Pregnancy-Safe Cocktails for the Holidays

So, you're pregnant, the holidays are fast approaching, and the thought of having another glass of water or soda while those around you are enjoying delicious elixers is enough to make you just want to stay at home. Don't despair! There really are lots of alternatives that will make you feel like you're still part of the party.

First, there are several varieties of sparkling juices available these days that are wonderful and, best of all, very affordable. Of course, we're familiar with sparkling apple cider and sparkling grape juice. Did you know you can also find sparkling pear and sparkling blueberry juices, too, though? The pear is really dreamy and the blueberry is my particular favorite. Think of all the wonderful antioxidants you'll be getting with that blueberry juice, too! Many of these can be found right in your local supermarket and generally for less than $5/bottle. That's a super deal for something that tastes so delicious!

Second, you can make your own beverages. It's as easy as mixing your favorite juice with a clear carbonated soda (7-Up or Sprite work well) or with soda water. I suggest using a frozen juice concentrate for this and just replacing the water you would normally mix with it with your carbonated beverage of choice. If you use juice that is already made up, mixing it with soda water or soda can tend to water down the juice and you'll lose the real flavor of the juice.

Third, if you're out at a restaurant and want a cocktail but don't want to order yet another virgin daquiri, tell your server/bartender what flavors you normally like and ask to have something non-alcoholic specially made for you. I got a great drink this way while I was pregnant with my second child. It was a combination of grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and soda water. It was delightful and I don't even like grapefruit juice! The key here is finding a bartender that really is experienced and creative.

And, don't forget good old gingerale. This is an often overlooked soda that is a real treat. We think of it mainly as something to calm an upset stomach but it really is a remarkably yummy soda.

Finally, and we think most importantly, don't let your inability to imbibe keep you from getting out there and celebrating with friends and family. There are lots of options and don't be afraid to bring your own beverage. We're sure no one will give it a second thought if you show up with a bottle of your favorite sparkling cider to enjoy. Whatever you choose this holiday season, though, we hope that your celebrations are full of joy.

Pregnant? Get Plastered the Safe and Easy Way!

The holidays are upon us - festive music plays 24 hours a day on local radio stations, children are busy making wish lists, and pregnant women everywhere have the opportunity to get plastered. OK, not with hot buttered rum or mulled wine but with our belly casting kit!

And, getting plastered is really easy! First, you have to have a buddy. This may be your spouse or partner, your sister, mom, or best friend. Whoever it is, remember that getting plastered is a two person job...at least!


Seriously, though, this holiday season why not put a belly casting kit on your wish list? This pregnancy of yours is wonderful and miraculous and fleeting. Capturing that magic with a bellycast is a real treat and a fun experience to share with someone special to you. Our kits offer everything you need to create a memory that will last a lifetime, including simple, easy-to-follow instructions for your buddy! Best of all, we're always just a phone call or email away. We'll be happy to answer any questions you or your buddy may have and help you understand the process further.


Once your cast is done, you can leave it 'raw' or choose to decorate it. Decorate to match the theme of the nursery or do a sports theme or pay homage to your heritage. Whatever you choose, let your imagination run wild, and you'll come up with all kinds of options.


So, whether you're looking for a unique gift to give this holiday season or are hoping to be on the receiving end, our belly cast kit is a gift that will be cherished by many for years to come!

MS or Epilepsy Doesn't Equate To Significantly Riskier Pregnancy

In a story published yesterday in The Oregonian, scientists at Stanford University have reported that pregnant women with epilepsy or MS do not have significantly riskier pregnancies than those who do not. While their studies did show that women with either disease experienced abnormal fetal growth rates, the percentage was less than 5% in each case and less than 2% more than women who did not have either disease.

This is great news for women who experience either disease and have been cautious about becoming pregnant because so. Epilepsy and MS are both neurological diseases for which there are no known cures. Both can be experienced at varying levels as well. While some may have very mild cases in which they rarely experience the effects of their disease, others experience symptoms that significantly affect their daily lives. Even in more mild cases, those with these diseases often take medicines to help control their disease, and this can be a cause for concern for a woman that is thinking about becoming pregnant. After scanning records of babies born in the US between 2003 and 2006, including thousands that were born to mothers with either epilepsy or MS, researchers concluded that, although women with either of these diseases should be monitored more closely during pregnancy, their diseases did not necessarily predispose them to experiencing a higher risk pregnancy.

On a personal note, I have a few family members with MS. Each experiences the disease in their own unique way but a common thread to anyone with the disease is that it can be exacerbated by stress. I've said it loads of times but, it bears repeating...if you're pregnant (and even if you're not!), take time for YOU! It doesn't have to be a whole day - although that would be nice - but make time for you. Whether it's reading a book or magazine for even just 15 minutes or treating yourself to some pampering time, "you" time can make a huge difference in how you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Simple Tips for a Healthy Season

The season's have definitely been changing. Fall has set in with it's chillier mornings, cool winds and rain showers. But, it's not just fall and the upcoming winter season that we're all experiencing. We've also moved into cold and flu season.

Whether you're one that believes in the value of a flu shot this year or not, getting sick when you're pregnant is no fun. Not only do you feel miserable, you're limited as to what medications you can take and your baby could be at risk, too.

To help you stay healthy this season, here are some simple tips that you can put into practice right away.

1. Wash your hands! Frequent hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs. Pick up a travel size container of hand sanitizer to keep in your purse, diaper bag, or in the car, too. In the event that soap and water isn't available, you'll still be able to keep germ free!

2. Quit touching your face! You'd really be surprised how many times you touch your face each day. Since viruses have to enter your system through your mouth or nose, touching your face is an easy way to accidentally introduce them to your system. Unless you're eating or bathing, try to stick with a hands-off approach throughout the day.

