Pregnancy Punch: Your Non-Alcholic Alternative
Monday, December 31, 2007
Painting the town red on New Year's Eve can be just as fun for moms-to-be as everyone else. Although you won't be able to indulge in any alcoholic fare this year, you can still sip delightful non-alcoholic drinks and have a great time.
If you are out at a restaurant or bar, ask if the bartender can whip up a nice, non-alcoholic drink for you. They'll know just the right combination to mix together, but make sure your request is clear even if you have to show them your belly! New Year's Eve is a busy night for bartenders, so make sure they are aware that they're fixing a drink for a pregnant lady. If they can't make you a drink, you may have to settle with sparkling water, Sprite or ginger ale.
If you're at home, you can always make your very own pregnancy punch to help ring in the new year. It doesn't have to be all fancy with grenadine and loads of sugar. You just need to mix up a refreshing drink. Here's what we suggest.
MommyToo.com's Pregnancy Punch
1/2 cup of plain sparkling water
1/2 cup of organic grape or cranberry juice
1 mint leaf
1 squeeze of fresh organic lemon juice
Shake well and serve on the rocks. Enjoy.
Happy New Year!
Labels: must-haves monday
posted by Jennifer James @ 12:46 AM,
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Savings Sunday: Save Up To 25% at Destination Maternity
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Labels: savings
posted by Jennifer James @ 12:29 AM,
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A Sister's Guide to Packing Your Birth Bag
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Don
't be caught without these items in your birth bag
2. Toiletries -- toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, body powders, etc.
3. Hair products -- because....you know! Giving birth is a sweaty affair so think about how you want to look after the bun is out of the oven.
4. Flip flops -- because you don't know who was in the shower before you.
5. Comfy clothes, shoes -- robe, pajamas, underwear, bra, and a nice outfit to wear home and feel good in.
6. Baby outfit -- pick out something really nice for your baby's first day home.
7. Tunes -- because music will relax you and give you something to listen to when there's nothing good on television.
8. Books and magazines -- because when you're sitting there feeling great from your epidural you'll probably want something to read in between contractions.
9. Car seat -- You won't be able to leave the hospital without a car seat for your baby so don't forget it!
10. Jewelry and makeup -- just because you just had a baby doesn't mean you have to look like a hot mess.
11. Camera and camcorder -- because you don't want to miss a single moment! If you're a true tech geek like us you may even want to mobile post via your cell phone or take your laptop and post an entry.
12. Cell phone -- because you'll have to call everyone under the sun to let them know you're at the hospital and them to let them know your little one has finally arrived.
13. Journal -- If you journal, you won't want to wait until you're home to relive the memories. Write when the moments are fresh.
14. Wash cloths, towels, pillows -- because they're cleaner!
15. Small gifts or thank you cards for the doctors and nurses -- because inevitably someone will make your day and give you great care
Labels: delivery, shopping list saturday
posted by Jennifer James @ 9:06 AM,
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Fancy Friday: Must-Haves For Your Body and Belly
Friday, December 28, 2007
We seek out some of the best maternity clothes and belly products on the market so you won't have to. We do the leg work, you just punch in your numbers. Here's what we've found for our very first {fancy} friday.
For Your Body
For Your Belly
Otopia Bump To Bub Pre
Labels: fancy friday
posted by Jennifer James @ 12:27 PM,
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Don't Wait to Prepare for Your Baby's Birth
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Waiting until you're eight months pregnant to begin a Lamaze class won't work; start early and be better prepared for your baby's delivery.
Lamaze classes typically last six weeks and help expectant mothers have a more informed and proactive delivery instead of simply being hooked to tubes and giving birth.
Here is the Lamaze Philosophy of Birth
- Birth is normal, natural and healthy.
- The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families.
- Women's inner wisdom guides them through birth.
- Women's confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provider and place of birth.
- Women have the right to give birth free from routine medical interventions.
- Birth can safely take place in homes, birth centers and hospitals.
- Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assume responsibility for their health and to trust their inner wisdom.
