Bellybar Blog

Earlier this summer I spent several days investigating the composition of prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements. Part of the reason I became a supplement sleuth was because Leslie asked me to do that for Bellybar. The other part of the reason was I needed information on currently available prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements for the chapter on Nutrition and Pregnancy I write for a lifecycle nutrition textbook.
I am still getting over the mess I found. Having worked with Leslie and Meredith on the scientific rationale for the nutrient formulation of Bellybar, I had certain standards in mind. First and foremost, I was looking for prenatal supplements that provide reasonable amounts of nutrients most likely to be lacking in the diet of women of childbearing age. These nutrients include vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, and DHA or DHA + EPA (the important omega-3 fatty acids).
Next, I looked for “filler nutrients” on the label. These are nutrients such as pantothenic acid, biotin, thiamin, and selenium—nutrients most women get plenty of in their diets. Filler nutrients, as I call them, make the list of nutrients given in the Supplement Facts panel look long and impressive, but they are unnecessary and increase the chance that nutrient-nutrient interactions will decrease the absorption of needed nutrients.
Finally, I looked for the inclusion of non-nutrients in prenatal supplement formulations. I hit bingo here. I found prenatal supplements that contain ingredients such as seaweed, (which is not a recommended source of iodine for pregnant women), enzymes, borage, and don guai. None of these have been demonstrated to benefit fertility, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Some prenatal supplements contain ingredients that are not considered safe for use in pregnancy. Others provide unreasonably high levels of vitamins and minerals, or around 200% of the %DV and beyond.
If you’re in the market for a prenatal supplement, look for a product that contains vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, and DHA or DHA + EPA. Look for reasonable does levels on the Supplement Facts panel, and beware of supplements that contain non-nutrient ingredients. Plan on getting most of the nutrients you need from a healthful diet that includes 5 or more servings of colorful vegetables and fruits daily. Buy and use iodized salt.
Over the last 4 years Leslie and I have had many discussions about the optimal nutrient formulation of Bellybar products. That changes with time as more is learned about nutrient and health relationships before, during, and after pregnancy. What has not changed is the commitment to making evidence-based decisions about nutrients and dose levels that are in the best interests of women and their babies. It’s the mother in us that makes sure we do that.

**Judith Brown is Professor Emerita of the University on Minnesota School of Public Health and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is the author of “What to Eat Before, During, and After Pregnancy” published by McGraw-Hill, and of Nutrition Now, a Wadsworth/Cengage introductory nutrition textbook. She edits and is an author of Nutrition through the Lifecycle, a textbook also published by Wadsworth/Cengage.

Tags: baby, baby expert, nursing, nutrition, nutrition during pregnancy, prenatal, prenatal expert, prenatal nutrition, prenatal vitamins

For the last week, the Bellybar team has been in Las Vegas at the ABC Kids Show. Meredith and I had a chance to walk the show on Tuesday to learn about all of the exciting new products – for some of our favorites, we were sworn to secrecy. However, we know the launch dates and you’ll be the first to know! Here are some of the things we found and loved:

• Supergoop: this sunscreen is absolutely revolutionary! They’ve taken all the bad stuff out (PABA, parabens, etc.) and left only a terrific, non-greasy, lightweight lotion that protects at 30SPF. It’s perfect for your little ones… and for mom and dad too! www.supergoop.com.
• Beaba: Beaba’s tagline is “creating simple moments” and when it comes to feeding your baby, making it easy is key! Their fabulous Babycook and the new cookbook make it so simple – you can feel great about what you feed your baby! www.beabausa.com
• Kokopax: how many of you were carried around in a simple backpack as a child? I was! My father told a great story at my wedding of how he used to carry me around the house in a backpack while I carefully grabbed anything my little hands could reach to throw on the floor. Fun! Kokopax has brought those original carriers back – in a fun, stylish way. Created by a mom of 4, you can’t go wrong! www.kokopax.com
• Pink Axle hats: these are so fun! Newborn hats that have serious personality. I love the guitar and peace signs – and babies look so cute in them. www.stellamaternity.com/pinkaxle.html
• Tummy Tubs: our booth was right next to this company and they had the most wonderful video running. You simply have to watch it – it sells the product for itself! http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30499759/ns/today-parenting_and_family

I’ll keep you posted as more wonderful products launch!

