It looks like celebrities are going more and more unconventional at their baby showers (see Kim K’s CBD Shower and Shay Mitchell‘s strip club shower for example)
Model Ashely Graham and her husband celebrating the upcoming birth of their first child together at a baby shower being described as “non traditional” because it included ear piercing, tattoo application and manicure stations.
The event took place at The Foundry in New York City which fans got a sneak peek at via guests like celebrity doula and lifestyle guru Lathan Thomas who posted photos and videos on her Instagram page and stories:
“This shower was so ? @kissthedeejay was on the 1s and 2s, you could get tattoos, ear piercings and decorate baby onesies that are being donated to families in need,” Thomas wrote on Instagram. “I was too chicken to get a tat or another ear piercing ?@Fridamom made a custom labor and delivery kit for Ashley – so adorable!!!!”
As reported by PEOPLE, the event featured traditional elements like “It’s a mom!” balloons and signs, cupcakes, candy and other usual baby shower fare.
Graham reportedly told guests in a toast that the event was “bigger than our wedding”.
“If you haven’t gotten your ears pierced or a tattoo, you have to do that.” the plus size Victoria Secret model gushed. “There’s so much food, there’s a big cake that’s bigger than the one at our wedding.”
A simple, noninvasive method of imaging a mother’s placenta may help clinicians catch pregnancy complications early, before they exacerbate and endanger mom and baby.
That’s according to a new study by University of California, Los Angeles, researchers, published Nov. 4 in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
UCLA scientists made the early diagnosis using what’s called pseudo-continuous arterial spin MRI, pinpointing patients who had low blood flow to their placentas. Failure of maternal blood flow to reach this region is believed to snowball into several ischemic placental diseases, such as the life-threatening blood-pressure disorder preeclampsia, restricted growth of the fetus or preterm birth.
The actress and model, most known for being best friends with Khloe Kardashian, shared the news on her Instagram.
“It’s A Boy!!! ??,” the frequent Keeping Up With The Kardashians guest star captioned a photo that also promoted BioOil. “I’m thankful to my baby boy and @BioOilUSA for my pregnancy glow. #BioOilPartner ? I’ve used this oil for over 10 years to lessen the appearance of scars, stretch marks and for instant moisture. I wouldn’t dare go this pregnancy without it. #LoveYourMarks
The model announced late last month that she is expecting her first child and later confirmed the dad is her on again off again boyfriend rapperO.T. Genasis.
No matter the situation, it can be both exciting and overwhelming to suspect a new pregnancy.
You may also feel confused about how to interpret your symptoms and what types of detection methods to try. How can you know if your hunches and your pregnancy test results are accurate? In order to approach early pregnancy detection with success, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of the process.
Early Signs and Symptoms
While the most notable sign of early pregnancy is a missed period, it’s important to look at this event with some context. If your period is only a day or two late, but you have no other new symptoms, it may be prudent to save yourself the money and wait a few more days before testing. This is especially true of women with irregular cycles who are not taking regular hormonal birth control.
However, if new or unusual symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness or change in appetite accompany your missed period, it may be a good idea to take a pregnancy test. Also, if you typically have very regular periods and/or faithfully utilize hormonal birth control, your missed period may signify more than just a slight change in your cycle. In some cases, women experience symptoms long before a missed period.
Using a Home Pregnancy Test
Whether you’re several days late or are experiencing other early symptoms, taking a home pregnancy test can help provide answers very early in the first trimester. Some tests claim to detect pregnancy as much as a week before the scheduled start of your next menstrual cycle. However, it’s important to note that this depends on how much hCG hormone or human chorionic gonadotropin is present in urine while testing.
This hormone is produced by the placenta an average of nine days after conception and multiplies exponentially every day during the first trimester. Keep in mind that every mother, baby and pregnancy are different, so levels can vary vastly from one person to another.
While some tests can detect the hormone very early, false negatives are always a possibility, especially when testing before the start of your next period.
Another cause of false negatives is improper testing techniques. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly before removing the test from its individual sealed wrapper. Take note of the recommended time frame for use and use the recommended method to apply urine to the testing strip.
Early in pregnancy, it’s easiest to detect hCG first thing in the morning, when urine is more highly concentrated. For the best and most accurate results the first time, use the test according to the instructions at the recommended date when you wake up in the morning.
Scheduling an Ultrasound
Once you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, it’s important to schedule a visit with a medical professional for an evaluation. You can schedule an appointment with an OBGYN or midwife or contact a local women’s pregnancy clinic, many of which offer Free pregnancy ultrasounds in Iowa. During an ultrasound, a specialist will use a wand to detect the presence and status of a fetus, either over the belly or vaginally.
