Working during Pregnancy
Many mothers-to-be work until quite late in pregnancy and feel fine doing so. It is normal, however, to want to reduce the pace of your working life, particularly during the most physically demanding times. For many women, this means the first three months and the last six to eight weeks.
In early pregnancy, sickness and tiredness may mean that you want to avoid the rush, fumes and pressure of early-morning traveling. Think about negotiating a later start time in return for a later finishing time. Later on, the sheer exhaustion of being heavier and more uncomfortable can make traveling stressful. Again, try to change your hours, even temporarily, to suit how you feel. If you anticipate that your employer might be unsympathetic, ask your GP or the antenatal clinic to back up your request.
You have certain rights regarding hazardous working conditions. If appropriate, ask to move to a non-smoking area and make sure you sit in such an area in the canteen. Don’t skip lunch – you and the baby both need it. If you do not feel like sitting, go for a walk or swim, but do take a break. Standing for long stretches of the day can cause tiredness, backache and swelling. If your job involves long periods of standing, see if you can sit for some of the time in a chair that supports your back). Again, if you anticipate problems, ask your GP for support.
There are three broad classes of state benefit to which you may be entitled
- those for which everyone can apply as of right
- those for parents or their partners on low incomes
- and those which apply if you are (or have been) in employment.
You will enjoy free dental treatment and prescriptions for you during your pregnancy and for a year afterward, and for your child until she is 16.
Child benefit: a weekly tax-free flat-rate benefit paid directly to the mother for every child until she is 16, or 19 if still in full-time education, with additional benefit for those on Income Support or Family Credit.
One-parent family benefit, plus advice, training and help to find work and childcare facilities.
You may be entitled to some of the following benefits as the size of your family increases; amounts usually vary and are dependent on several factors, including income, savings, size of your family, whether any member of your family has special needs and whether you or your partner is working.
Protect your Baby with Belly Amor
Being a first time mom, I want to make sure that my baby will get the best. Best place to live, best environment to grow and the best of health. But nowadays we are surrounded by things unknown to us that can harm our little little ones like radiation. And I for one will do everything I can in preventing my bundle of joy that’s still inside my womb from any harm. Like who would have thought that a simple mobile phone or computer can actually emit radiation which causes health risks. If you are one of those expectant moms who often use such gadgets, your babies health are actually at risk.
Since most of us can no longer do away with these gadgets, the best thing pregnant women can do is look for maternity clothing that can protect the babies in their wombs. And that’s where Belly Armor products come in handy.
What is Belly Armor?
It is a line of maternity clothing which are not only fashionable, but also offers to give protection from the radiation emitted from almost everywhere.
The Products:
Belly Blanket - are so convenient to use they can easily fit in your bag. All you need to do is to drape it over your bulging
baby-tummy to make sure that your baby is protected from radiation. You can use it anywhere, from your home to your office. It comes in different colors.
* Belly Blanket Chic
* Belly Blanket Luxe
Belly Tee – it is 95% cotton and 5% spandex and with RadiaShield lining. It comes in different sizes and colors as well. May be used as undershirt or the actual top by pregnant women.
Belly Band – coming soon in the market. It can be used under your clothes anytime you want and will snug-fit to any body form or shape.
The Benefits:
All Belly Armor products guarantee the user a 99.99% efficacy rate from shielding your baby to any incoming radiation emitted from the environment. All Belly Armor products are made of RadiaShield lining.
If you want to avail of this wonderful product to protect yourself or a loved one, visit www.bellyarmor.com.sg and especially for my readers, you can avail of the 10% discount by using the promo code: MOMWANBE. This promo code is case sensitive so make sure that you type it correctly.
Basic Equipment before Your Baby is Born Part 2
Clothing for a newborn
- two shawls or wraps
- four vests
- four stretch suits
- two cardigans or matinee jackets
- one outer garment, such as a snowsuit
- socks (unless all your stretchsuirs have feet)
- a pair of mittens
- a hat (against the sun or the cold, or both., depending on when the baby is born)
For changing
You can change a baby on a waterproof sheet over an old towel, but a plastic changing mat with raised edges is a good idea. It is safest to put the mat on the floor; if you want it at waist weight, keep one hand on the baby at all times. You will also need:
* nappies (new babies get through at least six a day)
* baby lotion and cottonwool balls, or baby wipes barrier cream
* (if you are using terries) a bucket with a lid.
For feeding
If you are going to breastfeed:
* two nursing bras (these are not essential, but they are comfortable and convenient)
* If you are going to bottlefeed:
* bottles
* sterilizing kit formula milk
You may also want to buy a breast pump (although expressing by hand is a useful skill and breast pads (or cotton hankies). You will also need sanitary pads for up to six weeks after the birth.
Baby chair
Some of these double as car seats, others consist of a fabric seat on a lightweight frame which hold your baby in a semi-upright position. Both are ideal for when your baby is awake but don’t put them on a raised surface. Babies love being able to see what is going on, which is impossible in a carrycot.
Choose one that supports the baby’s head if you are buying one for use from birth. This is an essential if you have to use public transport a lot, and a good way of keeping your baby close to you. Many fretful babies are soothed by the contact and movement they get in this way.
