Prenatal Yoga

The gym might be a bit much while you're pregnant and you may not feel comfortable doing some of your usual workout routines. However, this does not mean you shouldn't have a healthy outlet to erode some of the stresses of pregnancy. You might consider doing yoga as an alternative way to relax your body and still stay in shape. 

Many women are turning to prenatal yoga to stay fit during their nine month journey. This should be no surprise due to the countless benefits yoga has for women who are expecting. Prenatal yoga, when performed in the correct way, can be a great low impact exercise that both stretches and strengthens the body. Yoga's unique breathing techniques have the ability to decrease fatigue and stress levels as well. Aside from the physical aspects of prenatal yoga, it's an amazing way to meet other expecting moms taking classes also! 

Here are some great poses to channel your inner yoga goddess...


 Camel Pose

-stretches hips and chest
-aids in better posture
-strengthens back muscles
















Cow Pose/Cat Pose

-stretches front torso and neck
-gives a gentle massage to the spine

-stretches back torso and back
-gives a gentle massage to the spine








Garland Pose 

-stretches back torso, ankles, and groins
-strengthens abdomen muscles

Wide-Legged Forward Bend 

-stretches the legs and spine
-calms the brain













Reclining Bound Angle Pose 

-stretches inner thighs, groins, and knees
-helps relieve stress

Babymoon Destinations

First you find out you’re pregnant, then between all the doctor visits and prepping for the baby you may forget about you and your partner’s needs. Even with all the craziness going on, you still need to make time for yourself and your relationship. You deserve a “last hurrah” to reconnect, don’t forget how you got the baby to start with! What better way to spend time together than with a luxurious babymoon! A babymoon is a popular trip couples take pre-baby. The getaway isn’t just a trendy thing to do, it truly is good for both you and the baby. Everybody needs a little personal time to relax their body from the stresses of pregnancy. A healthy you means a healthy baby! You might want to try out one of these top babymoon hot spots!

Charleston, S.C.

East coasters, if you don’t want to travel too far but still want to get away, Charleston S.C. might be the place for you. Charleston is a charming little town with tons to offer every couple. Nestled on the beautiful east coast, parents-to-be can relax in the calming city in a number of stylish hotels. Or if they’re interested in getting out, they can take a stroll down The Battery or pop into one of the local art galleries.

Where to stay: The Elliott House Inn

http://www.elliotthouseinn.com/gallery/

Miami, FL

Who doesn’t like warm tropical air on their skin or falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore? If you do, then Miami is just what you need. Once the baby comes, your social life may take a brief hiatus so be sure to indulge in some fun activities while on your babymoon as well. Miami has a slew of 5 star hotels with views of it’s breathtaking white sand beaches but it also has an awesome nightlife. Dance the night away with your hubby then call it a night at one of Miami’s gorgeous resorts.

Where to stay: The Setai Hotel

http://www.thesetaihotel.com/

Scottsdale, AZ

Maybe you are looking for something a little more laid back. If you want to be pampered and feel like a queen on your stay, have your hubby take you here. Let the heat soothe any aches and pains pregnancy might be causing you. Stay at one of Scottsdale’s upscale couple’s retreats and take the time you both deserve to reconnect.

Where to stay: Boulders Resort & Spa

http://www.theboulders.com

Turks and Caicos

If you’re feeling up to it and looking for something a little more exotic Turks and Caicos is a great option. With just a short flight from the east coast, you can take your babymoon abroad! Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Turks and Caicos will have couples feeling relaxed in no time. Stay at one of the many 5 star resorts and indulge in world renowned spa packages. If you’re looking to get out and about, with an abundance of activities, this Caribbean hot spot is a top contender for babymoon destinations. Go snorkeling in the clear blue waters or enjoy a food tasting cruise and experience all of Turks and Caicos’ authentic cuisine.

Where to stay: Gansevoort Turks + Caicos

http://www.gansevoorthotelgroup.com/hotels/gansevoort-turks-caicos/

Ontario, Canada

Peace and serenity are the focus of our next babymoon destination. Get in-tune with mother nature in Ontario, Canada. Home to the popular tourist destination: Niagara Falls, Ontario is a great babymoon destination because it is great in both the winter or summer months. Stay in one of the area’s rustic yet homey hotels and get back in touch with nature.

