Pregnancy

IVF Q & A with Jenni Pulos

Jenni Pulos, best known as Jeff Lewis’ awesome right-hand woman on Bravo TV’s Flipping Out, has been very public about her problems with conception. Jenni and her husband celebrated the birth of their miracle second daughter Georgia Grace in June of 2017. In this week’s Q&A, Gugu Guru sat down with Jenni Pulos to talk IVF.

GG: Were there any quotes or mantras that got you through the tough times?
JP: With God All Things Are Possible

GG: What was the most discouraging moment in you IVF journey? How did you get through it?
JP: After everything I had been through … there was only one viable egg … but friends said you only need one.

GG: What was the most uplifting / happiest moment in your IVF journey? How did you celebrate it?
JP: The birth and gift of Georgia Nassos … a gift I celebrate every minute of every day.

GG: Now that you’ve had your miracle baby, what is the one piece of advice you would share with other moms who are about to embark on this journey themselves?
JP: We never know life’s outcomes … we can only choose our attitude and responses. If IVF did not work we were seriously considering adoption. If you want to be parents I believe your baby will find you.

About Jenni Pulos

Jenni Pulos was a Greek-American actress, writer, and rapper working in Los Angeles on stage, commercials, film and television when one of her part-time jobs as Executive Assistant to Jeff Lewis became Bravo’s Emmy-nominated hit Flipping Out and its spinoff, Interior Therapy. In 2012, Jenni wed Dr. Jonathan Nassos, an orthopedic surgeon currently practicing in Los Angeles. Together they welcomed their first child, Alianna Marika, in June 2013. In 2014, in an episode of “Flipping Out,” Alianna’s birth was highlighted and resulted in a Primetime Emmy nomination for the show.

Introducing Our New Monthly Social Series: Your Best Bundle

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We’ve been working Whitney Port and the Bundle Organics team to launch a new series. Your Best Bundle will be a new expert series where each month we’ll tackle a different topic related to achieving your best and healthiest life as a parent, from pregnancy to birth and beyond.

We plan to cover a wide range of mom essentials in the Your Best Bundle series, from fit pregnancy tips to clean eating, home care, sleep strategies for babies and parents and more. We’re open to your suggestions too! If you have a topic you’d like us to cover, feel free to email yourbestbundle@bundleorganics.com.

When and where: Series 1: Your Best Bundle with Victoria Facelli, IBCLC: Breastfeeding Basics streamed live on the Bundle Organics Instagram Thursday, October 5th at 9PM ET (6PM PT.)

Episode 1: Your Best Bundle with Victoria Facelli, IBCLC: Breastfeeding Basics

First up in our series is “Breastfeeding Basics” with Victoria Facelli, IBCLC. 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 breastfeeding 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 breastfeeding basics 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 yourbestbundle@bundleorganics.com with the subject “Breastfeeding Question”.

Maternity Jeans for Every Budget

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

When it comes to dressing your bump, a good pair of maternity jeans is key! Our editor polled one of her online mama groups and asked what their favorite maternity jeans were – for every budget! Here’s the top two picks for every different wallet size.

Budget-Friendly Maternity Jeans:

Left: Maternity Crossover Panel® Bootcut Jeans – Isabel Maternity, $25 – Hands down, when it comes to affordable maternity wear, Target is the lowest price. While H+M and Old Navy were also super popular, their maternity jeans were actually higher priced than any of Target’s options. These cute jeans have a little straight-leg to them, for the mamas who don’t love the super skinny look.

Right: Maternity Crossover Panel® Jeggings – Isabel Maternity, $25 – many moms we talked to sang the praises of jeggings for pregnancy! These Target jeggings with a full belly panel look chic and comfy.

Mid-Price Range Maternity Jeans:

Left: Motherhood Secret Fit Belly Stitched Pocket Boot Cut Maternity Jeans, $50 – these were our editor’s favorite jeans for pregnancy; she wore them throughout both pregnancies, and her husband even said they looked better on her than her non-maternity jeans!

Right: Three Seasons Maternity Women’s Maternity Bootcut Denim with Neutral Belly Band, $40 – The Three Seasons brand keep coming up in the group as a go-to brand for maternity; one mama said, “I bought and wore these for almost 2 years with back-to-back pregnancies and they still look new!!!“

High-Priced Maternity Jeans:

Left: Ag Jeans Secret Fit Belly Maternity Jeans, $200 – $300 – these came up time and again from the mamas, at a higher price range, they surely aren’t for every budget, but as one mama said, “pricey, but three pairs lasted me through two (and counting) pregnancies without stretching, losing shape or fading.”

