Post-baby prep

So, the days are finally winding down...you have already prepared your nursery, have packed a bag for the big day and gave the house one last good clean...now, what's left to do before the baby arrives, stock your house! Make a trip to the grocery store and grab some delicious, nutritious and freezable items so that when baby arrives, you have one less thing to worry about! The meals don't need to be only casseroles or pizza, items like the crock-pot and a blender can help you out a ton.

Here are some best bets for stocking your fridge and pantry so you won't have to venture out too often.

*For breakfast: frozen waffles and frozen fruit are both wonderful things to have in the house. Frozen fruit can be a topper or can be made into a yummy smoothie. Also great to have on hand? Cereal and snacks like granola bars because you will be hungry from all the hard work you will be doing.

*Meatloaf and meatballs can be made in advance and frozen (uncooked). Meat can be pre-cooked and seasoned, then stored in the freezer until you are ready to use it. From there, you can cook meat for stir fries or taco night!

* Look for easy and delicious pre-made items. Annie Chun's has awesome sticky rice that can be microwaved in a minute and tastes like it came from a restaurant. Other great options? Trader Joe's pre-made meals. From Indian food, to mexican, chinese,mediterranean and italian, you will not grow tired of their delicious option.

* Chop of some veggies, spices and meats then store in the freezer until you decide what you are craving. With these ingredients you can pop them into a crock-pot or you can create a chili or a soup with them at a later date.

* Grab boxes of pastas and sauces. The carbs will give you added energy to last throughout the day-especially helpful if you have not been sleeping too much.

Keep your favorite delivery restaurants on hand for those nights that you don't feel like doing anything!

Have a great day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Wear It Wednesday!

Happy "hump" day! Today we are celebrating our new collection for Target.com which just launched a few days ago. We are loving this collection because it is adorable and affordable! Ranging between $39.99-$44.99, you can pick up a few pieces for your spring wardrobe without leaving the house and without the guilt! The fabrics feel great and the styles are on trend. With stripes and jewel tones, these pieces will wear well into the summer. For your consideration, here are some of our favorite pieces from this collection:

* We love this sleeveless wrap dress which is available in a few colors. Perfect to wear to work with a cardigan or to a party with some heels. Dressed up or dressed down, this is a staple piece for any maternity wardrobe.

*Stripes are hot this season and this adorable v-neck knit dress with stripes is an essential for any pregnant fashionista! With flattering diagonal stripes and fun side pockets, you can be comfortable and fashion- forward in this nautical dress!

* Ideal for pregnancy and post-partum, this dress has concealed

nursing slits which is perfect for the nursing mom! A gorgeous maxi, the super soft fabric gently drapes across the silhouette and is very flattering on all shapes and sizes.

Thanks for allowing us to unabashedly plug our new collection! We are really proud of it and hope you will enjoy it!

Have a wonderful day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

When you are pregnant, you can have symptoms such as nausea, headaches, heartburn and stress. Due to changes in hormones, expectant moms could suffer in ways that makes it difficult just to accomplish minor tasks. While medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen are generally not encouraged, there are some holistic ways to help you cope with these symptoms.

*Ginger has been used to relief illness fir centuries and is one of the most effective measures in decreasing the severity of your nausea. You can consume ginger in many ways; from eating a ginger slices and sipping on ginger tea to sucking on ginger candies.

*Drink plenty of water and eat the moment you wake up because dehydration and an empty stomach can make your morning sickness worse. Have snacks by your bed at all times so that you can ease your nausea if you wake up in the middle of the night.

*Avoid acidic or greasy food at all costs because it prompts nausea and heartburn.

*When you are pregnant and have a cold, your usual discomfort cam seem amplified. While you may not be able to take medicines containing pseudoephedrine and aspirin, there are plenty of other ways you can take on your cold proactively. If you have a sore throat, try gargling warm water three times a day. Salt kills bacteria and warm water will feel good for your aching throat.Another great holistic option is a syrup made from honey, lemon juice and a spoonful of vinegar. Warm the syrup over the stove and sip.

* Nobody wants to acknowledge the "H word" but with unfortunately, hemorrhoids are very common for women who are pregnant. Interestingly, the best way to avoid hemorrhoids is to avoid constipation. By eating plenty of high fiber foods, exercising and drinking plenty of water you can avoid this uncomfortable issue. If you already are suffering from hemorrhoids, try taking a bath with warm, shallow water.and sit for20-30 minutes. After sitting, pat down the area or if you have time, let it area dry. Another way to soothe hemorrhoids is to apply a cool compress or an icepack to the area.

