Pregnancy

What’s New on Gugu: August 15, 2019

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: 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: 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!

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 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 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

What’s New on Gugu: June 5, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

This week I ended up with a number of products that will be great for summer travel! A new portable crib has just hit the market as well as some maternity friendly swimwear. We also love some new strollers from our friends at gb Pockit. Rounding out my selections this week are a work to play diaper bag backpack and some pre/postnatal friendly nursing gear that is sure to make you feel good!

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

Halo DreamNest Portable Crib: For parents looking for multi-functional products, I’ve found you another one! This portable crib by Halo starts as a rocking bassinet, converts into a portable crib and eventually turns into a cot. Utilizing a mesh mattress and coming with a travel bag, the DreamNest is perfect for on the go.

Summersalt Maternity Swimwear: The Summersalt swim line continues to impress us with their new maternity suits! Summersalt truly knows how to add a sense of style to their suits and this sophisticated line is no exception. Plus, many of these suits will fit whether you are pregnant or not! We will always support brands that are helping our moms and moms-to-be feel good about the ‘skin they’re in!’

New gb Pockit Strollers: There are three new strollers to the gb Pockit family! Pockit+ All-City, Pockit+ All-Terrain, and Pockit Air All-Terrain will fully cover any and all of your strolling needs. The All-City is a great compact stroller perfect for any urban environment. The All-Terrain has built in suspension and double wheels, which will help tackle any bumps as you push to the park. The Air All-Terrain is the ultimate travel accessory! Check out these new strollers today!

Work + Play Backpack in Grey Neoprene (by Petunia Pickle Bottom): We love Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags and their new Work + Play bag is no different. It is gender neutral, water-resistant, and has a laptop sleeve. Perfect for work and play, this bag will help tackle each and every day! Plus it makes a great father’s day gift!

Hotmilk Nursing Collection: We love the Hotmilk Nursing collection! Not only are they incredibly supportive, but they give moms of all stages a chance to feel beautiful! Plus these items will fit you during pregnancy, 4th trimester, and beyond. They are so elegant and comfy that you won’t want to stop wearing them!

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 8, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 15, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 22, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: May 29, 2019

Benefits of Skin to Skin, Simplified

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

There are so many benefits of skin-to-skin contact between a parent and baby—it can help to reduce symptoms of postpartum depression and stress, can help babe cry less, boost babe’s immune system, increase milk production—to name a few. But, sometimes, we could use a little help to make it happen more frequently and easily.

We found the Joeyband and love what it’s doing for bonding and breastfeeding. It is made of a unique, four-way stretch material that creates a “deep pressure touch” for baby—easing both of you into this new world comfortably and securely. With its ergonomic design and support, it has proven to increase breastfeeding success. It brings babe to the breast, instead of bringing the breast to the baby. The hands-free style relieves pressure from the back, neck and shoulders—really helping mama through this new-and-amazing-but-sometimes-challenging time.

Not only does the Joeyband offer comfort for mama, but it’s quite soothing for babes as well by “naturally mimicking the womb.” Plus, it’s easy to use, easy to clean, unisex, adjustable, and can be used after a C-section. And, bonus, there’s no annoying knot to worry about.

It’s also the exclusive skin-to skin product of La Leche League International, and is used in more than 100 hospitals in North America. This expert-recommended product is an amazing solution to many of the pain points felt during the fourth trimester.

Thoughts from a colicky baby’s parent:

“As a mommy of a colicky baby, I found it so hard to get my baby to latch on without a struggle. I can honestly say for the first time my baby did not struggle to latch on. He felt secure and safe during feeding. The best feeling in the world.” – Patricia L.

Have you tried it? We’d love to hear what you think! Feel free to share in the comments below.

What’s New on Gugu: April 24, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

This week’s new finds highlight some great Earth Day friendly selections. Reusable food pouches, baby food makers, and food grade silicone bottles are all great new items for the eco-friendly family. You will also notice some pop culture trends popping up this week. Baby Shark anyone? For loads of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page!

Baby Brezza Food Makers and Reusable Pouches: Earth Day celebrations always remind me to make smart choices regarding the products we use in everyday life. Baby Brezza has continued to make the ‘homemade baby food game’ a reality with easy to use machines and reusable pouches! Simply pop your favorite fruit and/or veggies in the container (love the Glass for eco-friendly or the new Deluxe) and watch them cook and blend with ease. Pour any delicious mixture into the reusable pouch and you’re good to go! Added bonus – the pouches are top-rack dishwasher safe!

