Fortunately I never needed to buy maternity clothes, I got away with low waist pants and dresses and t-shirts stretch a size bigger. The fashion today still offers ample choice with a big belly. Not just ugly overalls that make us clumsy, but refined and glamorous dresses like Isabella Oliver.

Among the fans of the brand that Heidi Klum made ​​physical, pregnant or not there is little difference. Tops and sweaters draped dresses and stretch knit for day, until evening dress significant. A true total look with lots of tips about the outfits or, as the match ends. It is not the inexpensive, tops start at around 80 euros, but they are very tasty and youth.

The portaciuccio is a must, especially when children are very small, in order to prevent the pacifier constantly helmets on the ground. I have always used portaciucci very minimal, plastic ones bought at the supermarket, for instance. And I have always raised when the kids went to bed.

I saw many friends have instead equipped with portaciucci huge, wood and colorful. One of them confessed that he also took it, just for the night: a portaciuccio like that is definitely much easier to find in the dark, when you need to get up for the inevitable scream: “Mammmmaaaaaaa, ciuccioooooo.”

I found some really nice portaciucci, suitable for small girls that show marked feminine qualities: a portaciuccio wood and fabric, with lots of colorful flowers, 22 cm long: we can play the child, the mother can find it easily. And another little elf portaciuccio with flowers and a pink heart, all in wood. Are Haba and cost € 11.50. And for the boys? A caterpillar colored wood, but more sober longer: even 30 inches! Both are for sale on Orsodado.com, online shopping site for a store in Rome.

After the unexpected arrival of my daughter, came more tips, useful to deal with postpartum sadness and fatigue. Again, I can assure you that the comments are absolutely true.

Did you see that now do not you get bored anymore?;
You no longer need to take a pet (aurgh!);
It forces you to stay in shape (in fact, the depletion has its advantages);

Do you enjoy your maternity leave at home (I have more re-signed just learned that I was pregnant);
Improved relations with their grandparents and in-laws (true, though I have no excuse to call ten times a day);
Your husband will worship (those rare times when we meet);

When I saw them I immediately thought of the legendary Mary Poppins bag. Petunia Pickle Bottom are signed, a leading brand in the baby bag for the fashion addicted.

A retro style, with colorful printed velvet background in natural wool, Petunia Pickle Bottom bags are Hobo by mothers and rich … if I may add. There are also more traditional forms per page, easily transportable attached to the stroller and all models have incorporated the fabric to change the baby. They are for sale at Neiman Marcus or on Tuttibella.

The Ethics Committee of trade against sexism in advertising has declared war on the Swedish advertising: enough with the commercials that depict girls in pink bedrooms playing with teddy bears and fairy princesses while the boys play in small rooms with a blue toy cars, toy soldiers and trucks firemen.

After attacking Ryanair and his poster depicting a young girl in a miniskirt, now is the turn of Lego construction giant, guilty of having chosen for his own catalog pictures in pink and blue that will describe a few lines above.

The fault of which the advertisement in question is accused is to have “reinforced sexist stereotypes” out of date to be overcome. The principle invoked is that a child might want to play with dolls as much as a child may prefer cars and bumper cars. We would be curious to know the opinion of Swedish parents … but not only.

Tarot Reader Dr.Swati  Prakash tells you what the Tarot cards forecast for your little one and gives you tips on healing.

Aries March 21 -April 20 

This seems to be a stressful month for your Aries baby. There could be a few disturbances in his sleep. Do not worry for your baby as it will add to the negative energy and stress. Instead, think positive things and use relaxation methods such as music and aromatherapy. Lavender oil added to a diffuser will heal away all troubles and provide peace of mind every night. Elders of the family provide much needed support and so do pet animals.

Taurus April21-May21 

Your Taurus kiddo may be going through a phase that makes him more moody and difficult to please. He may be hiding some sorrow or unfulfilled wishes. There may be a need to give him some healing through an experienced therapist or healer. Emotional healing will ensure that his body returns to better health soon. Help from all over the world is at your fingertips now, so let the universe help you and your baby.

