Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks I've learned (usually the hard way) that make life a little easier for busy moms. Consider this an ongoing list as I'll be adding to it as I pick up more tidbits from other moms.

For Moms-to-Be:

• Invest in a good sleep pillow; I recommend the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow.
• Unisom is a good over-the-counter sleep aid to help with those restless nights (always check with your OB before taking any medications while pregnant).
• Emetrol is another over-the-counter aid that really helped me conquer nausea during the first trimester (again, always check with your OB before taking any medications while pregnant).
• Your diaper bag is now your purse. Choose one you like.
• When buying maternity clothes, try a variety of pants styles. A thicker stomach band may feel good in the beginning, but it might increase nausea and discomfort as your belly expands.
• Buy a comfy pair of slip-on shoes (you'll thank me when you can no longer tie your sneakers).
• If you're planning to breastfeed, spend the money and buy a good pump. My Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump was the only reason this working mom made it to 7 months.
• For Florida ladies: Florida Pregnancy Support Services Program is a free service offering help and support to pregnant women (including these freebies: pregnancy test, ultrasound, prenatal vitamins, and nursing assessment). Check out their website to find a location near you! A great one in the Tampa Bay area is LifeChoices Women's Care.

For New Moms:

• Cloth diapers make great burp cloths since they're absorbent and inexpensive.
• Placing a clean diaper under the old one before a change helps with more than just efficiency - it's great absorption for those unexpected mid-change leaks.
• Keep a change of clothes for yourself in the car; it's a lifesaver when your baby poops/pees/pukes on your shirt while you're away from home.
• For pumping moms - cutting two holes in a sports bra works great as a pumping bra (and it's much cheaper, too).
• Baby powder scent disposable diaper bags are a great way to keep odors at bay.
• Bath toys are great out of the tub, too (and they double as makeshift teethers).
• Hide a spare of your child's favorite toy in case it gets lost.
• For breastfeeding troubles: Fenugreek, blessed thistle, and Nursing Time tea can help with milk production (but always check with your lactation consultant and/or OB before taking them). Don't be shy to call your hospital's lactation consultants with any questions. They want to help you and that's what they're there for!
• Puncturing a hole in your water bottle’s cap serves as a quick and easy way to keep your cutie hydrated. Squeeze gently to control the flow, though – you don’t want to drench her.

For Seasoned Moms:

Why are you looking at me? Here's your chance to share that vast knowledge that only comes from years of child-rearing. Add your comments below to share your own tips and tricks for other moms!