Jen, 34, Andover - Full-time mom to Parker and Nash and owner of Hautemommastuff.com

What was your reaction to being pregnant? "Totally excited and pretty much knew from the beginning I would have another boy - just had a feeling and I was right! Pregnancy is a huge success story in my opinion. It is truly the hardest and most rewarding thing I think any woman could/will ever do in her life."

Tell us about your first pregnancy. "I was induced for the first time with Parker. It was very different. I liked knowing approximately when it was all going to happen, but at the same time the anxiety of knowing contractions were going to start at any given moment made me a little nervous. All-in-all, it was an amazing delivery. My doctor is wonderful. I love her bedside manner. She is very calm and very matter-of-fact. I wasn't pushing well because of the epidural, I couldn't really focus on using the right muscles etc...the way she talked to me and told me to focus was perfect. She told me what muscles to focus on and to basically stop pushing with my face - and it worked!

I had a doula for my first pregnancy and it was a wonderful experience as well. I enjoyed the amazing support of a woman that knows exactly what to do and when to do it as opposed to a husband that is a little unsure of it all. I recommend a doula to anyone - especially to first-time mothers. However, I loved this pregnancy expereince and how I really focused on my own - it was totally different kind of satisfaction and feeling of success - I am so grateful to have had both experiences."

Any advice for women early in their pregnancy?

• Sleep in a LazBoy!
• I swear by Dr. Palmers lotions/creams all of them apply everyday and night before bed.
  
• Walk everyday even up until you are due
  
• Drink tons of water
• Try not to compare yourself to other pregnant women
  
• If you already have a child or children, don't beat yourself up for not doing the same things you did with your first; pregnancy journaling etc... there really isn't enough time to do everything when you are on your second/third pregnancy - do what you can do and be proud of yourself for just being a great mom!
• Get pedicures/manicures the whole prenancy and especially afterwards
• Get a bikini wax like ASAP after having your baby - it will make you feel a ton better!

Did you have any struggles during this pregnancy?
"Major swelling. my feet looked scary - numbness in my arms...I could not dry my hair, brush my teeth talk on the phone without my arms going numb. Feeling like my three year old wasn't happy - I usually play baseball, soccer, etc...every day / night with him but couldn't the later in the pregnancy - so I really struggled with worrying he was happy. Everyone said it is harder on me than him, but when he would walk around saying he was mad at me because we couldnt play baseball - that was really hard."

Weight gain - I know it is all-part-of-it but that doesnt make it any easier - you just have to watch it and stay active! I don't do well with the weight gain. I don't think anyone does, but I really take it hard. The whole 'transition' period [right after baby is born when your clothes dont fit and maternity clothes dont fit either....], which is where I am now, is the worst for me."

Thanks to Lexington Aesthetics for sponsoring gifts!

Any helpful resources (books, websites)?

1. 1. babycenter.com and
2. 2. of course Baby in the Bluegrass!
3. 3. poshcravings.com - great clothing suggestions
4. 4. your doctor - ASK QUESTIONS

Honestly don't read too much while you are pregnant - it usually only makes you worry about things you don't need to worry about - focus on yourself [and baby inside] while pregnant; eating healthy, staying active and dressing nice - my mantra is if you look good, you feel good - so splurge a little on some cute / trendy things while pregnant it will help!

How have you prepared?
With my three year old running around this time I don't feel like I had time to prepare, or the ability to focus and prepare. This pregnancy went very fast and I know it was because of being busy. I tried to prepare myself mentally by visualizing what our days would be like once the baby was here....ha! Just try to stay organized and Pray - I pray a lot!

Maternity leave?
I wish! When you are full-time mom you don't actually get this....that is something to think about.....

Who is your healthcare provider?

• Dr. Lynne Simms
• Pediatrician - Commonwealth Pediatrics

Hospital?
Central Baptist Hospital