Prenatal Vitamins & Prenatal Pregnancy Vitamin - Promise Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal Vitamins & Prenatal Pregnancy Vitamin - Promise Prenatal Vitamins

Baby Registry Checklist

Whether it's your first baby or you've been out of the newborn world for a while, registering can get pretty overwhelming.  With this in mind, we have put together a list to help you be as prepared as possible for the arrival of your little one.

Baby Registry Checklist

Baby Care

• Baby care set: brush, comb, nail clippers, thermometer and medicine dispenser
• Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)
• Humidifier/vaporizer

Bathing

• Bathtub and/or contoured sponge
• Washcloths (6 to 8)
• Gentle shampoo or body wash
• Hooded towels (2 to 4)
• Baby hairbrush

Nursery

• Crib and/or bassinet
  • Slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
  • Corner posts no more than 1/16 of an inch above frame
  • No cutouts in headboard or footboard
  • Top rails at least 26 inches above mattress
• Washable mattress pad (2)
• Flat mattress that fits snugly in crib (less than two fingers should fit between mattress and crib)
• Crib bedding set
• Fitted sheets (2 to 4, cotton and/or flannel) 
• 1-2 heavier blankets
• 4-6 soft, light receiving blankets
• Rocking or arm chair
• Sound machine or CD/MP3 player
• Crib mobile
• Baby monitor
• Nightlight
• Dresser

Diapering

• Diapers- 6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers, or 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers
• Rash ointment
• Wipes (at least 2 packs)
• Wipe Warmer
• Changing table or cushioned changing pad for low dresser, with safety strap or railing
• Washable changing pad cover (2-3)
• Diaper pail
• Diaper pail liners

Feeding

• Nursing pillow
• Breastpads, shields, and cream
• Breastpump and milk storage bags
• Lap pads (4 to 6) and burp cloths (3 to 4) 
• 1-3 nursing bras 
• Bottles (6 to 8 of various sizes) and nipples
• Bottle sterilizer and organizer 
• Bottle warmer (cuts down on nighttime trips to and from the kitchen)
• Bottle brush
• Dishwasher basket for small items
• 2-4 pacifiers
• Formula
• High chair (not needed until around 4 to 6 months)
• Infant spoons (3 to 4)
• Baby plates and bowls
• Spill-proof cups (1 to 2)
• 4-8 bibs

Gear

• Rear-facing car seat
• Car seat base for 2nd car
• Safety mirror
• Stroller
• Portable crib
• Sling or soft carrier
• Bouncy seat or swing
• Gym or play mat
• Infant Bumbo seat

Layette (for newborn to 6 months)

• Homecoming outfit
• T-shirts (3 to 4)
• Shirts and one-pieces (6 to 8)
• Layette sets
• Sweaters (2)
• Sleepwear and gowns
• Receiving blankets (4 to 6)
• Booties or socks (3 to 6 pair)
• Hats (2 to 4)

Just for Mom

• Healthy snacks
  
• Prenatal vitamins -(Promise Prenatal Stage 3 for breastfeeding and Recovery)
• Maternity wear (pants, comfortable shoes, etc.)
• Nursing bra
• Sleep/Body pillow
• Diaper bag (stocked with diapers, wipes, plastic bag, 1-2 change of clothes for baby, hat, extra shirt for mom, blanket, hand sanitizer, burp clothes) 

Happy shopping moms!

Tips for Surviving Summer Pregnancy

As your baby bump grows, you may be wondering how you're going to survive the hot summer months.  Here are a few tips to help keep you cool and comfy while you beat the heat this summer.

Tip #1
Drink lots and lots of water.  You want to be sure to drink at least 8-10 glasses a day.  Unfortunately, you're probably already making lots of trips to the little girls room, but sipping water all day will help reduce swelling, pregnancy aches and other heat related complications.

Tip #2
Dress for the occasion.  There are so many darling easy to wear dresses and prego shorts perfect for summer. A maternity tank top, light weight skirt and some comfy sandals are perfect for an outing in the heat.