Have a great weekend,

Leslie

Tags: baby expert, nutrition, pregnancy, prenatal, prenatal expert, prenatal nutrition

Since I’m a self-described chocoholic (dark, milk, any kind really!), I was so thrilled to learn that scientists in Finland found that eating chocolate while preggers may lead to happier babies. (Check out the article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3604275.stm. These scientists studied 300 women while pregnant and after – asking them about their babies’ happiness levels six months after delivery. And the women that ate chocolate every day during their pregnancies reported having happier and more active babies!

The most common thing people say to me about my Emily is “what a happy baby!” And I ate quite a bit of chocolate during my pregnancy (I used the Baby Needs Chocolate Bellybar as my daily prenatal!). This mama needs chocolate for sure!

So, it got me wondering – when we’re pregnant, do we somehow pass the happiness we feel when a Hershey’s Kiss is melting in our mouth on to our babies? Or is it something about chocolate that has a physical effect? Scientists don’t know the answer to this one actually – only that mom’s reported happier babies when they ate chocolate every day.

Either way, to be honest, doesn’t much matter to me! Any excuse for eating chocolate (in moderation of course) is a great one. Did you eat a lot of chocolate during your pregnancy? Tell me your thoughts on whether that created – or not - a happy baby!

Deliciously and nutritiously,
Leslie

Tags: baby expert, nutrition, pregnancy, prenatal, prenatal expert, prenatal nutrition, prenatal pills, prenatal vitamins

Today, my baby girl turns 14 months! And she’s a happy, healthy, thriving girl – my most proud accomplishment. However, I was looking in the mirror the other day and realized that with all the excitement and new responsibilities of being a new mom I’ve kinda forgotten about myself a bit. Anyone else know this feeling?

Over the last year, I’ve taken good care of Emily. I’ve worked really hard for Bellybar and NutraBella. But somehow, that’s where I max out – I don’t seem to be able to take care of me too. The gym has fallen by the waste side (I’m paying $80 a month for nothing!), I think my last mani/pedi was when I was preggers and I don’t even remember the last time I read a book (does People Magazine count?!).

I had an enlightening conversation with a dear friend last weekend who stays at home with her kids, and we were surprised to learn that we both grappled with this same issue. How do we find time for ourselves? I recall this starting to happen when I was pregnant too; everything was about baby and very little about mom!

So, is the truth really that when you have a baby, mom gets forgotten? How have you made time for yourself? I’d love to learn some tips and tricks from you!

Have a wonderful Labor Day and you know what… treat yourself!

Warmly,
Leslie

Prenatal exercise has many health benefits for mommies to be. Training with light weights can help keep up your energy level, as well as maintain your strength as your body is changing. Simple exercises can help to prevent back pain, excess weight gain, and can even help with circulation. Remember with any activity it is always best to get your doctor’s clearance before you start. Pregnancy is not the time to start a weight training regime. However, if you were training beforehand, continuing with a less strenuous variation of your workouts will keep you fit during your pregnancy, and make recovery time quicker after labor and delivery. During this time, it is a good idea to keep the muscles of the pelvic floor toned, as well as keeping strength in the upper body, as you will need that when the baby arrives.

Prenatal Weight Training Recommendations:
Stand Up While Lifting
• Generally it is a good idea to keep the head above the heart while training during pregnancy. Many women experience hypotension, and get dizzy when exercising on their back, and then standing up. Women who do not have hypotension can often exercise on their back safely for short bouts (less than 5 minutes).
• Women should avoid laying flat on their backs after sixteen weeks. As the uterus grows it can compress a major blood vessel when a woman lies flat on her back. This restricts blood flow back to the mother’s heart and subsequently the blood flow to the baby.
• Laying on a very high incline with the head above the heart is a good alternative for chest presses and flys.
• Consider changing over from exercises in which you lay down, to seated machines during this time, e.g. chest press and fly.

More Tips
• Breathe deeply during all exercises
• Stop if you are feeling dizzy, faint or have any bleeding
• Stay cool and well hydrated
• Do not take any muscle group to failure (lift lighter weight)
• Be aware that you might have more joint laxity, so be really aware to maintain good form to keep your shoulders, hips, knees, ankles and wrists safe

*Desi Bartlett M.S., CPT, has been teaching health and wellness for more than 17 years. Her innovative approach to teaching is to tap into one’s inner joy and let movement be an outer expression of that state. Desi holds advanced certifications in Yoga, Personal Training and Group Fitness. She is also a continuing education provider through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the National Council for Personal Trainers. Desi’s inspiring and unique classes have been featured on networks such as ABC, Univision and Lifetime. For more information, please visit www.desibartlett.com.

