Tag Archives: baby

Trying To Conceive? This May Help. #BabyStory

Regarding fertility, I guess one could say, I’ve been lucky. I was able to conceive easily and usually on the first try. I however knew many friends and family that struggled trying to get pregnant. Month after month of disappointment instead of a positive pregnancy test can make stress levels rise. Couples are told to relax when that seems to be impossible. For some couples time is a factor and they don’t have the time to just wait and see. Many couples want to be proactive and increase their chances to conceive.

After our fourth child was born, we were shocked to find out we were pregnant again when he was just 3 months old. It was quite a shocker since we were not trying. We knew we wanted another baby just were not planning to try for another few months. Sadly about 2 months later we lost that baby. Our OB advised us to wait 3 months before attempting to conceive again. As soon as we had the green light we tried and 2 pink lines made us super excited but a few days later, out excitement turned to sadness as we lost that pregnancy.

I made an appointment to see a specialist as I was very concerned. My first babies were conceived on the first try and were successfully carried to term without any complications. Now here I was, albeit only 7 months after our 4th babies birth with two losses. The doctor told me the second loss was most likely a chemical pregnancy and that given the sensitivity of pregnancy test today they were seeing them more and more. In the past these chemical pregnancies would go unnoticed and a woman would just think she was 2-3 days late.

He told us that there was no reason to think anything was wrong and that there was no intervention that needed to be taken at that time. He told us just to try again and that very attempt ended in a live birth! I know that compared to couples struggling for months and years with difficulty conceiving this may seem trivial but when you are trying to achieve that desired pregnancy even a month or two of disappointment can be heartbreaking. When you add in the loss of a pregnancy, it kicks the fears up more than a notch.

For me the reassurance of that specialist really worked to reduce my stress. I am an anxious person and had thousands of thoughts running through my head. Some may say they cannot believe I would jump the gun and see a specialist so soon but for my stress it worked so well. I left the office feeling reassured and confident. When we conceived that month, I attributed much of it to that peace of mind he gave me. I think if anyone is concerned that something is not right they should go to see a doctor and not think they have to wait 6 months or a year before pursuing that. I truly believe the simple reassurance can reduce stress which has been shown to negatively affect the ability to conceive.

Many times the stress of trying to conceive can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort. The tendency to reach for a lubricant may seem logical but all lubricants are not equal. Some lubricants can actually impede sperm which is certainly the opposite of what any couple trying to achieve pregnancy wants.

Astroglide TTC Trying to Conceive™ is a specially formulated for couples who are trying to conceive. Astroglide TTC supports fertility with adjusted pH levels, compatible osmolality and a consistency similar to your body’s cervical mucus. Providing the optimal environment for sperm survival is paramount when trying to conceive. Specially formulated with adjusted pH levels that are compatible with sperm Astroglide TTC™ is more like your own cervical mucus.

Astroglide TTC™ also contains galactose which is naturally found in semen and fructose which is the main source of energy for sperm, giving them a better chance of survival and ability to move freely when compared to traditional lubricants. Astroglide TTC™ is priced at only $12.99 and is the best value on the market in comparison to competitive lubricants. Click HERE to see where you can buy Astroglide TTC™. You can connect with Astroglide TTC™ on Facebook and Pinterest.

Did you have any difficulties conceiving? If so were there any tips or advice you want to share with those reading who may be going through something similar? If so, I would love for you to share them HERE!.

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

Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand




 

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


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Make The New Baby Transition Easier For Older Siblings with Mission: New Baby Book #Giveaway

Mission: New Baby by Susan Hood is a book to make the transition to a new sibling see more like a mission and your child a special agent.  This book will be an inspiration for soon-to-be big brothers and sisters.

Parents will appreciate the encouraged bonding as they share this book as a family.  The illustrations by Mary Lundquist are absolutely charming and the text will have everyone giggling.  If you are looking for a unique book to celebrate an older sibling, then Mission: New Baby is what you’re looking for.  Recommended for children ages 3-7, book is 32 pages and available in hardcover or Ebook.

National Siblings Day is April 10th!  This book would be perfect for starting that sibling bond off early!