Tip #3
Plan a "baby-moon" before your little one arrives.  Take a weekend trip to somewhere cooler or get away and relax at the beach for a few days.  Grab a good book, your bottled water and kick your feet up.  Oh, and don't forget to pack your prenatal vitamins.

Tip #4
Don't skimp on the sunscreen.  During pregnancy you have higher levels of estrogen , making you more susceptible to melasma (dark splotching of the skin).  You will need to wear an SPF of at least 50 since studies show most of us don't use enough of the lower SPF to provide sufficient protection.  A hat should also be worn for long stretches of sun exposure.

Tip #5
Give your bump a dunk.  Spend some time in the pool relieving the pressure off of your back and joints while cooling down your core.  Gentle swimming or wading can be a refreshing and relaxing way to spend an afternoon.  Don't forget to apply your water proof sunscreen.

Tip #6
Indulge yourself in some tasty cold treats.  Frozen yogurt, smoothies, fruit Popsicles and cold watermelon are just a few low calorie ways to help keep the heat away.  Shoot, even go for some real ice cream or a yummy snow cone when needed.  

Tip #7
Stay in the shade or indoors when possible.  Plan to stay in the air conditioning during the hottest times of the day (usually mid afternoon).  Your body temp is extra hot with that baby on board and you want to avoid soaring outdoor temperatures which may increase your risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. 

Stay cool hot mamas and enjoy your summer!

Watch Your Back

You may have given yourself a pat on it, asked someone to scratch it (while you've scratched theirs), or covered your best friend's.  But most of us ignore a part of our bodies we really should be watching out for- our backs.

The pregnancy and post-partum stages of life bring about many challenges to your posterior, such as hormonal changes, altered gait and posture, low activity levels, new and difficult movements, and lack of rest. 

When it's time to deliver your baby, you'll be thankful for high levels of the hormone relaxin, which cause your joints to loosen.  But from the time you see two little blue lines until about 6 months after giving birth, relaxin creates an environment where it is easier to injure yourself.  You can't reduce the amount of relaxin in your body, nor would you want to, but you can take other steps to lessen your chances of hurting your back.

1. Sit up straight.  Couches, recliners and beds promote slouching.  Instead, sit on firm, straight-backed chairs, a exercise/birth ball, or the floor.  You'll be engaging the muscles that support your spine, and keeping your skeletal structure properly aligned.

2. Exercise gently.  Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga will keep your blood circulating, muscles stretched, and core muscles working.  If you're fighting nausea or fatigue, short, low intensity exercise is better than total inactivity.

3. Retire the cape.  It may be tempting to help put together that new nursery furniture or pull gear out of the attic, but no task is greater than taking care of your body right now.  Hand off the to-do list to someone else, and relax.

4.  Once baby comes, skip carrying a heavy car seat and opt for babywearing.

5.  Our bodies conduct almost all repair operations while we're asleep.  And yet, sleep is notoriously scarce for most mothers.  As tempting as it may be to tackle some laundry or thank-you notes, you'll do the best for yourself and your baby if you make sleeping a priority, second only to water and food.  It's that essential to your health.

6. Finally, consider visiting a chiropractor.  Some are better trained and more experienced than others in caring for pregnant patients, as well as new mothers and their babies.  Chiropractic care has become an important part of my family's healthy lifestyle.

Motherhood is an adventure which keeps us on our toes, and requires a strong back.  Minding your spine will help you enjoy the journey with vigor.




This article was written by guest blogger Amanda Gilbreath.  Amanda, a customer of Promise Prenatal Vitamins and Promise DHA says, "as the richest woman in the world, my treasures include my faith in Jesus Christ, husband, 3 children, and thesaurus.  I write in the slivers of time wedged between chunks of a blessed life." 

