Quench Your Thirst

Hydration is important for flushing waste products from your body, and aiding the liver and kidney function in both you and your baby.

You will need 8 to 12 eight ounce glasses of fluid. Fill a pitcher or large sports bottle and drink in small amounts throughout the day.

Avoid caffeinated and sweet beverages which can actually cause dehydration.

Dehydration can

• make you feel queasy
• cause fatigue
• cause toxemia
• lead to miscarriage
• cause preterm labor
• can be life threatening to baby and mother

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Have a Ball

A colorful ball has lasting play value:

Newborn – visual interaction

4 months – reaches

8 month – crawls to ball

1-2 yr old – practices releasing

2-3 yr old – kicks

3-4 yr old – throws

4-5 yr old – bounces

5 years old – tosses & catches

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Invest in Your Future

Think of the people you know who have retired. Are they living on a lower fixed income? Social security and pension plans alone are not enough to live on. You haven’t even started your career yet but when you do you’ll need to start planning for retirement! 

According to www.schwabplann.com , for every 5 years you put off investing for retirement you will have to double your monthly investing amount to achieve the retirement income needed to sustain independence as a retiree. 

Not only are you trying to figure out how much income you need to support yourself and your family over the next 45 – 50 years, but you’re estimating how much you’ll need to maintain a particular retirement lifestyle. Do you plan on staying in your home, having the mortgage paid off, and living a modest lifestyle? Or do you plan on traveling, golfing, and living in a retirement community?

Most expenses will decrease like taxes, savings expenses, shelter, education, apparel, and transportation. However, there will be cost increases for health care, utilities, and entertainment. Most financial planners estimate a replacement wage ratio of 70% - 80%.

The banking institutions do not pay a very high-interest rate so you will need to seek long-term investments like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Also, take advantage of workplace retirement plans and IRAs.

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The More You Know

Every woman has a unique childbirth experience so keep that in mind when stories are

shared. Try not to let these conversations scare you.

Remember, the more you know, the more confident you will feel during childbirth.  Begin researching all aspects of childbirth.

Register early for childbirth classes so you have plenty of time to learn everything before the big day.

Some of the topics that you need to know:

• False labor vs true labor
• The process of labor and delivery
• The role of your delivery coach
• Comfort techniques
• Medications available
• Medical procedures

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House Hunting

Figure out your housing budget. The best rule of thumb is 30% of your net income (take home pay).

Consider the following when choosing a location: distance to work, school districts, safe neighborhood.

• Always ask friends and family if they know of any available places.
• Check Craig’s List or Padmapper.com for apartment locator.
• Take time to check each potential apartment. Do the faucets work? Do the windows lock? Is it clean and odor free? Does it come with appliances?
• You will complete a rental application and must have proof of employment and photo ID. You will also need to know your bank account information, previous addresses, and references.
• The landlord will do a credit check to verify employment, credit history, credit score and criminal background.
• The Lease Agreement is a legal contract which outlines the rules and expectations that the landlord and tenant promise to follow.
• Security deposit is required and will be used if you damage the unit or move leave while owing rent.
• Public Housing Programs are available and include Metropolitan Housing Authority and other low-income housing organizations.

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