Tips to Consider Before Trying for a Baby

My husband Aron with our 4th child, Eva. She is mischievous and fun!

Choosing to have a baby can be an exciting, emotional time of any women’s life. As easy as it is to take months of planning to become a Mom, nothing quite prepares you for that incredible feeling of holding your newborn in your arms.  So once you’ve calmed down, bought all the books you can find on pregnancy at your local bookstore, and maxed out your credit card on a stylish maternity wardrobe, it's time to get serious and start focusing on other factors of your life that will be affected by your growing baby bump – and that’s not just the color of your nursery walls.

Are you in good health?

Your first task as a mom-to-be: pick up the phone and call your doctor, ob-gyn, or midwife – whoever you intend to see or consult throughout your pregnancy. It’s time to make sure that your health, and that of your baby, is the best that it possibly can be. Make sure that your choice of healthcare provider is covered within your insurance network

Growing a baby can be tough work, and can wreak havoc on your emotions and feelings, not to mention the obvious physical changes that all new mothers can expect to go through. During your first health visit you will undergo a detailed examination, involving a full physical and pelvic exam. You can also expect to be weighed and measured and have your blood pressure taken. Your doctor will then give you your due date, around 266 days from the first day of your last period. Remember in a normal pregnancy, you can expect to see your doctor or consultant every month until about the sixth month; every two weeks during the seventh and eighth months, and finally weekly until labor.

Now you’ve seen your consultant it’s time to consider prenatal care. Most health practitioners will advise taking a prenatal supplement to up the levels of folic acid and iron that you need while pregnant. Being pregnant means giving your diet some careful consideration too. Make sure that you are eating regular, balanced meals and do make extra precautions when eating meat or fish, to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly. You will also want to stop drinking and smoking to avoid placing your baby at risk of premature delivery, miscarriage and other health complications.  Remember you are not alone when it comes to your baby’s health, sites such as http://www.pregnancyhealth.net/ offer a wealth of information and advice for Moms, whether you are expecting for the first or third time.

To maintain good health, you will need to consider incorporating some sort of exercise into your daily routine, if you don’t already. Just because you are pregnant, doesn’t mean that you can’t work out – you will just need to make a few small changes to your routine. Why not consider exploring other exercise classes that are slightly lower impact – such as yoga or Pilates? There’s no reason why you can’t work up a sweat, but be sure to check in with your gym instructor or doctor first. Practice balancing on a birthing ball for exercise and it will also help you throughout your labor — and beyond!

Telling your other kids

If you already have children it can be difficult to pick the right time to break the news that they are soon to have a brother or sister. Normally experts advise that you wait until your pregnancy is well established, this is usually when your first trimester is well underway, and the risk of miscarriage is reduced. It's also a good idea to wait until your baby bump is starting to show. It can be difficult for children to come to terms with the fact that a baby is growing inside Mom’s stomach – especially if it’s still quite flat. Be sure to let your kids touch your belly and try and be as open and honest with their questions as possible. How long you should wait, and the reaction that this will provoke, depends on the age and nature of your children. Remember that this can be stressful and confusing news for kids to digest, so make sure that you break the news when your kids are relaxed and in a safe environment.

Can you afford it?

If you ask any parent whether they waited until they could factor in the costs of having a child, the common answer would be a resounding no. If you currently have a strict household budget then now’s the time to make a few additions. Having a child can add anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars every month to your outgoings, depending on your health insurance plan, or childcare costs, and even diapers and formula milk can soon add up. During your pregnancy is a great time to go through your finances (and start saving too!) Be honest with yourself and your partner – can you really afford to go on vacation this year? Do you need a new car? Why not consult other friends or family members who have recently had a baby to see how their budget has been affected? Little changes will go a long way before the first patter of tiny feet.

If you do want to quit your job to be a stay at home Mom, is this feasible for yourself and your family? Make sure that your partner understands why you want to give up work, and whether you can cover all costs on just one income. There’s no right, or wrong, time to have a baby. However, it’s advisable to consider the financial effect on your household in the long term. Not only will your new born increase your costs from the moment they arrive, but you also need to consider that you will be feeding and clothing your child until they go off to college. 