3. Gargle with salt water. This is a simple and inexpensive yet very powerful preventive method. Viruses typically take a couple days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling twice a day can prevent this.

4. Cleanse your sinuses daily. This is the same concept as the gargling tip above but needs only to be done once a day. You can use a simple saline spray found at most drugstores or use a neti pot. If the thought of water up your nose is something you can't bear, simply blow your nose hard once a day and follow it up by swabbing both nostrils with a cotton swab dipped in warm salt water.

5. Get plenty of vitamin C. During fall and winter, it's easy to fall short of adequate vitamin C levels. Pick up some oranges or grapefruit at the store to boost your daily intake. Check with your doctor/pharmacist to determine if taking a vitamin C supplement is right for you, too. They come in a variety of forms from tablets to powders that can easily be added to tea or water.

6. Drink plenty of warm liquids. Just as gargling prevents proliferation of viruses in your throat, so does drinking warm liquids such as tea, coffee, broth, etc. The warm liquids wash proliferating viruses away and into the stomach where they cannot survive or do harm. Plus, it's a good excuse to take a few minutes for yourself while you sip away!

7. Get some sleep! Sleep is so critical to our health but an area that we often overlook. Be sure you're getting plenty so that your body is well rested and healthy.

8. Eat a healthy diet. We're all busy but steer clear of processed foods that provide little to no nutritional value. Keep healthy snacks such as dried fruits and whole grain crackers nearby and be sure to eat plenty of veggies, too.

9. Hydrate! Just because it's not 90 degrees outside doesn't mean that you don't have to keep properly hydrated. Continue to keep that water bottle close at hand.

If You Just Need a Giggle...

The good folks over at Evian put together this video. It's only a minute long so take a second (ok, take 60 of them!) and watch. Babies on rollerskates will surely make you smile!

Are Group Prenatal Visits Right for You?

Read this great blog this afternoon. It seems that women going to prenatal visits in groups tend to have more positive pregnancies and even fewer premature births. They were even more likely to initiate breastfeeding!

This doesn't really surprise me given that women, in general, tend to be social creatures who find security in the friendships and relationships that a group can bring about. Having a shared bond sure doesn't hurt, either. Brings a whole new dimension to the saying that "it takes a village to raise a child!"

Read the whole article by clicking on the link below!

Pregnant mothers see benefits from group prenatal visits

Planning Your Birth Day

Recently, I celebrated another birthday and, on my special day, I thought about how others may not think I actually did much "celebrating". For me, it was a bit of a lazy day. I did my "jobs" early in the day and then spent most of the rest of the morning and afternoon camped out in my bedroom. I had just put up new curtains the day before and had a renewed sense of relaxation in there, so that's where I parked myself. I watched a bit of TV, read a bit and even took an accidental nap (OK, I accidentally took TWO). It was a great day, and it turned out just as I wanted it to.

Like I said, though, others may not think so. There are others, I know, who would find my day wasteful and boring. No, I didn't have all my friends and family around. There were no cameras to memorialize the day. I didn't have a special outfit that I had to wear or have the place all decorated with balloons and manner of party gear. I didn't even have a strict plan for the day. My only "plan" was to just "be" and see where it took me.

Having a baby is rather similar. There are those women that plan on having their best friends, their mom, their sisters, aunts, mother-in-law, etc. all hanging out with them at the birth. There are others that approach their birth by picking out specific clothing, music, focal objects, etc. Some have extremely detailed birth plans and others have extremely flexible ones.

When it comes down to it, though, there really is no wrong way. We're all different, and what works for one may not work for another. What's important to remember is that it is perfectly OK if your approach to this momentous day is different than that of the people around you. No matter what your friends, family or a book may tell you that your birth day should be like, what you need, and how to prepare, the person who you really need to listen to is you!

Looking back at my three birth days, I see a definite trend. Sure, I had a grand plan for how my first birth would be. That all went out the window with the first real contraction, though. The common threads that I found were these...(1) I wanted only the one or two people that were closest to me to be with me (other than medical staff of course); (2) I wanted the room to be rather relaxed and quiet; and (3) I really went into each day with a "let's see what happens and go from there" attitude. Seems funny yet almost predictable then that, when recently celebrating my own birth, the same common themes were present.

So, how will you celebrate your birth day? However you do, remember that it's about you - not your friends, family, or the latest pregnancy book - and what your choices are. Whatever they may be, everyone at Eternal Maternal wishes you a very happy day!

Where Have We Been?

It's been awhile since the last blog post here, and I just wanted to assure everyone that we haven't disappeared or forgotten. There have been lots of exciting things happening at Eternal Maternal, and we've just been rather busy. OK, that's an understatement. We've been VERY busy! So, what can you expect from all this busy-ness? Well...

Our baby name blogs will continue (a new one will follow shortly); however, due to some scheduling conflicts, it will no longer be a Tuesday-only blog. In the future, just look for a baby name blog to appear on a weekly basis but not on any one specific day.

In the next week or so, be sure to check out our Coming Soon page on our website. We've been working on some new items that we think you'll really like!

And, finally, we very excited to begin working with two extraordinary women. It's a little too soon for introductions, but these ladies will soon begin helping me bring Eternal Maternal products into more and more homes. They're both awesome, and I'm lucky to have the opportunity to work with them.

So, keep your eyes open for the next baby name blog. As we move through the alphabet, our next letter is L, and we've got some great names to share with you!

L is for...

labor and Lamaze and lactation consultant and for Liberty and Linton.



