Blog Posts by TheBump.com

We all know the typical things you miss when you become a parent - sleep usually tops the list, spending time with friends, as well as time to do things you enjoyed before baby came along. Parents I know have said they miss being able to leave the house easily by themselves and others miss using the restroom without little voices calling to them; without fingers reaching underneath the door, or to be honest, without having your toddler sitting on your lap while you're in there doing your thing.

By Jayne @ the Naptime Organzier for TheBump.com

Thinkstock / The BumpI've found there are a few things I didn't quite expect to miss so much and it surprised me. There were five things that specifically topped my list:

1. Wearing clean clothes. I initially thought after the spit up phase that clean clothes were on the horizon again. Nope. Whether my toddler is wiping his hands messy on me, squirting me with one of those supposedly no spill straw cups, or spilling something - I'm still always messy. Especially

Wondering what being born during the year of the snake will mean for baby? Trust us, it's nothing bad. We've got details on everything from baby's personality traits to future careers. Here's what to expect.

By Kylie McConville for TheBump.com

Shutterstock / The BumpThe sign of the Snake is considered the most intuitive, introspective and refined of all the animal signs. Snakes are cunning, intelligent and wise. Snakes are attractive, with a calm, cool and collected temperament. Snakes are competitive and work hard, while staying modest (so don't expect baby to brag about getting straight A's in school!).

A social butterfly

There are several different types of snakes in Chinese astrology, and 2013 is the year of the water snake. Expect to have a Chatty Cathy (or Chatty, um, Kent?) -- water snakes are known for their ability to socialize and make new friends. While they're very proud of their personal achievements, snakes are also thoughtful and considerate of others.

What will your baby's future be like?

A

It's tough enough to find a sitter who's available when you want them to be, but to find someone whom you trust with baby's well-being and who's dependable? Well, that can feel practically impossible -- as can figuring out how much money it should cost you.

By Leah Rocketto for TheBump.com

Thinkstock / The BumpWhere to start

Personal recommendations
Arguably, the best place to start is with a personal recommendation, says Leah Clarkson, cofounder of NannyTrack. Ask friends, family members, coworkers and your postnatal yoga pals which sitters they've used and liked, and you're already on the right track for weeding out those who wouldn't work. Of course, just because someone recommended a sitter to you doesn't mean they're the right one for your family. For example, you might feel nervous about a 14-year-old caring for your preemie. So ask lots of questions about the potential sitter before you even call to scope them out. And don't feel pressured to hire someone just because they were recommended by

New innovations are changing the world of fertility treatments and procedures -- and getting more women pregnant.

By Elena Donovan Mauer for TheBump.com

Thinkstock / The BumpWe probably all know someone who's turned to technology to help her conceive. And the good news is, some new developments in reproductive medicine may mean better pregnancy success rates for people struggling with infertility. "It's the most exciting time I've seen in reproductive medicine," says Mark P. Leondires, MD, medical director and lead infertility doctor with Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut. "Basically, in the past five years, our field has changed." These new innovations and breakthroughs are some of the most exciting.

Comprehensive chromosomal screening (CCS)

During in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryos are transferred into a woman's body, in the hope that at least one will survive the implant into the uterus and result in a successful pregnancy. And now, using CCS, doctors are able to know better which

From Blake and Brandy to Khloe K, we've got a hunch that 2013 might bring more than just career success to these leading ladies and their red-hot Hollywood partners. Take a peek at all of the celebrity divas we're hoping will add mom-to-be to their resumes this year!

By Kylie McConville for TheBump.com

© 2013 The Bump. All rights reserved.

More from The Bump:
Worst parenting advice ever heard
Fun ways to lose the baby weight!
Baby sleep myths -- busted
Top 10 fears of new moms

Not ready to announce to everyone that you're expecting just yet? Kim Kardashian was recently spotted wearing a loose blouse that perfectly concealed her belly. And, before she was ready to tell, Kate Middleton distracted the paparazzi with a new haircut. You can also try these six other stylish bump-hiding ideas.

By Elena Mauer for TheBump.com

© 2013 The Bump. All rights reserved.

More from The Bump:
Browse 1,000 of baby names!
Why you hate your husband (after baby arrives)
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By Kylie McConville for TheBump.com

Getty Images / The Bump Chad and Camie Berry received the gift of a lifetime 14 years ago when they welcomed their daughter, Madisyn, into the world after they'd endured five miscarriages. Today, the proud parents gush over their daughter and are trying to bring the same joy to other expectant moms and dads across the country by hosting sonogram parties at baby showers, venues and the homes of soon-to-be moms and dads.

A sonogram party looks something like this: Finger foods and drinks are passed around the room while the mother-to-be stretches out on an examination table and a technician moves the wand across her belly. Imaging equipment is hooked up to a TV screen or a computer monitor for all the room to see. Guests will get a sneak peek of what the baby-on-board will look like.

10 things no one warned you about pregnancy

Through their company, Miracles Imaging, the Berrys offer their customers a "glimpse of your little miracle" by providing low-cost ultrasounds to

Looking for some new bedtime reads? You might want to leave these on the store shelves.

By Leah Rocketto for TheBump.com

© 2013 The Bump. All rights reserved.

More from The Bump:
Worst parenting advice ever heard
Fun ways to lose the baby weight!
Baby sleep myths -- busted
Top 10 fears of new moms