Celebrity Baby Blog Reviews

Belly Bandit: Snap Back Into Shape

Couture Belly Bandits

Do you ever feel like your baby stole your pre-pregnancy belly, like a thief in the night? Well you can steal it back, with Belly Bandit ($39.95-$59.95). Belly Bandit is a compression garment/wrap that is used immediately after delivery to speed your recovery, and shrink that tummy fast. Hollywood moms like Cynthia Daniel and Poppy Montgomery, as well as Dancing With the Stars Karina Smirnoff, are all fans of the Belly Bandit.

Abdominal binders have been used for centuries but the concept is just now gaining popularity in the mainstream. I found my Belly Bandit extremely comforting after my recent delivery. It was supportive and helped me maintain good posture when breastfeeding and performing daily tasks. It made me look and feel better immediately, and continued to deliver in the weeks to come. I only wish I'd had this garment after my other pregnancies!

Belly Bandits are available in original and eco-friendly bamboo as well as couture versions. 

-- Ciaran

Czela Bellies CesareanWear

Feel and look cute in your underpants while you recover from your c-section with Czela Bellies CesareanWear ($25). Though they look like cute hot pants, they're made from ultra comfy stretch fabrics which can be worn with the waistband either higher, or pushed down lower, as your scar area subsides on the belly. Choose from 15 patterns including cheetah (pictured), tiger, hearts, florals, paisleys, and solids. (Bonus points for using models who have bellies, thighs and stretchmarks like the rest of us.)

We're told that Tori Spelling and Camila Alves wore them while recovering from their recent births.

Mama Mio Helps New Mom Nicole Kidman Get Her Body Back

We're told that Nicole Kidman’s personal spa therapist Sarah Choi loves Mama Mio, especially their Smoothie Kit ($58), a great choice for expecting mamas -- it contains their Moisturizing Shower Cream, Body Buff (natural pumice micro-granules blended with sweet almond oil), and their omega packed O-Mega Oil to make your body silky smooth. Sarah LOVES all the products and professional spa treatments, available at The Ritz-Carlton Spas and exclusive spots like Spa Terre at Little Palm Island, and recommends them for all of her pregnant clients.

While Mama Mio is best known for their maternity products, they now have a line for body after baby. Celebrity postpartum stories highlight fitness and nutrition but no one seems to mention the slack skin that comes from the big strrrrretch of the pregnant belly, thighs, and boobs. Their products promise to return your skin to pre-pregnancy condition by healing scars, minimizing stretch marks, and softening and tightening up skin.

CBB Deal: Get free standard shipping (UPS Ground) and a free deluxe Mama Mio bodycare sample when you use code CELEBSKIN at mamamio.com (expires July 31, 2008). One per customer, while supplies last, can’t be used with any other coupon.

5 Minutes Apart: A little pampering when you need it most

Get ready, get set, get packed!  It's the end of your pregnancy and if you are like me you likely have lists out the wazoo of all the stuff you want/need to pack for your upcoming delivery. The only problem is that you feel more like getting a pedicure and taking a long nap than rushing out to the pharmacy for some travel sized shampoo and conditioner and a pack of hairbands and lollipops. Putting together a hospital bag during your third trimester can be a real drag.  Fortunately there are options to make it easier like the pre-packed hospital bags from 5 Minutes Apart. 

5 Minutes Apart puts together a complete list of what you'll need to have ready on the big day and then gets you up and rolling with a stylish, rolling bag filled with all the toiletry essentials you will need -- plus a few little extras. Their supplies are luxurious and nurturing, bringing a little spa pampering to your hospital room. And if anyone deserves a little pampering, it's you, mama!

KickTrak: Count your baby's kicks

by Ciaran

Keeping track of your baby's kicks is a simple but potentially lifesaving task. Most doctors suggest that pregnant women keep track of their baby's kicks in between visits, as a low tech but telling way of measuring the well being of the unborn child. Until recently kick counting was a simple but somewhat tedious chore, requiring you to sit and concentrate with a clock or stopwatch and pad of paper, as you meticulously noted the time of each kick.