Random House Children’s Books is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  Two lucky blog readers will win their own copy of Mission: New Baby! . Thank you to Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Random House, Mission: New Baby Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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First Baby Born After Womb Transplant Inspiration For Women With Uterine Infertility

September 2014 in Sweden, a baby boy was born, everyday occurrence I know, but not so with this birth.  Vincent was born to a mother who was unable to carry a child because of uterine infertility.  Uterine infertility describes when a woman is born without a uterus or had her uterus removed. In the past women who experienced this were told there was no way they could carry and give birth to their own child.  That is no longer true.  Vincent’s mother was the recipient of a womb transplant and is thrilled with her miracle baby and the fact she was able to experience being pregnant with her own child.  There have been 2 babies born since Vincent that were the result of the same procedure.

 Vincent AP photo- Womb-Transplant-Baby

Vincent AP photo

 

The surgeon and pioneer of womb transplants is Dr. Mats Brannstrom in Sweden. Dr. Brannstrom says that there are other womb transplant patients pregnant now and they expect the birth of more babies in the upcoming months. Brannstrom was inspired back in 1998 in Australia after removing the uterus of a young woman with cancer. He remembers having to tell her that while she would be cancer free, she would not be able to carry a pregnancy.  The woman asked about the possibility of transplanting her mother’s uterus into herself.

Dr. Mats Brannstrom

Dr. Mats Brannstrom

The idea set Brannstrom off to begin a research project in Sweden. After successful transplants and subsequent pregnancies in animals, Brannstrom felt the chance for success in humans was good.  In 2012 the first 2 transplants were performed on two women, one born without a uterus and the other who had to have her uterus removed due to cervical cancer. In these first 2 transplants the uterus was donated by the patient’s mother. Following  the transplant women must wait a period of  at least 12 months before in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be performed.

The mother of the first baby born after a uterus transplant did so with a 61-year-old womb donated by a family friend. The 36-year-old was one of  9 women who underwent the transplant led by Dr. Brannstrom.  The family friend is the mother to 2 children.  12 months after surgery, the patient underwent IVF using her egg and her partners sperm, 9 months later a healthy baby boy named Vincent (below) was born.

Photo of Vincent-The Lancet-

Photo of Vincent-The Lancet

One may question how a 61-year-old uterus could support a healthy pregnancy, but as an obstetrician on the uterus transplant team explained, there is evidence that a 70-year-old uterus will function like a 20-year-old uterus. It’s not the age of the uterus but the eggs that matter.

Vincent’s mother, who does not wish to be identified, was admitted to the hospital for preeclampsia at 31 weeks. Vincent was delivered by C-section less than 24 hours later.  Even though he was early, he was healthy and is doing well.  The parents understand that Vincent’s birth has been an inspiration to many other women who have uterine infertility.

So what do you think?

 


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Fake Baby Bump For When You Are “Reborn Pregnant”. Wait, What???

Did you miss out on the perfect maternity photo shoot, want to board an airplane before anyone else, just love being pregnant all the time?  No need to worry, you can recreate that look any time you want.   How many months do you want to be 3-4, 5-6, 7-9, or maybe twins or how about triplets? Forget twins, they’re a dime a dozen today, and triplets are so yesterday, just  go with the quad pregnancy belly, that would set you up for some real-time spoiling any where you go.  You would definitely be given the seat on the bus, priority in line for the bathroom and you would have so much attention when you let others know all about your quad pregnancy and even let them rub your lifelike pregnant belly.  If you are wondering what I’m talking about, let me clue you in.

Silicone pregnancy bellies are available on eBay, etsy and online everywhere and they are so affordable!  Now, there are some things to look out for and I guess you could say, you do get what you pay for.  No one wants to be like the woman in China who wore her faux belly to get a seat on the train, it was working well until the ties securing it failed and her prego tummy dropped on the floor of the bus.  The woman is going after the fake belly manufacturer claiming it was inferior quality for what she paid and that its failure caused her to be mocked and ridiculed by the other passengers.

Fake-Pregnancy-Belly

There is also another reason people don these bellies and it’s because they’re “reborn pregnant“.   Wait, they’re what???  Oh, reborn pregnant, and it has nothing to do with handing their life over to Jesus.  Reborns are the name of dolls that are painted to resemble real babies and children.

Reborn Baby Doll Blog

Reborn Doll For Blog Post

These dolls can range from a few hundred dollars to over $10,000 and many are understandably put on  layaway until their new mommy pays them off.  During that time, a reborn mom-to-be is said to be reborn pregnant or reborn expecting.  These fake baby bumps have added another level of realism to the women who mother these babies just like one would a real infant.

Whether you are looking for a faux belly to get your pregnancy fix sans 2 am feedings, for a guaranteed seat on the bus, extra attention or because you are reborn pregnant, make sure you get a quality belly.  You don’t want to be picking your baby bump off the floor of the bus while the other passengers laugh and call you a faker.