Gemini May 22 - June 21 

Your Gemini baby is full of confidence this month and will make every task he performs as exciting as possible. A wave of enthusiasm ensures that the baby is cheerful and takes every day in his stride. A lot of outdoor activities are indicated now. The child is likely to win something at playschool or at a camp or party. There is a need to maintain this positive spirit with the help of a ruby stone pendant.

Cancer June 22 - July 23 

Your little Cancer crab has a lot up his sleeve this month. A slew of activities and plenty of good news is flowing in now and it is time to embrace change. The baby is surprisingly energetic and physically fit instead of being tired or overwhelmed. Any amount of fun activities can be planned now. There will be great support from the father. Light eight candles in the South region of the baby’s room to boost energy.

Leo July 24 - August 23 

This month, your tiny lion is both patient and motivated at the same time. Your baby wants attention but is willing to wait for things to happen his way.Nature and greenery have a calming and grounding effect on your child now. A holiday or day out will do wonders for the baby’s energy levels. He will feel admired and appreciated often. Sew or weave a green garment for the baby to build a connection with nature now.

Virgo August 24 - September 23 

The Virgo child has been introspecting a bit and has begun to understand the world better now. His awareness levels are rising and he begins to appreciate nature more. The child is likely to be studious and focused this month. It is a good time to engage the baby in constructive and creative projects. The health of the baby is very good in this period of time. Add some honey in milk and speak a blessing for the child to inject some good energy.

Libra September 24 - October 23 

Your Libra baby is confused and dreamy this month. There are puzzles to be solved and dreams to be understood. The baby is also feeling tired and physically exhausted easily. You will wish for a magical potion to keep the child strong now. Try adding a bit of ginger in orange juice and let him consume it on a Tuesday to boost vitality and health. A trip to a nearby place will be specially relaxing and rejuvenating too.

Scorpio October 24 - November 22 

This month, everything will seem to be going just as expected for your Scorpio kid. Past initiatives will be successful in giving you the desired results. The baby will enjoy time with loved ones and companions of his own age. Sibling rivalries will be sorted out amicably. The more you keep the child occupied the better, with toys, information, tasks and more. Place three feng-shui coins in the baby’s cupboard for ensuring all his needs are always met.

Sagittarius November 23 - December 21 

Your Sagittarius child is getting in and out of troublesome situations. The baby is in need of some stronger protection this month considering its volatile energy. The health of the baby is strong for now but there can be emotional upsets and fears. The child may feel scared of ghosts and apparitions and may even be more sensitive to the same now. You can visualise white light enveloping and cocooning the baby several times a day for protection.

Capricorn December 22 - January 20 

Capricorn tykes are feeling strong and sturdy now. This earth sign is healthy and naturally protected by earth’s energies this month. Disturbances in health are less likely now and the baby is determined to fight any threats of any kind without worrying or giving up. The parents should take a decision to be more loving and romantic with each other so that the baby feels the protection of a stable family now. Place a bunch of rose quartz stones in your bedroom.

Aquarius January 21 - February 19

Your Aquarius baby is ready for more father time this month and needs to be given the moral support and strength from the male members of the family. The child will be charming and loving and will display his affection openly towards both parents. There will be fears and nightmares from time to time and health may also fluctuate. Try to release fears with the help of a dream-catcher in the baby’s sleep area.

Pisces February 20 - March 20 

This is a trying month for your Pisces popsicle, both at a physical and emotional level. The baby feels very controlled and wants to be free and wild at times. This can bring about a streak of rebellion and, at times, emotional depression. You may be too strict with the baby and this brings out the worst usually as your Pisces baby is super-sensitive. Try to be emotionally gentle at all times and place plenty of flowers and plants in the house to absorb the stress.

As parents-to-be, your anticipation and euphoria probably saw no bounds. As new parents, the practical aspects of feeding, bathing, moisturizing and more come to the fore. Keep in mind that for each there is only one thing to consider: your baby’s comfort. For instance, when it comes to diapering, the idea is simple: to keep your baby dry. But how do you achieve this? We give you some pointers.

Q.What kind of diaper should I buy for my baby?