Tags: baby expert, fit pregnancy, fitness, nutrition, pregnancy, prenatal expert, prenatal nutrition

Today happens to be my dear friend, Maria’s birthday – Happy Birthday girlfriend! We usually celebrate together because mine was just last week (don’t ask the number – another year wiser, right?!). Maria has brought such joy and laughter to my life and as the mama of two amazing kids, she has been inspiration, encouragement and support to me with my Emily. It takes a village, right?

In my family, birthdays were always a very big deal – we were queen or kings for the day! My parents always made me and my brother feel really special and celebrated on those days. It’s the one day that is all about you. Although we kind of forget this as adults and instead, it becomes about another year – more age. As moms, we enjoy spoiling our kids on their birthdays, but what about us?

At NutraBella, we give our team members their birthday off – paid. I don’t think anyone should ever have to work on their birthday – in fact, perhaps I need to write my member of congress about this idea! It’s the small things that can really count – and our team members should be with their loved ones on their special day.

Maria and her hubby Andy have a wonderful tradition of calling me on my birthday to “thank me for being born.” It makes me feel so loved and cherished. Everyone should feel that way on their day! Do you have a special saying or activity for your birthday? What’s the most special or fun birthday you have celebrated? I’d love to hear from you!

Celebrating birthday mamas everywhere,
Leslie

* Guest post from Jennifer Johnson, owner of Baby Makin’ Machine and blogger for Conceive Online

I never really thought much about nutrition. I’ve never been really good about sticking to a healthy diet or a good workout plan. “When I’m pregnant I’ll worry about it,” I tell myself. But would I really be able to cut french fries (my favorite food) cold turkey? Probably not. And what about my occasional dependence on caffeine? I do like an energy drink every now and then – so shoot me! But after developing an obsession for studying all things pre-pregnancy, I began to realize there are a lot of things I could, and probably should be doing now to get my body in tip-top baby-makin’ shape!

No, I’m not a mom, and I’m not pregnant, nor trying to be at the moment, but I’m a big researcher and I like to plan ahead.

The first thing I did was find a quality prenatal vitamin. It couldn’t hurt right? I learned it can take up to three months for your body to absorb all of the nutrients it needs as well as to amass a good supply for your baby, so I figured that would be a great place to start.

Then, as hard as it was, I decided to kick caffeine. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as difficult as I thought. About a week in I started getting some headaches, but I tried to fight through it - even without aspirin. Call it torture if you want, but I call it practice.

For awhile, a carbonated drink would suffice my cravings for soda, but now if I feel a craving I’m usually ok after having a sip of lemonade, or something else with flavor.

What’s next? The big O! No, not that one - organic! I have never eaten organic foods, but after beginning to read Fully Fertile, I’ve decided I’m going to give it a try. It says the fewer chemicals you put in your body, the easier it is for your body to regulate itself and have a normal cycle. Funny - it’s not enough motivation for me to eat organic if it’s for my personal health, but tell me it can help me make a baby and I’m all for it!

I’m just starting out with eggs and other dairy products and we’ll see how that goes. Who knows, maybe by the time I have a baby I’ll be making homemade baby food! For now, I’m taking it one step at a time.

About the Author - Jennifer Johnson, AKA Future Mama, is the blog owner of Baby Makin’ Machine where she writes about her journey of preparing for pregnancy and eventually motherhood. Jennifer is a journalist and also blogs for Conceive Online at Ready or Not. She resides in Austin, Texas and has been married nearly five years.

Tags: conceive, conception, guest blogger, Jennifer Johnson, nutrition, prenatal

Congratulations to Lizzie Elliott!  Lizzie was randomly selected as the winner of the Psi Bands drawing.  Nausea relief is on its way! 

Congratulations again Lizzie. 

For more information on Psi Bands, check out www.psibands.com. 

