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{Sponsored} Bloomlife Smart Pregnancy Tracker

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We are so excited to be introducing the Bloomlife Smart Pregnancy Tracker to Gugu Guru’s audience! Bloomlife is a smart little sensor that displays, times, and counts contractions during pregnancy.  Check out Gugu Guru founder Monica’s video overview here, plus use our special discount code GG10 at check out for 10% OFF the weekly rental:

View more of our video overviews here:

  • Baby Merlin Magic Sleep Suit
  • nanobébé Feeding System
  • Gugu Pick: MAM Perfect Pacifier

Thank you to our partners at Bloomlife for making this sponsored video possible.

 

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

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IVF Q & A with Jenni Pulos

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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.

Filed Under: Pregnancy Tagged With: pregnancy

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Maternity Jeans for Every Budget

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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:

  • Angelique All Day: Maternity Workout Clothing
  • Mom Style: Staying Stylish When Breastfeeding With Allette
  • What’s Your Active Mom Style?
  • Extreme Mom Style: Metal Mama!
  • Maternity Fashion FAQs: Finally Answered by Le Tote
  • Maternity Style: Urban Boho Mama

Filed Under: Mom Style, Pregnancy, Shopping Tagged With: maternity, pregnancy

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

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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!

Filed Under: Pregnancy, Travel Tagged With: pregnancy, travel

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Books Before Baby: Suggestions From Our Favorite Writers and Bloggers

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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 

Filed Under: Books, Pregnancy Tagged With: books, pregnancy

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Maternity Style: Urban Boho Mama

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We’re sharing our favorite maternity looks for mama style; today’s look is the Urban Boho Mama! What does that mean, exactly? The term boho comes from bohemian which refers to the retro hippie style like you’d have seen on dreamers, activists, and artists from the beat generation. However, the urban boho look refers to a little more of a polished twist on the boho look – still comfortable with lots of flowers and flow, just a little more cleaned up and streamlined. The urban boho trend is super popular all across the country right now, so we rounded up some style ideas for maternity looks.

1. Navy Paisley Tie Front Maternity Maxi Dress; 2. Peach Floral Off Shoulder Maternity Maxi Dress; 3. Grey Floral Off Shoulder Maternity Maxi Dress; 4. Heather Grey Off Shoulder Ruffle Trim Maternity Maxi Dress; 5. Teal Floral Chiffon Long Sleeve V-Neck Maternity Maxi Dress; 6. Light Blue Rose Off Shoulder Maternity Maxi Dress

When it comes to shoes, you’re going to want something cute (duh), but also without straps, laces, or ties, as it’s pretty hard to bend over and see your own feet when you’re super pregnant. We love these urban boho shoes because they’re sturdy, beautiful, and neutral colors.

1. Brown Faux Leather Cutout Overlay Boot; 2. Olive Strapped Ankle Boot; 3. Black Faux Leather Cutout Bootie; 4. Black Solid Faux Suede Boots

1. Babymel Grace Faux Leather Satchel Diaper Bag, Tan; 2. Arrows Weekender Bag by White Elm – Large Diaper Tote (budget find!); 3. KF Baby Bohemian Diaper Bag Value Set (budget find!); 4. timi & leslie Charlie 7-Piece Diaper Bag Set

Need some inspiration? Check out these helpful posts from What I Wore!

  • Black and white maternity urban boho style
  • Paisley maternity urban boho style
  • Urban boho style with a vintage twist
  • How to rock a kimono and hat for urban boho maternity looks
  • Styling a floral maxi dress with jean jacket for urban boho maternity looks

*Featured photo from the wonderful Lindsay Kujawa Photography 

PinkBlush

Filed Under: Always Glam, Chic And On The Go, Mom Style, Pregnancy Style Tagged With: maternity, pregnancy

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Pregnancy Announcement Ideas With Here Comes Baby!

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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 

 

 

Filed Under: Inspiration, Pregnancy, Shopping Tagged With: pregnancy

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Getting Raw with Christina Vargas

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Pregnancy is a blessing but sometimes it felt like a curse and I feel so guilty…

Now that my baby is a year old I feel like I can talk about this topic. I always get asked this question from moms who struggle during pregnancy because we as new moms feel so guilty. I am so in love with my daughter but my pregnancy was so horrible. If I were to even think about another baby I would want to wait a few years before I even decide whether to have another one. When I was pregnant I threw up multiple times a day, and during each trimester it increased. I was sick and nauseous all day long but I hated lying around all day and doing nothing more then being sick so I gathered my strength and always made it to the gym.