A. For a new baby, make sure you go for newborn diapers which are tied lower at the waist or leave an opening for your baby’s sensitive umbilical cord area. Diapers have to be chosen according to your baby’s size and weight. Diaper packs come with size and weight specifications. A diaper that is too small will be uncomfortable, while one that is too large will be prone to leaks. Also, when you buy a diaper, make sure that the label specifies that it will keep your baby as dry as possible.

Q. How many times should I change my baby’s diaper?

A. The aim is to keep your baby feeling dry. Newborns can wet themselves as frequently as every half-an-hour, since they are exclusively on a liquid diet.
They also digest their feed quickly and may poop four to six times a day. A newborn’s diaper may need to be changed 8 to 12 times a day. Don’t
fret. You’ll figure out your baby’s rhythms in a couple of weeks. A simple way of detecting if your baby’s diaper is full is by touching it underneath. If it seems full, it’s time for a change. It should not be heavy. If it is, you need to change more often.

Q. Disposable or cloth diapers?

A. The most obvious advantages of disposable diapers over cloth diapers are convenience and your baby’s comfort. A cloth diaper needs to be changed as soon as your baby wets it. A disposable diaper needs to be changed after a few hours, particularly at night or on lourneys. Cloth diapers need to be washed and disinfected. While you may sanitize them, there is still the danger of them getting dirty. For instance, when they are hung up to dry, dust and grime can get into them. Disposable diapers lock the wetness away from your baby’s skin, making them more comfortable for her and allow her to sleep more peacefully. A newborn may wake up frequently because of a wet cloth nappy.

DIAPER RASH

Did you know that the chief cause of diaper rash is wetness?

Understand it: Most diapers leave some moisture on your baby’s skin and when your baby’s urine mixes with bacteria from his stool, it can lead to diaper rash. So, it is important to choose a good diaper that keeps the wetness at bay and allows your baby’s skin to breathe.

Prevent it: The best way to prevent diaper rash is to keep your baby clean and dry. For newborns, diapers should be changed every 2 to 3 hours and every time your baby poops. The time interval between diaper changes increases as babies grow, but between 5 to 7 changes are necessary even in older babies. Go for good quality breathable diapers that keep the wetness away. Also, give your baby some diaper-free time between nappy changes to allow his skin to breathe.

Detect it: Your baby’s diaper area will look irritated and red. There is no need to panic, as diaper rash is not uncommon, especially in the first year of a baby’s life. Consult your paediatrician if your baby does develop a rash. He may prescribe diaper cream and may ask you to change the lotion or cream you are using, as it may be irritating your baby’s skin.

Choosing a birth provider who respects your needs is the first step towards having a birth experience you desire. Explore all your options, talk to doctors until you find the right one for you. If you are not convinced or satisfied, move on and try elsewhere. Birth is the most important life transforming and potentially spiritual event of your life and requires some investigating and education. There are many doctors out there who are very open to being your partner in decision making.

1.  I want to be well informed and make decisions about my birth.Will you give me the time to answer all of my questions and to consider my birthing preferences and to work in partnership with me? Informed consent is important to me.

2. How do you feel about IVs/ shaving/enemas, epidurals and episiotomies, augmentation (speeding up labour) and at what week/day would you normally induce labour?

3. How do you feel about:

~Birth as a natural process and not a medical procedure.

~Birth without medical intervention unless a true medical indication arises.

~Dim lights, people present of my choice, quiet, music, candles, loud verbalisations, eating in labour, moving around in labour, squatting to birth, bringing my own doula with me.

4. Have you ever witnessed a purely natural birth?

5. Are you familiar with the Motherbaby friendly practices? Are they practised in your hospital? (You may like to give a copy of these to the doctor. Download them from www.imbci.org)

6. we are searching for a birth attendant who sees birth as a natural process which the vast majority of the time goes well if the body is left to do the job it was designed to do. It is my choice to avoid medications and epidural as this is how I desire my baby to be born. We are seeking for a place which will honour this wish. A place where options and staff are available to assist with pain and fear in times of weakness so that I can achieve my goal.

The answer to these questions will be an indicator for you to decide if you would like to continue with this birth provider or move on and find another - it is not easy to convince a doctor to do as you request or to change their views and practices.

It takes your baby’s brain about five minutes to register and fully respond to a calming strategy - so try each of the following for five minutes before moving on to the next.

