Tag Archives: baby

What’s So Good About Pregnancy Pillows?

This is a sponsored guest post. The views and words in this article do not necessarily represent the views or ideals of Mommy Ramblings.

Many pregnant women use pregnancy pillows when they sleep. As a woman’s pregnancy progresses, it can be more and more difficult to get comfortable and sleep through the night. Since there will be plenty of sleepless nights after the baby comes, you need to get as much sleep as possible while you still have the chance. A pregnancy pillow provides support to your neck, shoulders, back, and legs. It also allows you to sleep in a semi-fetal position, which is the most comfortable position and is also the position recommended by doctors. There are several other ways that a pregnancy pillow can help you during your pregnancy.

Helps With Circulation

Doctors tell expectant mothers that they should sleep on their left side to help with blood circulation. Many women find this position uncomfortable due to their growing belly. A pregnancy pillow makes sleeping on your side more comfortable. Since every pregnant woman’s body is different, the pillow can be adjusted to fit just right.

Prevents Aches and Pains

Pregnancy for most women is an amazing time. Unfortunately, the excitement can be ruined with the aches and pains that many women suffer from. Studies have shown that between 50 and 80 percent of all pregnant women suffer from intense pain and numbness in their neck, back, hips, knees and legs during their pregnancy. Some suffer from these pains even after the baby is born. When you use a pregnancy pillow, it will put less stress on your body while you sleep, preventing these frustrating aches and pains.

Better Night’s Sleep

If you have aches and pains while you sleep, it can be difficult to sleep through the night. A pregnancy pillow will help you relax and it will ease the pain, allowing you to sleep through the night. The more sleep you get, the healthier you and your baby will be.

Helps With Breast Feeding

If you are planning to breastfeed, your pregnancy pillow can be very helpful. You can use the pillow to position your baby properly so that it is easy for them to latch. Because pregnancy pillows come in different shapes and sizes, it is easy to find the one that is most comfortable for you.

When you go shopping for pregnancy pillows, you will notice that there are a few different types to choose from. Each different type has its own benefits. The one that you choose depends on what you want from the pillow.

Pregnancy wedge pillows: This pillow is also known as a maternity cushion. It comes in different shapes and it is the smallest type of pillow. You can use the pregnancy pillow in a few different ways. You can put it under your belly for support, which can make sleeping more comfortable on you back and hips. You can also use it behind your back is you toss and turn while you sleep. It can be used under your regular pillow to raise your head to relieve heartburn, which is common in pregnancy.

Full length pregnancy pillow: A full length pregnancy pillow provides support for your entire body, however, it is not as sturdy as wedge pillows. You can wrap your arms and legs around the pillow while supporting your growing belly. You can find pregnancy pillows that are straight or that are full of styrofoam balls so that it can be shaped to fit your body.

Total body pregnancy pillows: Total body pillows are great for your second trimester and through the rest of your pregnancy. These pillows are between 5 and 6 feet long, and they provide support to the spine. These pillows are either U-shaped or C-shaped. They are also great for your baby after.

If you want to get a good night’s sleep while you are pregnant and you want to be comfortable, you should consider buying a pregnancy pillow.


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Discover “The Light Between Oceans” #Giveaway

In this film based on the acclaimed, best-selling novel, a traumatized and withdrawn World War I hero named Tom wants to live a quiet life. He is hired to be the lightkeeper at Janus Rock, a lighthouse off the coast of Western Australia. He meets a radiant, spirited local girl named Isabel and falls in love. The pair marry in 1921 and start a life filled with marital bliss. Heartache strikes when Isabel has 2 miscarriages and fears she may never carry a child to term.

Not long after losing the second baby, a boat washes up on shore with a baby girl and a dead man. Isabel begs Tom not to report the discovery and to take the baby and pass it off as their own. Tom reluctantly agrees and buries the man. They name the baby girl Lucy.

When Tom and Isabel go to the mainland to have Lucy baptized, Tom witnesses a woman kneeling in front of a grave with the names of a man and infant daughter who were lost at sea the same day Lucy was found. Tom cannot stop thinking that the woman may be Lucy’s mother so he writes an anonymous letter to her. In the letter he lets her know that her husband is dead but that her baby girl is alive, safe and well taken care of.

Tom, Isabel and Lucy spend the next three years living an idyllic life together. Everything is turned upside down when they attend a celebration for the anniversary of the lighthouse.