Hatch Maternity x Nordstrom: As we (not so) patiently await the arrival of Baby Sussex, it has become much easier to attain our own ‘Markle Sparkle!’ The new collaboration between Hatch Maternity and Nordstrom highlights items from a brand we love so much. Pair together classic tops, pants, and dresses to keep things comfy and chic!

Baby Shark Toys and Walker: The ‘Baby Shark’ craze doesn’t seem to be leaving us anytime soon. Wowwee, the brains behind ‘Fingerlings’ continue to create engaging toys for our little ones. We have a love/hate relationship with their line of singing shark characters, which will instantly burn that catchy tune into your brain! Plus, coming in October is their newest toy, a brand new Baby Shark inspired walker for baby.

Boon NURSH Silicone Bottles: Another Earth Day find, the Boon NURSH bottle system utilizes a special bagged venting system that is reusable. Ideal for preventing gas, easily squeeze the silicone pouch to remove any excess air before feeding your babe. Plus, all parts are dishwasher safe!

Skip Hop Greenwich Convertible Hip Pack: With Mother’s Day around the corner, we love this sleek take on the fanny pack. Great for travel, we love this new hands-free accessory to hold the essentials. Pair with a diaper bag for an excellent gift for any mama-to-be!

Please note that these opinions are 100% my own. 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: March 27, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: April 3, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: April 10, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: April 17, 2019

Claire Holt’s Pregnancy: Top 4 Empowerment Picks

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Gugu Guru has recently had the pleasure of working with the lovely and gorgeous actress and mama-to-be Claire Holt. You may know Claire from the ever popular Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars and we are thrilled to have her on the blog today sharing some wise words on her pregnancy journey. Claire has rounded up her top 4 picks that have helped her feeling empowered and strong during her pregnancy. You can follow Claire and her pregnancy journey on Instagram.

1) Gugu Concierge: I cannot say enough great things about this incredible service. I was so overwhelmed by the sheer mass of information out there – friends ‘must have’ lists, blogs, baby-centric websites, not to mention the millions of amazon reviews. Everywhere I looked there was conflicting information. How was I supposed to narrow it down to what I really needed? How could I be sure that I was making the right choice for my little man? I thank my lucky stars every day for Monica, Julie and Abby over at GG. They were completely in tune with my lifestyle and style preferences, which allowed them to recommend the best products for my family. It was all so simple and efficient, and I will always be grateful to them for helping me navigate this crazy, life changing journey.

2) Ava Bracelet: I suffered from pretty significant anxiety during my pregnancy, which I’m sure is the result of my previous miscarriage. Once I started to use the Ava, I felt the sense of dread ease. It gives me really valuable health insights and monitors my sleep and stress levels. I’m the type of person who feels more in control of my situation if I have as much information as possible, so this is incredibly helpful. I’m excited to use the bracelet throughout my postpartum journey, as I become familiar with my body again. I’ll certainly be using it when I’m ready to try for baby 2 (WHICH IS A LONGGGG WAY OFF!!!).

3) Lori Bregman: My doula, Lori, has been a true angel! She has worked with me throughout this journey to prepare for childbirth, postpartum, and all of the major changes to come. I have such a strong bond with Lori and feel so ready to face Labor Day with her by my side! Her ‘no judgement’ approach really resonates with me. I’ve noticed that there is a lot of mommy-shaming when it comes to birth and beyond, and I love that Lori is actively working to challenge that. Her books “The Mindful Mom-to-Be” and “Mamaste” are really insightful, and I felt like I first connected to my son while doing one of the meditations in her book. I know that most readers don’t live in LA/have access to Lori, but I would still highly recommend hiring a doula!

4) Dr Elliot Berlin: I’m certain I would be wheelchair bound if it weren’t for Dr B! He is an incredible chiropractor who has eased all of my aches and pains over the past 9 months. Dr Berlin is so knowledgeable, especially when it comes to pregnancy. He’s like a walking encyclopedia! What is so special about him is that he’s like a therapist to me in addition to a healer. Every time I leave a session, I come away comforted and empowered by his stories, his guidance, and his kindness. Again, not everyone will be able to visit this wizard, however I really believe that chiropractic work is so beneficial during pregnancy.

