Oh the mood swings! One minute you can be laughing and then suddenly break into sobs over absolutely nothing. This is one of the “joys” of pregnancy that most women experience.

Not only do women experience it, but their partners, other children and family members experience it as well. Your mood swings can affect you and those around you.

Mood swings generally start during the first trimester as a woman’s hormone levels start rising. They can level off during the second trimester, but tend to come back full force during the third trimester, as the impending labor draws near. For first time mothers, the thought of labor and being completely in charge of another human being’s survival and happiness can cause fear and terror.

Some women are on cloud nine throughout their pregnancies, some women cry, and others start to do things like laugh all the time. Angelina Jolie recently admitted that while pregnant, she can’t stop giggling.

While mood swings during pregnancy are completely normal, if you feel like you aren’t acting normal, or there is something peculiar about your mood swings, be sure to talk to your doctor or midwife about it. In a few cases, the mood swings may actually be masking prenatal depression. Most of the time, your doctor can prescribe something to help you feel better, and feel more like yourself.

Most medications have not been tested in nursing women, so no one knows exactly how a given drug will affect a breast-fed child. Since very few problems have been reported, however, most over-the-counter and prescription drugs, taken in moderation and only when necessary, are considered safe. Even mothers who must take daily medication for conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, or high blood pressure can usually breast-feed.

They should first check with the child’s pediatrician, however. To minimize the baby’s exposure, the mother can take the drug just after nursing or before the child sleeps. In the January 1994 issue of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics included the following in a list of drugs that are usually compatible with breast-feeding:

• acetaminophen

• many antibiotics

• anti-epileptics (although one, Primidone, should be given with caution)

• most antihistamines

• alcohol in moderation (large amounts of alcohol can cause drowsiness, weakness, and abnormal weight gain in an infant)

• most antihypertensives

• aspirin (should be used with caution)

• caffeine (moderate amounts in drinks or food)

• codeine

• decongestants

• ibuprofen

• insulin

• quinine

1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply).
2. Wipes
3. Cream (like Desitin, A&D ointment, Vaseline).
4. Baby Powder
5. At least one bottle of juice or milk
6. A few jars of baby food
7. At least one clean outfit
8. A few bibs
9. A few cloth diapers to clean up spit and other spills
10. Items to entertain your baby (rattles, books, toys)
11. Baby thermometer
12. Teething rings
13. Biter biscuits or similar type of crackers
14. Medicine for fevers, colds, related symptoms
15. Any prescription medications
16. Measuring device for medications
17. Baby Nail Clippers
18. Phone number of Baby’s Physician
19. Any stuffed animals or favorite blankets your baby needs to fall asleep
20. Any parenting books you refer to frequently to find answers to unexpected questions

Resource Box – © Danielle Hollister (2004)

About the Author:
Danielle Hollister is the Writing Host at BellaOnline and Publisher of BellaOnline’s Writing Zine To subscribe send email to: bellaonlinewriting-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Teething is something all babies unfortunately have to go through. In most babies it causes some level of pain, sometimes severe, sometimes just a little discomfort. The problem is that babies can not tell you how bad the pain is when they have it. What can you do to help soothe your baby’s pain and make him happy again?

Teething Rings
Be sure that you have a lot of teething rings handy. There are several different kinds out there. Some are liquid filled that you can put in the fridge to get cold; others are simply plastic that the baby can chew on. They even have rings that can be filled with water when you need it. They also come in all different sizes from very small to approximately 4″ in diameter. When your baby is little, try out the smaller teething rings so that he can easily grip them, gradually moving up to the larger ones as his hand gets bigger and grip gets stronger.

Teething Toys
Besides teething rings, there are several other toys that have been created to help your baby during his teething days. They have stuffed toys and animals that have hard rubber hands and feet that your baby can chew on. These normally have different patterns on each side, in order to simulate different types of massaging. These may come in different patterns and colors that will attract your baby, and they may also have rattles and other noise makers inside. There is no shortness of teething toys on the market for your baby.