PEACE AND QUIET If your newborn is fussing and she is in a loud, bright place, take her to quieter room and draw the curtains. If she has become over-stimulated because there are too many people around her, find somewhere calmer. Cradle her in a sling to shield her from the barrage of sensory input. Newborns can rarely cope with more than 10 minutes of visual stimulation. Do not surround your baby with piles of toys -limit the stimulation so that she can attend well to one activity without being over-stimulated.

SELF-CALMING If she is starting to calm herself by sucking on her hands or by bringing them to the midline of her body, don’t interrupt her. If your baby is not soothing herself at all (which is very common under nine weeks). try swaddling her with her hands near her face. In this position she will attempt to soothe herself by sucking on her hands. Try not to give her a dummy, pick her up to soothe her or feed her as soon as she starts fussing.

SWADDLING Swaddling your newborn has a wonderfully calming effect. Even if you think your newborn does not like to be swaddled,persist: babies who are swaddled are significantly calmer and have longer periods of undisturbed sleep than babies who are not. Most babies like to be swaddled until they are nine to 12 weeks old. After this point, she may push her arms out, but for sleep times continue to swaddle under the arms.

SOOTHING TOUCH Touch is a tool that mothers use intuitively with their babies, from a kiss to a hug. If your baby tends to be fussy, try a daily massage (put ‘massage’ in the Babyexpert.com search box for more information). When she’s crying, use gentle but firm potting to calm her.  

ROCKING MOVEMENTS Calm your baby with rocking motions - a sling is very good for this. Research shows that babies who are carried in a sling are less fussy. For newborns, use a sling that provides good support. She will benefit from the calming influence of deep pressure and rocking motion. For sensitive babies, a good walk in carrier or sling is calming.

CALMING SOUNDS Talk: or sing softy to her; she loves the sounds of your voice. Newborns find vacuum cleaners and washing machines calming.

There are many reasons why a baby cries, and few things can undermine your confidence as a new mum more than feeling unable to comfort your crying baby. So how do you know what’s causing the distress? The answer lies in reading your baby’s signals and eliminating the causes.

THE WINDY CRY Small babies typically pull their legs up when crying, so it’s easy to mistake every cry for a sore tummy, which isn’t always the case. However. if your baby fusses and cries right after being fed, gas may have built up in her tummy, making her feel uncomfortable. If your baby stops feeding and fusses at the nipple, take a break and see if she burps or breaks wind. After a feed, hold your baby upright and pat or rub her bock for a while to encourage her to bring up wind. Sometimes, a burp will pose no problem and come up quickly; at other times, your baby will not burp at all.

THE HUNGRY CRY To rule out whether hunger is the cause of her distress, consider when she lost fed. Crying less than two hours after feeding probably doesn’t indicate hunger, as long as she is gaining weight. Babies have growth spurts at four to six weeks and again at four months, and she will need to be fed more frequently at these times. If your five- to six-month- old baby begins to fuss between feeds, or is only satisfied if fed more frequently than before, talk to your health visitor about the best time to start introducing solids.

THE UNCOMFORTABLE CRY This cry is generally accompanied by squirming and is often caused by a wet or dirty nappy, or nappy rash. A room that is too hot or cold can also be a cause of discomfort - the best room temperature for a baby is 16- 20°C, with the ideal being l8°e.

THE SICK CRY If your baby suddenly becomes very irritable and cries a lot, he may be unwell. If this is accompanied by a fever or loss of appetite, take him to your doctor straight away.

THE TIRED CRY If you have ruled out hunger, wind, discomfort and illness, and your baby is still crying, the chances are she is over-tired. Daytime naps are crucial for keeping your baby calm while she is awoke, and will also make it easier for you to get her to sleep at night. (See our sleep special on page 75 for a guide to daytime naps.)

THE OVER-STIMULATED CRY If your baby is crying unconsolably and you’ve eliminated other causes, it could be that she’s been over stimulated. If she was fussing just before the crying spell and continued to be stimulated. she may have reached such a state of distress she is unable to calm herself - particularly if it’s the end of the day. Typically, she will pull up her legs, become blue around the mouth, and bring her hands towards her face and mouth, in on attempt to soothe herself.