What’s New on Gugu: March 6, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

We’re back with another What’s New on Gugu! This week we’re sharing some items that are brand new to the market and others are oldies but goodies that you may not know about. For loads of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page!

Preggo Pickles: After trying this product at a baby show this past weekend, I was blown away! Not only are they delicious but they will truly satisfy that pickle craving that haunts many moms during pregnancy. Their unique flavors have also been created to support pregnant/new mom challenges (i.e. nausea and nursing). As an added bonus, they are extremely low in sodium when compared to other pickles on the market. So pregnant mamas crunch away!

bblüv Foöd and Döse: While National Snack Month may have ended (bye February!) we are still loving these new food storage containers from bblüv. Perfect for meals on the go, Foöd (coming soon!) is leak and odor proof and will keep your food warm (or cold) with it’s insulated walls. Plus the top can be used as a shallow bowl (with built in spoon!). Paired with the Döse stackable snack container, you will be set for on-the-go eating!

Magnetic Me Clothing: While these are not new to the market, the Magnetic Me Footies are always on my list of must-haves for new parents. The magnetic closure on these newborn essentials will be a game changer for those early days. The fabrics are so soft (I love the eco-friendly modal) and the patterns are adorable!

Toofeze: You’ve all been there (or will be soon!). Your little one is in pain from teething and nothing seems to be helping. Until Toofeze! A teether made of food-grade silicone and stainless steel, your baby will instantly be drawn to the cool relief. When the stainless disc finally does warm up, simply stick it into a glass of cool (or ice) water and it will instantly chill. This will quickly become one of baby’s favorite toys.

Solly Baby Spring Collection: Another oldie but goodie, we often recommend the Solly Wrap to our users as a must-have for the fourth trimester. Not only do they have exceptional wrap carriers, but we also love the swaddle blankets and layette sets. Their new Spring collection is few of beautiful colors, and even a few patterns all great for Mom or Dad!

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

What’s New on Gugu: February 6 2019

What’s New on Gugu: February 13, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: February 20, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: February 27, 2019

Meet the Mompreneur: Jessica Hill from The Parent Collective

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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.

Meet the Mompreneur: Sahra Cahoon of the Mama App

Mompreneur Spotlight: Jessica Rolph of Lovevery

Mompreneur Spotlight: Leche Libre Plus Size Nursing Clothing Line

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for #3

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We’re so excited to have a guest post today by our urban mama, Megan – she just delivered her third child and she’s here to tell you all about everything she packed in her hospital bag this time around! You can follow Megan at her hysterically funny Instagram, GirlGoneChildinNYC.

Hi Gugu Guru Moms! I’m GirlgonechildinNYC and I just returned home from having my third baby in four years. Yes, I do not how it keeps happening. I’m a planner, an expert packer for vacations and a somewhat know-it-all when it comes to new mom products. Some women geek out on fashion and shoes, I geek out on new breast pumps. I work on the Merch Team over at Jetblack and my job is to know all the coolest new products coming on the market for moms and babies. I got a ton of questions about what I was packing in my hospital bag for baby #3 so Gugu Guru was nice enough to let me share all my top must have mom products for your hospital bag here.

The Hospital Bag: The Signature NONA Bag is my go to for everything parenting and as a bonus it’s beautiful. I use it for everyday essentials as a working mom to lugging the kids around the city. It’s even spacious enough for me to use to as my hospital bag for my personal items. You can see more about the NONA bag in our fashion gift guide, too.

A Soft Robe: I love a good soft robe that is also photo worthy and I love the cute designs at Pink Blush. This robe was a hit at the hospital by other moms and even the nursing staff!

A File Folder: You go to the hospital with a ton of paper and you leave the hospital with a ton of papers. Make it easier on yourself by packing a file folder to store everything so you don’t lose any important information.

Slippers: Comfy slippers are key to a good hospital stay. Whether you’re pacing the hallways before an epidural or taking your first steps after a C-sections you want to be in something comfy. I’m loving my new Birdies. These indoor/outdoor slippers are perfect for feeling like a Queen after delivery.

Portable Speaker: While I’ve had three C-sections I did do my time in labor with my first son at 57 hours and trust me, it would have been a lot worse if I did not have a portable speaker with me. There is only so much daytime TV one can handle. Also, if you get a cool doctor she may even let you take the speaker into the OR if you have a c-section. My middle child was pulled out of my belly to Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl and my newest daughter was born to Ziggy Stardust blasting in the OR.

