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Labor and Delivery

Packing your Hospital Bag?

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

The number 1 question we get from expectant parents as their due date nears is “What should I pack in my hospital bag?” You have enough to worry about when you’re welcoming your little one. It’s important to get the right items in your bag, but the packing process shouldn’t be overwhelming. Let’s go through some essentials as well as some of those items that you might forget!

Do I need special clothing?

Universal Labor & Delivery Gown | Grey Heather– Kindred Bravely

When you settle into the hospital to start your labor and delivery process, you will most likely be handed a gown to wear. Whether you are ready for a vaginal birth or walking in for a planned C-Section, these gowns are pretty standard. They allow for the needed wires, tubes, epidurals, etc. to be connected and allow your healthcare team access to all parts of your body. Bringing your own hospital gown may add a personal touch to your delivery day. We love Kindred Bravely’s line of Labor and Delivery Gowns.

After helping thousands of moms prepare for this special day, we can also say that simple ways to make your hospital stay cozier can always give you a little peace of mind. A great loungewear set, slippers, and slip-proof socks will also make your time in the hospital a bit comfier.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, you may also consider bringing some clothing to make the process simpler. You will be nursing around the clock, so easy acess is key! We’re huge fans of comfortable nursing bras and tanktops for hospital days. They allow for hands-free nursing as you’re learning how to meet your little one’s hungry tummy. We also love keeping a tank on so you can easily add extra layers (like a zip up sweatshirt) as needed. Check out the Larken X Bra and Kindred Bravely Nursing Tanks for comfy hospital clothing as well as far into motherhood.

Throughout your pregnancy journey, you may have found leggings to be the most comfortable item. Throw a pair in your hospital bag, which can offer gentle, postpartum compression. They are also nursing-friendly, keeping your core supported throughout the early days in the hospital. We love Belly Bandit’s Mother Tucker Leggings (seriously, how great is this name?!).

What about items to help me heal?

In the first few days postpartum, your body is going through a deep recovery. While the hospital will have everything you ‘need,’ there are some better options out there that are easy to slip into your hospital bag.

This recovery can sometimes be a bit messy. We spend so much time and energy learning how to care for our new bundle, that we often forget to take care of ourselves. One thing we love is the New Mom Skincare Set from Earth Mama. We also love Earth Mama’s Nipple Butter and Perineal Balm. Pro-tip: The Nipple Butter is also great for chapped lips, and since the hospital is super dry, a hospital must-have!

A belly band can also be something that supports your core while you heal. If you ask for one at the hospital, they will usually provide you with one. If you’d like to bring your own, Belly Bandit has some great options.

Other things I might forget?

Two things people tend to forget: A cell phone charger and your paperwork/health insurance card for the hospital. Put both of these someplace so you won’t forget. Most hospitals will send you home with quite a bit of information, so you may even want to bring a folder to store everything for later. And don’t forget that cell phone charger! You will be snapping lots of photos throughout your time in the hospital.

Looking for an all-in-one hospital bag solution?

There are two types of moms we work with – those who like to pack their own hospital bag and those who prefer to have it arrive at their home pre-packed with excellent, non-toxic products. Baby Boldly Birth Bags are for both! Their bags come in a variety of sizes, from ‘Minimalist’ to ‘Fully Prepared.’ Full of great items that you may forget, you will have plenty of toiletries, hair ties, and the wonderful ‘grippy socks!’ Designed ‘by mamas, for mamas’ they even offer a Pack-it-Yourself Bag, great for experienced moms who know exactly what they’ll need.

Listen to two of our experts talk about Baby Boldly below:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWLu42SFhtW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

See more top tips:

What to Put on Your Baby Registry
Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List
Hospital Bag Musts – The things you may forget!


