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Tips for Traveling While Pregnant

I recently traveled on a plane. With children. While pregnant! Even though the trip was a blast, it was also a lot to handle while pregnant. Before traveling, I made sure to prep to make it as comfortable as possible.

For a bit of background, I wasn’t newly pregnant during the trip. Being midway through pregnancy meant there was an obvious bump, complete with the physical effects of said bump. With a handful of children in tow and an itinerary that required quite a bit of walking, I knew planning in advance was important.

Here are 5 tips for traveling while pregnant

1. Talk to your provider

Discussing your travel plans with a healthcare provider is a great way to start your overall planning. Run through your ideal plans. Discuss things like timeframe, destination, and method of transportation. Confirm the safety of your plans, especially flying in late pregnancy. Be flexible where needed.

2. Help your blood flow

Compression socks provided amazing relief on my flights! When sitting for a long period of time while pregnant, blood flow in your legs can be restricted. This can intensify the further along you are. Compression socks improve blood flow and reduces discomfort and swelling. If you haven’t been wearing compression socks regularly during pregnancy, practice putting them on ahead of time. Believe it or not, there is a special way to do it!

3. Support your bump

During this pregnancy, my bump was a bit larger compared to my other pregnancies at a similar timeframe. This had me worried about how uncomfortable my back would be with the amount of walking I anticipated doing, as well as sleeping without a pregnancy pillow. To give my bump extra support, I used a pregnancy support band on days where there was more standing and walking on the schedule. Not only did the band support my belly, but it also provided my back with relief. In fact, the pregnancy support band made my back feel so much better that I even continued to wear the band after my trip!

4. Massage it up

This one is free and can be an independent or group project! Massage is also a great opportunity to finally make use of all the lotion that the hotel provides! Once my children and partner were settled for the night, I gave myself a really good foot and calf massage before going to sleep. This was comforting and a big help with reducing swelling in my lower legs. It also made my feet ache a little less each following day.

Personally, I am an independent foot massager, but feel free to get a partner or kiddo in the mix! Having a helping hand takes some of the awkward bending out of the picture.

5. Rest, snack, hydrate, repeat

Rest seems so obvious, but it is also frequently pushed to the side. When on vacation with children, it is extremely easy to push yourself through discomfort and fatigue to give your kids the best adventure possible. Yet, taking a few minutes here and there can be great for them and gives you a much-needed break to let your body catch up to all the excitement. Make breaks fun with simple activities or games. Being seated is a priority here! Have a variety of healthy snacks for both you and the kids on hand. Bring water bottles, refilling them when needed, to stay hydrated. Repeat any combination of these as many times as needed.

Maternity compression through insurance

Both the compression socks and maternity support band were recommended to me by my provider. Since these items may be covered through insurance, I wanted to get them through a company that would handle the insurance for me. Thankfully, Acelleron did just that.

If you need maternity compression items, there are a few reasons I would recommend getting them from Acelleron.

Quality

Acelleron offers high quality products from Motif Medical that hold up well with travel, washing, and growth through pregnancy.

Sizing

Did you know that compression socks and maternity support bands have specific sizing? The pregnancy support band is relatively easy to figure out with the online sizing guide, but compression socks are a bit different. Acelleron and my provider made sure I not only used the correct size for my foot and leg, but also the appropriate amount of compression. If I did this on my own, I would have stood in the drug store’s compression section for far too long looking at all the options and likely still would have purchased the wrong thing!

Ease

Ordering through Acelleron means they do the work! They confirm correct sizing, they help you find out if your insurance covers these products, and they ship them to you. Keep in mind, a prescription is likely needed from your doctor if your insurance provider does cover them, and Acelleron can request this on your behalf.

Get the process started by answering three simple questions.

Looking to get your breast pump through insurance? Get started here.

Written by Brittany Regan Fisher, Certified Lactation Counselor, Regional Account Coordinator at Acelleron, and mama.

