First Trimester Fatigue

I remember when I was pregnant with my first child. I was exhausted. I mean exhausted! It was all I could do to keep my eyes open during the day. I literally would get up about 15 minutes before having to leave for work, change clothes, brush my teeth and hair and start the morning commute with breakfast on the go. During each of my 15 minute breaks and my lunch hour, I would nap. Didn't quite matter where so long as I had my travel alarm clock with me to wake me on time. Upon arriving home from work, I generally just crawled into bed. Sometimes I don't think I even got undressed. Definitely not a time in my life when I looked my best, I'm sure; but I was a tired little chicken!

Does this sound like you? Just can't stay awake to save your life? During the first trimester of pregnancy, it's not unusual to feel excessively tired. Even though you don't look pregnant yet, your body is doing a tremendous amount of work! All those little cells are dividing and multiplying; the entire framework for your little one's body is being created. Add to that the fact that you may be experiencing morning sickness, and you've got the perfect recipe for fatigue.

So what's a tired pregnant girl to do? SLEEP! Yep, you heard me, you have permission to sleep. Your body needs the extra energy to get you through this busy time. If you only have a short amount of time, set an alarm on your cell phone or an alarm clock and catch a few zzzz's. It will help you avoid fatigue and increase your ability to function throughout the day. When it comes to sleeping at night, go to bed earlier if you're able to. Retiring an hour or two earlier than normal may put a kink in your schedule now, but it can make a real difference in how you feel the next day.

In the end, rest assured (no pun intended!) that this feeling of exhaustion won't last forever. Typically, by the end of your first trimester, you'll begin to feel more energetic. That's not to say that you won't have days throughout your pregnancy that you just feel like you want to crawl into bed and never get out, but for now go count some sheep and dream of all the joy you'll share with your new little one!

Baby, It's Hot Out There

When I was pregnant with my first child, it was through a blazing hot summer. I remember spending many hours under the one ceiling fan in the house, sucking on 7-Up ice cubes (one of my cravings during that pregnancy), and trying in vain to feel cooler. Recently, I was out running errands and came across at least five pregnant women...VERY pregnant women. Gosh, my heart went out to them! It's hard enough to keep cool when you're not pregnant, much less when you're walking around feeling like you really are cooking a little bun in an oven!

Right now you're body is working very hard at creating that beautiful new life inside of you, so the massive amounts of energy that it takes to cool your body, too (and keep it that way), can easily leave you feeling sluggish, irritable, and even the victim of heat exhaustion. Even worse, when you are feeling the extreme effects of the heat, so is your baby. That's why, when it's so hot outside AND you're pregnant, it's especially important to find ways to keep cool.

So, what can you do to keep cool? Well, first thing's first. Stay hydrated! Yes, you already feel like you have to pee every 40 minutes and the thought of consuming more liquids is a bit terrifying; but, believe me, it's the right thing to do. First, because your body needs it to replace the fluids that you're losing from sweating. Second, because it's just plain good for you; and, third, dehydration actually increases the body's core body temperature.

The next thing you can do to stay cool is to actually try to not do anything. Be still; try to be active as little as possible during the hottest parts of the day. Do your errands early in the day. Wait until night to do that load of laundry. And, during the afternoon, take a rest near a fan lie down and watch a movie, or catch up on your journaling. Just promise yourself to do so guilt-free! Remember, by taking it easy in the heat, you're actually doing the right thing for your body and your baby.

Third, lower your core body temperature by taking a cool shower or bath. No time for that? Try placing a cold washcloth on the back of your neck. You can even use paper towels if you're away from home and need a quick cool down. Another easy trick that was, and still is, one of my favorites is to sit with your feet in a tub of cool water. You see, our bodies are curious things. When we're cold, the body's reaction is to conserve heat in our core by reducing circulation to our extremities. That's the reason our hands and feet are usually the first to feel the effects of the cold. When we're hot and the body is trying to cool itself, the opposite happens with those extremities. Think about how great it feels to go wading in a cool pond or stream on a hot day. Soaking your feet in a tub of cool water will give you the same feeling. It's amazing how much cooler you'll feel all over if you focus some of that cooling on the right places.

Finally, if you think you may be suffering from heat exhaustion - signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and a faint or rapid pulse - contact your health care provider immediately.

Is Your Skin Ready for Summer?

Happy First Day of Summer! 

You may have been having summer-like weather already or you may live in an area where "summer" is just around the corner, but, either way, is your skin ready?