Deliciously and nutritiously,

Leslie

Okay ladies, just admit it.  If you’ve ever been pregnant, I know you’ve used this excuse, “well now that I’m pregnant, I’m eating for two.”  But are you really eating for two?  I surely convinced myself that I was when I was pregnant.  I was so hungry all of the time that it seemed like I was eating for a small army.  I was recently reminded that the recommended number of extra calories during the first trimester is… ZERO!  Not a one!  I was one of the lucky ones who didn’t experience morning sickness – so instead, I was just hungry all the time. 

 

I found that it was really important for me to be very careful with my snacks in order to maintain a healthy weight gain.  I recall grabbing a handful of almonds, carrots – or when I needed a sweet treat – a square or two of dark chocolate.  That usually got me through to the next meal.  And since I used my Bellybar as my prenatal vitamin (with my doctor’s approval of course), I incorporated it into my diet – usually grazing on it all morning before lunch.

 

I was also reminded that many nutritionists recommend 300 extra calories during your second and third trimesters, and another 600 calories while nursing.  So, you have a few more options (other than Ben and Jerry’s of course!) for additional calories.  I I really craved dairy during my pregnancy and while nursing – so I drank non-fat milk as a snack, grazed on string cheese and grabbed a low-fat yogurt (Wallaby’s was my favorite because it had the lowest sugar I could find while still tasting delish). 

 

I was also conscious of getting of the 200-300mg of DHA that my doctor recommended in my diet – yet, I’m not a big fish eater (spent a good part of my life allergic to it!).  So, I would snack on our Bellybar Chews in the afternoon (also kicked my citrus craving) – there are now many DHA fortified foods, such as milk, yogurt and more! 

 

For more tips on a healthy diet during pregnancy, check out our nutritionist’s thoughts on our website: http://bellybarproducts.com/nutrition/art3.html

 

Snack on!

 

Deliciously and nutritiously,

Leslie

Tags: baby expert, DHA, nursing, nutrition during pregnancy, pregnancy, prenatal, prenatal expert, prenatal nutrition, prenatal vitamins

Many sources estimate that 80% of pregnant women experience the dreaded “morning sickness” –itself a misnomer, as anyone who has suffered through it can tell you that the nausea can last all day.

Are you one of those suffering?  Well, mompreneurs Romy Taormina and Carla Falcone, can help!  After commiserating about the lack of fashionable and functional acupressure wrist bands to relieve their severe morning sickness, Romy and Carla took the saying, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention,’ seriously. 

Psi Bands Founders Carla Falcone and Romy Taormina

Psi Bands

(pronounced “sigh” bands) were “born” — a product that provides nausea relief for those who suffer from morning sickness, motion sickness, anesthesia, or chemotherapy – and Romy became the Nausea Relief Chief!  Here are some of her tips for stopping the queasies:

 

Romy believes strongly in the use of wrist acupressure to relieve nausea for the following reasons:

·       Numerous scientific studies support the use of wrist acupressure to relieve nausea.

·       It’s easy to implement.

·       It is drug-free so it won’t harm your fetus or interfere with other medications.

In addition to wrist acupressure to help quell the queasies, she has some other great tips for natural remedies that can provide relief from pregnancy related nausea:

·        Try ginger. It can be found as a powder in a capsule, grated fresh into hot water for tea, in syrup, or even as a sucking candy.

·        Cold fluids and solids like ice chips, popsicles, frozen grapes, etc. may provide relief and help take away the metallic taste in the mouth.

·        Try not to eat too much at a time, but also avoid an empty stomach. Eat several small meals every day instead of large meals and try to incorporate protein into every meal.

·        For morning nausea, keep a small snack (like crackers) right next to your bed and eat a bit before rising. Allow a few minutes for the snack to digest, then get out of bed slowly.

·        Stay hydrated. Try a sports hydration drink, as well as water, broth, or juice.

·        Avoid spicy foods.

·        Get lots of rest. Stress and fatigue can make morning sickness worse.

 

 

Psi Bands

The best part is that we’re giving away a pair of Psi Bands to one lucky winner! Simply comment on this blog to be entered to win!  We’ll do the drawing on Monday, the 17^th, so don’t delay! 

 

 

And of course, the friendly disclaimer: We are not medical professionals, so contact your health professional if symptoms persist.

source: http://www.webmd.com/baby/managing-morning-sickness

Tags: baby expert, morning sickness, nausea, nutrition during pregnancy, pregnancy, prenatal, prenatal expert, prenatal fitness, prenatal nutrition, psi bands