I will not spoil the movie for you but it takes an abrupt turn at this point and the lives of Isabel, Tom and Lucy will never be the same. Will Isabel be forced to give Lucy up? Will the couple be charged with a crime for not reporting their discovery? The rest of the movie will hold those answers and will draw you deeply in. You can view the trailer Here.

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD Bonus features include:

Bringing The Light to Life – For weeks, the cast and crew of “The Light Between Oceans” lived in trailers on Cape Campbell, an isolated region of New Zealand, to film the movie adaptation of the best-selling novel. This documentary chronicles the unique approach and shooting style of director Derek Cianfrance and the production journey that inspired Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz to fully embody their characters and explore the power and depths of love.
Audio Commentary – View the film accompanied by an in-depth and thoughtful conversation between director Derek Cianfrance and his film studies professor Phil Solomon.
Lighthouse Keeper – The filmmakers, cast and Cape Campbell Lighthouse inspector/maintainer Rob Sword share the history of the lighthouse and explain the typical duties a lighthouse keeper like Tom Sherbourne would have during an assignment on Janus Island.

Would you like to win The Light Between Oceans on Blu-ray and Digital? If so enter our giveaway below.

Giveaway

The Light Between Oceans on Blu-ray and Digital HD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Discover New Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus #WhatULuv #Giveaway For $25 GC & Luvs Diapers

“This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs.  I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.”

luvs-night-lock-plusWhen we are first time parents we tend to go overboard with our parenting. With the second baby, we are more relaxed and we understand that life is not scripted. We don’t have to buy the most expensive diapers, in fact, we learn that more expensive does not mean better. Luvs recently introduced the new and improved Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus™.  These diapers are softer and more absorbent than ever before, with large stretch tabs for easy fastening, ultra-leakage protection and a money-back guarantee, Luvs provide high-quality features for less cost than premium brands.

 

Join the Luvs and iConnect team on November 29, 2016  at 9:00-10:00 PM EST for a Twitter Party to learn about the new and improved Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus™ and win lots of great prizes, too! RSVP HERE!

You may or may not be surprised by the results of a form poll of moms across the country that Luvs conducted. The purpose was to take a look at what parenting is really like and uncover what moms value the most. The survey found that:

  • Nearly 2 in 3 moms have never taken a day completely for themselves
  • 81% of moms would prefer an entire day off from housework than dinner with their celebrity crush.
  • 87% of moms agree that the first time their child slept through the night was one of their best parenting times yet.
  • Even a short spurt of “me” time goes a long way! A quarter of moms surveyed stated that they felt an uninterrupted shower was more relaxing than a day at the spa
  • Other major moments moms value more now than before they became parents include sleeping past sunrise, watching television and movies that aren’t cartoons and having an uninterrupted phone conversation.

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To make the Luvs value even sweeter, Luvs is offering a money-saving $1 print-at-home coupon! Click HERE to access a Luvs coupon for $1 off any one diaper pack except travel or trial packs. Coupon can be used at any mass, discount or grocery stores where Luvs Diapers are sold.

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Would you like to enter a giveaway to win a $25 Amex Gift Card and a pack of the new Luvs NightLock Diapers? I thought you would! Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below and good luck!!! Open to US residents.
Giveaway:  Feel free to host a giveaway for a $25 AmEx gift card and a pack of the new Luvs NightLock Diapers

 

$25 Amex Gift Card and Pack of Luvs NightLock Diapers Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Baby, Baby! Lets Baby See Who God Loves #BabyBaby #FlyBy #Giveaway

It is never too early to read to your kids. I started to read to mine in utero. I even had that Dr. Seuss book that was made to be read to your unborn child. When they are born and as they grow, keep reading to them. Sometimes those eager little hands can wreak havoc on the pages of books. As a book lover, that stage made me nuts. I soon learned sturdy board books were the option for us.

I want to share a great board book with you today. Baby, Baby! by Diane Stortz and illustrated by Allie Busby is a short rhyming poem book that celebrates the discovery and wonder that fill baby’s days. At the end there is a special reminder that Baby is always loved by God. This sweet book  is perfect to add to any new baby gift or first birthday present. With the holidays fast approaching it would make a nice little Christmas gift for your baby or one that is close to you.

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The book features such adorable illustrations of babies doing all kinds of things from riding in the stroller to banging on pots and pans. At the end a baby safe mirror is on the page to show baby who it is that God loves. Babies love to look at themselves and they will have so much fun seeing their reflection in this book.

Enter below for your chance to win a copy of Baby, Baby!

