It’s the little hints, like morning dew drops that begin to appear and the new angle of the sun as it hovers above us, that remind us that fall is on the way. The first official day of fall is fast approaching! Here’s how expecting moms can make the most of the season.

Try Some Fall Soup Recipes

If the thought of some hearty homemade minestrone or creamy tomato soup doesn’t make you feel all warm and cozy right about now, nothing will – plus, fall soups are typically packed with vital nutrients for your growing baby. With a never-ending supply of soup recipes to be tried, you could quite literally have a different soup every day this fall. And who wouldn’t want to eat soup every day!? Especially with recipes like this cozy autumn wild rice soup from Gimme Some Oven or this roasted butternut squash soup from Ahead of Thyme.

Plan a Fall Foliage Pilgrimage

Fall is one of the most anticipated travel seasons of the year, and much of that has to do with the spectacular changing of the leaves beginning in early September through the end of October. The eastern half of the U.S. offers some of the most plentiful fall foliage opportunities in the country. From the Blueridge Parkway to the state of Vermont, plan your leaf season trip now. A change of scenery does the body and baby good!

Make Your Way Out of a Corn Maze

Is getting lost in a cornfield on your fall bucket list? The fun of vanishing between rows of corn in an intricately designed maze attracts folks to farms near and far to experience these giant walk-through puzzles. Have fun navigating the loops and dead ends as you search for the way out. Plus, puzzles are a great way to keep your mind sharp and kick foggy pregnancy brain to the curb. Check out this fun DIY corn maze idea from HGTV.

Put Together an Autumn-Inspired Jigsaw Puzzle

Speaking of puzzles … sitting down and putting a puzzle together can help give your brain cells a boost as well as relieve pregnancy stress. Find a nice flat surface in a cozy nook and then gather a family member or two and start snapping those pieces in place! To get you in the autumn mood, choose puzzles with picturesque scenes like this Country Inn and Farm scene from the Vermont Christmas Company or this Autumn Village by Lafayette Puzzle Factory.

Pick Some Pumpkins

Of course, no fall activity list is complete without a trip to the local pumpkin patch! There are so many fun things you can do with pumpkins. You can carve them, eat toasted pumpkin seeds, and decorate them. If you’re planning a fall baby shower, pumpkins can provide the perfect design feature. You can paint them to match the color scheme of your party (check out this pink and gold tutorial from Joann.com) or add a bow, beanie, or pacifier to your pumpkins like this cute idea from Tulamama.

Fall is the perfect season to be pregnant with its cooler temps, wonderful aromas, and colorful sights. No matter how you choose to enjoy this fall season, stay safe, healthy, and happy!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Tips to Have a Fun Fall Pregnancy appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

The Practical

An over-the-shoulder diaper bag is probably one of the most practical gifts for a new dad, but sometimes he doesn’t need to leave the house with everything a new baby might need. That’s what makes the Dad Hoodie such an awesome gift idea. It’s a stylish, super soft hoodie with enough storage compartments to hold the basic supplies that’ll get him and baby through short trips from home. There’s also a vest version! And, because accidents always happen when least expected, give dad a supply of Oh Sh*t Kits by Safety 1st to store in his car or carry in the Dad Hoodie. Each kit includes a diaper, pack of wipes, face covering, hand sanitizer, and two disposable changing pads.

The Sentimental

There are many baby keepsake books on the market, but Letters to You is a unique way for dad to record his own thoughts and memories each year of his child’s life. Instead of the common “baby’s milestones” keepsake, dads can go a step further by writing notes and letters to their baby every year. This journal asks questions and provides prompts to reflect on the year – accumulating dad’s favorite memories with his son or daughter. When finished, it’s the perfect sentimental gift to pass along to his little one at graduation or a wedding.

Add to his wardrobe with an adorable “Papa Bear” shirt – and even throw in a matching onesie for the little one.

The Personal

Sometimes new dads just need something to help soothe the normal pressures of fatherhood. A good night’s sleep is one way to help beat the stress, and it can all start with a great pillow. This customizable premium adjustable loft pillow from Coop Home Goods will help dad find just the right support and comfort no matter how he sleeps – side, stomach, or back!

Sometimes new dads just need some space. Whether they find that space outside or inside, they can take this Vankyo portable mini projector with them, connect it to their smartphone, and play videos, TV series, or sports matches.

