You’ll Lose the Baby Weight (and OTHER LIES about pregnancy and childbirth)

If you’ve ever been pregnant before, you’ll appreciate the humorous take on this nine month adventure as Dawn Meehan (author and mom blogger) explains the details in her newest book, “You’ll Lose the Baby Weight (and OTHER LIES about pregnacy and childbirth).”

Meant to entertain and amuse, Dawn’s true-to-life accounts of pregnancy will ring true with anyone who hears the word, “Mom,” over a 100 times a day. Of course, Dawn probably hears that word more often since she has six kids and has been pregnant for about 4 1/2 years altogether. Nine months doesn’t sound so bad after that, does it?

Even though I’m in the final stretch of this pregnancy I’ve pretty much forgotten what it was like the first time around. Thanks to Dawn’s book, I can truly laugh about the challenges I’ve had to face during the first two trimesters and remind myself what I have to look forward to over the final few weeks and in the delivery room.

Check out a sampling of Dawn’s wonderful advice:

• Although I don’t believe there’s any evidence that cleaning your house is bad for you during pregnancy, I think you should pretend it is.

• A well-rounded diet:

1. Dairy – a chocolate shake and half a pound of cheese should do the trick.
2. Vegetables – a sixteen-ounce container of spinach dip will do nicely.
3. Fruit – a quarter of a cheesecake topped with raspberry sauce fulfills your fruit requirement
4. Bread – a  loaf of King’s Hawaiian bread (you need something with which to eat the spinach dip) and a pound of butter cookies takes care of your bread requirement.
5. Protein – sausage pizza, a big, fat hamburger, and twenty Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (What? Peanut butter has protein!) fills the need for protein.

• On giving up caffeine, Dawn says, “If you plan to give it up altogether, just wear a sign around your neck to give others fair warning. ‘I”m pregnant and I haven’t had any coffee.’ “

• And of course, the Murphy’s Law of pregnancy – “Your baby can be kicking for twenty minutes straight, but the minute you try to get your husband or mom or friend to put their hand on your belly so they can fell her move, she’ll stop. Without fail. Every time.”

Pregnancy is a true adventure for women – and their partners – and humor is a good skill to have to get through it. You’ll Lose the Baby Weight was a book I had a hard time putting down. I will definitely be adding this to my list of perfect gifts for the mom-to-be.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

New Designs for Hooter Hiders from Bebe au Lait

I was introduced to Bebe au Lait a few years back and have been following along these last few years, passing on the info to my pregnant friends and new moms.

Of course, now that I’m pregnant, I’m super excited to see the new Fall 2010 designs for their Hooter Hiders (breastfeeding covers) and am coveting several of them (Avignon, Royale, and Poppy Hills are currently at the top of my wish list).

Check out the new designs and let us know, in the comments, which one is your favorite. Click on each design to see a full view of what the nursing cover looks like in real life.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of their products. They have beautifully designed bibs, burp cloths, hooded towels along with unique jewelry and some awesome gift sets for the mom-to-be in your life. They also offer an entire line of nursing covers that are made with organic materials.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Happy Healthy Hip Pregnancy

I think I’ve done more research during this pregnancy than I did when I was pregnant with my son seven years ago. I relied on friends and medical professionals to see me through my pregnancy then and I was so busy with work that the nine months flew right by. Of course, I did browse the occasional website or pregnancy book to follow the progress of the baby and to make sure everything I was experiencing was normal.

This time, I’m so much more aware of the little things going on with my body that I’m constantly checking different resources (for second or third opinions) and it’s making me a little anxious. Of course, the anxiety may have something to do with the fact that my husband isn’t here to experience everything with me. As I count down the weeks we have left to go, I’m making back-up plans, just in case this baby decides to come early. I have a lot to do in order to get ready still.

The insurance company and the plan that we have through my husband’s job is amazing. We’ve enrolled in the Healthy Start program which means that a nurse is assigned to me and she calls from time to time to check in on how things are going. We also will receive a $50 Visa card when the baby comes to spend on whatever we’d like (probably diapers, or other baby essentials).

Through the program, I also received a copy of the book, “Your Pregnancy Week by Week,” which has helpful tips, realistic descriptions and explanations for both mom and dad as well as line drawings of what the baby looks like each of the 40 weeks you’re carrying him or her. There’s even exercise tips (with images) that are helpful, nutritional guidelines, what you can expect at your doctor’s visits as well as pre-pregnancy info (fertility issues, nutrition, lifestyle changes), post-pregnancy info (breastfeeding and recovery) and a full glossary and index for people like me who are curious about specific symptoms, issues or diagnoses.