This process is painless and harmless to the mother and baby but is an important step in confirming a pregnancy, along with blood work and a physical exam. While false positives are rare, they are possible due to certain medications or the presence of blood or protein in the urine. An ultrasound is the most reliable method of accurately detecting early pregnancy.
If you suspect you may be pregnant, be sure to consider the timing and all of your symptoms as a whole. Then choose the appropriate testing method that will offer you the answers you need for peace of mind about this journey in your life.
Now that Halloween is over, it may be time to start shifting focus on Thanksgiving planning.
If your family is hitting the road and taking a long-distance car trip to your Thanksgiving destination this year, here are snippets from our Thanksgiving travel tips to make it a smoother ride especially if you’re traveling with a toddler:
Set Clear Expectations
Before venturing out on the road, start small and positive by setting guidelines, says Carrie Krawiec, Michigan-based family therapist at Birmingham Maple Clinic. “Parents can set their children up for success by creating easy-to-remember expectations before leaving home,” she says. Create a list of five car behaviors to follow, such as keeping your hands to yourself and your bottom in the seat, using an inside voice and avoiding putting your feet on chair in front of you, suggests Krawiec.
Encourage positive behavior with travel rewards. “Parents can gauge their child’s level of attention by saying ‘I am going to watch these things and every five minutes if you have done this, you will earn a point for a sticker or silly band,’” says Krawiec. “This will make travel more cooperative.”
Charge Electronics
Even though you may limit your toddler’s time with tablets and electronic games at home, an iPad or Gameboy may be just what your child needs while traveling on long road trips. “With the age of technology, we have a big bonus,” says Christine Gutierrez, New York-based psychotherapist.
Many vehicles come equipped with DVD players and outlets for charging electronics to ease the challenge of traveling with young children. Pop in your child’s favorite movie or host a family sing-along with his favorite CD.
Make the trip educational, too. Download educational games and applications on a tablet to entertain your child or pick up a book or CD before taking off on your road trip. “Compromise is key here,” says Gutierrez. “Make baby happy and the rest of you shall be happy in the car as well.”
Chomp Down on Snacks Often, hunger cravings can cause a toddler to act out or misbehave. Prepare for a long road trip by packing a cooler of snacks and drinks to satisfy his hunger. Non-messy items, such as grapes, carrots or fruit gummies, will keep your toddler and your vehicle clean during snack time. Juice packs or milk in a Sippy cup can also comfort a sleepy toddler while traveling.
Break Out Goodie Bags The idea of being locked inside a vehicle for hours on end doesn’t necessarily sound appealing to a young child; however, if the trip includes goodie bags filled with games and activities, she may be more than eager to jump into that car seat.
Keep the bag in the front seat with you and break out games and activities along the way as your toddler gets antsy, such as a coloring book and crayons, an etch-a-sketch or even bubbles to blow out the window. Make the trip educational by purchasing a map and asking your toddler to point out states you drive through or license plates from each state. When your toddler is tired of one game or activity, take out another to keep her occupied.
Parents can include any of the following in a “goodie” bag for a long road trip with toddlers:
Dry erase board with markers
Stickers
Small Cars
New Books
Paper for Drawing
Travel Versions of Favorite Games
Dollar Store Finds
You can make activities much simpler by bringing along a lap desk or a cookie sheet your child can place on her lap. As a bonus, using magnets on the cookie sheet creates a game of its own, and the raised edges will prevent crayons or cars from landing on the floor of the car.
“Planning ahead is the key to preventing restless, unhappy children (and parents) during a car trip,” says Richard Peterson, vice president of education at Kiddie Academy. “In fact, you can even sneak in a little education along the way by playing classic car games, adjusted to fit your child’s age.”
Peterson suggests asking toddlers to search for shapes, colors or specific objects along the way. “The games will serve as a distraction, but also help to hone observation skills,” he says.
If all else fails, crank up the tunes or make a pit stop at a park along the way to deter boredom for your little one. “Boredom is probably the biggest difficulty your child will encounter during a long car trip,” says Peterson. “Toddlers live in the here and now and do not have the life experience to understand that the destination will be worth the time in the car seat.”
