Our Top 4 Picks for Safe Herbal Tea During Pregnancy

Now that you’re pregnant, your doctor has most likely told you to watch your caffeine intake. Did you know that tea sometimes contains more caffeine than coffee? It’s true! If you’re drinking a cup of it here and there, it’s no cause for concern, but if you’re the sort of person who drinks cup after cup of coffee or tea, you’re going to need to cut down on those beverages.

Some think herbal tea is safe because herbs are good for us…right? Well, not always. The answer isn’t so black and white. Herbal teas can be splendid and relaxing, and are naturally free of caffeine. The problem with them though is that there is still much research to be done about the effects of the herbs on unborn babies

So if you want herbal tea while you’re pregnant, what should you choose? Luckily, most commercially produced brands of herbal tea are considered safe in reasonable amounts. Unsafe herbals teas are not commercially produced and will contain an overabundance of herbs and herbs that are known to be toxic.

Avoid dangerous teas by drinking one of these:

1. Pregnancy teas

There are tons of these to choose from, plus many midwives and herbalists believe that consuming them may prevent complications during pregnancy like preeclampsia, early labor, prolonged labor and more. That’s because these pregnancy teas often contain red raspberry leaf. Medical studies have shown that it can be safely consumed during pregnancy. It’s full of iron and is said to help increase milk production, and reduce nausea and labor pains.

2. Teas with peppermint leaf

These teas have a refreshing minty taste while helping to calm nausea. If you’ve been experiencing morning sickness, look for an herbal tea that contains peppermint leaves. Bonus: it helps relieve flatulence too, so if you’ve been a bit gassy, give this one a try.

3. Teas with lemon balm

Have you been stressed out, irritable, anxious or finding it hard to sleep during your pregnancy? Try an herbal tea with lemon balm in it. It provides a soothing, calming effect which you really need if you’re wound up about everything. Pregnancy is hard enough without making it harder on yourself.

4. Teas with ginger root

Ginger has been a staple health item since ancient times. It is wonderful your health, whether you’re pregnant or not. This is another great one for nausea, especially if you’re nausea goes beyond that and leads to vomiting.

But just like with anything, it is always best to talk to your doctor or your midwife about herbal teas before you drink them just to be on the safe side.

 

 

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Making the Switch: From Crib to Toddler Bed without the Drama

 Is your toddler trying to climb out of the crib? Or perhaps a new sibling is on the way and you’ll soon need the crib for a baby? Whatever the case, when it’s time to switch your toddler from crib to toddler bed, it can be a stressful time for everyone. But it doesn’t have to be if you take care to follow these tips that will make it a smoother transition for the whole household.

1. Timing is everything

When a new baby is on the way, you want to be careful how you make the change so that your child doesn’t feel like they’re being ousted from their space. And children that are climbing out of their cribs most definitely need to be moved to a toddler bed. But the key here is to not make the switch when things are already changing. So if your child is getting a new sibling, it’s important to begin this transition before the new baby arrives. And if not, just make sure nothing else is going on, like having visiting relatives over or any travel plans.

2. Have the talk

Whatever the reason is for moving your child into a toddler bed, it’s important to talk about it well before the move takes place. Get books on the topic and be sure to point out other big kids in books or on TV shows who are sleeping in big beds. It will make the change much less scary.

3. Take them shopping

When your child gets a say in something, even if it’s a small decision, they feel like they have a lot more control than they do. Giving them a choice about something like the sheets and bedding is going to help them feel much more excited about this switch which is exactly what you want.

4. Secure the room

Once you start putting your child in their toddler bed, they’ll be able to get out of the bed themselves. Unless you want your child getting into the kitchen or coming into your room every 5 minutes, you should take precautions to make sure they stay in their room. A great solution is to get a child safety gate and put it at their door. Your child’s room should already be a safe place with outlet covers on the plugs and furniture that’s bracketed to the walls. If not, make sure it is.

5. Stick with the routine

If your bedtime routine always worked to get your child to sleep, don’t change anything now. Stick to it and be consistent.

6. Be patient and kind

Expect there to be bumps in the road as you make this transition. Of course it will be frustrating but you’re the adult and your child will soon get used to this new sleeping arrangement. Offer lots of hugs and kisses especially when things are tough. And when your child makes progress, praise like it’s the best thing ever. Before you know it, your child will be happy to climb into their own big-kid bed and go to sleep.

 

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Is it Your Fault Your Toddler is Misbehaving? Studies Say Maybe

There isn’t a misbehaving children who hasn’t misbehaved at some point with screaming, whining and pitching an absolute fit in the supermarket because you wouldn’t buy cookies. And some of it is just because they’re toddlers and that’s what toddlers do from time to time. But other times, it’s because of our actions, or even inactions, as parents that are squarely to blame.

But there’s good news. If you see the signs, you can do something about it. You might not be able to control everything around you, and that includes your toddler at times, but you can totally control yourself.

Here are some tips on how to avoid causing misbehavior in your toddler:

Reduce distractions
We’ve all been there. We’re responding to a work email from our smartphone or even just taking a break and posting photos on Facebook. But your child sees this and when you ignore her in favor of your phone often, it will lead to undesirable behavior designed to get your attention. While sometimes we really do need to send that email, avoid being a distracted parent who neglects to acknowledge your child when she is behaving well. Focus on her for 15 or so minutes and then send her on her way to play while you take care of something and you’ll find the freak outs will disappear when you really need to get that work done.

Set a good example
They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. Unless a toddler is emulating your bad behavior that is. Try to be aware that your child is watching everything you do and responding accordingly. If you always use good manners, you’ll notice your child will use them too. If you say bad things or exhibit bad habits like leaving a mess, your child will also model those things. When you do something less than proper, admit it like a grown up and show your child how to make right on mistakes, which is another powerful lesson that will serve them well in time.

Watch out for cues
If you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss your child’s signs of sleepiness, or the grouchiness that comes from being hungry. So keep snacks at the ready and be mindful of the time and activities at hand. While there are certainly special occasions where timing will be off, sticking to a schedule will help keep your child from freaking out over hunger or from being tired.