Top 5 Foods for Fertility and Pregnancy

It's no secret eating healthy while trying to get pregnant and during pregnancy is important, but how do you know what's best for you and your growing baby inside?  The foods you choose can effect fertility, as well as the long term health of your baby (recent studies have even shown that how you eat during pregnancy can decrease the chances of childhood obesity).  Here is our list of the top 5 super foods to eat during preconception and pregnancy.

1.  Dark green leafy veggies- Green leafy veggies like spinach, kale and chard, are packed with iron, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin C, fiber and the all important folate.

2.  Salmon and other wild caught fish – Salmon is high in omega-3s and healthy fatty acid, essential for brain development during pregnancy.  Salmon also has low amounts mercury, a compound that can be harmful to your baby's developing nervous system.  Good quality, pharmaceutical grade DHA (in capsule form) is also a great source of omega-3's if you can't find and eat enough quality fish. 

3.  Egg- Eggs are loaded with protein and other essential nutrients for pregnancy like vitamin E, healthy fats and beta carotene.  Be sure to include the yolk.  Egg yolks are packed with choline, which is good for brain development and helps in the prevention of neural tube defect.

4.  Whole Grains and nuts- Whole grains and nuts are important in pre-conception and pregnancy because they're high in fiber and nutrients, including vitamin E and selenium great for healthy hair, skin and nails, especially during pregnancy. 


5.  Yogurt and cultured dairy- Yogurt is high in fat soluble vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin K.  They’re highly important in supporting the brain and the nervous system in baby's early development.  Greek yogurt typically has twice the protein of regular yogurt and any kind of yogurt is a great source of calcium.  You’ll want to stay away from any dairy that’s been ultra-pasteurized.

We also recommend taking a daily prenatal vitamin and a DHA supplement during pre-conception and pregnancy.  Always check with your OBGYN and/or midwife before taking any supplement during pregnancy.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all of our moms and moms-to-be, we honor you today! You are amazing. Wishing you all the best on this special day.










Mother's Day Coupon- Save 15% on your next order of prenatal vitamins, DHA and/or Belly Butter. Coupon code: WELOVEMOM

The Importance of Prepraing Mind and Body

Enjoying pregnancy and being ready for childbirth may seem contradictory to some expecting moms.  But learning how to manage emotions and physical symptoms of pregnancy will help prepare her mind and body for the journey she’s about to take.  Some areas of health and personal growth are especially worth taking a look at.

Staying Organized 
For managing diet, ensuring prenatal vitamins are taken, keeping track of doctor appointments, and all the tasks that accompany a successful delivery, strong organization skills are a must.  If being organized is not mom's natural tendency, a few items will prove useful to help her get there.  A personal calendar can be helpful for keeping track of appointments, while a larger wall calendar can mark important milestones.  A journal can be used to chart symptoms and as a means to vent frustrations and worries before taking them to others.  Electronic organizers often combine these tools into one easy-to-carry device. 

Staying Rested 
It is unknown how many expectant mothers suffer from insomnia, but researchers are aware that insomnia can cause several problems for mom and baby.  Speaking with the doctor about sleep disturbances may uncover potential causes and treatments, though there are a number of things that can be tried at home.  Ensuring that there is no light present during sleeping hours is one way to increase the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for a good night's rest.  Meditation and exercise are also important means of increasing melatonin and quieting the mind.

Natural Pain Reduction 
Delivery is frequently accompanied by pain beyond the normal threshold. Though the body produces hormones during pregnancy and labor to reduce this pain, it is still enough to leave mom begging for relief.  However, many moms are looking for alternative strategies.  Meditation and exercise have proven capable of increasing the tolerance for pain, and there are classes available on the Bradley Method and other techniques for reducing reliance on medications.  Regardless of which route is chosen, it is useful for every mom to become familiar with the pain relief strategies available to her.

Much of the information and skills for healthy childbirth are taught in pregnancy and childbirth classes.  Taking this opportunity to meet new moms and get information from the professionals is a good use of time.  Classes are also a great place to learn about optional choices like cord blood banking, which is where the baby’s umbilical cord blood is collected after birth and stored to be potentially used in the treatment of a future medical condition.