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Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Essentials, Labor and Delivery, New Desgin, Newborns, Previous Categories

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Postpartum Secrets: C-Section Recovery Must-Haves

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Hey, everyone! It’s Monica, founder of Gugu Guru.  I wanted to write the introduction to this post because I have had personal experience with an unexpected c-section. In my first pregnancy, I walked three miles almost every day. I couldn’t wait for the huffing and puffing of labor and read up daily on various books and articles covering what I could do during pregnancy to prepare for a smooth delivery.  Then when I went in for a regular check-up one day after my due date, the doctor realized that my son was in distress and I was rushed in for an emergency c-section. I was scared, I felt like I had failed somehow – all sorts of emotions. Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t go according to plan and we are forced to roll with it. If you’re reading this because you’re one of those moms who didn’t have it go to plan, I just wanted to say chin up, it’s going to be ok and here are some product suggestions that will hopefully help you recover more comfortably and quickly, while you soak up all the wonderfulness of new mommyhood.

xo Monica

C-Section Recovery Products I Wish I Knew About Sooner

Belly Bandit Luxe Belly Wrap - Nude

Belly Bandit Belly Wraps

There’s nothing more important for your c-section recovery than supportive, comfortable attire. Belly Bandit has you covered with this postpartum belly wrap. It will support weakened abdominal muscles and is fully adjustable to fit your changing size following your baby’s arrival. Aside from support, wrapping your belly and waist tightly after delivery can speed up recovery. It also provides added support to your lower back, a must-have product for the 4th trimester.

Kindred Bravely Underwear

After a c-section, finding comfortable underwear that doesn’t irritate your incision can be a challenge. Enter these high-waisted postpartum underwear from Kindred Bravely. The soft material is designed to smooth and sit above your c-section line, covering your post-baby belly without digging into your skin. Long gone are the hospital mesh panties or ugly granny panties, these are also made to hold postpartum maternity pads easily and comfortably.

Babymoov Mom & B Pillow

The compact Mom & B Pillow is the perfect pregnancy and maternity pillow combo. During pregnancy, it offers the perfect support for your hips and back. Postpartum, the pillow will support both you and baby as a feeding pillow, extra support when holding baby, and even aid in digestion when baby is laid elevated on the pillow.

TOP Organic Cotton Pads

After baby, things can be a little…messy. These 100% certified organic cotton pads offer superior leak protection, while still breathable and comfortable. TOP pads are available in Super and Regular to fit whatever absorbency level you need. They are free of plastic, toxins, chemicals, synthetics, fragrances and dyes. All the these you don’t want anywhere near “down there” postpartum. Plus, for every TOP purchase, the company donates period products to women and girls in need!

Larken X

No matter how you are feeding baby, a comfortable bra postpartum is a MUST. The Larken X bra provides barely-there support with no awkward holes, irritating elastic, or zippers. You can easily and discreetly nurse in it by pulling up both layers, or pump hands-free without ever having to undress or change bras. We promise you’ll want to live in it day and night (even beyond your postpartum and breastfeeding or pumping days).

Belly Bandit Mother Tucker® Leggings

Mother Tucker® Leggings utilize Belly Bandit’s compression technology to keep your postpartum tummy securely tucked and supported after your c-section. Designed with an ultra-high waist, these leggings provide complete coverage and the postpartum core support you crave. You won’t have to worry about digging into your incision as these “Mothers” provide support without a pinch. Belly Bandit’s Muffinology® Technology (is that not an amazing name?!) gives these leggings soft, breathable fabric that will smooth you from the waist down – helping you feel tucked-in and put-together postpartum.

There you have it! Six products we are sure will make your c-section recovery smoother, and a bit more comfortable. Be sure to check out our Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List. It covers EVERYTHING you should bring so you won’t miss anything you’ll need for your delivery and hospital stay, no matter what your delivery looks like!

Check out more delivery posts:
C-Section Recovery Essentials with Sarah Stage
8 Postpartum Care Must-Haves for Mama
Expecting Multiples? Our Top Must-Haves
What to Put on Your Baby Registry

Filed Under: Labor and Delivery, Newborns Tagged With: baby, health, newborn, registry

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The Scoop: Baby Boldly Birth Bag – Fully Prepared

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Preparedness and Motherhood rarely go hand in hand, but Baby Boldly has created an all-in-one hospital bag that will do just that. As a third-time mom-to-be, I should know everything that I am going to need to bring to the hospital for labor and delivery.  However, as a third-time mom-to-be, I have two other little loves to worry about packing for as well.  On top of everyday life – school, kids’ activities, work, meal planning, laundry, cleaning, etc. – preparing for baby #3 has been a little more stressful and a lot more time-crunched than I expected. Having the Baby Boldly Birth Bag: Fully Prepared pre-packed and shipped directly to me has checked at least one thing off of my list. 

