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Hello Baby: Preparing, Parenting, and Postpartum

November 2024


I'm in my quiet momma era now. I'm currently in my 6th week; our baby is the size of a blueberry. I've been asking some of my closest friends about their own journeys when they were pregnant—preparations and postpartum care. Thankfully, for now, I haven't experienced any morning sickness yet, but it is starting to affect my sleep already, and I feel a strangeness in my tummy.

Just yesterday, I was angry with Mikko for using the microwave to heat his curry at 3 am. The smell was too strong for me, and I wasn't able to go back to sleep. We hugged afterward, but he needed to cool off and drove around aimlessly before coming back. When we have small issues like this, he usually walks aimlessly for a few hours. I prefer that, and I mentioned this to him when he came back.

We are okay now, but I'm a bit worried for the future. I know we'll get through this because I have an amazing husband, and now dad, who said to me these exact words: "Don't worry about it, I'll do all the work, you can just chill."

We will be traveling to Japan/Philippines for three weeks next month, but other than that, I've stopped myself from booking our usual monthly out-of-the-country trips to prioritize our baby's safety by me not getting sick.

I still can't believe it; we are going to be parents! I get teary-eyed writing this. I'm so grateful for this life I have now.


daily do’s and don’ts

Here are some daily do’s and don’ts to help you stay healthy throughout your pregnancy:

Nutrition

• Do: Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy. Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid.
• Don’t: Avoid high-mercury fish (like tuna and swordfish), raw or undercooked meat and eggs, unpasteurized dairy, and high-caffeine beverages. Limit caffeine to 200 mg per day.

Hydration

• Do: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Don’t: Avoid alcohol and limit sugary drinks.

Exercise

• Do: Stay active with light exercise like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.
• Don’t: Avoid high-impact sports or heavy lifting. Check with your doctor before starting new fitness routines.

Rest and Stress Management

• Do: Get 7-9 hours of sleep and try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Don’t: Avoid high-stress environments if possible.

Medical Care

• Do: Schedule your first prenatal appointment and attend regular check-ups.
• Don’t: Avoid taking any medications without consulting your doctor first.

Personal Care

• Do: Keep a gentle skincare routine and avoid harsh chemicals.
• Don’t: Avoid skincare products with retinoids and high levels of salicylic acid.

Listening to your body and staying connected with your healthcare provider will also help you feel supported throughout your pregnancy.


Preventing stretch marks during pregnancy

Preventing stretch marks during pregnancy involves keeping the skin well-hydrated, improving elasticity, and maintaining overall skin health. While genetics plays a significant role, here are scientifically-backed ingredients and specific product recommendations:

Key Ingredients to Look For

1. Hyaluronic Acid
• Promotes skin hydration and elasticity.
• Backed by studies showing reduced stretch mark severity.
2. Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)
• Boosts collagen production and improves skin elasticity.
• Helps repair skin and prevent scarring.
3. Vitamin E
• Antioxidant that nourishes the skin and improves elasticity.
• Common in many anti-stretch mark products.
4. Cocoa Butter or Shea Butter
• Intensely moisturizing and helps maintain skin elasticity.
• Forms a barrier to lock in moisture.
5. Collagen-Boosting Peptides
• Helps strengthen skin structure, reducing the likelihood of tears.
6. Almond Oil
• Hydrates the skin and has been linked to fewer stretch marks in some studies.
7. Retinyl Palmitate (Post-Pregnancy)
• Gentle derivative of retinol to improve skin repair and texture.

Top Product Recommendations

1. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, PurCellin Oil, and plant extracts.
• Lightweight and clinically proven to improve stretch marks.
• Apply twice daily to the belly, thighs, and breasts.
2. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
• Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, Vitamin E, and argan oil.
• Affordable and effective for hydration and skin elasticity.
3. Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil
• Key Ingredients: Almond oil, wheat germ oil, and Vitamin E.
• Natural, plant-based option loved by many moms-to-be.
4. Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy Cream
• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Centella Asiatica, and shea butter.
• Clinically proven to reduce stretch mark discoloration and improve texture.
5. Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter
• Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Vitamin E, and oils like almond and rosehip.
• Specifically designed for pregnant women and safe for daily use.

Application Tips

1. Start Early: Begin applying these products as soon as you know you’re pregnant.
2. Apply Twice Daily: Consistency is key—use in the morning and before bed.
3. Gentle Massage: Massage in circular motions to boost circulation.
4. Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin supple.
5. Healthy Diet: Include foods rich in Vitamin C, E, zinc, and collagen for skin health.