Labels: delivery, healthy thursday, lamaze, pregnany
posted by Jennifer James @ 9:34 AM,
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Real Life Wednesday: Notes From a Pregnant Mommy
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Over the coming weeks you will begin seeing a few changes at the Black Pregnancy Blog. Starting today we are giving each day a theme. Our theme for Wednesdays is "real life" where we will introduce you to a mom who is blogging about her pregnancy.
Our first {real life} wednesday feature is Don't Eat My Buchela! We love reading this mommy blog written by an Ethiopian American mom-to-be and were thrilled when she announced she was expecting. We also get all gushy reading her pregnancy updates. Currently she lives in China with her husband and son but is in the States for the holidays.
Be sure to bookmark Don't Eat My Buchela and read her archives. She has one of the best mom blogs on the Net!
Labels: real life wednesday
posted by Jennifer James @ 9:46 AM,
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Rounding Out the Weekend: More Maternity Must-Haves
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Crew Neck Long Sleeve Side Rusching Zigzag Print Blouse
Labels: maternity wear
posted by Jennifer James @ 5:24 PM,
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More Hip Pregnancy Wear for the Style-Conscious Mom-to-Be
Saturday, December 22, 2007
All weekend we're going to bring you popular maternity wear from MothersWork. We know one thing: These pieces aren't popular for nothing! They're hot, flatter your growing belly, and are affordable. So, why not look great during you growing months?
New Arrival - True Religion Flare Bobby
Durango Jean
New Arrival - Cowl Neck Babydoll
Sweater
Labels: maternity wear
posted by Jennifer James @ 3:31 PM,
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Are You a Hip Pregnant Mom? If Not, You Need To Be Wearing These
Friday, December 21, 2007
Here are some of MothersWork most popular items. Are they in your closet?
New Arrival - Wool Toggle Coat
Plus Ring Spun Jeans With Secret Fit Belly
Labels: maternity wear, pregnancy must-haves
posted by Jennifer James @ 11:31 AM,
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Mary J. Blige, John Legend Respond to Jamie Lynn Spears Pregnancy
Thursday, December 20, 2007
First of all, we didn't even know Britney Spears had a sister, but whatever! The whole world now knows who she is because she done got knocked up. Anyway, here's what Mary J. Blige and John Legend had to say.
Mary J. Blige sent the US TV presenter a word of support through MTV, saying: "Stay strong, baby girl. If that's her choice (to keep the baby) then congratulations. Hope she's responsible and I hope she understands what that brings. "You have to change your lifestyle so (your children) can look at you as an example. It's all about Mommy being an example Jamie. That's what it's about."
John Legend also told MTV: "My sister had a baby when she was young, so I know what it's like, and ... It's going to be difficult, so I hope her family supports her and takes care of her. It's hard for a young 
mother."
Moms Weigh In
So moms! What do you think?
Labels: celeb gossip
posted by Jennifer James @ 1:33 PM,
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Use Affordable Acupuncture to Relieve Morning Sickness
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
We've all been through morning sickness, some worse than others, but nearly unbearable for us all. If you have been looking for an all-natural way to relieve your morning sickness symptoms look no further, we've got just what you've been looking for: Psi (pronounced sigh) Bands.Psi Bands are affordable wrist bands that adjust and place subtle pressure on your wrists. It has been long known that placing pressure on your wrists helps to alleviate nausea. Now instead of going to an expensive acupuncturist all you need to do is put on your Psi Band. Psi Bands are drug-free, reusable, affordable, waterproof and adjustable.
Psi Bands come in four styles (shown above) and retail for $19.99. If you want to give to Fertile Hope, a national nonprofit agency that helps cancer patients with infertility, $1 will be donated for every set of the Cherry Blossom Psi Bands sold.
Online Deal!! Buy Psi Bands Today for $14.99.