In my first trimester I went to the gym 5-6 times a week. In my second trimester 4-5 times a week and in my 3rd trimester I still worked out 4-5 times a week but some of my workouts where from home. I stopped working out around 8 ½ months because I was throwing up so much that I broke my tailbone while doing so.

Pregnancy is not always glorious even though we are carrying a blessing inside of us. I was very negative about my pregnancy, and you know what? It is OK. I wanted my baby; I was just unhappy I was so sick – but being so sick actually made me a better mom. I appreciated not feeling sick and when I was able to fully be myself again I seized the moment and strived to reach my goals once again.

Even though my pregnancy was horrible, I would do it all over again for my little mini. She is the best gift I could ever ask for. Moms who are struggling with their pregnancy and start getting depressed I suggest trying to have some healthy shakes full of nutrients and make your way to the gym (unless going to the gym is against your doctor’s advice.) If you’re cleared by your OBGYN to go to the gym, do some light cardio and get your blood flowing, and just leave the house! Being cooped up all day will make you even more depressed. If it is nice out, don’t even go to the gym – go for a walk.

Be active because the benefits of being active while you are pregnant will increase your chances of an easier labor and help your baby grow inside of you healthy and strong.

Don’t forget it is natural to be upset and you are doing great – just try to be positive each day by getting your mind off your thoughts. Also, remember you don’t know how amazing you will feel when you become a mom. If you want me to talk about something else leave your comments below.

xo Christina Vargas

Follow along and get fit with Christina Vargas on her website, Facebook and Instagram.

Filed Under: Mama Wellness, Nutrition and Health Tagged With: health, pregnancy, wellness

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Mom Stories with Laura Novak Meyer, Founder of Little Nest Portraits

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Today we are so excited to have a guest blogger, Laura Novak Meyer, the founder and CEO of Little Nest Portraits. Laura’s here today to talk about her struggle with infertility and her journey to where she is today. We especially love her message to any women out there who are struggling with infertility this Mother’s Day. Little Nest Portraits is a boutique photography studio that offers stellar imagery in a relaxed atmosphere, where families have the chance to slow down and enjoy the experience.

Becoming a mother was a long journey for my family, as I know it has been for so many people. For years we celebrated with others as pregnancy announcements appeared, waiting patiently for our time to come. As a children’s photographer, the reminder that we were struggling with fertility was daily and stinging.

Today, with our happy-surprise-three-year-old and our angel-baby-four-year-old, struggling with infertility seems like a lifetime ago – something that happened to someone else.  Grief and sadness have since been replaced with the the happy challenges of dinnertime chaos, temper tantrums, and toy cleanup.  When I am asked about my own struggle, I grieve for the moms-to-be whose hearts are heavy with the hole of yearning to be a mother.

The time is dark and lonely and a rollercoaster of emotions– hope, loss, grief, worry, hope again… After several losses, surgeries, and treatments, my husband and I felt (and still feel) so fortunate for the amazing medical care and caring doctors who have helped us along our journey and supported us through such an emotional process.  When we finally entered into the second trimester with our first child (now three and a half!) we felt an overwhelming feeling or relief that I still struggle to describe. It was a milestone we’d hoped and prayed together for many months.

During fertility treatments I worried constantly. I worried if we would ever get pregnant again or if it was just a fluke. I worried about other options for our family and how hard that might be, how long that could take.   My mind was a constant swirling bowl of worry.

But then, a friend who went through IVF gave me some amazing advice:

“For us, we worried about getting pregnant. And then during your pregnancy you will worry… when your child is born you will worry, when your child goes to school you will worry. So it’s best to learn how to cope with the worry now because it is the reality of being a mother.”

Now that my two children are off to preschool and without me many days of the week, I deeply understand this amazing lesson. And I also get how hard it is to grasp when you are in pain and dealing with the ups and downs of infertility. I can’t help but wonder why I (and so many others) was given this journey. In a way, I truly believe it was to teach me that some things are completely out of my control. To let life lead me, rather than the other way around.

Mother’s Day can be particularly painful for those who are still longing for a complete family of their own.  It’s hard to know how to support someone who is struggling with infertility if you haven’t experienced it yourself.  Friends who are most helpful tend to be those who don’t make suggestions, don’t make value statements, and don’t try to offer solutions. They just listen and offer compassion. If you have someone in your life who is struggling with infertility, letting them talk while you listen and say “I’m so sorry you are going through this” is so helpful.  Even a simple “what can I do?” means so much.