Truly Comprehensive – 

With over 30+ unique pieces, my birth bag was packed ensuring I had every essential, not just some of them. With items to help with labor, nursing, showering, and any down-time in between I am confident that I will be covered.  Additionally, 1 thing I love is that there is still room left in the main bag for me to add in any personal items I might choose to bring as well. 

Non-toxic + Practical – 

I guess you could consider me a “Scrunchy Mom” since I strive to find a balance between choosing products that are as natural as possible but also are convenient.  The toiletries and personal care items included were sourced to ensure that they are non-toxic and contain quality ingredients especially as momma’s senses are heightened during this unique time in her life.  My bag included items from brands I was already familiar with and confident in like Pharmacopia, Burt’s Bees, Schmitt’s, Tom’s, Earth Mama, Bamboobies, and Rael. 

The weekender bag itself is made from easy-to-clean nylon with vegan leather accents and features magnetic closures, a zippered top, and 10 pockets + a toiletry bag. As someone who typically packs in cubes and travel pouches galore, I am thrilled for the organizational options and the future possibilities to use it as a diaper bag, pumping bag, or duffle.

Designed by Mamas, For Mamas – 

Maybe my favorite aspect of the Birth Bag: Fully Prepared is the support and thoughtfulness that comes along with it.  Right when you open the box, there is a note from the Baby Boldly team encouraging you and letting you know that you are not alone and that sentiment follows you throughout with details like a tag stating “You Got This” on the 2 in 1 Nursing/Infant Carrier Cover and “Strong as a Mother” written on the reusable water bottle and grippy socks.  Plus, in a more subtle way the inclusion of a sentimental book (for when you want to disconnect), honey sticks (hospital approved for energy), and a massage ball (cramps can be no joke!) show that this bag is the ultimate gift to yourself or a momma-to-be you love. It completely prepares you for birth in a hospital or birth center.

Thank you to Baby Boldly for making this sponsored post possible.

Check out more resources to prepare for your hospital stay:
5 Best Hospital Bag Products for Mom
Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List
Hospital Bag Musts – The things you may forget!

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Gear, Gift Ideas, Gugu Picks, Health, Health & Wellness, Inspiration, Labor and Delivery, Mama Wellness, Mom Style Tagged With: gifts

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Gugu Guru & Kindred Bravely’s Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Our exclusive Ultimate Hospital Packing List from
Gugu Guru and Kindred Bravely.

We’ve compiled a list of must-haves for any mom-to-be’s hospital bag to make your life easier when preparing for the big delivery day!

Please enter your information below and when you are done press Submit.

Filed Under: Essentials, Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy Tagged With: checklist

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Spring Into Action: Event Announcement

by Christine Swearingen 1 Comment

Join Gugu Guru on Gugu Guru’s Instagram for a 5-day virtual event focused on must-have gear for spring and summer. From May 10th – 14th, we’ll be covering all you need to know about spring and summer for parents and baby, with some amazing panels and product demos, and GIVEAWAYS!

Grab your spot now (it’s free) for a digital goodie bag filled with exclusive discounts and freebies!

Be sure to join us on Gugu Guru’s Instagram starting May 10th at 10:00 am PDT / 1:00 pm EDT to kick off this spectacular event speaking about our hospital bag must-haves for 2021.

Event Schedule:

Monday, May 10

10:00 am PDT / 1:00 pm EDT – Instagram Live
Get Packing! Hospital Bag Tag & Checklist: Must-Haves for Mom in 2021
Hosted by Megan Harper (VP of Marketing at Gugu Guru and @girlgonechildinthecity)
Joined by Ashley of @mom_uptown, Erin @ Doulight NYC, Danila Davidson, and Jocelyn of @chicandsweaty
Sponsored by Kindred Bravely

Tuesday, May 11

10:30 am PDT / 1:30 pm EDT
Bumo Beats with Ms. Joyce – sign up here for FREE!
Sponsored and hosted by Bumo Brain

Wednesday, May 12

9:00 am PDT / 12:00 pm EDT – Instagram Live
Get Packing! Baby’s Firsts: Road Trip & Flight
Hosted by Brandi Jordan
Sponsored by comotomo

Thursday, May 13

9:00 am PDT / 12:00 pm EDT – Instagram Live
Rainy Day Activities: Best Way to Entertain & Sharpen Motor Skills for your little one
Hosted by Elina Furman, founder of Kahlmi
Sponsored by Wiwiurka Toys

Friday, May 14

9:00 am PDT / 12:00 pm EDT – Instagram Live
Carseats to strollers, how to get in gear with your gear. Best workout with your little one
Hosted by Rachel Nicks
Sponsored by Maxi-Cosi USA

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors,
without whom this event could not be possible!