Don’t expect too much
Kids are kids and if you expect too much from them, that’s a recipe for disaster. For example, if you expect your two-year-old to sit still at the dinner table, you’re not being very realistic. Your expectations for your child should be fair as well as developmentally appropriate.

 

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Sleeping Soundly During Pregnancy: What Pregnancy Sleeping Positions to Use and What to Avoid

At the beginning of pregnancy, everything is so exciting. But even in the early stages, it soon becomes rather apparent that you will be getting up more than a few times to pee during sleeping hours. And equally as annoying, you’ll find it’s hard to get comfortable now. How should you be sleeping and why is it important?

Well, for starters, you need all the sleep you can get. Your body is busy making another little person inside of you. It is exhausting. Proper sleep and proper nutrition will help you have a good pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Sleeping position

As your baby grows and changes, so too does your own body. And suddenly, you’ll find the positions you once found comfortable during rest are no longer comfortable at all. Experts recommend that you adopt the side position for sleeping while you are pregnant. In particular, it is the left side that is the best of all because it increases the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta and your baby.

Another good tip with side sleeping is to keep your legs and knees bent. Many women find a pillow between their legs really helps alleviate pressure on their hips. They make special pregnancy pillows for this very purpose though you can grab an extra pillow from your guest room in a pinch.

If you’re a back sleep, you’ll need to stop doing this. In the beginning, it’s not a big deal but as your uterus gets bigger, when you lie on your back, the pressure from the weight of it can cut off circulation to you and your baby. So save yourself trouble by avoiding this position.

However, don’t roll to the other side either. You can’t sleep on your stomach anymore while pregnant either. Again, in the beginning, you’ll likely not notice at all. But as your belly bulges, it will be next to impossible to even entertain laying on your tummy anymore.

If you’re having trouble with acid reflux during your pregnancy, you should elevate your upper body with extra pillows. This can be a bit of an awkward way to sleep but it’s better than being up all night with heartburn that makes your esophagus feel like it’s going to burn through your throat and incinerate your whole room.

Unfortunately, pregnancy is a time when we’re becoming more and more uncomfortable. Everything begins to take its toll on us. Do your best to get enough rest and remember that the end result is worth it. Once you have your baby, you can go back to sleeping on your back again…if you can get any sleep once the baby arrives that is!

 

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Make Room for Baby! What to Pack in Baby’s Hospital Bag

We’ve already gone over the list of things you absolutely must not forget when it comes to packing your hospital bag for you, but what should you bring for the baby?

I gave birth to both of my babies in China. There, the list is much longer than the one I’m about to give you. Why? Because there, you are required to bring your own diapers and towels. Yes, really. And you’ll need hand soap as well. None of these things are provided for you. Then again, this is a country where, when you have a c-section, your spouse or relatives are expected to empty the urine bag from your catheter every time it fills up. I’m not making this up.

In America however, while you don’t need to go to that kind of extreme, you’ll definitely want to make sure you’ve got these things ready to go.

1. Baby clothes

For the hospital stay, a couple pairs of footed pajamas should do the trick. Plus, newborn clothes are really tiny so they don’t take up much room.

2. A homecoming outfit

No, it need not be like formal attire for the homecoming dance, but you should select something to show your baby off in. Skip fussy outfits and go for something that’s easy to work with and looks cute. Something with feeties is always good because you don’t have to worry about losing a sock somewhere in transit. Your choice should also reflect the weather. Babies are more sensitive to temperature so make sure whatever you choose will keep your baby comfortable.

3. Car seat

When you were pregnant, hopefully you went and picked out a car seat. And even more hopefully, you installed it so it would be ready to go. Technically, it won’t fit in your baby’s hospital bag but you will need it in order to take your little one home from the hospital. Make sure your seat is installed properly. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from nurses or even police officers. They are all familiar with how to secure them safely in your car.

4. Jackets, hats and other seasonal attire

If it’s cold outside, you’ll need to be sure you have a good hat for your baby. A light and thin hat is great for summer while a thicker one is important for winter. A good jacket is important too.

5. Blankets

In the car, especially if it is cold outside, you will need blankets. You cannot strap a child of any age into a car seat while they are wearing heavy winter coats. The child safety seat will not be as secure thanks to the extra layers of the jacket. That doesn’t mean your child needs to freeze. Once at the car, get them out of the jacket and strap them into the car seat. Then, carefully cover your baby with the blankets, making sure to pull it tightly so that there’s no way any loose bit can come up and smother them.

 

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How to Survive Infant Cold

It doesn’t matter how well you care for your baby. Sooner or later, she will be exposed to germs and along with all the other notable firsts, you’ll get to add “baby’s first cold” to the list. While keeping your hands clean will definitely help, we sometimes get exposed to germs even when we are doing our best to be careful to avoid them. Additionally, you might be carrying around germs for a cold or virus without ever showing signs of illness as you unknowingly pass them around.

Because we can’t give medicine to infants, when your baby gets sick for the first time ever, it can be really difficult. Sleepless nights for everyone in the family and constant worry are all par for the course. But here’s what you can do to help survive and get baby back on track to wellness:

Steam things up
If you have a humidifier, now is the time to bust it out and put it to use. It will help clear out your little one’s stuffy nose. But if not, go turn on the shower to super-hot and let the bathroom get hot, humid and foggy, like an Amazon jungle. Then, take your baby into the bathroom with you and sit. Bring stories and toys to keep her entertained while you sit in there and soak up the steam.

Nurse a lot
If you’re breastfeeding, this will help keep many illnesses away and reduce the severity of the ones your baby comes down with. Your body passes antibodies through your milk to help your baby feel better faster. Nursing hydrates which is also important during illnesses. Plus, it’s comforting to her which will soothe her and help her rest.

Higher elevation
Take an extra throw pillow from your couch and stick it UNDER the mattress of your baby’s crib. This extra elevation will keep the head up, which will keep any post-nasal drip from irritating her throat or causing coughing and gagging.

