The following are a few stand-by recipes that freeze well and can be stored in various portions, depending on the size of your family:

McCormicks Chili Packets

You’ve probably seen McCormick Seasoning Packets in the cooking supply aisles of your local grocery store – if not, check them out, as the chili mixes are surprisingly good. In most cases, all you’ll need is a pound of meat (typically ground beef or ground turkey), a can of kidney beans, and a can of tomato paste – just check the back of the packet to find out what you need to purchase. Brown the meat in a separate pan, then combine the ingredients in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and then allow it to simmer for as long as possible to allow the flavors to mix together. Add chili powder, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to increase the spice to taste. Allow the mixture to cool and then freeze it in single-serving containers or larger Tupperware tubs.

Basic Lasagna

Lasagna may look complicated, but it’s actually surprisingly easy to make. Typically, you’ll need a box of lasagna noodles, a jar of spaghetti sauce, a tub of ricotta cheese and at least a cup of shredded mozzarella (although you may want to spice up the sauce or add herbs to the ricotta, depending on your preferences). Cook the lasagna noodles ahead of time until they’re al dente, and then remove from heat and drain. In a 13×9 pan, begin with a layer of sauce, and then add a layer of noodles and a spread of ricotta cheese on top. Repeat until you fill the dish or run out of ingredients, ending with a layer of sauce. Spread the dish with the shredded mozzarella and then cover it with tin foil. Bake at 350 degrees for at least 45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Allow the lasagna to sit and cool for an hour, then cut it and freeze it in the desired portions.

Winter Pasties

Pasties are a common treat in the northern parts of the country, but they’re also a great choice for preparing ahead of time. A pasty is a meat and vegetable pie, typically comprised of ground or chunked beef, carrots, potatoes, onions and parsnips in a bread dough shell. A healthier variation can be made with seasoned ground turkey, or with additional vegetables of your choice. To begin, prepare a batch of bread dough and shape the dough into 4” round diameter balls. Cook your filling mix by browning the meat and roasting any vegetables you’ll be including. Allow the filling to cool, then press the bread dough into oval shapes, approximately ¼” thick. Place the filling in the middle of the dough and wrap the dough over the filling, pressing it closed with the tines of a fork. Brush the top of the pasty with butter or egg yolk and then bake until the dough is no cooked through. Freeze them completely cooked, then heat them up in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat.

The meet and greet

If you’re about to have your first child, you won’t be able to predict how your dog will respond to a newborn baby. Even the sweetest, mellowest dog can turn aggressive when presented with a challenge for your affections. To combat this possibility, do a little pre-baby training with your dog. Ask a fellow dog-loving friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker to bring their children over to your house to meet your dog. Restrain your dog on a leash and allow him or her to sniff the child without coming any closer. If the dog seems comfortable with the child, ask the child to pet your dog gently. Reward your dog with treats for good behavior.

Watch your words

You’re probably used to praising your dog with phrases like, “That’s a good girl,” or “Mommy’s little boy.” However, if your dog hears you using those phrases with your new baby, it may become confused, leading to stress and aggression. Instead, before the baby arrives, come up with a new set of phrases that will be used exclusively with your dog. For example, you might begin praising your dog by name or incorporating the words “doggie” or “pooch” instead of “good girl” and “little boy”. After your delivery, your dog will already be accustomed to these new phrases and will respond more positively to them.

Set a schedule

Dogs respond well to structure and routine, so try to create a schedule for your dog and stick with it – as much as possible – after you bring home your baby. For example, you might plan to feed Fido at 8:00 am every day and take him for a walk immediately afterwards. Sticking with this schedule will help to reduce stress on your dog, cutting down on the number of wetting or marking incidents you may experience. And, of course, try to make the times you do share positive for your dog – shower it with praises and treats for good behavior around your child, and spend a little extra time grooming and playing.

House rules

If you plan to hold your baby on the couch, you may need to train your dog not to jump up on the sofa. This can be difficult if your dog is used to napping on the sofa, but it can be done. First, identify an alternative to the couch – whether it’s a different chair or a new doggie bed. When your dog begins to jump up on the couch, say “no” firmly and gently push it off. Direct your dog to the new bed and give it a treat or other reward for using the alternative location. It will take some practice, but it is possible to train your dog to sleep in a new location.

