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Water Safety Month: 10 Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Tips

Posted on May 6, 2014

May is National Water Safety Month. Drowning

is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. On average, 3,533

people die as a result of drowning each year, and most of those deaths are

children under the age of four who drown in backyard swimming pools. The

tragedy of these statistics is nearly all drowning deaths are preventable.

To

help educate children, parents, families and swim instructors on preventive

measures to avoid a drowning incident, US

Swim School Association (USSSA), the preeminent swim school organization in

the country, has compiled the latest life-saving water safety and swim

instruction tips.

There are certain standard things parents should do: (a) keep their children under their supervision constantly, (b) enroll them in swimming classes, (c) know CPR Nd (d) install pool fences and barriers. In addition to

these vital steps, USSSA has created a list of tips parents can use to build

extra layers of protection for their children around water.

Drowning

Prevention & Water Safety Tips

Create a verbal cue for your

toddler or child that must be given by you before he or she can enter the

pool.
Never allow your

baby/toddler in the pool without a swim diaper.
Create a process the child

must go through before entering a pool such as putting on a swim diaper, a

swimsuit and applying sunscreen.
Never use flotation devices

or water wings when swimming or when teaching kids to swim.
Children should learn to

swim without goggles. Teach your

children to open their eyes under water; if they fall in they can find the

side of the pool or a step and get out safely.
For very young children

practice having them put their entire face under water in the bathtub and

blow bubbles to build their comfort with water.
Create a water safety plan

for your family and have water emergency drills with your kids covering

how to recognize the signs of someone struggling in water and what to do

in this type of emergency.
Make sure your guests and

kids’ friends know your pool rules before they go outside and get in the

pool.
Start swim lessons at 6

months of age and continue them year-round at a US Swim School member

location.
Always make sure your

children wear life jackets on boats, personal watercraft and in open

bodies of water.

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2014 Met Ball Red Carpet Trends as worn by celebrity moms

Posted on May 6, 2014

Among the A-List celebs strutting their looks on the red carpet to this year’s Met Ball were several of our Bellyitch alum moms last night, May 5.

There was a departure from the traditional avante garde fair this year given the theme “Charles James: Beyond Fashion”, named after the newest exhibit at the museum. It allowed the ladies to do old Hollywood glam, which is safer and more feminine for the annual gala put on by the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and produced by Vogue editor-in-chief Ana Wintour.

The actual exhibit featured vintage old and recent Hollywood red carpet and other formal evening dresses worn by major US and international stars.

We saw some trends starting with the traditional trains, as spotted on Beyonce in a Givenchy dress and shoes adorned with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry; and on Charlize Theron in a black and white Dior dress worn with Fred Leighton jewels.

Actress Lake Bell held it down for the pregnant ladies in Tomy Hillfiger while Ivanka Trump did an earthy pattern in Oscar de la Renta.

Event co-chair Sarah Jessica Parker also wore Oscar de la Renta in a black and white ball gown while Victoria Beckham went as herself, in a sleek strapless Victoria Beckham evening dress.

Dark colors were seen on Marion Cotilliard in Christian Dior and Kim Kardashian in a sateen teal Lanvin evening dress with Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Metallic and Silver were worn by singer Lily Allen in Chanel Couture, model Lily Aldridge in Michael Kors and Nicole Richie in Donna Karan Atalier

Going with bold color was Katie Holmes in a full sunny gown by Marchesa and Reese Witherspoon looking polished and pretty in Stella McCartney.

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Study: Baby Gates not as safe as parents think

Posted on May 6, 2014

Baby gates are not as safe as many parents think. A new study from the journal Academic Pediatrics found that the number of injuries from gates have more than tripled in the past 20 years.

Most of the injuries, which climbed to 13 per 100,000 children in 2010 compared to 4 per 100,000 children in 1990, were not serious. Experts recommend parents use bolted gates on the top of steps not pressure mounted ones which are more likely to fail if not properly closed. They also suggest parents avoid accordion style gates which have since become outdated in the baby market anyway.

The data was gathered from children up to 6 years old at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

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RHOA’s Phaedra Parks reunion comments: Meanest reality TV attack on older single women who want to have a baby (VIDEO)

Posted on May 5, 2014

Just when I thought we had hit rock bottom with catty fighting women insulting and offending other women who are trying to conceive, we go and discover a new floor below.

A couple weeks ago, during the finale of the VH1 show Basketball Wives: LA one cast member told off another member who is a cancer survivor and is struggling while trying to conceive to go “take her medicine” and injections to try and make a baby, boasting how she already had 3 healthy ones.