Nose cleaners
There are quite a few of these on the market and it might just take a little trial and error on your part to find which one works for you and your baby. Be careful as some designs are prone to developing mold, but for the most part, when properly maintained, these things can suck the snot right out of your baby’s nose, bringing instant relief.

Warm baths
There’s nothing like a nice, soothing warm bath to relax with. Especially if you’re sick. Your baby feels the same way. The warm water will help clean yucky germs from your baby’s skin, loosen up congestion and provide a much-needed distraction from the icky-sickies.

Above all, try not to panic. Illnesses are all par for the course when you have kids. If symptoms become worse instead of better, call your pediatrician immediately.

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Teeth care for babies: How to clean babies teeth

When that first tooth pokes through your baby’s gums, it is a huge milestone. Soon, that gummy smile will be replaced with tiny teeth. And as that toothy grin comes in, you’ll need to make sure to care for it properly to avoid your child experiencing cavities and other dental issues.

Cleaning Baby’s Teeth

Here’s what you should be doing to ensure the best dental health for your baby:

1. Start before the teeth come in

Most parents don’t know this! You can, and should, wipe down your baby’s gums with a warm and wet washcloth. This helps remove remnants of food, breast milk or formula.

2. When teeth come in, care for them immediately

Even if your baby has just one tooth, it’s important to keep it clean. Use a soft toothbrush for babies. Many parents think that baby teeth don’t matter as much because they will eventually fall out. And while they will fall out to make way for permanent teeth, your baby can still develop gingivitis and this will affect spacing of the permanent teeth. Yikes!

3. Use baby-safe toothpaste

There are toothpastes without fluoride which is what you need for your baby’s teeth. Look for ones that are safe for children under the age of 2. These are fine if swallowed though should still keep it out of their reach when not using it.

4. Leave the bottles out of it

Giving your baby a bottle of formula or juice before bed is a bad idea. The sugars from those remain on their teeth all night long and can lead to cavities.

5. Give water after meals

Water is great for our bodies and for our babies too. After meals, encourage your child to drink water. It will help flush away excess particles of food, making it less likely to cause damage to your child’s teeth.

6. Establish good dental habits

Children with good dental habits are obviously going to have less dental problems. How do they develop good habits? By watching you, of course! Brush with your child from the time that he is old enough to hold the brush himself. Show him how you do it and cheer him on when he does it too. You’ll likely need to brush his teeth for him for a while longer, but letting him brush them too will make him feel proud to care for his smile.

By remembering to do these things and show your child in age-appropriate ways why it’s important, you’ll be on your way to having a child that takes such good care of their teeth that when they do make their first trip to the dentist, your child should receive heaps of praise.

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Adorable Hairstyles for Toddler Girls

I remember when my eldest daughter’s hair finally grew enough for me to do something with it. Well, I had no choice really. It kept getting in her face and I resorted to tying it up in a little tuft on top of her head. It was darling but I wished I could have done something more with it. Now that she’s a big girl, the sky is the limit. She often requests her hair to look like Cinderella’s. Such a princess!

My youngest, however, has lots of curls that spill over her little eyes now. She refuses to let me do anything to her hair beyond brushing it. She rips out hair ties and clips and hides from me. She’s my free spirit but perhaps I can talk her into some of these darling do’s.

1. Ballerina Buns

This style is made easy by using an old (but clean!) baby sock. Cut the toe portion off and roll it down so it becomes a tube. Put your daughter’s hair up into a high ponytail and then slide the sock onto the ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two sections – half in front and half in back. Bring the sock to the top of the ponytail, making sure to keep the sections divided. Then tuck the ends of the ponytail around the sock and begin rolling the sock toward her head. When all of the hair is rolled around the sock and the bun is in place, spread out the hair to cover the sock evenly. Finish it off with a pretty bow.

2. French Ponytails

Here’s a great one for when hair is still wet because it will hold in place more. What’s fab about this style is that it’s very versatile. You can do it on either side of her head in a half-up ‘do or you can use all the hair. To make this happen, you’ll come out the hair and part the section you will use. Then you’ll section off the top section and comb through. Secure it tightly with a hair band. Continue doing this, connecting each little ponytail to the next one until you reach the end.

3. Side Roll Ponytail

Here’s one that’s great even if your toddler has short or very fine hair. It’s also easiest to do this on wet hair. Simply roll the hair to one side, incorporating more and more as you twist it over. Then secure with a hair band. Add a fun bow or hair clip to add even more flair!

4. Hair Bows

Adorable for any girl! Part her hair in the middle and continue the part to the side of her head right above her ear. Gather the hair into a ponytail and tie her hair up and through the hair tie. At the last wrap, allow some of the hair to pass through the tie so that it points toward her face. Separate the rounded part of hair into 2 equal sections. Take the point of hair and pull it towards the back of her head, placing it in between the 2 equal sections. Secure with a rubber band, making sure you leave the point of hair out. Then take the point of hair and twist it around the bow base. Wrap the hair with another tie at the base of the bow.

 

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5 Apps All New Moms Must Get

Let technology help you through this crazy thing called motherhood. Yeah, there’s an app for that! Here are the 5 best apps for new moms.

1. Baby Tracker Nursing

If you’re a nursing mom, nothing is more helpful than an app like this. It helps simplify everything so you can easily track patterns with your breastfeeding. This way, you can easily share any information with your doctor or your lactation consultant. It also works even if you have to track more than one child. Sure, you can try a journal but you’ll make yourself nuts. This app helps you stay organized easily. Don’t over complicate things when you’re learning how to be a new mom. Simplify!

2. Baby Bundle

Track all your newborn’s activities from eating to sleeping to diaper changes to vaccinations. Best of all, you can track more than one child, be it a twin or an older sibling. There’s tons of useful baby tools bundled in there, hence the name Baby Bundle, including a breastfeeding timer and a guide on what to expect. It’s your go-to resource for everything baby. A paid upgrade can also turn it into a baby monitor.

