Resources for the Pregnant, Scared, & Clueless

These are some of the resources I have come across and most used while being pregnant.  I thought I would compile them and share.  I’m a big believer in sharing knowledge.  After all, knowledge is power.  I’m sure over the next few months I will be adding to this list.  In fact, I have a few books waiting for me at the library.  If you have knowledge to share please do so in the comment section below or message me and I can share the information.

Apps

Baby Center

• Gives weekly updates on your body and the baby
• Gives daily reminders or tips
•  Has a Kick Tracker

What to Expect

• Has a tracker with all the essential information:
• How far along you are, what trimester you are in, the baby is as big as a ________, a countdown, and your estimated due date.
• Gives weekly updates on your body and baby
• Gives daily reminders or tips

The Bump

•  Mainly I use this app for the “Is it Safe” section.  Especially in the first trimester I kept asking “is it safe…”

 Calculators

Due Date --  I love this one because it list everything by date. 

http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/pregnancycalendar/l/blpregcalc.htm

Weight Gain

http://www.thebabycorner.com/tools/pregnancy/calculators/weightcalculator.php

Checklists

What to pack

http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/preparing-for-labor/hospital-packing-list/

Birth Plan
http://www.babycenter.com/calculators-birthplan

Breastfeeding Links

La Leche League
http://www.llli.org

Breastfeeding Inc.

http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca

Kelly Mom

http://kellymom.com

A friend recently sent me this link for a recipe that helps you produce milk
http://www.readexpress.com/2013/07/cookies-for-milk/

Baby Registry

Amazon.com

• Sometimes a little cheaper
•  With Amazon Prime you can get free shipping
• Also a good resource for your pregnancy needs like prenatal vitamins, sea bands, preggo pops, and ridiculous wrap-around-my-entire-body pillows

Babies R Us

•  Can build your list online or in the store
• Good for those who don’t like to bye online
• Great return policy
•  You get a nice little goodie bag and free bottles of water when you go into the store to register

Etsy.com

• Unique gifts
• Support small businesses
• Personalized gifts
•  Downside:
•  Limited quantity of items so when they sell out the item is no longer
• They only have a wedding registry so you have to use that.  It might confuse people a bit.

Other Useful Links

Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

http://womenshealth.gov

Ask Dr. Sears
http://www.askdrsears.com

US Department of Labor/ Women’s Bureau
http://www.dol.gov/wb/

•  I’ve been fortunate to have no issues in the work place regarding parental leave or nursing, but I have had other women ask me questions.  This is a resource I use to point them in the right direction.

Books

What to Expect When You are Expecting

By Dr. Heidi Murkoff

A Holistic Guide to Pregnancy and Child Birth: Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives

By Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Movies

The Business of Being Born

What to Expect When you are Expecting – not really informational, but a good laugh is sometimes necessary, and trust me, you will be able to relate.