Last night, on part three of the Real Housewives of Atlanta finale, cast member and past 2x Bellyitch Bumpwatch mom to two, Phaedra Parks sunk quite low to insult her arch nemesis Kenya Moore.

In a shade-filled “read” on the former Miss USA, Parks attacked the fact that Moore was exploring sperm banks in search of an appropriate anonymous donor for a child she hoped to conceive and raise on her own. Moore had previously said that she did not want to conceive a child out of wedlock but at her advanced age of over 40, she noticed her options were wearing thin and decided to consider that route.

So to get back at Moore for her own history of inappropriate contact and communication with Parks’ husband Apollo Nida, the recent Mortuary school graduate and law firm owner went after Moore’s Trying to Conceive (TTC) plans, stating during the show last night:

“She needs a story line so she keeps re-bringing it up. This happened in 2012. It’s 2014 and she’s still trying to use it because she has nothing else going on. And while she’s sitting around, running around talking about my husband, the father to my children, and she spends her weekends peddling thru sperm banks, looking through catalogs to try to find a donor. Honey, you don’t know if your baby daddy will be an axe murderer or a child molester. But what you will know is that he needed $10 to get himself a medium-sized pizza so he ejaculated in a cup so you can have a kid. Check that.”

A few thoughts come to mind.

1. While Phae-Phae is the queen of reading, this particular one sounded too structured, polished and well -rehearsed. At one point, Apollo pulled out his mobile phone after accusing Moore of texting him again a week ago (an accusation Moore denied immediately). But he could have gotten out his phone to feign an opportunity to pull up the script so Phaedra could refresh her memory. She can be seen on camera twisting her neck slightly and taking a peek at his phone. hmmmmm…..

2. This is not the first time the self-described Christian woman went below the belt to attack fertility struggles. In a past episode this season, she called Moore’s reproductive system “scrambled eggs.” That was a pretty dirty thing to say considering all the women with fertility issues who watch her show and support her brand.

3. While this round, Parks wasn’t a directly attacking another woman’s fertility struggles, she did make an indirect jab at the thousands of women who have delayed having a baby because of their career and/or who have been struggling to meet “The One” while waiting to marry and have a baby. Some of those women have and are considering an anonymous sperm donor because they desperately want a baby. Way to go to make them feel horrible about their predicament and options, Phaedra Parks.

4. The other sad part to me personally, was all the women, who do not like Moore’s antics and behavior on the show, who were applauding and cheering it on in social media. While cheering on Moore being put in her place and silenced, they are also complicitly putting down all those women out there in Moore’s shoes — some including possible friends, family members and co-workers.

Not cool.

The full episode is below and Phaedra’s spiel starts around the 39:00 mark.

video courtesy: DDotMen

What are your thoughts?

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Cinco de Mayo: 5 Non-Alcoholic Drinks for the Kids & Preginistas

Posted on May 5, 2014

Bellyitch Rewind

Taste of Home

Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun this Cinco de Mayo. You too can celebrate the Mexicans successfully beating and kicking the French out of their land with these 6 yummy and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. Whip up a batch for yourself and the kids this Cinco de Mayo holiday! Enjoy!

Lemon-Berry Margarita (in above photo)

4 lime wedges

2 tablespoons coarse sugar

2/3 cup thawed lemonade concentrate

1 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries

2 cups ice cubes

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 cup tequila, optional

Directions

Using lime wedges, moisten the rims of four margarita or cocktail glasses. Set aside limes for garnish. Sprinkle coarse sugar on a plate; hold each glass upside down and dip rim into sugar. Set aside. Discard remaining sugar on plate.

In a blender, combine the lemonade concentrate and raspberries; cover and process until blended. Press mixture through a fine sieve; discard seeds. Return raspberry mixture to blender; add the ice, strawberries, blueberries, sugar and tequila if desired. Cover and process until smooth.

Pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with reserved limes. Yield: 4 servings.

Lemon-Lime Drink

Lemon-Lime Drink

1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed

2/3 cup thawed lemonade concentrate

1 teaspoon orange extract

1-1/2 cups water

6 cups chilled diet lemon-lime soda

1 medium lemon, sliced

1 medium lime, sliced

Directions

In a large container, combine the limeade and lemonade concentrates and orange extract. Stir in water.

Just before serving, stir in lemon-lime soda. Serve over ice. Garnish with lemon and lime slices. Yield: 3 quarts (12 servings, 1 cup per serving).