The Technical

If the new dad in your life is tech savvy, then we’ve got a couple of ideas for you. Baby monitors are always the rage, but this Miku Smart Baby Monitor is, well, really smart! It tracks baby’s breathing rate, temperature, humidity, movement, and sounds. It sends an alarm if baby wakes and lets you know when she falls asleep again. Just download the app and access the analytics. Because the new daddy will be taking lots of photos, this tele lens attachment for smartphones from Moment is another great idea for the tech-loving dad.

The DIY

For those who enjoy getting crafty and creative, do-it-yourself Father’s Day gifts are always special and treasured. This great slipper gift idea is both practical and fun! Start with a pair of new comfy slippers and fill them with treats and tiny gifts. Or if you are into essential oils and handmade body care products, whip up a batch of this rosemary mint shave cream.

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Father’s Day Gift Guide for the First-Time Dad appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Unique Store-Bought Gifts

Just because your gift for mom comes from a store doesn’t mean it can’t be thoughtful and ultra-unique. Uncommon Goods has some spectacularly out-of-the-box ideas. For example, are you considering giving her flowers, but maybe a delivered bouquet isn’t personal enough? This birth month flower grow kit lets the mom in your life plant her own symbolic flowers from seeds.

If you are shopping for a new mom, help her remember those first years that fly by with a Baby Keepsake Library to store cherished mementos, such as that first lock of hair, in a single place. And when in doubt, there is always chocolate. But not just any chocolate – Harry and David’s Artisan Chocolate Truffles may almost be too beautiful to eat … almost. These Belgian chocolates come in six decadent flavors.

DIY Made-By-You Gifts

If you have the time and imagination, the best gifts are often those you make yourself. The DIY revolution has inspired many of us to embrace our creativity, and there is no better time to put those skills to use than to make a Mother’s Day gift for your favorite lady. Here are some ideas for the beginner to the advanced DIYer.

• Give the gift of relaxation and serenity with these handmade luxe bath bombs.
• Help her make it through a tough day with a customized Mommy Survival Kit in a jar.
• Does she have a sweet tooth? Make a yummy Cupcake Bouquet.
• Show mom she’s not just queen for a day, but every day with this kid-friendly Mother’s Day crown project.

Personalized Made-For-You Gifts

Not everyone is a crafter or artisan, so thankfully, there are plenty of creative-minded individuals who design and produce personalized, one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gifts, like this beautiful Mama & Baby Elephant cuff bracelet from Etsy designer 10thFloorTreasures. Looking for something special for the mom who likes to cook? A personalized cutting board engraved from 3DCarving is a great option.

Love-Filled Intangible Gifts

Sometimes it’s the gifts money can’t buy that mean the most to mom – like the gift of your time. What mother doesn’t want to be served breakfast in bed, whipped up from your kitchen? Or how about a picnic in her favorite local park and a basket packed with her favorite snacks? And believe it or not, photographs used to be printed on paper, so spend an afternoon with mom sitting side-by-side going through old family photos together.

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Mother’s Day Gifts for the Mom Who Has Everything appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Pick a Venue (AKA Video Conferencing Platform)

You have options when deciding on a virtual platform to host your baby shower. Some offer different features than others, so you will want to do some research. Here are the big four:

• Zoom
• Google Hangouts
• Skype
• Microsoft Teams

While Zoom may be the most recognizable of the virtual meeting platforms, Google Hangouts, Skype, and Microsoft Teams are also widely used. All are free unless you elect to upgrade to paid versions which offer additional features and functionality. Some platforms have limitations on the number of people who can join, as well as the duration of the call, so perform your due diligence to ensure your “venue” can accommodate your needs.

Bonus: if you choose Zoom, you can customize a background image for everyone to use! Think of it as a fun party decoration. Simply email the photo file or link to your attendees ahead of time in your official virtual baby shower invitation.

To minimize extra stresses for the party host, consider designating a technical support contact should any guests experience difficulties logging in or accessing the event.

Send Invitations

You’ve selected a date and scheduled your venue, and now it’s time to send the invites! You can email an electronic card or mail a printed invitation. No matter your method, be sure to include all the useful information your guests will need, including:

• Date and time for the virtual shower
• Link for the event including passwords or personal identification numbers, if any
• A link to access the custom Zoom background if you create one
• Contact info for your designated technical specialist
• Online baby registry information
• An agenda so participants will know the flow of the party.
• Attire expectations (maybe ask everyone to dress in a color theme, a decade, or even wear their Sunday best!)

BYO Food & Beverage

One of the best parts about attending a traditional baby shower is sharing the awesome food! Of course, with everyone in different locations, you will have to think outside the box. Invite your guests to prepare their own favorite food or snacks to munch on during the party and suggest a beverage of choice to toast the mom-to-be. If you want to go the extra mile, you can have lunch or pastries delivered ahead of time to your partygoers for a nice surprise!