I probably would have never purchased this book on my own but it’s been very helpful so far and I love that I can pick it up and share it with my son, read a few pages to my husband or look ahead to see what issues I may have to deal with in the coming weeks.

Along with this book, I’ve been encouraged to sign up for the Text4Baby text messaging program which is fun and informative. It’s also FREE which means that even if you don’t have a text messaging plan, you will not be charged for the incoming texts which are sent up to three times a week. If you’re curious about how it works, you can sign up by texting BABY to 511411 and you’ll be guided through the easy setup process which asks for your due date and zip code.

Here are some online pregnancy resources that have helped me out so far and some that I’ll turn to when I’m looking for information after the baby comes:

Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding Info – www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
La Leche League – www.lalecheleague.org

Car Seat Safety

Inspection Sites – www.seatcheck.org
Car Seat Safety & Product Recalls – www.nhtsa.gov
Consumer Product Safety Commission – www.cpsc.gov

Childbearing / Labor & Delivery

Lamaze – www.lamaze.org
Doulas of North America – www.dona.org
International Childbirth Education Association – www.icea.org

Healthy Pregnancy

American Pregnancy Association – www.americanpregnancy.org
Babycenter – www.babycenter.com
Healthfinder – www.healthfinder.gov
March of Dimes – www.marchofdimes.com
Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy/PR99999
WebMD – www.webmd.com/baby/default.htm
Health 4 Mom – www.health4mom.org

Newborns

American Academy of Pediatrics – www.aap.org
SIDS – www.sids.org

Nutrition

USDA, The Pyramid – www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramidmoms
WIC – www.fns.sda.gov/wic

There seems to be so many sites out there devoted to moms and their kids but when it comes to health and accurate information, you obviously need to discuss any concerns or issues with your health care provider. What other sites have I missed that should be included in this list?

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

BABIES recharged the batteries in my biological clock

Last week, I was invited to a screening of the film, BABIES, by Focus Features. I have always enjoyed the films this production company puts out and BABIES was no exception.

Without much dialogue and with very little adult interaction, the cameras captured the first year in the life of four babies from four different regions of our world.

From Japan, San Francisco, Mongolia and Namibia, four very happy, healthy, and I dare say, hip, babies captured my heart, bringing me to tears many times. I found myself smiling beaming throughout the film as I recalled the early days of my son’s life.

The images captured in the movie poster (to the right) are just a small glimpse behind the emotions displayed by each of the four babies throughout their daily lives. Watching how each one of them interacts with the pets and animals in their surroundings along with the older children and adults is priceless; watching them sleep even more so.

I watched the official trailer a few times before the screening. I’ve watched it a few more after seeing the film. Is there anything cuter than naked babies exploring their new world?

Anyone who has ever had a baby, or been a baby will enjoy this film.

BABIES opens in theatres on May 7th, in time for Mother’s Day weekend.

Learn more about the BABIES iPHone app, Facebook contest and how to share your own stories about your baby on their interactive website.

Oh, and don’t worry. The batteries of my biological clock have since been removed.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

The Open Sky Project

The Open Sky Project is a brand new shopping site that focuses on the real influence of experts that recommend products to consumers based on their personal experience. I’m pleased to be included among the many experts in the field of family, babies and parenting-related items.

With my interest in high-end furniture and couture clothing, you’ll find some pretty unique items that work great as gifts or for yourself if you’re equally enamored with fashion and quality, educational products for your little ones.

Head on over to discover toys, books, furniture and ideas to help get you feeling more prepared, inspired and informed. And don’t forget to let me know what items you may be searching for. I personally add the products to my shop and will continue to add more on a regular basis.

Oh, and the best thing about shopping through this site – they GUARANTEE your complete satisfaction. That’s right!

When you shop at OpenSky, we guarantee your happiness.

You may return any purchase, for any reason and in its original condition, within 1 year for a full refund. And we’ll pay for the shipping!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Forever Families

My son is an only child. Since his father and I divorced, I have changed my mind, nearly a dozen times, about having a second or even third child. My biological clock is ticking, and yet, I know that there are thousands of children that need a permanent address and I don’t know if I could bring another child into this world when there are so many already waiting…

My sister had her second child a few years ago, which prompted many questions from my son. I answered with age-appropriate and accurate information. Recently, he’s been telling me that he wants a baby brother or sister. Actually, what he said was that he wanted me to hug his dad’s penis again so we could make a baby. After explaining to him that this is not going to happen, my thoughts lead me to adoption once again.

I admire the people I know who have opened up their hearts and homes to become foster families. If you’re a passionate parent, then you too could be the “Forever Family” that one of 130,000 children are waiting for. The main requirement for adoptive families is that they provide stability, compassion and are committed to raising a child. That describes you, doesn’t it?

