IVF Surrogacy: What Is It and How Does It Work? 

IVF surrogacy is becoming a common option for people who cannot carry a pregnancy but wish to share a genetic connection with their babies. Every year, thousands of children are born in the US through the surrogacy process. But what exactly is IVF surrogacy, how and how does it work, and who needs it? Let’s find the answers to these questions.

IVF Surrogacy
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

What is IVF surrogacy?

IVF surrogacy is an arrangement in which the surrogate mother agrees to carry and deliver a pregnancy for a couple or individual who cannot do so on their own. The process is an inseparable part of gestational surrogacy. In the IVF process, eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors are “mixed” in the lab to create the embryo. The embryo is then transferred into the womb of the gestational surrogate, who carries the baby to term. 

Who uses IVF surrogacy?

People who often take this rewarding path to parenthood include:

    • Heterosexual couples who are struggling to get pregnant
    • LGBTQ+ couples and individuals
    • Single parents
    • Intended mothers who cannot carry a pregnancy
    • Intended parents who don’t want to pass a hereditary condition to their babies 

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Steps involved in IVF surrogacy 

Step I: Meet with your physician

The first step in the IVF surrogacy process is to schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist. This will allow you to discuss your surrogacy goals, preferences, as well as your personal and family medical history.   

Step II: Look for an egg or sperm donor

The next step is to find someone who will provide the egg or sperm for IVF (if you are not using your own genetic materials). 

Step III: Embryo Creation

The IVF egg retrieval and fertilization are performed in the lab to create embryos. The embryo is frozen until the surrogate is ready for the transfer procedure. 

Step IV: Find a surrogate mother

You will look for a surrogate mother that suits your needs and circumstances and according to surrogate mother cost. Once you have found the right surrogate, your surrogacy agency will complete all the necessary paperwork to ensure the rights of both parties are protected during the process. 

Step V: Complete embryo transfer

The embryo will be placed in the surrogate mother’s womb to achieve a pregnancy. Two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood test is conducted to check if conception has occurred successfully. 

Step VI: Take the baby home

Once the gestational carrier gives birth to the baby, she will hand him/her to the intended parents, who would finalize the legal paperwork for parenthood and go home with the new baby

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IVF surrogacy costs 

Couples and individuals pursuing IVF surrogacy can expect to pay between $100,000 and $150,000. However, the cost may vary based on certain factors, such as the surrogate’s state, the fertility clinic you choose to work with, services required during the surrogacy, etc. 

The costs of IVF surrogacy can be divided into surrogate compensation, fertility clinic fees, legal fees, and agency fees. The agency fees usually cover all the services needed to ensure a successful surrogacy journey, including background checks, screenings, advertising, matching, support, and counseling. 

Conclusion 

IVF surrogacy is an exciting way to build a family. It gives intended parents the chance to have biological children, regardless of their age, sexual orientation, or background. People who may consider IVF surrogacy include infertile couples, single individuals, LGBTQ people, etc.


Author Bio

Natalie Bowes, B.A. (Integrative Physiology with focus on Endocrinology, Immunology, and Microbiology) Intended Parents Coordinator and Educator at fertile.com.

Natalie looks after the hopeful parents walking through the doors of RSMC and makes sure their parenthood journey progresses smoothly and successfully. Her past patient care experience and academic feats allow her to help intended parents understand every aspect of IVF journey. She loves staying active and enjoys hiking, yoga, and reading. 

 

The Surrogacy Process Isn’t Right For Everyone, But Is It Right For You?

The surrogacy process can be life changing.  If you are struggling with conceiving a baby on your own, this could be an option worth considering.  Or, you may be interested in helping someone else begin a family of their own. 

Whether you are a hopeful intended parent, or a prospective surrogate considering this journey, you probably have many questions about how this process works. Let’s look at the surrogacy process in chronological order.