What are your favorite holistic cure-alls? Share them with us!!

Have a happy Tuesday!

xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

When you are pregnant, it sometimes feels as though your feet are about to fall off in agony when you are not even wearing heels! Though a lot of women feel more severe symptoms later in pregnancy, many women seem to forget about foot health when they are pregnant and opt to complain instead. Foot health is something that you should consider though because your belly grows, more pressure is put on your lower back. Therefore, poor fitting shoes can cause back and circulation issues as well as swelling and varicose veins. Besides for making an outfit better, finding a shoe that accomodates to your ankle and foot needs can make your body feel better!


Interestingly enough, according to the American College of Ankle and Foot Surgeons, it is suggested that square toed shoes offer the most of amount of foot room. Additionally, while heels are not the best option, completely flat shoes such as ballet flats or moccasins are not an ideal choice. Rather, shoes that have a broad, low heel are best.

Lastly, do not be stubborn if your foot is growing like your belly. While you should not anticipate a large change in shoe size, it is completely normal to become a half size or a full size bigger than your pre-pregnancy size.


Be on the lookout for cute and comfy shoes this spring! We love moderate wedges, kitten heels,espadrilles,and fun flats with a little lift as great pregnancy options. You will have plenty of time to wear those sky high heels post-baby but for now, keep your health in check and be smart when choosing your footwear!

Have a great day!
xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Happy Friday!

It feels like the past few months the majority of people were hibernating, but now spring time is here- Hooray! We bet all of you are very anxious to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air, and what better way to enjoy time outside than with your hubby! Today, we came up with some fabulous spring time date ideas that you and your loved one can relish.

Visit a park!
• There are so many great activities that you can do in a park. For starters, visit
the local farmers market to pick up some organic and locally grown goodies.
Have your hubby whisk up something scrumptious, and chow down on a
healthy lunch by having a picnic in the park. Another bonus? You get to
people watch while you savor each others company!
• Throughout the spring time and summer time, many concerts are held at local
and city parks. A lot of the time it is free to watch, so take a walk down to
your town’s park and enjoy some live music. Bring a kite along and see if you
still have the same super kite flying skills as you did when you were a kid.
• Go stargazing at night! Take a drive to an area that has little light pollution,
bring a big blanket, and sit atop of your car and watch for shooting stars!
• Some parks have botanical gardens that are starting to bloom, taking an after
lunch stroll through these is a nice afternoon pick me up.

Visit the Zoo
• Now is the time to start doing outdoor activities, and visiting the zoo is a
perfect one! You may even see some spring time newborns, it also might get
you excited about your little one on the way!
Batter up!
• Baseball season is here! This is a date idea that your hubby would LOVE.
Going to a baseball game is something fun and exciting to do if you have been
stuck at home all winter. Give in to your cravings and get a hotdog with extra
onions or a big bag of cotton candy.

Drive- in Movies
• Cozy up next to your lover in the back of your car if you have a van, or bring
some lawn chairs and pack some snacks to see a drive-in movie! This is a
great way to get out of the house and enjoy some snuggle time with your man
(especially if you are seeing a scary movie)!

River/Dinner Cruise
• This would be a great way to spend a romantic spring night. Get all dolled up,
show off that baby bump, and head to the pier! Some dinner cruises can be
expensive, but a lot of websites like Groupon.com or Livingsocial.com have
occasional discounts on dinner cruises up to 70% off!

Horse Carriage rides
• Cities like Chicago and New York have year round Horse Buggy rides. Spring
time is the perfect time to take a ride throughout the city and smell the fresh
air!

As well all know, spring is the season for love, so enjoy every minute you can with your mate before the baby is born. This is a perfect time to do some extra “bonding” you can be ready and confident for when baby arrives!

Have a fabulous day!

XOXO,
The Moody Mamas

TG(almost) I F!!