3. White Noise Baby

Babies hate quiet. That’s because when they were inside your womb, they heard all kinds of whooshing noises. Hearing them now will help soothe them to sleep. White noise is a huge help for getting baby to sleep and keeping baby asleep. Plus, it drowns out any other random sounds like the neighbor’s barking dog or your older child’s noisy playtime. There’s a choice of sounds that play continuously and a special mode called “baby mode” ensures there will be no interruptions from your phone during nap time.

4. Qwiki

New moms love to take tons of photos of their babies and you’ve probably already taken thousands of them, right? This app will help you choose the best of the best of those photos. And then you can use the app to create lovely short films from these photos. Think of all the beautiful memories you can put together this way!

5. WebMD Baby

WebMD is such a helpful website. It’s wonderful to have it in app form. This app makes finding legitimate health information a snap. It’s doctor approved too so you can always be sure you’re getting the facts. Find everything you need from information on illnesses and symptoms to tips on how to care for your newborn. You can additionally get weekly content packages about your baby’s first two years that are filled with guidance on all the stages your child will grow through.

 

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4 Deliciously Easy Lunch Box Recipes they’ll Love

No one likes getting the same tired sandwich every day for lunch. Make your child a lunch that’s not only nutritious but also delicious and exciting. Here are some super cool lunch box ideas you can pack up for your child. Best of all, they’re quick and easy. In the time you can make that boring old sandwich, you can make any of these.

BLT Pinwheels
You’ll need:
½ package (4 ounces) of softened cream cheese
½ cup of light mayonnaise
1 cup of chopped tomatoes
6 slices of crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
3 tortillas (9-inch diameter) in plain, spinach, tomato or any flavor you choose
1 ½ cups of shredded romaine lettuce

Directions:
Mix cream cheese and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Add bacon, stirring carefully so as not to crush it up too much. Spread the mixture on the tortillas. Top the tortillas with the chopped tomatoes and lettuce shreds. Roll the tortilla up tightly and wrap securely in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour. When ready to serve, slice with a serrated knife to prevent smashing up the rolls.

In a small bowl mix cream cheese, mayo, and sun dried tomatoes.

Quesadilla Pizza
You’ll need:
2 small flour tortillas (about 8 inches in diameter)
3 tablespoons of tomato sauce (spaghetti or pizza sauce is fine)
¼ cup of shredded cheese
8 slices of pepperoni (or another topping if your child prefers)

Directions:
Spray a non-stick skillet with cooking spray. When the skillet is hot, put a tortilla in it. Quickly spread the sauce on, followed by the pepperoni (or any other toppings your child would like). Top with the shredded cheese and then top the whole thing off with the second tortilla. Let it brown on the bottom and then flip it over to cook the other side. When both sides are browned, allow the quesadilla pizza to cool. After cooling, slice into quarters and wrap tightly with aluminum foil.

Fun Trail Mix
You’ll need:
1 cup of Cheerios (multi-grain, plain or honey nut)
1 cup of Goldfish crackers
1 cup of dried cranberries (or another dried fruit of your choice)
1 cup of cashews or peanuts
1 cup of mini M&M’s
1 cup of peanut butter or butterscotch chips
1 cup of pretzel sticks

Directions:
Simply mix everything together for a tasty snack that will surely brighten your child’s day. If your child has a peanut allergy, simply omit the nuts.

Frozen Fruit Cups
You’ll need:
16 ounces of frozen strawberries, sweetened and thawed
12 ounces of pineapple-orange juice from concentrate, thawed
2 cans of undrained crushed pineapple (20 ounce cans)
2 cans of undrained mandarin oranges (11 ounce cans)
6 diced bananas (not overly ripe)
1/3 cup of lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
16 ounces of frozen blueberries

Directions:
Combine the ingredients into a big bowl. Mix well and portion into 1-cup servings. Freeze. Pop them into your child’s lunch box. They will thaw enough by lunch time to have a slushy consistency.

 

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Everything You Need to Know about Listeria Exposure and Pregnancy

If you’re newly pregnant, no doubt you have been starting to learn about all the things you can and can’t do and what you should and shouldn’t have. And you’ve probably started hearing about illnesses and how to handle them too. One to look out for is listeriosis, which is caused by bacteria called listeria. Here’s everything you need to know about it from what it is to what you can do about it.

What is it?
Listeria is a bacterium that causes an illness called listeriosis. It’s a food-borne illness, meaning you have to eat foods that are contaminated with the listeria monocytogenes bacteria in order to catch it.

Your risk during pregnancy
While the odds of being infected with listeriosis are very small, your odds are 13 times higher during pregnancy. Plus, the potential of it causing a problem in your pregnancy is higher because it enters your bloodstream directly, which means it can get right to your baby through the placenta. Untreated, it puts your baby at a greater risk of serious complications from miscarriage to preterm labor and more.

What are the symptoms?
It’s sometimes hard to detect listeriosis because symptoms can develop up to 2 months after you’ve ingested contaminated food, plus symptoms can vary from mild to severe. If you suspect food you ate might be contaminated, keep an eye out for flu-like symptoms including a fever over 100.6°F, muscle pains, back and headaches, plus gastrointestinal upset such as in the form of diarrhea.

What to do if you think you’ve been exposed
Mostly, all that you need to do is keep a watchful eye on the situation. If you’re having symptoms of listeriosis, let your doctor know. He or she can run some blood tests to check for the bacteria and monitor your baby’s health. In the rare event that you have been exposed to listeria and have listeriosis, you’ll be given a prescription for antibiotics.

Take preventative measures
To avoid getting listeriosis, don’t consume foods that are most likely to be contaminated including hot dogs, lunch meats or cold cuts that are cold or heated lower than 165 degrees; pâté and meat spreads; smoked seafood; unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses; unpasteurized fresh fruit and veggie juice; unwashed, raw produce; alfalfa and other sprouts.

Additionally, when preparing your foods, it’s a good idea to clean even pre-washed vegetables and fruits thoroughly to be on the safe side. You should also steer clear of any restaurant that doesn’t keep clean habits. While you can’t avoid everything, it’s important to remember that the risk of getting listeriosis is very low. Focus on eating healthy while taking these simple precautions to take of the baby growing within you, not to mention you yourself.

