Babys First Year

You’ve just found out you’re pregnant and you are probably thinking, “Wow! Now I can eat whatever I want.” While you may be eating for two there are guidelines which should be followed to ensure your child is born healthy and at an appropriate weight.

For some moms the way they eat does affect their child before birth. So here are some recommendations from pediatricians in particular and the medical community in general.

• If you smoke, quit. Smoking can decrease a baby’s birth weight.
• Do not consume alcohol. Alchohol consumption can increase the chance of birth defects.
• Limit caffeine intake. Studies show it may cause miscarriages.
• Drink plenty of water. This will lower your blood pressure.
• A high fiber diet can reduce the chance of preeclampsia.
• Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Ensure you are taking all of the essential vitamins and minerals daily.
• Increase your calcium intake with either low-fat yogurt or low-fat milk.
• Exercise is essential in the health of your unborn child. Walk 20 minutes a day.
• Keep track of your sodium intake.

While these are just a few recommendations supported by medical doctors, it is also important to have a balance within. Yoga would be a perfect way to calm and soothe if you are feeling stressed or upset.

In addition, when you begin to feel those pangs for sweets or foods you would not normally eat, have some veggies prepared with a dip of your choice. The dip could consist of your favorite yogurt then add a few herbs and you are set to go.

Today there are so many facts and information sites available online for moms-to-be, which can assist them in understanding the pitfalls of an improper diet during pregnancy. So too, there are wonderful online sites which explain what to eat during pregnancy and what affect certain foods and drinks would have on your unborn child. It’s worth the time to research and become knowledgeable in all phases of your pregnancy from the get-go.

Just for Mom, Parenting Advice

The joy of becoming a parent is indescribable. For a new mom, there are no words that properly reflect the level of pride and elation that she experiences shortly after the birth of her first child. It really is a small miracle! If mom and baby have arrived at home, this would be a great time to honor her new role and shower her with gifts. You can always give her the basics – pajamas, a picture frame or supplies for the baby – but if you’re looking for something with a little more pizzazz, you could introduce her to scrapbooking – something she can do to create great memories for all of her children.

NEW CREATIVE MEMORIES FULL COLLECTION SCRAPBOOKING KIT

Creative Memories Scrapbook Kit

You can also try one of these home made kits:
New Mother Comfort Kit: A new mother comfort kit from RedEnvelope.com is just what the new mom needs to help her relax and unwind while baby is sleeping. This spacious travel case contains a lovely variety of personal care products such as vitamin enriched lotions, refreshing shower gel and a waffle-weave sponge, as well as soothing goodies such as a CD of piano lullabies and The Mother’s Book of Well-Being.

Photo Collage Tote: For carrying around everyday necessities, any old bag will do. To carry a picture of her pride and joy, well, that deserves a special kind of bag. A photo collage tote is a great way for mom to put that bundle of joy on display! Buy them online or at your favorite photo store.

Foot Spa: It’s a busy life now and that new mom could probably use a little pampering. Forget the vibrating back massagers. Buy her something really unique, like a heated aqua jet foot spa. She’ll feel like a queen and can even use it while feeding or rocking her baby! You can buy these therapeutic systems online or at health and fitness stores.

Memory Foam Back Pillow: Whether breastfeeding or holding the baby, mom needs a little extra support for her back. A NASA inspired memory foam back pillow will mold to the contours of her back to provide continuous support and help alleviate lower back fatigue. These can be bought at your favorite department store or online.

Photo Jewelry Box: She’ll catch a glimpse of her favorite little one each time she reaches for a piece of jewelry. These boxes feature flip-top frames that typically hold smaller photos. Most can be engraved for personalization. Go online or pick one up at a photo shop.

One of the greatest joys that a woman experiences in her lifetime is the joy of becoming a mother. Show your support and celebrate a new mom with a gift that makes her smile.

Personalized Monogrammed Chocolate Kiss Diaper Bag Tote

Personalized Handmade Diaper Bag Purse Tote Bag

PERSONALIZED PUPPY DOG BABY DIAPER TOTE BAG PINK GIRL

Personalized/Handmade/Diaper/Bag/Toile/Black/White/NEW!

Personalized/Handmade/Diaper Bag/Wipe Case/Posh Stripe

Personalized/Handmade/Diaper Bag/Wipe Case/Posh Stripe

Personalized/Handmade/Diaper Bag/Flirty/Hot Pink Vines

Personalized/Handmade/Diaper Bag Set/Jungle Fever

Just for Mom

There is no one in this world who knows us better than mom. It is in her every touch, smile, hug, and word expressed from the time we are born. We look to mom for approval, guidance, and love. But it is those special times, when it’s just mom and me time, that we look forward to and treasure.

Whether or not you are a working mom, spending time with your child is important. It signals to your child they are important and fun to be with. From infancy, your child depends upon you for everything; and as time passes, the nurture, care and love you have given becomes their focal point. They turn to you in times of need; seek your advice in times of doubt; and look to you for comfort when sad. Spending one on one time with your child is by far a time your child looks forward to. Whether a baby, toddler, teen or adult – your child needs you. It doesn’t matter if you simply sit on a big comfy chair and talk; or read a book together; or watch a favorite fairy tale on DVD being with mom has enormous positive effects on kids. It is just you and your child; no interruptions; no siblings to take your attention away; just your child and you.

Studies have shown the positive effects of merely caressing a baby; smiling; rocking and holding. The baby feels safe; begins to sense your aura; your smell; your voice. Being held in your arms is all that matters. As the child grows, he or she runs to you if frightened; or for no other reason than simply to get a hug, a loving word, a smile. Children who are not comforted from birth become detached as they become older; feel abandoned; and more often than not seek other means to find love.

Spending time with your child is important to their growth and how they relate to others.
It is very simple really. A mother’s love is infinite. As a mom you know this to be true.
Therefore, there is no need to explain the importance of being with your child. Perhaps this poem says it all:

Just Mom and Me

There was never a time you weren’t there
Expressing your love, showing you care.
You laughed with me, cried with me, and wiped away the tears
From the moment I was born, and through the winter of my years.
Your smile gave me hope, and your touch made me know
That for all of my life
I’d have somewhere to go
To talk about the fear, the pain, and the strife
It was you, who understood,
And gave meaning to my life.
You knew what to say, and when words couldn’t come
You held me in your arms -
No more needed to be done.

Just for Mom