Spring has sprung! Now along with the beautiful spring weather comes cleaning off the dust and dirt that has nestled itself all over your home this winter. To prepare for baby’s arrival or if you already have a newborn at home follow these tips to have a nontoxic safe sparkling environment for your baby to be in.
· When choosing nontoxic products, try a vinegar and water solution. This combo works best for cleaning windows and is inexpensive too!
· Hydrogen peroxide is great in helping to remove stains naturally and easily in any area of your home.
· When looking for a deodorizer and cleanser try a baking soda and water combination that is gentle enough to use on nearly every surface.
· Be sure to move all furniture and clean out the dust bunnies from underneath. Spring is the time when allergies get the worst and you want to avoid those nasty coughs and sneezes as much as possible!
· When cleaning off furniture in the baby’s nursery or any place in your home, try combining ¼ cup lemon juice with 1 tablespoon oil and use a cloth to rub on
· While you’re cleaning take the extra time to check for banned children's products. To check for recent recalled products, go to www.recalls.gov.
· Test all your smoke alarms to ensure they are working, the batteries should be changed at least once a year so be sure to do that as well.

Plug away time! We have a new spring collection currently available on www.target.com. Check it out!!! Yay for new clothes!

Have a fabulous day & good luck spring cleaning!
Xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Wear It Wednesday!

Spring Dress Trends

With the weather finally breaking, we’re sure many of you have a handful of weddings to attend this spring. Dressing for these occasions while pregnant can be as easy as 1-2-3! Literally. Start with one basic fashion piece such as a chic and comfortable dress, add shoes and accessories, and your finito! To help you with some looks that can work for a variety of occasions, we picked some of our favorite MM dress and will highlight how to wear them!

• Our first pick is our sleeveless black tunic dress. A great way to pair this dress is with a trendy white blazer in case it’s a chilly spring day. Also, a blazer is a nice cover-up if you don't want your bump to be the center of attention. We think that this dress looks great with a glam cuff and a basic pair of black wedges. We love wedges because not only do they look great and height, but usually they won't won’t leave your feet aching. Not so sure?Bring a pair of simple black flats to change into after all the photos are taken!

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• Our second look is a sexy silver dress with a tied bust line to show off your growing baby bump. Metallic colors are very trendy this spring so don’t be afraid to have fun with a simple dress and add an element of color! Also trendy are bright hues such as yellow. Want to incorporate that trend into your overall look? Up with anted with a yellow accessory such as a clutch. A pair of matching glitz wedges and a simple silver bracelet with dangle earrings and you’re ready to go. We adore this look for outdoor weddings in the upcoming months as well.

*If your wedding is at night or black tie, your dress needs to have a little more flair. We love this chiffon sweetheart neckdress with just a touch of drama in the bottom ruffle. A gorgeous clutch and dare we say, heels can make this outfit stunning. If you can't bare heels, opt for a pair of kitten heels. Just like its higher heeled version, the kitten heel adds a touch of height but only an inch or so which will make your feet much happier. As always bring a pair of flats to change into as the night progresses. Finally, add some bangles and a gorgeous pair of earring and voila, you are a glamour girl! Special tip: accessories are the best way to be creative with while pregnant, try an eye catching necklace to draw attention more to your face and neckline and away from your lower body.

All of these looks and more are available on www.moodymamas.com. We also have some brand new gorgeous styles for spring on www.nordstrom.com so check them out!

Have a fabulous day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

Now is the time of year when fruits and veggies are all the rage! Spring time is just the start of fresh produce coming to farmers markets near you, and we know that you all can’t wait to start shopping! It is especially important to keep a nutritional, healthy and balanced diet when you are preggo to make sure your baby gets all the nutrients possible.

What are the in season produce, you ask? Well here is a mini grocery list!

• Artichokes, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, celery root, fennel, kale, potatoes, and rhubarb.
• Strawberries, pineapple, kiwi fruit, grapefruit, blood oranges, peaches, and nectarines.

We know that many pregnant women are always craving something sweet. So instead of making a whole batch of brownies that are 5 million calories, try this delicious recipe for strawberries romanof that is only 207 calories per serving.

• Ingredients:
• 4 cups sliced strawberries (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup Cointreau or Grand Marnier (orange-flavored liqueur)
• 1/3 cup whipping cream, chilled
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mint sprigs (optional)
• Preparation:
• Combine first 3 ingredients in a bowl. Cover and chill 3 1/2 hours.
• Place cream, 3 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Spoon over strawberry mixture. Garnish with mint, if desired. Serve immediately

Artichokes are also in season. This yummy veggie is packed with dietary fibers, B vitamins, and magnesium. They are also an excellent source of antioxidants which helps your skin glow, makes your hair lustrous and is super healthy for the baby. Here is a recipe for a delicious artichoke dish, Baked artichoke with garlic dip. Delish!

