New Mom Series

J’Adore Lexie Couture’s Hospital Bag

Lexie of J’Adore Lexie Couture, new mom to baby Viggo and lover of all things girly & glam shares the wonderful things she packed in her Petunia Pickle Bottom bag for her latest hospital stay to make it as comfortable and pampered as could be…

My little one has arrived and with that fact I wanted to share what I packed for the hospital stay for my baby #3.

The Bag

The Diaper Bag has to be at the top of your list. You need a fabulous bag to carry all the darling little things for bebe. I was so excited to try out this lovely cut velvet diaper bag from Petunia Pickle Bottom. I’ve heard many good things about these darling diaper bags. So, of course, I have this beauty stuffed and I am so eager to test it out. Read on to find out what I packed in my bags for my hospital stay.

I remember when it was time to pack for my first, Chloe, and how overwhelmed I felt! I literally thought that I needed absolutely everything under the sun and I was so nervous about being prepared when it came to my hospital stay and what I needed in the diaper bag.

Just like with my baby registry for my first, I had way more than I actually needed, and I also wasn’t as prepared comfort-wise for myself. Now I have an even better sense of what to gather to make things go as smoothly as possible. So, here are my essentials:

Nursing Tanks
When packing for myself the first things that rush to my mind are comfortable and easily accessible clothing for nursing. I personally love nursing tank tops because you don’t have to fiddle with a bra and a top during those first few days of adjusting to baby. I like to plan to make things go as easily as possible so I can truly enjoy the experience instead of feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable, ya know?

I went with Gilligan O’Malley Nursing Tanks at Target because out of the different ones I’ve tried I prefer them best. They get the job done, they don’t wear so fast and I found these cute new styled ones with buttons that I’m eager to try. I packed three for the hospital and in neutral colors as well (but if they had pink as an option I would have been all over that!!!!).

Robes Are An Absolute Essential
When I was at the hospital last year with my 2nd, Ivy, I absolutely LOVED having the Target – Gilligan O’Malley Robes. I seriously lived in them while pregnant and at the hospital. They’re so incredibly cozy, comfy and breathable. This is really important to be because I absolutely hate being hot! These specific robes are so perfect for the hospital because they provide quick and easy coverage for when you’re nursing, and trying to keep covered with all of the random people you don’t know that keep coming in and out of your room.

I also packed this Plum Pretty Sugar robe that has a feminine touch to it for the special photos with my little one!

Comfy Pants
Once again I’m going to refer you right back to Target here with Women’s Fluid Knit Pajama Pant – Gilligan & O’Malley. These pants are truly a dream. Are you noticing a trend here? Gilligan & O’Malley has this comfort stuff pretty well figured out!

The comfort they provide and the breathability as well, had me buying a pair of these in every color. I really couldn’t help myself. And you know you’ll be sore, crampy and what not at the hospital so just go ahead and treat yo self with these babies.

Socks/Slippers
Call me weird, I’ll take it, but I’m really not one for wearing socks or slippers. I wear mostly ballet flats and I just like to slip them on as is but for the hospital, socks and slippers are a must. I’m not hating, what-so-ever, on hospital cleaning crews, but come on, you don’t know what’s been on those floors! (or maybe you do) so the feet shall be covered! And I picked up some cute little socks from Target to cover me here as well.

Specially-Made Hospital Gown
This was another first for me when it comes to my hospital stay and I was so excited! Pink is so me and I also happen to love polka dots, oh so very much.

I know some people may think that having a special hospital gown is unnecessary but hey it adds to my excitement and I don’t know if we’ll be having another little one so I just want to treat myself and have a girly-unique-and-not-previously-worn gown for my baby’s arrival!

By the way I got this adorable gown from Annie and Isabel, two sisters that also happen to be registered nurses that started up their darling shop, Annie & Isabel over 7 years ago. They make beautiful gowns that are not just for births too! Besides our beautiful mamas, women who have cancer, radiation treatments, and any hospital stay enjoy their designer hospital gowns. I absolutely loved wearing mine!