Forgo the Gift Opening

While everyone loves to watch the mom-to-be open her gifts and the oohing and awing that comes along with it, this activity will take up too much time in a virtual setting. You can ask guests to send their gifts ahead of time, and if there is a group gift, maybe reserve time to open that one special item during the shower.

Play Games

What would a baby shower be without games? They are especially important for virtual baby showers to help engage the audience and minimize awkward silences that can happen during an online get-together. While many traditional baby shower games may not translate well virtually, here are some that do.

• The Price is Right. Someone holds up several baby items (bib, bottle, diaper bag, etc.) and guests guess how much each item costs.
• Who’s that Baby? Have your guests send the host a baby photo of themselves ahead of the shower. During the party, someone holds up each photo to the camera, and guests guess who it is.
• Parental Overshare Virtual Baby Shower Game. Share the dramas of parenting based on topics that the hostess pulls out, like most embarrassing moment a child had in public, the funniest memory, the scariest incident, etc.
• Baby Prediction Submission. If you haven’t already shared the gender of the baby, have guests make predictions. Also, guess the date and time the baby will arrive, weight and height, eye and hair color, etc.

There are also virtual game apps that may be available with the meeting platform you choose. Or get creative and come up with your own unique game!

Give out Prizes

With games come prizes! Since the winners cannot immediately take possession of their prizes, an award that can be emailed, like an e-gift card, might be the simplest. If your prizes are tangible, designate a guest to record who won each game and make sure they have the correct mailing address to send each prize.

Record the Party and Capture Photos

A virtual baby shower should not be looked at as an event you had to settle for during the pandemic. It is a beautifully creative way to make and share memories. While traditional photos may be challenging to capture, you can do screen captures to treasure and use the virtual platform’s record features if they are available.

The most important piece of advice is to not sweat the small stuff, like video quality issues, sound glitches, or passcode problems. Instead, enjoy the opportunity to come together and share in the impending arrival of this new bundle of joy.

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Tips for Throwing a Virtual Baby Shower appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Make Rest a Priority

Getting more rest isn’t just a feel-good method of self-care. It can actually help you have a healthier pregnancy. Lack of sleep has been linked to a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, more prolonged labor, and higher cesarean section rates, particularly among women who get fewer than six hours of sleep in 24 hours.¹

If you want to add more rest to your routine, try setting a bedtime alarm on your smartphone and spending a few extra minutes doing something relaxing, such as listening to soothing music, meditating, practicing mindful breathing, or reading. Remove devices with screens from your bedroom to eliminate the temptation to watch TV or scroll social media before bed. The blue light from these devices is proven to inhibit your body’s production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.²

Exercise Regularly (Even if it’s Just a Little)

“Next year, I’ll go to the gym every day.” Sounds a bit unrealistic, doesn’t it?

Be realistic when it comes to your fitness goals and ability. If going to the gym every day isn’t realistic, don’t push yourself to do it. If going to the gym once a week isn’t realistic, don’t make it your goal. Figure out a way you can add more regular exercise to your lifestyle – and be honest about it. Even if it’s as simple as, “Next year, I will go for a 10-minute walk on Wednesday mornings.”

You can also set a goal for yourself that doesn’t put restrictions on certain days. For instance, if you don’t really like the gym or you don’t want to invest in the financial commitment, but you do want to exercise more, you can make it a goal to try a specific number of online fitness tutorials. For example, “I will make it a goal to watch and follow along with 100 home exercise videos on YouTube.”

Try a New Hobby

Don’t get so wrapped up in maintaining a healthy pregnancy that you forget to provide for your own emotional and personal growth. One way to keep yourself entertained and mentally stimulated is to try a new hobby. Make it a resolution to try something you’ve always been curious about but never actually attempted, or to pick up a hobby that interests you. If you try it and find out that it’s not your thing, you’ll know you at least gave it a shot and probably learned something new. If you’re intimidated about dipping your toes into new territory, get a friend to try it with you. Here are a few ideas:

• Take a beginner’s art class. Creating art can be soothing, cathartic, and even therapeutic. And by the way, scientists have found a possible link between motherhood and higher levels of creativity.³ You may not even need to invest in supplies. Most intro art classes include the cost of everything you’ll need in their sign-up fees.
• Try being your own boss. If you’ve got a few extra bucks and have always wanted to start your own small-scale business, now might be a good time to give it a shot! You could try starting a cottage business where you make something in your home and sell it online, but don’t get in over your head. If you aren’t crafty, you could try joining a direct sales or multilevel marketing company such as Mary Kay, Usborne Books, or Pampered Chef, where someone else makes the products, and you simply sell them from the comfort of home. Although working with these companies probably won’t make you rich, it can be a fun hobby that helps you earn a little extra money. At the very least, you’ll get a discount on their products.
• Learn a new skill. If you’ve ever said to yourself, “I really wish I knew how to_____,” well, what are you waiting for? Want to learn how to sew? Or speak a new language? Or maybe master hand lettering or calligraphy? The internet is an endless library of virtual information. All you need is a healthy curiosity and a Wi-Fi connection.

Treat Yourself to a Mom-to-Be Makeover

With coronavirus still persisting, political and social unrest, and economic woes, 2021 will likely go down in the books as one of the most challenging years in recent history. If 2021 has taken its toll on you (or even if it hasn’t), one resolution that may be easy to keep is to treat yourself to a mommy makeover. It’s no surprise that hormonal changes, physical changes, and changes in how you feel during pregnancy can affect your emotional well-being. Your body is changing, and you may feel tired more frequently. You might have new features you’re not crazy about, like stretch marks or hemorrhoids. Use the new year to promote a new you – with a customized plan to help you look and feel your best. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Amp up your hair care. Schedule a professional cut and style and invest in some quality hair care products. You might have noticed your hair looking and feeling thicker than usual since you got pregnant. Why not take advantage of the situation and flaunt what you’ve got?
• Get a facial. Basic facials (without lasers, electric currents, or harsh chemicals) are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Plus, they can help alleviate skin issues that are commonly associated with pregnancy such as dry skin, acne, or puffiness.⁴ Don’t feel like going to the spa? Save time and money by pampering yourself at home! Here’s a list of easy to make face masks using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen: https://www.thehealthy.com/beauty/face-body-care/homemade-facial-masks-recipes/.
• Put together an awesome maternity outfit. Treat yourself to a gorgeous new maternity gown, some cute accessories, and maybe a sexy lingerie set. Yes, you can still wear lingerie when pregnant – and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Get some inspiration from thebump.com: https://www.thebump.com/a/best-maternity-lingerie

Staying healthy throughout your pregnancy should always be the most important resolution, but looking and feeling great can certainly contribute to your overall well-being and pregnancy experience. Don’t forget to discuss any concerns with your doctor and take good care of yourself in 2022!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is sponsored by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Expecting Moms appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Dad-Friendly Diaper Bag

Dads do their share of diapering and toting around the supplies their babies needs during an outing. Why not get the new dad in your life a diaper bag that’s practical and more suited to his style? This one from HighSpeedDaddy via Amazon has all the bells and whistles for changing baby on the go, but with a more rugged, tactical-looking style. It’s a bit pricier than your average diaper bag, but it’s so versatile, dad can probably use it well beyond the diaper-changing years. If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, Columbia makes a messenger-style diaper bag that has a nice neutral style and plenty of practical compartments and is about half the price of the one from HighSpeedDaddy.

Skin-to-Skin Bonding Shirt

Skin-to-skin contact has been scientifically found to promote bonding between a parent and a newborn. Additionally, skin-to-skin contact can help calm and soothe a fussy baby. It may even help promote their development, which is why medical professionals usually encourage skin-to-skin contact between parents and babies born prematurely.¹ You can get the new dad on your list a special type of shirt, usually called a bonding shirt or kangaroo care shirt, designed to easily allow skin-to-skin contact between dad and baby. Most of these shirts have a flap that can be pulled away from the chest area and resecured with snaps or Velcro. Here’s one from DadWare.com for about $40. And here’s one with a slightly different design from a seller on Etsy for about the same price. A quick Google Shopping search will help you find a variety to choose from.

Quality Men’s Skin Care Set

Speaking of skin, let’s not ignore the fact that dads want to look their best too. Help them pamper themselves and promote self-care with a good skin care set. We’re not talking about the typical body wash and deodorant sets that scream, “I had no idea what to get you for Christmas.” We mean a real, grown-up skin care set that actually helps skin look and feel great. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel is one product line that is both affordable (individual bottles start around $24) and effective. In fact, it was listed as one of the top men’s skin care products for 2020 by Town & Country.²

Another line to consider is Jack Black skin care products. No, it’s not the actor/musician’s brand. This product line has everything from lip balm to beard oil to tattoo care kits, in simple, no-frills packaging. Not sure which products the dad in your life would love most? You can also buy gift cards directly from the website, letting the new dad pick out his own skin care products.