Giveaway:

Fly By Promotions is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a copy of Baby, Baby! Thank you Fly By Promotions for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Baby, Baby! Board Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Saving Money For Back to School with Luvs & Ibotta- #SharetheLuv

“This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs.  I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.”

Save Money With Luvs and IBotta

 

Back-To-School shopping for kids is expensive and the more kids you have, the more expensive it can be. New shoes, new clothes, new backpacks and let’s not forget the mile long list of school supplies they need. So with all the spending for back to school, I want to let you know how you can save a little green and make you and your wallet a little happier.

First off, Luvs, the official diaper of experienced moms has a $2 print-at-home coupon off any one diaper pack. This coupon is able to be used at any retailer where Luvs diapers are sold. So turn those printers on and print that coupon!

Luv

 

When you use Luvs diapers you are already saving because they cost less than the premium brands. Don’t let the lower cost make you think you are sacrificing quality. Luvs are softer and more absorbent than ever, with large stretch tabs for easy fastening, ultra-leakge protection and a money-back guarantee! Luvs Ultra Leakguards with NightLock Plus™ provide the high-quality feature babies and parents need for less cost than the premium brands.

Luvs and Ibotta (a cash back app) are partnering to bring you a limited-time $5 rebate on any boxed variety of Luvs diapers (54 ct box or larger). All you have to do is download the Ibotta app.

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How To Save with Ibotta app:

  1. Download the free Ibotta app for iOS or Android
  2. Create Your Free Account
  3. Search For “Luvs” to unlock the exclusive $5 rebate
  4. Go shopping for your qualifying Luvs boxed diapers at any participating store
  5. Verify your purchases by scanning the bar code on the product or submitting a photo of your receipt
  6. Smile, your $5 cash back rebate will be deposited into your Ibotta account within 48 hours

Do you have any special ways you put a little money back in your wallet to help with Back-To-School expenses? Share them in the comments and spread the savings.

 

 


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Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Back-To-School, Rewards, Saving Money, Shopping

MAM- Making Life Easier For Parents & Babies for 40 Years! #Giveaway

I find it hard to believe, but MAM is celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year! Can you believe it? This is a very special milestone for one of the world’s most respected brands of infant products. The research, design and development that goes into their products is the key to their growth and success.

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MAM started as a small company in Vienna, Austria in 1976 and has grown into a leading global brand in five continents with over 50 million products sold in 60 countries! “We understand and love babies.  For the past 40 years our top priority has been the development of products for the well-being, safety and health of babies that make life easier for parents and allow them to focus on the joy of family,” said Jennifer Mitchell, CEO, MAM North America.

MAM bottles are designed jointly with medical practitioners and developmental psychologists to meet baby’s feeding needs at every stage. The bottles are available in an assortment of colors and fun designs,and are BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free and CPSIA-compliant. All of the bottles utilize MAM’s patented, skin soft silicone nipple. This nipple provides an easy transition from breast to bottle for baby. Leak proof caps minimize mess and keep nipples clean when not in use. Easy care and dishwasher safe these bottles are specially formulated to withstand steam sterilization in the microwave.

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The MAM bottle Collection Includes:

Anti-Colic Bottle-Anti-Colic Bottle -Ideal for newborns, the innovative bottle helps reduce the stress associated with newborn feedings. Patented ventilation holes in the bottle’s base regulate the pressure balance of baby’s milk, allowing it to flow evenly without bubbles or air pockets for reduced gas and colic symptoms. Bottles are available in 5 ounce or 9 ounce size.

Easy-Active Bottle-For babies 2 months old and up, these lightweight bottles fit  comfortably in baby’s hands. The functional design and wide opening makes the bottle easy to fill and clean, too. Available in a 9 ounce and 11 ounce sizes.

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MAM’s nipples are available in 4 types:

  • Slow Flow
  • Medium Flow
  • Fast Flow
  • Extra Fast Flow

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MAM’s pacifiers are designed with the same cutting-edge technological innovation and trendsetting design.  Developed by leading pediatric dentists and developmental psychologists, MAM pacifiers provide maximum comfort and style for babies of all ages.

All MAM pacifiers feature an orthodontically correct nipple design that allows little ones to safely satisfy their sucking reflex while maintaining proper jaw and tooth alignment. MAM pacifiers feature an easy-to-grasp front knob and a curved shield for a comfortable fit that’s gentle on baby’s skin, thanks to generous air holes and MAM’s patented interior surface.

MAM pacifiers are available in a wide selection of colors and designs and all feature the patented anti-slip Silky Soft™ Silicone nipple. Like all MAM products, they are BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free and CPSIA-Compliant.