Right: Joe’s Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jeans. $200 – $250 – another popular maternity jean in the higher price range, a mama fan of Joe’s says, “I’ve always found Joe’s denim to be soft, extremely comfortable, and have a good amount of stretch, which worked out fantastically well for a growing belly. I’m a big comfort person but I also love fashion and designers so the two lined up nicely as well. I remember trying on other maternity designer jeans and those not fitting as well or as comfortable as Joe’s.”

Check out some more maternity style inspiration:

Maternity Fashion FAQs: Finally Answered by Le Tote

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Standing in front of a closet full of clothes that don’t fit anymore, mornings can get quite frustrating. It’s hard enough dressing right for your body type; add a growing bump to the mix and things can get overwhelming.

Contrary to how easy our favorite fashionistas make it look, transitioning to maternity fashion is not always that seamless.

Enter Le Tote Maternity. A fashion rental service that lets you borrow unlimited clothes and accessories, starting at $49 a month. Don’t forget to use code GUGU for 50% OFF your first month! (Expires 09/30/2017)

Here is a list of the most frequently-asked Maternity Fashion FAQs: Finally Answered by Le Tote to help you bump up your style.

What should I look for when buying maternity jeans?

While the style depends on your personal taste — skinny, boyfriend or classic straight leg, the key is adjustability. Whether you are an over or under the belly kind of girl, always look for jeans with elastic panels to accommodate your growing bump.

What is the best way to flatter my baby bump?

The one word answer is a belt. Use it to accessorize as well as accentuate your curves. Belt above your bump to avoid the parachute look. Find belts that are thin or stretchy or better still, both!

Do I have to avoid bright colors?

Not at all! Take advantage of your natural glow and rock colors that you normally wouldn’t. Deep oranges, hot pinks and vibrant blues… Enjoy this judgement-free time!

What kind of prints can I pull off?

Any and every kind of print! Pick an iconic statement if you are feeling bold, or a vibrant graphic print if you are in the mood for some fashion fun. A subtle micro print is great for work or weekend.

Which trimester calls for true maternity wear?

The second trimester. You can get away with wearing your own clothes in the first trimester because the bump isn’t visible yet. Once you start showing, it’s time to build your maternity wardrobe with essentials like easy knit dresses, work blouses and classic denim.

What are some closet essentials I should look out for?

These five pieces are essentials you will wear well beyond your term. Made to adapt to your changing body and versatile enough to be dressed up or down, think of these as your maternity closet MVPs, pieces that you can wear during AND after.

Go-To Skinny Jeans: You will love the comfort of your stretchy maternity skinny jeans long after the baby comes.

The Wrap Dress: No other silhouette accommodates a growing bump AND hides a less than perfect post-baby belly quite like a wrap dress.

Easy Draped Nursing Wrap: Drape style nursing wraps metamorphose into a chic third piece, aka the easiest way to elevate the simplest of looks.

Basic T-shirt Dress: An easy T-shirt dress that will rescue the I-don’t-have-anything-to-wear days during the pregnancy and much after.

Essential White Top: A basic white top — dressed up or down — has to be our number 1 building block of any weekend wardrobe.

Metropolitan Mom Style

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

When it comes to maternity style, sometimes it can be difficult to pull-together a chic look; whether it is for work or play, sometimes a mama just wants to feel swank and Metropolitan. The Metropolitan Mom style is all about a streamlined look, lots of black staples, and colorful accessories. We rounded up some style finds for the Metropolitan Mom Style, maternity edition.