Mock Margarita

Mock-Margarita

Lime wedge (optional)see savings

Coarse salt or coarse sugar (optional)

1 6-ounce canfrozen limeade concentrate

3/4 cuporange juicesee savings

2/3 cupunsweetened grapefruit juicesee savings

25 to 30 smallice cubes (about 4 cups)

Green food coloring (optional)

Lemon or lime slices (optional)see savings

add ingredients to list

1. If desired, rub rims of margarita glasses with lime wedge; dip rims into a shallow dish of coarse salt or sugar and shake off excess. Set aside.

2. In a blender, combine limeade concentrate, orange juice, and grapefruit juice. Cover and blend until smooth. With the blender running, gradually add ice cubes through the hole in the lid, blending until slushy. If desired, tint with a few drops of green food coloring. Pour into margarita glasses. If desired, garnish with citrus slices. Makes 8 (4-ounce) servings.

Mock Sangria

Mock Sangria

2 cupsorange juice, chilledsee savings

1 cupunsweetened white grape juice, chilledsee savings

1 cupreduced-calorie cranberry juicesee savings

1 1-liter bottlediet lemon-lime carbonated beverage, chilledsee savings

Ice cubes

2 cupsassorted fresh fruit (such as oranges, cut into wedges; thinly sliced and halved lemons and/or limes; pineapple wedges; seedless red or green grapes; sliced, peeled and pitted peaches; and halved strawberries)

Fresh mint sprigs

add ingredients to list

1. In a large bowl or pitcher, stir together chilled orange juice, white grape juice, and cranberry juice.

2. Add the lemon-lime beverage; stir gently. Fill each of 10 glasses about two-thirds full with ice. Divide fruit among glasses. Pour juice mixture into glasses. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs. Makes 10 (about 6-ounce) servings.

Tastebook

Limeade punch

1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate

1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

4 egg whites

6 cups crushed ice

1 liter carbonated water

1 lime, sliced

coarse salt

In a 4 quart container, combine lemonade concentrate, limeade concentrate, powdered sugar, egg whites, and crushed ice; mix well. Cover and freeze at least 30 minutes before serving.

Spoon 2 cups slush mixture into blender. Add 1 cup of carbonated water. Blend until frothy. To serve rub rim of glass with lime slice, dip in salt, and fill glass. garnish with lime slices.

Todd Quackenbush

Puncha de Frutas (Fruit Punch)

3 oranges, juiced

3 lemons, juiced

1/2 pound seedless green grapes, halved

1/2 pound plums, pitted and chopped into small bite-size pieces

1 fresh pineapple – peeled, cored and chopped into small bite-size pieces

1 cup white sugar

4 cups strong brewed black tea, chilled

In a large punch bowl, combine orange juice, lemon juice, grapes, plums and pineapple. Stir in sugar. Pour in tea and crushed ice.

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Bump Watch: Christina Aguilera Rocks the New Orleans Jazz Festival

Posted on May 5, 2014

Mamas to be Rock! Didn’t you know? And if you didn’t you haven’t seen the photos of a very pregnant Christina Aguilera rocking it out, energetically while headlining at the New Orleans Jazz Festival this weekend, Friday May 2.

She covered her growing bump with an oversized white collared shirt and wore what looks like a fitted black dress with jeweled embellishments underneatth and jeweled shear body tights.

Aguilera and her fiance Matthew Rutler, a financial jouranlist, are expecting their first baby together. This will be his first and her second. She has a 6-year old son, Max, with ex-husband Jordan Bratman.

photo: Getty

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Double Trend Alert: Geometric patterns and Black and White -Pregginista style

Posted on May 4, 2014

Geometric shapes are making a return this Spring. So are the colors black and white.

Traditionally, pregnant women are told to stay far away from prints if pregnant so as not to accentuate all the extra spread that happens when baking a bambino!

But you can totes pull it off with careful stying. Simply wear one of the following dressed under neath a long dark cardigan to to frame the look and voila! Style and Trendy without looking like a disco ball!

ASOS Maternity Exclusive Body-Conscious Midi Dress In Geo Print

Apeainthepod Donna Morgan Sleeveless Peplum Maternity Dress

Topshop Maternity Open Stitch Crochet Top

Apeainthepod 3/4 Sleeve Embellished Maternity Blouse

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Celeb moms on White House Correspondents Dinner red carpet (PHOTOS)

Posted on May 4, 2014

Last night, many of the moms who we’ve featured in the past and who star in television shows that are set in Washington, DC or the White House were spotted on the red carpet to the White House Correspondents Association Association‘s 100th Annual dinner at the Hilton hotel in Washington, DC.