Pillow and Eye Pillow: I learned the hard way to bring my own pillow to the hospital. Hospital pillows aren’t known for being super comfortable and you’ll want as much sleep as you can get with a new baby. Luckily my favorite pillow, Night Pillow makes a Compression Travel Case that makes traveling with it super convenient. Also, don’t forget an Eye Pillow to help you get some shut eye.

Comfy PJs: Comfy PJ’s are key to lying around the hospital. I love my pajamas from Bestaroo and the V-neck makes it easy to breastfeed in.

Mom’s Going Home Outfit: When you finally make your escape from the hospital with your new bundle of joy don’t forget something comfy and easy to put on. I love a good cashmere matching sweat suit like the one I have from Design History.

Toiletry Bag: I love my toiletry bag from Hudson+Bleecker!

Under Eye Masks: I swear by a good under eye mask and my favorite is still Baggage Claim by Wander Beauty.

Brightening Essence: After labor or major surgery you’ll need something to brighten up your face and bonus if it’s all natural plus it works, Matrescence.

Dry Shampoo: We all have our favorite brand depending on hair type.

Waterproof Mascara: There will be tears and cameras. Regular mascara isn’t going to cut it.

Towel: Hospital towels are not known for being large and even though you’ll be feeling 10 lbs lighter you’ll still need a bigger towel than they offer.

Compression Sock: When you think compression socks you might think little old lady but Vim&Vigr makes the most stylish compression socks and you’ll need them for that postpartum swelling.

Corset: I’ve slipped a Bellefit on 24 hours after both kids were born even with a C-section. Corsets can help reduce swelling, they can protect and support the c section incision and also help with recovering from Diastiasis Recti which I unfortunately get having big babies. I also recommend purchasing some in several different sizes to help with your waistline as time goes on.

Diapers for Her: Yes we’ve all seen the horrified post by Chrissy Teigen but truth is the hospital underwear is awful and pads just don’t do the trick postpartum.

Stool Softener: Did you know most hospitals won’t let you leave until you’ve had a postpartum poop. The only thing worse about pushing a baby out of you or being split open is being expected to poop 24 hours later. If you don’t like taking pills might I suggest a nice smooth move tea as well.

Lollipops: If you’re in labor and at risk of having a C-section you’ll be cut off from food and water which isn’t pleasant when you’re having contractions. The silver lining? You’re allowed to have Lollipops. Don’t get stuck with Dum-Dums and bring the Yum Organics good stuff.

Mom Washer: I don’t have to explain why you need this but Fridababy makes a cutely marketed product called the Fridet so it makes the reality of why you can’t wash yourself a little less painful.

Ice Pack: This particular ice pack is not for your head, it’s for your vagina. I’ve never had natural birth but my girlfriends have told me Vagikool does wonders.

Femme Wipes: Parasol makes the cutest little wipes for women plus they’re flushable and biodegradable.

Nursing Pillow: The nursing pillow at the hospital is key if you’re planning on breastfeeding. The last thing you want to do after labor or a c-section is to get a cramp in your back. The Nook Niche feeding pillow is changing the game for nursing moms everywhere.

Nursing Bra: I first saw the Milx nursing bra a few months ago at mom event at Of Mercer. I love that this bra doesn’t have snaps and I can easily just pull the bra to the side and it also is pump friendly. It’s the most comfortable.

Nipple Balm: I always love the products from Earth Mama Organics and their nipple balm has always helped keep my nipples from cracking.

Nursing Top: Loyal Hana has one of the cutest nursing tanks with the hidden zipper design. You can’t even tell it’s a breastfeeding top. Plus you get a wow factor to other moms when you bust out your boob with the hidden zipper in a public place.

Nursing Consultant: Boober is an NYC based lactation consultant who can come to you or answer questions over the phone about nursing. Even if you don’t live in the NYC area I recommend you finding a lactation consultant near you to help with breastfeeding. Especially with your first child and you’re new to the whole process. I personally find nursing harder than pregnancy and you had a someone help you throughout pregnancy why not nursing?

Swaddles: ErgoPouch is one of the easiest to use swaddles on the market! Plus they have adorable designs too.

Baby Hats: I always find the cutest newborn hats and mittens on Etsy or Monica & Andy have the best sets too.

