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Preparing Your Home For Baby’s Arrival: Anticipate The Expected And Unexpected

Preparing Your Home For Baby’s Arrival

New parents will discover quite a bit goes into preparing for a new baby’s arrival. There are many supplies needed as well as preparing for parent’s time and energy (or lack of due to erratic sleeping schedules). My number one rule for all new parents—expect the unexpected and you will have a head’s up in what could be a chaotic time.

Here are some helpful tips for baby’s arrival not only to meet the needs of your newborn but that of Mom too:

Should haves for baby:

Bottles with the right sized nipples for newborns (bottle brush for proper cleaning)

Diaper pail—for disposal of diapers or to contain cloth diapers

Changing table—it is always a good idea to have it fully stocked with t-shirts, diapers and sleepers (those first few weeks can be overwhelming for new moms) wipes- diaper cream (Young Living Tender Tush or Butt paste are my recommendations)-baby wash
Crib or bassinet with a receiving or swaddling blanket

Baby monitor in case you are in other rooms

Diaper or big tote bag fully packed—diapers, at least one change of clothing, blankets, plastic bags for dirty diapers, wipes, comfort item {wubie, musical item, blankie}, diaper cream, bottles and formula

Expect the unexpected

Should haves for Moms:

Sanitary napkins

Nursing bras (if breastfeeding) and a blanket or boppy for comfort) nursing pads and breast pump if going to be away from baby

Relaxing outlets, either time for naps while baby sleeps, soothing music or Young Living’s Peace and Calming, whatever helps relax you

Expect the unexpected

Should dos:

Never too early to baby proof house (they grow faster than you will ever imagine and before you know it they will be crawling)
Keep a steady level of noise when baby comes home so they can adjust to sleeping through almost anything

Get any siblings ready for a new addition to household. If they are toddlers, try getting them their own special baby to care for so they understand the tender touch and maybe even the need for quiet. Be sure to spend extra time with them explaining what you think they can understand about how a baby is coming but they are still loved and could even help in some small ways. They could help set up baby’s table or pack away diapers or something that makes them feel a part of the decision making (age-appropriate of course)

Make arrangements for siblings care during birth/hospital stay

Wash bedding, clothing, towels or whatever is used for the baby prior to using (a great idea is to have all this set up weeks before baby’s arrival if possible)

Stock up on meals for family and make sure you have plenty of good foods for the Mommy. Preparing meals/freezing in advance of baby’s arrival is a good idea

Stock up on paper products and necessities for bathroom and cleaning

Let family and friends know prior to baby’s arrival when would be best for visits. Do not be afraid to request a waiting period before you have company.

Make hospital preparations

If it is possible arrange for help around the house either by hiring or making plans with family members to do laundry and cleaning and maybe extra duty with a sibling

A wonderful idea is to preplan any work needed for events/special occasions. You will be caught up so if you know of birthdays or special events coming up, perhaps it is possible to get cards/gifts or RSVP’s completed ahead of time

Prepare home, making it ergonomic for parents to move around in and everything handy

Expect the unexpected—I cannot emphasize this enough. It will save you in so many little ways. And enjoy that little bundle of joy, you will receive so much more than you could ever imagine.

Welcome Home Baby!

debbietwomey.com is a website founded on the principle that children are not only our most precious commodity, but that proper parenting is not always instinctive and requires constant development through many avenues of information and experiences. Some of those avenues are family, training, advice and of course, Debbie. This website is a font of valuable insights and information that not only take the guesswork out of some of the most difficult parenting aspects but create an inspiring and memorable environment that will benefit all.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.

Protected: Do You Struggle With Acne?

by Claudi 1 Comment

Protected: Recharging Your Libido With Natural Health Remedies

by Claudi 5 Comments

Self Care is Not a Luxury

by Claudi 4 Comments

Recently I visited my local bank and was working with a very nice bank professional who was interested in what I did. She told me she loved massage therapy so of course I asked her when was your last massage? She said about a year ago.

This same woman complained of the stress in her life and all the tension in her shoulders and with my trained eye I could see a lot more health issues there. She said she had a gift certificate for a massage but said she was waiting until she was really hurting to use it. YIKES… this is NOT GOOD.