The MAM Pacifier Collection Includes:
The MAM Perfect Pacifier– provides a perfect start, especially for newborns. Its innovative design incorporates an extra thin, super-soft and flexible nipple specially engineered to reduce the risk of misaligned teeth.  Extra small and lightweight, MAM Perfect is available for babies age 0-6 months and age 6 + months.
MAM Pacifiers and MAM Personalized Pacifiers– feature a symmetrical nipple ideal for baby’s jaw and tooth development. MAM offers a variety of pacifier sizes that suit a range of developmental stages to create a perfect fit for baby. Each nipple individually adapts to baby’s mouth so it is always in the right position. MAM Pacifiers are available in three sizes.

MAM Pacifier Wipes are non-toxic wipes that safely and naturally clean pacifiers, teethers and toys. The wipes are made with the safest ingredients for an on-the-go solution to dropped pacifers, teethers and toys.

pacifier wipes

Made with Xylitol, a natural, plant-based ingredient, the wipes contain no harsh chemicals – no alcohol, dyes or parabens, and are soft and gentle on baby’s skin. Xylitol discourages harmful bacteria that can eventually lead to tooth decay. MAM pacifier wipes come in a convenient package of 40 wipes with a recloseable lid.

Giveaway For A $30 MAM Gift Package:

MAM is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a $30 Gift Pack of Pacifier Wipes and Pacifiers! Thank you to MAM  for the review products and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

$30 MAM Gift Package Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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#PampersDreams Instagram Contest & #Giveaway

We all have dreams for our children as parents. In the beginning, adjusting to a newborn, your biggest dream for you child will probably be that they sleep through the night!  Sleeping through the night is much easier for babies who have comfortable diapers that offer overnight protection.

Waking up to a baby crying because their diaper leaked and everything is soaking wet is not pleasant for baby or parent. With Pampers diapers you can rest assured knowing your little one has overnight protection that will help them sleep soundly so they can achieve their dreams. It goes without saying that when baby is sleeping soundly, mommy and daddy usually are too!

Pampers logo

Pampers recently teamed up with swimmer Dana Vollmer for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. This is Dana’s first Olympic Games since she had her son Arlen.

Pamper's Dreams Dana

Dana was committed to getting back into swimming after becoming a mom. She wanted Arlen to grow up recognizing the importance of hard work and be an inspiration to him right from the start.  Dana hopes to ignite her son’s own passion for success by having him witness his mom achieving her dreams as a competitive swimmer.

Pampers Dreams Dana Son

 

Win a $400 AMEX Gift Card!

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Pampers is having a #PampersDreams Instagram Contest from June 20th – June 30th. The winner will received a $400 AMEX gift card!

Rules:

1. Post a picture of your little one sleeping and caption it with a big dream that either they have or that you have for them using #PampersDreams
2. Follow Pampers on Instagram

You can stay in the loop with Pampers on Facebook and Twitter too!

Enter Our Giveaway To Win A #PampersDreams Prize Package!

Mommy Ramblings is having a giveaway for a #PampersDreams Prize Package which includes:

$50 Babies R Us Gift Card
Pampers Diapers

Giveaway Rules:

To enter just use the Rafflecopter widget below. Winner will need to provide a physical address (no PO Boxes) and telephone number for shipping purposes. Entrants are only eligible to win one #PampersDreams prize package from participating bloggers.  Winner will be able to choose diaper size. Open to US residents, 18 yrs and older. Good Luck!!!

 

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How To Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms

Tis the season for colds and flu. My poor little guys were hit hard with a marathon fever virus that was going around. They literally had fever for over a week and they were not alone. Our pediatrician said it is hitting the area hard. It then turned into strep throat and our youngest missed many days of school leading up to Christmas vacation. They are still not 100% but there are some things we are doing to keep them more comfortable.

One of the things that can make already sore throats feel worse is breathing dry, stuffy air. A cool mist humidifier and make the air much more comfortable. I love this one from Safety 1st, the Ultrasonic 360° Humidifier helps to ease cold symptoms and reduce dry skin and itchy eyes.

safety 1st humidifer

Safety 1st humidifier

Some features that make this my go-to humidifier are that it has 2 fully rotating mist outlets which let me control the direction of the mist and is perfect if you have 2 children who share a room. The other thing I am stoked about is that it requires no filters, so no expensive filters to replace!