Filed Under: Essentials, Labor and Delivery Tagged With: newborn, postpartum

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Should You Take Lamaze, Hypnobirthing, or Bradley Childbirth Classes?

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Pregnancy is a time of many questions, especially when it comes to preparing for baby’s arrival. Many parents wonder if they should take Lamaze, Hypnobirthing, or Bradley Childbirth Classes – and what are these classes, anyway?! Today’s post is a guest post from our friends at  Arrow Birth. Read on to learn more about all of these classes and a special offer for friends of Gugu Guru on Arrow Birth‘s Virtual Education and Courses.

By Tara Campbell Lussier, Co-Founder of Arrow Birth

Very often one of the first steps after the news of the pregnancy settles in – is to look for a childbirth education class. With so many options available you may feel overwhelmed and not know which class is the right fit. Should you take a class in-person, or online (aka you don’t have to leave the couch)? Should you spend time preparing for a natural birth, or one with an epidural or even a c-section? Unlike our mothers before us, as these questions begin to surface the mothers-to-be of our generation will take to google to figure out which route is best for them. In this blog we’ve done the work for you – and added a new, modern alternative that we’re admittedly biased about. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Lamaze

If your mother (or grandmother) took a childbirth class, chances are it was Lamaze – it’s been around that long. Popularized by a French obstetrician by the same name in the 1950’s, the method prepares families for labor and birth through presentations on massage, breathing, and movement. Lamaze International has grown steadfastly since the 1950’s and is widely recognized when one thinks of childbirth education. The core of Lamaze’s teaching are based on the Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices; letting labor begin on its own, movement during labor, continuous labor support, avoiding unnecessary interventions, following mother’s urge to push, and keeping mother and baby together after birth. You can take a Lamaze class in-person, and limited classes are also available online. 

Hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing has gained popularity in recent years with the uptick in the desire for natural childbirth. There are many hypno-based classes available, and all of them focus on teaching students self-hypnosis which is said to facilitate deep relaxation throughout the labor and birth experience. To create the state of self-hypnosis, the mother uses visualizations, suggestions and affirmations that she has practiced prenatally. Very often in labor the mother will be listening to one of her guided visualizations to aid her in creating her state of self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis during labor is said to reduce the fear and pain of a natural childbirth. Hypno-style classes are available in-person in most areas, and some are available online for self-paced study. 

Bradley

The Bradley method was popularized by Dr. Bradley’s book, Husband Coached Childbirth, in the 1960’s, and continues to be a popular way to prepare for a natural childbirth. The premise of Bradley is to empower the husband, (or birth partner) to be able to advocate for his birthing person while in labor. It also relies on the premise that birth is a natural process and mothers should prepare for it through education, diet, and exercise during their pregnancies. Bradley strongly supports having a labor coach throughout labor and birth, and very often this is the birth partner, or husband. Bradley classes are in-person and twelve weeks long. 

Arrow

Arrow is definitely the new kid on the block as far childbirth education goes with their cutting-edge digital platform. Arrow’s Discover Birth Education Course is entirely online and geared towards today’s modern parents. Discover prepares you for any type of birth you may have – natural, medicated and/or cesarean. It was important to the founders to teach every type of birth because experience (as long time doulas) taught them you never know how babies may want or need to be born. Discover is taught by 35+ birth related experts such as OBGYNs, Midwives and doulas on topics they know best so students are always getting information from the correct source. Discover is available exclusively online at arrowbirth.com/learn. 

There are many options when it comes to educating yourself for the magical and momentous birth of your baby. Just like we would tell you in labor and birth – explore your options and make an informed decision that’s best for you and your (growing) family. Happy Birthing!