When you wait so long to get any type of body work your first session is not only a lot of work on the therapist but also can cause additional soreness for a few days as trigger points, knots and muscles are stretched and released. That’s why regular self care is soooo important. It’s not a luxury. If you make it a luxury you will find yourself in a body you aren’t happy with. We must put ourselves on the list to CARE FOR.   For over a decade my favorite therapy of choice was the Raindrop Technique. I have given probably a thousand and taught others how to do this simple essential oil technique in their profession or just for their loved ones.

I have personally benefited from regular Raindrop Techniques and they’ve helped me through some difficult physical and emotional times in my life. Clients who put Raindrop as part of their regular Self Care were healthier and happier than those who only “treated” themselves once or twice a year.   This Valentine’s Day and every day I’d like you remind you of the importance of Self Care. Sometimes we look at massage therapy, chiropractic care, or even a spa pedicure or facial as a luxury, but I would encourage you that they are not.

Before you give me the money excuse, there are plenty of ways to take care of yourself at home. Just soaking your feet in some hot water and Epsom salts with a few drops of essential oils can relax your whole body. Or what about an essential oil  bath? For families on a budget, ask your spouse for a 20 minute back massage or foot rub. Look up on Pinterest some neat facial ideas with ingredients you already have in your home.   Winter can be challenging especially for those of us in the North where cold and snow may keep us indoors more than we want. It’s easy to fall prey to a mild seasonal affect disorder or mild depression.

Regular self care can help prevent this. Make it a plan to do something for yourself no matter how small once a week. This might seem like a lot if the last time you took care of your feet or body was 2 years ago. Make a plan and do one thing to take care of yourself this week.

When you are done, leave a comment below and let me know what you did. You have 7 days to do something. One of you who leaves a comment will win a fun Heart Filled Gift. Watch this video I recorded in 2011:

Sorry if you are in my town, I don’t do hands on Raindrop Therapy right now but can refer you to a highly trained therapist in the area.   Have a great Valentine’s Day!   I love and appreciate you and want to see you taking care of YOU!

Mommy Humor and Food for Thought: You Know You’re Eight Months Pregnant When…

by Claudi 1 Comment

mommy humor

If you are a mom who is eight months pregnant and have children below the age of five, reading humorous stories and watching movies can lighten us up. Recently without much thought, I asked a question on my Facebook Page and received some humorous responses. The funniest thing about them is they are TRUE!

You know you’re eight months pregnant when….

1. You spend 30 minutes to an hour a day drooling over all the delicious recipes and foods on Pinterest.
2. Sneezing and Coughing now require Depends.
3. Putting your socks and shoes on now takes some creativity.
4. You take naps on the toilet cause you’re always there.
5. You have cankles by the end of the day.
6. You know where every restroom is anywhere you go!
7. When your walk turns into a waddle.
8. When you’re always ready for a nap and glowing!
9. When you scrub every bathroom like a superhuman deep cleaning everywhere so then you can maintain it as you head towards your ninth month! Thank God for Thieves cleaner the non-toxic nesting powerhouse!
10. You can’t find a comfortable position to sleep unless you confiscate all the pillows, to support you legs, back and belly.
11. You pass gas that sounds like a machine gun when you laugh.
12. You are always breathing like you just finished a marathon!
13. You can’t see how bad your pedicure now looks.
14. Belly Dancing has a new meaning.
15. You can’t sleep on your tummy, but really, really want to.
16. And you know you are 8 months pregnant if you are peeing pants laughing reading this.

Do you have any mommy humor and tips for a healthy pregnancy? Please share below. We love hearing from you.

How To Unchain Your Heart And Transform Negative Emotions Into Strength and Energy

by Claudi 3 Comments

How To Unchain Your Heart

We are continuing with Part II of our two part series on Heart Health Wake-Up Call on emotions, stress and negative thoughts and I’ve appropriately called it how to unchain your heart and transform negative emotions into strength and energy. In order to establish a healthy heart, we’ll have to address our heart’s emotional health.

Do you have any idea that you are wonderfully made and valuable? Maybe you had a great childhood but circumstances, people, or life itself has polluted your mind, body and soul with all the messages that make you feel less than. Before you know it, the many years of coping with life has left you stressed out. Some people are so used to living a stressful life and somehow if their life is not chaotic, they’ll figure out a way to make stress happen.