March 7, 2022
Top 10 Podcasts for Parents

Between cluster feeds, diaper changes, and sleepless nights, sometimes all a new parent wants to do is take a minibreak. Sometimes even a seasoned parent needs a little pick-me-up. Thankfully, even if you are glued to the couch and bleary-eyed from the craze of having a new baby, or a pro at this whole parenting thing, there are plenty of podcasts to offer a little mental boost. Check out these top 10 podcasts to keep you entertained and informed.

That New Mom Life

A short but focused venture featuring 12 episodes, That New Mom Life from Parents.com focuses specifically on the first few months after having baby. Body changes, sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, intimacy, and easing back into work are some of the topics they touch on. It’s a very targeted window, and just what a new mom after baby could use.

Miraculous Mamas

Taking an in depth look at motherhood, pregnancy, childbirth, and a variety of other topics that impact women’s lives, Miraculous Mamas takes a straightforward approach. Getting real about fertility, birthing, milk supply, infant sleep, menstrual cycles, and so much more, these are unfiltered discussions from a familiar landscape.

The Mom Hour

Designed by moms, for moms, The Mom Hour has real conversations about experiences the hosts, and many moms, have had. Not only does this podcast provide tips for pregnancy, new moms, toddlers, little kids, and older kids, it also dives into encouragement and support with discussions about body positivity, healthy habits, and work/life balance. The cohosts help moms feel better about where they are and the job they are doing.

First Class Fatherhood

Talking about fatherhood, from the perspective of fathers, First Class Fatherhood is looking to change the narrative on fatherhood and family life. Host Alec Lace interviews “high profile” dads, from sports legends to TV personalities. They break down how fatherhood has transformed them, along with the bright spots, the crazy times, and the moments that melt your heart. It provides unique and unexpectedly open discussions on what fathers’ experience through all stages of a child’s life.

The Longest Shortest Time

For something more adult oriented, The Longest Shortest Time has unfiltered stories from a variety of parents discussing all kinds of situations. It is often not for kids’ ears. That’s part of what makes it appealing though. It’s real. It’s raw. It talks about so many of the topics that parents face but may not broach in conversation. Sperm shopping, getting pregnant, babies, couples, sex, sleep, kids, and loss, this podcast has a wide range of real life talk to make you laugh, cry, and escape for a few minutes.

Mom and Dad are Fighting

Looking for a little comedic relief? Mom and Dad are Fighting can give you a few laughs that you otherwise wouldn’t have had. This podcast runs the gamut from toddler to teen, and all things in between. Potty training, screen time, medical fears, play dates, picking your battles, and how to enjoy long car rides with the whole family, there is enough to keep you occupied for hours. All with a little bit of humor to help get you through these milestones and situations. As you understand from their disclaimer, this podcast also isn’t the best for little ears. So, keep this to headphones or when baby is napping.

One Bad Mother

Another one that isn’t exactly meant for little ears, One Bad Mother IS specifically for moms. From relatable mortifying moments, to shattering gender roles, to a whole slew of parenting topics, it’s a refreshing take on what the stereotypical “mom” should or shouldn’t be and some of the challenges parents face with a whole lot of humor mixed in.

Best of Both Worlds

Balancing parenthood and a career can be challenging. Best of Both Worlds takes this topic head on. Cohosts Laura Vanderkam and Sarah Hart-Unger are devoted to both their families and their careers. They share tips on how to successfully navigate both. With interviews from well-known guests such as Heidi Murkoff, the author of “What to Expect When You Are Expecting,” and answers to listener questions, this podcast can offer a little support to those looking to navigate the workplace and caring for a family.

PediaCast

If you are interested in something with a medical approach, PediaCast is a good option. Pulling from his own experience as a pediatrician, interviewing pediatric and parenting experts, as well as fielding questions from parents themselves, Dr. Mike discusses just about every medical topic or situation you can think of. Have another question? Try submitting it to have your specific topic discussed.

Life Kit: Parenting

For some more practical, science-based insight, NPR’s Life Kit: Parenting Edition has you covered. This podcast has discussions ranging from pregnancy through the teenage years. With lighthearted topics ranging from picking out a baby name and reading to your children aloud, to more pointed conversations about mental health and social issues, Life Kit provides thought provoking and insightful talks for all stages of your child’s life.

