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Reliable information on
pregnancy topics
by Heisje de Jong,
Certified Lactation Consultant
 Welcome
(home page)
Your
pre-conception diet
Home pregnancy tests
Early signs of pregnancy
Diet for your pregnancy
Things to give up
Lifestyle changes
Childbirth classes
Breastfeeding - preparation
Complications during
pregnancy
Prenatal testing
Pregnancy Week-by-Week
When to contact your doctor
What to ask your obstetrician
 Hospital or home delivery?
And your Packing Guide!
Pain relief in labor
& birth
Medical intervention
during
labor and delivery
Post partum exercises
Breastfeeding
About Heisje de Jong
Useful links
Contact Heisje
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SO THAT YOU MAY RETURN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE
Even before you become pregnant, it is worth thinking about whether
you would like to have your baby in a hospital or at home.
In the US, most women deliver their babies in a hospital while
in many European countries it is quite common to have your baby
at home.
In case you want a home delivery
talk with your OB in advance and if he is unwilling or unable
to attend you, you may want to look for another doctor or midwife.
The choice whether to have your
baby at home or in a hospital is a personal one. Some women feel
more secure to know that all medical equipment is at hand in
a hospital. Others feel more comfortable to deliver their baby
in the familiar home environment surrounded by family.
Sometimes it is necessary for
a woman to give birth in a hospital for medical reasons. For
example if you have diabetes, a heart or kidney condition, high
blood pressure or complications during your pregnancy.
If you have decided that a hospital
birth is right for you, it is wise to start choosing a hospital
ahead of time. Many times an OB is affiliated with a certain
hospital. If he does not work with the hospital of your choice,
you may want to look for another doctor.
Many hospitals offer tours of
the hospital and maternity facilities so you can compare hospitals
and decide.
It is a good idea to have some
questions ready when you visit a hospital. Here are some questions
you may want to ask:
· Is there a possibility
that my baby "rooms in "with me instead of staying
in the nursery.
· Can I labor and deliver in the same room?
· Is there a Lactation Consultant available in the hospital?
· Can my other children visit me during my hospital stay?
· Can my husband stay over night in the hospital the first
day?
· Is there a birthing chair available?
· Is there a shower or bath close to the delivery room
so I can take a warm shower as pain relief?
· Is there a chair for my husband next to the delivery
bed?
· Is there a possibility for dim light in the delivery
room?
Write down the questions that
you want to ask and take this to the hospital with you.
Your first impression of the hospital is very important. Does
the environment seem friendly to you? Does the staff take the
time to answer your questions?
Ask also other mothers who have delivered in this hospital. What
was their opinion, were they satisfied?
It may be a good idea to visit several hospitals before you make
your decision.
GUIDE TO PACKING FOR YOUR BIRTH
A handy list for everything you''ll want to take with you to
the hospital.
The following items are ones
you may need during your labor. You should begin packing your
birth bag well in advance of your due date. Like this you have
everything handy even if you go into labor early.
Birth Plan (2 copies)
Originals of insurance papers/cards
Robe or sweater to cover hospital gown while walking during labor
Slipper
Focal point, if you are using one
Pillows or beanbags - Even if your not taking a Lamaze or other
childbirth preparation class pillows can help you to be more
comfortable. Hospitals don't always provide extra pillows
Socks (2 pair) can take the place of slippers if you feel more
comfortable walking in just socks, also after birth you may feel
chilly so they come in handy.
Lotion or massage-oil - for back massages and perineal massage
Music -radio, walkman or discman. Don't forget the batteries
Lip Balm
Gatorade or similar (any clear fluids) and your favorite kind
of lollipops.
Camera or video camera with fresh batteries, film or tape and
a back up set of film and batteries.
Contact lens kit/solution or your eyeglasses if you wear them.
(some hospitals will ask you to take out your contacts, so be
prepared to wear you glasses)
Hairbrush and hair ties
Sweater or jacket for dad (hospitals can be cold), change of
clothes
Light snacks for dad. Juice and crackers, fruit, Fruit bars
A few dollars in cash for dad to get something to eat, or for
after baby is born
Phone List of who to call
For After The Birth
Robe or nightgown
Sanitary napkins - they are more comfortable than the hospital
variety.