With KickTrak ($39.95) that method of keeping track is a thing of the past. KickTrak was developed by an obstetrician and offers women a more convenient way to count kicks. The small portable digital device is used once a day when the baby is most active. WithKickTrak,  you need only press a button each time you feel the baby move. It records the time of each movement and keeps a record of the session that you can share with your doctor. When you have recorded ten kicks and are through with a session, KickTrak plays a lullaby for you. Count kicks while watching TV, or catching up with your reading on Celebrity Baby Blog. When it is this simple you have no excuse not to keep track. Additionally the KickTrak can be used as a pregnancy countdown, as it tells you the weeks and days left till your due date. When you go into labor, it can also be used to time your contractions.

Celebrities love the convenience of KickTrak. Jennifer Lopez used this device to count kicks when pregnant with her twins, Max and Emme. And most recently Angela Kinsey of NBC's The Office, hand-wrote a note to the company to tell them how much she enjoyed using her KickTrak to keep track of her daughter's movements.

I loved using my own KickTrak so much during my recent pregnancy that I shared it with my own doctor, who has since started recommending this device to all her patients.

C-Section Recovery Kits & Hemming Scar Therapy

If you or a friend know you will be having a c-section, or have had one recently, you should check out the C-Section Recovery Kit and Hemming Scar Therapy Book from Maui Healing Kits. This kit has made me so much more comfortable as I heal.

It contains a well-designed supportive wrap that can be worn various ways. Unlike traditional wraps and elastic postpartum abdominal support bands that are one shape and size, this belt can be customized for your body's changing size and post c-section support needs. It comes with an extra support strap that velcros onto the wrap in the front or the back, to provide varying levels of pressure/support, offering immediate relief from c-section pain. I just wish I'd had this product from the get-go, in the hospital. It would have made getting up and walking, and sitting up to breastfeed so much easier.

The kit also comes with a soft brush for body brushing and a booklet detailing how you can use the brush and simple massage techniques to speed your recovery and healing;  The booklet also contains information on how you can dramatically minimize the appearance of your scar. It takes only minutes a day to do the massage but makes a tremendous difference in the final appearance and feeling of your c-section scar. Why didn't anyone tell me about this sooner?

To purchase the C-Section Recovery Kit and Hemming Scar Therapy online, visit Maui Healing Kits.

SweetSpice: All the good stuff for your skin

At the itchy scratchy end of my last pregnancy I had a rather grumpy bump. Well moisturized but not exactly soothed. I had one last balm in my arsenal -- the SweetSpice Bloomin' Belly balm ($7.50).

This organic and handcrafted formula was unlike the oils I had tried. It comes in a soft solid form, about the consistency of lip gloss in a pot. The balm is concentrated and contains healing butters (Avocado, Mowrah, Hemp Seed , Aloe) and organic beeswax and lavender oil. It's extremely luxurious feeling - not too greasy or  heavy. And it stopped the itch on contact.

Click continue reading for the entire SweetSpice Review.

Girlie Gowns: For a special style delivery

It's not the tents in Bryant Park at Fashion Week in New York City, but when your latest creation makes their big premiere, you don't have to skimp on style. You'll be strolling (or rolling) down the maternity halls in haute style, with a personalized gown from Girlie Gowns ($49). They're part of a new trend in maternity wear -- dressing for your delivery.

But they make perfect sense given the fact that you will likely be photographed and will of course want to look and feel your best. Who wants to wear a grungy borrowed gown that has been through a hundred deliveries (don't even think about it!), when you can wear something that is cute and monogrammed and your very own, instead?

Click continue reading for the entire Girlie Gowns review.

Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra: The perfect nursing bra to add to your collection

I have long been a fan of Bravado’s nursing bras. I have been pregnant and/or breastfeeding for more than three years now and I have been wearing Bravado from the very start. I started with an Original Basic nursing bra while I was pregnant with my first son and have loved Bravado ever since. Since then I have added several more Originals, basic and plus styles, and Nursing Tanks and they have been my long time favorites. Now, I've added the new Body Silk Seamless nursing bra to that list and I love it. It has the same full drop away cup and great fit that I love in my other Bravado bras plus a few new additions that make it exceptional.