February 11, 2022
10 Best Kitchen Gadgets and New Technology for Faster and Happier Cooking

While there’s always a place for age-old practices in the kitchen—your grandmother’s famous chocolate chip cookie recipe, for instance—taking advantage of the latest gadgets and newest technology can help make cooking quicker, easier, and tastier. Especially when there are little mouths to feed, putting a meal together can feel like a chore, but as we all know, nourishing your family with wholesome and nutritious food is essential. Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or would rather order in every night (no judgment!), it’s important to instill healthy eating habits early on in your child’s life. Here, we’re rounding up the best kitchen gadgets and newest technology to make cooking for your family less stressful, easier, and even a little fun.

1). Save time without sacrificing taste. This smart instant pot combines eight kitchen appliances into one, and it can connect to and be controlled by your mobile device.

2). Bye-bye onion tears; hello new best friend! Having a vegetable chopper on your counter is like hiring your very own sous-chef, minus the cost and random person in your house…

3). A meat thermometer is a must-have in every kitchen. Not only does it ensure that your food is being cooked to the appropriate (and safe!) temperature, but it also takes the guesswork out of grilling that perfect steak.

4). Speaking of grandma’s cookies, this sifter and scale attachment will make whipping up a batch in your electric mixer quicker and more precise than ever before.

5). If you’ve ever considered making your own baby food, this three-in-one food blender and steamer will help you cook, blend, and reheat with ease.

6). Can’t remember when you opened that jar of pasta sauce or how long leftovers have been in the fridge? Keep track of perishables with a digital tracker that attaches to items via suction cup and records the number of days that pass.

7). If you haven’t heard of a sous vide before, listen up. Basically, you attach the machine to any pot, add water, drop in the desired food in a sealed bag or glass jar, and voilà! The cooker’s timer and precise temperature control—which you can monitor via your mobile device—allow you to step away while your food cooks perfectly.

8). The best days start with good coffee. Whether you’re in the mood for hot or iced, this programmable brewer is totally customizable to your tastes. Plus with its large water reservoir, you can make up to eight cups of coffee without having to refill, saving you time in the morning.

9). Air frying is all the rage these days, and for good reason too, as you get the flavor of deep frying without the fat that goes along with it. Our pick has been cleverly designed to take up 20% less space than previous models, without losing any of its power or capacity.

10). Sometimes the simplest technology is the sweetest. Get to dessert faster with a heat conducting ice cream scoop that glides through even the most frozen of treats.

“Homemade” doesn’t have to take all day, and with new technology and time-saving gadgets for your kitchen, it’s never been easier to cook and eat smart. Bon appétit!

This post contains affiliate link(s). If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we will get a small commission. These affiliate links help our business continue to provide the best services possible. Thanks!

August 19, 2019
10 Smart Ways to Cool Your House Naturally This Summer

As the temperature rises this summer, getting out of the heat and spending time inside your air-conditioned home is a safe and cool option, but the price of constantly running your AC adds up. However, when temperatures spike to dangerous levels they can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and negatively impact your mental well-being, making it seem like the only option is to get the AC going so you and your family can survive the heat. Luckily, there are ways to make your house a cool sanctuary that both protect you from dangerous temperatures and keep you from breaking the bank! Keep reading for ten smart ways to cool your house naturally this summer.

1. Trap the cool.Place fans in open windows at night. Then early the next morning, close the windows and draw the blinds to keep in the fresh air. For even more protection against the sun, invest in blackout curtains or medium-colored draperies with white plastic backings, which can reduce heat gain by up to 33 percent.

2. Create airflow. Simply opening windows that are across from each other isn’t always the most effective way to achieve a cross-breeze. Instead, open the windows at the lowest and highest points in your house to create a “chimney” effect. Cool air enters the house through the lower windows, and as it heats up, travels upward and eventually out the upper windows. Experiment with different combinations of open and closed windows until you find the one that produces the best airflow.

3. Put it on ice. Fill a mixing bowl with ice, and position it at an angle in front of a large fan. This will cause the air to whip off the ice, resulting in an extra chilly breeze.

