Pregnancy and Birth: The Essential Checklists

Contents 5......Page 7
Introduction 6......Page 8
Pregnancy 8......Page 11
What to do if the test is positive 10......Page 12
Appointments and tests 12......Page 14
Budgeting for baby 14......Page 16
Your basic maternity wardrobe 16......Page 18
Nutrition during pregnancy 18......Page 20
Perfect pregnancy snacks 20......Page 22
Your pregnancy handbag 21......Page 23
Maternity rights and benefits 22......Page 24
Your pregnancy-at-work toolkit 24......Page 26
Hazards at work 25......Page 27
Traveling during pregnancy 26......Page 28
Dealing with sleep problems 27......Page 29
Ideal exercise 28......Page 30
Coping with pregnancy symptoms 30......Page 32
When to see your doctor 34......Page 36
What to ask your doctor 35......Page 37
Natural therapies and remedies 36......Page 38
Stimulating your baby 38......Page 40
Preparing for baby 40......Page 43
Essential first clothes 42......Page 44
Which diapers? 44......Page 46
Bathtime essentials 46......Page 48
Keeping clean 47......Page 49
Soothers and comfort items 48......Page 50
Transporting your baby 50......Page 52
Breast- and bottle-feeding 52......Page 54
Your baby’s nursery 54......Page 56
Your baby’s medicine cabinet 56......Page 58
Your nesting instinct 58......Page 60
Preparing for the birth 60......Page 63
Labor and delivery options 62......Page 64
What to ask on your hospital visit 64......Page 66
Choosing a prenatal class 65......Page 67
Your birth plan 66......Page 68
Your hospital bag 68......Page 70
Your baby’s hospital bag 69......Page 71
Your birth partner’s checklist 70......Page 72
Is a birth center right for you? 72......Page 74
Symptoms of labor 74......Page 76
Questions about procedures 75......Page 77
Pain-relief options 76......Page 78
Your gift wish list 78......Page 80
Visitors and support 79......Page 81
Your new baby: after the birth 80......Page 83
Choosing a pediatrician 82......Page 84
Postpartum checkups 83......Page 86
Postpartum depression (PPD) 85......Page 87
Getting enough sleep 86......Page 88
Best snacks for new moms 88......Page 90
Quick family food 89......Page 91
For your records 90......Page 93
Developmental checkups 92......Page 94
Weight and length log 93......Page 95
Waking and sleeping log 94......Page 96
Immunization log 96......Page 98
Visitors, gifts, and thank yous 98......Page 100
Vital records 100......Page 102
Baby basics 102......Page 105
Bathing your baby 104......Page 106
Topping and tailing 106......Page 108
Changing your baby 107......Page 109
Your diaper bag 108......Page 110
Creating a routine 109......Page 111
Vacations and trips 110......Page 112
When your baby is ill 112......Page 114
When to see your doctor 114......Page 116
Baby-proofing your home 115......Page 117
Coping with common ailments 116......Page 118
Calming diaper rash 120......Page 122
Ease the crying 121......Page 123
Stimulating your baby 122......Page 124
Encouraging bonding 124......Page 126
Your baby: 0–3 months 126......Page 129
Developmental milestones 128......Page 130
Best first toys 129......Page 131
Breastfeeding basics 130......Page 132
Breastfeeding problems 132......Page 134
Bottle-feeding basics 134......Page 136
Soothing your baby to sleep 135......Page 137
Your baby: 3–6 months 136......Page 139
Developmental milestones 138......Page 140
Best toys and activities 140......Page 142
Essential clothing and equipment 142......Page 144
Is my baby ready for solid food? 144......Page 146
Symptoms of food allergies 145......Page 147
Teething 146......Page 148
Childhood illnesses 148......Page 150
Your baby: 6–9 months 150......Page 153
Developmental milestones 152......Page 154
Best toys and activities 154......Page 156
Essential clothing and equipment 156......Page 158
Tips for feeding solids 159......Page 161
Best first foods and purées 160......Page 162
First foods diary 162......Page 164
Great first finger foods 164......Page 166
Ideal family meals 165......Page 167
Your baby: 9–12 months 166......Page 169
Developmental milestones 168......Page 170
Best toys and activities 170......Page 172
Essential clothing and equipment 172......Page 174
Your baby’s first birthday 174......Page 176
Going back to work 176......Page 179
Preparing for your return to work 178......Page 180
Survival tips for working moms 180......Page 182
How to choose a day-care center 181......Page 183
How to choose a nanny 182......Page 184
How to choose a home day care 183......Page 185
Soothing separation anxiety 184......Page 186
Covering vacations and illness 186......Page 188
Staying at home 188......Page 190
Index 189......Page 191
Acknowledgments 192......Page 194