Expecting? We’ve got some great advice to prepare you for your pregnancy and the birth of your child.

Should We Bank Our Baby’s Cord Blood?

Newborn baby boy

With a new baby on the way, many expectant parents spend hours planning for their child’s future – from choosing an infant car seat to starting a 529 plan. It’s natural to focus on security and investments for the years to come.

Something else to consider during these nine months is whether or not you want to bank your baby’s cord blood.
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Caring for a Preemie

People - Preemie Baby Hand

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 12 percent of babies are born premature. If you’re a new parent to a preemie, take heart. There are a few tips to smooth the process of doing what every mom looks forward to – bringing your baby home from the hospital.

Below are six preemie-specific tips for caring for your little one once you’ve left the confines of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

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“If I Knew Then…” – New Motherhood Tips Straight from the Mouths of New Moms

Two moms with strollers walking in the park

Want the real know-how? Check out these quick quotes from gals who have been down the road of pregnancy and new motherhood. Some more than once… or twice…

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“If I Knew Then…” – Pregnancy Tips Straight from the Mouths of New Moms

Two moms with strollers walking in the park

Want the real know-how? Check out these quick quotes from gals who have been down the road of pregnancy and new motherhood. Some more than once… or twice…

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Pregnant With Multiples: Emotional Expectations

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Just heard you’re expecting twins (or triplets or more)? Congratulations!

You may be feeling a whole range of emotions right now: excited, surprised, joyful, anxious, or uncertain. Managing the emotional rollercoaster of a multiple pregnancy may seem challenging, yet you will get through it if you take a moment to breathe, ask for help, and educate yourself on everything that lies ahead.
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Pre-Term Labor: What It Is and How to Avoid It

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1 in 8 babies are born prematurely (before 37 weeks). This is a staggering number of babies each year, and while most babies do well, some need to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit for weeks or months. Though there are risk factors that increase a woman’s chance of delivering prematurely, many women who do go into labor early have no known risk factors.

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Natural Birthing Methods: Know Your Options

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Although the percentages are shifting annually, 70% of women are giving birth vaginally. How they choose to go about it varies: Some will prepare with classes from Lamaze or the Bradley Method, some plan to opt for pain relief from the start, and others choose to explore a different method like HypnoBirthing or water birthing. Today we’re going to talk about the un-medicated versions.

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Gaining Weight During Pregnancy

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In general, we like to see moms gain between 25-35 pounds during their pregnancy to promote good health in the baby. For moms who are starting out under weight, your provider might recommend that you gain between 30-40 pounds. For moms who begin their pregnancy with some extra weight, we recommend a gain of 15-20 pounds.

The other important thing to consider is what you eat. You only need 300 extra calories per day when you’re pregnant. That’s equivalent to an extra glass of milk and a half a sandwich. It’s important to eat a variety of foods and avoid empty calories. However, it’s also important not to deprive yourself – so go ahead and have some treats once in a while.

Bon Appetit!

-Barbara Dehn, RN MS NP

Third Trimester Tests and Procedures

Scanning of a stomach of the woman

Two-thirds down, one-third to go! Your routine tests will now be accompanied by procedures that evaluate your baby’s health in anticipation for his or her grand arrival.

As always, make sure you talk with your health care provider and fully understand all that is involved before you decide to proceed with any procedure.

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Second Trimester Tests and Procedures

Genetic research at the laboratory

Your prenatal care visits will continue to include a number of available tests and procedures to monitor your health and the health of your baby. As always, make sure you talk with your health care provider and fully understand all that is involved before you decide to proceed with any procedure.
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