The Surrogacy Process
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Prepare for surrogacy

Before embarking on the surrogacy process, it’s important to understand how does surrogacy work?  That way, you can decide if it’s the right option for you and your family. You need to learn about the different surrogacy agreements available. Here is a brief overview: 

Gestational Surrogacy: In this process, the eggs will be provided by the intended mother (or a donor) and fertilized with sperm from the intended father (or a donor). The surrogate’s eggs are not involved in any way, so the surrogate will not have a genetic link with the baby.

Traditional Surrogacy: Is when the surrogate uses her eggs and is artificially inseminated with sperm from the intended father or a donor. Because her eggs are used, she will be genetically connected to the baby. There are several legal and emotional concerns with this form of surrogacy, therefore, it is not commonly pursued. 

Compensated Surrogacy: This is a surrogacy arrangement in which the surrogate is paid an agreed-upon amount for her services. 

Altruistic Surrogacy: Is when the surrogate is only compensated for surrogacy-related expenses. 

It’s also recommended that you think about your goals and start drafting your surrogacy plan. When working on your plan, you will need to think about the kind of intended parents or surrogate you would like to work with, the type of relationship would you like to have once the baby is born, and much more. 

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Find a Match

Once ready, it’s time to find your ideal match. This phase is probably one of the most exciting parts of the whole journey.  It’s important not to rush, to make sure you find your surrogacy soul mate, because you will have a very close relationship with your surrogate/intended parents for at least twelve months. 

When looking for intended parents or a surrogate, it’s vital that you define your expectations for the journey, and make sure that the other party has the same expectations. A good surrogacy plan will be a boon during this phase. 

Medical and Psychological Screening 

After the matching, one of the less pleasant phases begins. The surrogate will need to undergo a medical screening and psychological evaluation to confirm that she is in good shape and is psychologically ready to pursue a surrogacy journey. 

Complete the Surrogacy Contract 

While surrogacy is an exciting journey, there are always ups and downs to navigate; the surrogacy contract will help to protect all parties. 
This legal document sets out the rights and obligations of, both, the surrogate, and the intended parents. The agreement also outlines the parentage to be assigned to the child once it is born.  Each party should have individual legal representation, so that they can receive personalized advice and protection of their rights. Once both parties agree, the contract is signed. 

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Fertility Treatment and Pregnancy 

Once the surrogate has been cleared by the fertility doctor, and the contract has been drafted and signed, a nurse at the IVF clinic will schedule the various phases of the IVF cycle.  The treatment will vary depending on whether a fresh or frozen embryo transfer will be done. 

Fresh Embryo Transfer 

For a fresh embryo transfer, the egg donor and surrogate will have to synchronize their cycles. After the egg retrieval, the eggs will be fertilized, and then an embryo will be transferred to the surrogate. 

Frozen Embryo Transfer

In a frozen embryo transfer, frozen fertilized eggs from a previous IVF are thawed and transferred to the surrogate. About ten days after the embryo transfer, the surrogate will be tested (via blood test) to confirm pregnancy. 

If pregnancy is confirmed, an ultrasound will be done about six weeks later to confirm the heartbeat. Normally, after this ultrasound, the surrogate will be released to her OBGYN to continue with the typical prenatal care, checkups, and ultrasounds. However, if there are complications, a different approach might be recommended. 

Welcoming the New Baby 

The most exciting moment of the surrogacy journey, the birth is truly a life-changing experience for, both, the prospective parents, and the surrogate. Typically, the parents will accompany the surrogate to the hospital or meet her there, per their arrangement.


Author Bio

David Bull is the founder of MySurrogateMom, an online surrogacy community dedicated to everyone considering pursuing a surrogacy process in the US and Canada. He is a passionate advocate of surrogacy education and access for all seeking their third-party path to parenthood.

Website: MySurrogateMom.com is an independent surrogacy community designed to connect intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors. Finding the right match is an extremely personal process. We have created this space to help people connect with their surrogacy soulmate. Everything we do is meant to bring members together and help them in their search for this special person.  