Maternity clothes or other comfortable clothes to wear when you
go home
Panties and bras, nursing bras if you are breastfeeding
Breast pads
Baby blanket and outfit.
Car seat for baby. Put this in you car before you go in to labor.
Pacifier for baby if not breastfed.
Small container of diaper wipes (hospital doesn't normally use
commercial diaper wipes)
Toiletry Items - toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, make up,
deodorant, hairdryer and any other item you use in your daily
routine to make you feel comfortable
Books on breastfeeding, babycare, postnatal exercises
The hospital will provide you with most of what you need for
baby. (Diapers, receiving blankets, formula etc..) until you
go home.
AscotReview, award-winning Shopping Directory
JCPenney Department
Store - the total resource for *all* your baby & family needs
Your most Reliable department store with a huge variety of quality
clothing, footwear, toys, furniture, bedding, supplies. For baby,
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Clothing: bottoms, tops, dress up, sets, outwear, sportswear,
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Sears Room for
Kids, furniture, bedding and fun things for kid's rooms
The best place to shop for all things kids! Kid's bedding, kid's
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baby bedding, safety products. (90-HP-7)
Eddie Bauer,
fine kids' clothing, men's and women's apparel, footwear, travel
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Eddie Bauer offers casual lifestyle products for adults and kids.
Eddie Bauer products are for men and women who seek versatile,
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the wide range of their apparel and home furnishing needs. Men's
and women's apparel, kids clothing, footwear, bedding, in and
outdoor furniture, decor and accessories. (15-HP-5)
Jordan Marie
Baby Boutique, exclusive baby clothing from birth to 4T
Whether shopping for a child or purchasing a gift for a friend
you will absolutely love the unique product selection of layette,
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Spiegel, home
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Spiegel creates products especially for the today's woman that
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Carter's fine collection of baby and
toddler clothes, nursery bedding, bathtime gear
Carter's excellent collection includes baby clothes, shoes and
baby bedding, bodysuits, sleepers, pajamas, creepers, baby bath
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their products reflect the exceptional quality and care that
mothers expect from Carter’s. Highly recommended.
OshKosh B'Gosh
- quality stylish baby, toddler and children clothing, bedding
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OshKoshb'gosh is where you'll find a broad assortment of OshKosh
clothing, gear and accessories for newborns through size 16,
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Overalls, rompers, bodysuits, sweatshirts, jackets, slickers,
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for its classic American style, durability and quality. (15-HP7)
MotherWear, fashion
for the young & nursing mother - nurse your baby anytime,
anywhere
Motherwear is your one-stop resource for nursing clothes that
help you breastfeed in style -- anytime, anywhere -- . Motherwear
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simply won’t find such high quality, mother-tested garments
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breastfeeding clothes a nursing mother could want are right here
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the largest selection of nursing bras, around -- from light support,
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All about baby and toddler at Babystyle - fine
quality at prices you will love
Babystyle is an online retailer providing shopping solutions
for today’s busy women. Babystyle is a one-stop shop that
targets one of life’s biggest changes -- a new family member!
As a one-stop shop, their baby department offers everything including
maternity clothing, nursery furnishings, baby clothes and gear
and even a baby registry. They've also got great gifts for the
whole family. Their kids department addresses so many family
needs as children grow. With a range of products aimed at children
2-10, the kids department has clothes, toys, decor for kids’
rooms and lots more! (07-H2L-10)
iMaternity, your
maternity everything store
iMaternity provides you with high quality products, excellent
customer service and the most competitive prices around. In their
Career section, you'll find dresses, ensembles, pants sets, separates,
plus much, much more that's sure to make you look your best while
in the workplace. Casual wear is essential in every wardrobe
and they've got everything from active wear to tank tops, pantsuits
to rompers to get you ready for a quick trip to the gym or the
weekend excursion out of town. Treat yourself to comfortable
or sexy Intimates. Choose from flattering attire to fit your
needs - bras and panties, hosiery, sleepwear, support belts and
even sensual body cream. iMaternity provides you also with parenting
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planner, baby name finder, pregnancy glossary and more
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