What Type of Stroller to Choose?

There are dozens of choices available when it comes to picking out a stroller.  You can select from ultra light weight umbrella strollers to extremely durable larger strollers.  Then there are niche targeted items such as jogging strollers or models created to carry more than one child.  For newborns there are strollers that are just a frame with an attachment to support a car seat.  Then there are 3 in 1 designs that where the car seat and base is included with the stroller.

Each will feature a safety harness and is collapsible to some extent for easy storage.  Some of the larger strollers are less compact due to their sheer bulk.

Many new moms will purchase two strollers.  One will be a light weight umbrella style for quick errands, and another will be a midsize which are perfect for longer walks. 

Midsize models are more shock-absorbing with cushier , more supportive seating.  Some will have larger wheels which makes the chore of pushing much easier for you; especially on rough terrain.  In this sense you really want to let your lifestyle be your guide.

Don't overlook carriers either.  You will want to have one on hand for the times you have to navigate an area where bringing a stroller is not realistic.

Regardless of your decision, taking the opportunity to get a little exercise and go out to show off your new baby can be an incredibly rewarding experience not to mention a great way to shed a few of those pregnancy pounds.

Pregnancy and Work

With such a large percentage of working women in today’s society deciding what to do with work when you find out you are pregnant can be a real obstical. Furthermore it is not just the health of your baby that you need to be concerned with; discrimination unfortunately still exists.

It is imperative to keep in mind that if you work in a setting or industry where fumes etc, may cause harm to your child, you should let your supervisor know right away so that alternate arrangements can be made.

It is always a good idea to have a detailed plan that includes how long you plan to stay at your job, how long your maternity leave will be. You can then determine how and when you will finish up your responsibilities and what will have to be reassigned to others. It can be beneficial if your plan is somewhat flexible, providing your are not compromising on what is important to you.

Deciding when to tell your employer the news can be a real struggle. Some women are afraid of announcing their pregnancy right before a performance or salary review. In that case, you might want to wait until after before spilling the beans.

It would be nice if being pregnant was no longer a cause for discrimination in the workplace. Unfortunately, many women do still face inequality in the workplace just because they are pregnant.

There are law in place to protect eligible employees who need to take leave during or after pregnancy. If an employer offers sick leave or disability leave to its employees, it must permit pregnant employees to use that leave for pregnancy-related conditions.

"Family and medical leave" generally allows an eligible employee (man or woman) to take an unpaid leave of absence (generally up to 12 or 16 weeks) to care for a child upon the child’s birth or adoption.

Your best bet is to be as honest as possible with everyone involved, but remember you have rights and be sure that you are not unfairly pushed around.