Belly Support
For my last two pregnancies, I didn’t actually give any belly support products a try, but this pregnancy I have done and am doing some experimenting with them.

For the hospital I packed a Belly Bandit in hopes of having more tummy support. I remember last year my belly just felt so weird those first few weeks because there was no more baby and my muscles were taking their sweet time pulling back together. This time I went to the hospital prepared with this pretty supportive band to not only add support but also get my belly back to where it was pre-baby faster! I’ll keep you updated as to how that goes in later posts just in case ya wanna know!

Undergarments
Although I like to wear nursing tanks, I also packed a few nursing bras just in case! And I just so happened to pack some You! Lingerie ones because I love their pops of color and cute feminine attention to details! I mean seriously how often do you find nursing bras like these?!

Now for panties, I packed boy shorts. For full coverage bottoms, they’re my style-go-to and I don’t want to talk too much into details, but you must know you’ll be needing a lot of coverage down there right after baby. The ones I picked up for this hospital stay happen to be Gilligan & O’Malley too! Surprise surprise lol

Going Home Outfit
Let’s not forget about your outfit for going home! You may not be feeling so glamorous at this point and that’s totally ok! If you prefer to just wear some comfy sweats on the way there’s nothing wrong with that my dear! I plan on wearing a cozy sweater, over a nursing tank, and if I feel up for it wearing my ASOS maternity jeggings with some comfy ballet flats.

Let’s Talk Beauty
My favorite thing to have on hand at the hospital (or anywhere) is a great face moisturizer and definitely dry shampoo! Cannot live with out that! Drybar by the way makes the best one ever and trust me I’ve tried so many! Any-hoo here’s just a quick list of what you should include: Brush, Makeup, Cleanser, Lotion, Moisturizer, Dry Shampoo, ToothBrush/Toothpaste, Deodorant.

All Things Baby: Here are just a few ideas for packing: Baby Gowns, Onesies, Blankets, Mittens, Socks, Burp Cloths, Caps, Car Seat, Pacifiers (just in case) and Poppy/Nursing-type Pillows.

Other Essentials: Camera/SD Card/Charger, Notebook/Pen, Cell Phone Chargers, Personal Pillow (if you’re like me and hate thin pillows) and Personal Blanket

I hope you enjoyed learning about all the things I packed in my hospital bag. I discovered My Petunia Pickle Bottom bag through my amazing registry site Gugu Guru because it matches my personal style.

About J’Adore Lexie Couture:

I love all things girly & glam & also have a deep love and admiration for every thing & anything Audrey Hepburn. Kate Spade Obsessed & You must know that the color Pink & Glitter are absolutes in my book. I have always wanted to have an outlet where I can share my passion for all things pretty as well as my desire for dressing elegantly & femininely. I wanted to create the perfect glam place to share that passion which just so happens to be my blog!

My blog is a backstage pass into my feminine-mommy-lifestyle and all that I utterly adore. You’ll find posts on what I’m currently loving, tutorials, styling advice, reviews & more. All tied together by a pretty & Pink bow! Visit: https://www.jadorelexiecouture.com

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New Mom Series: Infant Bathing

by Gugu Guru 5 Comments

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Warning: the images in this post may cause cuteness overload. 🙂

Welcome to Gugu Guru’s New Mom Series, where we provide helpful information for new and expecting moms about preparing and registering for baby. For this Safe Infant Bathing feature, we have partnered up with mama Krista Horton, 4moms, Little Giraffe, and Babyganics.

Tip: When your baby is brand new, most experts recommend that you stick with sponge baths for a few weeks, or at least until their umbilical cord stump falls off. Your newborn won’t need a sponge bath every day; two or three times per week is fine. This is because your little one can lose body heat very quickly. Using a warm washcloth (you don’t really even need soap for the early days), just give baby a quick once-over and then snuggle them in a cozy towel.

Krista Horton’s 3 month old daughter is ready to start bathing in an infant tub. The first step? Reading up on Bathtime Safety!