If this is your journey – I have no great pieces of advice–just a desire to share my own story with you, my compassion and my love to you. And a final hope that anything I have shared here is at all helpful this coming Mother’s Day.

Filed Under: Nutrition and Health, Working Mom Tagged With: mompreneur, pregnancy

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Top 10 Tips for Running While Pregnant

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Editor’s Note: Last week we shared some great products for a Runner’s Registry, and today we’re joined by Tootsies‘ founder,  Jackie Edwards, whom happens to be a 5-Time Olympian and a Certified Personal Trainer! She’s here to give her top tips for running while pregnant! Tootsies is a new line of fun and fashionable compression socks specifically branded for the modern mom-to-be who still wants to maintain her sense of style while alleviating the discomfort of swollen ankles, feet and legs. Reduce swelling. Look good. Feel great! 

Running has long been known to be a great way to add cardio to your workout program for many reasons, including increasing endorphins in your brain, which ultimately puts you in a better mood overall. Running can also help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep while providing you with an awesome total body exercise. Gestational diabetes and hypertension have also been known to be reduced in women who exercise regularly.

The decision to run or not during pregnancy depends on many different factors and you should always consult with your doctor to get the best advice. No two pregnancies are the same and you can never be too precautious.  If a woman has had no prior history of running or jogging before pregnancy, it is generally advisable not to begin a running regimen while pregnant. If you were an avid runner before getting pregnant, then it is likely that you will be perfectly fine to continue with your routine however, you should still listen to your doctor’s input on the duration and frequency of your runs. There are certain medical conditions such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, placenta previa or short cervix, where running should be completely avoided.

Here are our Top 10 Tips to help you successfully navigate your way through pregnant running:

  1. Wear supportive running shoes that have high arches to ensure comfort and stability.
  2. Wear a proper running bra without wires to help support tender breasts. Some women will also benefit from wearing a belly band to support a large baby bump.
  3. Focus on really good running technique as opposed to increased pace and try to run on flat surfaces.
  4. Tune into your vitals. Know the signs to stop exercising. Contact your doctor if you experience an abnormal shortness of breath, chest pain, painful uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or feeling faint.
  5. Be aware of your conditions. It is important to avoid running in the heat, especially in the first 12 weeks because overheating could potentially harm your baby.
  6. Nourish your body properly. Blood sugar swings are common during pregnancy. Have a small snack/meal about an hour before you exercise and carry an easily digestible snack or have juice on hand while you exercise in case you begin to feel lightheaded or dizzy. Be sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.
  7. Listen to your body.  If you don’t do it already, pregnancy is a great time to start paying attention to the signs your body gives you. The signals your body puts out during pregnancy are clear and obvious. Heed them! If you’re feeling too tired to run one day, consider resting or walking instead. Trust your body and don’t overdo it.
  8. Measure your mileage and don’t run yourself to exhaustion. Record the number of minutes you run. If you are able to engage in a conversation while running, that is typically a good indicator that you’re exercising at a safe level.
  9. Pay attention to increased joint laxity. Be aware of increased joint range of movement caused by pregnancy hormones. This increased laxity is necessary because our pelvis must be flexible enough for a baby to pass through. However, an increase in flexibility can put you at risk for injury so be aware of this increased range of motion, don’t overstretch and protect your joints.
  10. Last but not least – PUT YOUR TOOTSIES ON!!…You didn’t think we’d forget this one did you??……Always wear your Tootsies Maternity Compression Socks when you go out for a run, particularly in the third trimester when your ankles, legs and feet are more likely to be swollen, achy and tired. Compression socks help to reduce and prevent swelling and inflammation, reduce and prevent spider and varicose veins, improve blood circulation and reduce fatigue and soreness. Your Tootsies will be your best running accessory! #treatyourfeet #rockoursocks

Once you have safely delivered your bouncing bundle of joy, be very careful about your return to exercise after giving birth. The months following childbirth and delivery is a time for your body to rest and repair because your pelvic floor muscles and abdominals have been stretched and pushed to their maximum limits. During this time, it is important to retrain your breath, and rehabilitate and strengthen your core and pelvic floor before you return to running.

Most women who return to running and vigorous exercise too soon after giving birth won’t actually experience any issues. However, the number of surgeries for pelvic floor disorders is on the rise, so it’s better to err on the side of caution. 

Good luck with your pregnancies and have fun running!!

Filed Under: Health & Fitness, Health & Wellness, Nutrition and Health Tagged With: pregnancy

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