No matter the planning or preparation that you do, there’s no greater feeling than becoming a parent. So if things don’t go quite to plan, don’t worry. You have nine whole months of pregnancy to get ready for this life changing experience. Becoming a mother means that your role in the world is about to change. Although sleepless nights, dirty diapers and exhaustion might await you, this “job” is truly unique. So make sure you enjoy it. 

Packing Tips For Your Next Move

Experts have long suggested that moving is one of the most stressful life events. Fortunately, careful planning and sensible packing can make the whole ordeal much easier. For your next relocation, don't forget to hire movers and use these packing tips.

Now Is the Time to Declutter

Weeks, or more ideally months, before your move, it pays to go through virtually every item in your house. As you go, you'll be deciding whether each item should be kept, tossed or donated. Moving is easier when you have fewer things to pack. Why bring the skis that you haven't used in a decade or that rice cooker that's been gathering dust since you received it as a gift? Get rid of disused or worn out items now so that you don't have to pack them for your move.

Hire Movers

Don't wait until the last minute to find reputable movers Manchester NH. They can either do your packing for you or provide valuable advice to make the chore much easier and more efficient. Typically, the company provides boxes, padding and blankets to keep even your most delicate and valuable items safe in transit. With their guidance, nothing will get lost or broken.

Make Plans for Special Items

If you are moving anything that is particularly large, valuable or delicate, you'll want to rely on New England movers to get the job done. They have the skills, materials and know-how that are necessary to move everything from oversized refrigerators to rare oil paintings. The job may involve building a custom crate and using deluxe padding materials, and your moving company is the perfect resource to get it done right.

Use the Right Boxes

Packing most of your things yourself is an excellent way to save money on a move. However, it is imperative that you be smart about how you pack. For instance, it's never a good idea to fill a large box with heavy items. Use small boxes for heavier items such as books, and save those large boxes for lighter items like pillows, towels and blankets. Try not to leave empty spaces in the boxes as this will allow the items inside to shift and slide. Put clothing, towels or other soft items into open spaces to prevent this.

Organize and Label

Do your best not to mix the contents of various rooms in one box. This makes the unpacking process chaotic. Instead, keep everything from a certain room together, and clearly label each box as you finish packing it. This makes it easy for the movers to place the boxes in the right room at the new property. Also, be careful to fully seal each box with packing tape. This provides extra security against loss and breakage.

Moving doesn't have to be stressful when it's done right. Use these sensible packing tips and a professional moving company for your next relocation. You won't regret it.

Playing To Your Strengths: Which Career Path Is Right For You?

It’s very uncommon to find a job that satisfies your career goals and aspirations at the first time of asking. Although it is possible to start climbing the ladder early on in your career, many of us take a job straight out of school or college with the primary aim of earning a wage. If you fancy a change of career or you’re still not sure what you want to do, this guide will hopefully give you some helpful hacks to find the right career path.

Image from https://pixabay.com/en/photos/job%20search/

Using your interests and talents

One of the best ways to find the perfect job is to think about how you could use your talents and interests. For most of us, the dream is to find a job that provides us with enjoyment and satisfaction on a daily basis. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? What are your strengths? How could you use your talents to benefit others? If you love experimenting with beauty products or you find it satisfying to make other people feel more confident, why not learn how to become an esthetician or enroll in a course that enables you to offer professional makeup services? If you enjoy spending time with animals, you could look for openings at local shelters or train as a veterinary nurse or a vet? If you’re a talented artist and you want to work with kids, think about studying to be an art teacher. If you can find a career path that enables you to combine interests and passions and use your talents, it’s worth taking time to study or gain some experience in the relevant industry.

Working out your priorities

When you’re looking for jobs, think about your priorities. Are you eager to earn as much as possible? Do you want a career that will enable you to spend every evening and weekend with your family? Is job satisfaction top of the wish list? Everybody is different, and we all have an idea of what constitutes a dream job. Some people want freedom and flexibility, some want a better salary, and others strive for enjoyment. If you know what you want from your working day, this will help you find a suitable position.