Special Discount for Gugu Guru readers: head to Arrow Birth and use code GUGUGURU to purchase Arrow Birth’s Discover Course for $149 (normally $349)

Filed Under: Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy Tagged With: pregnancy

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Online Prenatal and Parenting Classes: The Parent Collective

by Christine Swearingen Leave a Comment

Looking for online prenatal and parenting classes? At Gugu Guru, we know how overwhelming it can be as a first time mom. That’s why we are so excited to share with you all that The Parent Collective has launched an online version of their successful in-person prenatal and new parenting class series. To celebrate, they have offered the Gugu Guru community 25% off any one of their online classes. Just use the coupon GUGUGURU at checkout. To learn more visit: https://courses.theparentcollective.com

Don’t have time to get to a prenatal education class but feel like it’s probably something you and your partner should do? Are you uninterested in the judginess that can come with learning about having a baby? Are you overwhelmed by the universe of baby information (often contradictory) that’s out there? Believe us, we get it!! TPC is made up of all mothers, so they have all been in your shoes. You have so much information being thrown at you and it’s hard to know what to listen to.  

The Parent Collective was founded by a mom and has a range of prenatal and postpartum classes that are now available online. Founder, Jessica Hill says “We hear from expectant moms all the time that they are overwhelmed by the universe of baby information (often contradictory) that’s out there. And of course we get it!! We at TPC are all mothers ourselves so we have all been in expectant parents’ shoes. You have so much information being thrown at you and it’s hard to know what to listen to.”Just like Gugu Guru, the goal of TPC is helping make the journey to parenthood manageable. We believe you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the experience of parenthood. Instead, our goal is to help you feel prepared for all parenthood has to offer without feeling overwhelmed by all of the extras. We believe TPC’s Online Prenatal and Parenting Classes are an excellent way to make this possible for any busy mom-to-be. 

All of their online courses have been developed using the same evidence-based prenatal education as their highly successful in-person class series. The curriculum was developed in conjunction with OB doctors, Lactation Consultants, L&D and Postpartum Nurses as well as childbirth educators to reflect current best practices and bring you to a level of readiness so you can enjoy the process of becoming a new parent. And if the videos spark any questions for you, you can organize a web or in person chat with one of their experts to get them answered.   

Online Prenatal and Parenting Classes by The Parent Collective

Since TPC is all about connecting expectant and new parents, we also want to let you know that even if you don’t take one of their in-person classes, you can still meet other parents through them. If you sign up for their newsletter, link below, they can connect you with other parents that live local to you and have babies the same age.  

The Parent Collective Online Prenatal and Parenting Classes: https://courses.theparentcollective.com/opt-in-8752662b-4365-49bb-84aa-a0618aa4cd4d

We hope TPC will be a resource for you, as they have for so many other expectant parents!

Online Prenatal and Parenting Classes

 

Filed Under: Labor and Delivery, Pregnancy Tagged With: baby, health, postpartum, pregnancy

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What’s New on Gugu: August 15, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

This week I have found some great products for mom! Some items will help with pregnancy while others will help with the fourth trimester and beyond! We can’t take care of our babes without taking care of ourselves (easier said than done!). I also found some items for said babes – a new high chair that is taking on the style game and a great new eco-friendly toy company!

For a number of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page!

Frida Mom

Frida Mom: The newest line of products from our friends at Fridababy and all for mom! These products were created to help with recovery after birth and throughout the fourth trimester. Known for their honest approach to baby products, the Frida Mom line helps immensely with one of life’s messiest times. Available for purchase as individual items or as a set!

Mouse Loves Pig

Mouse Loves Pig: Simplifying the toy game, Mouse Loves Pig has created high-quality, organic toys that kids will want to play with! These toys will easily become your child’s go-to playthings whether at home or on the go. Great for the car, plane, or while trying to pass the time!

Lalo The Chair

The Chair by Lalo: ‘The Chair’ as they call it, is lightweight, easy to clean, and beautiful! We love the high quality materials they used to create ‘The Chair,’ and that it converts to a toddler seat! Plus, this chair won’t feel like an eyesore when you leave it out in your kitchen. Lalo has also partnered with BabyQuest to assist couples and individuals with the cost of fertility treatments. Apply for the grant by Sept 5 by clicking here.

Storq New Mama Care Set

Storq New Mama Care Kit: Three all-natural products meant to help you through pregnancy, fourth trimester, and motherhood! This set helps ease the stigma associated with postnatal life (think cracked nipples and sore vaginas!). They are easy to use and feel luxurious on your new mom bod! Pair with the set by Frida Mom and you will be good to go!

