Neutral Nursery Ideas

Many neutral nursery ideas are available if you consider decorating your baby's nursery with wall decals. Since they come in gender neutral designs of friendly jungle animals, they are suitable for a baby girl or boy. Most children are fascinated by animals, so your baby will grow to love these decals! They can easily be removed and reapplied, if you decide to move or change the style of the nursery in the years ahead. The nursery wall decals, available at ModMomMaternity.com, are printed with eco-friendly ink and have passed all of the child safety (CPSIA) rules. You will find a great selection of nursery wall decals where customer satisfaction & wall decal quality is our priority!

                                                            Pregnancy and Exercise

A regular exercise program can help you alleviate many of the common problems of pregnancy, such as poor circulation, back pain, decreased energy, disturbed sleep, & mood swings.


Poor circulation during pregnancy can sometimes lead to constipation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, leg cramps, and swelling of the ankles. Exercise can help you to avoid or lessen these circulation problems since it promotes good circulation of blood throughout the body.

Back pain is often experienced, as your belly grows, when your body's center of gravity begins to shift and causes extra strain on your back muscles. Exercises which strengthen the back muscles can help to support the back and thereby lessen back pain. However, these exercises should be started early in your pregnancy, or before pregnancy, to allow time for the back muscles to become strong so that they can provide the extra support.

Decreased energy is also common during pregnancy, especially during the first and third trimesters. Although you may not feel that you have the energy to exercise, research has shown that exercise improves energy levels, even in those with chronic medical conditions associated with fatigue.

Sleep disturbances may occur, especially during your final trimester, as you become less able to find a comfortable sleeping position and your mind is filled with all that needs to be done to prepare for your baby's arrival. Along with finding a comfortable sleeping position by supporting your back and growing belly with extra pillows, exercise has been shown to promote healthy sleeping patterns. But, make sure to exercise at least 3 hours prior to your bedtime, otherwise you may have troubles falling asleep!

Mood changes can intensify during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, as your hormones fluctuate, and again in the third trimester, from the overwhelming thoughts of becoming a parent. Exercise has been shown to improve mood, especially among those who experience mild depression.

Finally, it is very important that you seek the advice of your pregnancy doctor before you begin an exercise program, as the benefits of regular exercise help most women with many of the common problems of pregnancy, yet there are certain medical conditions that exercise may put you and your baby at risk.

References:
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/effectsofexerciseonpreg.html
http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20061103/exercise-fights-fatigue-boosts-energy
http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/exercise-during-pregnancy

Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN

                                      Pregnancy Health: Safety of Haircare during Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you may be wondering about the safety of coloring, highlighting, or straightening you hair. At ModMomMaternity.com, we strive to promote the best for your and your baby's health. In a video interview, by WebMD, helpful information is provided on this topic. Always consult the advice of your pregnancy doctor, as well. 

                                                   Stylish Baby Bags by Amy Michelle!

Looking for stylish baby bags that can function as both a purse and diaper bag? Amy Michelle baby bags are designed for the mom who wants both style and practicality. This diaper bag features a front section just for moms, a middle section to organize baby items, and a separate changing area in the back.

Features:

• Changing pad (24" x 14")
• Double shoulder strap with 11 inch drop length
• 4 pockets for maximum organization
• 2 internal baby/water bottle pockets
• Stroller attachments included
• Top magnetic closure
• Top expandable sides
• Credit card slots
• Easy-to-find key ring & pacifier holder
• Bright antimicrobial lining stays clean!
• 4 metal feet on bottom

Size: 15"L x 6.5"W x 13"H

Weight: 1 lbs 12oz

Warranty: One year against manufacturer defects

 

                                                        Cute Diaper Bag Patterns

The Tulip Diaper Bags by Amy Butler come in 4 stylish diaper bag floral patterns to suit your style:

1. Tropical Tea Leaf, as shown, has a neutral, organic pattern that would be appropriate for any season and coordinate with most outfits.

2. Buttercups Tangerine has a bold pattern of orange and green that is fun for the autumn months and wardrobe.

3. Buttercups Turquoise has a unique pattern of turquoise and green that is fun for the summer months & attire.

4. Poppy Flower Green has a bright, cheery pattern of yellow, green, blue, and orange, that would be great for those expecting in the early spring.

