Kate Middleton Shows Off Growing Bump in Adorable Yellow Coat — Us Weekly

Beyonce Shares Photos of Blue Ivy Carter on Tour — CelebrityBabyScoop

Mom Spent More Than $25k on Her 8-Year-Old’s Clothes — MSN Living

10 Patriotic Crafts You Can Do Before Memorial Day — POPSUGAR Moms

Check Out Hilaria Baldin’s Bump at Cannes — CelebrityBabyScoop

Safest Sunscreens for You (and Baby!) — POPSUGAR Moms

Malin Akerman Says Her Postbaby Body Has ‘Cellulite’ — Us Weekly

Mom Arrested After Leaving Baby Locked in Hot Car — MSN Living

The very pregnant Kim Kardashian set sail for Paris (she called it her “final trip” before she can’t fly anymore via Twitter) with mama Kris Jenner in tow. The girls, sans Kim’s boyfriend, Kanye West, took in the sights and sounds around the darling city. But just because the reality TV star was abroad didn’t mean there wasn’t any time for shopping — or stocking up on baby items! She said on her personal blog that she and her mom “were doing some baby shopping and checking on our place here before heading to LA for a while.” So what exactly did the mama-to-be scoop up on her trip?

Looks like our girl Kim was in full on nesting mode. The duo reportedly stumbled into Ovale, a high-end baby boutique in Paris that’s specifically known for its “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on baby’s gender (and on leaking news to the press). The boutique specializes in gender-neutral clothing — lots of whites, ivories and creams! — and only fitting, it comes with a high price-tag.

Kim eyed Ovale’s chic selection of mini silvery jewelry (again, no hints as to whether it’s gems for baby boy or baby girl West) and this plush, oversized and handmade teddy bear. Not that I’m at all against the white decor, but here’s hoping Kim has a heavy duty washer! Babies are not known for their clean habits — just their cute ones!

Here’s the teddy that Kim was reportedly eying:

And it’ll be absolutely perfect for the many mornings, afternoons and pre-bedtime play occasions that Kim, Yeezy and Kimbryo will have together! Hope Kim specifically ordered it right then and there, because it looks like the item has since sold out on the boutique’s online store.

Are you surprised Kim is nesting?

Plus, more from The Bump:

What Do You Think of Kim Kardashian’s Over-the-Top Baby Shower Invitations?

The 13 Most Confusing Things Kim Kardashian Has Said About Her Pregnancy So Far

What Will Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s Baby Look Like?

LaNisa Allen was a new mom, trying to juggle nursing (and likely sleep deprivation, and postpartum recovery) with her job at Totes/Isotoner Corporation in Ohio. Her four-month-old son, Travian, ate every three hours, which meant that in order to keep her supply up, she needed to take frequent pumping breaks from her manual labor position. Unfortunately, her employer was only willing to offer her a single pumping break, five hours into her shift. By that point, she was engorged, leaking and in pain. When LaNisa began taking extra breaks, to pump for 15 minutes hear and there in the bathroom, she was fired.

Plenty of pregnant women plan on breastfeeding their child throughout their first year of life. Why not? It’s free, it’s portable, it helps you drop the baby weight and there’s no bottle warmer required.

According to a recent Michigan State University study, half of affluent women who plan to nurse for a year are successful in meeting their goal. Now compare that with the 1.8 percent of low-income women like LaNisa who are able to say the same. The reason? Mostly, it’s a case of a lack of resources to help these new moms tackle the breastfeeding obstacles that come their way. When money is tight, dialing up a lactation consultant might not feel like a feasible option; it’s hard to pump at a job where you are earning $8 an hour… or when a $300 pump is out of the question altogether.

That’s why I was so excited to hear about this new partnership between the Boppy Company and Nurse-Family Get One, Give One Partnership (NFP), a national nonprofit organization that helps improve the lives of low-income, first-time moms — many of whom are teen moms – and their babies. I am absolutely in love with this idea. A nursing pillow is more than just some cotton filled with stuffing — it’s comfort, encouragement, intimacy, nourishment and dedication. Formula babies get all of these from their moms too, of course, but formula costs between $1400 and $2800 per year; for a low-income mother, breastfeeding a child could be the difference between being able to comfortably shop for groceries one week versus needing to scrape by. Breastfed kids are also less likely to be obese as adults, be diagnosed with allergies, leukemia or diabetes, or die from SIDS, leading to further health savings.