Parenting Books

The old saying, “There’s no instruction manual to parenting,” is true. But there are plenty of great books written on the subject, and while they may not offer step-by-step instructions for every aspect of parenting, they can provide a lot of insight, tips, and even humor to help a guy acclimate to his new role as a dad. Need a few ideas? Here are some titles we think most new dads will enjoy:

• Man vs. Baby, by Matt Coyne (Great for the dad with a sense of humor)
• The Baby Owner’s Manual, by Louis Borgenicht, M.D. and Joe Borgenicht, D.A.D. (Great for the dad who appreciates a good instruction manual … and has a sense of humor)
• Love, Money & Parenting: How Economics Explains the Way We Raise Our Kids, by Matthias Doepke and Fabrizio Zilibotti (Great for the dad who is interested in economics and finance)
• First Time Dad: Pregnancy Handbook for Dads-To-Be (What to Expect for the Next 9 Months), by Steven Bell (Great for the dad who doesn’t have a clue about pregnancy)

Gift Cards

No matter what you decide to give to the dad-to-be on your list, just putting in the thought will be much appreciated. And, if all else fails, you can always go the simple route and get him a gift card for Amazon, Target, Walmart, or another major retailer so he can get what he wants when he wants. Gift cards are sometimes thought to be impersonal, but for new parents, they can be the ultimate gift. They’re super practical and valuable gifts for the dad whose household bills just got a lot bigger, thanks to his adorable new addition. Giving him a gift card means he can get a little something for himself if he chooses, or he can use it to buy groceries or new tires or just about anything else to help provide for his family.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Holiday Gift Guide for New Dads appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Fall Maternity Photo Shoot

As the landscape changes and the leaves turn a striking array of colors, now is the perfect time for stunning outdoor maternity photos. Whether you work with a professional photographer and pull out all the stops with props and editing, or you simply grab your smartphone and a friend to snap some candid shots in a gorgeous setting, planning a fall maternity photo session is pretty easy and will give you photos to cherish for a lifetime.

Visit a Farmers Market

One of the best parts about being pregnant in the fall is the food! Visiting your local fall farmers market can give you something fun to do out of the house while offering a way to snag some of the season’s best ingredients for healthy fall recipes. This time of year is best for sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, apples, pears, mushrooms, cabbage, onions, and of course, pumpkins and other gourds. A farmers market can also be a great place to get locally sourced pickles, jams, jellies, honey, meat, and a whole lot more!

Grow Your Social and Professional Circles

Fall is typically when kids go back to school, and life goes from the less-structured days of summer to more regimented schedules. While this can be great for getting back into a regular routine, it can be easy to forget about your own social needs. And don’t forget, once the holiday season officially begins, there will be family obligations, shopping, and travel plans to make. So now could be an excellent time to join a mom’s group or another social group that speaks to your own interests. Here are a few ideas and resources:

• Join a book club. (Some book clubs require a personal invite from a current member. Check out meetup.com or contact your local library for more information on joining a book club in your area.)
• Want to combine socializing with your professional goals? Browse your local Chamber of Commerce website, church bulletin, newspaper, or online magazine for information on local business-related networking sites like Rotary or another civic club.
• Are you struggling with a specific aspect (or multiple aspects) of motherhood? Look into joining a support group. There’s no shame in seeking help and support from other people dealing with the same struggles. From support groups for breastfeeding mothers to postpartum depression survivors to moms of multiples, there’s probably a group nearby or online that speaks to your needs. And since so much is being done remotely now, thanks to COVID-19, you may not be limited to your local area. Even social media sites such as Facebook can have support groups with worldwide membership.

Pick Your Own Pumpkin

This is arguably the quintessential fall activity. Visiting a pumpkin patch and getting to select the perfect pumpkin can be a lot of fun, especially if you bring the family! (And, by the way, pumpkin patches make excellent photo shoot locations in case you need a few ideas for the first suggestion in this article.) If there isn’t a pumpkin patch nearby, maybe you can get creative and visit whatever type of agritourism places you do have in your area. Some ideas could be visiting a vineyard, creamery, or orchard. Being an agritourist is fun, but it also helps support local farmers – a win, win!

