Maternity Gifts.... Gifts That Keep On Giving

Tis' the season! At Baby on Board Maternity we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Here are some of our top picks for gift giving.  These are special gifts that every mother-to-be would want from the special people in her life.

Top Picks:

*Breast Pumps/Breast Pads (you can never have enough breast pads)

*Breast Feeding Shirts and Blouses (look at the selection from www.babyonboardmaternity.com)

*Breast Feeding designer bras and panties (even C-section panties would be a nice touch if you know the birthing plan of the mother-to-be in your life)

*Books, Journals-("A Bun in The Oven," "Belly Laughs," or "What to Expect When Expecting")

*Stretch mark cream (try the Baby Bump Butter from www.babyonboardmaternity.com)

*Personalised trinkets/Picture Frames

*Belly Casting

*Belly Photo-shoot



Then we have for my more frugal readers our special gifting which is my favourite, I am frugal Ann....

NO-COST Gifts

*Bubble bath/Warm Bath (using salts and essential oils don't forget the candles for a great ambiance)

*Foot Rub (very important, to help with swollen feet and relaxing)

*Pedicure (can be incorporated into foot rub.  Go ALL OUT!!!)

*Cook her favourite meal (again add some candles and a nice fruity iced down non-alcoholic drink for ambiance)

*CLEAN THE HOUSE (now pregnant or not I need my hubby to read this part of the blog, because I so need this gift it would mean the world to me!!!) **NOTE** Professionally clean it no half done jobs or it will defeat the purpose of the gift!!!!!!!!!

*Make a C.D. or file with her favourite songs

*Library Books (at no cost you will be able to stock up on all the pregger reading you think she may enjoy)

Now the best thing to do is to do all of these suggestions in one fabulous night...
I guarantee it would make her Year!!! It will also show her how much you appreciate her. 


I know I may not have many men readers on this blog, so women feel free to print these things out and hang it on the fridge under your list for Santa and he will surely get the message.


For those of you that have husbands or children or significant others that do these types of things for you all the time....KUDOS and tell them to teach a class please, I will pay for my husband to come to it!!!!


Have a Happy New Year from the owners of www.babyonboardmaternity.com 

We hope to see you in 2013... stay tuned.....

Pregnacy Hybernation

Now that winter is upon us there are many issues that can be relieved by doing one simple thing.  Some issues include; restlessness, trying to get comfortable, making bathroom runs, winter blues, holiday blues, fatigue, anxiety and cramping. 

The answer is simple.... SLEEP!!! Take a page out of Mrs. Bears book and HYBERNATE for the winter.

All that is needed at least 7-9 hours of beautiful sleep! 

Here are some wonderful tips to gear yourself up for wonderful SLEEP!!!

YOGA
MASSAGE
DEEP BREATHING
MUSCLE RELAXATION
GUIDED IMAGERY
EXCERISE

Certain foods can help with sleeping as well

Cherries
Bananas
Toast
Oatmeal
Warm milk

The best positions for sleeping and how to get comfortable for sleep.

The Best Sleep Position if You’re Pregnant

Sleeping on your back is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly during the later months, because the weight of your uterus presses on your spine, intestines and major blood vessels.
Aside from leading to backache, this can reduce circulation to your baby as well as lead to low blood pressure and problems with breathing and digestive upset. Sleeping on your stomach will also become uncomfortable in the later months of pregnancy.
So the best position overall during pregnancy is on your side, and particularly on your left side. This optimizes circulation and blood flow, increasing the amount of nutrients that reach your placenta and baby, while also allowing you to support your back, knees and stomach with pillows.

Sleeping on your side 

Sleeping on your side also prevents neck and back pain and reduces acid reflux, and it also reduces snoring. It's the best position for sleeping during pregnancy, if you sleep on your left side. However, it can be bad for your skin and your breasts.
Side sleeping allows your spine to stay in a fairly neutral position while helping to reduce snoring issues, if present, in some people. However, if you like to put your hand under your head while in this position it can compress nerves in your shoulder and arm, making your fingers numb.
You may also experience some tightness in your shoulder and neck muscles.
Sleeping on your side in the fetal position may lead to even more aches and pains, due to the fact that your body is tightly curled up for hours at a time. As for stomach sleeping, it’s generally regarded as the worst position of all because of the way it distorts the natural curve of your lower spine. Stomach sleeping may also impact your neck and lungs

Doctors induce hybernation in humans for medical reasons.  You can use these techniques to induce a restful winter for both you and your soon to be bundle of joy!

Swimming for Pregnancy

Doctors say that the best exercise one could involve themselves in while pregnant is SWIMMING.

Swimming gives you a total body workout! Not only does it have wonderful effects as exercise but also in preparing your body for labor.

PROS:

Ability to process oxygen
Supports joints and ligaments
Make new friends at your favorite watering hole
Gives your body a weightless feeling to ease and relax your muscles
Warmth of the water relaxes your belly, not only is baby floating inside but mom is floating in the water too helps you get in tune with what baby is going through inside of you.
The sun is vitamin D which is needed to make sure your child is not deficient and born with jaundice.