Bravado says that it’s “designed to melt into your body” and it does. I love wearing it because it is so comfortable. The fabric is soft and stretchy and the straps are just wide enough to be comfortable and stay put. It looks nice too. If it didn’t have the clips for the drop away cups, you probably wouldn’t know it’s a nursing bra. And it does have a seamless look too, aided by the removable molded foam pads that give a thicker cup to hide any bumps underneath, even breast pads. The clips really are one handed and easy to open and close. It is also shaped like a regular bra, so it looks good under clothing without showing (like the racer-back of the Original tends to do in some tops). Another thing I really like is that it is sized S- XL, which, like the Original, offers a wider size range per bra as opposed to regular bra sizing. It makes it so much easier to use the bra throughout pregnancy and after, as well as the size variations of nursing.

The new Body Silk Seamless nursing bra is just that -- seamless under clothes, silky soft and a joy to wear.  It’s so comfortable and invisible that nobody, not even you, will know you’re wearing it. Visit www.bravadodesigns.com to see more about this great bra, as well as all of the other wonderful Bravado products.  Also visit the site to enter Bravado’s $1000 prize pack contest through 11 AM  January 31, 2008.

22 Weeks Pregnant, wearing a Baby Bola

If you hear tiny bells when I walk by, it's my baby bola from Oz Born Products. These charming necklaces are meant to be worn from about 20 weeks onward. They are silver or enamel ball shaped pendants that hang at belly level. When you shake them and as they bounce against your bump they make a gentle chiming noise that the baby can actually hear. After the baby is born they make an interesting nursing necklace and the chiming noise is calming to baby.

I actually find myself shaking the little ball to calm myself down several times a day, so I can attest to it's efficacy. Something about that chime-y noise is so soothing. Baby Bolas make a thoughtful gift for pregnant pals or treat yourself to a little instant serenity. They have several variations of the product and prices range from $24.90 to $49.00.

Exclusively for Celebrity Baby Blog Readers: mention this article and get a free gift box with purchase.

Motherlove Herbal's Labor & Delivery Products

After you go through hours of labor and delivery, your body is going to need some soothing and comfort. In fact, take all you can get and get some rest, too!  After the birth of my first child, two years ago, I could have really used some of Motherlove Herbal's products. While at press time, I still don't know whether or not I will be going through labor & delivery or having a c-section (baby is still breech), I want to make sure I'm ready. 

They sent me some products to help out with labor & delivery.

Sitz Bath Spray - This will feel so good afterwards, I really could have used this two years ago, recovering from my son's birth.
Sitz Bath - The hospital will give you a sitz bath insert and you can take it home. Add Motherlove's Sitz Bath to it! It contains witch hazel leaf, yarrow, uva ursi, and sea salt). These Sitz bath herbs will help with sore perineal muscles, to reduce swelling, slow bleeding, and heals tears. It also will help to shrink hemorrhoids. Ahh.. can  you feel the relief???
Birth & Baby Massage Oil -  This oil contains certified organic lavender flowers and apricot oil.  You can use this for perineal massage during labor (which I should have done) or for your newborn's delicate skin.
Rhoid Balm - This was probably one of my worst side effects after my son's birth. This balm will reduce hemorrhoids and discomfort. It contains witch hazel leaf, plantain, yarrow, calendula, olive oil and beeswax.

These products are actually packed in my Birth'a Bag right now. According to the company, all of Motherlove's products are "made with certified organic herbs and luxurious oils. Our products are cruelty free and never contain any preservatives, artificial fragrance, or food dyes commonly found in many body care products."

I'm feeling the Motherlove! Look for my upcoming review of their breastfeeding pack after the birth of my baby!

Shop http://www.motherlove.com/ 

38 Weeks pregnant: 1 More Push Labor Kit

We're getting down to the wire here, the baby could come any day. While she's still breech, and I am scheduled for a C-section, baby girl could still turn. And if she does, I will be ready for labor.

I feel ready for anything because of 1 More Push's great Labor & Delivery Kit ($55). Even if I have the C-section, all these items can be used before and after in the hospital. They are cutely labeled and made me smile.

The Kit contains

A stress ball (definitely would come in handy during contractions - instead of mauling your birthing partner's hand)
Back Massager
Mints
Lip Balm (to combat those lizard lips)
Hair Ribbon
Ankle Socks (keep your tootsies warm while every other bit of you is hanging out)
Washcloth
Pen and Pad (always comes in handy - you could write down a list of things to do after baby comes or even start your "To Call/Email" list)
Organic Lollipops (to combat dehydration)
Newborn Onesie (that says "Going Home")

Lindsey Kellar (who's expecting baby #3 in April) and her mom, Lori, are the owners.  Lori was diagnosed with cancer in March 2006. Lindsey closed her home daycare business to take care of her mother and together they came up with this idea while her mom was sick ( thankfully she's in remission now).

