questions you might not think to ask a daycare provider

welcome.

I was an anxious new mom the first time around, from the moment of the positive test through to delivery. I fretted over everything. Information was (and to some degree, still is) my way of coping with the unknowns. And then Sophie, now 9, was here, and in many ways, I felt like I’d missed the magic of the pregnancy with my worry.

Two years later, when that second line appeared again, I vowed to do it differently. To worry less and enjoy more. To marvel at the amazing thing my body was doing. When Juliette, now 6, arrived, I felt like I’d savoured every moment.

The aim of this book is to give you a little of column A and a little of column B. To give you the facts you might need to ease your worries but also to remind you of this incredible time in your life (with a little humour thrown in!). You are a wonder and your little one is so lucky.

Congratulations.

Katie Dupuis Editor-in-Chief

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10 weird things TO EXPECT DURING PREGNANCY

You probably know about morning sickness and swollen ankles—these are your garden-variety pregnancy ailments—but there are other symptoms no one seems to talk about, from carpal tunnel to nasal congestion. With that in mind, we’re breaking the taboo and rounding up some of the lesser-known pregnancy symptoms to help new mamas know they aren’t alone.

one

DRY, ITCHY SKIN is very common, especially around the abdomen and breasts (it’s not used to being stretched!). But you can help keep itch at bay with the following tips: • Avoid taking hot showers. • Regularly soothe skin with pregnancysafe moisturizers or oils (especially after bathing or showering!). • Wear loose, cotton clothing on warm days so skin can breathe. two

CARPEL TUNNEL SYNDROME (CTS) can occur throughout pregnancy. Symptoms include swelling, numbness or a dull ache in the fingers, hands or wrists, and it may extend to your arm or shoulders. For some moms, the symptoms of CTS disappear after delivery; for others, it may require further medical attention postpartum. Consider the following to ease CTS flare-ups: • Wear a wrist or hand brace if your job involves repetitive movements. • Try to sleep with your wrist straight, using a pillow for support. • Using your thumbs, massage from the inside of the wrist outwards and down.

three

SWELLING OR BLEEDING GUMS may occur due to increased pregnancy hormones. Here’s how to help: • Brush and floss regularly. • Visit your dentist early during pregnancy for a checkup. four

SHORTNESS OF BREATH might occur as your uterus grows and pressure on your upper body increases. Try these tricks for catching your breath in a more purposeful way: • Sleep with your head elevated. • Stand up and raise your arms over your head. By lifting your ribcage, you’ll be able to breathe in more air.

Try to keep your shoulders back so your chest area can open, allowing more breathing space. five

A STUFFY NOSE is not uncommon. The increased hormones dry out the lining of your nose, making it inflamed and swollen. You can get relief with the following tips: • Drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day to thin out mucous. • Avoid use of commercial nose sprays. • Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air.

six

HEARTBURN can seem non-stop when you are expecting. Try these prevention ideas before heading to the pharmacy: • Avoid fried or spicy foods. • Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of larger, less frequent meals. • When resting, prop up your head and shoulders to prevent stomach acids from rising.

seven

LEAKING COLOSTRUM (a thick, yellowish fluid containing valuable antibodies for your babe) from the nipples is normal and can happen as early as the second trimester. Noticing unexpected wetness? • Wear nursing pads in your bra to protect your clothing from leaks.

eight

BRAXTON HICKS contractions are commonly referred to “false labour.” They typically begin occurring in the middle of your pregnancy, and are caused by the muscles in your uterus contracting. They should not be especially painful. Learn to address the discomfort by trying the following: • Relax and practise your abdominal breathing. • Change activities or positions and rest.

nine

DIZZINESS is common during pregnancy—especially during the first trimester. You may be able to prevent or handle these episodes with these ideas: • Eat regular meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar stable. • Keep your cool! Try not to become overheated. • Lie on your left side when resting to improve circulation. • Sit down if you feel lightheaded and take deep, controlled breaths.

ten

LEG CRAMPS are caused by the increased pressure of your growing uterus and typically occur during the second trimester. Here’s how to help: • Avoid crossing your legs for extended periods of time. • If you have a cramp, stretch the leg gently by straightening it; then flex your foot and pull your toes toward you. Massage the cramp, or apply heat. • Avoid lying on your back. Gender reveal parties seem to be a polarizing subject. While they started out as a fun way to share the assigned sex of a new baby, a handful of (terrible) incidents at gender reveal parties have given them a bad rap. If you love the idea, go for it, but be sure to consider these tips for keeping the reveal safe and fun for everyone.

GENDER REVEAL ETIQUETTE

Keep the reveal itself simple and safe (cutting into a cake, solving a riddle). Do not use fire, fireworks, explosions or weapons to reveal the gender.

Confetti and balloons released outdoors can wreak havoc on the environment. Look for biodegradeable options if you decide to go this route.

If you’re also planning to have a baby shower, you might want to make it clear that you don’t expect gifts at the gender reveal, to ease the obligation.

3

REASONS WHY IT’S OK TO SHARE YOUR PREGNANCY NEWS EARLY

There’s an unofficial rule that you should wait three months before spilling the beans, but more women are sharing sooner.

By SARAH WINTERS

Anna Barry* couldn’t wait to tell everyone that she was expecting her first baby in 2011. So she didn’t. At eight weeks, she sat her family down and showed them an app on her phone that detailed each stage of pregnancy. “See, the baby is the size of a raspberry,” she said as her loved ones aww-ed excitedly.

When to share their good news is a question that weighs on many parents. For years we’ve have been told to get through the first trimester before announcing a pregnancy. (From a textbook point of view, the first 12 weeks of pregnancy carry the most risk of miscarriage.) But for some families, this secrecy just doesn’t feel right.

So, if you’re on the fence about whether or not to spill, consider these pros for sharing your pregnancy announcement before 12 weeks.

1 FOR THE SUPPORT NETWORK “The people I told were the ones who always support me, in good times or bad, so if anything happened, they’re who I would want to have around anyway,” says Barry. Many women want the support of others, no matter what happens. The first three months of pregnancy also tend to be the hardest for morning sickness with increased fatigue, vomiting and nausea. It’s nice to have a few important people in the know to help you. 2 TO ENSURE SAFE AND UNDERSTANDING WORKING CONDITIONS Letting your supervisor know that you’re expecting is a good idea. It’s especially important if your job includes tasks that you worry could affect the pregnancy. Also, if morning sickness hits hard, your employer will be sympathetic to missed meetings or reduced hours. 3 TO HELP REDUCE MISCARRIAGE TABOO So often miscarriage comes with a stigma of shame, plus part of the waitto-tell rule is that you avoid the pain of having to break sad news to anyone who knew. Remember that you don’t have to do the telling, should something happen. You can ask your partner or a friend or family member to tell others so that you don’t have to answer questions or fill in details unless you want to.

*name changed to protect privacy.