Birth Plans for Dummies - Review & Insight from a 3rd Time Mom

No stranger to the Dummies books, I already own several on various topics from crochet to weight training, I am a fan of the way the books are put together and contain a thorough collection of instructions and tips. 

Now being on pregnancy #3, I jumped at the chance to review Birth Plans for Dummies.

I originally wanted to review this for first time Moms reading my blog, but I quickly realized there was still a wealth of information for Moms on a 2nd, 3rd or 4th pregnancy. After a failed VBAC for baby #2, I know I will be scheduling a C-section this time around, but that doesn't mean I can't be prepared, educated, and ready with a birth plan that fits my needs.

This book is great for either a cover to cover read, or used as a reference book for the chapters that pertain to your pregnancy. I first started at the back and read through chapter 14, Cesarean Section: Yes, You Have Options. It was a great summary of what to expect and what choices you still have. I know many Moms feel blind sighted by a C-section, and feel regret that their birth plan was thrown out the window. This chapter really highlights the fact you still have options and, I believe, is an important thing to think about even if you are hoping for a natural delivery.

With my first pregnancy I didn't even read or think about C-sections, so I was completely unprepared.

Of course, other Moms having natural births will find lot of tips and ideas to think about before their big day.

Many new or expectant Moms are gifted a wide variety of baby books... or perhaps you headed straight for the bookstore when you found out you were expecting? So, why add Birth Plans for Dummies to your personal library? This book is set-up in the beloved For Dummies format. Bullets, highlights and icons help the reader find information quickly and in small chunks.

If you are familiar with the books, you probably already know what to expect:

Being pregnant is overwhelming enough, this book will take you through all the steps and prepare you for that amazing day.

Bottom line, you have options. This book will help point out available options, methods and strategies to help you find the ones that are right for you. I think it empowers soon-to-be-parents to ask questions and advocate for their beliefs and wishes. This is the most comprehensive book on birth planning I have read to date and again, I even learned a thing or two that will help me next Summer.

Locate a retailer and grab or gift a copy of Birth Plans For Dummies

*Disclaimer - I received a copy of this book to write my review. All opinions and experiences are my own.

Pregnant for the 3rd Time Around - How Do I Get it All Done?

Yes, with two small children at home, I am so excited to be preparing for baby number 3, coming Summer of 2013.

I have to say, pregnancy is better suited for the young. Now, I had my first baby at 29, but that seemed so much easier than at 34. I am tired, achy  and sicker than a dog most days. Yes, this baby has made quite an impression on all of us already. I may just have to call her "pancake" because that has become the go-to meal around our house. -If you have small children, you know they don't mind pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Thank goodness!

Though I plan to share updates as this pregnancy progresses, I am waiting till we have the first ultrasound after Thanksgiving. The office was booked tight leading up to the holiday season so I have to wait a bit longer to check to see if this pregnancy is on track. Of course, I am a "mature" mama at 34, so they hit me with all the increased dangers and statistics for complications. Nothing like starting out a beautiful new chapter with anxiety, right?

Exercise: So I had my last baby over 3 years ago. Much has changed in the world of baby gear and even the prenatal DVD selection has expanded. I have already started preparing and look forward to sharing what has me excited. Today I wanted to share the DVDs I have been using in addition to my regular exercise -when I have the energy, of course.

When I was pregnant with my son, the selection of prenatal DVDs was pretty small. I faithfully did my prenatal "yoga" DVD everyday, but I would really call it strengthening. It was more stretching and breathing. That was fine, but this time around I was thrilled to find several options that not only work on those topics, but also on retaining and building a strong core. Yes, several of the options are quite challenging. I hope to revisit each of these DVDs here over the next few months and give you my thoughts on each. None of these were sponsored, these are just DVDs I have added to my collection or recommended by friends.

I have dived right into the Knocked-Up Fitness Series so far, but am waiting till my energy level goes up to really start utilizing it.

Cravings this pregnancy? Japanese Food, pickles and protein so far.

Downside? Fighting massive fatigue with two small kids at home, being sick most days and falling behind on the housework.

Upside? My kids are excited and so interested in everything baby related right now. It is adorable!

I am due June 19th, but expect that date to change after my first ultrasound.

So, did you exercise while pregnant? What was your favorite way to stay active?

Fueling a Better Pregnancy & Brainstrong Prenatal

Even with two pregnancies under my belt, trying to eat the best diet possible for another growing person is my biggest concern. During my first pregnancy I didn't always make the best choices on food. I was working full time and often grabbed what was fast, convenient and could be stored in my desk.  Always hungry, I craved carbohydrates like potatoes, starchy foods and sweet treats. My weight just kept climbing and it was a tough pregnancy towards the end.