 

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Hospital Births: 6 Things You Didn’t Know

If you’ve been planning a hospital birth, you’ve likely read up on everything you need to know about labor and delivery. You probably have a birth plan in place and hopefully, you’ve got your bags packed and ready for when the moment comes. But as much as you’ve read up on everything, there are a few things that most women don’t know about giving birth in a hospital.

1. You don’t need to rush there

In most cases, when your water breaks and you start going into labor, there’s no need to rush. The movies would have you believe otherwise with a baby coming out almost immediately but for most women, the process of labor and delivery takes a long time. So try not to panic. Take a shower and freshen up because it will be a while before you get to shower again.

2. You can change nurses

If you’re not happy with the nurse that is assigned to you, you can absolutely request a different nurse. You need to feel comfortable with the people caring for you and if you’re not feeling it with a nurse on your team, simply ask to speak with the charge nurse to get another nurse to take over your care.

3. They might not allow you to eat

This stems from the days of older types of anesthesia which could cause you to choke on your own vomit while knocked out. But even c-sections are performed under lighter meds like epidurals so there is less risk. Still, many hospitals exercise the practice of not allowing eating just to be on the safe side. The good news is that you’ll likely not be in the mood for any food during this whole thing, but if nutrition concerns you, bring this up with your doctor prior to going into labor.

4. You can say no

You don’t have to go along with everything everyone says. Exercise your right to be informed but know when to draw the line. It’s perfectly fine to ask to have some time to think about a decision that needs to be made but if something is medically necessary, you should defer to the medical professionals that are caring for you.

5. That ugly gown is not mandatory

Hospital gowns are not going to win any awards for fashion. If you’d prefer not to wear one, that is up to you. Many women bring their own gowns from home but know that this is not the best time for your finest Victoria’s Secret attire. It will get very dirty and likely become stained and ruined so go with something cheap that you don’t care about throwing out when all is said and done.

6. You might be able to leave early

Most hospitals recommend you stay up to 48 hours if you have a normal and healthy vaginal delivery and for c-sections, it’s about 72 hours. But you don’t HAVE TO stay the whole time so long as there are no major complications. However, the thing you need to watch out for is your insurance. It might refuse to cover you if you don’t stay the full recommended time by the hospital.

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4 Tips to Becoming the Happiest Mom Around

You do it all. You make their breakfasts. Pack their lunches. Wipe their snotty noses. Run errands for your husband. Take everyone to doctor and dentist appointments. You cook. You clean and if you’re like me, you might even have another job that you do from home or on the outside. When you do all these things for everyone, are you really happy? Come on, admit it. You’re not. And that’s a problem because when we’re unhappy, our children pick up on that which won’t make them happy either.

To raise happy children, you need to be a role model of happiness. Think of yourself as a cup. If you are an empty cup, how can you pour yourself into anything else? Here are 4 tips to becoming a happier mom for yourself and your family.

1. Stop comparing

You scroll through your Facebook feed and your friends’ kids are all dressed neatly, making great grades in school, doing great in extracurricular activities and have husbands that buy them fancy things. At least that’s what everyone wants you to believe. We always put our best face forward on social media. No one wants to air their dirty laundry, especially not there. Facebook is basically like a photo album. Do you put your worst pictures in your albums? No, of course not. No one else does either. Stop thinking everyone is doing better than you and start being yourself. You’ll start feeling a lot happier if you do.

2. Do something on your own

For me, when I get to run to the supermarket or gym without the kids, it’s a vacation. But that, liberating as it is, doesn’t count. Try a bath with a glass of wine and scented candles while your husband wrangles the kids. Or read a book that you want to read, not the same children’s book your child pesters you to read 10 times a day. Take a walk on your own. Whatever it is, just make sure you fly solo for a good 30 minutes at least.

3. Make time for your passion and share it

We often put the hobbies of our husbands and children in front of our own. So much so, that we might even forget we had hobbies before these people came into our lives. Let’s not forget who we are, shall we? If you played an instrument or enjoy music, get back into it and share that love with your children. If art is your passion, why not create some with your kids? It will provide a great opportunity to reconnect with them as well as with yourself.

4. Stop feeling guilty

You do so much for everyone else. So don’t let anyone guilt you into thinking you don’t deserve a moment of peace or something special for yourself. You’re not being selfish. It’s important to fill your cup up so you have something to give. If you feel empty inside, you will only pour out unhappiness to your family. Make sure you start taking good care of you, starting right now.

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3 Healthy Recipes Especially for Breastfeeding Moms

When you’re breastfeeding, it’s so important to get all the nutrients your body needs. Your body needs strength and nourishment to help keep it going through the lack of sleep and all the new responsibilities that come with being a new parent, plus everything you eat helps nourish your new baby too.

Here are a few delicious and nutritious recipes that will help keep you going while you’re breastfeeding.

1. High-Protein Apple Banana-Berry Smoothie

Start your day off right with a mega-boost of protein to power you through your morning breastfeeding.

You’ll need:
3 cups of apple juice
2 finely chopped apples
2 frozen bananas
2 cups of frozen blueberries
2 cups of frozen strawberries
2 cups of finely chopped romaine stems
1 1/3 cups of 2% Greek yogurt

Directions:
Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth. Then drink up!

2. Oatmeal Meatloaf

Oats are great for helping boost your breast milk supply. Using them in meatloaf is a great way to combine that power with a huge dose of protein.

You’ll need:
2 pounds of ground beef
2 eggs
1 cup of rolled oats
1 can of tomato paste (5 oz. size)
dried sage, thyme, oregano, rosemary, to taste
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce
1 large onion, finely chopped
¼ cup of brown sugar
¼ cup of ketchup

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease your baking dish with oil. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the tomato paste and seasonings to the eggs and mix. Then, add the ground beef, oats and onions and use your hands to blend it all together. Form a loaf in your baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk the ketchup and brown sugar together and brush it evenly over the top of the loaf. Bake until cooked through and glazed, 35 to 40 minutes.