Using your qualifications

It’s not always possible to chase a dream, and in some cases, you may not have the relevant qualifications. If you want to be a doctor, but you don’t have the best grades, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to achieve that goal. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t find a job that enables you to use your skills and make use of the qualifications you do have. If you always wanted to help people and you have an interest in the healthcare industry, there are plenty of other roles you could consider, including nursing or working as a medical assistant or a technician. It’s worth taking a bit of time to explore your options and learn more about careers you maybe hadn’t considered before.

Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124247024@N07/13903364409

Are you looking for a new job? Are you struggling to decide which path to take? Consider your interests, use your talents and look for a job that fits in with your priorities and your lifestyle.

Tips For Having A Fun Fall Getaway At The Cabin

Fall is the perfect season for getting away to the cabin. The air is crisp, the leaves are colorful and you can always count on the kitchen smelling of delicious baked goods. The weekends are an ideal time to escape the chaos of everyday life.

Make sure your trip goes off without a hitch by planning ahead. Confirm all members of the family and any guests are aware of your departure date and what to bring. You’ll have a better time knowing you haven’t left any items behind at home. See tips for having a fun fall getaway at the cabin.

Pack Properly

Do your best to pack light. You want to have as much space and legroom in the car as possible when you’re traveling far distances. Tell each member of the family, so they know to only bring what’s absolutely necessary. It’s also a good idea to pack for the fall weather. Check the forecast while you’re gathering your belongings and put in warm enough clothes. Do your best to bring items that you can easily layer.

Plan Meals in Advance

Before you head up to the cabin, come up with a meal plan. Map out exactly what you’ll be eating at each meal and on which day. Make a grocery list so you know what to bring with you on the trip and which of the items you’ll need to buy at the store once you’re at your cabin. Consider going out to eat one night so you can have an evening off from cooking and entertaining. Some families also like to switch off taking responsibility for meal planning throughout the weekend. Do what works best for your group.

Protect your Dog

Bringing your dog with you makes your time at the cabin a lot more fun. The trouble is that there are many opportunities for your pet to encounter pests. Apply a flea med for dogs to help you combat any issues and protect your furry animal. You don’t want any of these bugs getting into your home or on your body or clothes. Think ahead and start the application months in advance of your trip, so you have nothing to worry about while you’re at the cabin having a good time. Everyone will be happier knowing you’ve taken the proper precautions.

Organize Activities

Decide what you and the group will do once you arrive onsite. Plan an apple picking trip, a hike and bonfires to keep everyone entertained. Have a few planned activities, but don’t go overboard. Some people may want to relax and spend time by themselves or out in nature soaking up the sights and sounds. Offer up suggestions and ideas, but don’t be too pushy about it if someone doesn’t want to go along.

Conclusion

Fall is a great time to be outside and enjoying the outdoors. Getting away for a few days will allow you to clear your head and soak up the season. These are tips for having a fun fall getaway at the cabin. 

How You and Your Family Can Take Care of the Family Pet

Having a pet in the family is a big responsibility, especially if they are ones that depend you a lot such as hamsters and rabbits. However, they are also a huge opportunity to teach your children about being responsible owners. They should be encouraged to help out when cleaning and feeding you pets because this will teach them a lot including respect for the animals.

Keep Regular Check-Ups with the Veterinarian

Unlike humans, many animals cannot tell you when they are ill, so it is important that you visit your veterinarian for regular check-ups. As well as checking their health, the vet can also administer and injections or vaccinations that your pet needs. Your vet will also monitor their weight to make sure that they are not getting too fat or too thin. It is also vital that you see your vet if there are any signs for concern with your pet.

Feeding the Correct Diet

It can be tempting, especially for dog owners, to give them some of your food. Doing this can be bad for your animal’s health as they need certain vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy. You will need to stick to this from the beginning or you will teach your pet that you will give them food. Once you start doing this, it can be an incredibly hard habit to break. There are many companies such as Betsy Farms that offer healthy treats for your dog, and there are other sites that cater to other animals. If your pet becomes too overweight, then they can suffer from other health issues that will need to be monitored.

Keep Your Home Pet Safe

If you have an animal that like to run around the house or garden, then you should make sure that your home is secure and safe for them to play. It isn’t just important to stop them getting out, it also prevents other animals coming in and attacking your pet. Make sure that fences are high enough to keep out animals and that there are no gaps in the fence. Patch up any small holes in the house that a small animal such as a hamster can explore.