• Ingredients:
• 2 whole garlic heads
• 4 medium artichokes (about 3 1/2 pounds)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup organic vegetable broth (such as Swanson Certified Organic)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Preparation:
• Preheat oven to 400°.
• Remove white papery skin from garlic heads (do not peel or separate the cloves). Wrap each head separately in foil. Bake at 400° for 45 minutes; cool 10 minutes. Separate cloves; squeeze to extract garlic pulp. Discard skins.
• Cut off stems of artichokes, and remove bottom leaves. Trim about 1/2 inch from tops of artichokes. Place artichokes, stem ends down, in a large Dutch oven filled two-thirds with water; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes or until a leaf near the center of each artichoke pulls out easily. Remove artichokes from pan.
• Combine half of garlic pulp and wine in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes. Add broth; cook until reduced to 1/2 cup (about 8 minutes). Remove from heat; stir in butter and salt. Pour mixture into a blender; add remaining half of garlic pulp. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Sprinkle dip with parsley, if desired. Serve dip with warm artichokes

Spring time is also great time to make delicious salads. It is very important for a pregnant woman to get a good amount of greens and fibers in her diet, and this Fava bean, sweet pea, and sugar snap salad recipe is perfect for that!

• Ingredients:
• 4 pounds unshelled fava beans (about 2 cups shelled)
• 2 cups sugar snap peas, trimmed
• 1 cup shelled green peas (about 1 pound unshelled)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh mint
• 2 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Preparation:
• Remove beans from pods; discard pods. Cook beans and snap peas in boiling water 1 minute or until snap peas are crisp-tender. Remove beans and snap peas with a slotted spoon. Plunge beans and snap peas into ice water; drain. Remove tough outer skins from beans; discard skins.
• Combine beans, snap peas, green peas, mint, and prosciutto in a large bowl. Combine vinegar and remaining ingredients in a small bowl; stir with a whisk. Pour over bean mixture, and toss well.

We would love for you to share any healthy spring time recipes you have with us, and to try out the ones we posted today!

XOXO,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

Spring officially began yesterday. It’s time to say goodbye to the brutal winter weather and welcome the crisp spring season with open arms! What better way to celebrate this recent change in weather than to get away on your own spring break trip? We’ve put together our top recommendations on where to escape to this season before the birth of your little bundle of joy.

Many people refer to this time with your significant other before the baby is born as a “babymoon”. Babymoon’s also don’t necessarily have to take place in the spring. You can have a little getaway with your loved one anytime before the baby is due. It’s a great time to re-connect and have some romantic time for yourselves before your lives become increasingly hectic and you’ll wish for this time back when you’re up at 3am with your little one. This is becoming an increasingly popular trend with celeb’s before they give birth, but you don’t have to be rich and famous and travel to exotic islands to enjoy a little r&r away from home before you give birth. Try one of these excellent idea’s we’ve put together just for you!

• Spa/Resort Packages for Mom’s to be:

Barefoot and Pregnant is an excellent spa that is the first of its kind to cater specifically to expecting mothers. They offer services specifically designed to make you feel most comfortable at that specific stage in your pregnancy. You can also relax and practice your deep breathing with some prenatal yoga poses. They have numerous packages designed to fit any expecting mother’s wants and needs. These spa’s are located mainly throughout California, but don’t worry, you don’t need to travel all the way to California to experience these luxurious services. Many spas throughout the US from Connecticut to New Mexico have specially designed packages for expectant moms! So try something new and research a spa that is a short distance away (but still far enough away so you don’t feel so close to home).

• A trip to a big city:

If you live within an accessible distance to Chicago, Los Angeles or New York weather by plane or car, book a weekend getaway at a luxurious hotel in the middle of the city and don’t be too shy to book the honeymoon suite for you and your significant other! This is a time to really reconnect and bond, there are no limitations on where you can go or stay! Big cities always have events going on and offer endless opportunities to have a great time, Broadway shows, festivals, shopping, candle light dinners, and much more. Remember always to consult with your doctor before traveling by plane, even if it’s only two hours away. Your second trimester is the most recommended time of travel while pregnant, your morning sickness should have worn off and you’re hopefully not too tired to be up and moving.

