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Need to calm a crying, fussy infant? Try these tips using lavendar oil to help both you and your baby relax.

Give your baby a lavendar oil massage. Visit your local health food store or homeopathic pharmacy and pick up a ready-to-use lavender massage oil, or you can mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with sweet almond oil or unscented lotion. Rub a small amount in you hands, and gently rub the baby's arms, legs, back, and tummy.

Give your baby a soaking bath with lavender. A variety of lavender bath products exist (be sure to use an all-natural product), or simply add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the bath water. For a baby's bath, use just two or three drops.

Rub a few drops of lavender into a baby's hair for a fresh, floral aroma, or add 2 to 3 drops of lavender to a bowl of warm water to enhance a quick sponging off.

In baby's room, sprinkle a few drops onto a simple terra cotta diffuser, or use an electric diffuser to disperse the scent of lavender throughout the room during naps and bedtime. Another option is a lavender mister. And don't just limit these to baby's room -- a lavender diffuser can help mom relax during "down time."

Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the baby's laundry (including the crib sheets), not only for the aromatherapy benefits, but also for the soft, clean aroma.

To help keep calm in the car, try sprinkling a few drops of lavender onto the baby's car seat or a handkerchief or use a special car diffuser (which plugs into the lighter) to spread the lavender aroma throughout the car.

Add a drop or two of lavender oil to diaper cream to help protect and soothe baby's bottom after diaper changes.

How Much Weight Should I Gain?

You should gain weight gradually during your pregnancy. Many doctors suggest women gain weight at the following rate: 2 to 4 pounds total during the first 3 months (first trimester), 3 to 4 pounds per month during the 4 to 9 months (second and third trimesters). The total amount of weight you should gain depends on your weight when you became pregnant. Women who were at a healthy weight before becoming pregnant should gain between 25 and 35 pounds while pregnant. The advice is different for those who were overweight or underweight before becoming pregnant. Check with your doctor to find the amount that is right for you.

Visit your doctor regularly. The doctor can check on your weight gain. If you are gaining weight too fast, you may need to cut back on the calories you are currently eating. If you are not gaining weight, or gaining too slowly, you may need to eat more calories. The best way to eat fewer calories is by decreasing the amount of “extras” you are eating. You can take in more calories by eating a little more from each food group.

Men can increase their fertility by:

- Avoid taking too many steaming hot baths.
- Get checked regularly for STDs, some of which can cause infertility.
- Ask your doctor if any of their prescribed drugs are known to lower fertility, such as some high blood pressure medications.
- Wear cotton boxers, and not to tight.
- Avoid taking steroids.
- Eat plenty of oysters and zinc-rich foods, as well as taking zinc, vitamin E and calcium with supplements.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes and/or cannabis. (weed)
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, or only drink alcohol in moderation.