Our daughter nursed for 13 months — I would have loved to go longer but some personal medical issues got in the way — and it was one of the most meaningful and enjoyable experiences of my life. (Yup, I was that mom.) My husband and I are fortunate to be in a position where we could have afforded formula if we needed it, but were lucky enough that my milk came in, our baby latched well and my job as a freelance writer offered me the flexibility needed to make it work. In my opinion, anything that helps remove roadblocks to nursing is a winnerand this program qualifies.

As our girl’s due date draws nearer and nearer, it’s no surprise to see that Kate Middleton has started nesting! The Duchess was spotted a few weeks ago shopping for decor for her home with Prince William. But lately, rumor has it that the Duchess of Cambridge has been taking cooking classes from the newest royal housekeeper, Antonella Fresolone. Before joining Kate and Will’s staff, Antonella worked at Buckingham Palace (where she was well-know for her Italian cooking) but now, she’s got a new home with the Prince and his leading lady.

Currently, it seems that Antonella has her hands full teaching Kate the lay of the kitchen land — and apparently she’s teaching the mama-to-be how to whip up “a number of new dishes.” While I love that Kate’s in the kitchen cooking up a storm,  in just a few months Kate’s attention will be directed elsewhere — you know, to the very royal arrival of her very royal baby. Since her cooking might take a back seat while she and Will adjust to love with a plus one (will it be a boy? A girl? Y’all, the anticipation is killing me!), it’ll be good for Kate to know that there’s a whole laundry list of recipes she can cook ahead of time and freeze before baby arrives! Even on the occasions that said royal baby is snoozing through dinner (or if he’s eating!), Kate and Will won’t have to forage for food — they’ll have it ready to go, right in their freezer.

So Kate, if you’re listening, squirreling away some precooked meals in your freezer before baby arrives will cut down on some of the stress (and take-out!) during your first weeks as a parent. (Not like we’re worried about you running up the tab on the royal bill, but still, it’s nice to know you’re eating a meal you’ve prepared. Less wait time, too!) After a sleep-deprived night and exhausting day of tending to baby’s every need, you’ll feel like you hit gold when you open the freezer and see it stocked with delicious, homemade, heat-and-eat meals. Soups, stews, casseroles, lasagna, and pasta sauces are best for freezing. Dishes like turkey chili, lasagna, baked pasta with mushrooms, beef casserole and squash soup make great dinner dishes, as well as double batches of household favorites like: marinara sauce, macaroni and cheese, bean and cheese enchiladas, and even freezing grilled chicken works wonders! You can just add them to whatever you’re cooking and boom, protein provided! Since Kate’s latest reported craving was for curry, we recommend scoping out a few Thai-inspired meals that mama-to-be can also made ahead. Many of the sauces can be made in bulk, just the same way double batches of marinara go.

Meals can be stored in the freezer for up to three months before they spoil or before flavors are affected.

We’re getting up close and personal with mothers who are savvy innovators and businesswomen and finding out their secrets to success. This time, we got the scoop from Romy Taormina, co-founder and chief of nausea relieve for Psi Bands.

The Bump: Romy, what inspired you to start Psi Bands?

Romy Taormina: I suffered from terrible morning sickness during my pregnancies, and I found nausea relief using acupressure wrist bands. But I was dissatisfied with existing products on the market. They were drab and uncomfortable. So I hatched the idea for Psi Bands, a drug-free, stylish and functional alternative for nausea relief. They’re available in several fun designs; uniquely adjustable at two areas (around the wrist like a watch and at the acupressure point for personalized comfort and fit); waterproof; reusable; and affordable.

TB: What are your top three pieces of advice for women looking to start their own business?

RT: 1) Don’t let fear or doubt get the best of you. 2) Stay true to yourself and your business. 3) The only way to score is to take a shot.

TB: What has been your biggest challenge? Biggest joy?

RT: Our biggest challenge has been cash flow. We have turned away business because of it. This past fall, we secured a line of credit which allowed us to move forward with a national rollout.

There have been many joys. Some of my favorites include: seeing our product on the retail shelf for the first time; landing key national accounts; having a feature in O, the Oprah Magazine; winning the Huggies MomInspired Award; and getting an offsite office, which allows me to better separate between work and family time than my former home office did.