Baby Bathing Tips:

Collect all bathing materials before starting the bath.
Typically the water temperature for baby should be 90-100 degrees.
Never lift the tub or seat with baby in it.
No water should be in adult tub or sink.
Keep adult drain open when using baby tub.
Bath seats should only be used with child who can sit unassisted.
Ignore distractions – never leave your child unattended.

Based on her lifestyle and budget, Gugu Guru recommended the 4Moms Infant Tub, for Krista’s registry. The 4Moms Infant Tub, may be a Gugu Guru best match for you if: you live in a house (i.e., more space), your budget is “middle of the road” and you like a modern aesthetic .

In Krista’s words:
“This tub does all the dirty work for you. I love that it monitors the temperature for you and beeps if the water is too hot. I also love how it filters out the water during the bath so my baby could have warm, fresh water the entire bath!”

For baby’s personal care, Gugu Guru recommends Babyganics Baby-Safe Hero Essentials Gift Set. The set has a variety of essentials for bathing, including necessities like: Moisturizing Daily Lotion, Baby Bubble Bath, Foaming Baby Shampoo and Body Wash – all in a delicious Chamomile Verbena scent. Gugu Guru recommends Babyganics across all registries because of the brand’s affordability and totally responsible and safe formulations.

In Krista’s words:
“I love that the Babyganics products are natural and gentle for my baby’s delicate skin and the fresh, chamomile scent!”

For the bath towel, Gugu Guru recommended the softest and cutest towel to fit Krista’s budget and style — the Plush Hooded Baby Towel from Little Giraffe. Little Giraffe is known for its high-quality, super soft products and signature chenille textiles.

In Krista’s words:
“Cutest, softest little set! I love the material and the size was perfect because a lot of baby towels and washcloths are too small for my liking!”

Bathtime was completed with Babyganics’ Moisturizing Daily Lotion along with some kisses from mom. Squeaky clean…safely.

Featured in this week’s New Mom Series:

Krista: I am Krista Horton, 29 years old, married to my favorite guy and mama to Boston (2) and Kollyns (3 months). I am a stay at home mama and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I absolutely love being home with my babies and we love getting out and about and going on as many adventures as we can!

4moms: 4moms® is a consumer technology company that leverages robotics, technology and innovative design to disrupt and redefine existing industries. The company has transformed the baby gear industry with products like the 4moms origami®, the world’s only power-‐folding stroller; the 4moms mamaRoo® infant seat that replicates the bouncing and swaying motions parents make when soothing their babies; and the 4moms breeze® playard that opens or closes in one simple step.

Little Giraffe: Little Giraffe is known for creating top-of-the-line, luxury baby blankets and newborn essentials. All Little Giraffe products are made from the highest quality, softest textiles, and provide not only comfort, but soothe and calm baby for restful sleep.

Babyganics: When we started families of our own, we found we shared a “grown up” mission: to help parents like us create a baby-safe world. We’d do this by creating a world of products made to go wherever babies go (pretty much everywhere). Because exploring and discovering is a baby’s full time job. Our job—every parent’s job— is to make it safe for babies to do theirs. It’s the best way to make sure they fully develop and thrive.

Join our Mom Creator community by signing up for our email list and receive paid and gifted opportunities with your favorite baby and kid brands in your inbox weekly!

Interested in becoming a mom content creator or influencer but don’t know where to start? Join our monthly coaching membership specifically designed for mom creators.

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What’s New on Gugu: December 11, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

During the holiday season, it is so easy for moms and moms-to-be to forget to stock up on products to treat themselves! Below are some fun new finds from the pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood market. We love these as gifts for expectant moms or as a personal gift to focus on the always-important (and never attainable) self-care! Let us know some of your favorite just for mom products!

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

NYSSA Postpartum Underwear: Called the ‘Fourthwear’ Collection, we love this update to the standard mesh undies you’ll receive in the hospital. They are stretchy and you can easily insert an ice pack or heating pad where it may be needed most. They can also be worn high-waisted or rolled down for maximum comfort no matter what type of delivery. Love these for all moms to be!