3. Homemade Guacamole

How can you ever go wrong with guacamole? It’s good on everything from chips to burgers to tacos to sandwiches. Avocados are full of fiber and rich in potassium which will benefit you and your baby.

You’ll need:
3 ripe avocados
1 lime, juiced
1 tomato, diced
½ teaspoon of ground cumin
½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
½ of a medium-sized onion, diced
2 cloves of minced garlic
½ teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro

Directions:
Peel and pit your avocados. Cut them into cubes. Promptly add half of the lime juice and toss gently to coat. Add salt, cumin and cayenne pepper. Mash together with a potato masher. Then, mix in the onions, tomatoes, garlic and cilantro. Pour the rest of the lime juice in and stir once more to combine. Allow flavors to meld for an hour before serving.

 

 

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Shhh! New Parents Don’t Want to Hear These 6 Annoying Things

For new parents everywhere, it’s such a blessing yet such a struggle getting used to being parents. Everything changes all at once and striking a balance can be delicate. That’s why when people say half-baked things to new parents, it can go over like a lead balloon.

If someone you know is about to become a parent or you feel the need to try to make friends with strangers you meet on the street, better read up on these things that you should avoid saying at all costs:

1. “Wow, you look tired.”

Those are fighting words right there. You might mean well but reminding a sleep-deprived parent that they aren’t sleeping well is going to result in fangs being bared. No good can come of this comment.

2. “Are you going to have another baby?”

Whether you say this to genuinely show interest at the possibility of a growing family, you must remember that this is absolutely none of your business. Some people work really hard to be able to get pregnant once. Throwing that in their faces is painful. This can also be taken as an insult to a new mom who might still look pregnant several months after giving birth. When you’re not pregnant, you do NOT want to hear that you look pregnant.

3. “My baby never…” or “My baby always…”

Go ahead and tell a new mom that your baby never cried at all and was a perfect angel. Go ahead. I dare you. I triple dog dare you as a matter of fact. Or that your baby always does something better. Making it into a competition makes you look like a total jerk. Oh, and by the way, babies that don’t cry and reach out might have developmental issues so you might not want to brag about your child just yet.

4. “Is your baby a boy or a girl?”

Nothing is more irksome to a new parent than when someone comes up to you and asks you this when your daughter is dressed up in a frilly dress or your son is wearing a baseball cap and suspenders. If you’re not sure, ask about the baby’s name or just say, “What a cute baby” instead.

5. “Don’t hold the baby too much or you’ll spoil her.”

Research has, time and time again, proven that it is impossible to spoil a baby. Babies need human touch and connection to feel secure. No one can ever have enough love. By holding a baby often, that baby feels nurtured and will grow into a strong and independent child that feels secure making their own choices.

6. “Breastfeeding is so gross.”

Don’t even. Shaming a breastfeeding mom is the worst thing you can do. It is one of the most natural things in the world and women’s bodies were designed for it. If it bothers you, it is your problem.

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The 7 Most Essential Items Pregnant Women Must Take to the Hospital When They Go into Labor

As you inch closer to the end of your pregnancy, it’s important to get ready. In the last couple of weeks, it’s very possible you could go into labor early and need to head to the hospital before your due date. Being prepared is essential, but what’s important to bring and what’s not?

Here are the items you should pack up in your bag now so they’re ready to go when you are:

1. Insurance information and important forms

It will make things a lot easier and run a lot more smoothly if you have your insurance information with you as well as any other important hospital forms. If you have a birth plan, you should also tuck that into your bag.

2. Toiletries

This is a great time to put all those little mini travel-sized items to good use. Get a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hair brush, comb, lotion, lip balm, make-up and anything else that you would normally use to get yourself ready. You’ll feel loads better when you can make yourself feel human with your usual beauty regime.

3. Hair ties

Take a bunch of these because you will lose them, promise.

4. Ugly undergarments

This is not the time to sport your favorite Victoria’s Secret thongs. After birth, you’ll bleed and need to wear pads. And you will likely leak more than once. Use comfortable underwear that you don’t care about so that if it gets stained with blood, you won’t be heartbroken.

5. Change of clothes

You’ll do a lot of sitting around in hospital gowns, but you can opt to bring your own gown if you want. You’ll also want a couple outfits to change into. One should be something that is comfortable for sitting around the room. The other should be what you want to leave the hospital in. You should also know that you’ll still look pregnant so don’t pack those skinny jeans just yet.

6. Nursing bras and pads

If you’re nursing, the right bra will make all the difference. And even if you are not, one thing you shouldn’t forget are breast pads. These will soak up the extra milk that will soon shoot forth from your breasts at the most random times. Unless you want your tops to start soaking themselves from the inside out, bring these to stuff in your bra.

7. Technology and entertainment

Phones, tablets, music players and cameras will all need to be charged at some point. Don’t forget to bring what you need to power them up. Some easy reading material like something you’d find in a magazine is a good idea too. Your baby will sleep a lot and reading can help you relax and rest until it’s time to nurse again.

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What Every Woman Needs to Know About Osteoporosis and Pregnancy

The literal translation of osteoporosis means “porous bones.” You’ve probably heard of it but figured it was something that happened to old people. Not so fast though. There’s a certain type of osteoporosis you need to be aware of if you are thinking of becoming or already are pregnant. It’s called osteoporosis associated with pregnancy and while it isn’t too common, it is still something you need to protect yourself against.

During this unusual situation, bones can very suddenly break or severe pain happens during pregnancy in a normally healthy woman. Osteoporosis associated with pregnancy is a rare condition when bones most commonly in the spine or hip area fracture easily close to the time a woman gives birth. The result is unfathomable pain and a complete lack of mobility.

The good news with this type of osteoporosis is that after pregnancy, it usually goes away although no one is sure of what causes it. The best thing that pregnant women can do is to ensure they’re getting proper nutrition to help keep something like this from happening. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet is essential, not just for keeping your chances of getting pregnancy-related osteoporosis down but also for your baby’s growing ones.