This makes a great gift for any expectant mom (or snag it for yourself) - I wish I had had thought of putting together a kit like this when I was in labor for so many hours (including all night) with my first child!!!

Buy the kit from their website (and get free shipping and handling). Shop 1 More Push.

36 Weeks Pregnant: The Birth'a Bag- the Already Packed Hospital Bag

When you are about to give birth (no matter if it's your first time or not) it's hard to make sure you have everything you need packed for the hospital.  During the first time I was in labor (with my son) two years ago, I didn't have everything ready, since I went into labor at 38.5 weeks and was frankly clueless anyway.

I didn't think to bring anything except some clothes, toiletries, and books. While they were maternity, I didn't take into account that maternity jeans would not be comfortable for someone who just gave birth- ouch!. I forgot my razor, shampoo and conditioner (for the days after when I felt grubby and wanted to take a shower).   I couldn't concentrate enough to read during labor or after I gave birth. I didn't think of bringing snacks for my husband or even a clean t-shirt or toothbrush for him (most men don't give these things a thought at all!).  We also forgot our camera, so we borrowed one from my father in law to get those important first pictures of our new baby. Basically, I felt very unorganized.  Wouldn't it be great if someone actually packed the essentials for you?

The Birth'a Bag, created by Shari Miller, is making things much easier for me. A mom herself, she started packing her friend's hospital bags and it turned into a business.  The Birth'a Bag she kindly sent me -  will be coming with me to the hospital and is totally packed with everything I need for labor and my hospital stay. Shari uses all natural and organic products and has really thought of everything a mom needs to get through the birth. She even has some kosher snacks included. And if you are going to be delivering via C-section, all the items included are useful to take care of you before and after your C-section.

You can choose from the Birth'a Bag VIP ($180) or the Birth'a Bag Basic ($110).  They use the same bag, but the products inside are a little different. I saw the VIP bag.

Products included in the Birth'a Bag V.I.P are:
                                                                                                                  
B. Kamins Face Cleanser  - Vegetable based and gentle
B. Kamins Facial Moisturizer
White Towel Service Lavender Infused Washcloth
Wooden Hair Brush
Lizard Lip Balm
Recycline Preserve Toothbrush
Weleda Natural Toothpaste
Radius Natural Silk Dental Floss
Chandler's Natural Body Butter - for hand and body moisturizing
Chandler's Natural Lavender Body Powder
Weleda Natural Rose Deodorant
Weleda Lavender Relaxing Body Oil
Perx Organic Lavender Towelettes
CleanWell Natural Hand Sanitizer Spray - I absolutely love this healthier anti-bacterial spray
100% Cotton T-Shirt  - for your birthing coach, husband, partner (or all of the above) may need to change into something a little more comfortable - who knows how long labor will last! (Specify size small, medium, large or x-large on order area)
Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops (kosher) - to help with feeling dehydrated
Chomp Natural Cookie - a yummy snack for your birthing coach
Endangered Species Chocolate (kosher) - for the coach (or as a treat for you after delivery!)
Original Music CD - Calm relaxing birthing music that you can also download unto your iPod or MP3 player
Kodak Disposable Camera - so you don't have to worry about packing your camera and wondering where it is during labor.

You can chose from four colors for the cute diaper bag that everything comes in- Jelly Bean Black, Olive You, Navy Blue-Gaa and Gimme Gray. The bag is roomy and is currently holding plenty of other items that I want to bring to the hospital.  It will clip onto my stroller (after we come home from the hospital) and I love the orange paisley lining. I've already packed my dearjohnnies gown and Binsi birthing apparel (I posted about dearjohnnies last week. Click here to read that review. I will be posting about Binsi next week. I also put in 1 More Push's Labor Kit ( another fab mom idea which will air the week after that). I also put in some other items like contact lens solution, my extra pair of glasses and a contact lens case. I'll also stick a toothbrush in for my husband and his deodorant.  Add in a going home outfit for the baby, some comfortable maternity clothes for me to go home in, and voila - I'm packed!.

Thanks Shari, you made me more relaxed at 36 weeks- which has been almost unheard of lately!!