Recently I was able to reconnect with some old friends via Facebook. They have two wonderful children, their daughter being named Liberty. Although Liberty and I have never met, it's my understanding that she generally goes by Libby with her friends, and that's an L name that I've always been fond of, too.



What comes as no surprise is that Liberty is derived from the Latin word libertas, which is a derivative of liber meaning "free". What is surprising, though, is that, since 1880, the name Liberty has charted on American popularity lists three times - the first in 1918 (after World War I), the second in 1976 (the American bicentennial), and the third after 2001 (after the war on terrorism started). Regardless of time period, though, Liberty is a name that is feminine, patriotic, and virtuous all rolled up together. We think it's a fabulous name for our friends' daughter (who happens to be turning 13 - Happy Birthday Liberty!) and for your daughter, too!



Our boy's name today is Linton. Linton is an English name that means "from the flax settlement". While you may not live on a flax settlement (we didn't even know there was such a thing!), Linton is a name that is traditional and grounded. Many people have said that the name reminds them of someone who is a scholar or book lover. So, if your nursery already has bookshelves bursting at the seams and baby hasn't even arrived yet, this just might be the name for your budding bookworm!

K is for...

kringing (yes, I know that it's actually spelled with a "c") when you wake up in the middle of the night and realize that, even though you wrote the Baby Name Tuesday blog, you forgot to upload it on Tuesday! Grr... Sorry for the delay, folks; here's your K names!

K is for kegel exercises and vitamin K (baby will get an injection of it at birth to enhance the clotting ability of baby's blood) and, today, it's also for Koren and Kenneth.

Koren is a name that can actually be used as a girl's or boy's name but I chose it today because it feels like a nice mix of the traditional and modern. As a girl's name, the first connection I make with Koren is traditional as it reminds me of the name Karen, which means "pure" in Hebrew. However, it also reminds me of the name Corrie, which is Irish and means "hollow". While it may seem likely that Koren is just a name that was made up by combining the two more traditional names, it's actually a Hebrew name meaning "shining" or "gleaming". What a great name for a child that will no doubt cause your eyes to shine when you look upon her! You can also play around with the spelling of the name, too, if you like, changing the "e" to an "i" or "y".

Our boy's name today stuck with tradition. Kenneth has long been a favorite boy's name of mine and not just because he was my Barbie's main squeeze. I like the simplicity of it and that it's a name that can be transformed to sound formal (Kenneth), playful (Kenny), or like the guy that everyone is friends with (Ken). The name is Scottish and means "handsome" or "good-looking". Your little man will surely be the best looking boy on the block, so why not give him a name that means it, too? With all the variations, too, he'll have a name that suits him no matter the occasion!

J is for...

joints (they're relaxing), job sharing (have you considered it?), and journaling (believe me, you'll be glad you did this!). It's a special edition of Baby Name Tuesday on Belly Notes today. Yes, we know it's Thursday but, on Tuesday, our computer wouldn't power up for some unexplainable reason and we just got it fixed. So, without further ado, today our names are Jane and Jackson.

While Jane may seem like a, well, plain name, there is much beauty in its classic simplicity. It is of Hebrew origin and means "the Lord is gracious". Jane, like Jean and Joan, originated as a feminine form of the name John; however Jane has been the most popular of the three forms.

History has given us many Jane's, from Lady Jane Grey (Queen of England 1537-1554) to novelist Jane Austin to scientist Jane Goodall to actress and activist Jane Fonda. Although it is one of the most common first names in British usage, in the US it is more often used as a middle name. It's popularity as a first name has grown steadily over the years, though, and we think it's a gem of a name.

When it comes to our boy's name for today, I've never been a fan of giving a child a name that seven other children in their 1st grade class are also going to have. Admittedly, Jackson (or Jack) has gotten some pretty wide useage in the last several years, but I don't think that this name quite falls into the "overused" category yet (at least not in the area of the country where I live). For me it has always been a strong, down-to-earth, traditional name.

Since Jackson is an Old English name meaning "son of Jack", we'll look to the name Jack for our meaning. Like Jane, Jack is a variant of the name John so, therefore, is also of Hebrew origin and also means "the Lord is gracious". Again, like Jane, history has given us many famous Jack's from painter Jackson Pollack to singer/songwriter Jackson Browne to heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey And, who can forget the famous Captain Jack Sparrow? Whether your son turns out to be a lover, a fighter, or a pirate, though, we're sure he'll carry on the strong tradition of the name.

I is for...

induced labor, in vitro fertilization and iron (are you getting enough?). It's Baby Name Tuesday, and today I is for Iris and Isaac.

Of course, we all know that Iris is a flower name, but its actual origin comes from Greece and means "rainbow". Iris was a messenger goddess in Greek mythology who traveled by rainbows between heaven and earth to deliver messages from Olympus, thus the correlation between the name and the meaning. Rainbows are often seen as symbol of hope, too, making this a delightful name for the little girl that you may have been hoping for. If you connect the name more with the flower, though, think of planting some iris in honor of your little girl. They are easy to maintain, spread quickly, and will be a beautiful addition to your garden just as your daughter is a beautiful addition to your family.

Isaac is our boy's name for today and is a name of Hebrew descent. It means "laughter" and is a great name for the baby boy that will bring such joy to your life. Historically, Isaac is a well known figure in the Bible and is also considered a prophet in Islam, not to mention the famous Isaac's that have helped mold our modern times, such as Isaac Asimov and Isaac Newton. No doubt, your son will leave a mark in the history books, too, even if it's just as a son that brought laughter and joy to the lives of his parents.

H is for...