TB: Looking back, is there anything you’d do differently?

RT: Yes, I’ve made my share of mistakes. But those mistakes were learning opportunities. I think Jessica Herrin of Stella and Dot said it well: “You have to fail your way to success.”

TB: What has been the most rewarding aspect of starting your own business?

RT: Bringing a product to market that makes a measurable improvement in the lives of those who suffer from nausea is, by far, the most rewarding part of my business. It is also fulfilling to know that I’m a role model for my children. I’ve shown them that hard work results in tangible positive outcomes. I take pride in financially supporting my family, and in providing meaningful jobs for others.

TB: What inside scoop do you have that entrepreneurs never tell you about starting a business?

RT: Running a business is like raising a child in that there are no books or resources out there that will completely prepare you for the experience. There are road maps, but until you’ve done it, you haven’t done it. And, no two experiences are alike. Because we can’t live life fully prepared, we sometimes just have to jump in with two feet and take the plunge. Sometimes it’s best just not to know what lies ahead. So, if you have a great idea that has legs — you’ve researched the marketplace and determined that there’s a need for it — and have the resources, drive and courage to turn that idea into a reality, then go for it!

TB: What’s a typical day in your life like?

RT: Go, go, go. Just like every mom I know! I’m fully immersed in what I do, whether I’m at home or at the office. Because I love what I do, I remain steadfast in my commitments, even during the hurdles. Those are the truest tests.

TB: Would you say that being a mother makes you a better businesswoman?

RT: Yes! Moms have an understanding that the only thing you can truly count on is change. It’s about the journey. Savor it.

TB: What’s the best part about having your own business?

RT: I’m invested 100 percent — emotionally, physically and financially — in my business. My husband and I have reversed roles — he’s now a stay-at-home dad and I’m the sole financial provider for my family. I have a responsibility not only to my employees and business partner to make this business a success, but I have the large responsibility to provide for my family. As one might imagine, there are aspects of this that are rewarding and some that are, at times, stressful. Working for myself definitely provides flexibility, and for that I am most grateful.

TB: Is there anything new and exciting you’re working on that you’d like to share?

RT: By June 2013, Psi Bands will be rolled out into all 7,500 CVS Pharmacy locations in the nation, which brings our total US retail store count to more than 13,000 locations, including Rite Aid, Babies “R” Us, Whole Foods, REI and more. We’re also  working on a new additional unisex design for Psi Bands which we will release within the next few months.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Finding Work-Life Balance

The Truth About Being a Working Mom

Advice for Morning Sickness

Maternity-fashion-guru, Liz Lange, lets us in on her favorite celeb looks to steal during each time of year.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Tips for Finding Comfortable Maternity Clothes

Sneaky (and Cheap) Ways to Stretch Your Wardrobe Throughout Pregnancy

10 Must-Have Maternity Fashions

Yesterday, I spent the (very rainy) day in NYC at the annual New York Baby Show. I got to see the latest  products and services available to parents in New York — and nationwide. These are my picks for the hottest things there — because they’re new, different and useful for new parents.

What’s your favorite baby gear item?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Top 10 Strollers

Wacky Baby Products That Work

The Bump Best of Baby Product Awards

This week our maternity fashionista, Jacqueline Weppner, founder and creative director of Merci New York, is reporting live from her babymoon and she’s sharing her maternity fashion tips when it comes to your bump bathing suit style!

We all know moms-to-be want to look (and feel!) great while still sticking to their budget — and Jacque’s got the perfect set of tips to try. Instead of shopping for a new suit for every trimester, Jacque runs through how to make your beach style work throughout your nine months and beyond. She also dishes on where other mamas-to-be can score her fashion duds!

Each week, tune in for Jackie’s tips, tricks and demonstrations on how to make your maternity wardrobe work for you (especially with the summer heat comin’ on strong!). Want to see Jackie’s recommendations for your summer beach bump style? Check ‘em out:

How did you shop for a bathing suit?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Best Maternity Swimsuits

Stretch Your Maternity Wardrobe

Cutest Nursing Bras

It’s time to register for baby! Don’t you just love that bright pink, sparkly, flowery diaper bag? We do too! But, er, daddy might not. So, how do you decide between a bag you LOVE and a bag that you can both use? Do you go for one mutually agreed upon bag or one for each of you (OMG! I can have the sparkles?!)? Our Bumpies on the September 2013 Birth Month Board shared their thoughts on man bags.