Reebok Maternity

Reebok Maternity Collection: Trying to find for comfortable active wear that will fit your growing belly? Look no further! Reebok recently launched a line of maternity active wear that will be a perfect addition to your wardrobe. Great for running errands or heading to yoga, these neutral and classic pieces all come in both black and navy.

 

Please note that these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!

 

Like what you see? Check out some other What’s New on Gugu posts:

What’s New on Gugu: June 18, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: June 24, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: July 3, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: August 1, 2019

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Baby Showers, Breastfeeding, Budget, Ecofriendly, Essentials, Feeding, Gear, Gift Ideas, Health & Fitness, Health & Wellness, Labor and Delivery, Mama Wellness, Newborns, Pregnancy, Safety, Toddlers, Travel, What's New on Gugu?! Tagged With: feeding, toddler, toys, travel

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The Village Reviews: Joeyband

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

The Joeyband is a revolutionary postpartum positioning band that helps secure a newborn to a parent’s chest. The Joeyband can be used to help prevent falls and keep baby close during skin-to-skin contact. Skin-to-skin contact is vital after birth and has been shown to improve overall infant development, breastfeeding, temperature regulation, and bonding. Our Village testers were able to try the Joeyband and provide us with their thoughts on this innovative band. 

Joeyband

This Joeyband is great to bring along to the hospital for immediate skin-to-skin postpartum. It is easy to put on and really helps you feel more secure in holding your baby – especially when you’re fatigued after a long labor and/or still feeling the effects of anesthesia. We tried the Joeyband with our newborn and were impressed with how quickly it calmed him down! We even caught a few smiles in a row while our son was dozing. It was a good reminder to keep up the skin-to-skin time. The fabric feels a little bit like swimsuit material and is really stretchy, so both my husband and I could use the same size. My husband loved the Joeyband even more than I did – I think it helps him feel that special bond that a lot of mothers feel through the nursing relationship. I anticipate my husband will be using this product a lot before parental leave is over. I was happy to learn that there are even more uses for Joeyband as our little guy grows up. We have a plane trip next month and I’m going to use it to help keep our son more secure and calm as a lap child. Thanks to Gugu Guru for giving me the opportunity to test the Joeyband.

-Alyssa J.

Joeyband

The importance of skin to skin for newborns after they are born has long been established. But the benefits extend beyond just the hospital stay – it’s actually recommended for the first 3-4 months, or until the baby becomes to squirmy. And babies aren’t the only ones who benefit from skin to skin.

Skin to skin is often delayed after a c-section, due to the risk of infant falls. The Joeyband allows for immediate skin to skin for mom and baby because it reduces that risk. It keeps the baby safe and secure against mom’s chest so that this important bonding can start immediately. This way both mom and baby can reap the benefits of skin to skin during the repair and transport process.

The Joeyband can also be used for kangaroo care in the NICU, where skin to skin is critical for preemie babies. Sometimes it’s all a mom can do if the baby is too small or unable to breastfeed. It can also be used by dads! Since NICU babies are often hooked up to tubes and wires, the Joeyband helps prevent these from being disturbed. It’s appropriate for twins and micro-preemies, too. And in the event of an emergency, the babies can quickly be assessed because there are no hooks or buttons, just a few rows of Velcro.

I was fortunate to have a full-term baby with no complications but still found the Joeyband to be useful both in the hospital and even now that we are at home. It allowed me to maximize my skin to skin time in the hospital and aided in breastfeeding because it supported my baby without the need for a bulky pillow. This took some of the strain off my back and neck. When I wasn’t using it to hold my daughter, I used it as a belly band to support my newly postpartum belly.

The Joeyband is soft and comfortable to wear. I was able to put it on and take it off unassisted because it secures easily with Velcro. Once its in place, you hardly notice that it’s there. I definitely recommend the Joeyband for all new parents.

-Misty H.

Joeyband

The Joeyband has been such an essential part of my daily routine. I love using this when I need to have a free hand to work on something while sitting. It is so comfortable and easy to put on and remove.  The gentle squeeze it gives to baby while I’m wearing her gives her security while being skin to skin. Our bond has grown stronger while having the opportunity to stay so close more often through the day!

-Valerie T. 

Joeyband

I enjoyed testing the Joeyband product, and as a mom who had a c-section, I can see the great benefit it provides.