...heartburn, hiccups (baby and I both got them daily with pregnancy #1), and heightened sense of smell! It's Baby Name Tuesday and our names for today are Halima and Henry

Halima is a name of Arabic descent and means "patient". My youngest son has a friend in his class named Halima and, although I had rarely heard the name before, I find it beautiful and, of course, befitting our young friend. Often when those of us living in the western world think of something as being Arabic in nature, we tend to connect that thing to Islam as well. Whether this is always true or not is a topic for an entirely different place, however, in the case of Halima, she figures prominently in the Islamic world. Halimah bint Abdullah was the wet nurse to Mohammed, nursing him as a baby since his mother had died. In pre-Islamic times, the name is most famously connected with a 6th century warrior princess. Now, your lovely girl may or may not turn out to be a warrior, but we're sure that, either way, she'll be a princess.

If, on the other hand, you're expecting a prince, Henry is a wonderfully classic, traditional name that has recently grown in popularity. Henry is ultimately of Germanic descent. It is the anglicised version of the German name Heimrich and means "home ruler". I'm not so sure about being a home ruler, but, as a mom with boys, I'll tell you that mine at least all rule my heart. The name has been popular throughout history with many kings of Britain, France and Germany carrying the name. St. Henry, a Holy Roman Emperor, was the only German king ever to be canonized by the Roman Catholic church and is best known for his encouragement of missionary work. Your son may not ever stray far from home, but we think Henry is an excellent choice for anyone's little king.

High Praise For Our Plaster Gauze!

My middle son broke his arm a little over a week ago. It's the first broken bone we've had in our family that has required casting (we've done the broken nose and broken tailbone, but it's rather hard to cast those!). Of course, it had to happen at home and, thankfully, my husband had just gotten home when it happened. I have the patience of Job and can remain eerily calm in the face of illness and high fevers lasting for days, but I don't do injuries well. Fortunately, it wasn't a bad break (are there any good ones, though?) and the little soldier only cried for about a half a minute and then said it just felt like a bad bruise.

So, we took a trip to the emergency room where, after much debate, the orthopedic surgeon on call decided to cast it right away. For those with no "broken bones requiring a cast" experience, apparently they like to splint these for a few days first to allow any swelling to go down. We got a cast, though, and a plaster one at that rather than the slick fiberglass ones you see so often now. I have to admit that I was a little excited to see the plaster be brought out because they use the same brand that we use in our belly casting kits! I said something about it out loud and one of the nurses asked what I did with it. I explained our belly casting kits, and she remarked that this particular plaster is the only plaster gauze they use because it's such a high quality product.

Fast forward a week when we went to our first follow up visit with the doctor. Everything looks good so far although he's looking at being in a cast for pretty much the whole summer which is a complete bummer. The doctor sent us to the casting room where my son was going to have a little extra done on the cast. Once again, the plaster gauze brought out was the same brand we use in our belly casting kits. Again, I remarked about this to our son, and the tech that was helping us asked what I did. When I told him, he told me about how it's the best plaster he's ever worked with and, as far as plaster gauze goes, he wouldn't want to use anything else on patients.

Since you probably aren't out there shopping for plaster gauze on a regular basis, I'll tell you that there are several different kinds on the market. For our kits, we tried everything out there and, just like the casting room tech said, we wouldn't want to use anything else for our customers, either. You might think that plaster gauze is plaster gauze, right? It's just cotton gauze with plaster in it, right? Well, yes; but no.

Some gauzes are very thin and flimsy, which results in a less than sturdy cast. Some have hardly any plaster in them, which, once again, results in a less that perfect cast. The plaster we use, though, is tightly woven and FULL of plaster that results in a creamy, smooth finish. Also, more plaster within the gauze means that the multiple layers in a belly cast will stick together nicely, leaving you with a sturdy cast that will last for years.

For sure, if my son had to break his arm, I wish it didn't have to be right at the beginning of summer. However, hearing such fantastic endorsements from hospital staff and someone who spends everyday working with casting materials really started my summer on a great note. At Eternal Maternal, we strive to provide our customers with the very best products. We've always said that we only sell items that we'd use on our own family (and we really DO use them on our own family!), I just never thought that part of our belly casting kit would be used on one of my sons!

G is for...

gestation and glucose testing and, on Baby Name Tuesday, it's for Gabriella and Gustavo. These names come directly from my own extended family and belong to my sweet niece and nephew.

Although I was always under the impression that Gabriella was from some kind of Italian descent, it is actually the feminine form of the Hebrew name Gabriel that means "God gives strength". In the case of our little Gabby, she certainly has shown that she is at least strong willed! The name has consistently grown in popularity over the last 10-15 years and continues to give a strong showing. And, although initially one would think that Gabby may be the only nickname to be given to a Gabriella, shortened versions such as Ella, Brie, Brielle, and Gella are always unique alternatives.

Gustavo is both an Italian and Spanish variant of the name Gustave, a Scandinavian name meaning "royal staff" or "staff of the gods". In Scandinavia it is a royal name with many kings of Sweden bearing the name. The name also has a Germanic variant, Gustav. Although my research didn't produce much else regarding the name and it's meanings, I did find several comments regarding the name. It may not be a wildly popular name in this country, but everyone seems to love it. One of my favorite comments was "It has the same cool, old fashioned ring like Sam and Max, but not totally overused."

F is for...

...feedings and formula and fussiness, but we hope that picking a name for your new baby is not much of a fuss. We're a day late with Baby Name Tuesday this week as the holiday weekend has me all screwed up on which day is which this week. In any case, today's letter is F, and our names for today are Faith and Finn.