Shop birthabag.com.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Receive complimentary shipping until January 15, 2008!
Call Birth'a Bag for details at 888.472.8999 or go to BirthaBag.com and hit 'contact' - mention this review on CBB.

35 Weeks Pregnant: dearjohnnies hospital gowns - cover that tush!

Update: Owner Rachel Zinny emailed me yesterday to say, "I got a nice note form Poppy Montgomery today. She received an Ellie gown with matching swaddle blanket and she said the set  “is so ADORBALE!”. She wrote that she has “already packed them into her hospital bag and can’t wait to use them.”

At 35 weeks pregnant, I'm busy getting ready for my baby daughter's birth. In the next few weeks, I will focusing on products and items I'll be bringing to the hospital and using during labor and delivery (and the aftermath).  This week I'll be discussing dearjohnnies hospital gowns.

Celeb moms like Jennifer Garner, Jennie Garth, Mariska Hargitay, Brooke Shields, Tori Spelling and Samantha Harris have all received their own dearjohnnies. Mariska wore hers for son August's birth. Tori Spelling also mentioned dearjohnnies after talking about son Liam's birth.  Click here to read that. Samantha Harris couldn't wait to wear her gown and robe, when her daughter, Josselyn Sydney Hess, was born recently.

Our own Teba also mentioned the dearjohnnies gowns in two postings. Click here to read.

I hated the hospital gown that I wore when I gave birth to my son two years ago. I'm sure most women had a similar experience to mine.   Every time I had to go to the bathroom, I felt a breeze!  The gown was also ugly, faded and who knows how many people had worn it before me?  I also didn't like airing out my tush for the world to see - when I wanted to get up. A nurse told me afterwards that I should have asked for a second gown to use as a robe (gee, now you tell me!!).  I ended up doing the 2 hospital gown thing for the rest my stay, but I still didn't feel attractive. When your whole body feels like crap, at least looking good can make you feel a little better!!

Rachel Zinny, the owner of dearjohnnies, sent me a gorgeous hospital gown that actually fit me! I'm loving the plus-sized Mimi Gown ($65) from her Limited Edition collection- which features cool, funky prints.. I liked the snap up back (yeah, no breeze) and that it comfortably fit my 8 months and 3 weeks pregnant tummy. The two ribbon ties (a classy pink grosgrain) were secure and tied tightly.   The gown was well made and comfortable.  The company suggests you wash it a few times before you use it to make it a little softer.  My husband actually picked out the Mimi Gown, which was a mintish green with yellow, blue, orange and pink circles. I felt pretty in it.  My tush didn't show either. Since it is a hospital gown, I don't think I'll get a problem from the nurses. You can easily pull down the shoulders for breastfeeding access ( a plus!).   

Owner Rachel got the idea shortly before her first daughter, Cece, was born. She and her husband planned to take pictures and realized that the ugly hospital gown was going to be prominently featured for posterity. Before her next daughter was born, she made two gowns herself and wore them in the hospital. Her friends began ordering them as gifts for baby showers. And her business was "born".

Adorable and pregnant mommy-friendly, dearjohnnies offers two gown collections (limited edition, which I mentioned, and the Wellesley Collection). You can get most gowns in the small/medium size or the large/extra large size. The Mimi, Lucy, Cece and Ellie also come in plus sizes (size 16-24).  You can also pick a matching Wellesley robes (so cute) and swaddle blankets (even cuter) for your babe. I picked the Lucy swaddling blanket ($26 for one, 2 or more are $23 each).  Since Ben is so obviously wearing the hospital swaddling blanket in his first pictures, it will be great to wrap up my baby girl in the Lucy blanket for her first pictures!

You can choose a gown, a robe and a swaddling blanket for $141 - with a discount of $20 for their Set to Deliver Promotion. You can also choose the Pick a Pair promotion (get two gowns for $55) or the Pefect Pair Promotion (get $15 off when you order a gown and a robe). You can also get monogramming for each item that dearjohnnies sells (for an extra $8 per line).

Thank you Rachel, for making your gorgeous hospital gowns in regular and plus sizes. My tush thanks you too!

Shop: dearjohnnies.com.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Receive 20% off your entire purchase (excludes monogramming and shipping). Enter code CBB20 in the special instructions box upon checkout. Cannot be combined with any other discounts.

