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You've got our ear, we've got the dish! This is where you'll get the scoop on the latest happenings at ePregnancy, plus any news and cool products we happen across -- and there may be a stray opinion or two thrown in for good measure.
February 2008 - Posts
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Fab mom Kelli W is the winner of our Celeb Photo contest, posting well over 30 pictures to our Celeb Photo Gallery -- thanks to her, we've been in the know about celebs, their baby bumps and daily strolls with their little ones. Like I promised, she's won a designer diaper bag, filled with all sorts of goodies:
Want to know the details on all this fabulous goodness? Here's what we gave her:
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Petunia Picklebottom Cake diaper bag, in Lemon Chiffon
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Developmental Giraffe toy by Kids Preferred Asthma-friendly
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Butterfly Hand Puppet by renowned children's author Eric Carle
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Biome5 Organic Cotton “Urchin” t-shirt
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“I have arrived” onesie from Baby&Momma
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"Haute Mama" tee from 2 Chix
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“Wonderstuff” CD from Recess Monkey
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“Nursery Rhymes, Volume 1” CD from BabyJamz
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Newborn Baby Tracker journal from Time Too
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Hooded bath towel from celeb fave Aden + Anais
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Momspit no-rinse hand cleanser in Unscented and Fig & Green Tea
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“My First Spa” kit from Natty Baby
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Convertible nursing cape from Skoose
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BabyChix onesie
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Booty Goo diaper rash ointment
Keep your eyes on this blog and the message boards, because there are more contests like this to come, and we have LOTS to giveaway. And, if you haven't already friended us on Facebook, do so now, as we'll be running some exclusive contests that you can only enter by being friends of our page!
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CDC's Advisory Committee Recommends Influenza Vaccination for Children 6 Months Through 18 Years of Age
A panel of immunization experts advised the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today to expand the recommended ages for annual influenza vaccination of children to include all children from only 6 months to 59 months of age. The expanded recommendation is to take effect as soon as feasible, but no later than the
2009-2010 influenza season.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted on the new recommendation during its February 27-28, 2008 meeting in Atlanta. The new recommendation increases the number of children recommended for vaccination by approximately 30 million.
 Studies have shown that healthy children bear a significant burden from influenza disease and are at increased risk of needing influenza-related medical care. In addition, there is evidence showing that reducing influenza transmission among children has the potential to reduce influenza among their household contacts and within the community.
"This new recommendation should reduce the risk of influenza infections among children of all ages, and their consequent need for medical visits and missed time from school," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
Full implementation by Fall 2009 at the latest will allow time to plan for the vaccination of this large group of children. However, immunization providers should begin efforts to offer influenza vaccination to all children aged 6 months through 18 years in the 2008-09 influenza season if feasible, consistent with the current recommendation that all persons who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others should be vaccinated.
"This new recommendation will help parents understand that all children can benefit from vaccination and further encourages providers to start vaccination of children through age 18 next year," said Dr. Schuchat.
Results from a vaccine efficacy study among children 6 months to 23 months of age were presented at the meeting. The study findings indicated vaccine efficacy of about 75 percent in preventing influenza hospitalizations among fully vaccinated children in this age group during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. In contrast, the study found that children who received only one dose of vaccine did not receive statistically significant protection. This study underscores the importance of existing ACIP recommendation that children younger than nine years of age who will be receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time need two doses.
The 2008-09 influenza vaccine for the United States will include three new strains: an A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like virus, a B/Florida/4/2006-like virus and A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like virus strain. The H3N2 and B virus vaccine components in the U.S. vaccine are included in the 2008 vaccine for the Southern Hemisphere. Influenza vaccine manufacturers produced as many as 130 million doses of influenza vaccine for the 2007-08 influenza season and have discussed expanding current production capacity in the coming years.
Recommendations of the ACIP become recommendations of CDC once they are accepted by the director of CDC and the Secretary of Health and Human Services and are published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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 In February of 2007 Sarah Tidwell and Reneé Kimes adopted The Pregnancy Massage Center (Atlanta, GA) from their good friend and mentor Julie Howell. Reneé Kimes is a nationally certified massage therapist entertaining the idea of a world gone massage. Her ultimate goal is to change people’s perception of touch back to the loving, caring, beneficial experience it truly is. Sarah has been an integrative massage therapist since 1998. Her certifications include 620 hours of Integrated Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular Therapy from the Atlanta School of Massage, 24 hours of Thai Massage from Dr. Camden Clay, and 32 hours Pre and Perinatal Massage from Carole Osborne-Sheets, the premier pregnancy massage educator in the nation.