Faith finds its origins in Middle English and means "loyalty" and "belief". It is what is commonly referred to as a "virtue name". Virtue names originated with the Puritans and included popular names like Grace and Hope, but also included less popular names such as Fear or Disobedience. Imagine having to grow up with a name like that! We think that Faith is a beautiful name, though. Perhaps you had difficulty conceiving but strongly believed that you were destined to be blessed with a child? In that case, Faith may just be the right name for your sweet miracle.

Finn is of Irish, Gaelic and Old German origins and means "fair" or "from Finland"; just the perfect name if you're looking to honor your Finnish ancestory! In Irish history, Finn MacCumhail was a legendary third century hero that could be compared to the English Robin Hood. His warrior followers were called Finnians. Whether your little guy turns out to be a legendary hero or not, we're sure that the name Finn will serve him well.

E is for...

E is for expecting and, of course, epidural, something I was pleased as punch to get on more than one occasion despite my complete fear of needles! It's Baby Name Tuesday, though, so today E is for Evangeline and Erik.

I have to be honest, I had never even come across the name Evangeline until LOST started a few years ago. Evangeline Lilly who plays Kate is a beautiful woman and she's got an equally beautiful name. Evangeline is a Greek name that means "bearer of good news". What better name for your angel baby?! And, if Evangeline turns out to be too much of mouthful later on, shortened versions like Eva, Angel, and Angeline are always at your fingertips.

Our boy's name for today is Erik. The name can, of course, be spelled with a "c" instead of a "k", but I like the "k". Maybe that's just the nonconformist in me, though. Erik is a Norse name which means "peaceful ruler". It's a strong, classic, and even playful name for a little boy that carries well into adulthood. I like Erik for it's traditionalness (I just made up that word) but also because it doesn't seem to be a name that gets overused much.

So, there are your names for today! If you haven't noticed by now, we're heading through the alphabet with our next step at F. Do you have a name that you'd like to see featured on an upcoming installment of Baby Name Tuesday? If so, let us know!

The One Flaw in Women

Once again, I'm passing along an email that I recently received. This one comes from my dear friend Debbie. Debbie is an amazing (and I do mean A-MA-ZING) mom of two beautiful boys, one of whom is my youngest son's best friend. Nearly a year ago, though, Debbie and her family moved back to California from Washington. I miss her terribly (good girlfriends are hard to find) and my son, of course, misses his buddy.

Anyway, Debbie sent me this email today and I find it to be 100% true. Read it to the end. It's a great reminder.


Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their
family and friends.

Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.


I can't tell you how true this is. We, as women and mothers, are generally first to point out the extreme worth in others but often find ourselves questioning our own. If you're one of those women today, chin up, sister! We all have days when the fatigue gets us down; when the heaviness of a burden (or that growing belly!) just wipes us out. When that happens, I encourage you to breathe. Sounds silly, but do it. Close your eyes and just breathe. Quiet yourself, look inward, and know that you are more precious than any commodity on this earth.

D is for...

D is for diapers and doulas and, on Baby Name Tuesday, it's also for Dinah and Daniel!

Dinah is actually a Hebrew name that can be found in the Bible. Dinah was the only daughter of Jacob and Leah, and the name means "God has judged". Dinah was most popular in the 1950's, although I've always loved the name. It is simple without being plain; classic without feeling terribly out of date.

Now, before I get to Daniel, let me just say that, when I choose names for Baby Name Tuesday, it is completely random. I just choose a couple names that I like and then set out to do the research on them. What I found today when I really began researching startled me little. I swear I just picked these names out of the air! Someone in the "air" must be telling me something, though!

Daniel is also a Hebrew name that is found in the Bible. It's meaning is "God is my judge." It has been a popular name for boys for centuries, with many famous Daniel's floating around in history, yet it still doesn't seem to be overused. Like Dinah, it was very popular in the 1950's but hasn't been used as often since. From baby Daniel to boyhood Danny to grownup Dan, the name Daniel is just full of potential!

So, finally, with all this judging going on, let me just add that, if you choose either of these names for your new addition, you'll have a little one with one terrific name to last a lifetime. And, I'll be the judge of that! ;)

C is for...

Cribs and carseats and cradles! It's Baby Name Tuesday at Eternal Maternal, and our names for today are Cassidy and Colin!

Cassidy is an Irish/Gaelic name meaning "curly-headed". I just love this name, and I see a mop of blonde curls whenever I think of it. Of course, I also think of singer David Cassidy because I had such a terrible crush on him as a young girl, but now I'm dating myself! Cassidy was originally popular as a surname but began finding more fame as a given name in the early 1990's. It's a beautiful name that can easily be shortened to Cassie or Cass and would be a great name for any curly-haired princess.

Colin is our boy's name today. It's a name with Irish/Scottish/Gaelic origins and is actually derived from the name Nicholas. In medieval times the name Col or Colle was a shortened form of Nicholas, and the name Colin developed from there. It means "young creature" and, while you may not envision your beautiful baby boy as a "creature", as a mother to boys, trust me, the day will come! In any case, Colin is wonderful name that, while popular, doesn't seem to be overused.

Birth Day - The Journey of Childbirth

It seems like I'm doing a lot of book recommendations lately; but, seriously, there's some really great new books out there for expecting mommies! This morning on my metro area's local morning show, Dr. Mark Sloan appeared to talk about his new book Birth Day: A Pediatrician Explores the Science, the History, and the Wonder of Childbirth.

Sloan has delivered nearly 3,000 babies over the last 30+ years and draws on that experience to further deliver, with humor and wonder, the science, history and culture of this very fundamental journey that all of us have taken.

Birth Day is put out by Random Press and, being book publishers, they have written a spectacular summary of topics covered in the book. I'm not even going to attempt to outwrite Random House, so the following is directly from their website...