Each baby bag has a floral pattern with contrasting fabric handle, made of organic cotton & features:

• Interior pockets including bottle pockets
• Includes stroller straps, laminated changing pad and coordinating case   
• Dimensions: 18"L x 4"W x 15"H                                                                                                       

Designer diaper bags always make great baby shower gifts and can be used as a stylish purse now and cute diaper bag after baby arrives!



 

                                                                  Due Date Calendar

One of the first things that women want to find out when they discover that they are pregnant is their baby's due date! Calculating your baby's due date can easily be done online, using a due date calculator. Click on the following link to discover your baby's estimated due date:

http://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy-due-date-calculator

During your weeks of pregnancy there are several other key events that you may want to note:

Week 10: Ask to listen to your baby's heart beat at your doctor appointment.

Week 15: Your baby can see light from within the womb.

Week 18: You may begin to feel your baby kick.

Week 19: Your baby can hear noise. Talk & sing to your baby.

Week 20: Ask your doctor if you can find out your baby's sex by ultrasound.

Week 27: Your baby's lungs are still immature, but able to function.

Week 32: Your baby has finger & toe nails.

Week 37: Your baby is full-term, but still gaining weight.

Week 40: Your baby is due!

Most women will not deliver their baby on their calculated due date, but it is often a good estimate within a week or two. It is always best to talk to your pregnancy doctor about any concerns or questions related to your expected date of delivery.

Written by Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN

                                                  Maternity Dresses, Solve the Challenge!

As your pregnancy progresses, finding cute maternity dresses can be challenging. Have you found yourself trying on non-maternity dresses made of stretchy material, but struggling to pull them over your baby bump? Even though modern maternity clothes can be costly, many can be worn during and after your pregnancy and have easy nursing access for breastfeeding. The Manhattan Mini Maternity Dress is a neutral colored maternity and nursing dress, made of soft, eco-friendly bamboo fabric that is casual, yet stylish to wear for special occasions when accessorized. It can be paired with maternity leggings and worn as a maternity tunic for a different look, too. Consider maternity dresses that are versatile, this may be the key to solving your maternity dress challenge!

                                        

                                                              Good Mother's Day Gifts

                                                               A Mother's Heart


A mother holds her children close in her heart forever. No matter what the age of her children, a mother's love often knows no bounds. From pregnancy, a mother begins a bond with her child that continues for a her lifetime. She willingly sacrifices to care for her child, desires to take on their pain as her own when they hurt, and spends hours on her knees in prayer for them. Often, a mother will proudly adorn herself with the birthstone jewels of her children and grand children in the form of personalized jewelry, from a bracelet, ring, or necklace. A mother always loves homemade mother's day gifts. This mother's day help your young children find creative ways to give their grand mother(s) a personal, homemade gift. Whether it be going in the yard to pick flowers to gather in a vase or spending time baking a special treat, fostering the gift of giving in your children will bring forth fruit in the years ahead that you will eventually reap, too! Love is the greatest gift to give your child. The Bible tells us to love with our words and actions in 1 John 3:18.

                                                                Maternity Swimwear

Expecting a summer or fall baby? If so, you may be looking to find maternity swimwear for the summer months ahead. Whether you wear a maternity swimsuit to the pool, beach, or lake, you can lounge or play in a maternity bathing suit to fit your style! From halter to strapless top styles, ModMomMaternity.com has a wide selection to "suit" your summer maternity fashion needs!

                                                                      Having a Baby

Having a baby is the beginning of a new experience in your life that will be filled with many questions and concerns about your prenatal care & baby's development. After pregnancy, you will have more concerns & questions, too! Web MD has a free pregnancy app for smart phones that is a very convenient & informative resource for when ever or where ever you want to ask questions and includes many other features that you will enjoy.

Pregnancy WebMD Application Features:

1. Growth, Diaper, Sleep, & Feeding Tracker- Keep track of your baby's important information.
2. Baby Book- Record photos and video of baby's special moments.
3. Searchable Content- Access to medically approved articles.