“We almost got my husband his own (actually put it on the registry), but we ended up with one. It’s girly (it’s a Petunia Picklebottom), but he has no problem using it when needed.  t would be so much work to have two, I think. I keep an emergency diaper/wipe kit in each of our cars, but otherwise, we just use the one diaper bag.” – a2003tige*

“We registered for two and each picked out one. That said, the plan is to have one be the primary one and keep the other stashed in the car so we always have one.” – foxyroxy

“I saw an amazing “dad bag” at Burlington that we plan to register for him for. It’s made by fisher price and is actually a diaper back pack, it has a special slot for immediate diaper wipe access, it’s so cool!” -- LilPez

“We always two. You don’t want him to feel awkward if yours is frilly.” – luminousb

“We just have one. Mine is very girlie. My husband doesn’t really care. If he and our son are gong to go someplace for a long time where he would really need to be “carrying” my bag, he puts the stuff into something else. But a lot of times he will just take my bag and leave it in the car.” – RunningGal

“I would never want to try to keep 2 bags stocked and ready to go and switching stuff back and forth sounds like too much effort. My husband takes our one and only bag when he takes her places. It’s gray and yellow, but it is a more feminine print. He couldn’t care less.” – AshleyPT

“My husband will have a backpack with everything he needs. He would never carry a diaper bag!” – mgerman

“My husband is looking forward to his manbag!! I am going to going to get him one for father’s day this year.” – NicknShan

*Some names have been changed.

You tell us: Will you or do you have a daddy-friendly diaper bag?

Plus, more from The Bump:

How to Get Your Partner Involved (and Excited!) About Baby’s Registry

10 Fun Gifts for Your Registry

Skip and Splurge: What You Need and What You Don’t!

In my heart of hearts, I want to give Kim Kardashian every benefit of the doubt that I can. But when I heard that Kiki invited every A-lister to her posh baby shower (supposedly slated for June 2, y’all) with personalized music boxes that, when opened, played Kanye’s hit, “Hey Mama”, complete with a wind-up balleria, I had to seriously rethink my criteria for cutting the star some slack.

I just have to ask: Kim, Kanye — are you two FORREAL? It’s one thing to invite friends and fam and every other celebrity in the phonebook to your star-studded shower as a way to celebrate the impending arrival of baby Kimbryo, but it’s a whole ‘nother can of worms when your invite everyone like this. West’s song, “Hey Mama” was the tribute track he wrote for his very own mama, the late Donda West, who passed away after complications following a cosmetic surgery treatment. Kanye’s hit was (and is) a beautiful ode to the woman who helped make him into the man he is today (sans his all-around jerk-y disposition), who raised him, who believed in him — and who ultimately gave him the courage to go on with his life. It was a beautiful tribute to how much he loved his mom, how proud he was of her and how proud he was to be her son. In the early days, I actually got chills when I listened to the tune. It was beautiful, sweet and heartwarming — filled with everything Kanye West is not.

While I think it’s cute that couple has opted to incorporate Kanye’s mom into the festivities — I find the personalized music boxes and twirling ballerina to be a little tacky. Plus, the ballerina on top is practically icing on the cake: proof that the couple plans to welcome a baby girl to the picture in July. What happened to the plans the couple had previously made? To nix all presents so that friends and well-wishers would donate to charity instead? Now that was a great idea… and an idea that Kanye’s mom would have probably been floored by. But I guess the invitations will match the over-the-top celebration that Kourtney and Khloe are reportedly planning for her.

Not for nothing, but Kim also plans to take their newborn baby on tour in October, when papa West heads out to promote his latest album. When Yeezy takes off three months after the reality star gives birth, Kim plans to travel along, baby in tow, and has apparently already made arrangements for cribs and soundproof rooms on every stop along the way. Not exactly what we had in mind for baby’s first months of life — but I suppose when you’re baby Kimbryo, you’ve got to be ready for anything, right?

Can you believe Kim sent invitations like this?

Plus, more from The Bump:

The 13 Most Confusing Things Kim Kardashian Has Said About Her Pregnancy So Far

What Will Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s Baby Look Like?

Why All Moms-to-Be Should Stand Up for Kim Kardashian and Her Pregnancy Weight Gain