Soothing Scents Expecting Personal Inhaler for Morning Sickness: Those dreaded days full of morning sickness (or all-day sickness) can be behind you! Utilizing essential oils, this inhaler works immediately and is 100% natural. Check with your OB before purchase, but we love the idea of combating morning sickness without added medication.

GLOWE Maternity Leggings: These leggings will be supportive and comfortable from first trimester to the postpartum days! They will give you the support of a medical maternity belt without the bulk of wearing one. Plus they are made from a super soft Italian fabric so you will beat that back pain in style!

The Laundress New Mom Kit: It’s absolutely amazing how one (or two in my case) little babes can dramatically increase the amount of laundry you find yourself doing. The Laundress has created their New Mom Kit to help combat those messy spit ups and blow outs without harsh chemicals, petroleum, phosphate, phthalates, or artificial color. Plus I love that this kit comes with stain remover (a must for little ones) as well as all other detergent products you would need!

HATCH Mama Must-Haves Kit: An excellent set for pregnant and new moms, HATCH has put together a set of three top selling products. Their Belly Oil is excellent for your moisturizing your growing belly. Down, Girl is great for relieving swelling in your legs and feet. Nipple + Lip helps keep those special parts (your nipples and lips) hydrated during pregnancy and while nursing. Plus it all comes wrapped in the cutest gift box!

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: October 30, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: November 6, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: November 14, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: December 4, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: July 3, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

I have found a great lineup of products this week. A couple new pieces of technology, which will help with both feeding and sleep are new finds. We also took a look at the newest travel stroller to hit the market. Plus, there are some excellent accessories to help make breastfeeding more efficient.

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

Mammaway Freeze It Flat: An innovative way to freeze your breastmilk stash! Using breastmilk storage bags, simply pump your milk, place into the Freeze it Flat, and stick in the freezer. Once frozen, your stored milk will take up significantly less space. Great for working moms who have to pump at the office!

BlueSmart Mia2: A new baby gift for your technologically saavy friend. The BlueSmart Mia2 will automatically record what your baby eats (and for how long) at each feeding. Pairing with an app via Bluetooth, you will no longer have to manually keep track of each feeding. Plus, it is compatible with most baby bottles!

Hatch Baby Rest Plus: One of our favorite sound machine/nightlights has now received an upgrade. Pair with their app to create a truly essential product for sleep that will grow with your little one. Now an audio monitor as well as a digital clock, this is a must have for any nursery.

Larken X Bra: Made of moisture-wicking, ultrasoft fabric, this nursing/pumping bra will be a great addition to your wardrobe. It allows you to pump hands-free without having to undress or change and is comfy enough to keep on all day long. There are also no snaps, zippers, or tags, making it far more comfortable as your size fluctuates.

Bugaboo Ant Travel Stroller: Bugaboo has entered the carry-on travel stroller game! The Ant is the only reversible seat travel stroller on the market and it offers great suspension. It has a height adjustable handle, a near-flat recline for newborns, and an adjustable seat height for taller kids. Available for pre-order now!

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: May 29, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: June 5, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: June 18, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: June 24, 2019

Why “Me Time” Matters

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

This week’s post on “Me Time” is from our good friend Natalie Diaz founder of Twiniversity -the world’s leading support network for multiple birth families.

I consider myself a lucky person. I’m surrounded by my twinnies, hubby, extended family, and a bunch of wild friends that help me make good (and sometimes bad) choices.

One thing that everyone in my circle can agree on: I’m HORRIBLE at taking time for myself. You should know that things are bad when your mother-in-law says, “Nat, you need to do more for yourself. Why don’t you take a break and go to a movie?”

Don’t get me wrong, I try. I try to take breaks and have a cup of coffee, but it seems like there is always something to be done. A load of laundry, dishes in the sink, bills to pay, school projects to buy supplies for, errands to run, etc. AND when I do find time for myself? The guilt! The guilt gets me. I know I’m not the only one. “Me Time” should not just mean going to the bathroom with the door closed. We should be leading by example and teaching our kids how to balance their own lives instead of showing them how to run around like a chicken without a head.

