The Easiest Way To Create The Best Baby Registry

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I found out that Babies R Us deleted the registry I created when I was pregnant with my first son. Apparently, they delete registries after a year, which I think is really lame considering most people plan on getting pregnant more than once. I’m pregnant again and have a friend who is pregnant with her first who needs advice on what to put on her registry.

So, now I have to reinvent the wheel.

But I’m not too bummed about it because I remember the one major help in creating my first registry was the book Baby Bargains, so I’m going to buy the latest addition that just came out in April. It’s an exceptional book that includes finding the best bargains on baby products, detailed product reviews on everything you need for your registry(including baby clothes and maternity wear), and advice on what you really need to buy and when.

The book never steered me wrong as I was very happy with everything we bought. The Baby Bargains website is also incredibly helpful as they post updates to the book including bonus material, blog about new products and baby news, and have a very active forum where readers discuss and rate products. Read more

Sarah Jessica Parker’s Road To Motherhood

Who doesn’t think Sarah Jessica Parker is absolutely adorable? You can practically fit her in your pocket, and she’s always an incredibly positive and genuine person. Plus, she’s in one of my favorite movies, Footloose, so no matter what she’s within 1 degree of Kevin Bacon.

I was initially surprised to read in the news that she is expecting twins via a surrogate mom. Because most people start immediately thinking things like:

“Why would you let someone else carry your children?”

“Won’t you feel less like their mom if you didn’t carry them?”

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Tradition, Tradition!

I remember reading this article about Jennie Garth in People Magazine.  Her family has a bunch of traditions like Friday movie nights, bingo tournaments, and the “Blue-Plate Special”:  Whenever someone in the family accomplishes something, they get to eat dinner on the special blue plate.  How cute is that!

Creating fun family traditions not only provides an ongoing sense of closeness in the family, but also creates a sense of expectation and excitement.  There’s always something to look forward to.  And for moms like me, who get a little teary-eyed when milestones are met, traditions are a perfect way to celebrate positive changes in your lives. Read more

Reality of Having Multiple Births

So much attention has been focused on Nadya Sulemon and her octopulets, but did you know the rate of multiple births is growing around the world? This video states that there are more than 8,000 triplets, quads, quints and even sextuplets born in the U.S. each year. Few other moms receive much help or any attention for the births. What do you think?

My newborn weighed 9 lbs, so how did I only lose 7?

My pre-pregnancy weight was 124 lbs and the last time I weighed myself was 7 days before I gave birth and I weighed 187 lbs, gaining 63 pounds in total.  I had gained 67 at one point, but my weight fluctuated at the end once the cold weather started to come and I lost some of my water retention.

My whole point is that once Tyler was born, I figured that I would lose weight proportionate to what was coming out of me.  Let’s see, Tyler weighed exactly 9 lbs.  Then you factor in all the amniotic fluid, blood loss, placenta which should amount to at least 10 lbs.  So taking all this in, my expectation was that I would lose at least 19 pounds.   So I gave birth over 2 days ago and as I step on the scale, I saw that I still weigh 180 pounds.  I’m no math genius but I should have lost at least 15, or give me just the 9lbs that was my son’s.  So either my scale is broken or I gained another 15 pounds in one week which I know cannot be possible.
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Is it Safe to Color Your Hair While Pregnant?

This article was written by Guest Blogger Meri Scals from Maternity Salon.

By far this is one of the most asked questions in the salon industry today. We thrive on maintaining a trendy and fashionable look for the workplace which, lets face it, is where many women are today. So, to answer the question, here is my professional opinion: first and foremost follow your doctor’s instructions, second follow your gut and own personal feelings on this choice.

The facts and findings are as follows:

1. To date there is no concrete evidence on this topic through studies or research to prove that any type of hair coloring is unsafe.

2. In the past 23 years in the industry many colorists and stylists have continued to color their own hair while pregnant, primarily due to the knowledge of the variety of different procedures available in color application.

3. There are a number of choices available today in hair coloring, including but not limited to off the scalp hi-liting, non aggressive demi-colors, rinses and so many more. Read more

Morning Sickness Survival Tips

“Just eat a few saltines and you’ll be ok”.

I don’t know about you, but as someone who suffered with prolonged, severe morning sickness (which I affectionately call morning noon and night sickness), When I hear someone say this, I just want to slug them!

If you’re suffering with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, you’re not alone. Most women experience it to some degree during their first trimester. If you’re one of the unfortunate few whose symptoms last longer than the typical 6-12 weeks, I empathize. I’ve had the same experience with all 4 of my pregnancies. I have learned a few things that helped however, and I hope you can get some relief from your morning sickness with these tips.

1. Getting your blood sugar regulated is priority #1.

One theory about why morning sickness is worse in the morning (and for some women only occurs then) is because when you wake up from sleep, you have low blood sugar. For some pregnant woman, going 8 hours without food is just a bad idea.