Portable Sound Machine: Wavhello Soundbub is a product I will never stop raving about. I love multifunctional products and the Soundbub is a sound machine and portable speaker in one. Inside the womb is noisy so when the baby comes they aren’t used to the silence. The sound machine works wonders for this transition.

Sleepers: I always bring several sleepers for the baby to change into after birth.

Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil is key to putting on the babies butt before they have their first poop. The Coconut oil helps wipe away all that sticky meconium.

Infant Car Seat: Always bring your infant car seat to the hospital for the ride home. A game changer car seat/stroller on the market right now is the Doona. It’s perfect for city living and hopping in and out of a taxi.

Something Instagramable: Even your ex-boyfriend who doesn’t post on Facebook posts a picture of his new baby, right? I always pack a cute swaddle and name tag to make that first picture extra adorable.

Going Home Outfit: Don’t forget to pack an adorable and seasonally appropriate outfit for the baby to wear home. My go to brand for the cold weather is Polarn O Pyret.

Electronics

Camera
Extra Long Phone Charger (you never know how far away the socket will be)
SD Card Adapter
Laptop
Airpods

Nurses Gifts: I always pack a small gift for the nurses. Truth is: if the hospital catches on fire I want her to like me more than the girl next to me.

Coffee Gift Cards
Sephora does amazing $15 goodie bags
Matcha Sticks
Grab a gift card from a manicure place close by the hospital

Sibling Gifts: Becoming a Big Sibling is a lot for kid to adjust to. Sometimes a little gift from the newest addition helps ease the transition.

Big Bro/Big Sis Tattoos
Baby Doll Carrier
Big Bro/Big Sis T-shirt
Activity Book

Arm & Hammer Bright and Strong for Pregnant Mamas

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In this sponsored post, we’re super excited to introduce you to Arm & Hammer Bright and Strong toothpaste; did you know Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong is the only toothpaste with Triple Enamel Protection, fluoride, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, plus Liquid Calcium Technology? It’s ideal for pregnant moms too – especially those experiencing morning sickness. We had some Gugu Village members check out the toothpaste, so read on to see why they are loving it during pregnancy and beyond.

Shannan: The day you find out you’re expecting – whether for the first time or the fourth time – so many emotions, thoughts, and concerns run through your head! There is so much to be thankful for, excited about, but also to decipher between! Not all products are created equal & that is why I am so excited about Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste! Oral care is a really important factor in all of that and Arm & Hammer has made toothpaste that is really thinking of us pregnant moms. I am thankful for anything that makes a mom’s life better. Morning sickness can cause acidic pH levels in the mouth and the stomach acid can cause enamel issues during your pregnancy. We all want to feel our best and know that we are taking care of ourselves to the best of our ability.

Kisha: If you’ve followed my pregnancy journey you know one of the things I’ve had to deal with is morning sickness/Hyperemesis Gravidarum. With my first pregnancy though, I never knew the importance of taking care of my teeth while pregnant. I had no clue the increased acidic activity in my mouth from morning sickness was damaging my teeth. I’m so happy to have found Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste. It has a one-of-a-kind formula that will help repair, strengthen, and protect your teeth from acid that can erode your enamel surface.

Denisse: With little Leah cooking in my belly, it’s so important to take care of myself. Specifically my mouth, to keep my teeth strong and healthy. Part of my morning routine is brushing with Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste along with my electric brush for a better cleaning. The reason why I do this? Well if you don’t know, morning sickness leads to acidic PH levels in the mouth. (Side note – If you get sick, make sure to rinse with water and baking soda (1 tsp baking soda + 1 cup water) first to neutralize the acids!) This product is able to help strengthen enamel with fluoride, neutralize enamel-eroding acids with baking soda, and repairs the enamel surface with Liquid Calcium Technology. Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste is free of triclosan, parabens, artificial preservatives, and microbeads. You should definitely try it out!

Megan: Did you know brushing with Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste can be beneficial to moms suffering from morning sickness? I know I needed this my first trimester when I was sick (not to mention chasing around my two older kids!) Stomach acid caused by morning sickness can create enamel issues with pearly whites. Did you know that brushing with Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong Toothpaste will: 1) strengthen enamel with fluoride; 2) neutralize enamel-eroding acids with baking soda; 3) help repair enamel surface with Liquid Calcium Technology? I love that Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong is free of triclosan, parabens, artificial preservatives, and microbeads so you’ll be putting no harmful chemicals in your body while pregnant.