I can’t be the only one whose temper is a little shorter because I’ve felt like I’ve had a child at my feet all day, or I feel like I’m being pulled in 12 directions on a regular basis. Let’s face it, that’s parenthood. BUT, we need to put on our own oxygen mask first like the flight attendants tell us during a flight safety briefing. We honestly can’t help others unless we help ourselves first.

Today I’m going back to basics. I’ve taken a pledge that for the next 30 days, I will take 10 minutes for myself each and every day. Maybe it will be in the morning after the kids are off to school. Maybe it will be in the afternoon and I’ll actually stop for a real lunch instead of eating at the kitchen counter to just get some extra energy from whatever nutrients I can scrounge up. Maybe it will be in the night, when the eye of the storm arrives and the kids are frustrated with each other over an unfair distribution of chores, or when my husband walks in and dog is running in circles, and the phone is ringing, and the TV is three levels too loud, and the dishwasher is clanging again….AHHHHH!!! Yeah, you see where this is going.

So for the next 30 days (yes, through the holidays), I’m going to find 10 minutes a day to do the following things. This is just my top 5 by the way. I honestly think that I can do it. That’s 70 minutes a week! That’s a heck of a lot of time. I’m so excited.

1. Sit and do nothing. Pop some earplugs in, sit in my bedroom and try to focus on nothing but the sound of my beating heart.

2. Pet my dog more. My beast Betty is one giant mutt. 109lbs of loveable jerk that I need to just pet more and maybe smooch on her tiny black nose.

3. Read a book. Remember those? I remember when I was younger and my mom took me to a bookstore to buy the latest edition of “The Babysitters Club”. Those were such great days. I bought THREE books (yup, over ambitions Nat talking here). An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy and Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell. Will I finish them? No idea. Will I get past page 3 of each? That’s more likely.

4. While I’d like to spend my 10 minutes totally disconnected from technology, I also like to listen to podcasts. I found a new one that I’m going to jump into. Dr. Death! It sounds so dark, and it so is! I’ve been enjoying podcasts as a secondary activity. They are on as I’m driving or walking to the subway or whatnot, but I do love ‘em. I want to take some time for me and just enjoy them.

5. About a year ago I started crocheting. I’d like to learn a new stitch a week with my 10 minutes a day. I wish I had more time to dedicate to crocheting, but it seems like most days get away from me. Maybe my extra 10 minutes of me time will light a fire under me to try something new.

Now it’s your turn. What are your top 5 things you’d like to do if you found some spare time? Forget “spare time”, take it! Take 10 minutes for yourself daily for the next 30 days. Will you feel better? Will you yell less? Will you be calmer? LIVE BY EXAMPLE! Leave the guilt at the door and find a minute for you. I’m not suggesting you run off on a weekend to Mexico with your girlfriends. But 10 minutes a day? you can do it.

Natalie Diaz is the Pied Piper of twin families around the globe. Founding Twiniversity — the world’s leading support network for multiple birth families — in 2009, she’s become the global influencer for this small niche community. Reaching over a million families a week through Twiniversity’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube channels, moms and dads of twins flock to Twiniversity to find resources, ask questions, explore new products, and find community and support from other twin parents. Natalie is a true connector, bringing parents from all walks of life together, breaking past cultural differences, to share in the highs and lows of parenting twins. Natalie’s book, “What To Do When You’re Having Two” is a global bestseller in Twins & Multiples Parenting.

Gugu Mom Picks from Molly’s Musings

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We are so excited to have a guest post today from the adorable mama Molly Perdue from Molly’s Musings. She is on our blog today to list her top 10 favorite registry items that were selected for her by Gugu Concierge. You can swing over to her blog to get all of the details on how she’s using these products and why she loves them so much.