This application is an amazing resource, but always seek the advice of your medical doctor who personally knows your and your baby's history.

                                                           Personalized Baby Gifts

                                                                 Maternity Swimwear


         1. "Under the Belly" Bottoms- Gives you the choice to use them after pregnancy, too.

         2. Two Piece- Convenience & ease of only having to remove bottoms, instead of your entire
                                bathing suit, when going to the restroom! And pregnant mommies know how
                                often they need to run to the bathroom!

         3. Strapless- Easy nursing access for breastfeeding after pregnancy. Also, no tan line!

                                                    Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is not the time for you to "eat for two," as far as quantity is concerned, but it is as far as "quality" is concerned! Eating extra quantity, nutrient-poor foods, will most likely cause you to gain unnecessary weight that is difficult to lose after delivery and will not benefit you or your baby, nutritionally. However, eating quality food's that are nutrient-rich, will fuel your body with many nutrients to maintain you and your baby's health during pregnancy.

In general, most pregnant woman will only need an additional 300 "quality" calories per day, to gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy.

Each woman should ask her doctor for a personalized weight gain recommendation, but a general weight gain rule is to gain 1 pound/month for the first trimester( 1st, 2nd, & 3rd month of pregnancy), and 1 pound per week for the remaining months of pregnancy, for a total weight gain of 25 to 30 pounds.

Exceptions: Women carrying multiple babies, under or over weight prior to pregnancy, or with health concerns/diseases, should consult with their health care provider for specialized guidance.

Knowing where the extra weight is distributed during pregnancy may help you understand the recommended weight gain. Please see below:

General Distribution of Pregnancy Weight:

Baby: 8 pounds
Placenta: 2-3 pounds
Amniotic fluid: 2-3 pounds
Breast tissue: 2-3 pounds
Extra blood volume: 4 pounds
Stored fat to provide added energy for delivery and breastfeeding needs: 5-9 pounds
Larger uterus: 2-5 pounds

The nutrients in "quality" foods have many benefits for you and your baby. Consider adding the extra 300 calories/day with nutritious foods, that will help you maintain a healthy weight gain during pregnancy, below:

 Quality, Nutrient-rich Foods:

*Eggs-
           Nutrients: Essential vitamins & minerals, & protein.
           Calories: 90
           Tips/Benefits: Prepare hard boiled eggs to keep in refrigerator for easy snack.
                    Brands containing DHA (Omega-3 fats) provide extra nutrients that are beneficial to
                    baby's developing brain & eyes.

*Beans (navy beans, lentils, black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas)-
           Nutrients: Good source of protein, fiber, folate, manganese, magnesium, iron,
                            selenium, copper, potassium, calcium, & zinc.
           Calories: ~100/half cup
           Tips/Benefits: Add to salads. Chickpeas are used to make hummus, which is delicious
                    to dip fresh veggies! The fiber helps prevent pregnancy constipation!

*Veggies (Raw, preferably organic Broccoli, Carrots, or Bell Peppers)-
            Nutrients: Good source of vitamins A & C, and fiber.
            Calories: 30-50/cup
            Tips/Benefits: Add to salads or pre-pack in small baggies for easy, on-the-go snacks!
                                   Fiber helps prevent pregnancy constipation & vitamins/minerals good
                                   for development of baby's teeth, bones, & eyes!

*Yogurt (Organic Stonyfield Greek-Plain suggested)-
           Nutrients: Good source of Calcium, Protein, & Cultures (good bacteria).
           Calories: 80/5.3 oz.
           Tips/Benefits: Add nuts & fruit to enhance flavor. Easy, on-the-go snack!
                                   Active cultures in yogurt (also known as good bacteria) can help
                                   prevent yeast infections & boost your immunity. Calcium aids with
                                   your baby's bone development & protein aids with new cell growth.

Eating "quality" foods will allow you to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, giving you & your baby what you both need for a healthy pregnancy!


Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN

Sources:  http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/healthy-weight-gain
               http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/family-nutrition/yogurt/tale-two-yogurts
               http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-ten-best-foods-for-pregnancy_10320506.bc