As you eagerly anticipate the arrival of your little one, it’s essential to think ahead and consider your birth plan. A birth plan is a valuable document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care! However, before you grab that pen and start jotting down your preferences, it’s important to conduct thorough research and arm yourself with knowledge. In this guide, we will walk you through the crucial steps of creating a birth plan that aligns with your desires and priorities!

Step 1: Do Your Research

Before embarking on the birth plan journey, it’s important to invest time in gathering information. Explore various birthing options available to you, such as hospital births, home births, or birthing centers. Engage in meaningful conversations with your healthcare provider, who can enlighten you about the available choices and provide insights into their policies! The more informed you are, the more empowered you will be to make well-informed decisions regarding your birth experience.

Step 2: List Your Preferences

Reflect upon what matters most to you during labor and delivery. Contemplate whether you desire a natural birth or if you are open to pain management options. Consider who you want to be present in the delivery room, taking into account any religious or cultural preferences. Compile a comprehensive list of your preferences, and engage in open discussions with your partner and healthcare provider to ensure shared understanding.

Step 3: Write It Down

With your research done and preferences outlined, it’s time to transform your thoughts into a tangible birth plan. Remember, clarity and conciseness are key. Draft a document that clearly communicates your wishes for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Be sure to include any special requests or specific accommodations that are important to you.

Step 4: Share Your Plan

Once your birth plan is finalized, it’s essential to share it with your healthcare provider and anyone else who will be present during the birth. This includes your partner, family members, or support individuals. Sharing your plan ensures that everyone involved is well-informed and on the same page, fostering a collaborative and supportive birthing environment.

Step 5: Be Flexible

It is vital to acknowledge that birth is a unique and unpredictable experience. Despite meticulous planning, circumstances may arise that necessitate adjustments to your original birth plan. Remember to remain flexible and open-minded, trusting in the expertise of your healthcare provider. They are there to prioritize your safety and the well-being of your baby, and together, you can navigate any unexpected twists and turns that may arise.

Creating a birth plan is an invaluable part of preparing for the birth of your baby. By conducting thorough research, listing your preferences, documenting them, sharing your plan, and embracing flexibility, you will feel more confident and prepared to make informed decisions during your birth experience! Remember, your healthcare provider is your ally, working alongside you to ensure the safest and healthiest birth for both you and your precious little one.

Now, take a deep breath, embrace this transformative journey, and trust in the remarkable strength and resilience of your body as you welcome your bundle of joy into the world.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your specific needs and preferences regarding your birth plan.

When it comes to predicting the gender of an unborn baby, old wives tales have been used for generations as a fun and sometimes accurate way to guess whether you’re having a boy or girl. While some of these tales are just myths and superstitions, others have been backed up by scientific research. Here are some of the most popular old wives tales for predicting the gender of a baby:

Carrying High or Low:

One of the most common old wives tales suggests that the way you carry your baby can indicate its gender. According to this tale, if you’re carrying high, it means you’re having a girl, while if you’re carrying low, it means you’re having a boy.

Heart Rate:

Another popular tale says that the heart rate of a baby can predict its gender. If the baby’s heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute, it’s a boy, and if it’s more than 140 beats per minute, it’s a girl.

Cravings:

The foods you crave during pregnancy may also indicate the gender of your baby. According to this tale, if you’re craving salty and savory foods, it means you’re having a boy, while if you’re craving sweet foods, it means you’re having a girl.

Morning Sickness:

It’s said that if you’re experiencing severe morning sickness during your first trimester, it’s a sign that you’re having a girl. If you’re not experiencing morning sickness or it’s relatively mild, it means you’re having a boy.

Skin Condition:

Some old wives tales say that if you’re experiencing acne during pregnancy, it means you’re having a girl, while if your skin is clear, it means you’re having a boy.

Mood Swings:

Another tale suggests that if you’re experiencing more mood swings and feeling more irritable during pregnancy, it means you’re having a boy. If you’re feeling more mellow, it means you’re having a girl.

While some of these old wives tales may seem silly, many expectant parents swear by them. However, it’s important to remember that they’re not scientifically proven, and the only way to know the gender of your baby for sure is through ultrasound or genetic testing.