Social Media Handles: FacebookTwitter | Instagram

  
 

Tips for Talking to Toddlers About a New Baby

When expecting a new baby, telling anyone can be daunting, let alone the toddler you already have at home. The biggest struggle with talking to toddlers about a new baby is that your little one probably won’t understand what you’re talking about. Even if they do, they’ll probably have a range of mixed emotions about it:

Confusion“What does being a big brother/sister mean?”
Excitement“Yay! Someone to play with!”
Anger“I am not sharing you!”
Apprehension“Will you love me the same?”
Apathy“Whatever. Now, what about a snack?”

This short guide should help you when it’s time to have that conversation.

Talking to Toddlers About a New Baby
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Getting Toddlers Excited

Pretend baby. A good way of getting your toddler excited about the new baby is to have them practice what it might be like. For example, they can hold a bottle to a doll’s mouth or put them in a bassinet and show them pictures from a story.

Belly bonding. At around 16- to 18-weeks, you’ll probably be able to feel the baby starting to move. Encourage your toddler to lay their hand on your stomach so that they can feel too. At 24-weeks, your baby can hear sounds, so have your little one read or sing to them through your belly.

Discuss baby names. You don’t have to take the ideas from your toddler for a name for your new baby, but involving them in the discussion will make them feel important in the situation.

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Breaking the News

Timing is key! When talking to toddlers about a new baby, wait until the second trimester if you can. That way, you’ll know that all is well with your baby, and you’ll be starting to show signs of pregnancy. There’s no point in worrying your toddler until then unless you have bad morning sickness or fatigue earlier in the pregnancy.

Explain that it’s tough. You need to make sure that your little one knows that you’re not sick, just that growing a baby is hard work.

Keep it simple. Don’t assume that your toddler wants lots of detail. In fact, adults often over-complicate things for little ones because of that, so just tell them what they need to know. Then, of course, you should answer their questions, but keep your answers short and sweet.

Have a reassuring but honest tone. Explain how a new baby won’t mean that you and Daddy/Mommy won’t love your toddler any less, but that the baby will take up a lot of time.

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Explaining Pregnancy

Use picture books. Pictures are clearer than words for toddlers; just make sure that you choose an age-appropriate book.

Find old photos. Photos of your toddler as a baby will help them conceptualize what it’ll be like to have a new brother or sister. Pictures of Mommy during her previous pregnancy will also help so that your little one can imagine how Mommy’s body will change.

Other visual aids. Comparing a baby’s size is often good, such as showing your toddler an orange at 15-weeks gestation or a mango at 19-weeks. Another idea is to use a doll to show the baby’s appearance; you can even have your toddler help change a diaper on the dolly!


Author Bio

Brielle Albert is a writer and digital marketing professional. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree at New York University. Brielle has professional experience in social media marketing and copywriting.

How To Combat Pregnancy Cravings With Healthy Food

Weird cravings are as iconic to pregnancy as morning sickness and sore feet—and they’re just as frustrating at times. These bewitching food desires might steer moms-to-be away from the nutritious foods they and their babies need in the coming months. Combating pregnancy cravings with nutritional foods will make a huge impact on how you feel both emotionally and physically throughout your pregnancy.

Combat Pregnancy Cravings
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Focus on a Morning Meal

Eating will sound like the worse idea possible on some mornings, but prioritizing even a light snack to start your day makes a big difference. Craving sugary foods is, at times, a sign of low blood sugar. Instead of fighting to find the perfect sweet snack when the craving demands it, eating a morning meal like oatmeal, yogurt, or fruits prevents this blood sugar dip and staves off hunger throughout the day.

Make Time for Balanced Eating

Perhaps the best way to combat pregnancy cravings with healthy food is to set aside time for meal planning and more dedicated grocery shopping. Even when you aren’t pregnant, buying food while wrestling with hunger hankerings is a recipe for disaster.