Make preparations for meals

If possible, spend some time cooking before your delivery so that you’ll have plenty of frozen meals on hand that you can simply stick in the oven and heat up. If you’re on bed rest or don’t have the culinary skills to prepare meals ahead of time, ask friends and family members if they’d be willing to help out by bringing over a dish or two. When you don’t have to worry about cooking, you’ll have more time to spend bonding with your new baby.

Limit your visitors

Your friends and relatives will all be anxious to meet your new bundle of joy – but that doesn’t mean you have to see them all within your first few days home from the hospital. Some new mothers bask in all the attention they receive, while others feel overwhelmed by being in the spotlight. If you aren’t ready to see visitors right away, that’s fine. Ask your husband or partner to handle incoming phone calls and to let your loved ones know that you’ll let them know see them as soon as you’re settled in to your new role.

Pay attention to other children

The needs of a new baby can seem all-consuming, but if you have other children, you need to be sure they’re receiving enough attention throughout the adjustment period. When you do decide to allow visitors, ask that they bring small gifts for the other children as well, so that they don’t feel left out. Plan out family activities that include all your children, and make a special effort to refer to the baby as the “younger sibling” and to your older children as the “older siblings.” This will help to reinforce the notion that you’re all a part of the larger family.

Spend time on yourself

Ask your husband or partner to sit with the baby for an hour or so to give you time to sneak in a nap or a relaxing bath. If you can’t get away, indulge in your favorite treats or with a hot cup of tea or cocoa. If taking time for yourself feels selfish, consider this – stress weakens the immune system, which can lead to colds and other illnesses. Spending time on yourself reduces your stress level, leaving you healthier and better able to care for your newborn.

Rest up

Along these same lines, getting as much rest as you can is important in maintaining both your health and your sanity. Try to nap whenever your baby naps – even if you can’t fall asleep, the simple act of lying down and closing your eyes helps your body to rest. If you can afford it, hire a housekeeper so that you don’t have to spend your spare time cleaning up around the house. If not, use disposable plates and silverware during the first few days, and use disposable diapers – even if you plan to switch to cloth diapers eventually. Use the extra time to kick back on the couch and rest up – you’re going to need all your energy to get through the next few months!

Shop the Classifieds

In your search for the best prices on baby clothing, check out the classified section of your local newspaper. Many parents resell used infant clothing once their own children have outgrown them, so you may be able to find a good deal on a large lot of infant clothing. Some parents list items individually, while others want to get rid of them as quick as possible to make space. If you’re thinking about purchasing a large lot, take the time to look at each piece and make sure there are no stains, rips, or damaged items. It’s very easy to wind up paying for items you don’t want if you don’t sort through the stack.

Shop the Sales Racks

Luckily, you’ll have nine months to prepare for the arrival of your new baby, so you’ll have plenty of time to shop the sales racks. Just like with adult clothing, you can save a lot of money if you buy clothing out of season. For example, if you’re having a summer baby, buy your newborn’s clothes at the end of the previous summer or as the season is changing for winter. Sometimes, you can find clothing up to 75% off, and you may even be able to find close out deals at even lower prices. The great thing about baby clothes is that they never go out of style – anything that’s cute this season will still be cute next year.

Shop Online Auction Sites

You can often find great deals on Internet auction sites like eBay.com. When you shop on eBay, you’ve got two options – you can bid against other people on auction lots or use the “buy it now” feature, which enables you to pay a set price and avoid the auction process. In many cases, taking the time to bid on an item will save you money. However, if there’s an item you don’t want to lose, you might not want to take the chance of bidding. You can bid for individual items or look for lots that contain several pieces – you’ll likely find that it’s not uncommon to find a $30.00 outfit for just 99¢.

Consider Consignment Boutiques

Consignment boutiques are shops that sell gently used clothing and merchandise that’s still in good condition and return a part of the sale proceeds to the item’s donor. You’ll find that many consignment boutiques offer excellent prices on infant clothing, since there are so many parents trying to get rid of old baby clothing. Although the items are used, these stores usually have very high standards, so most pieces will be like new, with no damage or stains. You could also trade your purchases back in once your baby has outgrown them, which can save a lot of money over time.