4. Change the sheets. Opt for breathable bed linens like cotton, and rest your head on a buckwheat pillow which doesn’t retain heat.

5. Stay low. Since heat rises, it will be cooler on the lower levels of your house. If it’s too hot to stay upstairs, plan a slumber party where the whole family sleeps in the basement or living room.

6. Close the doors. If there are any rooms in your house that are not used regularly, close the doors to them. This will allow the cool air to stay concentrated in the most lived-in spaces.

7. Turn counter-clockwise. Did you know that if you set your ceiling fans to counter-clockwise at a higher speed, the fan’s airflow will create a wind-chill breeze effect?

8. Go eco-friendly. In addition to saving energy, making the switch from incandescent to LED light bulbs will keep your home cooler, as they emit less heat.

9. Fire up the grill. Take advantage of the warmer temps outside, and try to keep the oven off during the summer months.

10. Make a long-term investment. Permanent solutions like awnings and insulated window films will keep your home cooler for years to come, and while you may not reap the full benefits this season, planting trees or vines near windows will provide even more shade.

Cooling your house naturally can be a smart and budget-friendly way to beat the heat, and with these few simple tricks, your family won’t even miss the AC. For more tips, check out our recent post, 7 Ways to Keep Your Baby and Kids Cool During the Summer Months.

This post contains affiliate link(s). If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we will get a small commission. These affiliate links help our business continue to provide the best services possible. Thanks!

July 11, 2019
Refreshing Summer Drinks for the Whole Family

The heat is on, and as we all know, staying hydrated is key to not losing your cool. While water tops the list as the smartest beverage of choice (especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding), sometimes the dog days of summer call for a bit more flavor. Here, we’re serving up delicious drink recipes for the whole family, including mom-friendly mocktails and healthy options for babies and kids.

Keep things simple with Watermelon Lemonade. Just combine your favorite store bought lemonade like All Natural Simply Lemonade with watermelon juice, and add a few frozen watermelon chunks for a refreshing thirst quencher. And if your little one is over eight-months old, she can enjoy her own special watermelon drink, too! Blend three cups of seedless watermelon chunks with a tablespoon of homemade date syrup for a slightly sweet juice that’s also nutritious.

Follow this Fizzy Fruity Floats recipe for a fun drink and dessert in-one that kids of all ages are sure to love. Made with vanilla ice cream and your favorite fruit soda, it’s a juicy twist on the classic (which is also always a good idea). And for a lighter treat, opt for frozen yogurt instead of ice cream.

For a more filling and drinkable snack, this Peanut Butter and Fruit Smoothie is sure to become a family favorite. Peel and freeze some bananas ahead of time, and use your milk of choice for a healthy and protein-packed smoothie that’s easy to make.

Speaking of smoothies, this Strawberry Banana Lactation Smoothie includes three milk-boosting ingredients (oats, brewer’s yeast, and flaxseed) to help increase milk supply and keep you full until lunch!

This Strawberry Basil Lime Cooler recipe combines club soda, lime wedges, strawberries, and fresh mint for a booze-free libation that’s totally tasty. Or, you can make it 21+ by adding a shot of tequila, vodka, or gin.

Show off your mixology skills and shake up a round of Lady Lavender’s Mocktails at your next girls’ night. Crafted with fresh grapefruit juice, lavender syrup, grenadine, club soda, and sprigs of basil and lavender, this drink tastes just as good as it looks.

Though not technically a drink, your baby will love cooling off with these breastmilk popsicles. Made with puréed avocado and pear and of course, breastmilk, these cold treats not only provide a substantial amount of nutrition, but they also help to soothe sore teething gums. Plus, they can stay frozen for up to three months, making them an easy grab-and-go snack.

There’s nothing like a cold drink on a hot day, and with these recipes, the whole family can beat the heat this summer. Cheers!

This post contains affiliate link(s). If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we will get a small commission. These affiliate links help our business continue to provide the best services possible. Thanks!