While you may not always be able to stick to the plan, taking the time to organize balanced meals for each week will help you eat more nutritious meals than not. Keeping cravings in mind and a variety of sweet, salty, savory, and sour snack options on hand also makes it easy to beat cravings without going for junk food.

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Document and Adapt to Food Aversions

Food aversions are the other side of the pregnancy-craving coin that new moms need to contend with. It’s easier to stick to the foods your body is demanding when it seems like you’re struggling to keep every other food down.

Keep a journal of your food aversions as they come and go so that, as you plan meals, you and your family members can avoid buying foods you know you’ll end up avoiding. Noting if the issue was the smell, texture, or taste helps you cover your bases and stick to healthy foods you know you’ll enjoy overall.

Ultimately, when trying to figure out how to combat pregnancy cravings with healthy food, remember that your mental health plays a role in your well-being too. Go easy on yourself, and allow yourself to partake in some unhealthy snack foods or a meal out now and then. While getting great nutrition is great for you and your baby, healthy eating is only one among many things to consider while pregnant.


Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.

What To Consider When Buying Your Baby a Crib

Buying a crib is a crucial step when completing a nursery. It’s one of the hardest purchases to narrow down, especially when considering factors like the material it’s made from and what technologies come with the crib. For example, as your child grows, you might want something that can grow with your baby; so you want to take convertibility into consideration. Here is some helpful information regarding what to consider when buying your baby a crib.

*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Consider the Type & Material

Often, you might come across cribs of different styles and colors. However, you need to focus on the material. When shopping for specific types, wood and metal cribs get compared most since they’re the most common material types. A few other things to consider include portability and if the cribs can convert into a bed to grow with your child.

Stick to a Budget

Having so many choices can make purchasing this essential piece of furniture difficult. When shopping, you need to keep a budget in mind. On average, a parent-to-be can spend up to $800 on a crib alone. However, the mattress can cost up to $300. On the other hand, when making a budget, list out all potential features you want. With your list, you can help narrow down enough options to formulate a budget.

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Keep Safety in Mind

When thinking about what to consider when buying your baby a crib, the most crucial element is how safe it is for your little one. One of the main things that helps you decide is the type of mattress it needs. If the mattress isn’t firm, it can sag under the baby’s weight, leading to safety issues.

When shopping, use the following list as a guide to help decide the best crib for you and your kiddo.

    • Ensure that the side rail can’t drop and that the slats are six centimeters apart to prevent babies from falling out and trapping their heads
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    • If the crib’s used and over ten years old, replace any old parts with new ones to meet the safety standards
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    • Ensure the purchased mattress fits snuggly into the crib to avoid the babe from slipping between the sides and the mattress. Also, if your mattress comes with plastic, remove it before placing it down

A baby crib is an essential element that completes a nursery and makes organizing you and your baby easier. When out shopping, keep these things in mind to help you find the right piece that meets your expectations and is safe for your little one to use.


Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy

*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

You have enough things to worry about during pregnancy that sleep might seem like the only escape. However, you also need to note any abnormalities you might experience during your quality shut-eye. Sleep apnea is a condition that affects over 30 million Americans, and that risk is even more significant when you’re pregnant. Our guide to the dangers of sleep apnea during pregnancy will give you an idea of what you need to know.

Warning Signs

Due to all the changes a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can rear its ugly head and possibly go undiagnosed because it mirrors pregnancy side effects. Physical red flags include heartburn, nausea, and headaches, whereas depression and anxiety will affect you emotionally. These symptoms tend to worsen over time, which is why it’s critical to be proactive if you’re struggling with those side effects now.

Recognizing these red flags is vital, since untreated sleep apnea may lead to long-term issues. Pregnant women with sleep apnea have a heightened risk of conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and even premature delivery.

What To Do Next?