The annual ball is for charity and is usually attended by an A-list of politicians, reporters and celebrities.

Michelle Obama at the 100th Annual White House Correspondents Dinner

Anna Chlumsky and Julia Louis-Dreyfus who star in VEEP and new moms Jessica Simpson and Kristen Bell, and other celebs went to the event as guests of various media organizations that cover the White House.

Veep’s Anna Chlumsky was giving face in black and white.

Sofia Vergara in Romona Keveza Spring 2014 gold asymmetric gown with pale pink chiffon skirting

Cynthia Nixon in a Tibi printed, round neckline, silk gown.

Jessica Simpson in a Carolina Herrera strapless macro-print floral chiffon gown with Neil Lane jewels

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in a Antonio Berardi pre-fall 2014 black gold embellished gown Brian Atwood pumps and Edie Parker clutch and Neil Lane jewels.

The Good Wife star Julianna Margulies in vintage high waist black chiffon Jean Dessès draped gown styled with Roger Vivier clutch and Lorraine Schwartz jewel

Katie Couric was svelte and sexy in a slinky lace number.

Kristen Bell in Dolce & Gabbana and carrying a Christian Louboutin clutch

It girl (not yet a mom but featured often) Lupita Nyong’o in Oscar de la Renta Fall 2014 polka dot tulle peplum gown from Resort 2014 collection with an Oscar de la Renta clutch, Paul Andrew Earrings and Fred Leighton shoes.

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Pregnant Bridesmaids: 5 Things to Consider Before you Say Yes to Bride!

Posted on May 4, 2014

It is a truth universally acknowledged that every bride-to-be shall be in want of a good bridesmaid…or

three. And chances are that when a friend comes to you basking in that newly engaged glow and asks

you to be one those bridesmaids, you’ll jump at the chance to support her on her big day: The

dancing! The shoes! The dresses! The CAKE!.

Before you can say “yellow organza chiffon,” you’ve committed to being a bridesmaid and all that the honor entails. But what

if you are expecting to have a big (and getting bigger) event of your own sometime in the next nine

months?

If you’re planning on both a pregnancy and being a bridesmaid in the near future, here are some of the

bumps (pun totally intended) in the road to consider before officially saying yes.

1.The Cost

While the costs associated with being a bridesmaid can vary from wedding to wedding, one

thing is certain: a baby on the way means unexpected expenses will be particularly unwelcome. After

all, your priorities are changing, and whether it’s saving for diapers or a college fund, you want to make

sure being a bridesmaid won’t mean being expected to pony up for expenses you soon won’t be able to

afford.

Accordingly, it’s important to clarify just what kinds of expenses will be expected of you ahead of time. A

few to inquire after:

1. Will you be responsible for your dress, or will the bride pick up the tab? The same goes for

those dyed shoes and your fabulous wedding day up-do and manicure.

2. If travel is involved, how costly will that be? Airfare, cab fare, hotel and eating out should all be

considered.

3. How much (if any) will you be expected to contribute to a shower or bachelorette activities?

2. The Dress

:

Since bridesmaids dresses are known for being so lovely and flattering, finding a dress that will work while you

are pregnant should be no problem at all! Um, yeah…

Back on planet earth, bridesmaids dresses can be itchy, lumpy, scratchy, and pinchy (yes, you know

pinchy is a word). But this is not to say that you cannot totally rock the pregnant bridesmaid look as

long as you keep a few things in mind.

1. Comfort and Fit: Ultimately, you want a dress that flatters your figure and that you’ll feel

great wearing. Look for a flowing empire-waisted gown, or a dress that can be ‘enhanced’ with

an extra panel to accommodate that lovely baby bump of yours!

2. Alterations: Make sure you’ve got a good tailor who will be able to make last minute

alterations a little bit in advance of the wedding date. As you know, all of those measurements

are going to change. And then change some more.

3. Support: Speaking of those changing measurements, the right maternity bra can do wonders for a girl’s mood at a wedding, not to

mention her back! Once you reach your third trimester, you will likely need to trade in those

lacy bras and reach for something more substantial. Just don’t forget to make sure that your

maternity bra works with your dress as the date nears.

House of Fraser Maternity Dresses · Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaid’ Dresses · shopbop.com Bridesmaid’ Dresses

3. Your Due Date

:

Let’s put this right out there: Going into labor at your friend’s wedding is not ideal. If your due

date falls very close to the wedding date (or even within a month), you should feel free to humbly

decline being in the wedding. Consulting with your doctor is also a good idea, as he or she will have

likely dealt with this issue in the past and can make an individualized recommendation.

