Do you really need to take a childbirth education class?

We skipped the class before our first child was born, and I did regret it later!

However, we discovered a great class on DVD before our second child was born.

Now I recommend Laugh and Learn About Childbirth to all my friends.  Here's why...

What should you wear at the hospital during and after birth?

Handy checklists will tell you lots of things to pack in your hospital bag, but I'm going to tell you the truth:

You don't need to pack as many clothes or underthings as you think. 

Here is real-world advice about clothes and underwear for the hospital birth:

The first time I had a baby, we could hardly carry all our gear into the birthing room!

2 babies later, I'm finally wising up.

The Internet will tell you all kinds of things you should pack for your hospital bag.

I'm going to help you simplify your stay.  Here's a short list of things NOT to pack for the hospital birth:

How soon is too soon to start packing your hospital bag?

If you're already in your 3rd trimester... you should have your bag packed already!

Here's why it's important to tuck your hospital bag in the car for each doctor's appointment, along with some handy packing lists if you're just getting started.

You listened to me complain about my overwhelming pregnancy fatigue.

Then you came along as I survived the 3-hour glucose tolerance test.

Is it any surprise that managing gestational diabetes is harder than I hoped?

I'm testing my blood sugar, taking oral Glyburide, and following an ADA meal plan.

But what I really want to know is:  What can I eat that tastes sweet?  What snacks are okay for gestational diabetes?

Two months and counting!

It's time to assemble everything you'll need for baby's arrival.

Just in case -- they do arrive early, you know!

I've unpacked the new car seat and washed the baby clothes.  Now I need to figure out which baby sling is best for a newborn.

Here's what I've found about wearing an infant:

In your 3rd trimester, you'll be going to the doctor a lot more:

every 2 weeks, then every week for the last month.

That's a lot of waiting!

Here's a fun list of things to keep you busy after you've leafed through Parents magazine... twice.