You might find it helpful to eat a high protein snack before bed, and even to eat a bite each time you get up in the night to go to the bathroom. (Which in the beginning may be quite frequent!)

Personally, I found that what I did first thing in the morning was of paramount importance. I had to eat a few bites of food *while still lying down*. So I either put some food on a plate beside my bed or asked my husband bring me a snack first thing in the morning.

Don’t jump out of bed. Eat your snack slowly and lie still for a few minutes afterwards. Then slowly get up and immediately go to the kitchen and eat another bite. Again, emphasize protein. Read more

Ten Tips for Surviving an Overdue Pregnancy

Your belly is huge, your due date has passed, and yet little Susie or Johnny has shown no interest in moving out of his or her cozy home. Your due date is calculated by counting forward 280 days from the start of your last menstrual period. Your due date is only an estimate of when your baby should come and is often off by a number of days. It is very common to deliver past your due date particularly if you are a first time mom. Knowing that it is common provides little comfort when you are the one overdue. Below are our best tips for surviving an overdue pregnancy.

1. Talk to your doctor.

Women have varying opinions on labor and childbirth. Some prefer a natural, wait and see approach, while others are very anxious and eagerly interested in induction. In our mother’s generation it was not uncommon to deliver at 42 or even 43 weeks. Presently many doctors will induce at 40 or 41 weeks if your cervix is favorable. If you would prefer the wait and see approach, or your cervix is unfavorable for induction, your doctor or midwife will monitor you and baby closely. You will likely have a non stress test or biophysical profile done once or even twice a week if you are overdue. By 42 weeks your doctor will most likely choose to induce regardless of whether you cervix is favorable or not.

2. Get lots of rest.

The last month of pregnancy is exhausting. You may not be sleeping well due to discomfort and anxiety about your approaching labor. Remember to keep taking your prenatal vitamins and rest as much as you can. Lack of sleep and fatigue can war on your mood. Use a body pillow at night to help you sleep. Take an afternoon nap if you are not sleeping well or just rest with you feet up if sleep is not possible.

3. Finish up preparations for baby.

Now is a good time to finish up those last minute things you need for baby. You may have packed your hospital bag weeks earlier and finished the nursery what seems like ages ago, so here are a few ideas you might not have thought of to keep yourself busy. Install your car seat and have it checked for safety. Many hospitals and insurance companies will do car seat safety checks. Purchase a lullaby CD and set up a rocking chair nearby to rock your baby to sleep. Lastly, if you haven’t already now is a good time to buy your husband or partner to bring to work after baby’s birth. It’s a little old fashioned, but hey some men still do it.

4. Try relaxation and meditation.

If you’ve never done relaxation exercises or meditation this probably sounds a bit corny, but it can’t hurt to try it. Purchase a CD if you don’t have one already with relaxing music or sounds from the rainforest or beach. Try slow deep breaths relaxing your muscles one at a time. Alternatively, you can purchase a CD or video that gives specific instructions on relaxation exercises. Now would also be a good time to practice relaxation and breathing exercises form your child birth class.

5. Try natural labor inducers.

There are a few things you can try to induce labor naturally. Foods such as pineapple and eggplant have been suggested as labor inducers. Cooked in a yummy recipe, it’s certainly worth a shot. Cinnamon tea made from cinnamon sticks steeped in hot water is another thing you can try. Walking is something else you can try. The verdict is still out as to whether walking actually helps, but a little exercise is good for the body and soul regardless of effectiveness in inducing labor. There are many other tips, tricks, and old wives tales you can try naturally induce labor. Check with your doctor or midwife before trying anything to naturally induce labor.

6. Check fetal movements.

It is very important when you are overdue to keep a close eye on fetal movements. There are variations on how to keep track of fetal kick counts, so talk to your doctor about how to track and monitor your baby’s movements. If you notice a decrease or change in your baby’s activity call your doctor.

7. Observe for signs of labor.

For some women keeping track of signs of labor will bring comfort and others it is plain out discouraging. As your pregnancy comes to an end your body will show sings or readiness for labor. Increasing Braxton Hicks contractions, pelvic achiness, backache, and increasing vaginal secretions are all early signs or labor. Early labor symptoms can begin weeks before labor, but all these signs are reassuring that your body is indeed getting ready for birth.

8. Keep busy.

Keeping busy will help keep your mind off of things. Here are a few suggestions to keep yourself busy. Take this time to freeze up a few meals for after baby’s birth. This will allow you a little extra time and rest when baby is home. Make a belly cast of your pregnant tummy to commemorate your pregnancy. Start a scrapbook album for your baby. You can include mementos from your pregnancy and prepare pages for after baby’s birth. Knitting, crocheting, or other hobbies can also be distracting.

9. Ask for help.

If you are having a hard time physically or emotionally ask for support from your family, friends, or health care provider. You may be shouting from the inside, but unless you tell someone they may not know how you feel. If you are having feelings of anxiety or depression talk to your doctor.