Where to Apply Stretch Mark Products

Focus on areas that are most prone to stretching during pregnancy:
1. Tummy/Belly
• Apply generously to the entire belly, especially the sides.
2. Breasts
• Focus on the lower and outer areas where stretching is common.
3. Hips and Thighs
• These areas tend to expand during pregnancy.
4. Lower Back
• This region also experiences some stress from weight distribution.
5. Buttocks
• Stretch marks can appear here due to increased fat storage.
6. Upper Arms
• Apply if you notice skin tightening or stretching.

How to Apply the Products

1. Use Clean Hands: Start with freshly washed hands and dry skin.
2. Warm the Product: Rub a small amount between your palms to warm it.
3. Massage in Circular Motions: Gently massage into the skin for 1–2 minutes to boost absorption and stimulate circulation.
4. Apply Twice Daily: Morning and evening, or after a shower when your skin is damp for better absorption.

Foods Rich in Skin-Boosting Nutrients

Vitamin C

• Why: Essential for collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection.
• Sources:
• Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, grapefruits.
• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries.
• Kiwi, papaya, guava, and pineapple.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and spinach.

Vitamin E

• Why: Nourishes skin and protects it from oxidative stress.
• Sources:
• Nuts: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts.
• Oils: Sunflower oil, olive oil, wheat germ oil.
• Leafy greens: Spinach, Swiss chard.
• Avocados.

Zinc

• Why: Promotes wound healing, skin repair, and collagen production.
• Sources:
• Meat: Beef, lamb, and chicken.
• Seafood: Oysters, shrimp, and crab.
• Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, and beans.
• Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, cashews, and almonds.

Collagen

• Why: Provides structural support for the skin, improving elasticity.
• Sources:
• Bone broth (best source of natural collagen).
• Fish and chicken skin.
• Egg whites.
• Supplements: Collagen peptides (check for pregnancy-safe options).
• Foods rich in glycine: Spinach, kale, and cabbage (boost natural collagen production).

Hydration Reminder

Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, which complements topical treatments.


Laundry paper soap suitable for newborns and babies

Laundry paper soap is an innovative and eco-friendly way to clean clothes. When choosing a product suitable for newborns and babies, it's crucial to look for ones that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and free from harsh chemicals. Here are some of the best options:

  1. Tru Earth Baby Eco-Strips
    Features: Hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and free from parabens, phosphates, and added dyes.
    Why it's good for babies: Specifically designed for sensitive skin and uses gentle, plant-based ingredients.
    Available at: Tru Earth Official Website (ships internationally), or local eco-friendly stores in Finland like Ruohonjuuri.

  2. Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets (Unscented)
    Features: Vegan, cruelty-free, and made from plant-derived ingredients.
    Why it's good for babies: Fragrance-free and free from allergens, making it gentle on delicate skin.
    Available at: Kind Laundry Official Site (international shipping).


excellent books for expecting and new parents

Here are some excellent books for expecting and new parents, focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care:

Pregnancy and Childbirth
“What to Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff

A comprehensive guide covering all aspects of pregnancy, with advice on health, diet, and common concerns.
“Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May Gaskin

Focuses on natural childbirth and empowering birth stories, ideal for those considering less medicalized birth options.
“Expecting Better” by Emily Oster

Uses data and research to debunk myths and provide evidence-based answers about pregnancy choices.
Postpartum and Newborn Care
“The Fourth Trimester” by Kimberly Ann Johnson

Guides moms through physical and emotional recovery postpartum, including self-care and family dynamics.
“Cribsheet” by Emily Oster

Data-driven insights on decisions new parents face, from sleep to feeding methods.
“Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood, and Trusting Yourself and Your Body” by Erica Chidi Cohen

A holistic approach to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care with mindfulness techniques.
Parenting and Bonding
“The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Harvey Karp

Provides strategies to soothe crying babies and improve sleep, using the famous “5 S’s.”
“How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen” by Joanna Faber and Julie King

While geared toward toddlers, it offers helpful communication tips for early bonding.
“No-Drama Discipline” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

Focuses on understanding child brain development and positive discipline strategies.
For Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
“Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts” by Karen Kleiman
A comforting, illustrated book tackling postpartum anxiety and depression with humor and reassurance.