Warmer weather means more of your beautiful skin showing and, of course, you want it to look it's best. While you may have prepared for summer in the past by simply getting a pedicure and a bikini wax, now that you're pregnant, you may be finding your skin has a host of other needs - dry and itchy skin, the dreaded stretch marks, not to mention the fact that you may have trouble even reaching your precious toes to get them ready for sandal season! Don't despair, though, here are some tips get you glowing and beach ready in no time!

Every great work of art has to start with a great foundation, right? Your skin is no different. Now that your shedding the long sleeves and trading your pants for skirts or shorts, you may be noticing that the skin you're revealing is less than glowing. If you're skin is anything like mine was during pregnancy, it's super dry and itchy, too. A great exfoliator is the place to start to rid yourself of all the dull, dry skin and begin revealing your skin's true beauty. Be sure to use it from head to toe for an all over glow. Exfoliating once a week should be enough to keep your skin looking great throughout the summer. Just be sure you're using one that you find comfortable. A good exfoliator shouldn't feel too rough or hurt to use.

Now that you've revealed your most beautiful skin, you want to keep it that way, right? To do so, you'll need a daily moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated and healthy. Depending on your preference, this could be in the form of a lotion, balm, or body oil (check out our great selection!). Again, apply it all over to keep your skin looking great. The added bonus of keeping your skin properly moisturized, too, is that it lessens your likelihood of developing stretch marks. Despite claims by many products on the market, there is nothing that will actually prevent them, but, by keeping your skin hydrated, your contributing to your skin's elasticity which will help it to stretch without leaving those telltale marks.

And, your toes? You may not be able to reach them, but that doesn't mean you should ignore them. Splurge on a visit to the nail salon for a pedicure or simply enlist the aide of your partner or a friend to get your toes painted to perfection. If you're having them done at home, we suggest Zoya polish, too. It's free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor; plus it's long-wearing and that's a bonus when reaching your toes is an issue!

Finally, now that you've got the beautiful, glowing skin you deserve, show it off in a terrific swimsuit. Swimsuit shopping may have been your least favorite thing to do before you were pregnant but it doesn't have to be now that you are. Parenting.com's editor has found some of the most flattering suits that will fit any budget. Best of all, they're gorgeous, too; just like you!

PS. Be sure you're using sunscreen, too! An spf of at least 15 should be sufficient on days that you're just running errands but, if you're going to be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time, grab a great beach hat and be sure to go for a higher number so you don't burn.

Raspberry Picking is a Lot Like Pregnancy

This blog was originally posted a few years back. As I watch the finches in my backyard skitter in and out of my own raspberry bushes, it made me think of this, though; and I thought it was worth a repost.  Enjoy!
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OK, I'll admit that, even for the most intelligent person, the title of this blog may sound a bit confusing. It all started with a trip to the local u-pick farm...

Every year I go to a local farm to pick raspberries. I started out taking my children because I was of the mindset that it's a good idea to take them out and have them experience that sort of thing. Over the years, the whining in the fields and the whining that even precedes the trip has reached a fevered pitch. I remind them that, just like the story of the Little Red Hen, if they don't help, they don't get to partake in the bounty. The response I normally get is, "But, I don't even like raspberries, so who cares?" I've given up on every making them into champion raspberry pickers so this year I went alone.

The farm I go to is only about a mile from where I grew up. It's a great place, and one would never guess that a booming metropolis is a mere 15 minutes away. It was a warm day but more tolerable than the 90+ degree weather we had the week prior. I got my buckets, was told what area of the farm was open to picking that day and set out on my journey. I settled on a row to head down and began. For the first several feet, the pickings were miserable. Little, itty bitty berries that were either not ripe yet or overripe and there weren't even very many of those. "Great," I thought, "this is what it's going to be like. I'll work and work and still not get anything to shout about."

As I progressed down the row, conditions began to get slightly better. My experience was still not ideal but it was at least getting better. There were people all around in different rows and that was about all I could hear - voices of men, women, and children in at least three different languages. I continued to pick as I imagined who these people were; what their personal stories were.

As I persistently made my way down the row, my bucket slowly filling up, the berries became more prolific and closer to the perfection I was looking for. If you've ever picked raspberries, you know, too, that sometimes the best berries aren't in plain sight. So, being an experienced raspberry picker, I was, at times, head first halfway into the vines searching out the best of what they had to offer. I thought, "I must be a real sight," but then realized that I didn't hear voices anymore. Instead, I could hear the swallows and finches calling to each other. There were two hawks circling and calling. There was a tractor somewhere in the distance. The geese at the neighboring farm were honking. I breathed deep and could smell the sweet scent of hay. It was peaceful and I suddenly felt very centered and present and in tune with what was going on around me.