Whatever you end up doing to celebrate the fall season as a mom-to-be, be sure to follow all health and safety protocols and remember the three W’s for protecting yourself against the coronavirus: Wear a Face Covering, Wash Your Hand Frequently, and Wait at Least Six Feet Away From Others. Have a fun, happy, and safe fall season!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is sponsored by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Fun Fall Activities for Expecting Moms appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

No. 10 – Cooler Temperatures

Most pregnant women feel uncomfortable in the summer heat due to changes in their bodies. When you’re pregnant, your blood vessels dilate slightly to accommodate extra blood production. This allows more blood to travel closer to the surface of your skin, making you feel hot.¹ The cooler temperatures that are typical in autumn may help mommies-to-be feel more comfortable.

No. 9 – Sweater Weather

Fall maternity clothing is all about comfort. Oversized soft sweaters, flowing tunics, soft and stretchy leggings…yes, please! Expecting moms can find some great fall fashion inspiration on themamanotes.com (the jersey maxi dress is adorable!), glamour.com’s maternity style tips, or even browsing through Pinterest.

No. 8 – Gorgeous Settings for Maternity Portraits

Taking outdoor maternity photos is super popular right now, and Fall is arguably the most beautiful time of the year to be outdoors. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves, hay bales in a field, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, the diffused light of an overcast fall day – these are all perfect for a professional outdoor photo session.

No. 7 – You Get First Dibs on Halloween Candy

Sure, you’re probably watching what you eat a little more carefully these days, but who can resist indulging in a few Halloween treats? And since you’ve got pregnancy privilege, you might as well take advantage of it! I mean, who’s to say no if you’re craving a Snickers? (Just be sure not to overdo it.)

No. 6 – The Food is Fantastic

Fall cuisine is tough to beat. Just visit your local farmer’s market to see all the fresh ingredients you can turn into delectable dishes. And it’s not just about pumpkins! Carrots, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, apples, pears, cabbage, broccoli, turnips, cranberries, and onions are examples of the best fall produce you can find this time of year.

No. 5 – Fun Costume Ideas

Having a big, pregnant belly during Halloween can be so much fun! You can get really creative with costume ideas, from dressing as a giant, halved avocado or cute gumball machine to creating a fun and clever pregnancy announcement outfit for you and your partner (this one from Etsy is great for a Halloween baby announcement!).

No. 4 – You Don’t Have to Try on Bathing Suits

Need we say more?

No. 3 – You’ve Got the Perfect Excuse to Stay In

There’s just something about doing nothing. Like curling up on the couch, a cup of tea in hand, gazing-out-the-window-on-a-Friday-night kind of nothing. Sure, holiday get-togethers, football games, and family obligations are all pretty common during the fall season, but being pregnant offers expecting moms a get-out-of-socializing-free card, valid up to going into labor, and eligible for renewal at any point after giving birth! So stay in, mama – you’ve earned it.

No. 2 – You Can Get More Sleep

During the Fall, the days are shorter, and the nights are longer, with daylight saving time adjustments making it a lot more tempting to go to bed earlier and wake up later. If at all possible, don’t resist the urge to get more sleep. As an expecting mom, your body can absolutely benefit from the additional rest.^2-3

And Finally, the No. 1 Reason Being Pregnant in the Fall is the Best…

You May Be Happier Overall

Research has shown that people seem to experience a greater sense of happiness during the Fall. Experts haven’t quite figured out why, especially since mood-boosting brain chemicals such as serotonin generally get depleted in the Fall and winter. However, some researchers theorize that people associate fall with a time of comfort, rest, nurturing familial connections, and routine, whereas summer tends to be associated with adventure, less structure, and more excitement.⁴ Furthermore, some people suffer from a condition known as summer-onset seasonal affective disorder (sometimes referred to as reverse seasonal affective disorder). They tend to feel more depressed and lethargic during the summer, as opposed to the fall and winter (which is more characteristic of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.)⁵

So there you have it. If you’re a fall fanatic, you now have scientific reasons to support your obsession!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is sponsored by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Top 10 Reasons Why Being Pregnant in the Fall is the Best appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Mommin’ ain’t easy, and any tips that can help expecting mothers feel more comfortable, confident and healthy are certainly worth considering. From belly bands to prenatal vitamins and more, we’ve compiled a list of maternity hacks to help expecting moms cope with some of the most challenging physical demands of pregnancy.

1. Remember to Take Your PNVs

Prenatal vitamins, or PNVs, can help supplement the nutritional needs of expecting mothers. During pregnancy, your body needs a boost of calcium, folic acid, iron and more to help promote cell growth, maintain energy and promote an overall healthy pregnancy.¹ Even if you’re usually a healthy eater, taking a prenatal vitamin can be beneficial.