The more mom-to-be learns and practices useful pregnancy and birthing skills the more she’ll enjoy her pregnancy and the more ready she’ll be for childbirth. 

This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the blogging community who discusses maternity, motherhood, prenatal health, childbirth and other topics within this niche.  If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact by visiting her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter @moorekm26.

DHA During Pregnancy May Cut Infant Colds

We just had to pass along the following article published by WebMD regarding a new study showing that women who took prenatal vitamins containing the fatty acid known as DHA during pregnancy had babies that had fewer colds in the early months of life. 

Getting Enough of the Essential Fatty Acid DHA During Pregnancy May Help Prevent Colds in Newborns, Study Finds

By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

Aug. 1, 2011 -- Getting enough of an essential fatty acid during pregnancy may help prevent colds in newborns.
A new study shows that women who received supplements of the fatty acid known as DHA during pregnancy had babies that had fewer colds at age 1 month. The babies also had fewer coughing episodes and fevers in the first six months of life.

DHA is part of a group of fatty acids that are essential for human development known as omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is found in algae and in fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna.
Another type of omega-3 fatty acid called ALA is found in nuts and seeds like walnuts and flaxseed. The human body converts these plant sources of ALA to DHA.

Although previous studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy assist in healthy brain and eye development of the fetus, other studies on the effect of essential fatty acids during pregnancy on immune function development have offered mixed results.

DHA Helps Babies Fight Illness

In this study, researchers compared the effects of 400 milligrams per day of DHA (via an algae-based supplement) or a placebo started from weeks 18 to 22 of pregnancy and continued through childbirth on infant wellness in a group of 851 Mexican women.

The results showed that infants whose mothers took DHA supplements had fewer colds at age 1 month and shorter duration of cold symptoms at 1, 3, and 6 months of age.

“Overall, infants in the DHA group were determined to be healthier on the basis of the observation that fewer of these infants experienced a cold at 1 month, and they experienced a significantly shorter duration of all illnesses at 3 months, but longer duration of a few symptoms at certain time points,” researcher Beth Imhoff-Kunsch, PhD, MPH, of the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta, and colleagues write in Pediatrics.

For example, at age 1 month, the infants in the DHA group had a shorter duration of cough, phlegm, and wheezing, although they had a longer duration of rash. At age 3 months, the infants in the DHA group spent 14% less time ill, and by 6 months of age these infants had experienced shorter durations of fever, nasal secretion, difficulty breathing, and rash but a longer duration of vomiting.
Researchers say the amount of DHA supplementation examined in the study, 400 milligrams per day, could be achieved through diet by eating foods rich in these types of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish and omega-3 fortified eggs.

Pregnant women are advised by the FDA to eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are low in mercury, such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
The FDA advises pregnant women to limit albacore tuna intake to 6 ounces a week because it has more mercury than canned light tuna.

The FDA also advises pregnant women to avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish because these fish contain high levels of mercury.

What's in Your Prenatal Vitamin?

I know as a mom of four (including twins) I had lots of questions about nutrition and my prenatal vitamins during preconception and pregnancy.  Here are some facts about what is in Promise Prenatal Vitamins Stage One (for preconception and pregnancy wk.1-14) and what makes it different from other prenatal vitamins.

The National Institutes of Health recently updated its nutritional recommendations for women before conception and during their first trimester. These new values are known as Dietary Reference Intakes or DRIs, and they form the basis for Promise Stages - Stage One formula. Stage One prenatal vitamins contain the ideal combination of 20 vitamins and minerals to prepare your body for conception and provide essential nutrients during the first trimester.

 

What's you need to know about Promise Prenatal Stage One:

Optimal Use of Folic Acid - Exceeds the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) standard for the dissolution of folic acid. This B vitamin can prevent neural tube defects when taken early in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. A recent study showed that six out of nine prenatal vitamins failed to meet this standard.