Clothing pictured: Black + White Contrast Maternity Top & Maternity Ankle Drawstring Pants; Little Black Maternity Dress; Double Keyhole Maternity Top

Stowaway Collection: When co-founder, Stephanie’s belly grew too big for non-maternity wear, she and her mom went on a girl’s day shopping for maternity clothing and came home empty handed! They decided to start their own line of fashion forward maternity clothing, and Stowaway was born. Stowaway Collection was founded on the premise that the maternity clothing should take you from desk to dinner, and could easily be dressed up or down – whether for hanging around the house or date night, Stowaway will help you feel chic and sleek. Stowaway Collection is made in the USA from luxurious fabrics designed to keep you in style long past pregnancy. Stowaway understands that your bump can be hard to dress sometimes, so they have free returns back with their shipping label (woohoo!). Plus, they offer free shipping anywhere in the United States including Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. It’s a win-win! We also love their assortment of dresses which are perfect for your baby shower. Stowaway Collection is perfect for the Metropolitan Mom style with their clean lines, modern styles, and easy to wear clothing. You can find Stowaway on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

charlotte+asher Diaper Bags: charlotte+asher was founded by two friends who were frustrated by the lack of attractive baby bags so they decided to make their own! As they say, “Even though the inside of baby bags mostly hold baby’s things, we know that the outside is really for mom–the woman whose desire for fashion doesn’t change upon entering motherhood. We were inspired to create a bag where fashion meets function for the everyday, busy, chic, incredible mom. And because the bag doesn’t scream ‘baby!’ it can be carried stylishly for work and travel, too.” We’re not only big fans of the chic style of charlotte+asher’s bags, but they are a company founded on the premise of giving back, too. With every bag sold, charlotte+asher provides five vaccinations to children in need through Shot@Life. charlotte+asher bags come in a diaper bag style (we would seriously never know this was a diaper bag, it looks like a sexy briefcase!) and a tote bag style. These bags have everything you need to stay organized, efficient and elegant – lots of pockets, room for water bottles, zip-closures and more! You can find charlotte+asher on Facebook and Instagram.

Maison Miru: When it comes to accessories for mama, we are loving Maison Miru for fun and affordable accessories for the Metropolitan Mom. Their streamlined jewelry features modern designs such as their fun superhero collection, which is a a grown up take on the friendship jewelry you exchanged with your friends on the schoolyard playground. Maison Miru has a fantastic collection of rings, earrings, ear bars, necklaces, and bracelets. Traditional enough for a work environment, with a modern flair, these pieces will surely be the sparkle you need for your Metropolitan Mom style look – all without breaking the bank! You can find Maison Miru on their Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you to Stowaway Collection for sponsoring this post.

Angelique All Day: Why You Should Take a Babymoon (and it isn’t for the reason you think!)

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

The lovely and talented mama-to-be and star of CBS’ Life in Pieces, Angelique Cabral, is back today sharing why every couple must, must, must go on a babymoon – and it isn’t for the reason you’d think! Read on to hear about Angelique’s experience on her babymoon and what she suggests all couples should do together before baby comes.

Want to see what Angelique wears to work out during pregnancy? She shares here!

2 weeks ago I went on my “babymoon,” which is something I:

a) didn’t think I would ever do (or want to do)
b) now that I’ve done it, can’t imagine NOT doing

My hubby and I struggled with the idea of a “babymoon”- it sounds so cheesy and excessive. It’s just a vacation! Call it that!! And it’s such a #thing, especially here in LA, that I rolled my eyes at the idea. And then there’s the issue of WHERE??? I had always envisioned jetting off to Cabo or Puerto Vallarta for a few romantic days. But now with the threat of Zika, Mexico is off limits. Then I was toying with the idea of something local, but I know me and my hubby, and we do not relax unless we are out of our area code. So I knew we had to get outta dodge.

I was talking to my Mom about her pregnancy with me, and she kept going on and on about the beauty of Hawaii (I was born in Honolulu)— the sweet air, afternoon rain showers, swimming in the ocean all day, the fresh fruit and chill vibe of the Islands…

And just like that, I was sold.

It made sense– to go back to my birthplace, carrying my own daughter, and complete this circle of life. I’m so #emo (not just now during pregnancy, but always) and it made me bawl just to think of it. I looked at all of the islands and what they have to offer, and decided on Kauai. It’s the most northern of the islands, and the most rural and untouched (besides Molakai which tourists aren’t encouraged, and Lenai, which was too remote for us). They call it The Garden Isle ’cause it’s so lush, and who doesn’t love a garden?

We stayed at the St. Regis in Princeville, which was stunning. I’m not a big spender (I clip coupons and love a bargain), but had gotten a deal there so I splurged. Just this once. And boy, was it worth it. The room, our view, the hotel – everything about it was decadent and stunning and traditional “Old Hawaii” which was exactly what I was looking for.