• Exotic Locations:

Some couples use this opportunity to truly take a “babymoon” and use it as a sort of second honeymoon to either the same location or trying somewhere new. Exotic traveling is not completely off limits to you while pregnant but again, make sure all travel arrangements are approved by your doctor and you are as healthy as can be! Places such as the Bahamas, Mexico, and Hawaii are excellent beautiful locations to travel too. All of these places are very modern and will have the medical attention available in case of emergency. These island getaways can last anywhere from 2 nights to 7 nights. All depending on what you and your loved one can fit into your schedule at the time.

This time together is really something you will appreciate and be glad you did a few months from now when your worlds are changed forever and you add a new member to your family. Be safe and cautious with the activities you participate in and make sure to stay hydrated and rest every so often to ensure the health of yourself and baby, but use this time to celebrate the new life you are about to welcome into the world and make it as memorable as possible!

TGIF!

Happy Friday! We hope that you have plans to embrace the fact that spring is finally here!! Today, we want to dish about breastfeeding! Some people have a very strong stance on breastfeeding and call themselves "radical lactivists" while others don't believe that nursing is necessary to a baby's health. We at Moody Mamas do not have a strong stance on the topic, but we do believe that knowledge is the key to life. Here are some pros and cons so that YOU can make an educated decision on whether breastfeeding is right for you.

How is breastfeeding beneficial?

• Breastfeeding women need an extra 500 calories per day because the body burns around that amount while breastfeeding. So, you can eat more and lose weight faster, and you may be back in your pre-pregnancy shape quicker than you think!
• There is nothing to buy or put together when you are breastfeeding, so it can give you much more freedom. Milk is always warm and ready when you need it!
• As long as you have some form of coverage, you can breastfeed virtually everywhere! No need for an extra big diaper bag.
• Some people believe that it is a very special bond between mother and baby when being breastfed
• Some believe that it may protect against some breast and ovarian cancers: Estrogen levels are very low when you breastfeed.

Disadvantages of breastfeeding

• Early breastfeeding may be uncomfortable.
• It can put a lot of pressure on you! As a mommy, you are responsible for every single feeding that your child experiences. You can use a breast pump and store milk, but it can be a huge hassle.
• Some women feel more tired and sluggish than usual while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding does drain a lot of energy from the body.
• Some may feel dryness in the nipple area, as well as aches and pains.
• The average newborn feeds approximately three to four hours a day, and for a very busy woman, this could be a burden on the schedule.
• Some women find it a difficult task to accomplish, and some find it challenging. You may find yourself becoming anxious because your baby is not taking to your nipple.

Instead of feeling pressured to breastfeed or to not breastfeed, try to make this decision based on your own beliefs. Be kind to yourself no matter what you decide and feel confident that you will be a great mom either way.

Have a fabulous weekend!

XOXO,

The Moody Mamas

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! More than just a religious holiday, St. Patrick’s Day has a found a home in our culture as a day to wear green, indulge in traditional Irish foods and drink Guinness (or some other Irish alcoholic beverage). You might not be able to take part in the excessive drinking today but there are still plenty of other ways you can celebrate this fun, festive day without entering a pub!

• Start a “pot o’ gold” piggy bank for your future baby. Put in a few lucky pennies or a some loose to change to start saving for your newborn’s college fund. Initiating this account on a “lucky day” is sure to bring good luck into his/her life!

• Take part in a Irish pregnancy tradition such as eating some honey to ensure that your baby will have a sweet disposition.

• Check out a local parade but make sure to leave plenty of space between you and your neighbors or else your belly could get some unwanted elbow jabs.

• Curl up at home and watch a movie that takes place in Ireland for a mind escape. One of our favorites? “Circle of Friends” which is a romantic drama that takes place in the 1950’s and stars Chris O’Donnell and Minnie Driver.

• If you have younger children, do a fun St. Patrick’s Day craft project with them such as creating a blarney stone or making a lucky pot of gold using items from your backyard (ie. stone) and a few things from the craft store. Looking for a some more creative ideas? Check out http://crafts.kaboose.com/pot-of-gold.html for awesome kid crafts!

• Head to McDonald’s for their limited edition Shamrock Shake. Yummmmmmm. Can’t get to the drive-thru make this replica at home. Great news is that if you love it, you don’t have to worry about not being able to get it again a few days from now!

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

3 cups good quality vanilla ice cream

1 3/4 cups 1% milk

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Green food coloring if desired

1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely thick and smooth. Pour into glasses and serve!