Rocking – Rocking is, of course, one of the better-known methods for soothing a crying baby – and for good reason. The motion helps to slowly lull your baby to sleep, while the closeness to mother helps to put him or her at ease.

Swings – Baby swings are very popular when it comes to soothing upset infants. Nowadays, you can find swings that run on batteries, play music, and even have toys for your baby to look at and play with. You may even find that the swing is one of the only ways your baby will stop crying – making it well worth the investment.

Going for a drive – While this certainly isn’t recommended for each and every time a baby cries, there’s something about the motion of the car that calms down babies. However, if you use this technique each and every time your baby fusses, he or she will come to depend on it in order to be soothed.

Gas Drops – Many times, a baby’s crying is caused by painful gas bubbles in his or her tummy. Fortunately, there are some natural remedies available at any pharmacy that don’t require a prescription and are safe to use regularly. If you can’t get to a pharmacy, a lukewarm cloth on the baby’s tummy may also help.

Put the baby on the washing machine – Believe it or not, the spin cycle on the washing machines can really soothe a baby. The rhythmic movement works like rocking and swings, but some babies prefer this better, perhaps due to the heat generated or the humming sound the machine makes. Just be sure you don’t leave your baby alone on the machine, as the carrier can quickly work its way off of the washer and fall to the floor.

Run the vacuum – Many babies instantly quit crying when the vacuum starts. While it isn’t understood why exactly this happens, some doctors believe that it works the same way as white noise will soothe an adult.

Play music – Many parents find that music soothes a crying baby. Of course, not every baby will react the same way to music – some will begin to cry harder, others will start to play, and still other babies will fall asleep. Vary the beat and tempo to find which music seems to work best for comforting your child.

Remove stimulation – Sometimes a baby cries because he or she is over-stimulated. If there’s too much going on in a room – whether from people, televisions, or pets – you may need to move the baby to another room. Simply doing so may quickly calm your baby down.

Soothing a crying baby isn’t an exact science – what works for one may not work for another. Keep trying something different until you figure out which solution is best for you and your baby. But remember, what works today may not work tomorrow, so keep this list of options close at hand.

Bringing the Baby Home

Before you go to the hospital, you need to prepare all the items it will take to safely bring your child home. The hospital will provide you with the items you need to bathe the baby before bringing it home, however, you’ll need to have a “bring home” outfit prepared. Make sure you have onesies, socks, and plenty of blankets available. You’ll also need to bring a car seat for the ride home. If you’re having your baby during an especially cold time of year, you may also want to invest in a car seat cover to keep out the cold air.

Caring for your Baby at Home

Once you arrive home with your new bundle of joy, there will be certain items you’ll need to have on-hand. Of course, you must have somewhere for the baby to sleep – you can use a basinet or a crib, depending on how much space you have and where you want to put the baby. Many parents choose to use a basinet for the first few weeks, so they can keep the baby next to their bed. Eventually, as the baby grows older, they may transition to a crib in mom and dad’s room or to a crib in a separate room altogether.
You may also want to invest in a changing table for your baby, as this can make it much more convenient when it’s diaper-changing time. As the baby gets older, you may also want to buy a baby swing and bouncer. These items can be a life saver when you need to occupy the baby for a few minutes. Of course, you’ll also need basic items, like diapers, baby soap or shampoo, and lotions or powders. You’ll also need to stock up on receiving blankets and burp rags, since you’ll go through these quickly!

Packing for Daycare or a Babysitter

Packing for the babysitter can be quite a chore. While it’s almost impossible to think of every situation that might occur, there are a few things you absolutely must provide. To make your life easier, you might want to put together a weekly diaper bag with diapers, baby wipes, formula, and a few changes of clothing. In addition, you’ll want to carry a daily bag with daily outfits, diapers, and formula. This way you have everything you need to transport the baby before and after work, and your babysitter has extra items on-hand in case of an emergency.