Now even though it was amazing, the fact still remains that my husband and I aren’t great at relaxing, so it took us a good 2 days out of 5 to chill out. We were up every morning before 6 am (3 hour time change is reeeeeal tricky), went to the gym, hiked around the property, went out for breakfast, and were at the beach by 9 am. We explored the entire island (note: rent a car, totes worth it!!!), went on an incredible helicopter tour (most of the island is unreachable by car so it’s the only way to see it!!) and ate alllllll of the shaved ice. And we were in bed at 9pm. Nailed it!

And the whole time, I was just kinda treating this like a normal vacay, (without all the beverages LOL). I was very good at ignoring the elephant in the room which was: THIS IS OUR BABYMOON! The last vacay just the two of us! Before our lives change forever! Before baby comes! It was all too deep and immense to think about, so I compartmentalized it, which I am very good at.

But then, on our last night there, I lost it. On our way to dinner in our tiny rental car, I was sweating and crying and snotting everywhere. I sobbed and wept like I never have.

Through snots, I was able to articulate all I had been keeping bottled up for…. maybe this entire pregnancy: I was going to be a Mom. And all of my thoughts and energy were going to go to this tiny person we created, whom I have yet to meet, but whom I already love more than anything. And I am already mourning NOT being pregnant. I’ve gotten so used to her being with me, taking her everywhere I go, protecting her from the outside world. She’s my bestie! And in a couple of short months, I she will be outside of me, and I will be empty, and I won’t be able to protect her anymore. And am I ready….? Can I do this….? It’s just too much to think about, so I hadn’t really until then, and my heart (and tear ducts) just burst open.

Jason, as always, is my rock, and stroked my hair and hand and told me all the right things: that it was all going to be ok, and that I’m already the best Mommy to our Baby, that we are ready and going to be great parents. He shared his own concerns and thoughts, and for the first time, I saw him as a Daddy, a man who will protect our daughter and love her unconditionally.

I took a deep, deep breath, and I felt so close to him, to our baby, to our new life that we are forging together. And as I wiped the snot away, I felt a sense of relief; to get all that off my chest and be honest with where I am at, and to know that I’m not alone in this.

And you guys – that was the babymoon! Not the vacation and the fancy hotel or the mocktails. That moment of bonding, meeting each other, hearing each other. That was it.

To all you out there who are expecting and are toying with the idea of a “babymoon,” I would encourage you to GO! Go somewhere and take a moment. It doesn’t have to be a fancy trip, or a huge vacation… it can be anything, even just a moment in your backyard. But, take the time. Carve out a special moment for you and your partner to check in, really see each other and hear each other. After all, you’re in this together and all you’re got is each other, so honor that.

Time goes super fast during pregnancy, and we are so swamped with doc appointments and registry stuff and baby showers and unsolicited advice from people, that we miss the big picture: this is about you and your partner and your Baby. That’s it. So take time for the 3 of you somehow, some way. You won’t regret it. I feel like it changed everything for me and Jas, and we came back excited and refreshed and ready to dive in. Here we go!

Some more you may have missed:

Heading on a babymoon in the heat? Check out Atomic Mom’s list of must-haves for pregnancy in hot weather!
Gift guide for traveling mamas
Summer Travel Must Haves
New Mom Series: A Baby Carrier for Hikes and Active Lifestyles
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream Style!

Tacos By Trimester

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Obsessed with Taco Bell? Here’s a helpful guide trimester-by-trimester guide for integrating this very tasty fare throughout your pregnancy.

First Trimester

So it’s not a food baby? Congratulations! If you love tacos now, prepare yourself for more Taco Bell runs as your pregnancy ramps up. Cravings can start as early as two or three weeks into your pregnancy. You might get a bit cranky so pick up this shirt now to let the world know you’re contrite. Since baby will only be about the size of a Cinnabon Delight at most, you can skip the maternity size… for now.

Second Trimester

Time to start your taco baby registry! Swaddle blankets are a must and we’re loving this baby burrito swaddle from Mirando Brand on etsy. Since baby will now be the size of a delicious taco, you may want to start shopping and size up your wardrobe. Might as well grab some tacos afterward and do a Baja Freeze gender reveal while you’re at it.

Third Trimester

You’re in the home stretch. Baby’s pretty big now (about the size of an XXL Grilled Stuff Burrito to be exact.) Hit etsy for some awesome taco baby shower inspiration like “Taco Bout Balloons” and these amazing Beyonce cards for invites. Pass the 40 week mark? Pregnant women claim that eating Taco Bell can induce labor. We say it’s worth a shot!