It was then that it occurred to me that this was lot like pregnancy. You start out with a thought in your head of how great and perfect the journey will be like only to find that maybe it's not what you expected. The beginning is not fully packed with rewards and it seems there are outside voices around you constantly. But, as you move through the journey, it begins to get better and, the further you go, the more the outside noise slips away. You begin to hear your own inner voice and become in tune with yourself. You become present. At then end, you can look back on the journey and see how far you've really come and, as a special prize, there's a baby.

I was just getting close to finishing up my picking, listening to a finch making a little "pip" next to me occasionally, when I turned and looked at where I had started. Wow! I had made more progress than I had thought and had a great bounty to show for it (nearly 10 pounds!). It was then, that I got my prize. I pulled my head out of some vines, straightened up and, just as I was reaching forward to grab a few berries, saw them right smack in front of me...babies! My finch friend had apparently been waiting for me to move along so she could feed her nestful of four brand new baby birds! The afternoon really couldn't have ended any better.

I took a few quick photos and grabbed my buckets to begin the walk back to the car. As I got closer, the voices around me began to rise in volume again and drown out the songs of the birds and the rumble of the tractor. I got in the car and began driving home. Yes, raspberry picking is a lot like pregnancy. A journey that is not without effort but a journey that is sweet and full of wonderful surprises.

Beautiful Burp Rags

If you're a mom, you've used them.  If you're going to be a mom, you need them!  Burp rags are almost as much of a necessity as diapers.  And the best burp rags we ever used with our own children were, well, diapers.  Cloth diapers are made to be soft and absorbent, so they're fabulous for wiping chubby cheeks and all the other body parts that seem to get spewed on.

But plain old cloth diapers can be boring.  What's a trendy momma to do?  As always, we've got you covered!  Our lovely new burp rags are the answer!  They start out as pre-washed 100% cotton diapers and, after we glam 'em up with super soft fabric flowers, you've got burp rags so beautiful everyone will want to use them! 


Flower colors currently available are pastel pink, hot pink, burgundy, gray, lavender, white, brown, and navy.  Grab one for $7 or get a trio for $18.  Hoping for a color you didn't see listed?  More colors are coming soon; just let us know what you're after and we'll move that color up the list so it's ready for you right away!


PS. These are currently available as an exclusive on our Facebook page.  Please like us and message us your order there or through the Contact page on our website!

Pregnancy Safe Cocktails for the Holiday

So, you're pregnant, New Year's Eve is fast approaching, and the thought of having another glass of water or soda while those around you are enjoying delicious elixers is enough to make you just want to stay at home. Don't despair! There really are lots of alternatives that will make you feel like you're still part of the party.


First, there are several varieties of sparkling juices available these days that are wonderful and, best of all, very affordable. Of course, we're familiar with sparkling apple cider and sparkling grape juice. Did you know you can also find sparkling pear and sparkling blueberry juices, too? The pear is really dreamy and the blueberry is my particular favorite. Think of all the wonderful antioxidants you'll be getting with that blueberry juice, too! Many of these can be found right in your local supermarket and generally for less than $5/bottle. That's a super deal for something that tastes so delicious!


Second, you can make your own beverages. It's as easy as mixing your favorite juice with a clear carbonated soda (7-Up or Sprite work well) or with soda water. I suggest using a frozen juice concentrate for this and just replacing the water you would normally mix with it with your carbonated beverage of choice. If you use juice that is already made up, mixing it with soda water or soda can tend to water down the juice and you'll lose the real flavor of the juice.


Third, if you're out at a restaurant and want a cocktail but don't want to order yet another virgin daquiri, tell your server/bartender what flavors you normally like and ask to have something non-alcoholic specially made for you. I got a great drink this way while I was pregnant with my second child. It was a combination of grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and soda water. It was delightful and I don't even like grapefruit juice! The key here is finding a bartender that really is experienced and creative.


And, don't forget good old gingerale. This is an often overlooked soda that is a real treat. We think of it mainly as something to calm an upset stomach but it really is a remarkably yummy soda.


Finally, and we think most importantly, don't let your inability to imbibe keep you from getting out there and celebrating with friends and family. There are lots of options and don't be afraid to bring your own beverage. We're sure no one will give it a second thought if you show up with a bottle of your favorite sparkling cider to enjoy. Whatever you choose this holiday season, though, we hope that your celebrations are full of joy.