• Make some delish green treats such as green velvet cupcakes, green eggs and ham, or honor the Emerald Isle with traditional foods like Corned beef and cabbage or Irish Soda bread. We love the this recipe from The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten.http://www.foodnetwork.com/inas-irish-soda-bread/video/index.html

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. May the luck of the Irish be with you!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Wear It Wednesday!

This past weekend we "sprung forward" in time so now we need make our closets spring forward as well. With so many fun trends emerging in the clothing department, we felt it necessary to pay homage to those pieces that make the outfit: the accessories! Here are some of our favorite accessory trends this spring:

*Kitten heels. Sky high heels and boots will ache your feet when you are pregnant. Rachel Zoe may able to handle those 6 inches but who doesn't want the comfort of flats? Kitten heels are the perfect answer for those who still want a little height but want their feet to feel happy. Sweet and dainty, kitten heels will add femininity to any outfit.

*Looking for 50's or 60's style glamor? Rock a pair of cat eye sunglasses. This year's "aviator", cat eye sunglasses have a very vintage feel and are a major trend this spring. From subtle to extreme, when choosing the style of the frame consider which size is the most flattering for your face shape.

*Color may be super trendy for clothing , but white handbags are the craze this spring. From clutches, hobos, totes to ladylike purses, white handbags though high maintenance are classic and go with everything. We especially love white palettes with gold hardware for a stunning combination. Just be careful when wearing this bag because it will collect dirt very easily.

* Tassels and fringe. This trend can be seen on everything from clothing to bags and shoes, but we love the look of statement jewelry pieces with tassels and fringe. Very 70's and bold.When wearing this style, try not to overdo it. Wearing tassels from head to toe? A no-no. Wearing a fringed necklace as the dramatic piece of your outfit, totally!

What trends are you loving this spring? Let us know!

Have a fantastic day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

The news that you are having a baby can be very exciting! Your new maternal status might have people treating you like a semi-celebrity ie. catering to your every need, but sometimes people are not cognizant of the fact that you are a person with feelings. Perhaps you don’t want to talk about being pregnant ad nauseum or you hate it when strangers ask if they could rub your belly- are you a buddha? Um, no. We think that there needs to be censorship for the way that people treat pregnant women, thus we have come up with a short list of pregnancy etiquette. Have a family member or friend that doesn’t seem to know the drill? Share this article with them, or hand print outs to strangers who have some learning to do:

Keep a secret, a secret.

• You may be super thrilled to that your best friend told you that she is pregnant but let her share the news when she feels like it. The same advice goes for when an expectant mom tells you the gender of the baby. Due to superstitions or privacy, the mom-to-be might not be ready to let the world know about her pregnancy so respect her feelings and keep the need to blab to yourself.

Don’t comment on her Size

• Preggo women NEVER want to hear someone say, “YOU’RE HUGE!!”, or “You look like your ready to pop!” A pregnant woman may feel huge, but she doesn’t want or need to hear it from you. Want to make a comment? Try a compliment like “you look so beautiful” or “your skin is glowing”.

Hands off the Belly

• We get it. The belly is sticking out and you want to feel the baby “kick”...Look but don’t touch. Some women may not mind if you just run up and grope their belly, but it may “rub” others the wrong way. If the pregnant woman invites you to touch her belly, feel free to get hands on, but if not, keep off. After all, would you like it if someone rubbed your non-pregnant belly? We didn’t think so.

Don’t give advice when you weren’t asked for it

• If what you have to say is unsolicited, you should probably keep it to yourself. Pregnant women are very emotional, and if she feels like you are judging her, then it could cause problems. For example, don’t tell her what she should and should not eat. Pregnant women are well aware of their dietary needs and restrictions. Unless she asks for your opinion, it is best to not say anything at all.

Keep your horror stories to yourself.

• Had a tough pregnancy? That is too bad. However, just because your pregnancy was killer, doesn’t mean that your friend/family member’s pregnancy will be. Keep your scary stories to yourself. Misery loves company, but you do not want to worry the expectant mom about things that may or may not happen to her so if you want to discuss your horrid pregnancy, wait until she is post-partum.

Things you should NEVER say to a pregnant woman.

