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

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.

We finally gave my twins their first solid food: avocado. They were 26 weeks and three days old — at the time it felt like my sweet little babies are growing up so fast. Since then, we’ve progressed and have been giving them some vegetables and fruit or meat once or twice a day. At first, we gave them the vegetables lightly boiled, no salt added and cut into long strips or “finger” shapes, giving them a good handle for the babies to grip.

My twins are now nearly eight months old and have never eaten a puree, or anything off a spoon. Instead, they enjoy feeding themselves a variety of foods that I make for my husband and myself, including green beans, eggplant, butternut squash, bananas, roasted chicken. Baby-led weaning describes the process of letting babies self-feed from the very beginning.

There is a whole range of methods, but the main steps each method has in common are that:

1. Baby decides the pace — no force feeding!

2. Baby gets to eat “real” food, as long as it is cooked healthfully with little (or no) salt added.

The main reason our family subscribes to the BLW method is because it made sense for us. We were on an exclusively breast-fed, nursing on-demand schedule — as natural and as baby lead as it gets. Every time I would have any down time, I tried to read about introducing solids — the purees, the timetables, and making sure that the babies would eat correct amount of teaspoons then increasing the amount over time… but I was just so overwhelmed by the process of it all.

Additionally, I wasn’t trying to wean my babies off breastfeeding completely. Instead, my goal was to simply introduce a new experience for them and let them play with the new textures and flavors. Sure, it gets a bit messy and they are still playing more than actually eating, but we are slowly getting a routine down.

It is a little bittersweet, since the days of exclusive breastfeeding are done. But, so far so good — even if it is a little sad for me. I will let my twins set the pace for their eating as long as they continue to thrive and judging by their chunky thighs and chubby cheeks, they are doing just fine!

How did you start introducing solids into baby’s diet?

Plus, more from The Bump:

When to Start Baby on Solids?

New Study Says Your Baby Is Starting on Solids Too Soon

Safest Solids for Baby?

It’s easy to make excuses for why we don’t exercise. Especially as new mothers, the daunting tasks of finding a sitter or fitting a class into a busy schedule make it seem too difficult and not worth the hassle. But there are several exercises you can do with your baby, right on your living room floor. Once you learn how to incorporate your baby into your exercise, a half an hour of playtime is transformed into an effective workout,\ and before you know it you will be making big advances toward your fitness goals. (Score!)

Try these four fun exercises, excerpted from Baby Weight, to give you a feel for it:

Do you find time to exercise with baby?

Plus, more from The Bump:

25 Things to Do With Baby

Mommy and Child Exercise DVDs

10-Minute Workouts While Baby Naps

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

There is an outdoor summer concert series in my town. It’s a fun place to enjoy the warm weather, mingle with friends and neighbors and picnic while listening to live music. It is also Baby Central. One night I looked around and thought, “Holy moly! There are more kids here than a Duggar family reunion!” No surprise there — it’s the perfect place for new parents. You don’t need a sitter, no one cares how much noise you’re making and it’s socially acceptable to hold a beer in one hand and your infant in the other. I’m pretty sure it would raise some eyebrows if you bellied up to a bar wearing a Baby Bjorn. Not that I’ve tried…

But this got me thinking about other places that are fun for both parents and babies, plus a couple places that are not.

FUN:

A street fair. If it’s not too hot or too crowded, an afternoon of al-fresco people-watching is a new-parent friendly activity. Especially if you carry your baby in a sling or carrier so you don’t have to worry about running into people’s ankles with a stroller. Of course, there are risks involved with eating street food and using Porta-potties. Tip: bring lots of hand sanitizer.

The zoo. If your baby’s old enough to see more than a foot in front of his face, he may enjoy looking at wildlife, especially animals like elephants and giraffes that are large enough for him to actually see. Or, he may be terrified of the chimpanzees. You won’t know till you try.

The mall. So it’s not exotic or educational. At least they have refreshments and indoor bathrooms. Plus, if there’s an upscale department store there, you may find a clean, comfortable “mother’s room” where you can feed and change your baby without gagging.

NOT FUN:

Museums. Newborns may be pretty portable and quiet, but older babies are not. When my son was about 5 months old we took him to a history museum where he screeched and yelled the whole time because he liked the way it echoed throughout the silent, marble-floored galleries. Shockingly, no one asked us if we were interested in a museum membership that day.

Heavily trafficked senior locations. I’d suggest avoiding all places that are quiet and frequented by lots of old people. That may be the day your baby gets colic. And note that some places — like the aquarium in our city — ban strollers, so you may have to haul your hefty tot around in your arms all day.

If you really want my opinion, I say stay home. There will come a time soon enough when you’ll be forced to take your child to migraine-inducing birthday parties and Wiggles concerts. Why rush things?

What are your favorite places to go with your baby?

Plus, more from The Bump:

9 Surprising Summer Dangers for Baby

25 Cool Things to Do With Baby

What Baby’s Playing With That Isn’t Safe

As a mom of a 6-year-old and a soon-to-be 2-year-old, it’s easy to forget what my life was like before having kids – you know, back when I could sleep until noon or spend an entire Saturday afternoon leisurely window shopping. Of course, I love my children and cannot image my life without them (that goes without saying) but I think it’s only natural to sometimes miss the freedoms of your kid-free days. And it’s okay. Simply recognizing how some things were just easier back then doesn’t mean you don’t fully relish and embrace your current role as mom.