And, just think, when baby’s a year old you can do a first birthday taco smash…

Atomic Moms Hot Mama Summer Must Haves with Ellie Knaus!

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: I first came across the Atomic Moms podcast when Jordan Reid was on it, and I immediately fell in love with Ellie’s kind soul and soothing way with words. I appreciated how incredibly non-judgemental she is and both laughs and cries along with her guests. So, you’ll have to excuse the fan-girling (mom-girling?) on today’s post – Ellie is here with her Hot Mama Summer Must Haves, as she is literally due any day now with her second baby. Also, head to the bottom of the post to stream her most recent episode with Dr. Harvey Karp! Take it away, Ellie…

You can find Atomic Moms on iTunes, the Atomic Moms’ Blog, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

Hi! I’m Ellie Knaus, host of Atomic Moms podcast. Our second summer baby girl is coming any day now! I’m excited, exhausted, and extremely sweaty. I packed up my hospital bag during this weekend’s L.A. heatwave while fantasizing about the chipped ice I can order in the maternity ward. But before I go into labor, I wanted to share with you all my summer must-haves that are making my summer pregnancy a little more enjoyable!

Ruby Rockets Rock-It Red Frozen Veggie and Fruit Pop

This is one food item my preschooler and I can agree on. (Why oh why, do they turn into such little food critics?) These super healthy, gluten free, vegan, popsicles are dairy free, have no added sugar, and are only 25 calories. You know what? I’m going to take a blogging break and waddle over to the freezer to have one right now.

Okay, I’m back. And this popsicle is delicious.

Panasonic Close Curves Bikini Shaper and Trimmer

I can’t see anything below my bump. And I definitely don’t want to get a bikini wax right now. But it’s summer! And as my mom-friend Marie declared, “In pregnancy, buoyancy is a must.” I ordered this bad boy online, hopeful that I’d be able to wade in a pool without having to explain puberty to preschoolers. Let’s just say this bikini trimmer was an interesting trust exercise with my husband. And I’m raving about it because I didn’t end up in the ER.

Patchology Eye Revive FlashPatch 5 Minute Hydrogels – 5 pack

There is nothing more cruel than third trimester insomnia. I toss and turn at 3 a.m. agonizing over the fact that this is my last chance for uninterrupted sleep for the next several months. And yet, between the hormones, the belly kicks, the hot nights, and the bathroom trips, my puffy eyes don’t stand chance. Whenever I need to feel a little less like a 37 weeks pregnant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, I slap on these chilled under eye masks and pretend like I’m getting ready for an awards show. I will be getting a trophy when this baby comes out, right?

Christy Dawn – Dawn Dress

It’s described as “one size fits all”, and I’m excited to report that includes my 9 month pregnant belly. It’s the most comfortable summer dress ever. It’s long and flowy (read: it doesn’t stick to my butt), and made of fuss-free machine washable cotton. I splurged on this little number when Christy Dawn collaborated with Little Minis so my preschooler and I could wear matching dresses. Go ahead and judge me for tricking my daughter into reenacting my Laura Ashley mother-daughter memories of the 90’s. (P.S. my fashionista three year-old LOVED it!) And now that I’m pregnant, and nothing else in my closet fits, this pretty dress is in heavy rotation. Another bonus: with the front snap, I’ll be able to nurse in it. It’s definitely the fanciest item of clothing covering my bump, but considering I can wear it before, during, and after pregnancy, and that it’s made with deadstock fabric (read: kind to the environment) and created by seamstresses making a living wage in Los Angeles, I feel really good about it.

St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Facial Oil

I got some not so cute sun-kissed brown spots on my cheeks during my first summer pregnancy, so this go around, I’m playing it safe. I slather on sunscreen in the morning and use this luxe facial oil at night to get my pregnancy glow on. I mix it with my moisturizer for an even application. It’s paraben, sulfate, and phthalate free, and the bottle lasts forever.

Ello Water Syndicate Water Bottle

Hydration is key in pregnancy and so hard to keep on top of in the summer months. The Ello BPA-Free Glass Water Bottle with Flip Lid is my new best mom friend. It’s so easy to clean. And it’s the only water bottle ever that hasn’t leaked in my purse! It’s embarrassing how many text threads my mom friends have devoted to raving about their Ello. It’s like our mom version of slap bracelets or Pogs (remember Pogs?)