34 Weeks Pregnant: Babykick KickTrack- Kick Counter

My little girl kicks up a storm in my tummy! Especially during movies with car chases like "Hot Fuzz" - a hysterical, but violent British comedy.  I want to make sure everything is fine with her, so I've started counting kicks. The Babykick Kick Track Kick Counter makes it a lot easier and helps me keep track of them.

Did you know healthy babies move 10 times in less than 2 hours? Most babies will have 10 movements in 30 minutes.

According to the company, "the kickTrak™ kick counter is a handheld device with only two buttons, one for kick counting and the other for elapsed time, recall and setup. The display shows kick number, pregnancy duration and tracks the days until the due date." To use it, all I had to do is press the "kick" button each time I feel the baby make a movement. It records the elapsed time between movements 1 to 10. After movement #10, the kickTrak™ plays "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. It will record 10 ten-kick groups. I found this so simple to use and really helped me to be even more aware of my unborn daughter's movements.  It will count down from the last 99 days in your pregnancy.I also really liked knowing how many days I had left (41 as of today!!). You can also delete a kick counting session if you become distracted or you didn't finish the session (so it isn't counted).

The reason why it only counts 10 ten-kick groups is that, according to the company, "You and your obstetrical provider are looking for changes in fetal movement patterns. If you notice a sudden or significant change in your baby's movement pattern, call your obstetrical provider immediately."

This device was created by Dr. Diep Nguyen, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and mother of three. The website says, " The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends kick counting as one of the methods to monitor pregnancy health. More than four decades of worldwide, scientific research emphasizes that the kicks, jabs, rolls, twists, and turns felt by expectant mothers are excellent indicators of their baby's well-being.    Dr. Nguyen based the development of the kickTrak™ on that research and on the understanding that moms know best. kickTrak is a safe, non-invasive, ergonomic, handheld device designed for busy mothers to simplify kick counting and to keep a reliable record of their baby's movements. Visualizing significant changes allows moms to promptly alert their doctors of potential problems thus reducing the risk of stillbirth."

The company is also giving back.  A portion of your purchase is donated to First Candle/SIDS Alliance and the Babykick Foundation. Both are nonprofit organizations dedicated to reducing stillbirth and fighting against infant mortality.

I think this product is a smart idea to monitor your baby's movements.

To learn more about the device or to buy, go to http://www.babykick.com.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Use code celeb for 10% off your purchase of kickTrak at www.babykick.com. Expires January 31, 2008

33 Weeks Pregnant: Belly Beats - Grooving to the (heart)beat

I have to go to my OB's appointments by myself - my husband works during the day (they don't have night or weekend hours) and my two year old can't handle staying quiet and calm during my doctor's appointments - but what 2 year old could? So my mother meets us at the office and takes care of him.  But I wanted to share the experience of hearing our baby's heartbeat with my family.  Belly Beats came to my rescue. It's a service that will rent or sell you a fetal digital doppler device (very similar to the one your doctor uses) to hear your baby's heartbeat - while in the comfort of your own home. So, my son and husband are able to share in this experience with me, while in our own home.

We checked out the digital fetal heartbeat monitor. It will cost you about $45 a month to rent. Or you could buy it for $599.  The unit comes with a manual, a recording of the maternal and fetal heartbeat sounds, a 9 volt battery and a 2 oz tube of ultrasound lotion. You can buy more ultrasound lotion (8.5 oz for $7.95).

According to their website, "The Fetal Doppler Baby Heartbeat Monitor listens to reflections of small, high frequency sound waves that are reflected off of the baby's heart. Since high frequency sound waves do not travel readily through air, a liquid such as water, oil, or Fetal Doppler Ultrasound Lotion is applied to the mother's belly in order for the Fetal Doppler- Baby Heartbeat Monitors probe to detect these sound waves. These signals are picked up by the Fetal Doppler-Baby Heart Monitor and processed and amplified so that they are audible in the instrument's speaker or earphone and you are able to hear the fetal heartbeat!"

Now, I caution, this is NOT a substitute for regular medical appointments. It should be used in a supplemental way (kind of like gravy). The  FDA has approved this unit for home use by expecting mothers with the approval of a physician - which I did get. 