July 9, 2019
Easy Fourth of July Inspired Recipes

It’s hard to believe the Fourth of July is right around the corner (wasn’t it just Memorial Day?!), which means the summer is officially in full swing. And while hot dogs and hamburgers may be synonymous with the season, fresh fruit and veggies make cooking and eating healthy easier than ever. As a new mom, you already know how important it is to fuel your body right, and whether you’ve begun to introduce solid foods to your baby’s diet or are attempting to expand your toddler’s palette, the tastes of summer can’t be beat. Here, we’re rounding up our favorite Fourth of July inspired recipes that are delicious, healthy, easy-to-make, and highlight some of the season’s freshest ingredients.

Breakfast

Made with whole wheat pastry flour (meaning less gluten and more fiber), these whole wheat blueberry muffins can be baked in large batches and will power you and your family through a busy morning on-the-go.

For the little one, this blueberry, chickpea, and rosemary purée is a fiber rich and protein packed way to start the day. And as an added bonus, rosemary not only adds flavor, but it’s also known to promote healthy circulation and digestion. Plus, it’s super easy to grow, even indoors!

Lunch

Salads are great, but often, there’s not enough time in the middle of the day for all that chopping and tossing. This grilled goat cheese sandwich with peaches and raspberry jam is a delicious upgrade to the classic, and whole-grain bread adds an extra dose of protein to keep you full longer.

Once your baby is old enough for grains (typically around 7 or 8 months), pasta can be a quick and nutritious go-to meal. Opt for whole-grain to avoid refined carbohydrates, and rather than topping it with a jar tomato sauce that’s likely high in salt and sugar, make your own in bulk (perhaps using veggies from your garden or the farmer’s market), and freeze it in single serve containers. This iron rich and dairy free recipe calls for white beans for a thicker texture—making it easier for babies to eat with their hands—and it also serves as a healthy “hidden veggie” pasta sauce for picky toddlers.

Dinner

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbeque, attending a party, or spending the day at home this Fourth of July, it’s the perfect opportunity to try out some new summer recipes. For a healthy side, grilled corn on the cob with lime butter is sure to be a fan favorite (just skip the ancho chili sauce on the kiddos’ cobs). This red, white, and blue quinoa fruit salad is a tasty dish that can easily feed a large group. And for the main course, BBQ chicken with a slaw made of juicy peaches and feta is a flavor explosion that’s simple to make.

Since babies can begin eating bite-sized pieces of protein (including certain meats) between 7 and 8 months old, put some plain chicken to the side so you won’t have to prepare a separate meal. Add corn (off the cob, of course), blueberries, and sliced strawberries for a balanced and patriotic dinner.

Dessert

Making your own ice cream is time-consuming, but with a food processor, you can whip up a delicious (and healthy!) sorbet in under 5 minutes. This quick and easy recipe takes the ultimate summer fruit, watermelon, and transforms it into a cold and refreshing treat using just two ingredients: frozen watermelon and lime juice. And because it’s sugar and dairy free, this is a dessert that the whole family can enjoy.

Take advantage of the fresh flavors of summer before it’s over. Whether you’re planning an Independence Day bash or putting together the weekly grocery list, simplicity is key when it comes to eating healthy and happy.

June 17, 2019
The Best Outdoor Games & Toys for Summer

There’s so much to love about summer: trips to the beach, backyard barbeques, bike rides, fireworks, s’mores… the list goes on. Longer days mean there’s more time to get outside and play, and you don’t have to wait until your baby can crawl or swim to take full advantage of the fresh air. Studies have shown that the health benefits of nature for infants include the development of language and basic motor skills as well as the promotion of healthy sleep patterns, giving us all the more reason to get outdoors. Even just a walk around the block can do wonders for both baby and you, so investing in a quality stroller is an absolute must. And if there are older kids at home, you’ll want to have a bunch of activities on hand to get them outside as well (and avoid the inevitable groans of “I’m bored” over the coming months). Here, we’re rounding up the best outdoor games and toys for summer that children of all ages will enjoy.

By Land or By Sea: Outdoor Fun for Babies & Toddlers

While your little one may not be ready to swim just yet, the Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy by SwimWays is designed to help both babies and parents relax during the water introduction experience. Plus, its removable canopy has mesh sides and offers UPF 50+ sun protection.