Some of Birth Day’s many topics include

• The evolution of human childbirth—or, why do gorillas have it so easy?
• The first five minutes of life—scuba divers, astronauts, and the amazing adaptations that transform a fetus into an air-breathing, out-in-the-world baby
• Cesarean section—a look at its origins, its future, and how it came to be the most frequently performed operation in American hospitals
• Pain and politics—the age-old quest for painless childbirth, starring Adam and Eve, Queen Victoria, a nineteenth-century medical brawl, and the rise of today’s “epidural monoculture”
• Daddies—raging paternal hormones, hidden anxieties, and the emotional evolution of men (including the author, his father, and grandfather) as they approach fatherhood
• The five senses at birth—does light enter the womb? how loud is it in there? what is a newborn baby searching for with those first anxious glances?
• A tour of the newborn body—springy skulls, hairy ears, innies and outies, the advantages (and disadvantages) of looking like your father, and why the United States is one of the world’s most circumcised nations

So, if you're expecting or know someone who is, pick up a copy of this fabulous book. It's entertaining while still being instructive and would be a great gift for Mother's Day!

B is for...

Well, B is for baby and bump and belly and breastfeeding and so many other pregnancy related words. But, on Baby Name Tuesday, B is for Beatrice and Breckin!

Beatrice is a wonderfully traditional name that is seeing a return to popularity. A Latin name, Beatrice means "bringer of joy". What better name for a beautiful new baby girl? It has many variations - French, Italian, Spanish - and is ripe for sweet nicknames like Bea, Bebe, and Trish. One of the most notable Beatrices in history is, of course, author Beatrix (an English variation) Potter. Invest in a beautiful collection of Potter's books for your darling and they're sure to bring joy to your little bringer of joy!

Breckin is a name with Celtic and Gaelic origins. It means "freckled", and I just picture a little boy in overalls and a red ball cap holding up a frog. Breckin is a great choice for families looking for a traditional Irish name that hasn't been overused in recent years. Plus, if freckles run in your family, it's a perfect fit!

Full of Life

Just heard about yet another great new book for pregnant moms! "Full of Life: Mom-To-Mom Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was Pregnant" is an easy to read, pre-conception to post partum book by Nancy O'Dell. Yes, that's the same Nancy O'Dell that is a co-anchor on Access Hollywood!

Nancy says she wrote the book because of all the things she learned during her pregnacy that weren't in any of the books she already had. She wanted to spread the word about all this new found information to moms everywhere. She says, "There were just so many things that came as a complete surprise to me that I wish someone had given me a heads up about." O'Dell holds very little back, too, even including her experience with a miscarriage.

Available on April 14th, "Full of Life" will give you a variety of tips from the importance of taking a prenatal vitamin before you conceive to preregistering at the hospital where you'll be delivering. So, if you're planning for a family in the near future or if you're already well on your way, pick up a copy of "Full of Life" next week!

Before I Was a Mom...

Got an email today from a friend that, although I'm not forwarding it to 5 people in the next 15 minutes, I liked enough to share a bit here.

Before I was a mom...

I didn't worry whether I my plants were poisonous or not.
I never thought about immunizations.
I had never been puked on; pooped on; chewed on; peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and thoughts.
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests; or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,

Before I was a Mom ....

A is for...

Naming babies is tough business. With so many options out there, it can certainly become overwhelming. To help you out, we're beginning a weekly feature on the blog that will highlight a name or two for consideration.

Because this is the very first entry in the new feature, what better letter to start with than A!

Today's name is Addison. This is a particular favorite of mine because one of my children has this as a middle name. I first heard the name years ago on TV. Yes, I'm dating myself, but it goes back to the days of Moonlighting with Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepard. Willis' character's name was David Addison. I fell in love with the name then and, still today, it continues to be a favorite.

Traditionally, Addison was a Scottish surname meaning "son of Adam" that evolved into a given name from the Old English pet name Addie (short for Adam). In the last 15 years it has been gaining in popularity as a first name here in the US. Most recently we've seen Addison used as a girl's name rather than a boy's because of the popularity of the character Addison on the hit TV shows Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. For either gender, though, it is a terrific name with a strong heritage.

Is There Life After Children?

After baby makes three (or more!), what happens to your marriage? It's one of those things that is rarely, if ever, addressed in books regarding pregnancy and how babies change your life. Still, it's a very real issue that many men and women face every day.

I'd Trade My Husband for a Housekeeper: Loving Your Marriage After the Baby Carriage is an honest,humorous look at and the joys and obstacles of being married with children. Authors Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile will make you laugh and, maybe more importantly, make you realize that you're not alone when you wish you could just find time for a shower sometime this week.

Let's face it, we have a lot of expectations about life after babies and, truthfully, they're not all completely realistic. We'd love to be Martha Stewart and have the perfect looking home, make our holiday cards by hand, and cultivate our own organic gardens; but, when you're really dealing with spit up, sore breasts and piles of laundry, it's easy to wonder how you ever got to that place in life.

Ashworth and Nobile let us know that it's all perfectly normal, though. Modern parenthood doesn't have to mean the absence of marital bliss. In fact, with the guidance this book offers, you may just find your life really is perfect just the way it is!

Designer Babies?

The New York Daily News ran a story yesterday that certainly is going to get people talking. A fertility doctor that has already been giving couples the ability to choose the gender of their child is now claiming that, within six months, he will be able to offer couples the ability to choose much more, including hair, eye and even skin color.

Dr. Jeff Steinberg was among those to create the first test-tube baby back in 1977 (she was born in '78). He admits that this new technology won't be 100% accurate but says that "genetic health is the wave of the future", which causes us to ask the question, how is hair, eye or skin color related to genetic health? Sounds more like going to the mall and visiting Build-A-Bear. "I'll take the girl with blond hair and blue eyes and naturally tan skin, please, with the cheerleader outfit and the pocket dog." The whole notion just seems a little odd to me. Isn't part of the joy of having a child in having one that is wholly unique?