Interestingly enough, most studies show that while a little bone loss can potentially happen during pregnancy, women typically regain what they’ve lost after having the baby. Studies also show that no matter how many children a woman has in her lifetime, it doesn’t increase her chances for developing osteoporosis later on in life. What’s more is that research even points to additional pregnancies being responsible for providing some protection from osteoporosis.

Additionally, women should take care after giving birth to keep their bone density high. Breastfeeding can also cause bone loss, but like pregnancy osteoporosis, it is only temporary.

So what can you take away from all this? Know that taking care of your bone health throughout your whole life – young, old, pregnant or nursing – is the best thing you can do to prevent osteoporosis. Drink milk and eat plenty of healthy dairy items. Get lots of exercise too. And make sure you take a good multi-vitamin. If you’re pregnant or nursing, use a prenatal vitamin. Ask your doctor for recommendations and whether or not you might need an additional supplement to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you and your baby need.

 

 

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6 Things Not to Say to Your Child

One of the hardest things about parenting is trying to keep cool when you get a mouthful of sass thrown at you, or you’ve asked 1,000 times for clothes to be put away to no avail. And while every parent is guilty of blowing their top from time to time, it’s essential to remember that what we say goes a long way with our kids, whether it’s something good, or something bad.

There are certain things we should never say to our kids, and these are the biggest no-no’s, according to the experts.

1. “You should be more like (insert name).”

Comparing your child to someone else, be it a sibling or the neighbor kid, will only make things worse. Everyone has their good points and bad points. Focus on your child’s strengths and work with them to help them develop skills in those areas that need improvement.

2. “Don’t cry.”

Everyone is entitled to their own feelings and just because we find the idea of crying over a misplaced toy as preposterous, to our children, it is everything. It’s up to us to stay calm and collected so we can show our children that everything will be ok. Eventually, they will stop going to pieces over minor things.

3. “You’re fine.”

A statement like this just negates your child’s feelings. Be strong but kind, letting them know that you understand they hurt but that it will be all better soon. Extra hugs and kisses will help a lot too.

4. “Good, because I hate you too!”

If your child hasn’t shouted that they hate you over some real or imagined injustice, it will happen. And you’ll want to tell them the very same but even if you’re joking, it’s more damaging than you think. Remember, you’re the adult. Instead, you can say, “I love you too!” Don’t accept their hate for an answer. They’ll eventually realize you love them no matter what.

5. “Don’t be scared.”

This sounds like it might be comforting but it’s just another way to negate feelings. If your child is scared of something, talk to them calmly to help explore what’s making them feel scared and help them work through their feelings.

6. “I’ll do it.”

Children always want to be like us and do the things we do. They want to try and do it themselves. Tempting as it is to do everything for them, we MUST let them make their own mistakes. That’s the best way for them to learn something. Don’t become impatient and grab their pencil from them when they’re doing their homework. Let them try it and if improvement is needed, show them in a loving and kind way how to do it right. With a drop of encouragement and an ounce of love, you’ll be on your way to raising a confident child who can handle anything that comes their way.

 

 

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Alone Time for Mom: 6 Things You Should Do on Your Own for You

Every day, I get up and take care of everyone in this house. I fix breakfast. I chase after my husband to hand him his coffee when he’s left for work without it. I take my eldest to school. I run errands with the youngest. I come home and clean. I pick up my eldest. I work from home. I cook dinner and then clean that up too. I put the kids to sleep and then I spend the rest of my night writing away until I can stay awake no longer. And that leaves me with no time for me.

Of course I need to take care of everybody, but I know I need to take care of myself too. So here is what I’ve demanded of the family that I must do solo in order to keep my sanity in check.

1. Exercise

I love running on the elliptical machine and lifting weights. When my husband gets home from work, this is MY time and I love it. I bring my iPod and rock out. Whatever type of exercise suits you, go and do it alone without your kids in tow. You will feel so much better after you finish an amazingly intense workout and you come home to see their faces.

2. Meet up with friends

I have to admit that this is the hardest one and that’s because almost every friend of mine has kids now. We get together and the kids run and play while we adults gab away. But it’s nice sometimes to meet up alone, without the kids or husbands. To have a conversation with your friend that doesn’t involve randomly peppering your sentences with “I said DON’T eat off the floor!” is priceless.

3. Go shopping

Before having children, this was one of my favorite pastimes. That, and lazing about by the pool. Even a trip to the supermarket is pure heaven when you can go sans kids.

4. Get pampered

I often do my own nails and hair but it is so divine to have someone do them for you. I also hide in the bathroom and give myself a facial. But one day, I decided to put my husband in charge of the kids and the house and left to enjoy myself for a few hours. I felt great and completely recharged after that.

5. Read a grown-up book

If someone asks you what the last book was that you read and you answer “The Cat in the Hat,” it is high time to go pick out a book for yourself. When your kids are sleeping, set aside at least 20 minutes to quietly enjoy reading alone.

6. Get back into your hobbies

Did you ever create cool art, go fishing or enjoy some other activity before you began your family? It’s time to get back into the things you love. You’ll feel better tuning into yourself for a little while each week.

 

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Dealing with Disrespectful Behavior: What You Need to Know

When you’re out at the supermarket, your child points some candy out that he wants. While you don’t mind giving your child candy from time to time, you don’t always buy him candy. And even though he knows this, when you politely tell him you’re not buying any candy today because there’s enough sweet treats at home, he suddenly turns into an angry little monster. “You’re a bad mommy! I want that candy! I hate you!”

It hurts. And it’s completely embarrassing. It’s hard not to snap at him and tell him to cut it out or he’ll never have a single piece of candy again until he moves off to college at the age of 18. And maybe you do snap and the two of you bicker back and forth as you haul him and your cartload of groceries to the car. He kicks and screams and you draw sympathetic stares from the other patrons at the supermarket.

We’ve all been there.