Of course, prenatal vitamins aren’t very effective if you forget to take them. With the guidance of your health care professional, find a prenatal vitamin that works for you and try these suggestions for keeping your PNV routine on track:

• Take it in the morning. Set your PNVs near your toothbrush, coffee maker or other place you’ll likely notice them. The toothbrush is a particularly good one. Since you (we hope) brush your teeth twice a day, you’ll likely remember to take your vitamin in the morning or at worst, when you’re getting ready for bed.
• Set an on-going alarm on your smartphone. Most people these days are not without their phones for very long, if at all. Go into your phone’s alarm settings and set up a daily alarm for the same time every day and name it “vitamins” or whatever you will associate with taking your PNVs.
• Download a medication management app. Some are free, some require a fee to download, and some may require a subscription. Browse the web or your device’s app store to find one that you think will work for you. A few examples are Medisafe Medication Reminder, MyMeds and Dosecast. All are available for free on iOS and Android devices. Dosecast is also available on Amazon devices and offers a free and upgraded “Pro edition.”

2. Use Kinesiology Tape for an Inexpensive Belly Band

Lower back pain is an uncomfortable yet normal side effect of pregnancy. As the weight of the baby grows, the lower back muscles must endure the strain. Over time this can cause quite a bit of discomfort. One method for treating lower back pain associated with pregnancy is the use of a belly band.

A belly band is a support garment used by pregnant women and new mothers to help support their growing bellies while also extending the life of pre-pregnancy clothing by hiding unbuttoned or unzipped pants. Some belly bands offer mild compression, giving a bit of extra support to the hips and lower back. Higher quality belly bands can be costly, ranging from $35-$70; however, there is a lower-cost alternative that may provide the same benefits.

Kinesiology tape, or Kinesio Tape^®, is a hypoallergenic, elastic, adhesive tape used to help treat musculoskeletal and sports injuries, inflammation and yes, back pain associated with pregnancy. The benefits of using kinesiology tape are that it’s affordable, can be worn for days at a time and the material is very similar to human skin in both thickness and elasticity, making it far less restrictive than most maternity support garments.²

Additionally, kinesiology tape is a safe, drug-free treatment for lower back pain. It also can be used with doctor-approved pain medicine to deliver greater relief. This was documented in the results of a randomized, controlled study that compared the effectiveness of pain reduction in two groups of pregnant women. One group received kinesiology tape therapy in addition to the classical analgesic therapy of paracetamol (acetaminophen), while the other group received paracetamol alone. The study found that women who received both treatment methods reported a more significant reduction in back pain when compared to the group that only received the pain medication.³

3. Retrofit Pants to Make Room for Your Belly

If you’re pretty handy with a sewing machine, you can retrofit your pre-pregnancy pants to make them more comfortable for your growing belly. The internet has tons of tutorials and how-to articles to use as guides. Or if you’re not the sewing type, you can enlist the help of a seamstress or alteration shop. Another option is to go up one or two sizes and skip the maternity section of your local clothing store.

4. Keep A Survival Kit on Your Nightstand

Grab a simple box, basket or bag to keep by your bedside and fill it with whatever feel-good, comforting items you may need during the night. Some ideas might include packs of crackers (having a light snack may help prevent nausea, as morning sickness can be more intense on an empty stomach⁴), small water bottles (staying hydrated is a must), ginger candy (again, for nausea), and antacids.

5. Try a Bra Extender

Some women find their tried-and-true brassieres no longer fit or feel comfortable once they’re in the later stages of pregnancy. Instead of spending the extra cash on a new set of bras, buy a few simple bra extenders (available on Amazon.com, Walmart.com and probably many other retail websites). It’ll save money, not to mention the hassle of going to a store and getting fitted.

6. Keep Bananas and Coconut Water in the House

Leg cramps are a common discomfort during pregnancy. To help alleviate them, eat a potassium-rich banana and drink a glass a water. Likewise, coconut water is a good source of potassium and it contains magnesium, another nutrient associated with easing muscle cramps.⁵

7. Keep Tongs in the Shower

Sound silly? Trust us, once you drop something in the shower during your third trimester, you’ll be glad you have them.

8. Switch Out Old Shoelaces with Elastic Ones

As pregnancy progresses, you’ll find it gets a lot harder to complete basic tasks like bending over to tie your shoes. A set of elastic, no-tie shoelaces like Xpand^® (available on Amazon.com for about $10) can make your life a lot easier.