May all you hot mamas enjoy the rest of summer and stay cool out there! Join our summer conversations with parenting experts and best-selling authors on Atomic Moms podcast. I’d love to hear your summer must haves on @Atomicmoms and Facebook!

Stream my recent interview with world famous child expert Dr. Harvey Karp below and subscribe to the podcast here.

Books Before Baby: Suggestions From Our Favorite Writers and Bloggers

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Being pregnant can be totally overwhelming, so it helps to have a slew of books to read to help ease all of your fear and anxiety! We reached out to some of our favorite bloggers and writers and asked them what books helped them prepare for pregnancy, baby, and beyond!

Heather Brooker, host of Motherhood in Hollywood Podcast – book recommendation: Baby Day By Day

“Before Chan was born I had no idea what I was doing. My experience with babies was limited to a few babysitting jobs as a teen and that’s it. So I really felt like I needed a book that gave me practical advice on the day-to-day experience of having a baby. So I read “Baby Day by Day” (DK Publishing) which gives a chronological outline of what to expect from day 1 of your baby’s birth. It was written by a panel of pediatricians, child psychologists, nutritionists, and complementary medicine experts, to provide an unbiased approach to baby care that gives the pros and cons of various approaches, including sleep training, managing crying, and breastfeeding issues. I have such an analytical mind and this was a huge source of comfort for me knowing what to expect and how to handle it.”

Also seen: Overcoming Obstacles with Heather Brooker

Ellie Knaus, host of Atomic Moms Podcast – book recommendation: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

“I have so many book recommendations based on the dozens of delightful and brilliant parenting experts I have interviewed on Atomic Moms podcast. But the book I would recommend to every single mother is Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. As a new parent, I felt overextended and overwhelmed. The more I dug into my role as mom, the more it felt like there was zero time for pursuing my goals outside of keeping my baby alive. And that was not a happy place for me to be. This book addresses the pressure that we put on ourselves to do it all and encourages us to get clear about our priorities. Once I was able to get intentional about where I was focusing my limited energy and resources, I could feel less guilty about declining the “non-essential” opportunities or distractions that pop up in the day to day. This book has helped me make decisions much more easily and without the guilt trip. I am more present with my child and more focused on making what matters most to me a reality. Toddlers love saying “no”, and it’s time moms say it more often too.”

Also Seen: Atomic Moms Hot Mama Summer Must Haves

Jordan Reid, author and blogger, Ramshackle Glam – book recommendation: Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy

“I read What To Expect and The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy, of course, but if I’m being honest the book I enjoyed the most was Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy. She’s just kind of…a mess. And it was refreshing to hear someone not know what they were doing (I certainly didn’t), while maintaining a sense of humor about it.”

The Gugu Guru Team highly recommends Jordan Reid’s two parenting books – Ramshackle Glam: The New Mom’s Haphazard Guide to (Almost) Having It All and Carrying On: Style, Beauty, Décor (and More) for the Nervous New Mom; as well as Jordan Reid and Erin Williams’ newest creation, The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People

Also seen: Mompreneur Spotlight: Jordan Reid of Ramshackle Glam

Jill Simonian, author and parenting expert – book recommendations: The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy and The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp

“The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy scared the you-know-what out of me — the way it described all the ways women change, not necessarily for the better, during and after pregnancy. I loved the funny and conversational writing style, but my fear of becoming a mom was amplified after reading that book… which was a partial motivator for me to write my own book addressing all the way women get better and more focused after babies (f-a-b) instead of falling apart. The Happiest Baby on the Block — This book was my FAVORITE! It gave me a road-map for taking control of a newborn and gave detailed instructions for how to comfort babies and control crying by swaddling infants in a specific way. Anyone that tells you swaddling doesn’t work to calm a fussy newborn, by they way, did not properly follow the steps and instructions in this book. The how-to details (and science behind the method) in the book were fascinating and effective. I loved it so much that I continue to compliment and ask author Dr. Harvey Karp about it every time I see him now (we often speak at the same Los Angeles events). I even recommended reading Happiest Baby in my own book too — it’s that life-changing.”