Now that I am officially a mom (almost two months in and can’t even believe it), I thought it was the perfect time to share some of the items that we have loved and that have saved our lives in these early weeks. Before having Lola, I was a complete novice when it came to baby items and the thought of registering for everything we would need (and you need a lot) completely overwhelmed me. The ladies at Gugu Guru completely saved me with their Gugu Concierge program!

They set me up with an industry expert who helped me build the exact registry that I needed. I first took a questionnaire and was then matched with a wonderful expert named Ginny from Your Milk Shoppe. We had a one hour consultation call and she got an idea of my style, must-have items and told me about items I might not have heard of that were newly released. Within a week, she had created a comprehensive amazing registry full of everything I wanted and didn’t know I needed. The whole process was AMAZING and saved me from hours of combing the internet for the best baby items.

Molly’s top 10 Registry Must-Haves:

“If you are expecting and drowning in registry decisions, give Gugu Guru a try! I promise it will be worth it.”

Head to Molly’s blog to learn more about why she loves these products!

Moms to Know: Coraline and Us

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Here at Gugu Guru we are all about celebrating all types of families, so when we came across the blog Coraline and Us, we knew we wanted to have Liz, the mama behind the blog, come and share her story. Liz started her blog upon the birth of her adorable little Coraline, when it was “discovered unexpectedly within hours, that she has Down’s Syndrome and two holes in the heart. We did not know anything about Down’s Syndrome when she was born. This blog is about our journey of growth.” Read on for more about Liz, Coraline, and Kevin and stay tuned for more blog posts from Liz on helpful baby products, toys, and more for babies with Down’s Syndrome. You can find Liz on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram.

My greatest love is to travel, both for work and personally. I also love open water swimming, the sea, nature, stickers, writing, letter writing, slush puppies, romantic movies, watching TV in a rug, hiking, airports, Oprah Winfrey and the game Boggle. I live in London, have a wonderful family with Australian and Dutch roots and a best friend who makes me roar with laughter. This is why it’s so funny that I have not been on a plane in nine months. But the journey I am on since Coraline was born last August is more vivid than any I could have imagined.

I met my partner Kevin on Tinder three and a half years ago, when I had just turned 39 years old. The best friend I mentioned chose him on my Tinder whilst we were watching an ice hockey match, amidst slush puppies and hot dogs. Kevin and I met up in central London and sat on some steps outside a wine bar. He ordered a glass of Madeira and showed me a video of himself doing the ice bucket challenge. I said to my younger brother after our first date, “I’ve met the man I’m going to marry”. We are in fact getting married in two months’ time!

Kevin adores snowboarding, he equally adores funny videos of animals. He has the most incredible energy and warmth and ability to support and love me before I even ask. He leaves me notes in the morning. He is his own composed and confident man. He was a chef for 17 years and is passionate about nutrition. My friend loves to laugh, “freezer meals they said,” after Coraline was born and he was cooking us restaurant style fayre. He is the ball of energy at a social gathering. A friend recently said, “you don’t realise the feeling you’re looking for when you’re looking for a partner”. He said, “it’s like you met your heart and soul.” We have this feeling for Coraline too.

We moved in together a couple of years after we met, and we tried for a baby just after I turned 41. Coraline was born before I turned 42 (the age I am now). Within hours of her birth she was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome and all I remember in my mind’s eye is myself in a hospital room (where we stayed for a week) at sea, with a steady beat of tears for the first 24 hours. Wide eyed talking to anyone from the hospital who came to our room, tears spilling from my eyes. Not so Kevin. Kevin rang our families and said, “we have had a baby daughter and she is beautiful. She most likely has Down’s Syndrome and two holes in the heart. All I want to hear is Congratulations”. He set the tone there and then. Since then we have met many amazing people, my tears have turned to deep joy, and my pen has been flowing, eager to write about all that has swirled around us.

I just knew I had to write after she was born to share what we learned, and began doing so when Coraline was two days old in that hospital room. I was first writing for friends on an Instagram account, but their comments inspired me to set up a blog.

“Liz you’re making me smile on a daily basis at the moment with your insights.”