Discussing your sleeping habits with a specialist will give them a better understanding of the issue at hand. Letting them know how you feel when you first wake up will also give them insight into the problem. Additionally, if you sleep next to a partner, they might know some things you don’t know.
After that discussion, the physician will get some vitals, such as your blood pressure, weight, and oxygen levels. If those figures are concerning, a sleep study can determine if you have sleep apnea. Polysomnograms will observe you while you sleep, noting your heart rate, sleep cycles, and breathing.

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Solutions

If you receive a sleep apnea diagnosis, it may scare you that you have the potential to stop breathing in your sleep. Luckily, there are ways to combat complications of sleep apnea. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is the most effective option to regulate your breathing to give you a good night’s sleep. It’s essential to use your sleep apnea machine as prescribed, which usually means six hours a night. Therefore, it’s always important to have a CPAP station, even if you’re traveling. Getting used to sleeping with an obtrusive mask on may take a while, but it will allow you to sleep uninterrupted, resulting in more energy, decreased risk of troubling conditions, and a better overall mental state.

Knowing the dangers of sleep apnea during pregnancy will help you take a self-assessment of your sleeping habits. Getting checked out if you suffer from any of those signs is wise, so don’t hesitate.


Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.

Everything You Need For Planning a Gender Reveal Party

In the last few years, having a gender reveal party has become all the rage. Finding out the sex of your baby is nothing short of exciting. And unlike a baby shower, you can have a gender reveal to celebrate each pregnancy! Once you read about everything you need for planning a gender reveal party, you can throw yours without stress.

Everything You Need for Planning a Gender Reveal Party
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Plan a Reveal 

Before you can plan the party, you’ll need to schedule an ultrasound so you can have the big reveal. When you do this, tell the sonographer of your plans, and ask them to write the gender down. Then, keep that note in a sealed envelope and give it to your trusted co-planner.   Your co-planner is the only person at the party who should know the gender. For the reveal itself, you have many options: 

    • Reveal cake: Order a gender reveal cake with blue or pink frosting on the inside. 
    • Balloon Box: Have a large box packed with blue or pink balloons. When you and your partner open it, they’ll float out. 
    • Reveal balloon: Have a helium balloon filled with pink or blue sand for you and your partner to pop.  

Your options are open to whatever you want, so get creative with what you pick!  

Decide On a Theme 

Every great party has a theme. If you want to go with a color scheme, consider having blue and pink decorations. Find creative ways to reflect this theme through food and drinks as well.  

Remember, everything should tie back to your theme. So, if you want a theme centered around the beach or summer, consider including some gender-neutral baby basics for summer to home in on your party’s feel. You could add mini sunscreens, beachballs, sunglasses, and maybe even a swimsuit for both genders! 

Another popular theme is “What Will It Bee?” and blending bee-themed decorations with baby décor. There aren’t many restrictions on themes, so get creative and have fun with it! 

Plan Some Entertainment 

Once you’ve established a theme, it’s time to plan party games. For example, you could do guessing games where guests have to predict the gender! But if you want to get sentimental, then ask your friends and family to write notes to your future baby that you’ll someday share. 

Document Everything 

A list of everything you need for planning a gender reveal partyis incomplete without mentioning photographs. Ask someone to take pictures of the big day. With all the excitement, it may feel like a whirlwind. But when you get a chance to relax, and it’s just you, your partner, and the baby, you’ll want to reflect on these beautiful memories. 

With the perfect plan, you can make your gender reveal party a blast for you and the guests. Take time to get creative; you can have fun and reflect your theme in the menu, invitations, and décor. And remember you can ask for help, this party is fun and shouldn’t cause you any extra stress!  


Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.

 

How To Be a Positive Influence on Your Child

Whether you just found out you’re pregnant or you’re already taking care of your newborn, it’s never too early to start considering what kind of positive influence you will be for your kid. Are you going to be a supermom who never shows any weakness in the midst of turmoil, or are you going to be more open and honest with your kids, no matter the consequences? Ultimately, the choice is up to you, as long as you take their wellbeing into account when making your decision.