The Gugu Guru Team highly recommends Jill Simonian’s book, The Fab Mom’s Guide: How to Get Over the Bump & Bounce Back Fast After Baby; The FAB Mom’s Guide is a unique, must-read for first-time pregnant moms with practical motivation to tackle the ‘bumps’ of new motherhood — because bouncing back after baby is not all about the body. It is a fast-paced, unfiltered telling of personal choices, tactical lifestyle tips and unexpected celebrity lessons to lead first-time moms on a distinctive path to build CONFIDENCE and RESILIENCE (mind, spirit and a little bit of body) from mid-pregnancy through the first year with baby.

Also seen: Mompreneur Spotlight: FAB Mom Jill Simonian

Amandine Liepmann, founder of Mitz Accessories – book recommendation: Bright from the Start: The Simple, Science-Backed Way to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind from Birth to Age 3

“I love this book because it’s all backed by neuroscience and isn’t filled with any sort of parenting guilt/opinions. It’s a very no nonsense approach to what’s worked for child development through studies from around the world.”

Also seen: Gender neural baby style; A Post-Consumer Recycled Baby Registry; Foodie Find, Mitz Children’s Clothing

Paige Wolf, author and activist – book recommendations – The Parent Trip: From High Heels and Parties to Highchairs and Potties and The Second Nine Months: One Woman Tells the REAL Truth About Becoming a Mom. Finally.

The Gugu Guru Team highly recommends Paige’s book, Spit that Out!: The Overly Informed Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy Kids in the Age of Environmental Guilt

Also seen: Sustainable Nursery: Splurge or Save

Pregnancy Announcement Ideas With Here Comes Baby!

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

When you pee on a stick and see those two lines, one of the first thoughts many women get are how they are going to tell their loved ones. Pregnancy announcements have become so popular in the last few years – and we’ve even seen an uptick in moms and dads adding pregnancy announcement related attire and props to their baby registries. We’ve rounded up some fun ways to share your pregnancy with family and friends – whether it’s your first, second, or last baby – it’s always fun to announce the pregnancy in a new way!

We’re obsessed with these onesies from Little Faces Apparel; these make wonderful announcements for social media or to surprise friends and family from afar! Having a little guy? Check out this onesie which comes in blue, slate, or white. Don’t know the gender or want to surprise people? We love the “It’s a Baby!” onesie which comes in white or gray. Having a little lady? Loving this adorable pretty-in-pink “it’s a Girl” onesie which also comes in white and gray.

Looking for more gender neutral ideas for onesies? Check out this cute “coming soon” customized onesie from The Little Ham. The “Hello Little One” onesie from Ruby Claire Boutique is so sweet and could even be used for newborn photos (need a bow to style with the onesie? We love the ones from Bow & Anchor Co). Looking to add a date to your onesie? Check out the personalized “Coming Soon” with a due date onesie from Sprinkles and Jam.

We also love the idea of doing something including jewelry for an announcement; for a first time mama, this “mom to be” necklace from Her Silver Lining is so sweet with its hand stamped text. Is baby going to be born to older sisters? Use these big sister/little sister bracelets from Maks Chic Design to announce a new sister!

How did you announce your pregnancy? We’re so excited to introduce you to a new website, Here Comes Baby! Here Comes Baby is an editorial site dedicated to pregnancy announcements and gender reveals! The Here Comes Baby team hopes the stories shared on their site will inspire others to create their own memorable reveal. Got a cute pregnancy announcement or gender reveal and want to share it? Head to this link to visit them and submit!

For all you techie mamas, we’re loving Little Nugget Co, which is an app dedicated to capturing your baby’s sweet moments and milestones – all with fun stickers and designs! It’s so easy to use – simply upload photos from your phone, add personalized text and fun artwork to mark the milestone, and then share privately or across your favorite social network. This is a great way to have fun with your pregnancy announcement on social media.

There are so many fun ways to announce your pregnancy – we love this big sister checklist from Shopaholic & a Baby, and the adoption announcement from Simply Darrling is darling, too. We are tickled by this little sister announcement featuring two big sisters from Gentry California, and this Big, Mid, and Lil announcement from a Monkey and His Mama. We’d love to know how YOU shared your pregnancy – tag us on Instagram (@gugu_guru) and let us know!

*featured photo via A Monkey and His Mama; last image via Pics and Paws Photography

« Previous Page

Pregnancy

Footer

Follow Us:

COME AND GET IT!