• “Did you take fertility drugs?!”- This could be a very touchy subject to some expectant mothers. It is very emotional when you are having troubles conceiving, so unless she tells you out front that she did, don’t ask.
• “Did you plan this one?”- Well, it does not really matter! The mommy to be is obviously sharing the news because she is very excited, don’t burst her bubble!
• “Enjoy ____ now because once the baby comes, you can kiss it goodbye.” Pregnancy is n emotional time, and she probably already knows that her life is going to change forever. So, don’t tell her that she will never fit into her skinny jeans again.
• “I never had morning sickness.”- This is especially bad if you are telling this to someone who is as sick as a dog.

This is a short list of pregnancy etiquette tips but there are a lot more faux pas that need to be prevented. Our words of wisdom? If you think that what you are about to do or say can be at all offensive, don’t do it and don’t say it!

Have a great day!

XOXO,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

Over the course of the weekend, we found out that Victoria Beckham is expecting a baby girl and that Jewel is expecting a boy. Do you know what your baby's gender is yet? If you haven't had an ultrasound or you are planning to keep it a surprise, perhaps you can take part in a good old guessing game to help you predict your baby's gender! Using myths and old wives tales are enjoyable ways to make the mystery an enjoyable part of your pregnancy. These predictions might not be reliable but you will have fun speculating. Here are some of our favorite ways to play "guess the gender":

* According to legend, the Chinese Gender Chart was found in an ancient royal tomb near Beijing and is said to be over 90% accurate as a baby gender predictor. We are not so sure on the accuracy, but we think it is an interesting method to try nonetheless. All you need to do is type in the age you were at conception and the month in which you conceived your baby. Check it out here:http://www.babygenderprediction.com/

* Test your baby's heart rate. If the baby's heart rate beats at 140 beats per minute or above, you will be having a girl. If the heart beats lower than 140 beats per minute you will be having a boy.

* Take a pin, needle, or wedding ring and attach it to a thread or a strand of hair. Dangle it over the expectant mom's belly while she is lying down (be careful not to drop the object). If the object swings in a strong circular motion, you will be having a girl, if it swings back and forth like a pendulum, you will be having a boy. Don't feel comfortable playing this game over the belly? Try it over the mom-to-be's wrist instead. This game reminds us a little of the movie, "Inception" .

* If you didn't experience morning sickness early in your pregnancy, it's a boy. If you did, it's a girl.

* If you are carrying low, it's a boy, if you are carrying high and you are carrying weight in your butt and hips you are having a girl.

* If you're nose is widening you are having a boy. If your left breast is larger than your right, you are having a girl.

* If you add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month which you conceived and the sum is an even number, then you are having a boy. If you do this and the number is odd, you are having a girl.

Do you have any interesting myths or old wive's tales that you would like to share? Let us know!!

Have a great start to the week!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

TGIF!

We are so saddened to hear about the devastation that the Tsunami and Okinawa earthquake have caused the people of Japan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families. As always, these tragic events remind us how precious life is and how we as mankind owe it to each other to help in the recovery process. Living so far away can make you feel helpless when figuring out a way to help, but despite the distance there are some things that you can do right now to make a difference.

* If you are a twitter bug, you will notice that people have been highlighting the #REDCROSS because just by texting REDCROSS to 90999 you can make a $10 donation immediately or you can also go to their website for additional options. The Red Cross is an amazing operation because it usually capable of issuing immediate assistance to devastated areas. Love the Red Cross.

*Use your voice. If you have a Facebook page, twitter account, are a member of a religious affiliation or any group where you can share information about the destruction that has been caused by this natural disaster, know that you are helping out the cause. Every little bit helps and discussing the issue creates awareness.

*Donate items to aid organizations. Usually monetary donations are best in cases such as this because transporting the items can be more expensive than purchasing them overseas, however if you cannot donate money, well-intentioned items are always helpful.

* Go online and donate to organizations such as Shelterbox ( a UK based organization that has launched an online fundraiser), give to GlobalGiving.org which will give aid to the ground organizations that are providing emergency services, or Convoy of Hope a non-profit organization where you can either donate online or by texting TSUNAMI to 50555.

We pray for the victims and wish those who are assisting in the recovery best of luck.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend.

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Not loving being pregnant? You're not alone!