Psi Bands Drug-Free Wrist Bands for the Relief of Nausea, Cherry Blossom
Psi Bands Drug-Free Wrist Bands for the Relief of Nausea, Daisy Chain
Psi Bands Drug-Free Wrist Bands for the Relief of Nausea, Color Play
Psi Bands Drug-Free Wrist Bands for the Relief of Nausea, Racer Black
Labels: health, morning sickness, pregancy yoga
posted by Jennifer James @ 8:14 AM,
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Preterm Delivery Predictors + Seeing a Maternity Fitting Specialist
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Did you know you can go to Motherhood Maternity stores and see a fitting specialist? To help all expectant women prepare for their exciting journey ahead, in-store fit experts are always available to assist with sizing, and belly pillows are on hand for visitors to experience the "rise" in the belly.On the Net: www.motherhood.com.
Preterm Delivery Predictors
A new study says women who have had multiple abortions or miscarriages are at a three times higher risk of delivering preterm babies. African-American women deliver preterm babies at a rate four times that of white women. Although the reasons for the high occurrence of preterm deliveries is unknown it is important that you attend regularly scheduled prenatal visits with your doctor to ensure you have the healthiest pregnancy and delivery possible.
Labels: delivery, health, maternity wear
posted by Jennifer James @ 11:29 AM,
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Let Your Belly Say Something
Monday, December 17, 2007
It's always nice to be expressive when you're pregnant. If this is your first time being an expectant mom there is nothing better than carrying your baby with a little pizazz. After all, it always helps you hang onto your pre-mommy days as long as possible.Mommy Trends, an online boutique specializing in maternity tees, also believes that expectant moms should express themselves instead of being the shy mom in the corner quietly gestating. They have funny and even straightforward tees that should grace every mom's growing belly.
You can choose from tees that say:
ulChocolate
Hot and Heavy
Jellybelly
No Vacancy
No Unsolicited Baby Advice
We like the Big and Beautiful (left) tee.
Ready to have some fun? These tees can be purchased online at www.MommyTrendsOnline.com
Labels: maternity wear, must-haves
posted by Jennifer James @ 8:59 AM,
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Baring Your Growing Belly
Friday, December 14, 2007
In this day of advanced technology we have a plethora of options to choose from when we're deciding how to chronicle nine glorious months of pregnancy. We have digital cameras, web cams hooked to daily-updated blogs, palm-sized camcorders, voice recorders and, of course, the traditional standbys -- the pregnancy journal and pen. While all of these options can do the job just fine, having a professional photographer capture your pregnancy,
however, can be nearly as rewarding as the actual day of your baby's arrival.Professional photographers, especially those with a hefty portfolio and years of experience, tend to have an acute eye for just the right lighting and a knack for suggesting the perfect pose to truly capture the essence of being with child. Photographers can fully detail all facets of an your pregnancy in an instant -- the roundness of your belly, your expressions of anticipation and jubilation mixed with a pinch of worry, your love for your family and the love you carry for your unborn child.
Professionals, especially those who use black and white photography, can beautifully capture, detail by detail, the mystery of your changing form. Photographs have the unique ability to visually pause an exact moment in time that could be lost forever. Plus, photographs are beautiful reminders of your pregnancy that can be given to friends and family, hung richly around your home or tucked away in a pregnancy album. For any expectant mother, this is a wonderful, lasting gift for your family, your baby and yourself.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER
Credentials. A good photographer will always have a portfolio of her work plus a listing of customer testimonials. You can also ask for former customers to call for a recommendation.
Equipment. Does the photographer have professional equipment? Ask her what type of camera she uses and why. Have her explain her plan for your shoot and why she feels a certain camera will produce the best photos.
Rapport. Do you feel comfortable with your photographer? Does she have an idea of what you expect from the photo shoot? Is there great chemistry between the photographer and everyone else who may be in the photos, including any children, pets, and spouse or partner?
Belly casting is another wonderful way of remembering your special baby belly -- size and all! Making a belly cast is very simple and inexpensive. First, you cast a plaster mold over your tummy, let it dry, then decorate it to create a beautiful keepsake of your 
pregnancy. Belly casting is great fun for baby showers or for an intimate gathering of family and friends. Want your own belly cast? Who doesn't, right? Proud Body sells their belly casting kit online for $35. Call 1-877-972-1859 for more information or visit www.proudbody.com.