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Safety 1st humidifier 4

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It operates very quietly so it works well in the bedroom without making noise that might be frightening or keep children awake. It has a super large tan so you do not have to fill it up as much as one tank lasts about 36 hours. When it is time to refill the unit it will shut off automatically and light up to let me know.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children get an average of 8 to 10 colds every year. In the U.S., the flu is most common between October and May, and peaks in January, February, and March. Parents everywhere should be ready to tackle this season.

If you are looking for other ways to help ease your baby or child’s discomfort when they are sick, Safety 1st has many products besides the humidifier above to help you do that. Check out their extensive selection of thermometers, nasal aspirators, medicine spoons/dispensers and more.

What are some ways you keep your child comfortable when sick. Let me know in the comments, I would love to hear your suggestions. Stay healthy!

I was provided with the above product for free to facilitate my post. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

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Safe and Stylish Products Designed To Give Babies The Best Start With Bonus Giveaway!

MAM pacifiers have been around a long time. I remember way back using one with my oldest when they were a relatively new company. They have continued to grow and evolve over the years into a trusted and very recommended pacifier line by moms and health care professionals alike. I saw the most adorable Rock and Roll pacifiers from MAM and they come in value packs too! In a value pack you get 2 pacifiers and a pacifier holder all in a central theme. Check out the Rock and Roll Pacifier Value Packs for Boys and Girls:

MAM Boy Rock and Roll Value Pack Pacifier

MAM Girls Rock an Roll Set

The key to MAM’s success is design. It’s unique because it satisfies both the highest stylistic demands that are placed on products and the functional requirements that ensure babies get the best start in life. And the way that MAM develops every single one of its products is also unique: it engages in an international working dialogue spanning different disciplines with designers, medical experts, scientists, technology specialists and parents. 

I just love the MAM pacifiers. They are big on the cuteness factor but they are so much more than that. They are a pacifier that is anatomically correct, adapting to the baby’s mouth so the pacifier is always in the proper position. A curved shield, big air holes and an innovative inside surface all comfort baby and help prevent skin irritation. All MAM pacifiers also feature a soft silicone nipple that feels more like mom and an anti-slip surface that helps keep the pacifier in baby’s mouth. MAM has pacifiers perfect for newborns right through to sizes for older babies. MAM makes more than pacifiers, check out their Bottles, Sippy Cups, Nipples and Accessories HERE! They also have Oral Care Products and Teethers!

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What’s more, the company is firmly committed to research and raising awareness to promote good health for babies – for example on behalf of the global group of researchers working to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Mam Attitude

Visit the MAM Website to learn more about the MAM Club, just check out the benefits below!

MAM Club Benefits:

  • Monthly newsletter detailing the latest MAM products, exciting baby topics and lots more
  • Pregnancy calendar – an ideal companion during the nine exciting months of your pregnancy with very useful tips
  • Monthly baby development calendar – everything you need to know about your new baby from their first eye movement to conquering the playground
  • Great prizes are waiting to be won in our numerous competitions for our MAM Club members
  • In the many MAM product tests, parents have the option to test products in advance

Enter The Giveaway!

MAM is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win 2 Packages  of MAM Pacifers (Winner will be able to choose boy or girl but MAM will choose the products). Thank you to MAM for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

mam logo

Giveaway For 2 Packages of MAM Pacifiers on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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9 Ways You Can Improve Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant

Are you trying to conceive? You want to make sure you are in optimal health before trying to conceive a baby. Getting a physical, health screenings, taking care of weight issues, making diet changes and more can stack the odds in your favor for conception. Read on to find out what you should take care of before trying to get pregnant.

Schedule A Pre-Conception Visit With Your OB/GYN:

See your OB/GYN for a pre-conception visit to get an evaluation of your overall health prior to conceiving. This visit should include STI screening and frank discussion of genetic disorders, problems with previous pregnancies, chronic health conditions and hereditary factors that may cause pregnancy complications. You should also discuss any birth control you have been using and the discontinuation of it.

Make sure to go over all medications you are taking and the safety of them with your doctor. Go over even over the counter medications and herbal supplements to see if they are safe. Ask your doctor about your weight. Being underweight or overweight can affect your chances of conceiving and also lead to pregnancy and childbirth complications. It is best to achieve a healthy weight prior to conception. Have your doctor recommend an exercise and diet plan to help you achieve your target weight.

Visit The Dentist:

Get your teeth cleaned and take care of any pressing dental issues. Pregnancy is no time to be sidelined by toothaches and dental problems. Prevention is key. Have cavities filled and take care of any other procedures you need to. You also want to have a thorough cleaning. Did you know that women with gum disease are four to seven times more likely to have an underweight or premature baby, according to a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association? So get those pearly whites and gums in top condition before conception.