November is National Adoption Month and it is Adopt Us Kids‘ mission to spread the word about the adoption process, dispel misconceptions, and to educate potential adoptive parents about the benefits of adoption.

Many children wait for years to be placed into a permanent home. According to The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), nearly 50% of African-American children adopted from foster care have been in foster care for 5 of more years at the time of adoption.

You can help spread the word by becoming a fan of Adopt Us Kids on Facebook, or following @perfectparent on Twitter. Visit the Adopt Us Kids website to learn about the children who are available, and ready, to meet their “Forever Family.”

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Bundle up baby

With Fall officially around the corner (September 22), it’s time to start thinking about pulling out your winter gear. If you’re expecting a baby in the next few months, or know of someone who is welcoming a little one into the world, you’ll want to enter this giveaway!

Bundle Up Joy, founded by Terry Chi of Los Angeles, is giving away a luxury wearable blanket from their signature “Chinois” line in honor of our 2 year blogovesary! Simply email Terry directly or leave a comment below!  Giveaway ends October 30th, when she’ll select, at random, one winner who will receive the Blue Blossom design (up to 6 months).  All Happy Healthy Hip Parenting readers also receive a private sale price of $39 (Plus Free Shipping within the continental US) on any design!  Just email Terry with your design preference.

Bundle Up Joy's "Blue Blossom" piece

I met Terry, and learned about Bundle Up Joy, last year at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. She’s been supporting Happy Healthy Hip Parenting ever since and I hope you go check out the other designs available on her site. My personal favorite is the Chocolate Floral pattern in the sleeveless style.  Become a Fan of Bundle Up Joy on Facebook!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Tea Collection for babies and toddlers

With the tea parties going on around the country yesterday, I couldn’t help but think of Tea Collection Children’s Clothing, an amazing line of clothing for young people that has me wishing they created clothes in my size!

Check out this designer couture for little citizens of the world.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

For those of us who have lost a child, having something to remember him or her by is the key to moving on. I came across a website devoted to bereavement photography for infants and stillborn babies which I think is a lovely testament to the ways in which our loved ones live on in our hearts and memories.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is a non-profit organization providing resources and volunteer photographers to provide lasting images for parents who have experienced the loss of a child. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives.

With her two daughters looking on,
Jennifer Clark holds her son Connor soon after he was born.
He died the same day. (Photo by Miyo Strong)

Each year nearly 3.3 million babies are stillborn, and more than 4 million others die within 28 days of coming into the world. [World Health Organization] With advanced medical technology, it is a parents expectation that those born unto us will out live us. When a baby dies, it is outside the natural order of life and families are left devastated and forever changed.

Every living being instinctually knows how to grieve. It is learning how to heal, that some need help with. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation.

Remembrance Photography is a very important step in this healing process. Photographs are one of the most precious and tangible mementos that a parent can have, showing the love and bond that was given and shared with their baby. These portraits will last for generations, and will honor and remember a tiny life that is forever loved and cherished.

When I experienced a miscarriage – just about ten years ago – I knew that in order to heal, I needed something physical to hold onto, something to allow me to never forget. My tattoo is something that I see on a daily basis, when I look in the mirror or when I’m in the shower. It’s there with me, everwhere I go, just as my unborn daughter is and I welcome questions from people wondering about the meaning behind my body art.

I am smiling now, thinking of my first pregnancy and how confident I was, thinking that I was prepared to be a mother at the age of 22. Little did I know that the world had something else in mind for me. Things fell into place as they were meant to and I am now a mother of an amazing little boy who energizes me, inspires me and fills me with pride.

Knowing that organizations such as Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep exist puts me in awe of the many people who have made it happen. Although I know the pain and suffering the loss of a child brings, I hope that sharing this resource will provide someone with a way to move forward without the fear of forgetting about the past.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Rock’n Deals from Rock’n Sprouts

Tomorrow is the first day to take advantage of the amazing five-day offer from Rock’n Sprouts. Take 25% off of your entire order when you use coupon code YOHOHO25. Here are a few of the items I added to my wishlist, some for my son and some as gifts for other lucky beans:

Organic “Good Egg” Tee

Build a Robot Puzzle and Spinner Game

Rockin’ Rooster Corduroy Blazer

Geisha Dress from Hula Mula

Rockin’ Rooster Alphabet Tee

Mod Squares Coverall by Kicky Pants

Beginners Luck Hat from Little Fit

Mum & Dad Tattoo Tee

T-Rex Puppet

Happy Shopping! To receive more great deals directly, please sign up for the Happy Healthy Hip Shopping Club newsletter with special promotions and offers.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home