If you’re staying on land, the compact, lightweight folding frame of the Pop N’ Jump comes fully assembled and sets up in seconds while still providing important sun protection. And with its spinner ball, rattle, teether, mirror book, and jumping feature, your baby is sure to be entertained wherever you go.

Splash mats are a great way for kids to keep cool in the heat, and this one by SwimSchool is designed specifically with babies in mind. Recommended for ages 6 to 18 months, the extra-wide inflatable mat also features a backrest and removable canopy to keep your little one upright and in the shade while splashing.

No matter where you live, this duel sandbox and water table will transform your backyard or patio into your toddler’s very own beach. Holding both play sand and water, it’s guaranteed to become an instant outdoor favorite of kids and parents alike.

Baby on the move? This wooden lawnmower push toy promotes the development of gross motor skills, and is perfect for new walkers. Plus, it is handcrafted with solid cherry and birch wood, and the balls are painted and sealed with a non-toxic, food-grade coloring.

Take your little one for a bicycle ride in the 2 Seat Kids Bike Trailer by Burley. Its hammock style seat design means your child is not sitting on the floor of the trailer, and it folds flat for easy transportation and storage.

Summer Cool Down: Backyard Activities for Kids

For the smallest of green thumbs in your family, this Melissa & Doug gardening set is the perfect introduction to planting and growing. The five-piece set includes a sturdy tool belt with adjustable self-stick closure and pocket, gardening gloves, trowel, watering can, and plant pot.

Don’t have a pool? No problem. The H2OGO! Fun Sketching Art Splash Blobz is more than just a cool surface for kids to play on and slide across. It also comes with five erasable crayons to use for coloring on the exterior of the blob for double the fun and creativity.

Play Ball: Outdoor Games for the Whole Family

Whether playing on grass or sand, this Rollors Outdoor Game combines the best parts of horseshoes, bocce ball, and bowling all into one. Our suggestion? Host a neighborhood tournament for a full afternoon of friendly competition.

Baseball is America’s favorite pastime for a reason. Nothing beats a classic game of wiffle ball on a summer evening, and this complete set has everything you need to get started.

Summer is finally here! Get the entire family outside with games and toys that encourage movement, creativity, and endless fun—just don’t forget the sunscreen!

This post contains affiliate link(s). If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we will get a small commission. These affiliate links help our business continue to provide the best services possible. Thanks!

June 14, 2019
Easy Home Décor Ideas: Bring the Indoors Out

‘Tis the season of barbeques and s’mores, and afternoons in the sun that turn into evenings under the stars. Longer days and warmer nights make spending time outside with your family and friends one of the best parts of summer, and especially if you’re a new mom, the ability to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air is essential. With just a few simple touches, you can easily transform your backyard or patio into a chic escape that’s also baby approved.

Start from the bottom up with an outdoor rug that’s durable yet comfortable enough for tummy time. Top it with several oversized outdoor pillows to make the floor the best seat in the house, and be sure to have some cozy throw blankets on hand for cuddling once the sun goes down. The soft glow of bistro lights creates instant ambiance, and when paired with a cute folding table, will make you feel like you’re out at a French café instead of lounging in your own backyard (sweatpants optional though highly encouraged). Keep entertaining simple with acrylic glassware featuring a stackable design and shatterproof, easy-care melamine dinnerware that’s both pretty and practical—and perfect for those impromptu visits from friends and family excited to meet the newest addition. Just don’t be surprised if you have a hard time getting them to leave your outdoor oasis…

Want to go all out? Get the most out of your extra square footage with a patio conversation set that the whole family can enjoy. And to really heat things up, a natural gas fire pit will transform your new favorite space into one you can use all summer long and into the fall.

Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in a new mom’s life, but it can also feel isolating. By creating an outdoor area in which both you and your little one can relax, you’ll be able to take advantage of all the benefits of summer without having to leave the comforts of home.

This post contains affiliate link(s). If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we will get a small commission. These affiliate links help our business continue to provide the best services possible. Thanks!

June 4, 2019