It made me happy to hear my daughter's heartbeat whenever my husband or I wanted. My doctor showed me how to find the heartbeat using the digital fetal doppler in a matter of seconds.  As your little peanut is growing in your tummy, you'll have to adjust where to find the heartbeat.

Exclusive Discount for CBB Readers: Use coupon code: CELEB for $5 off the monthy rental fee for either the standard or digital model. Free ground shipping is always available, but if you just can't wait, there is $20 overnight shipping available.

32 Weeks Pregnant: Bella Mama

As a planner/desperately trying-to-be organized type of gal, I'm narrowing down what things I will be packing for my labor and delivery. Ben came at 38 weeks, so with possibly 6 weeks to go, it's time to start thinking about this. I'm definitely taking several of Bella Mama's products with me.

For labor: their Face and Body Spritzer ($11.50) will be wonderful during contractions and delivery. It comes in a 4.6 oz bottle made with pregnancy-safe herbs and essential oils (rose water, extracts of cucumber, green tea, rose bud, aloe verbal, as well as vitamins A, B & E.

After delivery: I plan on using the Sitz Bath with rose water and and green tea - for soaking those lady parts and their Nursing Salve with shea butter (I think you can guess what for).

Right now, I'm using their Belly Oil ($15 for 2 oz, $24 for 4 oz) and Belly Butter ($9.50) to keep those stretch marks at bay, as well as curing the extreme itchiness of my belly. I also love their Foot Salts ($14 for heaven in my footbath!).  Besides smelling terrific, these products are so soothing!! 

These products are offered in several types of gift sets. You can find these products in the UK at mumstheword.com and pregnantandbeautiful.com and for a directory of Canadian retailers here.  You can find US retailers here.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Use code: mamabella to get 15 % off (not including shipping). Enter it on the top of their home page (http://www.bellamama.com) - there is a place to input the code on top. 

31 Weeks Pregnant: Bumpil On The Way -Maternity Pillow that converts to so much more!

I'm 31 weeks pregnant this week and my leg cramps had been growing steadily worse. The only way I was getting relief from the leg cramps has been to jump onto my feet in the middle of the night. I'm also not sleeping very well. I asked to review the Bumpil On The Way (retails for around $59) to see if it could help me feel better and get some rest. It did and I got an added benefit!

You can use the Bumpil On The Way to cuddle up with, prop your back up or under your legs. One week with the Bumpil On The Way, propping up my legs, and they've basically STOPPED!!  I hate sleeping on my side, so I use pillows to prop my back up (so I'm kind of tilted onto my side).  I am just not comfortable totally sleeping on my side (neck issues). I was using the Bumpil to prop me up also, but once I saw it stopped my leg cramps, I was in heaven and just cannot go back to using it any other way. I'm still not sleeping, but I don't think the Bumpil On The Way can help with that!!

This product is so multi-functional!  After you give birth, use it as a nursing pillow in your lap (its doctor and lactation consultant approved!). When your babe is a little older, use it to prop her up so she can see the world. Then just unzip it and you can make a safe space for tummy time or a portable infant play area (just slide the bumpers into place). A cute little satin tummy pillow is inside also. Just be sure to place the baby on the floor (don't use the bed or table - not secure). I love that you can use it in so many different ways!  The Bumpil is also machine washable!! Which is wonderful after your baby spits up on it!

Anne Dockendorf is the inventor and the head of the Bumpil Company. According to their website, "Beginning with her need for comfort during pr pregnancy and occurring again when she attempted to use a breastfeeding pillow that failed to work as well as she had hoped it would, she was frustrated.  Moreover, when she wanted to lay her infant daughter down nearby and was unable to lug a heavy playpen around with her after having a C-section, she, as many mothers do, placed pillows around her daughter as a barrier.   This method was easily undermined by baby rolling against or pushing the pillows out of the way.  The solution was to fix the pillows in place.  With this, this mom-inventor along with a team of engineers created a lightweight place for baby and folded this special infant area into the maternity and infant nursing pillow now available on the market." 

The company also offers the Bumpil Original Pillow (retails for around $46) - also great for maternity sleep support, as a baby head and neck support and infant play area.  Anne discussed the difference between the two pillows via email, "There is a big difference between the two pillows.  The Original is more like a body pillow or an over-sized bed pillow that opens to become a rectangular infant area.  The On the Way offers many other features such as feeding support, positioning aid for sitting baby at an incline, and tummy-time (all of this can be accomplished by removing the small crescent pillow).   Its ergonomic shape better contours the pregnant belly.  The On the Way can also be opened to become an infant area which is round, whereas the Bumpil Original is rectangular.  Only the On the Way offers the convenient pocket for toys and supplies.  Our customers indicate an 8 to 1 preference for the On the Way."