Sarah and Renee were kind enough to sit down and answer a few of my questions about prenatal massage:
Q: I heard you shouldn't have your feet massaged when you are pregnant. Is that true?
A: Not true. Now more than ever your feet need relief from joint pressure and swelling. But there are acupressure points around the ankles and feet that, when actively and aggressively worked, can bring on contractions. This is handy during labor, but those specific places and techniques are carefully avoided until then. This is one of the many reasons to see a knowledgeable, pregnancy-certified therapist.
 Q: Do I have to stop receiving massages close to my due date?
A: You may be relieved to know that in most cases it is safe (and beneficial!) to receive massages up to your due date and beyond. Many women schedule a session on their due date so they have something to look forward to if they have not yet gone into labor. A massage is a great way to prepare your body for the experience of giving birth. Women on bed rest should receive modified massage, (very light pressure on extremities and no abdominal massage) and you should always consult your doctor if you have special circumstances.
Q: Sometimes the skin on my belly feels so tight. Is it safe to have it massaged?
A: With proper technique and pressure levels, absolutely. By policy we do not massage abdomens in the first trimester. It is completely safe, as your uterus is still the size of a plum and protected by the bony structure of the pelvis. However, due to the high incident of miscarriage in the first trimester we avoid it because it tends to cause some anxiety, and the object of the massage is to reduce stress. After 12 weeks it is your option to request massage on your belly with light, circular strokes. This promotes skin elasticity and circulation to the general area. Especially in the third trimester, we like to think of it as baby's first massage. According to the mothers, they seem to like it very much!
Q: How often should I receive massages when I am pregnant?
A: Each woman and each pregnancy is different, so there is no standard answer for this question. If you are planning to use massage therapy as an integral part of your prenatal care we suggest once a month in the first trimester, twice a month in the second and third. If you are having a difficult pregnancy with back pain, sharp leg and hip pains or sleeplessness we recommend increasing your session to 1 1 /2 hours or coming once a week in the last trimester.
Do you have a question for our two massage therapists? Email me or leave it in the comments and I’ll get the answer for you!
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Yes, it's happened.
We've finally made the leap to Facebook!
Becoming a fan of our Facebook page means you are instantly in the loop with new developments here at ePregnancy. In addition, you'll be eligible for fun things that ONLY Facebook members are eligible for -- special discounts, giveaways, and contests!
Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glen-Allen-VA/ePregnancycom/8884734841
Go ahead, add us. We'll become BFFs over Facebook. :)
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 NutraBella – a company dedicated to the nutritional well-being of today’s active women – has introduced Bellybar Chews, a delicious new way to get critical Omega-3 DHA. Each Bellybar chew contains 50 mg of vegetarian Omega-3 DHA – a fatty acid that serves as the primary building block for brain, eye, and nervous system development, and has been shown to play a role in maternal well-being.
“Following the success of our Bellybar snack bars, we set out to develop a complete nutritional line for women during her various stages of pregnancy and motherhood,” said Meredith Lincoln, Co-Founder of NutraBella. “By having two to three chews per day, as well as one of our Bellybar snack bars, you can meet your daily requirement for DHA while also enjoying convenient, tasty and satisfying treats.”
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an Omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eyes, and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life. Although there is a large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that people of all ages benefit from an adequate supply of DHA in their diets, Americans have among the lowest dietary intakes of DHA in the world. Bellybar Chews contain 50 mg of life’s DHA, a vegetarian form of Omega-3 DHA.
While everyone can benefit from meeting the daily requirement of Omega-3 DHA, it is especially important for pre-natal, pregnant and nursing women as this nutrient supports the development of a baby’s brain and eye function. Omega-3 DHA is also found in many fish, but with mercury concerns and delicate stomachs, many women are limiting fish intake during pregnancy, making the need for a convenient and tasty alternative that much more critical.