Washcloths
Why a washcloth you might ask? Wash cloths can be easily moved even when frozen. Yes, frozen. Not only do they thaw out quickly, but they remain cold longer and feel good on your baby’s gums. They also will soak up some of the excess drool. To utilize this inexpensive idea you would get a clean wash cloth wet and stick it in the freezer. Once it is frozen enough for you just give it to your baby.

Gels
Many companies make gels to put on your baby’s gums. Gels come in many forms including those made for night time and those made for during the day. These gels are meant to temporarily numb your baby’s gums so that they do not hurt. Gel can be applied with either your finger or a q-tip. Speaking of q-tips, they now have on the market q-tips that are already filled with teething gel. These have a hard plastic rod with cotton on both ends. You break one end, sending the gel to the other end. You are then able to apply the gel with the q-tip immediately. While chances are your baby probably won’t like the taste at first, within seconds he will probably be happy and smiling once again.

Medicines
Check with your pediatrician at your next well-check to see if he recommends giving over the counter medication such as Tylenol and Motrin to your baby when he is teething. If so, ask him which one he thinks is best and what dosage you should give your baby.

Teething is not something that is fun for babies, and it probably won’t be fun for you either. Thankfully it only lasts a short time and most of the time you get a break between teeth. Doing the best you can to keep your baby comfortable and happy is all that you can do. Unfortunately this is one pain that you can not take on for the baby.

Accidental deaths occur to children under the age of five more than most people realize all because their home is not safe or properly baby proofed. No one wants to watch their baby be hurt or killed by something that they could have prevented with just a couple of dollars and a few easy steps. There are several things you will want to remember and make sure that you do in order to guarantee that your home is safe for your baby.

Cooking
Never hold your baby in your arms when making a meal. Boiling water and oil from the foods you cook can quickly splash onto them. Use your back burners when possible and turn handles away from the front of the stove.

Pulling Up
Be prepared that before your baby starts walking he will start pulling himself up on your furniture. Be sure to have all heavy furniture, including the changing table, secured to the wall so it can not fall down on them.

Crib Safety
Double check that the crib is a safe place for your baby to lay. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8″ apart and bumpers should be removed by the age of five months or when your baby begins pulling herself up — whichever comes first. Never keep stuffed animals or loose bedding in the crib. If it is cold, put footed pajamas on your baby or put him in a wearable blanket.

Outlet Covers
Make sure all outlets are properly covered. Some believe that individual outlet covers come out easily and are a choking hazard, so you can now replace all electrical outlets with sliding outlet covers for added safety.

Bath Time
Never leave a child unattended in a bathtub. A baby can drown easily and quickly. If you are expecting a call that is that important, bring a cordless phone to the bathroom with you. In most cases the caller can leave a message. Prepare the towels, clothing, pajamas, diaper and lotions that you will need when your baby is done with his bath ahead of time so that you can stay by his side and keep him safe the entire time he is in water.

Windows
Do not place furniture that can be climbed on near windows. This is especially true in rooms that are not in your direct view, like your baby’s room, and during the summer when you might have your window open.

Medicines
Just because it is child resistant doesn’t mean that your baby can’t get it open. Remember to keep all medicines high up and out of your baby’s reach. For added security buy a lock to put on the cabinet.

Cleaners, etc.
Not only can medicines hurt your baby, but so can other products such as hair spray, mouthwash and your cleaning products. They should all be locked up or put up out of reach of your baby so that he does not accidentally get sick.

Car Seat
Your car seat is the one thing keeping your baby safe during an accident. Be sure to have a car seat inspection done by a member of the police department or someone certified in installing car seats. In a study completed by National Safe Kids Council, over 87 percent of car seats were installed improperly. Your child should always be in the back seat and rear-facing for an infant under one year and less than 20 pounds.

Infant Carrier’s
When your baby is in a carrier, never place it on a counter or high surface. She could easily wiggle and topple over, much faster than you will be able to react and catch it.

Clothing
Check baby’s clothing regularly for loose buttons, snaps, etc. Never use strings to attach the pacifier to baby’s crib or clothes and check that it is not getting old. If you sense there is something harmful in your baby’s clothing and you can not fix it, just throw it away. It is better safe than sorry.