Veteran actor Richard Gere and his wife Alejandra Silva are expecting their second child together just nine months after welcoming their first, son Alexander this past February. The 70-year old star is also dad to 19-year old son Homer who he shares with his ex-wife Carey Lowell and 36-year old Silva is mom to 6-year son Albert with her ex-husband, Govind Friedland. (US Weekly)
Model Ashley Graham showed off her radiant pregnancy glow while attending the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in New York City on Monday (PEOPLE)
Actress, singer and model Cassie Ventura is among a bevy of big names that are featured in global fashion brand Open Ceremony’s latest philanthropy-related clothing campaign.
In a post dedicated to Cassie’s shot featuring her baby bump, the singer writes, “My current project is becoming a mother and I can’t wait to experience the transformation that comes through motherhood, especially in creating new music and visuals. I’m an artist at heart. Like every woman, I’ve gone through many significant transitions in life that have taught me so much about myself and the woman that I want to become. I’m focused on becoming.” (Billboard)
That post-summer sluggishness usually kicks in every October as we head into fall.
The temperatures drop and the one thing that makes winter’s rapid approach evident regardless of climate is the loss of daylight. For many, this loss of daylight also leads to a loss of energy, an uptick in short temper and even bouts of depression.
So how can we ease into the rapidly approaching winter months?
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, an NYC based licenses clinical psychologist and faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teachers College, offers practical tips to prepare for the clock change.
Before we get into the tips, it’s important to understand the clock change’s impact on our brains and therefore our bodies, so we understand what is actually going on.
Hafeez explains that a cell in the retinas of our eyes contains a pigment that gets activated in the sunlight which then regulates our bodies biological functions. This daily process triggers another gland called the pineal gland which is in charge of melatonin secretion, she adds. It peaks at night and wears off by daylight.
“In simpler terms, the less light exposure we get, more out of whack we feel,” Dr. Hafeez sums up.
According to Dr. Hafeez, the following simple adjustments leading up to the clock falling back can make a significant difference for those who don’t struggle with more severe depression or bipolar disorder.
1. Avoid alcohol.
When the clocks are turned back in the fall, many bars stay open an additional hour. This is typically celebrated by people in their 20’s and 30’s who only pay for it the next day opting to sleep away their Sunday. Drinking alcohol before turning back the clocks can add more sluggishness the next morning. “Even with just a one-hour clock change, our body’s circadian rhythm is thrown off making our brains a bit confused. Alcohol only heightens these effects,” explains Dr. Hafeez. Imagine the double whammy of a hangover after the fall back clock change?
2. Enjoy physical activity during the daytime.
The more time spent outside in the daylight doing physical activity, the less sluggish you will feel once the clocks fall back. Fall is a great time to powerwalk or go for a run. If you’re an early riser then you will love the earlier sunrise at least for the next few weeks.
“A lot of people shift their exercise routines to include more high energy group workouts in the evenings to give themselves something to look forward to as a way to shake off the workday.
“You really want to pay attention to when you feel most energized and align your exercise to that,” suggests Dr. Hafeez.
3. Don’t sleep in. Go to bed earlier instead.
In the days leading up to the clock change, add extra “wind-down” time before bed and get to bed an hour earlier. On the Sunday morning of the clock change, people mistakenly opt to sleep in.
You really want to stick to the same wake-up time while getting to bed earlier. That’s the key according to Dr. Hafeez.
“People think they are gaining an hour of sleep, they’re not because at bedtime they’re losing it,” explains Dr. Hafeez. “When you keep the wake-up time and get to bed earlier that extra hour isn’t felt as much the next day,”
4. Avoid watching the news before bed.
People think that getting to bed an hour earlier means it’s ok to watch TV in bed before sleep.
TV or any kind stimulates the brain. Your favorite show causes you to focus when you’re trying to shut down stimulation. The news is even worse.
You get wrapped up in the doom and gloom watching the news.
“If you want to really make sure you still wake up refreshed, opt for tranquil music or guided meditations available on YouTube or an app, recommends Dr. Hafeez.”
5. Plan ahead! Consider taking Monday off!
For those who find their mood is negatively impacted after the fall clock change, consider taking Monday off and make it about self-care.
Waking up early, taking advantage of the early light, enjoying a healthy breakfast, getting a massage or catching up on reading, tidying and whatever you feel necessary to feel good, do it. “
People can feel the effects of the clock change for up to 3 weeks. Taking a day off to focus on your own well-being can become a nice post clock change ritual,” she says.
Bringing home your newborn baby can be scary. They’re so small and delicate it seems like anything could happen. Take the time to safety proof your home room by room so you can be more focused on lullabies and joys of parenthood.