April: Since morning sickness can lead to some serious acidic pH levels in the mouth (yep, that awful metallic taste in your mouth that won’t hardly go away, if you’ve experienced it, you know what I’m talking about) I made sure to brush my teeth as often as I could stand. Not only did it help keep my breath fresher, but it helped keep my pearly whites healthy, as well as helping cut down on my never ending nausea. As many of you all know, I’m super careful about what products we bring into our home, and since pregnancy is an especially sensitive time for a woman’s body and for the baby growing inside, I wanted to make sure I was only using the best. Arm & Hammer Bright & Strong toothpaste is made with 35% natural baking soda and is free from many of the not-so-good-for-you ingredients that we like to avoid (ingredients like triclosan, parabens, artificial preservatives, and microbeads to name a few). So it was the perfect choice for me and our baby.

Thank you to Church & Dwight for making this sponsored post possible – we are so appreciative.

Gugu Gift Guide: Holiday Maternity Gifts

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Holiday time is the perfect time of year to shop for all of the special pregnant ladies in your life! We rounded up some of our favorite and unique holiday gifts for pregnant mamas, including clothing, fun gifts, and more. Read on to learn more about our holiday gifts for pregnant women and exclusive Gugu Guru discounts.

Love + Kind Wrap Skirt: If you’re looking for the perfect unique gift for a stylish pregnant mom friend (or yourself), we’re huge fans of the Love + Kind Wrap Skirts, as they can be worn pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, and post-partum! Love + Kind was founded by Danielle Camastra, whom went on a well building trip to Tanzania and was deeply moved by all of the communities she visited; upon her return, she wanted to share all of the beauty from Tanzania with the world. Love + Kind believes that “every skirt has a magical quality and people are drawn to the love and passion with which they were made,” and it’s not hard to fall in love with these beyond gorgeous skirts! Each skirt is one-of-a-kind made from local fabrics and created by Tanzanian artisans. They are elegantly constructed from fabrics available in only extremely limited quantities, and each piece will vary slightly in appearance for a unique look. The skirts have a lovely weight to them, and both the Swirly Whirly Wrap Skirt (left) and the Cosmos Skirt (right) feature a slight sparkle, so you can easily dress the skirt up or down! The Love + Kind skirts are also a fantastic holiday party option for post-partum moms, as they hide any bumps or lumps and look sophisticated and elegant!

The Motherhood Card Deck: If you’re looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for a mom in your life, especially a new mom or a mom-to-be, we highly recommend checking out The Motherhood Deck! As we know, motherhood can include a huge range of emotions, and sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day survival with a new baby that we forget to prioritize time for ourselves as new moms! The Motherhood Deck is a totally unique and meaningful gift to give to your mama friends this holiday. The Motherhood Card Deck offers a combination of 53 questions and topics that can be combined in endless ways – either on your own, or in a group of ladies. Topics range from sleep, to toys, to relationships, body image – and everything in between. The Motherhood Card Deck will help any mom to connect with herself, her values, and her priorities. Unlike all the other gifts she’ll receive that are all about baby, this present is truly about her, and it will actually support her through this big life transition. And in doing so, it’ll show her how much you love and are there for her. While The Motherhood Deck is perfect for expecting and new mothers, it’s also an amazing present for moms with toddlers and older children too, as well as a special holiday present to give women in your life who make motherhood possible – whether it’s your doula, midwife, obstetrician, pediatrician, counselor, or other professional in your life who supports women and mothers, this is a meaningful gift that shows your thoughtfulness. The Motherhood Deck is a perfect little gift to send to a long-distance or online friend, too. Use code GUGUGURU for 20% off all purchases of Motherhood Decks by January 1st, 2019.