9. Use Hair Ties to Hold Pants Together

You might’ve seen this making the rounds on Pinterest. It’s a very simple hack that involves slipping one end of an elastic hair band through the buttonhole on your jeans and then looping it through itself, securing it. Then take the long end and slip it over the button. The elasticity of the hair tie allows the waist of your pants to stretch but will keep everything in place.

10. Cut Pantyliners in Half to Use as Nursing Pads

You’ve likely already got a pack or two of disposable pantyliners in your home, and if so, you can cut them in half to use as nursing pads. The adhesive backs will stick to the inside of your bra or shirt and they’ll cost less. Win-win!

Prenatal Vitamins for Your Growing Nutritional Needs

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these helpful maternity hacks. As part of our commitment to providing expecting mothers with the tools and resources for a healthy pregnancy, we invite you to get to know our Prenate^® Family Line of Prenatal Vitamins. Speak with your doctor about the benefits of taking a daily prescription prenatal vitamin and consider choosing Prenate^® to enhance and support pregnancy health.

The post Top 10 Hacks for Expecting Moms appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Baby’s first Christmas is one of the most special moments in the life of a new parent. In today’s post we’ll highlight a few ideas and tips for creating sweet and memorable photo ops for the newest special gift in your life!

Family is Everything

While you’ll surely want to snap a few pictures with your little one as the solo star, it’s a great idea to include other family members to commemorate this special occasion. Some cute ideas could be…

• If baby has siblings, dress them in matching holiday pajamas for a super cute photo sitting in front of the tree or fireplace or even cuddling on the couch together. Maybe have the oldest sibling read “The Night Before Christmas.”
• Get Mom and Dad in the picture, too! This is big moment for you as parents. Don’t fret about how tired you look, the fact that you haven’t had a chance to whiten your teeth, or anything else about your appearance. Remember the true meaning of the holidays – family, love and joy – and bask in your beautiful baby’s preciousness.
• Don’t forget the four-legged family members! If you’re taking photos in your own home, or if you’re working with a pet-friendly photographer, why not include the fur kids? After all, they’re part of the family, too, and who can resist an adorable picture of a baby with the beloved family dog or cat?

Pick Some Props

From twinkle lights to oversized stockings, there’s no end to the number of holiday props you can incorporate in your baby’s first Christmas photo session. However, most experienced photographers will likely advise you to choose just a few props and not overdo it with too many “extras.”

Here are a few ideas on how to use props in your photos:

• Felt letter boards with clever captions or just the baby’s name and date are great.
• Get a cardboard box (big enough for baby to sit upright in) and wrap it like a gift, leaving the top open. Sit baby in the box and voila! The best gift you’ve ever received!
• LED twinkle lights, aka fairy lights, are great for baby photo shoots because the bulbs do not get hot and they create a lovely sparkle effect with the right photo settings. You don’t even have to arrange them in a specific way. Lights casually strewn around baby or hanging in the background will provide a beautiful holiday effect.

Special Items

Do you have a special item that is sentimental to you or your family? Maybe your own baby blanket or a knitted cap your great-grandmother made? Try incorporating these items in your baby’s Christmas photos. You could also use:

• Sentimental holiday objects
• Mom or dad’s baby items
• A photo of mom or dad or a special object representing a parent who cannot be present this holiday season (this is a great idea for families with a loved one who is deployed in the military).

Extra Tips

Planning for the perfect photo session might be a little easier than achieving it, especially when working with newborns, children and pets. Getting everyone to cooperate can be challenging.

Here are a few extra tips to help you plan your baby’s first Christmas photo shoot:

• Hire a professional only if your budget allows. If not, don’t sweat it! Today’s smartphones are incredibly sophisticated and can take exceptionally good photos. Filters and photo editing software can also go a long way.
• Try to time your photo session when baby is at his or her best. If baby is happiest first thing in the morning, that may be the best time to start your photo session! If you want your newborn to pose without fussing, choosing a time when he or she is sleepy may be best.
• If you’re planning on giving the photos as gifts this year, be sure to stage your photos or hire a photographer well in advance. Remember, professional photographers book up very quickly during the months before the holidays. If you haven’t already decided, start making them now.

Prenate® Vitamin Family

We’re dedicated not only to helping expecting mothers maintain health and nutrition throughout their pregnancies, but to also offering lifestyle content and tips to help enhance their experiences. We’re proud to offer a line of prenatal vitamins that suits moms-to-be at all stages of their journeys. Talk to your doctor to learn about the benefits of adding a daily prenatal vitamin to your care plan.

The post Photo Ops for Baby’s First Christmas appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.