How to Be a Positive Influence on Your Child
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Regardless of the type of mom you choose to be, there are certain aspects of your kid’s life that your actions will heavily influence. That’s why it’s good to be prepared and know how to be a positive influence on your child. That way, they grow up into the young adult you want them to become. 

Act in the Way You Want Them To Act 

Whether they want to or not, your kids are going to act the way you do—it’s human nature, after all. At a young age, they start noticing the things you do, and since you’re one of the most influential people they have in their life, they’ll look to you as an example of what to be. There’s a reason why you see young kids who are needlessly opinionated on topics they shouldn’t know anything about: they learned it from their parents. 

In a better example, suppose you want your kid to stay fit as they get older to improve their overall health. There are plenty of ways to convince them to exercise, but none of them will stick if you’re lounging around on the couch while they’re outside riding their bike. Instead, get out there with them and go on a bike ride through the neighborhood together. 

Include Your Child When Making Decisions for Them 

Remember when you were a child—nothing was quite as horrible as your parents telling you that you weren’t allowed to do something, especially when they didn’t talk to you first. Avoid doing this with your own kid. Granted, you still need to make the decisions for them, but including them in the conversation and listening to what they have to say can change how they react when you tell them they can’t do the activity in question, especially if you explain why afterward. 

Also, don’t be afraid to admit when you were wrong about a decision. Nobody can be right all the time, and the sooner your kid understands that the sooner they will learn to admit their mistakes when they make a bad choice in the future. 

Use Positivity 

The best tip on how to be a positive influence on your child is to simply be positive. Of course, we know you can’t act that way all of the time. Sometimes bad things happen, and you need to release some grief or frustration. However, having an overall positive demeanor with your kids can go a long way when shaping who they’ll become. 

If you are constantly a bad influence on your child, don’t act surprised if they start acting badly when they get older. As we mentioned in our first point, they likely learned that behavior from you, so be careful with the decisions you make—because so many of them influence your child.  


Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.

Pregnancy Bed Rest: Things To Do To Pass the Time

Your doctor just told you that you must be on bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy. This might not be what you had in mind for these final days but doing what’s best for you and your baby is what’s most important. As you begin to learn the art of being adaptable, try these things to do to pass the time on pregnancy bed rest. Check out how sweet life in bed can be.

Pregnancy Bed Rest: Things to Do to Pass The Time
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Start a New Hobby 

You never know how many days you will be on bed rest, and the reasons vary for each woman. You don’t want to spend time ruminating on your worries when you need your health to be at its best. Hobbies can improve your mental health. Choose one that you can focus on and spend a significant amount of time completing. For instance, needlepoint is relaxing and allows you to create items you can use in your nursery. This hobby is simple with modern needlepoint kits that come with all the supplies you need. 

Get Social 

Multiple ways to connect with others exist. Especially when you are pregnant, many people will want to talk to you. Invite your friends over during the final days of your pregnancy. You might think you don’t feel good enough to see people, but the social interaction may give you the boost of energy you need to survive your bed rest. Further, you can join groups online for other pregnant women on bed rest to talk about your shared experiences. 

Enjoy Your Favorite Entertainment 

Whether you love to read, stream TV, or listen to podcasts, you can do it all while on bed rest. Endless hours of free time were made for binge-watching or reading your favorite books and movies. Since you’ve got your baby on your mind, you may use the time to watch, listen, or read books, magazines, and shows about pregnancy and parenting. 

Treat Yourself 

No one deserves to be treated more than you. Use some of your time on bed rest to order something that will boost your mood. Whether it’s something you can enjoy postpartum or a treat you can enjoy while on bed rest, give yourself something nice.

 

 

Postpartum Plan Printable Workbook
Click here to get the Postpartum Plan Workbook.

