at www.paulaveverka.co.uk/newborn-photographer

Baby turning one soon? Cake Smash and Splash photoshoots are perfect to celebrate this milestone! Discover more at www.facebook.com/paulaveverkaphotography

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5 Must-Haves for New Babies

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From nursery to preparing for the first few days at home, there’s a lot to think about as you get ready for your baby’s arrival!

As you start writing down your list of must-haves for your brand new, tiny baby you’ll probably feel a little overwhelmed… after all, babies need an awful lot of gear!

To help you, we have broken it down for you and created a list of 5 must-haves for new babies that will help you keep your little one happy and comfy during those incredible first few weeks.

From nappies to onesies, these are the key items newborn babies need!

must-haves for babies

MUST HAVES FOR BABIES: #1 COT AND BEDDING

In the guide “Helping Your Baby To Sleep”, NHS recommends that your baby sleeps in your room for the first six months and many parents choose not to use a full-sized cot.

However, after that, you might want to get baby used to sleeping into a cot, so the best thing is to buy one ahead of time, complete of mattress, and have it ready for baby.

SnüzPod by Snuz is only one example of a bedside cot designed to be positioned right by your bed with the side down, keeping your little one at arm’s length which – you will soon find out – is essential for night feeds.

Newborn babies need a very firm mattress, but this changes as they grow up, so you might want to consider a mattress that is firm on one side and medium on the other, like The Little Green Sheep Twist Natural Cot Bed Mattress (available at Amazon).

The core of this mattress is constructed from coconut fibres blended with natural latex that act like ‘thousands of tiny springs’ – with one firm side that will support tiny babies and the other side recommended from around 12 months on.

This composition makes The Little Green Sheep also good for allergy sufferers and breathable.

Of course, we could not discuss cots and mattresses without talking about bedding and trust me, you will be changing sheets a lot in the early days!

Consider buying about four or five fitted cot sheets and a couple of washable cot mattress pads, with a few blankets that can be layered depending on how cold it is. Wearable blankets are a great alternative to traditional blankets, as well as cellular blankets – that allow air to circulate and are perfect for regulating a baby’s temperature.

must-haves for babies

The pressure to be omnipresent as a parent is great, but the comfort of being able to get a quick glance of your newborn is comfort you can’t put a price on – which is why a baby monitor is a must-have for your peace of mind!

“5 Must-haves for New Babies”

MUST-HAVES FOR BABIES: #2 BABY BOTTLES

Newborns usually start with 4-ounce baby bottles with slow-flow teats but be prepared to try a few different brands to figure out baby’s favourite one. You will also need at least as many nipples as bottles, and some 8-ounce bottles you can use as baby begins to drink more.

When it comes to bottles and pacifiers, germs are an unwelcome guest, and while bottle brushes are a must-have, some parents like the additional level of sterilisation offered by a steriliser.

Brushes are handy for scrubbing small parts and crevices in bottles, bottle parts, and nipples, while when it comes to the steriliser you might want to look for a UV model, that uses LED lights instead of water or tablets.

#3 BABY MONITOR

The pressure to be omnipresent as a parent is great, but the comfort of being able to get a quick glance at your newborn is a comfort you can’t put a price on – which is why a baby monitor is a must-have for your peace of mind!

Of course, not all baby monitors are created equal, you can choose a basic audio model or a more expensive video monitor: while the latter may seem a luxury you don’t need right now, when baby arrives you will probably love the idea of being able to see baby even when outside their room.

MUST-HAVES FOR BABIES: #4 NAPPIES

Ready for No 4 in our list of must-haves for new babies?

Let’s face it; nappies are going to be a part of your shopping list for multiple years and, whether you use cloth or disposable, you will probably go through 10 or more nappies a day, so make sure to stock up!

If you use disposable, you might want to begin by buying small packs of a few different brands and kinds, to figure out the perfect fit and avoid stocking up on a type that irritates your baby’s delicate skin.

Once you have the right brand and type figured out, you will be able to find big packs at a much more convenient price.

You’ll also want to have a good nappy rash cream always available, either to prevent nappy rash or to handle them when they occur.

And of course, wipes – and plenty of them!!

These can be made of polyester, cotton, rayon, or other fibres and trust me and it is a good idea to consider unscented ones. And most of all, remember you will probably need more than you know what to do with!

A good nappy bag can also be a lifesaver on the go and act as a catchall for all the devices and tools you need for keeping up with your baby’s needs.

Bottles, changing station, extra onesies, the choices are endless, but if you don’t have the right nappy bag, then it’s all staying at home without you!

#5 CAR SEAT AND PRAM

Fewer things are more important on this list than a safe car seat.

In fact, you won’t even be able to take your new baby home without one.

Most families start from a convertible rear-facing car seat, as these are portable and can blip into a stroller base. You might choose to opt for a convertible car seat instead and do some future proof as this will adapt do your growing baby.

Something like the Graco 4 in 1 car seat is perfect as it can last well into your child’s booster seat years.

While your baby is still a newborn, they are going to be small enough where carrying them is the easiest option.

A soft sling is the best choice for toting your baby around earlier on and will prove much easier than a hard pram.

Paula Veverka Newborn Photoshoots

Most monitors these link to your phone and use it as a viewing unit via an app, and some (like Owlet Smart Sock V3) allow you to monitor information such as heart rate and oxygen levels.

Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer (available at Amazon) allows you to use your microwave and it claims to generate enough germ-killing steam to blitz 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria in less than 2 minutes.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

You won’t struggle to find resources to help you add more items to your list of must-haves for babies, starting from the NHS website, which/ offers plenty of guidance on preparing for your brand new baby.

Paula Veverka is a specialist Maternity, Newborn and Baby photographer based in Blantyre, Glasgow.

Thinking about a newborn photoshoot? Discover more at www.paulaveverka.co.uk/newborn-photographer

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