Constant stress, negative emotions and merely existing will slowly affect our body, mind and soul. Your body will show symptoms of exhaustion and various types of health problems will manifest itself.

Not taking care of yourself may eventually lead to heart disease, stroke, messed up hormonal system, weight problems, sleep problems and a whole lot more diseases. Heart disease kills half a million American women each year. In my years of helping women, emotional health is an issue that we deal with all the time. If you were to seriously reflect on your life’s journey, you will find out that most of your health problems began to emerge when your emotional health was unhealthy.

Negative emotions and stress have destroyed some my client’s health and they live with shame, depression, anxiety, rage and unfulfilled dreams. If you follow the news, hearing about domestic violence, assaults and shootings may bring more fear and stress into your life. With every emotion there is energy behind it. The more negative emotions and stress you feel the more energy you are wasting and literally burning out your healthy system. Let’s learn how to transform that “stinking thinking” into positive energies for a healthy heart and peaceful and happy life.

Take these 21 tried-and-tested keys to help you unchain your heart and transform negative emotions into strength and energy:

1. Recognize that negative emotions and stress will eventually kill you. (really no joke)
2. Take small steps everyday to make changes to improve your lifestyle.
3. Commit to listen to empowering and positive influences via MP3s or on the web daily. (Some of my favorite Elevation Church, Joyce Meyer, TD Jakes)
4. If you connect with people who have been through what you have divorce, death etc., make sure you’re connected with those who have been through and are living a healthy lifestyle now.
5. Invest in taking care of yourself. Really, put money in your budget for your self care. It may involve a gym membership, Zumba classes, a weekly massage, chiropractic care, a personal trainer, pick what makes you feel good.
6. Invest in your health with healthy natural foods.
7. Take time to look good and make yourself presentable. It can lift your spirits.
8. Change your mindset with PJ McClure’s Flip the Switch (Great book and audio and it’s free).
9. Read inspirational books and or watch inspirational movies. Weekly if you have to.
10. Stop watching TV especially the news.
11. Sleep more unless you are over sleeping. (8-9 hrs. at the most a night)
12. Get moving, get fresh air, walk and enjoy the outdoors.
13. Change your scenery like taking a different route to work, have a picnic lunch or even start a part time job in a positive environment like a local coffee shop.
14. Pray or meditate. Depending on your faith and beliefs, spend a few minutes of quiet time each day and collect your thoughts and begin with an affirmation based on the Bible or inspirational quotes from a book.
15. Connect with healthy like-minded friends on our Facebook Page or over on Twitter. Sign up to get our weekly newsletter and encouragement.
16. Break away from negative people. Believe me, you can do it nicely.
17. Forgive and move forward. You can’t change the past but you can change your future especially with forgiveness.
18. Focus on your journey and live in the moment.
19. Seek professional help with people like Dr. Lavonne Atnip.
20. Listen to relaxing music and music that lifts you up and feeds your heart.
21. Use your favorite essential oils everyday. Joy oil is the heart healthy essential oil favorite.

Your heart health depends on how you take care of your total wellness. Almost five years ago, I was a stressed out, overworked wife who traveled around the United States building my business while my husband stayed home alone. I had just embraced Christ into my heart and was learning to incorporate Him into my marriage and entire life. You could say the peace that passes all understanding was falling on my life. I thank God for that because I was on my way to a very big problem… emotional and physical heart health.

I looked good from the outside but I was heading for a nervous breakdown. I felt trapped and I did not know how to unchain myself. Ever felt that way? I was out of balance and was not taking care of my emotional and physical health. I sought help and found a wonderful woman, Dr. Lavonne Atnip. She helped me sort through my emotional chaos and today my journey is so much clearer and happier. My heart’s health is more balanced and fulfilled.

Toxic emotions and stress are the causes of many diseases including heart disease. It can lead to irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, weight gain, weakened immune system, cancer and depression. You cannot zone out or watch TV to lessen these toxic emotions. Be a powerful person under pressure using the above keys and seek out help from professionals who can help unchain your heart.

One such person would be Dr. Lavonne Atnip. You can purchase and download her MP3 here. This MP3 and transcript will be your first step to taking care of your toxic emotions and help you live a more fulfilled life.

You have the keys to achieve total wellness. Don’t wait for the right time for it may never come because it certainly wasn’t the right time when I sought help from Dr. Lavonne.