TIPS FOR PREGGER SWIMMERS:
Please stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids
Salt water has more healing properties than chlorinated water, so find a beach
Breast stroke and Back strokes are the safest swimming techniques for you and baby
Make a few snacks before going to the water to make sure you fight hunger on your excursion
SPF- make sure you have sun screen
Take a hat and shades so you are not too heated in the suns rays

We have great styles in for maternity swim wear, please check them out at www.babyonboardmaternity.com

This month's featured item is;

This little number will be sure to have you feeling confident and cool for the hot summer day at your favorite watering hole.  Enjoy!!!

Swim Suit Chic for Mother-to-Be

Swim wear for the Mother-to- Be

Believe me when I say it is going to be a "HOTT SUMMER!"

Swim wear for the Mother-to-Be is going to be a must in these next few months. 
Have a cool and fun summer even with the extra weight in the front.  Many preggers celebraties are all sporting those string bikini styles, you can wear them too. 

There are some Do's and Dont's to wearing swimwear comfortably with your baby bump. 

If you opt for bikini you will feel very comfortable and confident if you take heed to the following do's and don't list.

You can find this bikini with skirt@ www.babyonboardmaternity.com


Do
Use color in choosing swim suits
Low cut for belly comfort
Wear cover-ups and skirts
Choose bottoms that tie on the sides they are the most adjustable and comfortable
SPF

Don't
Wear tight fitting tops or bottoms
Show stretch marks
Wear heels with your swim-suit

Wearing an all-in-one swim suit would give you and bump full coverage, yet still look classy.  Take a chance by choosing some print or color have fun with your summer wears.

MAKE YOUR SUMMER A HOTT ONE!


JUST ADD WATER!
Feature Swim suit at www.BABYONBOARDMATERNITY.com

This Iris-all-in-one bathing suit is ideal for the mum that does not want to show too much.

 

How to Curb Your Enthusiasm

I totally understand that you are anxious, excited, and ready to meet your new bundle of joy!!! But lets slow things down because you still have months and months and months before that faithful day when someone is going to be calling you MAMA.


We would like to offer a few tips to curb your enthusiasm;

1) Make a list and check it twice - Just like Christmas you have a wonderful gift inside of you and like most gifts you want to shake it and see what is inside.  To keep the anxiety levels down make a list.  Make a list of all the things that you are anxious about and review this list every time you are feeling a little enthused about your baby.  You will end up adding to the list every time you view it, which will keep your mind occupied and help you over these humps of waiting for your big day. This list could include your prenatal plans, things to buy for baby, plans for your nursery, etc.

2) Hot spa baths- Create an ambiance for your self in your bathroom and soak.  The relaxation of this task will surely get your mind off of everything on your mind.  This is a deep relaxation tactic that should be done with caution make sure there is no wet spots on the floor and be very cautious with the candles.  I would not recommend bath salts or fragrant perfumes in the water, although if you like a little aromatherapy use essential oils like lavender, lemon, jasmine you will only need a few drops to get a beautiful fragrant bath. If you would like to relax your body parts in your bath use Epsom salts.  From personal experience I actually was stuck in the tub while 8 months pregnant, because I did not realise how huge I was, but I truly could not get out the bath tub so my tip would be to let your husband or someone know that you are taking the bath in case you need help getting out (how embarrassing that was to me).

3) Meditation or deep breathing techniques- If your anxiety gets you too worked up find a quiet corner to meditate or breath. There are several ways to meditate you could quietly meditate for 10-20 minutes just sitting quietly and disregarding everything that clouds your mind.  You could also use visualisation meditation which allows you to visualise something like the baby inside your stomach, think about what is around you for example fluid, visualise yourself floating around, moving your limbs, sucking your thumb, hearing muffled voices, and so on.  This visualisation would have you feeling like you and baby are one in that moment you may even fall to sleep , it is just that relaxing. Think of a quiet river and the trees all around, the colours and sounds you would here, just take your mind to a different place.

4) Exercise, walk or yoga- These tasks not only get your body moving and more fit for baby, but you can clear your mind doing them.  Do not over exert yourself, this is to curb anxiety not to get a workout.  If you make it into a stressful exercise than it will become just that, but our goal here is to take our minds off of the waiting game. 

5) Confide in a friend- Sometimes talking out your worries helps take the bother off of you, not to say that the person you tell will take on your anxiety, but you releasing this will clear your mind.

FASHION:

ORANGE BLOSSOM DRESS

Order this stunning Spring dress from www.babyonboardmaternity.com

This beautifully designed dress is ideal for comfort and glamour. Pair this outfit with a nice pair of flats or sandals and a big floppy hat you and your baby bump will be couture on a nice Spring day. After baby has come you will still be able to enjoy this wonderful dress.  There is easy access for breast feeding!


Until next time enjoy your pregnancy.....