Unsurpassed Quality - Manufactured by Biotegrity Corporation, a specialist in women's health care, in an FDA-approved facility

Micro-encapsulated Iron - Reduces interference with other vitamins and minerals and helps minimize morning sickness

Complete Nutrition - Ideal formulation of 20 vitamins and minerals which all play an important role in protecting and maintaining a healthy pregnancy

Avoids Risks of Too Much Vitamin A- High levels of vitamin A can be unhealthy during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. 

Helps Reduce Nausea- We encapsulate & decrease the amount of iron because too much iron can cause nausea during your 1st trimester.  We also increased B6 to help control morning sickness

List of Ingredients for Stage One

Baby Shower Bliss

We just had to pass along this great blog we found- it's all things baby shower!  Bump Smitten is a shower idea explosion with all kinds of  colorful pictures, helpful links and of course an inspirational DIY section.  The visual candy and witty dialog will capture any shower planners attention.  Happy planning!

 

Bump Smitten

Happy Valentine's Day sweet Moms and Mom's-to-be!  From all of us here at Biotegrity Corp., we heart you!

15 Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Need some ideas for Valentine's Day?  If you're anything like us, it's usually the day before Valentines Day (or even sometimes that afternoon) before we start planning that "special" evening.  Here is a list of 15 date ideas you can easily put together last minute.

1.  Let the fun begin when you first wake up.  Leave love notes in places for him to find throughout the morning (pillow, bathroom, by the coffee maker, next to the car keys and in the drivers seat of the car).  He'll be thinking of you all day!

2.   Schedule a picnic lunch date to take him away from the office.  Pack some romantic foods (strawberries and whip cream, chocolates, his favorite candy) and during your picnic walk down memory lane.  Chat about your first date, best vacation, etc.  *If it's too cold outside for a picnic, set up a picnic at home in your living room.

3.  Take a stroll on the beach or lake.

4.  Make dinner reservations in a town 30 minutes or more away.  Get out of town- even if it's just for a few hours.

5.  Go for a horse-drown carriage ride.

6.  Go to a jazz concert.

7.  Find out who serves the BEST desserts in town and go share a couple of "out of this world" desserts.

8.  Hang out in a local coffee house.

9.  Turn out the lights and use string lights or candles while you eat dinner or have a romantic evening on the couch.

10.  Make a playlist, move some furniture out of the way and create your own private dance floor.  (Be sure to include some Sinatra on your playlist).

11.  Stop by a playground.  Have a Nerf football or a frisbee packed in the car and have some fun together.

12.  Make a fire in the fireplace and snuggle up.

13.  Borrow your kiddos Wii or XBox and add some good'ol competition to the night.

14.  Grab some massage oil and an old sheet and give each other a massage.  Youtube can help you with technique if you need some ideas.

15.  Do some star gazing.  Take a blanket outside (or you may have to drive a bit to get out of the city).  While you're enjoying the star light show, find out more about each other.  Ask questions and dig deeper to really connect.

“The Arrival Plan”

I remember speaking with a young woman who was about six months along in her pregnancy. She told me all about the countless books she read about pregnancy itself. She knew what was happening each week internally to her body and her baby. She could explain exactly what she could anticipate emotionally and hormonally. This woman could even provide me with the potential weight and size of her baby at each passing week. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow,” this woman is like a walking pregnancy timeline. This is super cool. I then proceeded to ask the woman questions about the days and weeks following her pregnancy. What could she expect when her little one first arrives? Who will be there to help her with the ins and outs other than her spouse? How is she going to handle the sleep deprivation those first few weeks? What could she do to make things easier on herself? The woman no longer had an answer for me. She looked completely stumped. It is completely normal to not have an after birth plan in place. Women are often so excited about the end result, that they often forget to really plan for the baby’s arrival. This blog post is intended to provide my three top suggestions regarding planning for what is to come following the grand entrance of your little one. This is especially the case if this is your first pregnancy.