“I get up in the morning and your posts are the first thing I check. They are emotive and inspiring.”

“I look forward to each of your postings. They are wonderful to read. Coraline has led you to your calling in life! You should be writing. This is the beginning of your first book!”

So, the blog is about Down’s Syndrome and what we are learning, but in fact it’s about much more. It’s really about life philosophies and learnings we have picked up along the way and about celebrating living from the heart. The universality of taking the path of love, over the path of fear. I think that’s what makes our blog unique and, in fact, of resonance to everyone.

I worked at the British Council, the U.K.’s Cultural Relations organisation, for 14 years. At the heart of all the international programmes I worked on was broadening horizons and changing perspectives.

I wanted to write as I knew we were going to learn so much and I wanted to share this with others, because the reason I felt so at sea when Coraline was born was because I knew nothing. My aim is that friends of mine will feel familiar if they meet a person with Down’s Syndrome, or if there’s a child with Down’s Syndrome in their son or daughter’s class at school. My goal is to expand my blog to raise awareness and celebrate Coraline.

8 Postpartum Care Must-Haves for Mama

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Just in time for Mother’s Day, here is Gugu Guru’s round-up of postpartum care must-haves. If you’re a pregnant mama due this month (or really anytime of the year), you’ll want to treat yourself to these postpartum care items. If you know an expecting mama, then grab all these products and make her the ultimate postpartum care package ever for Mother’s Day.

1. Frida Baby, Fridet (The Momwasher)
After a vaginal delivery, postpartum care in the perineal area (or “down there care”) is imperative to feeling good and makes going to the bathroom a little more tolerable. The problem is at the hospital they give you a squeeze bottle that you have to bend over awkwardly and use upside down and it just isn’t easy to get the comfort you need. With the Fridet, all you have to do is add some warm water and, if you’d like, a drop or two of witch hazel and thanks to the curved neck you can get the water in all the right spots. (For the ultimate baby care kit, be sure to check out the brand’s Baby Basics Kit.)

2. Earth Mama Organics Postpartum Care Products
Whether you need their Periodic Tea to help soothe you throughout the day, their Herbal Sitz Bath to soothe your perineal area or their Skin & Scar Balm to reduce the appearance of a c-section scar you can feel confident in the postpartum care products by Earth Mama. All their products are natural, organic and herbal products created by a nurse & herbalist to really help mothers in their time after giving birth. (Even long after you recover your lips might be addicted to their all-natural lip balm!)

3. Pariday TendHer Perineal Packs
Whether you are recovering from a vaginal delivery or a c-section delivery the TendHer Perineal Packs by Pariday are a postpartum care must-have for all day relief. The TendHer reusable perineal packs can be used as hot or cold packs to relieve your perineal area, for hemorrhoid pain relief or c-section incision relief. The sleeves can be rinsed and reused and they are discreet enough you can tuck them into your underwear. The all-natural gel packs can be reused for up to 8 weeks of postpartum care and relief.

4. UpSpring Post Baby Panty
While most new moms leave the hospital still rocking mesh panties they don’t give much support after delivery. UpSpring Post Baby Panties are made of a medical grade compression that will help to reduce swelling and give your belly the support it needs after pregnancy. If you are recovering from a c-section UpSpring makes the same great panty but with a silicone panel that will provide incision pain relief and aid with scar healing.

5. Mambino Organics Mommy Care Pack
After delivery, it isn’t just the skin on your belly that needs care. A lot of women experience real changes in their skin after delivery and Mambino Organics is formulated to nourish and smooth skin from head to toe. This care pack includes products that will take care of the appearance of stretch marks, give your face its youthful glow back and moistures and tone your skin. Each of these products is only made from organic ingredients and all smell AH-MAZING. You may not get to the spa after you delivery but you can pretend for a few minutes!