In most cases, the items and equipment you need to have on-hand will depend on your baby. If your baby uses a pacifier, that’s another item you’ll want to have with you at all times. You’ll also have certain stuffed animals and snacks that your child will take a liking to. The most important thing is to keep clothing, diapers, and food with you at all times, since you can’t just run through a drive through to pick up a baby bottle when it’s needed!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers will cost much less than disposable diapers, since you buy the diapers and then reuse them, saving you lots of money. However, you’ll have to clean the diapers on a daily basis and – in most cases – this will have to be done by hand, unless you pay for an expensive take-away service. You’ll need to consider how much time you’ll spend doing this chore, especially if you work full time or have other children.

In addition, cloth diapers can reduce the chance of your child having allergic reaction to diapers, since some babies can’t tolerate the synthetic materials in disposable diapers. You’ll also have to consider the smell that using cloth diapers can cause in your home, since you probably won’t have time to wash the diapers as soon as you change them. Therefore, they’ll probably sit in a pail for most of the day, leading to some pretty stinky smells. Cloth diapers are also more prone to leaks, which can lead to huge messes for you to clean up.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Disposable diapers

Disposable diapers are often much more convenient than cloth diapers. Since you can quickly change the diaper and throw it away, you won’t have to worry about a lot of clean up. If your child attends daycare, you may have to choose this option, since many providers won’t change cloth diapers. Disposable diapers also have fewer leaks on average, so you may want to go this route if you have nice furniture or carpet to protect.

However, disposable diapers can be very costly. Most parents spend anywhere from $20.00 to $40.00 each week, depending on the brand they use. In addition, you’ll want to consider the impact that disposable diapers have on the environment. Using disposable diapers on just one child can create over 1,000 pounds of additional waste for the landfills. And since disposable diapers don’t break down quickly in the landfill, they can have a huge impact on the environment.

As you can see, there are many things to consider when choosing between cloth and disposable diapers. Many people feel that the environmental impact is enough to make the choice for cloth, while others have no choice but to use disposable diapers because of their daycare providers. As a compromise, many people choose to split their choice and use disposable diapers during the daytime and cloth for the overnight hours. This will cut down on the environmental impact, as well as the cost of buying diapers.

If you’re set on using cloth diapers, but want to avoid the mess of washing them yourself, there are a number of companies that will pick them up and wash them for you. Of course, using these services pretty much negates the cost benefit of using cloth diapers over disposable ones. In the end, however, it comes down to a matter of personal preference and lifestyle. Before you commit to either type, you’ll want to weigh your options and decide which is best for you.

Preeclampsia also affects the unborn baby. Preeclampsia causes there to be a reduced supply of oxygenated blood available to the baby, which often causes the child to be very small when delivered. Preeclampsia also increases the risk of placenta abruptio, in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the baby is fully mature.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help prevent preeclampsia. The following are some of the best practices to follow to avoid this pregnancy-related condition:

Attend your prenatal appointments. This is very important so your doctor can correctly monitor your condition. You will have your blood pressure taken during every appointment and will give a urine sample to see if there is any protein in the urine. The doctors can only treat what they are aware of, so be sure to make each and every appointment.

Follow your diet plan. Your physician will advise you on the proper diet to help prevent eclampsia. Drinking water is one of the best ways to keep your blood pressure low, and it’s also a good idea to avoid salty foods, junk foods and foods that are fried. Avoid all alcohol, as well as caffeinated beverages.

Get off your feet. Frequent rest periods with your feet elevated can help lower your blood pressure. For the most benefit, lie down with your feet at or above heart level. It’s also advised that you lay on your left side, to aid the flow of blood to your heart.

Get moving. Exercise is one of the best ways to prevent eclampsia, since it improves your circulation, leading to lower blood pressure. Walking and swimming are two of the best exercises for pregnant women, since they’re relatively low impact. Try parking a little further away from the front door at a store or your place of employment. Even a small increase in exercise is better than none.

Take your prenatal vitamins. These vitamins provide specific nutritional requirements for you and your baby. Unfortunately, many of the vitamins can cause constipation, so speak with your doctor if this occurs – he or she should be able to prescribe you a mild stool softener.

Try relaxation techniques. Meditation or yoga can go a long ways towards helping you relax and lower your blood pressure. Best of all, you should be able to find yoga classes that are specifically designed for pregnancy at your local gym or yoga studio. Avoid any positions that require you be inverted, or upside down, and don’t overdo it. If you feel any strain or pain, it’s time to stop.

Pregnancy is hard enough without having to worry about preeclampsia. By following the above tips, you may be able to prevent the condition. If not, be sure to see the proper doctor during and after your pregnancy. Monitor your blood pressure at home, if you feel it varies many times during the course of a day and address your concerns with a medical professional.

The first thing you need to understand is what makes a basal thermometer different from a normal thermometer. It is actually very simple – a basal thermometer measures your temperature to a tenth of a degree, while most standard thermometers aren’t nearly as accurate. There are many different types and models you can choose from, but obviously you should primarily be concerned with accuracy when making your choice. Select a brand with great customer testimonials or see if you can find a thermometer that has been reviewed by an independent company.

When you’re ovulating, your base line temperature will rise by .04-.06 degrees. Before ovulation, your core body temperature may be as low as 96 degrees, but once ovulation has begun, it can rise as high as 99 degrees. Your average temperatures can be completely different every month, but tracking your temperature over time should at least give you a rough idea of when your temperature peaks.

Begin by taking your temperature every day at the same time. Most physicians recommend you take your temperature in the morning, before you even get out of bed, drink, or eat, as these activities can change your temperature drastically. For example, drinking a cup of coffee can increase your body temperature for up to fifteen minutes, which could throw off your temperature chart.

Every day, you should track what your reading is and write it down on a chart. During the first two weeks of your cycle, you should see a base temperature of 96-98 degrees, and as ovulation takes place, your temperature should rise by .04-.06 degrees to 97-99 degrees. Obviously, you must have the previous day’s data for the comparison to work.

Understand that every woman is different. The exact degree of your average base temperature does not affect fertility; it’s simply a number to go by. Some women will quickly rise by .06 degrees within a day, while others will see the temperature change slowly over a few days. Don’t be concerned with what the base temperature is or by exactly how much your temperature changes. You main concern is to determine when it rises as an indication of ovulation.

Tracking your basal temperature is a great way to determine your ovulation schedule without using invasive tests or strips. Keeping track of your temperature every day will take time and dedication, but it can greatly increase your odds of getting pregnant to know that you’re trying during the right time.

Try Bananas! Bananas are not only a great source of potassium – which is believed to help reduce cramps – they’re also great for providing necessary vitamins for your baby. If you aren’t a fan of plain bananas, you might try putting them in bread, milk shakes, or smoothies along with another fruit. If you mix bananas with other strong-flavored foods – like carrots – you may not even notice the taste.

Cut out the junk foods, including canned meats, soda pop, and snack foods. These foods are high in phosphorus, which some doctors believe may contribute to leg cramps. Any type of processed food can contain phosphorus, so opt for raw, natural foods whenever possible.

Stretching your legs can offer relief in some cases. As your doctor for a list of safe stretches and try to perform them a few times each day. Walking up and down a set of stairs (slowly!) is often a good way to stretch out your legs and ankles. Of course, if you’re experiencing any complications that require bed rest or limited mobility, this probably isn’t the best option for you.

Some people believe that heat helps to reduce cramps and to increase your flexibility when stretching. To achieve this effect, try wearing leg warmers, thermal underwear, or extra long socks to help keep your calves warm. If you experience cramps while you’re lying in bed, you might consider a heating pad or electric blanket for extra warmth.

Increase the amount of calcium you consume. This can be done by eating calcium rich foods like green leafy vegetables or dairy products, like cheese and yogurt. You can also drink milk, which is very high in calcium. Almonds also provide a high level of calcium, but keep your portions small since they’re also high in fat.

Avoid crossing your legs and ankles or standing for extended periods. If you work in a position that requires you to sit all day, try rolling your ankles in circles to help prevent cramps, and wiggle your toes around to improve your circulation.

Nothing is a guaranteed preventative measure and the same thing may not work twice, but you certainly don’t lose anything by trying. If your leg cramps become severe or frequent, contact your physician – he or she may be able to run blood tests to better determine what the cause may be. In any case, there is a light at the end of the tunnel – whatever the cause of your leg cramps; the majority of women don’t experience them after giving birth. So try to be patient and within a few months, your cramps should subside naturally.