To begin with, we need to ensure the layette has everything it might possibly need to be fully functional and operational in order to avoid those late night emergencies. That includes a stash of diapers in NB (newborn) and size 1, wipes, A & D ointment, diaper rash cream, bibs, clothes for daily wear, jumpers (pj’s), hooded towels, washcloths, baby wash, sheets, receiving blankets for swaddling, thermometer, Q-tips, blankets, feeding supplies, gripe water, and anything else you might think is a real necessity. If you check online and search for layette musts, you will get an endless supply of ideas. You might even want to check with your pediatrician to see if he or she can make some other recommendations you may have not thought of. In terms of furniture for the baby, it is all about personal preference. Bassinets, cribs, and cradles all work the same. Just make sure they are within the standards in terms of safety recommendations. Oh yes, if you choose to bottle feed or breast pump, make sure you have a supply of feeding tools and parts to last for at least a day’s feeding. Limiting the amount of washing and cleaning can help you out significantly in the short term.

Now let’s move on to cooking. Do you really think you will be cooking elaborate meals the first several weeks? My thought is probably not. My first recommendation is to have freezer foods available for quick and easy meals. If you never heard of freezer cooking, now is the time to do some research. Simply put, freezer meals are meals made in advance, stored in the freezer and used for later quick and easy meals. Freezer meals can include anything from vegetable soups to baked ziti. Don’t forget to label each item you make and include the date of packaging. You wouldn’t want to try to figure out what food you are defrosting when you are completely sleep deprived. A crock pot also can be quite helpful. Crock pot cooking is quite simple. Just add the ingredients, set the temperature gauge, and the meal cooks itself. Now how easy is that?

The next item of discussion is to recruit help and lots of it! If you are fortunate enough to be able to financially afford a baby nurse, go ahead and make the investment. Baby nurses are there to make your recovery easier by taking care of the baby when you need time to rest. This is especially helpful if you end up with a c-section. Remember, not all c-sections are planned. A plan B is always recommended. A baby nurse can also be a great resource in terms of learning how to diaper your baby, bathe him or her, swaddle, and care for the umbilical cord. The recommendation for a baby nurse ranges from 1-3 weeks depending on the mother’s need. If a baby nurse is not an option, try to recruit family and friends. You will be surprised how many people want to help and be around a newborn baby. Remember the first few weeks are the hardest even for a pro. Booking family members and friends throughout the first few weeks can really make a significant difference. Family and friends can help with everything from diapering, cooking, cleaning bottles, rocking the baby, etc. Just ask them what to do, and I am sure they won’t bat an eye. They have been there, too!

On a more serious note, I want to point out some emotional changes that can occur following delivery. This is something not often discussed with a patient until the postpartum appointment. It is extremely normal to feel a little down or what is classified as the “baby blues” the first ten days following delivery. Baby blues are a direct result in the sudden drop of hormones levels. Symptoms of the baby blues may include sadness, crying, irritability and a sense of feeling down. This is a completely normal reaction and stage to go through. However, if your mood continues this way or declines after the initial ten days, you should then reach out to your healthcare provider. It is possible you could be suffering from a more serious issue called “postpartum depression.” Thankfully, this is completely treatable disorder and medication, therapy and/or personal life coaching can be super beneficial. Ten to fifteen percent of all moms report “postpartum depression.” Remember having a baby is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. It is also one the most stressful times as it a major transitional point. Everything as you know it changes. I recommend taking it easy on yourself and your new role. Each day will get easier. Each day will begin to feel more natural and rewarding. Once the little smiles and laughter begin, I guarantee it will all be worth it.

All the best to you and your new family.

Post written by Sabrina Roffman. MS, Certified Coach Practitioner Specializing in Infertility, Pregnancy and Motherhood Expecting Moms
Guest Blogger information.  Please join Sabrina on Facebook  and visit
www.justforwomenlifecoaching.com for a 45-Minute Free Complimentary Consultation.