6. Bamboobies Washable Nursing Pads
One of our favorite products for breastfeeding and pumping mamas, these nursing pads are not only super absorbent but they are super soft and gentle on your changing breasts. Bamboobies come in a thin variety for day-time use and a thicker, more absorbent variety for overnight and with either one you can be confident you are going to be able to avoid embarrassing leaks. Machine washable and easy to use, these nursing pads might seem like a small item but they will definitely make a big difference in your daily comfort and postpartum care routine.

7. Soma Glass Water Bottle
Hydrating is one of the best things you can do yourself when you are postpartum. Make sure to keep a water bottle close at all times so you can get the recommend 6-8 glass of water in each day. The Soma Glass Water Bottle is made of shatter proof glass and has a stylish, grippy silicone sleeve so you won’t mind carrying it around with you.

8. Belabumbum Nursing Cami & Pant Set
While you are home recovering you want to be super comfortable but that doesn’t mean you have to wear sweatpants or oversized t-shirts. Belabumbum makes beautiful, soft, comfortable and super functional pajamas and lounge wear that you will be happy to snuggle baby in. We love the cami and pant made from ethically sourced 100% pima cotton jersey so you will stay cool at night but still feel covered. There is easy access to nursing with the under bust pull-up and the straps are adjustable so you can make sure you are always comfortable. Learn more about these must-have maternity pajamas in this post.

About the author:

Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids, including one set of twins and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents across the U.S.. She is a sought after modern baby gear expert, has been featured in Pregnancy and Newborn magazine, Fit Pregnancy, US News and World Report, and loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear to creating their registry to preparing for multiples and getting back to work.

Set Yourself Up for Successful Feeding – Instagram Live Q & A

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We’re doing a Set Yourself Up for Successful Feeding Instagram live Q& A with our resident IBCLC, Victoria Facelli and you’re invited!

When and where: Victoria Facelli, IBCLC: Setting Yourself Up For Successful Feeding streamed live on Gugu Guru’s Instagram Thursday, April 5th at 8PM ET (5PM PT.)

Victoria Facelli, IBCLC, will be answering your questions on breastfeeding, bottle feeding and more in this Instagram live Q&A. Victoria Facelli is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), DONA International Certified Postpartum Doula, and part of Gugu Guru’s Concierge network of industry experts that provide a range of services to new and expectant parents. She’s also the owner of Durham Lactation, which is a goals-based lactation consulting service in North Carolina.

In this Instagram Live event, Victoria will share tips on setting yourself up for successful feeding and she’ll also take your questions. If you’re expecting, get a headstart on important breastfeeding advice – and if your baby is already here, get some insights that you may not have gotten at the hospital.

Do you have a specific question about feeding that you’d like us to cover in the Q&A? We’d love to know so Victoria can come prepared! Submit your questions in advance by sending an email to hello@guguguru.com with the subject “Feeding Question”.

Best Side-Gig for Moms – Rent Baby Gear to Traveling Families

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

About fifty percent of Millennials have at least one side-gig. Do you? For side-hustle moms, factors like flexibility, income potential, community, and even fun (it should be fun!) can make working in the gig economy truly rewarding. But what’s the best side-gig for moms?

One side gig all of us at Gugu Guru love is BabyQuip. Do this gig to make money renting out your baby gear to traveling families. You load it up in your car and deliver it to a family’s hotel, vacation rental, or sometimes to a grandparent’s home. It’s a happy gig. Imagine a toddler’s face when you show up at her hotel room with a giant bin of toys.

BabyQuip is a baby gear service marketplace that turns moms into baby gear entrepreneurs. Think Airbnb, but for baby equipment. BabyQuip builds your website, sets up your insurance, drives online traffic to you and then trains you about gear safety, local marketing and delivering exceptional customer service. Their mission is to delight traveling families.

Best of all is that BabyQuip is super baby friendly, which you have to be when you’re powered by moms. You’ll always see babies in their weekly video conference calls. They also connect you to a friendly and supportive community of baby gear entrepreneurs who help you get launched and quickly learn how to grow your business. And did we mention the monthly money you take-home is above average for gig economy work?

So much to love. Get started by letting BabyQuip know you’re interested. Tell them Gugu Guru sent you!

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