Bedroom
While you already know to cover your electrical outlets and keep small items off the floor, there are other hazards you may not be aware of in your baby’s room. Start with the crib. Parents recommends getting a fixed-side crib (instead of a drop-side crib) so your baby isn’t at risk of hurting themselves if the drop side breaks or to protect them once they’re big enough to start getting themselves out of the crib. You also should keep the crib empty of stuffed animals and other big, cushy items because they can pose a suffocation hazard to small babies, and they can be used as a step stool to climb out of the crib when they’re older.
Furniture stays are also a big help since little kids like to walk, climb, push, and test their boundaries. You need to make sure that any large furniture (dressers, bookshelves, carts) is attached to a wall or fixed in place so it can’t tip over.
Kitchen
Kitchens don’t have to be a dangerous place for your baby. Your new favorite item will be cabinet locks. By putting them on, your child won’t be able to get into a drawer full of knives or glass items (and then you won’t have to worry about picking up all the Tupperware they threw on the floor). You also should invest in an oven lock. While the oven door may seem too heavy for them to open, you don’t want to risk any accidental burns.
You also need to make sure everything is out of your child’s reach. Though this might not be a big deal when they’re just a few months old, it’s a good habit to get into as they become more mobile. Cook on the back burners of your stove and turn the handles inward to make sure your baby can’t pull off any hot pans. You also should put hazardous items, such as cleaning supplies and knives, in high cabinets with a safety lock. Avoid hanging choking hazards on your fridge, such as magnets, and keep any glass items out of reach.
Living Room
You’ll spend most of your time in the living room with your family. Make sure that all electrical outlets are covered with baby-proof sockets and that all wires and cords are tucked away where they can’t be reached by small, curious hands. You may want to put baby guards around the corners of your tables and secure any decorations that could be pulled off your coffee table or entertainment center.
Set up a home automation system to help you feel more secure. With this tool you can set your alarm system, lock your doors and control the lighting and temperature of the room. These home automation features are perfect when you can’t move the sleeping baby in your lap. A video surveillance camera also can work as a nanny cam, so you can check in on your baby when they’re with a babysitter. It can also work as a baby monitor, so you can watch your baby while they’re sleeping.
As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, you’ll need to update your safety proofing. Make sure to periodically go through your rooms and check for any potential hazards. Enjoy this special time without having to worry about your child’s safety.
This year, while scrolling the web for pics from Halloween, I noticed at least three families that picked the same theme.
Above, model Molly Sims and family dressed as the characters from The Wizard of Oz and so did Vanessa and Kobe Bryant and their four girls.
Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, his wife Dr. Priscilla Chan and their two girls
Finally, Olympic Swimmer Ryan Lochte and family dressed as The Flinstones, Wilma, Fred, Pebbles and Bam Bam while is Kim Kardashian West and her four kids, North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm did too.
There have been a few baby food recalls in recent weeks that have prompted some new moms to consider making their own baby food from scratch for their little ones.
The idea of blending, pureeing, storing, thawing and making batches of baby food or toddler pouches can seem daunting, and time-consuming, but fortunately, in recent years, technology in the form of baby food blenders and scores of new books have cropped up to demystify and simplify the process.
Blender
To start, you may want to go out and get a blender with a puree function on it. I like the Magic Bullet for making smoothies and milkshakes for my little ones because it is easiest to clean. The company that makes it also sells a special version just for baby food making called Magic Bullet Baby Bullet Baby Care System which retails for $59.99 on Amazon but is sold in retail stores like Target, Walmart and the like.
Storage
Next, you’ll have to invest in tiny containers to store the foods you make. The Baby Bullet comes with its own containers and lids but you can also order storage containers. Sage Spoonfuls Big Batch Storage Set includes twelve 4 Ounce containers for about $20, enough for vegetable, desserts and other purees. They are freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe and durable portable jars with leak proof and easy to use screw on lids.
Recipes
Then comes the hard part: whipping up yummy recipes. Here are some books with tips, recipes and other suggestions.
ONE
The Amazing Make-Ahead Baby Food Book: Make 3 Months of Homemade Purees in 3 Hours ($17.88)
This popular hardback book will give you to tools and tips for making up to three months’ worth of healthy, homemade baby food in just three one-hour blocks of time. It has unique combos like Peachy Strawberry Salad, Coconutty Mango Lassi, Plum-Gingered Brocco-Quinoa, and Purple Papaya Flax Yogurt, blending in a rainbow of nutritious options while expanding your baby’s palate.
TWO
Real Baby Food: Easy, All-Natural Recipes for Your Baby and Toddler ($10.79)
The toughest part really is making the time but this book helps new moms create a routine that is easy, fast and flexible. The author starts with the building blocks of solid foods, and shares how to recognize food allergies, and easy ways to cook in bulk.