However, if your due date is farther afield from the wedding date, then the most important factor

to consider is likely to be travel. While most airlines will allow pregnant women to travel through their eighth

month, you need to consider what your own personal comfort level will be.

Tips for safe air travel while pregnant include walking the aisles on your flight to prevent blood clots,

drinking lots of water, and wearing your seatbelt under your belly rather than across it. Travelling

during pregnancy can be challenging, but if you and your doctor think you are up for it, then you’re a go.

Just one thing though: You know those teeny tiny airplane bathrooms? Need we say more?

Isabella Oliver Maternity Dresses · Maternal America Maternity Dresses · Rachel Pally Maternity Dresses

4. The Time Commitment

:

She’s the friend who consoled you that time you broke up with that jerk during freshman year…and

then consoled you again when you broke up with that other jerk that next year. She’s been with

you through thick and thin and late night pizza runs. So of course you want to be the absolute best

bridesmaid possible.

But take a moment to consider what that might mean: stuffing invitations, licking stamps, shopping for

wedding favors, liking her Facebook posts, and talking. Lots and lots of talking. You owe it to yourself

and to your friend to think realistically about what you can handle during your pregnancy. No friend

wants you to overtax yourself while you should be focusing on your health and the health of your baby.

Let her know your concerns and ask in the gentlest way possible what will be expected of you so that

you can both make an educated decision.

Kelly & Katie Bridal Shoes · Gianvito Rossi Evening Shoes · shopbop.com Bridal Shoes

5. The Friendship Style

:

Before you say yes, think about the type of friendship/relationship that you have with the bride. Is it

filled with drama or is it mostly peaceful? Communication will be key to making this situation work.

She needs to understand that there will be times during this pregnancy that you will be tired,

anxious, or painting adorable ducks on a nursery wall, and therefore will be unable to check out her

Pinterest board right this moment.

And you will have to understand that this is one of the most exciting times in her life, and that

she will need your support throughout, even if your feet are swollen and throbbing, and the ducks need

painting. If you two have that covered, the rest of the stuff will be a breeze.

Final Thoughts

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is an honor, for sure, and it’s no wonder you might be tempted to fill

such a position for a friend you care about so dearly. But true friendship means knowing your limitations

— something your friend should likewise honor and respect. And don’t worry: if you can’t participate

as a bridesmaid, there are plenty of other ways to show your friend you care throughout this process.

So, consider your next steps carefully and you’re sure to make the decision that will best balance your

friendship and your own needs. And by the way, congratulations!

— Alyssa Ennis

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JWoww thinks “Pregnancy Sucks” and so did these other celebrity reality TV women when they were preggers

Posted on May 3, 2014

So it seems Jennifer “JWoww” Farley is taking cues from her bestie Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi when it comes to declaring in the public how much she dislikes pregnancy.

Snooki infamously told TMZ cameras she thought pregnancy was “disgusting“.

In an inside story in this week’s In Touch Weekly magazine, JWoww declares that “pregnancy sucks!”

While keeping it real, she adds. “I’m exhausted, my boobs are massive and I’ve never been this big. I mean, it’s a blessing, but it’s crazy.”

But JWoww is but the latest in a slate of Reality TV show moms who had spoken openly about their disdain for being pregnant while they were recently preggers.

America’s Next Top Model All-Stars winner Lisa D’Amato said pregnancy is pretty “gross.”

Tamar Braxton-Herbert said one episode the WE TV shows Tamar and Vince that she thought the idea of breastfeeding a baby was “disgusting” and repeatedly focused on the weight gain and being and feeling “fat.”

Much of Kim Kardashian‘s time shown to TV audiences while she was pregnant was dedicated to how fat and unattractive she felt pregnant and her lamenting on being anxious about shedding the weight and posing nude after giving birth.

Certainly, they are entitled to be candid and open and honest. We thought actress Busy Phillips was refreshing when she also shared how it’s never as rosy and perfect as most other celebrity women paint it to be.

Nonetheless, know that with all this public negative chatter, will come harsh words especially from the very large members of the infertility and TTC (trying to conceive) set who would gladly trade nine lives of their lives to experience all the woes and “horrors” of pregnancy.

Just keepin’ it real.

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1.The Cost

2. The Dress

3. Your Due Date

4. The Time Commitment

5. The Friendship Style

Final Thoughts