Sparkling Mama Citrus and Ginger Morning Sickness Relief: As a pregnant mama, holiday time can be tiring, especially if you’re feeling morning sickness, or feel down because you can’t enjoy a holiday drink! We’re so excited to introduce you to Sparkling Mama, a morning sickness relief that will help any pregnant woman feel their best. The Sparkling Mama Fizzelixir is an effervescent powder that dissolves in any beverage to help alleviate morning sickness; it features a combination of four scientifically proven morning sickness ingredients in one dose: ginger, lemon vitamins B6 and magnesium, and is flavored with lemon and ginger extracts. What’s unique about Sparkling Mama is that the bubbles help increase absorption of key ingredients without causing tummy irritation like swallowing pills! Plus, the vitamin and ingredient combo is also associated with helping muscle cramps that can often come with pregnancy. The Sparkling Mama Fizzelixir uses pure sugar cane and is caffeine free, additive free and dye free, making it super safe for pregnant women to enjoy all day long. The Sparkling Mama packages make a fantastic stocking stuffer for a pregnant mom, and a perfect addition to any holiday party so pregnant mamas can enjoy some bubbly drinks too! Use code GURUMama for buy one get one 1/2 off!

Produce Tees: If you’re looking for a unique and fun gift for a pregnant mama in your life, you have to check out Produce Tees; Produce Tees are the perfect gift for any mama who wants to document her pregnancy in a super fun and different way! Produce Tees variety of fruit and veggie designs that match baby’s size and are a unique accompaniment that will take her through every stage of pregnancy. Plus, their t-shirts are made as extra-long non-maternity shirts, so they can be worn beyond pregnancy, too – an ideal gift! We can’t stop obsessing over their watermelon shirt and matching watermelon onesie, what a special gift for holidays or baby showers. Produce Tees packages are beyond cute, made to look like a berry box – they don’t even need to be wrapped; plus, moms can use the sturdy box to hold mementos or sonograms, too! The Produce Tees shirts are super soft and will make any pregnant mom feel stylish and put-together; they can easily be dressed up with earrings and heels, or dressed down in yoga pants and flip-flops; either way, they are a special gift that can be given year round to any pregnant mom, we know she’ll get a kick out of it and want to share on social media!

The Birth Deck: When the Gugu Guru team came across The Birth Deck, we knew it was a stocking stuffer we had to share with you all! The perfect little holiday gift for any pregnant woman, The Birth Deck is a one-of-a-kind educational gift that is meant to inspire and instill confidence in any pregnant mama. The Birth Deck is a giant deck of cards that teaches 50 easy ways to support a woman in labor through massage, hypnosis, affirmations, visualizations, labor positions and other simple tips. No studying, no classes, just clear directions and illustrations. The Birth Deck is unique in that is designed to guide the birth partner, and even includes simple support suggestions such as bringing ice chips and lip balm to a woman in labor. The Birth Deck is the ultimate gift for anyone expecting a baby in the coming months. Unlike a book, there is no required commitment prior to labor, just open and use; plus, it is super lightweight and easy to carry in your hospital bag. Another reason we love The Birth Deck is that their philosophy is agnostic, making it empowering for women wanting a natural birth and women planning on using pain medication. The Birth Deck is not only a great gift for any pregnant mama, but her partner, doulas, friends, and more! Use promo code GUGU for $5 off orders over $50.

Skin and Senses Fearless Stretch Mark Body Butter: Another fantastic stocking stuffer for pregnant moms is the Skin and Senses Fearless Stretch Mark Body Butter; this all natural, organic body butter is known for preventing stretch marks and providing skin hydration. Fearless Body Butter is actually a great gift for anyone even thinking about becoming pregnant, as they recommend using it prior to pregnancy to prep the skin for stretching. Used during pregnancy, this organic and vegan cream is used to prevent stretch marks, and for an overall feeling of well-being. You can also use it after pregnancy to help your skin snap back; it can be used on any part of the body, especially the stomach and breasts! Fearless Body Butter has been known to heal the dreaded PUPPS rash during pregnancy and also helps eczema and psoriasis. It comes in unscented, as well as luminous, that has notes of pink cotton candy, sweet lemon drops, raspberries, fig leaves, caramel, Sicilian orange, Barbe-a-Papa, Lily of the Valley, and powdery vanilla musk, and luna, that is a relaxing blend of French Lavender and Fir Pine, enhanced with Egyptian Jasmine and sweetened with pure Vanilla, softened with delicate Musks. The Skin and Senses Fearless Stretch Mark Body Butter is an ideal holiday gift for any woman who wants to keep her skin healthy and smooth. Use code Fearless10 for 10% off.

Still doing holiday shopping? Don’t forget to check out our other gift guides:

Thank you to Sparkling Mama, The Motherhood Deck, Produce Tees, Love + Kind, Skin and Senses, and The Motherhood Card Deck for making this sponsored post possible – we are so appreciative of you!

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