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Amber Artisans Healing Baltic Amber Jewelry

Have you heard about the healing powers of natural Baltic Amber?  Closely examined, the composition of natural Baltic Amber is dominated by Succinic Acid, the key to our own body‘s natural immune system – and equally rare. When natural Amber comes in contact with our body, it creates not only healing but also peace and calm. Since Baltic Amber supports our immune system through contact, it also provides a form of energy that restores physical well-being.

raw amber bracelet

Amber Artisans creations  are as unique in their composition and abilities as you are. Whether you’re looking for a remedy to reduce bodily aches and pains or mental stress, natural Baltic amber adapts itself to your condition and works with you immune system to create the perfect solution.

Amber Children's Bracelets

There are so many facets to the healing power of Amber such as promoting good health, providing recovery from addictions, healing the mind and spirit and so much more. Many wearers believe that Amber also inspires prosperity and success.

mens-Amber -bracelet

Along with the significant impact of healing mid, body, and spirit, Amber Artisans jewelry statements are exceptionally beautiful and stylish. You can enjoy being in fashion regardless of your person fashion statement. Amber jewelry comes in a variety of shapes and colors and will fit well with any wardrobe for the fashion conscious. More importantly, no one but you knows what incredible healing you’re experiencing while wearing it.

Children-Teething-Necklaces

Every single amber healing bracelet or amber healing necklace designed by craftsman that has been working their trade for many generations is a work of art.

I have heard about the healing properties of Baltic Amber and we have featured other products before on our blog.  I was eager to try one of the adult necklaces and after browsing the Amber Artisans website chose the 20″ Rainbow Sunshine Amber Beads Healing Necklace and was also sent a ring and some raw amber stones.  

Amber healing-necklace-rainbow sunshine

The beads on the necklace are beautiful and polished to perfection.  They are so smooth and beautiful.  The ring is colorful and comfortable as it is stretchy and I find during the day I move it from finger to finger.  It is soothing just to hold the necklace and the ring when I am switching it from finger to finger.  I really do feel like thy are making a difference in my spirit and I have only recently started wearing them.  I really want to get a bracelet as well.

Amber Healing-Neclace-Rainbow-Sunshine-1

Mommy Ramblings has added Amber Artisans to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

Baltic-Amber-Necklace

Baltic-Amber-Necklace-Ring

If you have been eager to try Baltic Amber for its healing properties, take a look at all the great designs on Amber Artisans website.  They have bracelets, rings, teething necklaces, adult necklaces and more.

Amber Artisans is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky reader will win a Rainbow Sunshine Amber Beads Adult Healing Necklace.  Thank you Amber Artisans for the review necklace and ring and for sponsoring this terrific giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US residents.

Amber Artisans Adult Healing Necklace Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Peekaboo Barn, Lift-The-Flap Board Book Review & Giveaway!!!

Candlwick Press Logo

Peekaboo Barn is an adorable new Lift-The-Flap  book based on the iconic toddler app Peekaboo Barn will thrill fans with its tactile feel and keep them busy with lots of flaps to lift in this sturdy board book. And for those who’ve never seen or played the app, the barn setting, adorable animals, and sound words make this a book for the very young that easily stands on its own. Includes a free app with purchase!

Written by Nat Sims and illustrated by Nathan Tabor the book is suitable for ages 1 month to 3 years. Little hands will love opening the barn doors to discover the animals inside.  This book makes a great gift for any young child!

Peekabook-Barn-Lift-The-Flap-Board-Book

ABOUT THE APP

Peekaboo Barn, which celebrated its fifth birthday in early 2014, has been played over 85 million times worldwide.

Night & Day Studios recently unveiled an updated look to their classic app that features vibrant colors, more robust and playful animations and three new farm animal friends. The app includes twelve different language options, as well as a feature for caregivers and children to record their own voice in the app.

Enter The Giveaway:

Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a copy of Peekaboo Barn, A Lift-The-Flap Board Book!  Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review copy and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Candlewick Press, Peekaboo Barn, Lift-The-Flap Board Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Tips For Creating A Safe Nursery & Giveaway To Win A Fresh Air Crib Liner ™ by SootheTime

Part of the fun and excitement of planning for a new baby is decorating the nursery. Picking out the furniture, wall color, decor and of course the bedding for the crib make it all seem real.  With the controversy over the safety of crib bumpers, some new parents feel it is safer not to use them.  Even though they feel it’s safer without the bumpers, not many could deny, the cribs look empty without them.  Some bumper alternatives look strange and are not available with any coordinating bedding.