Where to stay: E’Terra Suites
http://www.eterra.ca/

A Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Car Seat

Picking the right car seat, seams easy enough. How hard can it be? Well, this is definitely something you should do your research on. Depending upon a few factors there are some things you should be aware of.

First of all, you need to decide if you want to go with a infant seat also known as the “bucket seat” or a convertible car seat which starts out facing the rear but converts to front facing, once your baby gets older. Most parents decide to go with the infant seat because it is much more portable than the convertible option. Infant seats allow you to transfer the seat from the car directly to the stroller without ever waking the baby. Plus you can transfer them from multiple cars with only purchasing a base for each car. The convertible car seat needs to be moved as a complete unit which is cumbersome and tricky every time you need to attach it in a different car it also can not be snapped into a stroller which is a major plus for the infant seat.

What’s your budget? In the long list of items you’ll need for your little one it’s best to be smart about your purchases. Decide what you are willing to spend and stick to that number. Ultimately, newborn car seats will only last you about 12 months so you’ll eventually have to purchase a new seat once your baby gets older. Another option is going with a used car seat. This can save you money but there are some things parents should remember. Most used car seats do not come with a manual, this may cause you to install it improperly which could be very dangerous. You also might not know its history. If it was involved in any accidents, minor or not, most manufacturers recommend a full replacement of the seat. It would be best to get it from a reliable and trusted source such as a friend or family member so you know the history of its use.

How big or small should it be? This may be a tricky question if it’s your first child because you’ll want to get a seat that accommodates your baby’s stature. However, you also want to think about your vehicle and its daily uses for your family. Will you be having multiple children in car seats? If so, a less bulky seat is a better way to go. Keep in mind, attachments such as cup holders or thick upholstery can make car seats take up more space.

Common mistakes:

Car seats expire. Yes, they expire. Manufactures can only guarantee their parts for so long (usually around 5-10 years). This is especially important, if you decide to go the used route, make sure you know when it was originally purchased.

Installation issues. Proper installation is one of the most common yet avoidable mistakes parents make. Thoroughly understand how your specific model is supposed to be installed in your vehicle and check it every time you put your child in their seat. Infants especially have specific requirements for safely sitting in their seat.

Register your car seat! This is crucial. By registering your car seat with the manufacturer you will be input into a database, so if there is ever a recall you will be notified. It’s also helpful if you lose or damage a part, this gives you easy access to receive a replacement.

Here are a few great options:

Infant Seats

Chicco KeyFit 30 - $199

The KeyFit high quality, designed great, and affordable.

Cybex Aton 2 - $299

The Cybex is ingeniously designed with safety features other seats lack and has a beautiful design.

Convertible Car Seats:

Britax Marathon 70-G3 - $250

The Britax is easy to use and provides top comfort for your baby.

Safety 1st OnSide Air - $80

The OnSide is a top performer when it comes to safety and won’t break your bank.

Baby on the way? There's an app for that!

As an expecting parent it may be overwhelming with all the new things you are exposed to and the decisions you have to make. Nine months might sound like a long time but before you know your baby will be here! Staying sane during pregnancy may be tough at times, but the more prepared you are the more your mind will be at ease. Luckily, today new moms have an abundance of new resources at their fingertips to help them manage their pregnancy! Women have access to maternity apps, blogs, and products all aimed at improving the mother’s pregnancy journey.

There are quite a few prenatal apps available but a big favorite is the Ovia Pregnancy app. Ovia not only can tell you pretty much everything you want to know about any given point in your pregnancy it also has a stylish interface and is easily navigable. What’s so great about Ovia is that it is personalized to you. You simply input your body stats throughout your pregnancy and Ovia will provide you with specific recommendations for keeping you and your little one as healthy as possible through the duration of your pregnancy. This baby does it all, find out what foods you can and cannot eat, read interesting articles on all things pregnancy, get daily updates on your baby’s development, and see if any symptoms you are having are normal or not. Here’s a look and if it’s something you think you might like it’s available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ovia-pregnancy-tracker-baby/id719135369?mt=8