In the end, whether you’re having a boy or girl, the most important thing is that your baby is healthy and happy. So enjoy your pregnancy, and don’t stress too much about predicting your baby’s gender.

At Sweet Pea imagery, we understand having a baby can be a stressful time. We’d love to help you best prepare for your labor! When your little one decides to enter this world, you’ll feel prepped and ready as ever with this free downloadable hospital bag checklist!

Feel free to download & print our list! We even added an extra section for you to add whatever else you’d like to bring.

Whether this is the first newborn in your family for a while, or you haven’t spent a lot of time around newborns, you may be feeling a little intimidated by their fragility. You can never go wrong with a refresher on how to properly handle your newborn! You may want to share this post with a friend or family member to refresh them as well before your little bundle of joy arrives!

Always have clean hands before handling your baby!

Ideally, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Hand sanitizer also works if you aren’t able to use a sink to wash your hands. Due to newborns not having a strong enough immune system, they are at higher risk for illnesses and infection. Make sure everyone who handles your baby has clean hands before doing so.

Make sure to support your baby’s neck and head!

Always cradle your baby’s head when laying your baby down or carrying your baby upright.

NEVER shake your newborn!

It is never okay under any circumstance to shake a newborn. This can cause bleeding of the brain and life threatening issues.

Make sure you securely fasten your newborn into their strollers & car seats!

You’ll want to limit any activity that will be too bouncy or rough for your newborn.

Don’t play rough with your newborn!

Your baby is not ready to be bounced on your knee or jiggled. Enjoy some newborn baby snuggles instead!

We hope this quick guide to handling a newborn relieves some stress! Remember that newborns are fragile and we should be extra careful with them at this point in their development. Please let us know if you have any other questions, we’d love to help!

We’ve all experienced shortages over the past couple of years, but this most recent one has been particularly worrying for many parents: baby formula. With over 43% of formulas being sold out across the country, we understand the concern! We put together this resource for families looking for their baby’s formula.

What stores can I find baby formula at?

Albertson’s – Carries a variety of formula in person
Amazon – Carries a variety of brands online
Bed, Bath & Beyond – Carries Similac and Enfamil in store
BuybuyBaby – Carries several formula brands online
Costco – Carries Enfagrow and other brands online & in store
Food Lion – Carries several formula brands online
H-E-B – Carries Gerber baby formula online
Kroger – Carries a variety of formula in person & online
Rite Aid – Carries a variety of formula in person & online
Safeway – Carries a variety of formula in person & online
Target – Carries a variety of formula in person & online
Thrive Market – Carries organic baby formulas
Walmart – Carries a variety of formula in person & online
Walgreens – Carries a variety of formula in person & online
Whole Foods – Carries organic brands & 1 day shipping with Amazon prime

TIP: Have friends and family keep an eye out at the store for your baby formula. You may not be a regular shopper at Safeway, but your best friend may be! It never hurts to have help from friends and family to keep you stocked up on your baby’s formula.

What should I do if I run out of my baby’s formula?

Before anything, we recommend contacting your pediatrician! They are going to be your best resource for recommendations of similar brands. Some may even have samples they are willing to share!

After checking all of the stores above, you may want to check out some more local stores in your area. Call ahead to save time in your search and cover more stores!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not try making your own baby formula! This can be highly dangerous for your growing baby.

How to switch my baby’s formula?

Even though you may have formula in your area, they still might be out of your baby’s specific brand of formula. Your best option at this point might be switching your baby’s formula to a brand they are carrying & have in stock!

When switching formulas, you’ll want to first contact your pediatrician! They have the knowledge of what brands are similar and what will be the best switch for your baby.

We are happy to help all moms in need during this time! We have a limited supply of Enfamil formula to get you by!

Do you have any additional questions about the formula shortage? Or do you have any tips/advice for other moms in finding formulas? Please let us know!

When you feel the baby move will be different for every mom. Some moms feel their baby move as early as 15-16 weeks, but others not until around 22 weeks. I didn’t feel mine until about 19 weeks pregnant but my sister felt hers at 16!

There are many factors that can affect when you will feel your little one. If it is your first pregnancy it may take longer. Also, the placement of your placenta can affect feeling them as well!

Remember that all bodies, babies, and pregnancies are different and you cannot compare one to the other. If you have concerns you can always ask your doctor or healthcare provider!