If you can relate to this, I want to share good news about the Fresh Air Crib Liner ™ by SootheTIME, part of the Just Born family. This crib bumper alternative is adjustable and fits most cribs with a mesh liner that locks in place and provides fresh airflow for baby.

Soothe Time

Fresh-Air-Crib-Liner

The Fresh Air Crib Liner ™ gives parents less to worry about while creating a safe and comfy environment for baby to sleep.  The Fresh Air Crib Liner ™ is now available at Target and they can receive a $5.00 rebate using this link.

Fresh Air Crib Liner Chevron

Fresh Air Crib Liner

Some other great tips for creating a safe and healthy nursery are to skip composite wood furniture because it contains formaldehyde, solid wood is the safer choice.  Organic crib mattresses are a safe sleeping option, but if you have a conventional mattress, you can cover it with a cover not made of PVC.

If you are painting baby’s walls opt for a zero VOC paint and paint as far in advance of baby coming home as possible so there is ample time to thoroughly air out the room. It’s best to go with a bare flooring like bamboo or cork  over carpet and make sure that you do not use products that are treated with Microban because it contains the chemical toxin triclosan.

If you’re using area rugs, washable rugs are best and if you do have carpet, vacuum often using a vacuum equipped with a hepa filter.  For accent decor and toys make sure that you are decorating with safe items.  Those vintage finds may look nice but what’s lurking in them?  Avoid using or buying anything containing BPA, Phthalates, PVC, Latex, Lead, and Flame Retardants.

With some careful planning you can create a nursery that’s safe and inviting for your new addition.

Would you like to enter a giveaway to win a Fresh Air Crib Liner ™ by SootheTIME? Well, you are in luck!  Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

Fresh Air Crib Liner dot

 

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Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Save $5, Shopping

Why is There Controversy Over The Anatomically Correct Boy Doll?

My Facebook feed has been full of posts about the controversy over an anatomically correct baby boy doll that is being sold at Toys R Us.  I want to know why this is making news when anatomically correct boy dolls have been around for so long.

When I was a kid, I had an anatomically correct baby boy doll made by Mattel.  He was in the Baby Tenderlove line of dolls and was sold as their little brother.  Being the daughter of a mother that loved dolls, I had dolls of all kinds and that included several of the Ideal, Tenderlove dolls.

boy-tenderlove-doll-Mattel

Now in the mid to late 70’s when this doll was introduced there was also another anatomically correct boy doll by Ideal that was on the market, called Archie Bunker’s Grandson Joey, from the sitcom All In The Family.

Archie-Bunker-Grandson-Joey-Stivic

 

This little doll was very similar to Ideal’s Tenerderlove little boy.  Funny thing is, when we were buying the Joey doll, we got home to find that Baby Tenderlove had been put in the box instead.  The only reason I knew it was not Joey was the eye color was different.  So I had a Joey box and Tenerderlove doll.  Either way they were very similar and both with their little boy parts.  I still have him around here somewhere.

So back to the original question of why is this an issue now in the year 2014?  Does this cause anyone real issues?  Recently I heard 2 colleagues  who are in their early 30’s say they were not allowed to have a Ken doll growing up.  That’s a foreign concept to me and all the little girls I played with growing up had Ken to go with their Barbie and be a husband and a dad.  I would think those parents would want their girls to have the traditional family dynamic.

I truly cannot comprehend what must have been their train of thought.  Do they think somehow a Ken doll will corrupt their daughter and how exactly would that happen? Like I said, I liked having the family dynamic of a mom and dad Barbie family and it did not cause issues of any kind.  Ken-Barbie-Mattel

I think not being allowed to have the doll raises more issues and does more harm.  It also instills that men are bad or will have the child then focused on what’s the reason her parents will not allow Ken in the house.  So in the long run, trying to protect their child from whatever it is they are trying to protect them from is instead focusing the child’s attention on it.

As I am writing this, I just remembered the 70’s Sunshine Dolls also from Mattel.  I had these dolls too and they were sold as a family unit with a mother, father and baby or baby and toddler.  I think this is a healthy concept for kids and you could even buy additional kids, babies and grandparents as well as a craft store business and family home.