Labels: photography
posted by Jennifer James @ 8:31 AM,
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New Maternity Arrivals at LaneBryant.com
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Be sure not to miss the new arrivals at Lane Bryant Maternity. Here's one of their hottest new looks for expectant moms on the go. This bold swirl print tunic with flowing sleeves makes being pregnant an easy affair and makes you look stunning as well.
Drama sleeve maternity tunicOnly $45.00
Labels: maternity wear
posted by Jennifer James @ 8:14 AM,
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Mika's Beautiful Belly
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
I am so blessed to be having baby # 3 after having a tubal reversal. I am so excited about meetig my new daughter.Mika
Arlington, Texas
Send your beautiful belly to us at info (at) mommytoo (dot) com.
Labels: pregnancy gallery
posted by Jennifer James @ 5:50 AM,
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Elective Caesareans Carry Increased Risk of Breathing Problems
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Elective caesareans are all-the-rage these days especially among celebrities who want to keep their tummies taut or mothers who want a rigorously scheduled delivery. New research says, however, that elective caesareans may create a fourfold breathing problem in infants.The reason for these breathing problems are unclear but some researchers believe there are physiological and hormonal changes associated with labor that are not present in elective caesareans and hinder the lungs from properly forming.
In the study, over 34,000 live born singleton babies without birth defects and with gestational ages of 37 to 41 weeks were included in the main analysis. Deliveries were categorised into two groups: elective caesarean section and intended vaginal delivery (i.e. all vaginal deliveries and emergency caesarean sections).
Factors that could affect the results, such as maternal smoking and alcohol intake during pregnancy, maternal body mass index, maternal age and education, were also taken into account.
2,687 infants were delivered by elective caesarean section. Compared with infants intended for vaginal delivery, infants delivered by elective caesarean section were found to have an increased risk of general respiratory problems.
Babies delivered by elective caesarean section at 37 to 39 weeks of gestation carry a two to fourfold increased risk of respiratory morbidity compared with babies delivered by intended vaginal delivery, say the authors.
posted by Jennifer James @ 5:39 AM,
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Metallic Beauty for the Holidays
Monday, December 10, 2007
How beautiful is this? I know you can definitely see yourself in this Liquid Metallic Mini Dress
Labels: maternity wear, must-haves
posted by Jennifer James @ 12:17 PM,
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C-Sections Result in Less Subsequent Pregnancies
Sunday, December 9, 2007
If your are reading this post via a feed, click here to read the article about c-sections and fertility.
Labels: fertility, health, pregnancy tests, pregnany, prenatal care
posted by Jennifer James @ 7:26 AM,
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How to Ease Heartburn When Pregnant
Friday, December 7, 2007
According to WebMD, more than one-half of all pregnant women experience sever heartburn during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. Noting how important it is for expectant mothers to ease heartburn the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) has put together a list of things you can do to keep heartburn at bay. 1. Avoid eating late at night or before retiring to bed. Common heartburn triggers include greasy or spicy food, chocolate, peppermint, tomato sauces, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and citrus fruits.
2. Wear loose-fitting clothes. Clothes that fit tightly around your waist put pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter.
3. Eat smaller meals. Overfilling the stomach can result in acid reflux and heartburn.
4. Don't lie down after eating. Wait at least 3 hours after eating before going to bed. When you lie down, it's easier for stomach contents (including acid) to back up into the esophagus, particularly when you go to bed with a full stomach.
5. Raise the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches. This can help reduce acid reflux by decreasing the amount of gastric contents that reach the lower esophagus.
6. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Abstinence from alcohol and smoking can help reduce reflux symptoms and avoid fetal exposure to potentially harmful substances.