Bellybar Chews are delicious bites of sweet chocolate and tangy citrus to satisfy a pregnant or new mom’s varied cravings, while also delivering DHA, calcium and folic acid. Each Chew contains 100 mg of calcium (plus Vitamins D & K to help with absorption), 100mcg of folic acid, and 50mg of DHA. They are sold in a pouch of 30 chews and are available in two delicious flavors: Chocolate Cuddles and Citrus on Board. Retailing for $8.99-10.99 per pouch, they are now available at select stores and online at www.BellybarProducts.com.
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 In the first three months of life, soothing a newborn can be a challenge for new parents as the baby leaves the security of the womb for the often over stimulating outside world. To develop a solution to this challenge, researchers at Newell Rubbermaid's Graco brand -- a leading manufacturer and marketer of infant and juvenile products -- looked beyond conventional wisdom. By studying how new parents calm their children, as well as incorporating new findings in infant neurosciences and sensory processing, Graco realized that the key to soothing a newborn is creating a nurturing environment utilizing unique combinations that simulate the womb experience.
The result: Graco Sweetpeace, the first-ever Newborn Soothing Center, which mimics the sensations babies first experienced in the womb in order to foster an easier transition from womb to world. It offers the ultimate in comfort and security for newborns, providing a peaceful multi-sensory experience that soothes a baby's senses:
- Motion -- one of the constant sensations in the womb, motion, is the primary tool parents use to soothe babies. Sweetpeace offers a unique, adjustable swaying motion which mirrors swaying in a parent's arms;
- Touch -- following birth, babies crave being held and embraced, as it offers the similar comforts of a mother's womb. Soft padding and an integrated swaddle blanket create a cozy, hug-like environment;
- Scent -- newborns recognize their mothers through the sense of smell. A removable swaddle blanket allows a mother to infuse her familiar, comforting scent, which can calm a baby;
- Sound -- Sweetpeace is equipped with low-frequency sounds that replicate what is heard inside the womb, a proven soother for infants. It also has an MP3 plug-in connection to make it easy to play calming music;
- Sight -- visual complexity can over-stimulate newborns. An adjustable canopy limits distracting visual stimulation, while a mirror helps baby feel focused and settled by seeing his or her own reflection.
To educate new parents about the benefits of Sweetpeace and introduce them to the new category of infant soothing, Graco has launched a multimedia marketing campaign including online, in-store and direct mail components. A dedicated website, http://www.mysweetpeace.com/, enables consumers to become better soothers, learn about Sweetpeace by viewing an interactive video and initially encouraged parents to add Sweetpeace to their gift registry by offering a free swaddle blanket with pre-registration.
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 Deriving its primary form from an egg -- the ultimate safe enclosure -- nestt is designed for the ultimate comfort and ease of use.
The geometry of the seat and the base form a "nested sphere" type of connection -- and extremely sturdy and simple rotational mechanism. Utilizing a total of just six moving parts, it is able to tilt and swivel to face the open door of a car with one graceful, single-handed move.
A safety feature prevents the mechanism from disengaging the seat from the base during normal operation.
An embedded steel safety cage provides side impact protection.
An air suspension mechanism; a breathable, washable seating surface with air channels; removeable, interchangeable cushions of memory foam; retractable, indexed seatbelts... this is one hot carseat!
The nestt is still just a concept -- but it's one I think we should keep an eye on!
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 What are Girlie Gowns you ask?
Why, Girlie Gowns are a line of maternity hospital gowns for stylish mommies to be. But they are also designed to be functional -- your doctors will have access they need but you'll have the privacy and style that you want (no more showing your butt to the orderly!).
The gowns' wrap- around design secures in front with velcro and a cute grosgrain ribbon tie. The back is open halfway down the back and the top opening is secured with three grosgrain ribbon ties. Each gown is constructed of designer cotton fabric -- no more of those faded, worn cotton things we're all used to! These make a wonderful baby shower gift or a way for you to to pamper yourself as you head into the hospital for your big day.
The gowns come in the fashionable blue and cocoa combo you see in the picture, as well as a pink and black polkadot and a navy with tiny blue polkas.You can even have the Girlie Gown monogrammed with your initials! Now that's bedside manner.
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