Recipes progress from single-ingredient purées to multi-flavor blends like Salmon, Kale, and Sweet Potato Smash; then move on to finger foods—Turkey Meatloaf Bites, Maple Graham Animals—and finally toddler meals and snacks. Most can be made ahead and frozen, many are easily adapted for grown-up tastes, and all include full nutritional information. Nice!
THREE
101 DIY Baby Food Pouches ($10.99) specializes in baby food pouches for older babies and toddlers. This book includes instructions for filling your own pouches for cheaper, healthier, and eco-friendly options for your little one.
Little Foodie: Baby Food Recipes for Babies and Toddlers with Taste ($13.59)
This book comes from a certified baby chef and blogger over at Baby FoodE, Michele Olivier. She offers over 100 food recipes, helpful FAQs and a comprehensive overview.
Baby food recipes include: Apple + Mint + Ricotta Purée / Fennel + Pea + Peach Purée / Pumpkin + Thyme Purée / Sesame Tofu Sticks + Peanut Sauce / Curried Egg Finger Sandwiches + Mango Chutney / Slow Cooker Chicken Tagine + Couscous / Sausage + Kale Over Creamy Polenta / DIY Toddler Sushi Bar, and more.
The Baby and Toddler Cookbook: Fresh, Homemade Foods for a Healthy Start ($15.68)
Packed with over 90 recipes and loads of nutritional information,The Baby & Toddler Cookbookmakes cooking healthy meals easy, even for busy parents. By setting aside only a few hours a week, you can make and store an array of nutritious foods to keep baby happy and fed. All along the way, this book will give you helpful hints, guidance, and plenty of recipes to ease your path to nutrition.
EIGHT
Top 100 Baby Purees ($10.52)
Like the other books, you’d learn to wean your baby who is transitioning to solid foods, discover food allergies and how to make 100 Baby Purees with information tricks on finding the hidden nutrition in everyday foods. Dr. Michel Cohen, New York pediatrician and author of The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parentopens the book with a forward.
NINE
Cooking for Baby: Wholesome, Homemade, Delicious Foods for 6 to 18 Months ($12.30)
This book is organized by age and has smart tips on prep and storage with added suggestions on transitioning as baby grows. From celebrated children’s-food author Lisa Barnes, Cooking for Baby is a fully illustrated, gorgeous, four-color book that takes parents through the basics of preparing nutritious, delicious (and easy!) meals for your child, from six to eighteen months.
TEN
The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers: Practical Answers To Your Questions on Nutrition, Starting Solids, Allergies, Picky Eating, and More (For Parents, By Parents) ($12.30)
A team of doctors came up with this comprehensive manual for feeding your babies and toddlers during their first crucial yeas of life. With The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, you have the expertise of a team of pediatric medical and nutritional experts—who also happen to be parents—in a comprehensive manual that takes the guesswork out of feeding. This first-of-its-kind guide provides practical, easy-to-follow advice to help you navigate the nutrition issues, medical conditions, and parenting concerns that accompany feeding. With recipes, parenting stories, and recommendations based on the latest pediatric guidelines, this book will allow you to approach mealtime with confidence so you can spend more time enjoying your new family.
ELEVEN
201 Organic Baby Purees: The Freshest, Most Wholesome Food Your Baby Can Eat! ($10.25)
When you can have 100 recipes, why not 201?! This book has even more healthy recipes that are organic and blends classic combinations such as turkey, sweet potato, and corn; Superfoods like avocado, blueberries, and spinach; and Puree-based transition recipes including soups, biscuits, frozen desserts.
TWELVE
The Happy Family Organic Superfoods Cookbook For Baby & Toddler Hardcover ($14.54)
This book comes from the organic family-focused food company Happy Family Organics and Cricket Azima, founder and CEO of The Creative Kitchen. Inside, find more than 70 easy-to-prepare recipes made with all-natural ingredients. It includes recipes with ingredient vegetable and fruit purees, including Happy Family’s best-selling spinach, mango & pear recipe, to recipes with quinoa, chia, and kale —Shazi’s and Cricket’s superfood recipes will nourish and please every kind of baby. Recipes for toddlers (1–3 years) include avocado & chicken whole wheat pizza; 3 bean farro risotto; and baked salmon with peas & rice balls; toddlers will love tasty snacks like strawberry-beet pudding with coconut milk and chia; avocado, melon & mint smoothies; banana, chocolate chip & quinoa muffins; and grilled nut-butter sandwiches with smashed berries.
Good luck!