My son has reflux so in addition to taking Zantac he also prefers to sleep upright on someone’s chest. The Joeyband helped me to be somewhat hands-free on the couch and allowed us to enjoy the baby snuggles. Overall a good product for what it was designed for!

-Katherine H.

Joeyband

I have been using the Joeyband for about two weeks. It was very easy to use and made skin-to-skin time with my little one much more enjoyable. It gave me the freedom to use my hands, especially during my meal times, which a lot of new moms know can be a challenge  🙂 The band is thick and stretchy and my little one enjoyed the swaddle-like feeling the band gave him as he would quickly fall asleep. I liked that I didn’t have to worry about him rolling or sliding off of me. The Joeyband is a great product and I would recommend it to any new mom!

-Taylor S.

 

Thank you to SleepBelt for supplying the Joeybands for this review and our Village Testers for providing us with their honest thoughts. To purchase a Joeyband of your own, click here!

 

The Village Reviews: Nanobébé Flexy Pacifier

The Village Reviews: Evenflo Balance Glass Bottles

The Village Reviews: Giggle Layette

The Village Reviews: Gabri Isle

 

 

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Baby Safety Zone, Breastfeeding, Essentials, Labor and Delivery, Newborns

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Meet the Mompreneur: Jessica Hill from The Parent Collective

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Giving birth and caring for a newborn leaves parents-to-be with many questions. Jessica Hill, founder of The Parent Collective, realized several of her friends in the United States felt unprepared for birth and isolated when caring for their infant. In the UK, where Jessica delivered her children, parents-to-be could ask questions and connect with one another in prenatal classes. Jessica knew American parents needed a similar resource and created The Parent Collective. The Parent Collective provides parents with a safe space to learn unbiased and straightforward information about birth and infant care. We are excited to introduce you to Jessica as she shares details about The Parent Collective and why she is so passionate about this platform.

GG: How and why did you start The Parent Collective?

I had my boys in the UK and benefitted from a prenatal class which helped me and my husband to meet friends who were having babies at the same time.  My early days were filled with friends and support and in speaking with moms back home, I was shocked to hear how lonely and isolated they felt, without much in the way of community long after their babies were born.  I created The Parent Collective (TPC) in hopes of changing that! TPC is a new take on prenatal and parenting classes that is designed to not only provide the information you need to get through delivery and have a successful transition home with your new little one, but also to offer the added benefits of a social network to lean on long after the classes have ended.   As expectant parents, we are all so vulnerable, excited, terrified about the changes that are about to happen to us and that vulnerability makes us open to connections with people who are going through the same things. It’s hard to make friends as adults as evidenced by the onslaught of mommy-tinder apps designed to help connect us as new parents. But with pregnancy as the common thread, it’s so much easier. With TPC classes, our participants develop their modern day village – a support network of couples that helps each other through illness, loneliness, marital problems, and the run of the mill baby drama.   Not to mention companionship during those sometimes endless and monotonous days with a newborn.

GG: Where did you come up with the name?

The name was part of a long branding process which involved identifying words that were important to us in describing the business idea.  Words like support, network, knowledge and experience. We then brainstormed a bunch of names that conveyed those and settled on The Parent Collective.  The process was so helpful because it really solidified our voice and how we communicate our offering.

GG: How do you balance work and family?

I’m not great at it, to be honest!  I struggle to turn off but having a flexible schedule helps a lot.  I can work until the kids get home, get them settled, fit in a bit more work and then manage the nighttime routine.  Because I am juggling the kids, a business, and our home all without childcare, my brain runs constantly and leaves me exhausted by the end of the day.  But I wouldn’t trade it – the alternatives all have their drawbacks too. We are all just trying to make it work!

 GG: What’s the best part about being a “Mompreneur” and running your own business?

I love seeing a concept that at its core served me so well when I had my babies, taking hold here.  It has been a labor (no pun intended) of love and I take pride in seeing The Parent Collective grow. Running my own business means I can be at the bus to pick my kids up or attend the random Valentine’s Day parties (which are always in the middle of the day – what’s up with that!?).   I don’t have a ‘boss’ but I feel responsible for making this business as successful as possible – not just for me but for our team in New York City, New Jersey, Long Island, and Connecticut. I am definitely my harshest critic but I love having the flexibility to create a schedule that works for my family.   

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Filed Under: Labor and Delivery, Mama Wellness, Pregnancy Tagged With: mompreneur

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