Evaluate Your Diet:

Clean up your diet and eliminate soda, sugary snacks and other empty calories. Start eating fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy. Be sure to review with your doctor the list of foods women should steer clear of during pregnancy. Fish is good but some fish like swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish should be avoided during pregnancy and conception due to high levels of mercury. Fish with low mercury levels like canned tuna, catfish, shrimp and salmon should be limited to 12 oz. a week.

Start Taking a Prenatal Vitamin with Folic Acid:

Start taking a good prenatal vitamin with folic acid. Make sure your vitamin is patented to provide true cellular delivery of nutrients. If not you are wasting your money and can be hurting your health. Most vitamins do not provide cellular delivery of nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. Do your research and make sure you are taking a vitamin that is doing more than just passing through your body. Ideally you want to begin taking a prenatal supplement at least 3 months prior to trying to conceiving.

Detox Your Body:

Stop drinking alcohol. Since we don’t actually know what a safe level of alcohol is in pregnancy or exactly when during pregnancy alcohol might have its most severe effects,” says Myra J Wick, M.D., medical co-editor of Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. “If a patient is actively trying to conceive, I recommend that she not drink at all,” she adds. The same goes for marijuana and other illicit drugs. If you wouldn’t give it directly to your baby, make sure it’s out of your system before pregnancy.

Stop smoking and this includes your spouse! Smoking cigarettes can detrimentally affect both a woman’s and a man’s fertility. Smoking can damage and lower sperm count and motility. Smoking also can cause early menopause, increase chance of miscarriage, lead to low birth weight, premature delivery and more. Second hand smoke is also detrimental so quit smoking before conception and stay away from second hand smoke.

Studies are conflicting regarding the effects of caffeine on fertility and pregnancy. It has been linked by some studies to miscarriage. If you want to be safe, you should try to limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams a day. Remember caffeine is found in more than coffee or tea. It is found in soda, energy drinks, some medications, chocolate and other foods.

Detox Your Home:

Get rid of toxic chemicals in your home. There are many everyday products that people use every day that contain hormone disrupting chemicals. Chemicals that can cause infertility, miscarriage and birth defects. Remember these chemicals cross the placenta and it is best to rid your home of them before you try to conceive. You will want them out of your house after baby, so just get them out now!

Almost all antibacterial soaps contain Triclosan- a hormone disrupting chemical. Dishwasher detergents, laundry soaps, all purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, bleach, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, make up, first aid products and more contain toxic chemicals and carcinogens. Do some research and find out what you have in your home that is not safe. Replace these products with safe and healthy solutions.

Get Familiar With Your Body:

Start charting your cycle, you can do this with several online sites that make charting your cycle very easy. I used one with my last pregnancy and took my temperature every morning with a basal thermometer. I also used an ovulation predictor and both were on target and we conceived that month. It is best to know your cycle so you know the optimal time for conception. The better you know your body will make your chances of uniting that egg and sperm more favorable.

Eliminate Stress:

Relax-do not stress about getting pregnant. I know this is easier said than done especially if you are having a difficult time. Try to relax using whatever means works best for you because it will help your mind, body and spirit be at their peak for conception to occur.

If you suffer from anxiety, adhd, depression or other issues you should see a health care professional if you do not already. Pregnancy can make these conditions worse and having professional support is important. Also as I mentioned above you will want to discuss any medication you are taking and the safety of continuation during pregnancy.

Don’t sabotage your chances of conceiving by using a lubricant that can harm or hinder sperm. When choosing a lubricant, choose wisely. Many lubricants on the market can impede sperm and contain spermicides. Using a sperm friendly lubricant like Astroglide TTC™ that is specially formulated for couples trying to conceive. Astroglide TTC™ supports fertility with adjusted pH levels, compatible osmolality and a consistency similar to your own egg white cervical mucus.

Each package has 8 pre filled disposable applicators making supplementing your natural fluids and enhancing your comfort easy. Astroglide TTC™ also contains galactose, which is found naturally in semen, as well as fructose, the main source of energy for sperm. . Astroglide TTC™ is the best value compared to any other competitor on the market with a retail price of $12.99!

Going through the list above will give you the best chance for achieving pregnancy. Do you have any tips to share? Is there anything you did that helped you conceive? I would love to hear them in the comments.

Astroglide TTC™ sponsored this blog post. The opinions and text are all mine





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