With my daughter, and second pregnancy, food was simpler, fresher and more balanced. My meat was balanced with other forms of protein like beans, nuts and soy. I felt better, gained less extra (unhealthy weight) and my blood pressure was better, too. The difference was all on my plate.

For me it was following the example my Grandpa gave me years before. He always encouraged us to eat a rainbow on our plates. Celebrating nature's orange, red, green and violet as a guide to eating well worked  for me.

This time around I feel like I can take  everything I learned from my past and eat to fuel a better pregnancy. 

A rainbow is made up of R-O-Y-G-B-I-V:

Red - like beets and tomatoes contain lycopene, great antioxidants. This time of year I am enjoying fresh tomatoes and watermelon straight off the vine, but during the colder months I will be eating it in homemade tomato sauces and soups.

Organge & Yellow - Carrots are the first that come to mind, but I also love cantaloupe. The orange and yellow coloring comes from beta carotene good for both skin and eyes.

Green - Love me some dark leafy greens! You can hold the iceberg lettuce, I have fallen head over heels in love with kale and spinach. I hold this group up high in importance because I usually have a slight iron deficiency during pregnancy. Iron rich foods are my friends. Many of these also contain folate or folic acid, so important for a baby's brain and spinal cord development.

Blue, Indigo, and Violet - There is more here than just the blueberries... though I love them so! Don't forget those plums (and cousins the prunes), black beans and dark grapes. These are all rich in flavonoids which are a great antioxidant for cell walls. Also the black beans pack in some iron and those prunes will help some of the less than fun issues associated with pregnancy.

Doesn't that all sound yummy... and pretty?

Well, in the even that I miss a color, or am still not getting everything I need to grow a strong and healthy baby, I can count on a good prenatal vitamin to fill in the gaps.

Brainstrong Prenatal contains the highest amount of folic acid and DHA on the market without a prescription. It is a complete prenatal multivitamin consisting of 2 pills, neither of which is abnormally large. Ever take one of those?  These are also from a vegetarian source and not fish, so rest assured there is no fear of potential contaminants.

So why is DHA so important? DHA helps with brain development in a developing fetus. A baby relys on the Mother to provide them with enough and many OB/GYNs urge expectant Moms to take a prenatal that contains DHA. Those tiny little budding brains take 70% of the energy supply during fetal development. Feed it right with the DHA they need.

During my first pregnancy I couldn't find a prenatal that included DHA and had to buy a different product to get that supplemented. I love that this time around one product is all I need. As for the cost? It is very reasonable and often less than most copays. We all want what is best for our growing baby, and this is a great way to assure you are doing everything you can to support a healthy pregnancy.

*Disclaimer - I received a sample of Brainstrong Prenatal and was compensated for this post, but all opinions expressed are my own. Your experiences may vary. Always consult your doctor if you have any medical questions.

Premama, Not Your Mama's Prenatal! Review & #Giveaway

I am back on the prenatal vitamins! Yes, gagging down those huge pills are not my favorite thing, but while TTC my first two children, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, I dutifully did it. I wanted to make sure my body had everything it needed to grow and nurture future life.

Oddly enough, when my husband and I started taking fish oil tablets he complained about the enormous size of the pill! I politely pointed out that was the same size as my usual prenatal vitamin. *sigh*

 I am happy to say, there is a better option out there. Premama is a prenatal vitamin drink mix with DHA.

Ready for the busy Mom or Mom-to-be, the little packets are easy to slip into my purse or diaper bag and just need to be mixed with 12 ounces of water.

During my second pregnancy my morning sickness was a real problem. I was so nauseous in the morning and couldn't always keep my food down or had not appetite. Of course, that is when I usually took my prenatal vitamin. Premama allows me to take just half of the packet in the morning and half later. 

The drink mix contains folic acid, iron, DHA, CoQ10 and calcium. The ingredients are 100% natural, only has 6 calories and is *flavorless.

*I thought the mix had a very slight flavor, though it was pleasant and really not too noticeable. If you are worried about the flavor I suggest mixing it with ice water or your favorite juice.

Giveaway Time!!

I am happy to offer one lucky reader a 30-day supply of Premama to try for themselves. Are you TTC? Currently pregnant or nursing? Be sure to enter and try this great product. Giveaway ends 5/23/2012.

Entry is simple!

Mandatory - Just leave me a comment below on why you want to try Premama.

Extra entry - Tweet about this giveaway or share on your favorite site or giveaway linky. Leave me a link to your post or tweet. One entry per day per method you use.

Be sure to leave an email contact if it isn't visible in your Blogger profile.

Good luck!

*Disclaimer - This review and giveaway was made possible by MomSelect and Premama. All opinions are my own. My experience may be different than yours.