Pregnancy

5 Low-Cost Baby Gifts For The Mom-To-Be

Baby gifts can be expensive, and we are all looking for ways to save money, right?

Buying baby gifts is one of my favorite endeavors. I love looking at all those cute little things. But sometimes it can be stressful too -- especially when I'm short on money.

Here are 5 gifts for the expectant mother that won't break the break.

• Onesies
• Baby bottles
• Baby blankets
• Cute photo frames
• Coupons for laundry, babysitting, and other tasks you're willing to do

4 Secrets To Saving On Baby Delivery Costs

Most of the time when you think about a baby, you think about how expensive having one is going to be.

However, there are things you can do to help defray the costs of having a baby.

Here are 4 things you can do to defray baby costs:

• Skip the private hospital room because it will cost more.
• Choose a hospital you like and can afford.
• Spend time with your baby while you're in the hospital.
• Sign up for and get all those freebies from the hospital where you gave birth!

See also: Can You Ever Really Be Financially Ready To Have A Baby? There are 6 tips for getting your life (and your house) ready for a new baby.

DIY Tip: How To Create A Maternity Clothes Survival Kit

As you put on more weight with your pregnancy, you're probably thinking that you need to buy maternity clothes. In reality, that may not be the case.

Instead, you can put together a "maternity clothes survival kit" that has clothes that both look good and make you feel great!

Here is what you need:

• Spaghetti tanks in different colors
• Jeans
• Maternity pants (Okay one maternity clothes item!)
• Stretch pantyhose (You know, the ones that will fit comfortably around your belly and aren't too tight.)
• Good fitting underwear (A must!)
• Nice cotton tops that you can wear over the spaghetti tanks in complimenting colors

Also see The Best Place to Buy Plus Sized Maternity Clothes.

Find Popular Baby Names - Last Year, 10 Years Ago, Or The Year You Were Born

There are lots of fun ways to choose baby names.

I mean, you don't want a name that's too trendy or a name that your child will hate. Yet you want a fairly unique name, right?

Well, here's another handy resource for you -- one that I bet most people wouldn't think of.

It's the Social Security Administration!

Continue reading: Popular Baby Names

What You Need To Know About Breastfeeding And Swine Flu

With the advent of the Swine Flu, every mother and expectant mom-to-be is probably wondering about breastfeeding their infant if they have (or happen to get) the Swine Flu.

Well wonder no more. Here are some tips regarding swine flu and feeding your baby:

• Take precautions such as washing your hands often in hot water and with soap. Don't cough or sneeze in your baby's face if you are sick with the Swine Flu. Consider wearing a mask when breast feeding.
• Continue breastfeeding your baby even if you are ill or have been exposed to Swine Flu. Babies who are breast fed have more immunities and have a better chance of surviving the illness than those who are formula fed.
• Even if your baby gets Swine Flu or some other bug, continue to breast feed, because the breast milk helps the baby's immune system to stay strong. If you aren't able to breast feed for some reason, consider getting donated breast milk from a certified milk bank.

Organic Pregnancy - Tips For Living A Natural Life While Pregnant

Many women are choosing to live as naturally as possible while they are pregnant. And in some cases, they are continuing with the all-natural lifestyle after the pregnancy as well.

Living a natural life can mean going organic with clothing and food choices, reducing chemicals in the home, and a whole host of other things. 

Check out these tips for living a natural life while pregnant:

• Choose nontoxic skin and hair products. The less toxins you are exposed to, the better.
• Choose products for your stretch marks like Tummy Rub Butter or Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil.
• Purchase eco-friendly maternity clothes. While they're a little difficult to find, they are not impossible to locate. Plus, they're friendly for you, the baby, and the environment.
• Choose eco-friendly and/or green products around your home. Since our bodies do absorb chemicals, it's a good idea to use products such as white vinegar to clean your bathroom (for example) or baking soda to scrub your bathtub (rather than bleach).

Unplanned Pregnancy Tips

Sometimes, unplanned pregnancies happen.  (Just ask Kourtney Kardashian!)

While every pregnancy is a time for happiness -- even the unplanned ones -- it's still a good idea to keep a few things in mind for the future.

• Next time, remember to take your birth control pill or to use a condom. That is, if you don't want to get pregnant.
• If you do have an unplanned pregnancy, rely on those you trust for advice. Don't go to a relative you know won't approve for example. Instead, surround yourself with those who love you unconditionally.
• Consider all of your options. Don't be afraid to do this -- because, ultimately, only you can make the best decision for you.
• Accept whatever option you do choose and embrace that choice.

Pregnancy Discomfort - 4 Ways To Stay Comfortable When You're Pregnant

Being pregnant means being uncomfortable at least some of the time. It's a good thing there are things you can do to help minimize pregnancy discomfort and make yourself feel better.

Getting your hands on these goodies and ideas will help you to stay comfortable while your pregnant:

• Invest in some shoes that are comfortable and have the proper support.
• Enjoy the time you have before the baby is born. Do things that make you feel good like taking a warm bath or watching your favorite movies.
• Consider learning some yoga positions for late pregnancy. Towards the end of your pregnancy, they'll help you relax and feel calm prior to your delivery. Also, yoga pants are great maternity clothing since they look good and are comfortable.
• Purchase a body pillow to help you sleep at night. It can be difficult to sleep or find a good position when you're pregnant. A body pillow can help with that.