General Tips

[BTurley01]

Hi All, I'm after any advice anyone has with getting through pregnancy or giving birth and even after, I know everyone is different but i'm interested in everyone's experiences. For example a friend said to sign up for 'bounty' is it? because you get good vouchers/offers sent to you?
I want to be as prepared as I can be and get any help also

Thanks Everyone.

 

[Melly41]

Hiya, I had my two a few years ago, now ttc #3. I remember getting bounty and emma's diary.....lots of freebies and vouchers. I think emma's diary was from the midwife. It was a pack with free samples etc. I also remember getting a free pack from boots too. If you google emma's diary you will probably be able to get the freebies online I reckon. It all helps and as they are travel size freebies they are quite handy for your nappy bag! Enjoy collecting!

As for getting through pregnancy......just trying to enjoy the experience....it's very exciting and relax as much as you can. If it your first, making sure you go out as much as you can as this stop for a while after you've given birth! I went out of dinner the night I went into labour......wanted to finish off my dinner before I went home to get my hospital bag! ha ha!

Good luck x

 

[JulyBug]

This is my first too so look forward to seeing some helpful tips!

I have already started to buy things like baby wipes, nappy bags etc so I'll have it all in advanced and won't feel so overwhelmed by everything we need to buy! I have a list of everything essential I need for me and for baby and have just been ticking bits off as I get them, which has helped me stay on track and not panic! xx

 

[BTurley01]

Thanks Melly. I had a miscarriage November last year and am now currently 8 weeks. Anxious but taking each day as it comes and being positive. Thanks for your tips! Very helpful.

 

[Melly41]

No problem. Sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I hope you have a healthy pregnancy this time and that you can enjoy it and relax. I guess getting to 12 weeks will be a turning point for you x

 

[BTurley01]

I've just signed up to Emma's diary and have 3 vouchers to get free.... Bump to baby. Mum to be. And new family.member from boots or argos thanks all

 

[BTurley01]

And yes the 1st scan around 12 weeks could.not come quick enough!

 

[Melly41]

Good stuff....we rarely get any in life for free so might as well make the most of it. There are probably loads more since i was last pregnancy in 2007!

I hope your 12 week scan goes well and that you can the next get on and enjoy it.....how are you feeling st the moment? Have you had any morning sickness? I didn't with either of mine so I was very lucky! Remember feeling I had a lot more energy in 2nd tri too x

 

[BTurley01]

I feel fine. Just a little tired but don't even know if that is linked to the pregnancy lol no sickness. Thanks again

 

[Mel05]

Congratulations BTurley01! I had a miscarriage in November too and have just found out I am pregnant again. Like you if all goes well this will be our first . I am going to sign up to those sites too , thanks! x

 

[violet13]

Hey Hun, congratulations first of all . My advice or tips are labour don't panic don't feel bad if things don't go as you expected and never ever feel you can't do it! You can. Breastfeeding if you choose to it's hard no doubt about it but midwives will help loads and go to breastfeeding groups too but if it's not for you don't worry about it formula isn't evil in fact it's a life saver I will attempt to breastfeeding this time again if not then it's no worry. Pregnancy wise I have no help because I hate being big and uncomfortable but I love movement after baby is here take loads of photos because newborn stage is over so fast. Happy healthy 9 months Hun xxx very sorry to hear of your miscarriage Hun, your first scan is exciting how long now till you have it? I found personally bouncer was brilliant for my little one as well as a next 2 me as it lasts longer especially if baby is long but I'd not say it was an essential xx

 

[ne0nbright]

Sorry to hear about your miscarriage, wishing you a happy & healthy 9 months

Try not to worry about expectations of labour and afterwards, it is quite an adjustment having a newborn and it takes time to get used to. I felt like a lot of mothers were doing a lot better than me, until I realised we're all just giving it our best shot!

As for some recommendations, muslin cloths are great with a number of uses from protecting your clothes during burping to using as a little blanket. If you are planning to formula feed, the Tommee Tippee perfect prep machine is really good. Also, you might want to get a brightly coloured toy, we had the Lamaze firefly and our little girl loved it, it certainly helped when she went through her colic phase!

Try to enjoy your pregnancy as much as you can, I know I spent most of my time panicking whether she was ok in there or not, but I do really miss the kicks and wiggles, I really hoped I'd be able to remember what they felt like but I can't really x

 

[Rose83]

Go to the cinema or something like that plenty before you have a baby - I had my daughter December 2014 and haven't been to the cinema since! In fact we only had our first meal out alone last week - I'm pregnant wine our third now. Although this sort of thing depends on whether you have a stream of relatives to watch the baby/not having a clingy baby. I breastfed both of mine so firstly I couldn't leave them and then when they got a bit older they were just devastated to be left with someone else.

Sign up for Emma's diary online. I think kiddicare did a free book of vouchers for first time mum's too. Mothercare send you a voucher if you sign up for catalogue.

Jumperoo is a life saver past 5 months ish. As is perfect prep machine if you formula feed. Buy at least 20 muslins. Don't go overboard on buying nappies in advance as you never know what will suit your baby. The wetness indicator stripes on nappies are great and asda own brand do them up to size 3 which is more than most brands and they are great quality nappies. Do stock up on wipes - aldi wipes are great and they often do huge boxes of 12 packs for about £6. Basically you can never have enough - I know people who have bought 50 packs before having a baby! Lol.

When it's your first baby you are absolutely inundated with gifts - even from people you would never have thought of getting one from so although you'll want to buy loads of clothes yourself you sometimes might be better to buy larger sizes (like 6-9 months onwards) as people only tend to buy the 'cute' tiny sizes so I ended up with far too much to use in the early months then got to 6-9 months and had barely anything x