Finding out you’re pregnant after trying for some time can be exhilarating, exciting, joyous, and, oh yeah, anxiety-inducing. After the initial excitement of those little lines fades, some mamas are left fearing the future of their little one — the weeks before the first scan that confirms your little one’s viability leave a lot on the table! While 9 times out of 10, miscarriages are entirely out of the expecting mama’s hands, it’s still an overwhelming fear for many.
So how do you get past the fear and anxiety, and just enjoy those first few weeks of pregnancy? It’s likely you’ve told no one except for your partner, so it’s the perfect time to enjoy your little secret together, while making big plans for them, not worrying over them! Here are a few ways to overcome that fear and stay positive for your growing little one!
Read MoreAlright, guys, listen up! You’re going to be a dad! We’re guessing that means a lot of different things to you, and makes you feel a lot of different emotions, too–that’s totally normal. And, correct us if we’re wrong, but the biggest thing on your brain is likely, “Now what?!” You’ve heard all the tales of crazy, hormonal wives, weird cravings, and that delivery might make you faint (you won’t). But what do you really need to know? Consider this a survival guide, Dad, we’ve got you.
Read MoreBoo boo’s are the worst. Pretty sure both you and Bitsy can agree! But what happens if your little one experiences more than a scrape or bruise? As a mom, you always want to be prepared in case an emergency scenario arises, and being able to perform relatively first aid can help you feel a lot more in control of the situation! We always hope that the worst case scenario never occurs, but here’s what you can do if and when it does.
Read MoreAs a society, we tend to look to Hollywood for all our up and coming fashion trends — and maternity wear is no different! It can be exciting and comforting to see well-known celebrities going through normal life changes just like us! And if they give us some inspiration on what to wear to flaunt those bumps, then, even better! We’ve rounded up some of our absolute favorite celebrity maternity trends from this year!
Read MoreWhether you’re 8 months pregnant and already shopping, or are just looking for a change later in the game, the search for a good pediatrician is something every parent experiences! Doctor shopping is hard enough when you’re older, but when looking for a doctor for your sweet babe, it takes an entirely different turn. How do you trust a stranger with your baby? How do you decide if they’ll get along? How do you decide which pediatrician is the right pediatrician?
Unfortunately, there’s no magic wand to wave to find the perfect pediatrician…instead you just have to find the one that fits best with your Bitsy and family. Take into account how you want to parent your child, the opinions and philosophies you hold, and your financial and insurance needs — once you’ve aligned these with a few doctors, you should be pretty close!
Read MoreThere are very few things more exciting than making the decision to start your family! For some, the decision to become pregnant is a long thought out decision with quick results. For others, the road to pregnancy can be a little more difficult–after multiple attempts, the conception doesn’t take. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to take matters into your own hands before starting to worry too much! Many vitamins and supplements found in your standard grocery store can help you boost your fertility so your family can get started faster! Here are some of our favorite fertility-boosting vitamins!
Read MoreTeething– that stage every parent (and little one!) comes to dread. When those sharp little baby teeth start to poke their way through Bitsy’s soft gums, a lot of pain and fussing can ensue! Even though it can be hard on a mama to have a constantly fussy baby, it can be seriously hard work for Bitsy to cut those teeth! Don’t worry — we’ve got some tips and tricks to make the whole process a little easier for both of you!
Read MoreThere are a lot of changes that happen to a woman’s body throughout pregnancy, but one of the most fascinating pregnancy phenomenons has to be lightning crotch. Yes, you read that right–lightning crotch. A condition that many women experience throughout pregnancy, lightning crotch is essentially exactly what it sounds like! A very sudden and sharp pain deep in your pelvis or vaginal area, that can sometimes feel like your little one has actually punched you! Don’t worry–we’ve got the scoop on this weird sensation!
Read MoreCo-sleeping. That hot button topic that parents either love or hate, with very little in-between. In case you’re new to the parenting game, and haven’t heard about it yet, co-sleeping is simply when Baby sleeps close to you at night. As with most parenting practices, it comes with its own set of pros and cons, as well as opinions, thoughts, and judgements on the practice. So what’s the deal with co-sleeping? How is it done, is it safe, and is it something you should consider? We’ve got the breakdown!
Read MoreDeciding to grow your family by an extra pair of tiny feet is so exciting! But what if you’re pregnant before your first born hits the age of two? Congratulations! You’re about to be the proud mama of two under two — a feat often feared and looked at with great respect. But don’t worry, Mama, you can absolutely handle this. You might be the mama living off of coffee and pure magic, but you’ll find your groove easier than you think!
So how do you handle two under two? You’re going to need a lot of patience, love, and great scheduling! The best part, though? You’re going to get double the love in return…and what could be better than that? Plus, with a little forethought, you’ll be cruising through two under two motherhood in no time!