I admit, I sometimes reminisce about my pre-kid days and think, I wish I had appreciated that more back when I was able to enjoy it! Or I’ll read an article about a woman who went on a solo adventure around the world and think, I wish I had done that when I had the chance! That’s not to say that I’ll never be able to do some of these things, but let’s face it: It wouldn’t be easy. Or perhaps even as fun now. And because my little ones are small, I may need to wait a good 10+ years before I could even consider some of them. But a girl can still dream, right?

So, mamas-to-be, here are the 10 things I wish I had done – or appreciated – before I had kids. Any of these look familiar?

1. Of course, there’s the obvious: Sleep in late. Now, sleeping until 7am seems like a luxury.

2. Live by myself. Okay, I realize this is not so feasible anymore, but it’s true: I’ve always lived with someone, be it my parents, roommates or my now-husband and I’ve always wondered what it would have been like to have my own apartment. Of course, nowadays, I’d be happy just be able to go to the bathroom by myself.

3. Travel more, especially to exotic places that are logistically tricky when there’s a 12-hour plane ride and you have to lug a car seat and a Pack & Play. You know, like India, Mt. Kilimanjaro or an island in the South Pacific.

4. Spend an entire Sunday lounging on my couch in my PJs, watching a Beverly Hills, 90210 or Lifetime TV movie marathon.

5. Relax at the beach. Once upon a time, going to the beach meant hours laying in the warm sun, catching up on my favorite magazines. Now, I usually feel like a Sherpa when we hit the shore, my arms laden with sand toys and umbrellas and coolers and chairs. And with two little ones who like to wander off, sunscreen to re-apply, sandcastles to build and  sandwiches to de-sand, there is no downtime.

6. Decide on whim to take off on a weekend adventure or meet my girlfriends for an impromptu happy hour. It’s nearly impossible to be spontaneous when you have nap times and daycare pick-ups and baseball practice and karate lessons to deal with.

7. Go on more dates with my husband. It used to be so easy. Now simply going out to dinner, just the two of us, or catching a movie has become such a production that we now typically wait for everything to come out on Redbox or order in take-out.

8. Pursue a master’s degree and/or make a career switch.

9. Have sex whenever – and wherever – we want.

10. Drive cross-country.

Did you have a pre-baby checklist?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Before I Had Kids, I Swore I Would Never…

51 Ways to Save Up for Baby

5 Surprising Things I Miss Now That I’m a Mom

The latest study to come from the journal Breastfeeding Medicine found that children with children who breastfeed for shorter durations may be more likely to have ADHD.

Researchers at Schneider’s Children Medical Center studied over 50 children (age 6-12) who had been diagnosed with ADHD between 2008 and 2009. These children were compared to two control groups: the first consisted of healthy (non-ADHD) siblings of ADHD children and the second control group was composed of children of similar ages without ADHD. Researchers also presented a questionnaire to both parents of children in all three groups that addressed: demographic, medical and perinatal findings, as well as feeding history during their child’s first year of life. Parents were also given a validated adult ADHD screening questionnaire.

From the study and the questionnaire results, researchers found that the rates of breastfeeding were substantially lower among those children diagnosed with ADHD: only 43 percent were breastfed until they were three months old. When researchers studied the two control groups, they found that 69 percent of the siblings and 73 percent of the children not related to the kids with ADHD were breastfed until they were three months old. What’s  more, only 29 percent of children with ADHD were breastfed until they were six months old. When studied, scientists found 50 percent of siblings and 57 percent of kids in the second control group were breastfed until they were six months.

According to the authors of the study, those differences suggest that partial prevention of ADHD could be found in breastfeeding. And from the results, researchers were able to conclude that children with ADHD were less likely to breastfeed at 3 and 6 months. But researchers and doctors in general agree that this is only the tip of the iceberg — and there is much, much more work to be done if they are to show the association between breastfeeding and prevention of ADHD.

Though he was not involved in the study, Dr. Andrew Gerber said, “You can never know in a very basic, statistical way whether you have controlled adequately for other variables. You do the best you can, and I believe these authors tried, but it’s very hard to take a study like this and infer anything.” He went on to add, “Is it plausible that there are aspects of breastfeeding and bonding with the baby that are important and can have wide-reaching implications for development, both intellectually and emotionally? Yes. But does that mean in a concrete way that lack of breastfeeding leads to ADHD? The answer to that is almost certainly ‘no.’”

What Gerber did say, however, was that if future studies confirm that breastfeeding has a direct, protective effect against ADHD, he believed it would most likely stem from the fact that breastfeeding promotes early mother-infant bonding, which, through several studies, has shown to influence a child’s emotional and intellectual development.

Until further research is done, Gerber warns expectant mothers and moms from taking these findings too seriously. He said of that the conclusions researchers drew from the study should not, “put mothers in a position where they think this particular ingredient is so crucial, that if they can’t do it, they’re bad moms. What matters more in emotional and intellectual development is that they be competent, comfortable mothers. For some moms, that means breastfeeding.”

Do you think breastfeeding could help prevent ADHD in your babies?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Breastfeeding Benefits?

Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

Top 10 Reasons to Breastfeed

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

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!