10. Do something nice for yourself.

A massage, manicure, or trip to the hair salon are all good ideas to treat yourself at the end of pregnancy. If you can’t convince baby to come out and play, at least mommy should have a good time.

Article by: Teresa Redmond is a wife and mother to 6 children. She is the co-owner of Justmommies.com. Stop by to find great articles including baby names.

Home Workouts During Pregnancy

Along with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, one of the most important things you can do to benefit yourself and your baby during pregnancy is exercise. Women who exercise regularly while pregnant have easier labor, deliveries, and recovery time. The majority of pregnant women are able to exercise at a level appropriate to their stage of pregnancy, but you should always check with your doctor to make sure you have no risks or conditions that would prevent you from exercising safely.

Working out at home during pregnancy is fun and convenient when you use pregnancy workout videos as a part of your routine.

Through the use of one of the many excellent exercise videos that are available to you, you can exercise during all stages of your pregnancy in the comfort of your own home. The videos are fun and effective and you are sure to love the challenging yet pregnancy-oriented routines that will help keep you toned and fit throughout your pregnancy. Included in the many benefits of exercising during pregnancy are less fatigue, reduced lower back pain, stress relief, weight management, and a quicker return to your pre-pregnancy weight after delivery. Some forms of exercise are better than others for moms-to-be. Low-impact, low-risk exercises include walking, stretching, yoga, swimming, specialized prenatal aerobics, and Pilates.

Exercise during pregnancy is beneficial to both you and your baby. The wrong exercises however, can cause actually cause harm so it is important to do only those exercises that are known to be safe for both mom and baby. Pregnancy exercise videos will give you a safe, manageable workout routine that is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy. You can order pregnancy exercise videos featuring well-known exercise personalities or your favorite celebrities.

By exercising throughout your pregnancy you will help avoid many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy including constant feelings of exhaustion and lower back pain. An added bonus of regular exercise during your pregnancy is a faster recovery time after delivery and a quicker return to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Pregnancy exercise videos are a great way to keep fit and healthy during your pregnancy. Fun, easy to follow exercise routines designed especially for expectant mothers will give you to opportunity to keep your mind and body fit during your pregnancy and make it much easier for you to regain your pre-pregnancy shape after the birth of your child. You can be healthy and experience significantly less discomfort when you take the time to exercise regularly throughout your entire pregnancy. Pregnancy exercise videos can help you stay fit and will allow you to perform your workout in your own home at your convenience.

If you are an expectant mother or are planning to become pregnant, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. You will make labor and delivery easier for both you and your baby and the benefits will extend after the birth of your child. You will lose that extra pregnancy weight faster and your body will be considerably more resilient if you have a regular workout routine that you continue throughout your entire pregnancy.

Article by: Tina Titas is a columnist for Fun Exercise Videos. From pilates to yoga you’ll find an affordable option that you’ll enjoy.

Beating The Heat When You’re Pregnant In Summer

The heat in the summertime can be quite unbearable for the average person. When you are pregnant, the discomfort increases tenfold. Learn how to beat the heat and stay safe while you are pregnant.

The first thing to remember is to avoid overexertion. When the temperature rises, it takes less effort to make one tired. If a trip to the grocery store leaves you feeling drained, a few minutes on the couch with your feet propped up is well deserved.

Work or leisure activities out of doors should be kept to a minimum between the hours of ten o’clock in the morning and four o’clock in the afternoon. When the sun is at its highest point, the risk of heat related illnesses increase. If you must be out at these times, wear a wide brimmed hat to shade your face and light colored clothing.

The most common heat related illnesses are heat exhaustion and stroke. People don’t pay enough attention to their symptoms to realize that they are coming down with something that could be potentially life threatening. When you are pregnant, early warning signs are very important.

Extreme heat causes the body to sweat more in order to cool off. When there is not enough water taken in on a hot day, you can become dehydrated. Some symptoms are: constipation, thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and dry lips. Getting to a cool and shady place to rest is advised if any of these symptoms are noticed.

Heat exhaustion involves dehydration and exposure to high temperatures for a prolonged amount of time. Nausea and headaches can occur in this case. When symptoms like this occur, your body’s cooling system has begun to malfunction in some way. If your body can’t cool itself off then neither can your baby. Their organs are still developing and they lack the ability to sweat.

Heat stroke raises the body temperature to dangerous levels (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Fainting and convulsions could result. Medical attention is needed right away to avoid a fatal outcome.

Heat related illnesses could cause premature labor contractions. A baby’s heart rate will increase beyond the normal. Hyperthermia can cause birth defects in your developing baby if experienced during the first or third trimester.

Playing it safe when the weather gets hot will keep you and your baby safe from harm. Drink plenty of fluids, dress in cool fabrics, and take a break as often as you need it. Paying attention to your body will keep the warm weather from becoming dangerous.

Grab your free Pregnancy Tips that will help ease your mind..and body from moms who’ve been there and know what you’re going through, every step of the way.

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