USC professor Professor Alexander Capron probably said it best. When responding to Steinberg's claims, he said, "The notion of unconditional love and support - which is assumed to be what parents owe their children - is totally undermined here." As a parent to three beautiful, but physically very different, children, I would have to agree. While every pregnancy is unique and precious just as it is, so should every child be.

Too Tired to Cook a Real Meal?

I just made the main dish of what is, quite possibly, the easiest dinner to make. OK, maybe a bowl of cereal is as easy, but we stopped doing that when we finished college, right? ...right??

When you're pregnant, let's face it, you're also TIRED! During my first pregnancy, I slept all the time. I even bought a travel alarm clock so I could nap during my 15 minute work breaks! Then, when I became pregnant with #2 and #3, I was tired AND I was chasing other children. So much for napping whenever you want to.

But, being pregnant doesn't always exempt you from all those other duties that you may be responsible for. At the end of the day, when it's time to start thinking of dinner plans, it's hard to come up with something nutritious and tasty that you also have the energy to actually make. Enter one of my favorite kitchen appliances...the crockpot! It really makes cooking so easy and, best of all, you don't have to put too much energy and thought into making a great meal.

So, here's the ingredient list to my fabulous main dish - 1 roast, 2 cans cream of mushroom soup. Yup, that's it. Think it can't get easier? Think again. Here's the instructions - 1. Place roast in crockpot 2. Place soup in crockpot 3. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

Isn't that easy?? You can toss that all together in the morning before you leave for work, set it on low, and the roast will be fall-apart-fantastic by the time you come home! And, because of that soup, it makes its own gravy while it cooks! So simple. Steam some veggies, whip up some mashed potatoes and you've got a meat and potatoes meal to satisy everyone in the family. Now you can make a great meal for the family and still have time to put your feet up for the rest of the evening!

Bonus tip - get a roast that will allow you to have leftovers. You can take a roastbeef sandwich for lunch the next day and/or make some wheat pasta the following night, warm up the leftover meat and gravy, and spoon it over the pasta for another quick and easy meal!

Is Breast Always Best?

Is breast still best when it belongs to someone other than the child's own mother? It's an ethical debate that our generation has never been challenged with before but that has recently been brought into the spotlight. It's no big secret anymore that Salma Hayek rocked the world when she was recently filmed breastfeeding a child that wasn't her own. But, if you've been in a cave (or have pregnancy brain) and aren't sure exactly what I'm talking about, here's the deal...

Salma, who has admitted to being addicted to breastfeeding her one year old daughter Valentina Paloma, was in Sierra Leone on a goodwill trip to support a tetanus vaccination project when she encountered a mother with no milk and a starving child. The child, one week old and coincidentally born on the same day as Salma's own daughter, nursed while Salma expressed her amazement. She said her decision to nurse the child was made, in part, out of compassion for a suffering child. She recalled a story her grandmother had told her about her great-grandmother making a similar decision many years before in a small Mexican village and said that she plans to always teach Valentina to be a generous and caring person.



So, the question is this...what would you do? Of course, there are issues to consider such as the passing of infections, the psychological implications, and the decrease in milk supply in the donor, but what if those were taken out of the picture? What if you were confronted with just a baby in need? Would it make a difference if the baby belonged to someone you knew versus a stranger's child? And, what if the tables were turned? What if something happened to you and you were unable to nurse for 36 hours? How would you feel about having someone else nurse your child?

Eternal Maternal Mama isn't here to make a judgement call one way or another. The answer to whether breast is best in every situation is a very personal one, and one that a mother must make for herself and her own child. Applause to Salma, though, for such a selfless act of compassion and for being so forthright about it, too!

How Will You Decorate the Nursery?

Decisions, decisions... Pregnancy is full of them. One decision that many people struggle with is how to decorate the nursery. What used to be an easy pick of blue for boys, pink for girls, and green or yellow for neutrals has turned into a deer in the headlights look while you stand in front of the paint chip boards at your local home improvement store. There's good news, though, mommies! If you're struggling with what colors to use, here are some great new trends for 2009 that are beautiful and will transition well as your precious bundle grows up.

First, it's hip to be cool. No, not cool as in trying to fit into "the" high school crowd with all the right labels and logos. That's exhausting! I'm talking cool as in the color palette. We're moving away from warm browns as neutrals and moving toward cool grays. Gray? Yes, gray. It's not your grandma's gray, though. Think about stainless steel appliances. They’re basically gray, right? But, they’re gray that is sophisticated, high end and goes beautifully with just about every other color. So, think of grays with silvery undertones. Or, if you don’t like the silvery look, go for green or blue undertones. Each one gives a slightly different feel; but, in either case, creates a beautiful neutral to anchor a room. Now that's gray with some character!

So, if you're using gray for your neutral in a room, what color should you accent with? One of my favorite color palettes is combining gray with burgundy and pink. It's a beautiful trio that is classic without feeling old-fashioned. Add some small touches of black here and there, and you've got a lovely room for your princess. Want something a little brighter? Try magenta or fuscia with the gray. Both pull from a base color of purple, which is also popular this year.

But, what if your bundle is prince? Or maybe you're not sure if you're getting a prince or a princess. Greens and blues pair wonderfully with gray. Go for softer, understated tones, and you'll create an atmosphere that will be relaxing for any baby. Still feel like you need a pop of color, though? Try some yellow. It's cheery and hopeful and mixes well with blue or green.