So, you're going to all those pregnancy support groups, lamaze classes, and prenatal yoga hoping to finally going to find someone to commiserate with only to find that no one is hating pregnancy as much as you are? Don't worry! You are not alone. In fact according to recent studies, over 27% of women are not happy being pregnant. With all those hormones raging, the morning sickness and the fact that your body is changing tremendously, it is expected that you will have some frustrations with this new life change. What to do when you hit rock bottom? Here are some tips for coping with those "difficult to manage" life days:

*Remind yourself that you will not be pregnant forever. Pregnancy has some very obviously difficult stages such as the beginning when you might be constantly queasy or at the end when you just want that baby to come out already. However, at the end of the tunnel there will a beautiful baby (or more) for all that effort. Try to adopt a mantra or a way of empowering yourself through those difficult days to keep you positive.

*Make time for "me time". A lot of women start fearing that they are going to lose themselves once the baby arrives. No need. Of course, you will not have as much time as before, but you will still have plenty of time for yourself if you schedule it. Start scheduling "me time" now and scatter fun activities such as a manicure or time to read a book now so that way the transition is seamless.

*Surround yourself with people you love and who love you. Sometimes it is easy to separate from humankind when you are feeling down and out, but being alone is not what you need right now. Having people around you to squash those negative feelings and make you laugh is important because how else will you cope with symptoms like smelly pregnancy gas? You need a sense of humor and people who will laugh with you.

*Allow yourself a "mourning period" for your old body and your pre-maternity life. Have faith that you will bounce back once the baby arrives but if you are not loving your new pregnancy curves, acknowledge that you are allowed to feel this way without guilt. Some women are afraid of voicing their resentment towards pregnancy and their new body because they feel that they are going to be a bad mother as a result. Not true! Just because you are not feeling great about the belly, does not mean that you are going to be feeling negative once the baby arrives. Remember that this is a huge change in life and it deserves to be taken in stride.

If you are feeling super sad and feel like you might not just be dealing with typical pregnancy emotions, talk to your doctor about your feelings. There is nothing wrong or embarrassing about feeling down about pregnancy but seeking help as soon as possible is key to combatting depression associated pregnancy.

Take care of yourself and try to stay positive!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Say what? Things you might not have been told about pregnancy...

Mood swings, cravings, morning sickness, as your due date draws closer you might experience some or all of these typical effects of pregnancy. However, many women also experience changes that take them by surprise. Don't think that your doctor has failed you just because something was left out, the real issue is that women's bodies react to pregnancy in different ways. Want to gain insight into some of the stranger phenomenons? Here are some things you might not already know about pregnancy:

* One out of four pregnant women suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome when they are pregnant. Some of the symptoms might include numbness in forearms and hands when sleeping or typing. Usually, this syndrome pops up in the second or third trimester, but it will most likely disappear within a month of giving birth.

* Hair, hair, everywhere! A great effect of pregnancy is that the extra hormones secreted by your body can cause your hair and nails to grow faster than normal, giving you more hair and longer nails. However, because hair is growing at a rapid rate, you might find that your hair is growing in unwanted areas such as on your face or around your nipples. Some women find that their hair texture and color changes when they are pregnant. Luckily, these changes do not usually last past the duration of your pregnancy- but neither will your rapid hair growth. In fact, many women experience significant hair loss post-partum or after they stop breast feeding,

* You knew your belly would grow, but your feet? Yes, it is true! Due to fluid retention, some women can go up a size or two in their shoes when they are pregnant and it may remain this size after birth as well.

* You become more "bendy". During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called "relaxin" which helps your body prepare for giving birth. The relaxin hormone can loosen up the ligaments in your body which might make you feel less tight but more prone to injury, so be careful when you go to the gym!

* Sleepy? You might be getting more hours of sleep but it might not necessarily be quality. A lot of women experience very intense dreams and even nightmares when they are pregnant. Generally due to stress and anxiety, nightmares are normal during pregnancy because the mother-to-be might be manifesting her fears in the form of bloody nightmares or other equally scary scenarios. If you are prone to this, try giving yourself some time to read a "happy" book or a sitcom before bed to alleviate your nerves before bed.

* Is your belly button looking a little different? You are not alone. Many women will notice that their belly button starts to pop out, is really hard, or has hair surround it. Some women even find that it is sore.

*Have a sudden urge to re-paint your entire house or do a total home make-over? Blame it on your "nesting instinct". A lot of women find themselves needing to organize all aspects of their lives in order to prepare for the new arrival. As great as it is to clean, don't over do it! Take some time to rest and hydrate if you are prone to these organizing sprees!

Have you experienced any strange or wonderful things during your journey to becoming a mother? Share them with us! We would love to hear from you so that other women could feel comforted!

Wishing you a lovely Wednesday!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas