The Gulf Oil Spill continues to be one of the worst environmental catastrophes ever to affect the U.S.A. It will probably take years to fully comprehend how devastating it really will be to the surrounding environment. In the news, we have seen the pictures of how awful it has been for wildlife in the Gulf area, with sea birds and aquatic life covered in oil. How is it affecting residents of the area, though? Particularly, how is the Gulf Oil Spill of 2010 impacting pregnant women who live in the surrounding area?

Continue reading this article by Keri Withington

Having gone through the birth experience four times, I feel the need to inform parents what to bring and what is unnecessary for the hospital delivery bag. There are so many new products out there pushing you to buy them for this and that, but what do you really need and what can you do without?

Items for the Mama-To-Be:
- 2 nightgowns
Be sure they're comfortable and loose fitting.

- 3 pairs of socks
Use your coziest ones. The hospital room is sometimes chilly.

- 1 pair of slippers
You don't want to walk through the hospital with tennis shoes or heels under your nightgown, do you?

- books
If your labor is long, you may get bored, but not want to watch TV. Also, after baby is born, - you may need something to do when the baby is getting baths, shots, or other care.

- magazines and puzzle books
These have the same reason as for the books.

- nursing pads
These are necessary to prevent leakage from staining the clothing. They come in cloth or disposables.

- nursing bra
This is necessary even if you are not planning on breastfeeding. There will still be leakage for a certain period of time, especially the second or third day after baby is born when the milk is starting to come in.

Note:
You will likely not have to pack items such as movies, radios, and toiletries. Most hospitals will provide these items. Besides, you really will be too busy caring for the baby, taking postnatal hospital classes, and sleeping to enjoy the radio or an entire movie. Your baby will probably enjoy your singing more than a baby sounds cd as well. Whatever toiletries are not provided by asking the nurse, the gift shop will likely have them available or you can ask someone to bring them later if necessary. This way you don't have to bring in such a cumbersome bag while you're in labor. Besides, by the time you leave, you will need the extra space in your bag. The hospital will give you tons of freebies for yourself and the baby.

Items For The Baby:
- 2 one piece bodysuits/onesies
Pack one in preemie size and one in newborn size. You never know which size will be appropriate until the baby is born. Many newborns are too small for the newborn size.

- 2 diapers (1 newborn size and 1 preemie size
You are only bringing these in case the hospital does not give you diapers, but in most cases, you will receive at least one free pack of diapers. If that doesn't happen, you can have someone bring you a pack, but it's highly unlikely to not receive diapers at the hospital. If you will be using cloth diapers, you may want to use disposables in the hospital. Otherwise, plan to purchase a fair amount of cloth diapers, for you won't have access to a washing machine and will need to keep an airtight bag or container for all the soiled garments.

- 3 pacifiers (1 rounded, 1 orthopedic, 1 bottle nipple style)
You are bringing three different types because all babies prefer a different type. Sometimes the ones supplied in the hospital are not preferred by the baby.

- Formula and baby bottles
The hospital will provide this, but this is if you prefer a different brand of formula or bottles than your hospital provides. Bring these even if you don't intend to formula feed. Sometimes for unexpected health reasons, a mother may not be able to breast feed.

- 1 going home outfit
Get this in both preemie size and newborn size. If the baby does not fit the preemie size, return it. If the baby does fit the preemie size, you can either keep the newborn size for when baby grows or just return it.

- 1 Carseat with head cushion insert
I recommend the Graco Snugride. It is safety certified, even for preemies and fits even the smallest of babies. It has ranked number one in safety for many years.

- 4 receiving blankets
You will need to wrap baby in one or two of these. If baby is small, you may need to roll up one or two to properly position the baby in the carseat for the ride home.

Items Baby Can Do Without:
- baby nail clippers

- baby toys

- baby shoes

- diapering powders & ointments (baby will likely not need these yet)

- suction bulb (the hospital will provide this)

- Q-tips (These are not recommended for infants. If the outside of the ear canal needs cleaning, use a wet cloth, which will be provided at the hospital.)

Article by Lyn Lomasi
Originally published on Associated Content
~posted by Lyn Lomasi

by Lyn Lomasi & Jaipi Sixbear

Need some exercise tips during pregnancy? Perhaps you just want something fun and memorable to do, like make a cast of your pregnant belly or track your baby-to-be in the womb. The article compilation below can help give you advice on the above and more. Pregnancy is all about having fabulous fun and staying healthy.

Exercise Guide for High Risk Pregnancies by Lyn Lomasi
Exercise during any pregnancy requires extra care. That is especially true in high-risk pregnancies. Having experienced high-risk pregnancies more than once, I have learned quite a bit about what works, what is risky, and what the doctors may recommend..

Make Your Own Pregnancy Baby Cast of Your Pregnant Belly by Jaipi Sixbear
Make a pregnancy baby cast to remember your pregnancy belly. Pregnancy is a very special time for mothers. Your baby is growing inside you as a part of you. A pregnancy baby cast will preserve these moments. It becomes a wonderful reminder of those special times. In later years, you can show your child what mommy's pregnant belly looked like when he or she was growing inside you. To make your pregnancy baby cast you will need just a few items..

How to Prepare a Toddler for a Newcomer in the Family by Lyn Lomasi
There are many ways to help your toddler prepare and feel a smooth transition into the idea of having a new baby around the house and many can start during the pregnancy..

Relieving Tension Headaches When Pregnant by Jaipi Sixbear
Getting rid of tension headaches when you are pregnant is not always easy. Most headache medicines cannot be taken by pregnant women. There are multiple causes for headaches as well and not all are cured in the same way. Many women experience headaches during their first trimester of pregnancy because their hormones are changing..

Homemade Pregnancy Day by Day Calendar by Lyn Lomasi
Pregnancy is a significant time in a woman's life. It is one filled with many day-by-day emotions, both physical and mental growths, and events that a mother will want to remember for a lifetime. What better way than with a pregnancy day-by-day calendar?..

Tips for Dealing With Insomnia During Pregnancy by Jaipi Sixbear
Insomnia during pregnancy is generally overcome through common sense solutions. About 75% of pregnant women suffer from insomnia at some point in their pregnancy. Insomnia is not harmful to the health of the mother or baby. It would, however, be a much more pleasant pregnancy without insomnia.

What to Expect With Pregnancy Mood Swings by Lyn Lomasi
Pregnancy can be a joyous time, but many pregnant women also feel many different emotions, some not so joyous in nature. Pregnancy mood swings have long been a topic of discussion. However, many women are still surprised at the overwhelming emotions and mood changes..

Preventing Pregnancy Gingivitis by Jaipi Sixbear
What is pregnancy gingivitis? Pregnancy gingivitis is a condition characterized by bleeding and swollen gums during pregnancy. Gingivitis is caused primarily by bacteria and plaque. Pregnancy gingivitis is aggravated by the fluctuating hormones we experience in pregnancy..

Free Printable Pregnancy Calendars: Track Mom-to-Be's Progress by Lyn Lomasi
Pregnancy is a joyous time that will be treasured and remembered forever by the woman who is lucky enough to experience it. To help keep those memories alive, as well as to track the pregnancy as it progresses, it is helpful to keep a pregnancy calendar..

Best Exercise Equipment During Pregnancy by Jaipi Sixbear
If you are pregnant or considering having a child you are very likely concerned with staying in good physical condition before , during and after your pregnancy. Being in good physical condition is very important at this time as a lot of stress will be placed on your body. You may think this is a good time to slack off on your exercise routine and cheat on your diet but you are wrong..

Is it Healthy to be a Pregnant Vegetarian? by Lyn Lomasi
You may always have been a vegetarian or are choosing to become a vegetarian while pregnant, due to health or personal reasons.Either way, finding out how healthy it is to be a pregnant vegetarian is a concern for you if you are reading this..