Remember, choosing colors doesn't have to be overwhelming. Pick the color that you like - burgundy, fuscia, blue, green - and then find the shade of gray that is most complimentary with that color. You just began creating your color palette! Wasn't that easy? Now throw in an accent color - for example, pink with burgundy or yellow with blue or green - and you're definitely on your way! No more deer in the headlights look for you! Happy decision making and happy decorating!

Who's Your (Grand) Daddy?

What do you call your grandparents? For myself, it was the traditional Grandma and Grandpa, with the notable exception of my paternal grandmother who was Gram. The only really different name that was ever used by family members of my own was Bobsha (I hope I spelled that correctly). It's the name some of my cousins called their father's mother. She was Polish and I'm told that the name means "grandma" in Polish. My own children call my stepdad Papa, but that's as unusual as the monikers get in my immediate family.

The traditional Grandma and Grandpa titles seem to fall a little short, though, in a world where we routinely come across more and more unique baby names. So, just when you thought all you had to choose was a new baby name, there may be the added pressure of figuring out just what the right grandparent names should be, too. Just in time to save you, though, comes The New Grandparents Name Book by Lin Wellford. Containing hundreds of names for the new grandparents, you'll have fun finding the perfect aliases for your folks and his. You could even wrap up this cute little 5"x5" book and give it as a gift to them to announce your new arrival.

As for the Eternal Maternal Mama, my kids are still young so grandparent status is years off, but I currently am thinking I'd make a great Grammy. Any other suggestions?

Support us in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Eternal Maternal is participating in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition, and we need your help! Please follow the link below to vote for us!!

You can vote once per day and voting continues through midnight Pacific time on March 31st. Winners will be decided by popular vote so be sure to bookmark the page so you can vote for us everyday!

Thanks for your support!

Support us in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Are you a lotion girl?

If you're like me, you're a lotion girl. I love lotions. Give it to me in a tube, jar, bottle, pump, or spray. You name it; I'll try it. I have to admit that my favorites are those that are a bit heavier and creamier. They're just dreamy. If there's one thing I don't like, though, it's the lotions and potions that are overly perfumy (is that a real word?) or that go on beautifuly but leave your skin feeling thirsty again within 10 minutes. In the case of the less than thirst quenching formulas, I'm always left with the thought, "What's the point?"

When it comes to those lotions, butters, and so-called creams that always leave me wanting more, I have to wonder if that is the point. Give me a product that costs an arm and a leg and then somehow coerce me into applying it six times a day so I'll have to buy more in two weeks. Seriously, though, what's the point of a lotion/butter/cream that doesn't actually hydrate? Isn't that why we apply it in the first place? And why is that so many are like that? I'll give it to you in one word...water.

Water? Don't we usually associate water with hydration? Well, yes we do. The problem is that water is really only hydrating when consumed. However, when water is applied externally, what we're left with is something more like a drying agent. Think about it. If your skin is dry, do you apply water? Nope. That would be crazy, right, because what happens when you put water on your skin? It evaporates and, in the process, also strips your skin of its natural oils which leaves it drier than what it was before you applied the water! Like I said, crazy.

So, here's a little test for you. Go find your favorite lotion/butter/cream and check out the ingredient list. What was the very first ingredient (ingredients, by the way, are listed in order from greatest amount to least in a product)? Go on; go check. I'll wait... What did you find? Was it water? If your favorite moisturizer is anything like most of them on the market, it was. Now, go find another lotion somewhere in the house and check its ingredients. Water again? It doesn't surprise me. It's rampant throughout the cosmetic industry. And, here's another little tidbit about water in your cosmetics or moisturizers...if water is an ingredient, there MUST be some kind of preservative, typically a chemically derived one, as one of the ingredients, too, because water is a breeding ground for bacteria. Yuck, right?

I recently did a test of my own. I went to a local variety store and checked out 30 different lotions, butters, creams and moisturizers ranging in price from $4 to $47.50 (and that was for only 1.7 ounces!). Many of them had words like "organic", "natural", "repair", "ultra healing", and "naturally therapeutic" on them. We see those words and assume that they're true but guess what? Every single product I checked had water as the very first ingredient! That super expensive $47.50 moisturizer had some form of water as the first four! Wow. My favorite, though, was the cream that was labeled as "(product name) with cocoa butter and vitamin E". There were a total of 24 ingredients in this little jar, which included sucrose (that's sugar), fragrance, stearic acid, and, my favorite, borax. Borax???? Oh, and there was cocoa butter and vitamin E. They were ingredients #8 and #16 respectively.

It's startling, I'll admit it. It was a startling realization everyone at Eternal Maternal had when we set out to do research and development for our bellybalm. Momma's skin is precious and, especially during pregnancy, it's often in need of some extra pampering. That's why our bellybalm doesn't contain a drop of water; only natural shea butter and oils that are healing and soothing. One would think that it might be greasy, but it's anything but that. We chose ingredients that were light and easily absorbed by the skin, so, unless you really overdue it, it will soak right in and leave your skin feeling wonderful all day long. The other delightful thing about it is that, because it's 100% natural and contains no water that can evaporate, a little bit goes a long way. Good news if you're using it everyday and, like many women, all over!

So, if you're a lotion girl like me, give our bellybalm a try! We've never had an unsatisfied customer when it comes to this product. We even have several dads that like it, too!

Welcome!

Welcome to Eternal Maternal's blog, Belly Notes. It's been a bit of a process, dare I say "labor", to bring this blog to life but we're hopeful that it will bring you some valuable information. All the technical stuff is certainly not my strong suit, so I'm sure there will be some bugs to work out initially. Stick with us, though! Once we get through those, the writing is the easy part!