I think this product is a must-have for pregnant and new mamas and I highly recommend it. You'll be using it from pregnancy to when baby starts crawling!! 

Want to grab the Bumpil On The Way or the Bumpil Original Pillow for yourself or a pregnant/new mom? Shop www.littleinfinity.com. 

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Use coupon code SAVE5 which is good for $5.00 off the purchase of either Bumpil pillows.

30 Weeks Pregnant: Noodle and Boo's Glowology

Heading into my 30th week of pregnancy, my ankles are getting more swollen every minute. And my feet are getting so dry!  What can I do to fix this?

Well, Noodle & Boo, very well known for taking care of the sensitive skin for the playground set (also a celeb fave for their kids) recently started a line for expecting mamas called Glowology. They sent me two products to review, The Balm and the Elasticity Oil. Both are organic and I'm in love with them!

The Balm ($24 for 6.5 oz) actually moisturizes my feet and feels wonderful. You can also use it on your hands. Made with oh-so-rich organic shea butter, sunflower oil and with a blend of billberry, lemon, orange, sugar cane and sugar maple extracts, it smells amazing (but I like that it works!)  It also kept the moisture in for hours (something the other lotions I've used just don't do). Treat your feet to this, whether you're pregnant or not! I do not let it out of my site!

I'm also using their Elasticity Oil ($42 for a 4 oz bottle) to nourish my itchy belly and bust. You can also add it to your bath. This heavenly oil contains sunflower and jojoba seed oil, with a little honey, calendula (to calm the skin) and grape seed oil (to soothe). Also smells delicious and works well!

Noodle & Boo also have some other great products in their new line, I'd love to try. Check out the Perfecting Creme ($62) - to reduce stretch marks and the Afterglow Gel - to firm and slim the skin. To see the other delicious products in the Glowology line, click here.

Noodle & Boo will ship to the US and Canada. The Glowology products are availabe at Neiman Marcus (exclusively until December and then available to all their retailers in January) or shop for Glowology now online at Noodle & Boo's site.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Noodle & Boo is offering 10% off to CBB Readers with code cbbdisc. Expires November 15th.

29 Weeks Pregnant: Maclaren's Beginning Line, Bath and Body Products for Mommy and Baby

I know what you're thinking, MACLAREN (the British Stroller company) is making bath and body products for moms and babies? Yes, and its called the Beginning Range. They're awesome and reasonably priced!

Their website says the products are "holistic personal care products have been carefully created to meet the emotional and physical needs of mothers and babies during this important life stage. We select natural and organic ingredients, as well as 100% pure essential oils to restore harmony and stir the senses, in proportions that are safe for use during pregnancy and infancy." Now, you have to read the labels on the mom products, most are not for use during your first trimester. We checked out the whole range.

The Mom's line contains the Nurturing Bath Milk ($17) - which is 70% organic and I use it in my bath. So yummy!  Their Alleviating Leg Lotion ($17)- contains rosehip oil, as well as blend of orange, mandarin and patchouli essential oils to soothe my tired cramping legs and drier than usual feet.  Maclaren also recommends elevating your feet for 15 minutes a day. Since my ankles were hugely swollen during my last pregnancy, I am trying to make that happen, even though I can see them swelling up before my eyes!  I also have been using the Balancing Facial Mist ($17) - with essential oils, is a good pick me up during a long day with a toddler, Connecting Massage Oil ($20) - to rub on my growing tummy, the Purifying Bath and Shower Elixir ($17) - a great pick me up in my 5 minute (if I'm lucky) morning shower and the Supporting Belly Balm ($17) - helps with keeping my stomach elastic. My fave items are the Alleviating Leg Lotion and the Belly Balm!

There is a complete baby range too. I'm saving most of the items for my baby girl's arrival, but we have broken out the room mist ($15) - to banish the stinky diaper pail smell and the nappy change balm (a huge tube for $15) - which is a super-protecting diaper cream.

Shop for Maclaren's Beginning products here.