Read MoreWhen you find out you’re pregnant, you likely assume you will have a completely healthy pregnancy! Complications during pregnancy are not often at the top of any expecting mama’s mind, but being aware of the possibility and the signs to look for is the best thing you can do for your health and that of your growing little one! The most common complication of pregnancy is preeclampsia, but many women are unaware of what it is or what it entails until it happens to them!
Preeclampsia is a condition during pregnancy where there is a sudden rise in blood pressure and swelling, usually in the face, hands, and feet. When ignored or left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, which can cause convulsions and comas, and in same cases, is fatal. Preeclampsia affects 3-5% of pregnancies, so being aware of what to look for is imperative for your health, Mama!
Read MoreWhen you’re awaiting your little one’s arrival, the last month can feel like an entire year. All you want is to hold your baby and feel that pregnancy swelling go away! So what happens if your due date arrives….and then passes, with no baby in tow? It can feel confusing, and a little like your body betrayed you — we get it! But you’re not alone–did you know that only 5% of babies are actually born on their due date? Most babies are born somewhere in between 37 and 42 weeks, making your due date just an educated estimate! In fact, you aren’t even technically in overtime until you hit 42 weeks, and many women in their first pregnancies will go over the estimated 40 weeks. Hang in there, Mama, here’s a little bit about what you can expect in the coming days!
Read MorePicky eaters have been a source of frustration for parents everywhere for, well, ever! If you’re currently struggling with a picky toddler, Mama, remember that you’re not alone–most children experience a picky phase, if not their entire childhood. It’s a pretty normal part of being a toddler! However, when it’s your Bitsy, it can make mealtime feel impossible — we’ve got the scoop to make things a little easier!
Read MoreCome on, Baby! As you hit the middle of your third trimester, it can take everything in you to practice patience for your little one’s arrival -- we get it! Waiting isn’t our strong suit either. However, in all the excitement of getting ready for the little bundle, many mamas forget to ever talk to their doctor or midwife about what to expect with labor! It can be hard to understand when to call the hospital, or when to grab all the belongings and hop in the car -- especially with all of the Braxton Hicks stories. So here’s the scoop, Mama--we’re giving you the guide on how to know when it’s time!
Read MoreWhen your friend or family member finds themselves in the NICU with their brand new baby, it can pose some unfamiliar territory for your relationship. It’s easy to feel helpless when it comes to supporting a NICU mama and her family, but where there’s a will, there’s a way! There are a vast number of ways you can support her and her new little one, and we’ve rounded up some of the top ways to be there for your loved one!
Read MoreGetting the nursery ready is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy! It can make your little one’s arrival feel more real, and prepares your home just for them. This will be the space where you spend most of your time with Baby, where you’ll read to them, snuggle them, feed them, and watch them sleep, so it makes sense that you’d want the nursery to be perfect! And that includes choosing their crib! With all of the options and variations, it can be a little overwhelming to choose the crib that works best for you, your home, and your baby -- that’s why we’re breaking it down for you!
Read MoreFor a mama that’s spent months growing her little one, all she wants to do is hold them in her arms! So when that little bundle is admitted to the NICU, it can seem scary, and in some cases, like an actual nightmare. The NICU (or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) has a lot of bad connotations to it, but they can provide you and your new baby with the absolute best care around! In many cases, the overwhelming fear that surrounds the NICU comes from a lack of understanding of what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what the NICU entails for your new family! We’ve got you covered, Mama — this is what life in the NICU looks like.
Read MoreNo one ever wants their babies to grow older, but before you know it, that tiny newborn is crawling, standing, and on the move! This usually results in a lot of change for families and their househoulds…baby gates, door knob and outlet covers, toys everywhere. However, one of the biggest (and hardest!) changes for a mama is the transition from crib to “big kid bed”! This change can feel nerve-wracking (and maybe even a little heartbreaking), but the switch doesn’t have to be so hard on either of you! With a little bit of planning and strategy, you and Bitsy will both love having them in their grown up bed!
Read MoreIn the last 20 years, surrogacy has become a widely known, accepted, and practiced form of pregnancy and journey into motherhood! A truly incredible experience, surrogacy requires real generosity from one side, and a lot of hope and optimism from the other, creating a strong bond in the shared experience. But if you haven’t read into it, it can seem quite ominous and overwhelming! Perhaps you’re a mother who wants to offer her childbearing services to the world, or a woman who desperately wants to be a mother, but has hit roadblock after roadblock and needs another door to open. Either way, we’ve done the research and have the scoop on everything you need to know about surrogacy--for the Intended Parents and the Surrogate. We’re on the blog today with Part 1 of our Surrogacy Guide : for the Intended Parent!
Read MoreTime for clean up! While it may seem strange when they’re so little, teaching your little one the importance of chores is great for their overall development! Not only can it teach them that it’s important to help others, it also encourages good self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and valuable life skills that will stay with them for life. Getting them started early is a great way to establish chores as a routine and avoid issues down the road! It may seem difficult to get them started, so we have a few tips, Mama!
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