Great Links for New and Expecting Moms

Parent Center and Baby Center (.com)

A great resource for new and expecting moms.  Be sure to make use of their free email newsletters.  I enjoy receiving their weekly developmental e-newsletter that describes in detail (with pictures) each week of my pregnancy. 

Once the baby is born the newsletter will begin describing your baby's development...and eventually the monthly development of your toddler.  My oldest child is five and I still get monthly developmental information.    For each stage of development, I have found the information to be right on target.

Postpartum.net

Breastfeeding Bestsellers

Breastfeeding Problem Solvers

Postpartum Weight Loss Calculator--How many calories should you eat to lose weight after your baby?

BodyTrends.com--Online resource for support, information, and equipment for new moms

Immunization Scheduler--When does your baby need to be immunized?

Vaccine Safety Website

Anita's Favorite Baby and New Mommy Stuff

Kirkland brand baby wipes from Costco-- Of course I used Huggies with baby number one.  But that was before I knew about these.  I've been using the Kirkland brand for three years.  They are unscented,  hypoallergenic and come out one-at-a-time.  The best part about them is that they are moist and soft.  More moist than Huggies and not too thick.  The other best part is the price.  Just over $12 for six packs.    We keep a pack in the family room, living room, minivan, and in each bathroom.  Worth getting a Costco membership for! (Thanks Alycia for turning me on to these years ago!)

Huggies Diapers--  They may not make the best wipes (in my opinion) but they do make the very best diapers.  Worth spending the extra money.  All those others just don't hold water like Huggies.  And when they do catch the "water and other stuff" the kids immediately smell.  Huggies holds the moisture away from the baby as well as the odor--up to a limit of course.  I'm not into "brand names" for brand names sake.  But this brand works!!

Motherhood Maternity Clothing Store-- Most affordable maternity clothing store for expecting moms and nursing moms.  With the most recent pregnancy I've done all of my shopping online and they are fast and reliable.  They also have excellent sales online.  The also have plus sizes online if you need them (most don't carry plus sizes in the store).  The link I sent you to is a part of MaternityMall.com.  It's a great place for all the other popular maternity clothing stores--cool places for slim and trim/fashion conscience moms and working moms.  You can find these stores at the local mall too.

Back to Sleep Inverted Zipper Sleeper Blanket--WONDERFUL!  A zip-up sleeper that zips from the top to the bottom. Stop fussing with that blanket that keeps coming undone.  This zip up blanket is ideal.  It leaves the arms out which makes it easier to get on and off.  

Baby Bunting--No Mommy should be without one!  Perfect for any infant carrier/car seat and keeps baby warm without having to put the baby in a heavy winter coat or snow suit.  

Snugli--A snugli (that's a brand name) or some sort of body cradle for the baby is essential.  It allows you to cuddle your baby while keeping your hands free to do other things--like laundry, the dishes, etc.  In my experience, the more children you have, the more you need one.

Sears Photography--For "everyday" photography, Sears has the very best prices.  They are fast, easy and you can get your prints on a disk.  You'll be having lots of pictures taken, so get the "Smile Savers" Card to save on sitting fees.  Pictures are typically taken at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months intervals and every year thereafter.  You may also consider finding a professional specialty photography to photograph beautiful, intimate portraits of you while pregnant or with you (or you and your husband) and your newborn.

VACCINATION GUIDELINES  (source: http://www.tacanow.com/danprotocal.htm)

1.Use Thimersol / Mercury free vaccines!!
The only way to know for sure a vaccine is mercury/thimersol free is to read the insert yourself!  Many doctors still have mercury/thimersol vaccines sitting in the refrigerators! And yes, mercury /thimersol containing vaccines are still being made!! Be sure to be 100% sure!

If you are wondering which vaccines currently contain ethylmercury and which do not, visit:
- http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/thi-table.htm  and
- http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/thi-table.htm#2

For information about which flu shots contain ethylmercury and which do not, visit some CDC-created information at:
Flu Vaccine 2004 Mercury Content
- http://www.safeminds.org/NewChart.pdf

2.  Do not vaccinate newborns.

3.  Avoid re-immunization with a vaccine after a previous bad reaction.

4.NEVER vaccinate ill children or children recovering from an infection.

5. Space vaccines - do not give multiple vaccines in 1 day.
(THAT INCLUDES vaccines that have multiple viruses!  Split them up!)

6. Use single dose vials from which to draw up the vaccines as opposed to multiple-dose vials which provide less uniform dosage.

7.        Use inactivated polio. (the shot, not the drops)

8.        Give RDA (Recommended Daily Allowances) of Vitamin C before and after vaccines

9.        Give a natural form of Vitamin A ( cod liver oil ) to keep RDA's at level at all times for the age.

10.    Separate the MMR into 3...start with measles at 12-15 months, then mumps at 18-21 months, rubella at 24-27 months.

11.    Do not give live virus vaccines to immunodeficient children.

12.    Do not give vaccines if allergic to any of these components:

                                                              

i.      Yeast - Hep B

                                                            

ii.      Eggs - MMR

iii.      Neonycian - MMR or Varicella

13.    Hold off on the Varicella until 10-12 years & if the child is shown not immune to Chicken pox.

14.    Checking vaccine titers before giving boosters (Most people are immune after one dose.  We continue to get multiple doses that MAY NOT BE NEEDED.  Have them check antibody levels via titres blood test.)

Note: this information came from DAN! (Defeat Autism NOW!) Protocols. For a complete copy of the treatment protocols go to www.autism.com/ari and click on DAN! For information.