Creamy Cheese & Vegetable Soup

I love soup and especially creamy ones!  When the weather gets colder and there's a chill in the air, there's nothing nicer than curling up with a steaming cup of yum.  This recipe is great for anyone but we think it's especially great for pregnant moms.  It's a great way for mommas to get their calcium and a good dose of veggies, too!  But, really, we all need those, right?  So, pregnant or not, enjoy this delicious treat! 
 

Creamy Cheese and Vegetable Soup

2 Tbsp. butter

1 Tbsp. whole wheat flour

1 tsp. salt

2 cups whole milk

2 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

1 tsp. dried onion flakes

2 cups any mixture of lightly steamed veggies (try chopped cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, spinach, etc)

½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded 

ground peppercorn to taste 

In a large saucepan over low-medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and salt. Stir for 3 minutes. Gradually stir in the milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the parsley, onion flakes and vegetables. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Melt in the cheddar cheese. Add peppercorn and serve steaming hot.

Makes 2 large servings or 4 small servings

Stretch Marks - A Dermatologist's Advice

I'm basically covered in freckles, so going to the dermatologist for an annual check to make sure there's nothing there that I should be worried about is not unusual. My doctor is great and she's got her special little hand held magnifying glass thing that she uses to check all over and look at individual spots that interest her. Like I said, I'm covered in freckles so the whole process takes awhile, which leaves us plenty of time to chat. As the conversation came around to em at one visit, I asked her three rather pointed questions.

The first question was, "Is there any way at all to prevent stretch marks?" Her response was a resounding, "no," which I already knew. Unfortunately, though, there are many products available in stores everywhere that claim to prevent stretch marks; and these companies, I'm sure, make thousands upon thousands of dollars each year cashing in on that promise. However, it's simply not a promise that they can keep.

To understand this a bit more clearly, though, you have to understand our skin. By nature, it's basically elastic like a rubberband. A new rubberband will stretch and spring back to its original shape without problems. However, skin loses it's elasticity in a number of ways, whether that be due to dry skin or age or any other number of reasons. Think of the rubberband again. If it's an older one, it may be dry with visible cracks in its surface and, if you try to stretch it, it will likely break. When the skin has lost it's elasticity and is then asked to rapidly expand due to weight gain, swelling, or, of course, pregnancy, the tissue under the skin can be pulled beyond it's ability to stretch. The result is scarring that we can see and call stretch marks.

So, if you already have them, is there any way to get rid of stretch marks? I asked that very question of my doctor. "Is there any way, any way at all, to 'erase' them or make them go away after a person gets them?" I asked. Once again, I knew the answer even before I asked, but I let her answer anyway. Another resounding, "no." And, again, it's a shame that there are products and services out there claiming to remove them. The truth is, they may fade over time just like any other scar might, but they won't ever go away completely. And, as far as the claims of removing them by laser, those aren't true, either. The laser therapy only reduces the appearance of them by reducing their color.

At this point, you may be thinking, "Great, well, I might as well just sit back and watch them appear since there's nothing I can do." Not so! This brings me to the third question I asked of my dermatologist..."Is there anything that a woman can do in the quest for a stretch mark-free pregnancy?" Although it is important to understand that your genes have a lot to do with whether you're body is predisposed to developing stretchmarks, you do have the power to minimize your chances of getting them. Like I said before, our skin is, by nature, elastic. The key to minimizing your chances of stretchmarks lies in maintaining the elasticity of your skin. Proper hydration from the inside and out is vitally important. Make sure you are getting plenty of fluids each day and make sure you're keeping your skin hydrated, too. Using a product like our body oil or body balm on a daily basis can help your skin regain and maintain the elasticity it will need when your belly begins to bloom. Equally important to remember is to begin this regime before your belly begins to blossom so that, if your skin does need to regain some elasticity, it has time to do so before the stretching begins. Treating yourself to a bellyfacial now and then is a great way to hydrate your skin throughout your pregnancy, too!

I left the dermatologist that day with a clean bill of skin health and a renewed sense that, at em, we're offering women some great products to help them maintain beautiful, glowing skin throughout their pregnancies and beyond. If you still have questions regarding stretch marks, though, be sure to ask your doctor for his/her professional advice.

Learning to Say No... to Yourself!

One thing I learned long ago - although I'm still not a master at it - is saying "no". I'm a people pleaser by nature so I'm generally the first to volunteer for something only to find myself overwhelmed later on. Even if I'm not volunteering, it seems like someone is always asking if I can help with this or that. In the past, my answer was always "sure, no problem!".