Sunshine Family

 

In closing I think a much more controversial doll is the Breast Milk Baby doll by Berjun. In my opinion, it’s a very weird concept that little girls should put on a top that gives them breasts so they can breastfeed their doll.  I understand it’s natural, but natural for a woman not a little girl.  The whole idea of it is unsettling to me.  However, an anatomically correct boy doll; that’s so last century!

Breast Milk Baby Doll


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Tommee Tippee’s Fiesta Fun Time, Color Collection Bottles Make Baby’s World Brighter!!!

 

Tommee Tippee Twitter Fiesta Fun Time

As a Tommee Tippee Mommee and ambassador for the brand, I am excited to let you know about a great new collection of brightly colored, Closer to Nature bottles.  The Fiesta Fun Time Collection of Closer to Nature bottles combine the features you want with colors to make baby’s world a little brighter.

Tommee Tippee Fiesta Fun Time

The limited edition set of six bottles is available now on Amazon.com.  I just love the bright colors, the set is like a rainbow!  The Closer To Nature bottles have a revolutionary nipple to mimic the breast’s natural flex, the compact shape of the bottle allow for more natural feeding and for baby to be closer to mom or dad, the slow flow nipple and easi- vent valve eliminate excess air flow, bottles are BPA free and easy to clean.  Now you can turn feeding time into a party and color baby’s world with fun!

 

Closer To Nature Bottles Feature:


Revolutionary nipple

Revolutionary nipple developed with breastfeeding experts and moms to mimic the breast’s natural flex, stretch and movement, closer to nature bottles makes feeding time easier for mom and baby. The soft silicone nipple feels like skin, and gently elongates and flexes during feeding to mimic natural breastfeeding action.

3 way Compact Shape

The compact shape of Closer to Nature bottles allows baby to feed in a natural position and to be closer to mom or dad. The easy hold bottle can be held in 3 ways–cradled comfortably in the hand, gripped in the same way as a traditional wide neck bottle, or held from the base.

Super Sensitive Easi-Vent valve

The slow flow nipple with a super sensitive valve eliminates excessive air flow, so little ones ingest more milk and less air.

Easy to Clean & Use

Closer to Nature bottles and nipples are easy to clean and fill. They are microwave and dishwasher safe, yet light and easy to hold. The easy hold bottle is marked in millimetres and ounces and has a hygiene seal cap to keep germs out and drips in.

Breast like Shape

The soft silicone nipple feels like skin, and gently flexes during feeding to mimic natural breastfeeding action. The breast like shaped nipple allows baby to latch on easily and further supports the transition between bottle and

breast.

Tommee Tippee Instagram Fiesta Fun Time


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Johnson’s Baby Introduces Their Reformulated Baby Products!!! #PromiseToBaby

Johnson’s Baby was flooded with concerns from parents and grandparents over the safety of  ingredients used in their baby products.  In 2011, the company said  they were going to start phasing out ingredients like formaldehyde  and reducing traces of dioxane 1,4.  Now in 2014, Johnson’s Baby said they have met that goal. The reformulated products are making their way to store shelves around the world and will replace existing products over the next several months.  Even before their removal, customers would not have found formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane listed on bottles because they aren’t technically ingredients.  

Formaldehyde, which has been identified by government scientists as a carcinogen, is released over time by preservatives, like quaternium-15 and 1,4-dioxane is created during a process to make other ingredients mild but is also linked to cancer in animal studies.   Johnson’s Baby says that the products were always safe and that they reformulated the products for the peace of mind of parents. The company also states that parabens were removed from most of the new and improved baby care line, ahead of their 2015 commitment to do so.  For more information on this and Johnson & Johnson’s policies and timeline, visit safetyandcarecommitment.com.

A new video was just released by the company to mark the debut of the reformulated products.  You can view the video below.

In the video Johnson’s Baby states that they were inspired by a Japanese legend when making the commitment to children to reformulate the products.  The legend says that when you make 1000 origami cranes that it signifies a hope granted and a promise fulfilled.  The company brought their employees and even the employee’s children together to make the cranes or storks to deliver their promise.

I think the origami storks are a beautiful way to show the fulfillment of a promise and I have never before heard that Japanese legend, but will now share it with my children.  As a parent this reminds me of the promises we make to our kids to keep them safe, provide for their needs and to love and nurture them.  I would never want to use a product with ingredients that are unsafe or questionable on my children and as the mother of a cancer survivor this is paramount to me!  It’s a step in the right direction that Johnson’s Baby  is removing these ingredients.  What do you think?

 

 


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