Try these things to do to pass the time on pregnancy bed rest to keep your mood in a good place for the final days of your pregnancy. You’ve reached the home stretch and will be through the hardest part soon. Use the time you must spend on bed rest to start filling your home with the love you want to share with your baby.


Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.

Tips for Choosing a Proper Gift for a New Mom

In the first few months after the baby is born, moms are very busy and do not possess time for themselves. Every so often they don’t have time to sleep or spare a little free time. What to give moms? If you are trying to come up with the ideal gift for a new mom, you are in the right place. We have designed creative and useful gifts that mom will surely like. There are classic gifts like baby diapers, clothes and blankets that have become traditional, but we went a step further and found gifts that every mom will adore!  Find out below how to select the best gift for a new mom!

Tips for Choosing a Proper Gift for a New Mom
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Professional photography

New moms need to record every moment with their baby. Photos of a newborn baby become precious family memories. Moms are very grateful when they give away a voucher for professional photography or organize the arrival of a photographer at their home address. These photos are kept for life.

Personalized necklaces

Personalized necklaces made of silver or gold carry a dedication in the form of a name or initials. You can give a new mom a piece of jewelry with the baby’s name written on it, and we believe she will be delighted! You should think about what she prefers to wear, whether it is bracelets, necklaces or earrings. This kind of gift is a good investment because they will wear it proudly.

Comfortable pajamas

Moms need to feel good and comfortable in the beginning. At home, they will usually wear a nightgown, bathrobe or pajamas. Choose a piece of simple clothing and made of natural materials. In addition, you can consider new leggings, warm socks or slippers that have a light and soft sole.

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Grocery shopping

Moms don’t have much time to spend shopping, so bringing groceries will be a gift for a new mom that will make them very happy. You can also surprise your daughter, friend or sister, by sending her a basket full of fruit. Fresh fruit gift hampers are a gift that moms can’t resist! After pregnancy and childbirth, they need a lot of vitamins and fresh fruit to keep their immunity strong and be able to cope with the new schedule.

Cleaning service

If you pay for a cleaner as a gift for a new mom, she will be very grateful. Moms have little time and try to be with the baby as much as possible. Cleaning and maintaining a home can be very hard and stressful in the first months. If you do not want to pay for additional cleaning services, get organized with friends and family.

Moms require more rest

For the first few months, mothers are sleep deprived and tired. Taking care of a child for a few hours a day can help moms dedicate themselves or go to the hairdresser. They can only sleep or take a warm bath that will relax them. This free time is precious, and mom will be very happy that she found an extra hour or two to go for a manicure or do something she didn’t get to do.

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Massage

Moms need a massage that will relax them, and that will relieve back pain. The masseur can also come to your home address. A gifted massage will make mom more rested and calm. Massage is the easiest way to relax and achieve good health. This method of treatment has been used for more than 5,000 years, and masseurs say that regular massage improves general health, mental and physical condition.

Free evening with a partner

Although the first months when the baby arrives are very hectic and stressful, moms claim to enjoy every moment. However, every so often they require a dinner with a partner where they will be able to get closer, talk and enjoy food. Dinner for two and baby care for a few hours is a gift that moms can hardly wait for! That is an opportunity for mom to get dressed and shine again in high heels.

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Coffee maker

All new parents need a little extra caffeine! Many moms do not have the time to prepare delicious coffee and spend time in the kitchen. A coffee machine can help them with that! If your coffee machine is currently inaccessible, consider a standard coffee maker that has a lower price.

With these gifts, new moms will be able to relax and find a little more time to spend alone or with their baby. Instead of traditional gifts, select the really useful and functional ones. That will mean something to your mom in the upcoming weeks or months.


Author Bio

Alison Pearson is an interior design student. She is a writer and designer, but her ultimate passion is fitness and health. She is also a bibliophile and her favorite book is “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner. Follow her on Twitter.