For a complete list of heartburn medications that are considered safe to use during pregnancy can be found on the ACG website at http://www.acg.gi.org/physicians/pdfs/PregnancyMonograph.pdf
Labels: health
posted by Jennifer James @ 3:31 PM,
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Casual Comfort From NOM
Thursday, December 6, 2007
There's nothing like a comfortable, fitted, slimming long sleeve crew to hug your growing belly. This crew from NOM is made of 100% cotton and is machine washable. As a little surprise it has pockets on the sleeves and comes in heather green, light blue, white and black. Retails for $62.00.On the Net: Belly Dance Maternity
Labels: maternity wear
posted by Jennifer James @ 1:08 PM,
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Foot Relief
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
We recommend:
Soothing Foot Relief Spa Set from basq.
Labels: spa
posted by Jennifer James @ 6:43 PM,
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Love This! Bob Marley Rasta Tube
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
On the Net: Spunky Sprout
Spunky Sprout, one-stop shopping for modern, unique and colorful products for kids with fabulous style - and their parents! For babies and children from birth to six years old, there are plenty of treats for Mom and Dad, too. SPUNKYSPROUT.COM is also the best place on earth to find exceptional, must-have lifestyle gifts from Europe and America for the sophisticated family!
Enjoy 40% off on selected merchandise and FREE shipping on all orders over $150!
Labels: discounts, maternity wear, must-haves, savings
posted by Jennifer James @ 1:09 PM,
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Weekly Top Must-Have's From Mothers Work
Monday, December 3, 2007
Each week we will feature three of the top selling items from Motherhood-Maternity
New Arrival - Wool Toggle Coat
New Arrival - Printed Silk Jersey
Dress
True Religion Secret Belly Joey Flap Pocket In Dark Pony
Labels: maternity wear, must-haves, savings
posted by Jennifer James @ 7:40 AM,
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The Latest Fertility Information: Choosing the Best Foods for Conception
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Most women who are trying desperately to conceive wrap their brains around as much information as they can about fertility, and there is a lot of it. On newsstands on December 3, Newsweek features the most cutting-edge science surrounding the best foods that facilitate conception.You might be surprised to know that the research encourages women to indulge in whole milk products such as yogurt, cottage cheese, and even ice cream. Other foods on their list include brown rice, dark breads, beans, vegetables, and whole fruits
On the Net: www.newsweek.com
Labels: fertility
posted by Jennifer James @ 2:22 PM,
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Throwing An Ethnic Baby Shower
A baby shower is one of the most anticipated events for an expectant mom. That's why it is so important to make it as memorable as possible, and for black moms-to-be that means adding a little ethnic flair to the celebration. Most often for black moms, it becomes increasingly difficult to find information about planning an ethnic baby shower, but thanks to Kimberly K. Smith and Tonya D. Evans the endles
s search for culturally-relevant baby shower tips and ideas is over.Blackberry Soul Celebrations: A Handbook for African-American Baby and Bridal Showers and Put Soul in Your Baby Shower: The African-American Baby Shower Book both give spectacular tips for infusing African and African-American eleme
nts into an amazing baby shower. Plus, you'll find games, cultural themes to include in the shower, gift ideas, and check lists to have a beautiful event celebrating your new baby.Buy BlackBerry Soul Celebrations: A Handbook for African-American Bridal and Baby Showers
and Put Soul In Your Baby Shower: The African-American Baby Shower Book
Related Post:
Read our review of Blackberry Soul Celebrations.
Labels: baby showers
posted by Jennifer James @ 2:04 PM,
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Vitamins E and C Don't Help Prevent Preeclampsia
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Researchers have found that unlike previously thought, vitamins E and C do not help prevent preeclampsia, or high blood pressure experienced by pregnant women during their pregnancy and postpartum periods. About 5 percent of all pregnant women get high blood pressure during pregnancy which can pose a serious threat to an infant's health and life."The study casts real doubt on the effectiveness of this regimen in preventing preeclampsia," said study author Dr. Joseph A. Spinnato II, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. "There were those that were arguing that the evidence was enough prior to our publication, so I think this is added weight," he said.
Be sure to see your doctor immediately if you begin to have symptoms of preeclampsia such as sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision.
To learn more about preeclampsia visit the March of Dimes and the Preeclampsia Foundation.
Labels: health
posted by Jennifer James @ 5:00 AM,
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