While disrespectful behavior doesn’t have to be tolerated, we need to teach our children how to show proper respect. Unfortunately, trying to do so when they’re throwing a fit about candy in the supermarket is not the place. You’ll have to save the lesson for later and try another tactic to diffuse the situation first because when your young child gets angry, their brain goes into survival mode and renders them incapable of thinking rationally.

Tactic #1:

Show empathy so that you can help your child understand their own feelings. You do not have to agree with his feelings but if you say something like, “It seems unfair that you can’t have that candy,” it shows you’re trying to relate to them.

Tactic #2:

Keep an eye on the time of day and the activities. If it’s normally snack time or your child is tired from running errands, it could trigger a mega-meltdown. Children do best with a routine and sometimes life happens and we have to stray from that routine a bit. Be prepared by having snacks and a sippy cup of water with you at all times to help keep this from happening. As for sleepiness, try to avoid going places when you know your child will be tired.

Tactic #3:

Keep calm and carry on. It’s so tempting to shout back. And we’ve all done it. But that doesn’t teach respect. It sends the wrong message and reinforces rude behavior.

So how do you rectify the rudeness? You’ll wait until later when things are calm and then you’ll have a chat with your child when they are at their most receptive. You can start with something like, “It seems like you were upset about the candy earlier. Let’s think together of a different way to tell me how you feel.”

Don’t be afraid to tell your child that what they said hurt your feelings too as long as you keep from blaming. Use wording like “I felt hurt when you said you hated me.” And if you said something nasty in the heat of the moment, now is the time to admit you’re not perfect and that you are going to work on your behavior too. Practice makes perfect in all of this so stay consistent and you will see an improvement.

 

 

 

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4 Tasty Lactation Recipes to Boost Your Breast Milk Production

A strong breast milk supply is so important. Eating right and taking care of yourself are essential, but did you know if you eat the right things that you can boost your breast milk production? Quick oats and brewer’s yeast contain galactagogues (go on and say that 5 times fast!) which help you produce more milk. Incorporating them into recipes will give you the boost you need.

Need some recipe ideas? Try these 4 yummy treats that are also a cinch to make, which is another bonus for tired and busy moms!

The Lactation Smoothie
The best part about these is that you can make them in any flavors you like!
You’ll need:
Frozen fruit (your choice of fruits)
Ice
Milk (you can also use milk substitutes like almond milk for example)
1/4 cup of oats
1 tablespoon of brewer’s yeast

Make it:
All you need to do is add everything into your blender. Blend away until you reach your desired texture.

No-Bake Lactating Bites
This makes for a great snack that takes no time to throw together. Plus, there’s no baking involved. Score!
You’ll need:
1 cup of oats
1/2 cup of peanut butter
1/2 cup of raw organic honey
1 cup of coconut flakes
1/2 cup of ground flax-seed
1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips
3 tablespoons of brewer’s yeast
1 teaspoon of vanilla

Make it:
Mix everything together and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Once chilled, roll into small balls. Enjoy!

Choco-Peanut Butter Lactation Booster Shake
If you have a sweet tooth, this one’s for you!
You’ll need: 
1 frozen banana
1/4 cup of quick oats
2 tablespoons of peanut butter
1 tablespoon of flax-seed meal
2 tablespoons of 100% cacao powder
3/4 cup of milk
2 cups of ice

Make it:
Add the oats into your blender and pulse it quickly for a second or two. Next, add the remaining items except for the ice. Blend everything until well combined. Add the ice and blend well. Yummy!

Lactation Brownies
Who doesn’t love brownies? Now you can bring new meaning to the saying “Got milk?” with these chocolaty brownies that will have your boobs bulging with lots of breast milk.
You’ll need:
1 box of brownie mix (any brand will do so pick your favorite)
1 egg (or if you prefer more cake-like brownies, use 2 eggs)
4 tablespoons of brewer’s yeast
2 tablespoons of flax-seed meal
Vegetable oil and water in the amounts specified on your box of brownies PLUS 1 extra tablespoon of water

Make it:
Combine all dry ingredients and then add the oil, egg (or eggs), and water. Stir until combined. Bake according to the time specified on your brownie box.

 

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Great Learning Activities for your 6 to 12 Month Old

Babies grow physically and mentally at such an incredible rate that if you blink, you just might miss it. In order to help them be the best they can be though, it’s up to us as parents to foster that learning and help them to grow further. Our love and attention are essential for developmental activities. If you want to encourage your baby’s growth in a healthy and positive way, here are some activities you can do with your baby between 6 months to one year.

Stackable stuff
Whether you have blocks like those great soft ones that jingle or you’ve got a bunch of plastic cups, you and your baby can have a blast together stacking them up and knocking them down. While it seems destructive, you’re helping fine-tune those fine motor skills and giving a nice introductory lesson into the world of cause and effect.

Peekaboo
Babies go ga-ga over this game. It might seem mundane to you, but babies find this crazy-cool. You’ve probably already dabbled in this a bit by hiding behind your hands and then moving them away, shouting, “Peekaboo!” As your baby gets into this age range though, you can start partially hiding objects like books or toys under a blanket and asking where they are. Your baby should start understanding the permanence of objects through this little game.

Reading
Nothing is more important than reading to your child each day. Always add to your collection of books. At this stage, it’s important to get some your baby can grab onto. Those fancy hard covers are great reading material, but your baby will make short work of them. Get some board books which are much harder to destroy. Some of them even have different textures and hard to rip flaps to help your baby explore even more.

Wooden puzzles
Simple wooden puzzles with farm animals, the alphabet, numbers and other items make a great gift for a child turning one. Not only can you use them to teach new vocabulary but you can also use them to help them learn problem solving skills as your child tries to figure out how to put the pieces back properly.

Clapping and rhymes
Babies at this age love to clap their hands. Play them songs and clap along to the songs. It’s especially effective if the words in the song rhyme. Feel free to make up your own silly songs to sing to your child.

Finger painting
With all the non-stainable, non-toxic stuff out there today, finger painting has never been easier or more enjoyable. Your baby will have fun with the squishy texture of paint and get a taste of early writing skills and artistic creativity. Plus, you’ll have adorable mementos of this precious time together.

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