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.

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!

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.

Image of Pregnant Woman "Not Suitable" for Facebook

**WARNING** According to Facebook, the image and accompanying verbiage you will encounter in this blog are "not suitable to appear on Facebook" in part because they received "negative user feedback concerning the ad's content."

Normally, I try to start my blogs with a reasonable opening.  Today I can't find one.  I've been pregnant three times and have worked in the maternity industry for five years.  To me, pregnancy is a joyful, beautiful time.  One of the reasons I've loved this industry so much is because it isn't filled with people who are angry or spiteful or nasty.  Babies put people in a good mood and that's a very good thing.

That's not to say, though, that I haven't seen controversy spring up.  From an online standpoint, controversy generally springs up in the form of written arguments for or against a particular topic such as vaccinations.  The only controversy I've ever seen that relates to images has been in the case of photos of women breastfeeding.  Personally, I don't see anything wrong with that, but I do understand why some of the photos I've seen would make some people uncomfortable.

Fast forward to what I was greeted with in my inbox this morning.  An email from the Facebook Ads Team (who, conveniently, leave no way of contacting them back).  Three days ago, I reactivated an ad that I ran two years ago.  Exact same ad.  Same photo; same verbiage; same targeted audience.  Just clicked the button and changed its status from "paused" to "active".  I'll admit, it did seem odd to me that I wasn't getting the level of click throughs on the ad that I did last time.  When I read the email, I was livid.  I've pasted below exactly what they sent me (apologies for the image; I had to blow it up significantly so it was readable here).

So, yeah, can you see why I'm a little hot over this?  The image that they say is "not suitable" shows absolutely no nudity of anything that could be considered a "private part" anywhere in the western world.  It is a profesional image that I purchased the right to use many years back and HAVE used on Facebook before in an ad campaign that then ran for over two weeks.  It's a woman's belly for crying out loud!  How, please tell me, is this photo not suitable or offensive in any way?

As for the content, it states that the ad was disapproved due to "negative user feedback concerning the ad's content".  Huh?  The ad's content is this:

100% natural gifts for new mothers and mothers-to-be. Get exclusive offers by becoming a fan today!

• women
• living in the US
• age 21-40
• who are in a relationship, are engaged or married
• who are not already connected with Eternal Maternal
• who like Isabella Oliver Maternity, Motherhood Maternity, or pregnancy

Again, THIS is improper targeting for an ad that promotes maternity products?  I'm at a loss.

SO, dear readers, if YOU think this is a load of poo like I do, please take a moment to support me.  You can send a little "suggestion" to FB on how they can improve their ads by following this link:  www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=ads_suggestions   The name of the ad is Eternal Maternal.  Let them know that images like this ARE suitable for FB.  Let them know that this content is NOT offensive.  Let them know that a mama bear is not one to mess with!

And, thanks tons to all!  Our readers, followers, retailers and customers are THE BEST!!

THAT received negative user feedback?  The email tells me that, in general, negative feedback is given for "offensive content" or improperly targeted audience.  (1) If someone can explain to me what was offensive about the verbiage, I'd love to hear their argument.  (2) The targeted audience for this ad was:

Easy Tips for Green Living - Part One

Let's be honest, I'm not a hardcore eco-green girl.  I still drive an SUV that I love, I still buy instant macaroni & cheese for my kids, and it's been forever and a day since I've visited a farmer's market for anything other than a giant bag of kettle corn.  With that being said, I do recycle like a mad woman, limit my driving in my precious SUV, and grow a garden each year.   I think most people are like that... not necessarily living off grid, but not wanting to make a concerted effort to live a greener lifestyle.

For many people, the shift happens after they have children or even during pregnancy.  It's a common occurrence.  We suddenly find ourselves constantly thinking about the welfare and future of someone other than ourselves.  Whatever place you're at, though, there are some really simple ways to create a greener lifestyle.

1.  Learn to cook - it's surprising how many people don't know how to cook something that doesn't originate in a box, can or jar.  Doing so, though, leaves you at the mercy of food companies and all the additives, preservatives, fillers, and who knows what else they put into their foods.  If you're new to cooking from scratch, don't overwhelm yourself.  You don't have to be Julia Child, after all.

2.  Become a label reader - most of us are used to looking at the nutritional label on foods these days.  But, what about other products you use daily on your body and in your home?  What about your shampoo?  Your laundry detergent?  You'll be surprised at what you find!  In fact, you probably won't even be able to pronounce most of what is in them.  Look for natural alternatives and don't be fooled by a label that says "natural" or "organic".  There are no regulations on the labeling of these products and they are often still filled with all manner of toxic stuff!

3.  Ditch the bottled water - you hear it all the time, right? Sorry to harp on it again, but it's true.  We're only now beginning to understand some of the dangers associated with plastics and our food.  By tossing the plastic bottles, you're not only eliminating that risk but you're also keeping tons (yes, literally tons) of plastics out of our landfills.  Plus, think of the savings. You'll save tons of money by crossing it off your shopping list and replacing it with a great filter for your home faucet and a few good reusable bottles.

4.  Buy second hand - you don't have to do this for all things.  In fact, I don't recommend it for all things (like carseats!).  But, honestly, there are some amazing second hand stores out there.  And, let's face it, maternity clothes are expensive.  Baby clothes are expensive.  How long will you or your munchkin even be wearing them?  Whether it's clothing, furniture, or anything in between, you'll be saving money and reusing some fabulous items!

5.  Green your home with houseplants - they add natural beauty to your home and help cleanse your air, an especially important job during winter months when your home is closed up tight.  Not a green thumb?  No problem! There are plenty of options that require very little attention to thrive.  Try lucky bamboo or a striking bromeliad.  The bromeliad's bloom will last for months, too!

Stay tuned later in the week for five more easy green tips!  Until then, live mindfully!

Baby, It's Hot Out There

Recently, I've been seeing a lot of pregnant women when I've been out and about.  That's not necessarily unusual because I seem to have knack for spotting them; but lately it seems I'm seeing an unusually large number of them.  And, they've been VERY pregnant women. Gosh, my heart went out to them during these warm summer months! 

When I was pregnant with my first child, it was 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. 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.

Keep cool, my friends, and live mindfully!