After having children, though, I realized that saying no to requests that are outside my time constraints is not a bad thing. My family, after all, was my first priority. It was difficult at first but I quickly realized that there weren't too many people that were irritated by my saying no. It seems I wasn't, despite my thinking, the only person that could do the job! So, lesson number one - you don't have to do everything; it's OK to say no. People will understand; really they will!

Lesson number wo came along within another year or two. Maybe I should rephrase that...another child or two later. While I was busy saying no to those activities and events that I just couldn't fit into our busy schedule, I had still managed to fill up all that time with doing things for other people - my husband, my kids, my parents, etc. What I learned then was that it's OK to say no to them, too.

We moms take on a lot of work, and I do mean A LOT! The trouble is, what we end up doing is running ourselves to the ragged edge. We skip meals; we stay up late working on the costume for the school play; we still are trying to do it all. Is it any wonder that, when you ask a mom what she likes to do in her spare time, she usually replies, "What spare time?" What we really need is to just take a break now and then. Determine to take some time to do something you enjoy. It can be 15 minutes or an hour or even more. Set a timer and sit down with a magazine or book you've been meaning to read. Let the laundry sit for an hour and go take a bath. Better yet, if you can, escape the house and go somewhere you love - the bookstore, the mall (you don't have to buy anything), the local coffee shop. Trust me, the small amount of time you take for yourself will energize you more than you can imagine. Your mind will be clearer and you'll feel ready to tackle what comes your way.

Lesson three is something I learned just a couple of years ago when I was experiencing a terrible cold.  Saying no to myself. When we're sick, it's like self-imposed down time. As a mom, though, it's hard to accept that. I knew I was sick. My head felt like a giant beach ball, I was exhausted just getting up to shuffle to the bathroom, and I just felt yucky. The first few days, I tried to continue on my normal schedule of things to do. By day three, though, I was spent. So, when work and blogging called, I had to take a hard look at what was most important. Would the world spin off its axis if I didn't check email that day? Most likely no. Would someone not be able to name their child if I didn't blog about baby names. Unlikely. Instead, I burrowed under the covers and slept. I conserved the energy I had for letting my body do what it needed to do and for only the essential tasks. Dinner still got made but the kitchen wasn't as tidy as I would have liked it. The children all had clean socks to wear but, boy, did I have a lot of laundry to do when I felt better. And, guess what, the earth is still spinning nicely despite it all.

The point is, a lot of us do and do and do for others. When you're pregnant, it's important to know your limitations. What used to be a piece of cake for you to do, now may seem like a monumental task. Remember that it's OK to tell someone you can't take on more. Trust me, they'll most likely understand.

It's also OK to take time for yourself. This pregnancy will only last nine months so enjoy it while you can. Get a pedicure. Window shop for a great piece of clothing for after you have the baby. Sit in a coffe shop and read a good book. Whatever you do, though, make it something that is just for you!

Lastly, know when you need to say no to yourself. You don't have to accomplish EVERYTHING on your To Do list today. Go with the essentials first and, after that, if you still have the steam, then you can begin adding more to your schedule.

And, finally, above all, live mindfully and take care of YOU!

If My Baby is Only 7 Pounds, Why Did I Gain 30??

In America we women think about our weight. We think about it A LOT! It doesn't matter if you're underweight, normal weight, or overweight, either. So, for most women, the weight gain that comes with pregnancy is sometimes difficult to accept. The average "normal" weight gain during pregnancy is 27-30 pounds. Imagine any other time in your life when you would gain that much in a 9 month period and consider it normal. It's enough to make even a man shudder!

So, where does all that weight go? Here's a simple little list to explain all those pounds away.

Baby - 7 lbs

Placenta - 1–2 lbs

Amniotic Fluid - 2 lbs

Uterus - 2 lbs

Maternal Breast Tissue - 2 lbs
Maternal Blood Flow - 2-4 lbs

Fluids in Maternal Tissue - 4 lbs

Maternal Fat stores - 7 lbs

Total - 27-30

Broken down like that, the amount of weight doesn't seem so unreasonable, does it? Regular weight gain is normal during pregnancy, and it all happens for a very good reason! You don't have to be stressed by the rising number on the scale; just remember to gain mindfully!

NOTE: These numbers represent averages. Your weight gain during pregnancy is as individual as you are and can be influenced by many things, such as your pre-pregnancy weight, diet, level of exercise, and special circumstances during your pregnancy such gestational diabetes. It's important to work with your healthcare professional to ensure that you are gaining the proper amount of weight during your pregnancy.