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Happy New Year!

As we all head into a brand new year, we wanted to wish all of you a healthy, happy and full of love year ahead.

As winter is still here for some of us, we thought that some reminders about driving safely on hazardous roads would come in handy, specially when driving with babies and kids.

Here is an article from one of the talented people at Porch.

Stay safe and enjoy your travels.

The Ultimate Winter Road Trip Safety Guide

November 16, 2022

Monica Villanueva

Winter road trips are great — you can travel to some thrilling locations and have a fantastic winter experience. You might indulge in winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, ice skating, and curling. Perhaps you enjoy cozy winter holidays in snowy mountain cabins. Winter conditions are hazardous, so you need to be prepared to deal with anything that can go wrong. Snow and ice make it harder for you to slow your car down. Your car may lose traction on hills, or while starting from a complete stop. You’ll want to know what to do in the worst-case scenario and have the materials to help when needed. Winter conditions are livable if you’re a patient driver and prepared for the worst. You can have a safe, joyous trip by knowing the best practices for driving through the snow. 

Trucking companies take steps to prevent accidents, whether that be making sure truck drivers have proper safety information, pre-hiring training and tests, and rewarding drivers for safe driving.

Prepare your car for a winter road trip

Tires are an essential factor for a safe winter road trip. Ideally, you’ll have snow or all-season tires with a rating for mud and snow. The cold weather lowers air pressure in tires, so check and fill your tires if needed. Once your tires are winter-ready, you can outfit your car with supplies.

Winter driving and car safety are about preparedness. You’ll often use your windshield wiper fluid, so check that your tank is full, and keep an extra container on hand. Good sunglasses are also a game-changer to handle glares from the sun reflecting off the snow. Ensure your phone is charged, and keep it plugged in during the drive. Gloves and ice scrapers are helpful too.

It’s good to be prepared for the worst before you leave for your winter road trip. Have a large, thick blanket in the trunk and some emergency snacks. If you’re spinning your wheels on a slippery section, sand or kitty litter can provide traction to get you going. Finally, an emergency car kit that contains flairs, a flashlight, jumper cables, and other valuable items is wise to have on hand.

carsafety

What to do before the trip 

Before you leave, get an oil change, and ask them to ensure the car is ready for a winter road trip. The technicians will ensure all your fluids are topped off — including your antifreeze (which your car needs in the cold), windshield wiper fluid, and oil. They’ll check the tire pressure and will install winter windshield wipers if you need them. It’s always a good idea to have a paper map if the GPS fails. If the forecast predicts a blizzard, consider an alternative route, or travel on a different day.

How to drive on snow roads and ice

It’s vital to maximize your visibility in winter conditions. Scrape all the ice from your windows and the windshield. Brush all the snow from your car, including the sides and the back. Snow blows away in the wind, and the last thing you want is to suddenly have your vision impaired due to snow from your car.

There may be times you have to brake in slippery conditions. If you have ABS (traction control), push hard on the brake and leave it suppressed until the car fully stops. The ABS may make noise or cause the vehicle to vibrate, but it’s working to help you. If you don’t have ABS, pump the brakes so your vehicle continues to slow as it moves straight.

If you’re fully stopped and struggling to move, tap the gas repeatedly to get a rocking motion going. This method gives you momentum to help push you forward. Traction control can work against you if you’re struggling to get moving. Turn it off, and you should find it more manageable. Be sure to keep your tank over half full for the entire drive. The half a tank is a contingency if you need to pull over so you don’t lose access to heat.

On the road

The best thing you can do in the snow is drive slowly. Your vehicle will struggle to brake, and you may need extra clearance to avoid hitting the car in front of you. It’s best to give the car ahead a lot of distance. It’s also wise to stay in your lane and only pass if you’re sure it’s safe. Winter drivingis a hazard, but if you give yourself lots of time to arrive at your destination, you’ll maximize your chances of an uneventful drive.

If conditions are bad, it’s best to pull over rather than risk an accident. Avoid pulling over on the side of the highway if possible, as lanes can be challenging to see in snowy conditions. Oncoming traffic may not realize you’re unmoving on the side of the road.

Bridges and tunnels are likely to form black ice. Black ice is a term for ice that blends into the street. Do not slam the brakes if you see a black ice patch and the car loses control. Take your foot off the gas so the car slows, and tap the brakes in short pumps.

Keep your wheel pointed in the direction you want the car to go.

If you’re on a hill, try not to stop for any reason. You may slide backward, and climbing the hill from a complete stop will be challenging. Avoid aggressively accelerating up the incline, which can cause your tires to spin. Take it slow and steady. When the temperature is below freezing, it’s best to take the road slower than usual. The faster you drive, the harder it is to stop (especially in bad conditions).

Winter driving is all about maintaining control.

Ideally, you can avoid driving in a snowstorm altogether. If you are in one, avoid using the high-beam lights. While this seems counter-intuitive, the snowfall reflects the light and mitigates the efficacy of the high beams. Stick with low beams in heavy snow if you drive in heavy snowfall. In any winter conditions, avoid using cruise control.

How to make the road trip more comfortable

You’ll want to be relaxed and alert for your winter drive. Your comfort is a crucial component, so you can’t afford to focus on discomfort when driving in bad conditions. Choose a comfortable temperature for the vehicle, and keep your windows defrosted. You should also wear your jacket while driving. If you get in an accident, and the heat stops working, you’ll be glad you did.

Have a great playlist ready for your drive, and don’t fiddle with it once yourtrip begins. If you like snacks, set them up in advance so you can reach them without taking your eyes off the road. The same suggestion applies to coffee or water.

car safety

Winter driving can lead to some enjoyable adventures. Winter conditions aren’t ideal, but if you take your time and go into the drive well-prepared, you’ll have an excellent trip. If winter driving makes you nervous, try finding a large empty parking lot, and practice losing control where you won’t hit anyone. Winter roads can be dangerous but can also lead to beautiful locations. By following the best practices, you’ll arrive safely and be glad you made the trip.

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Driveways & WalkwaysHolidaysMaintenance & UpgradesUncategorized

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Baby shower gift boxes and more

Hello and welcome to November everyone.

As we approach the winter holidays, we thought, that together with offering you the option of shopping for a Baby Shower Gift Box, we should also offer you some tips on how to take the stress out of planning a Baby Shower.

We were very lucky to be contacted by the wonderful people @porch.com and have a very helpful article for us to publish it on our blog.

As the busy season is really coming fast, don’t forget that we also offer Baby fashion on top of our Pregnancy Gift Boxes and Baby Shower Gift boxes.

So, without further delay, please enjoy this wonderful and useful article.

Take the Stress out of Planning a Home Baby Shower 

Pregnancy is a beautiful stage in the life of the parents-to-be that can bring joy and happiness. Still, it can also create nervousness and be overwhelming, especially when planning a baby shower at home, since it requires a lot of time and preparation in advance, not to mention the expense that this represents in an already tight budget.  

This guide offers you a variety of helpful tips that can be a solution to taking the stress out of your baby shower planning experience. Read on to learn more party organization tips, the most common stressors parents face when throwing a baby shower at home, and practical advice on tackling them. 

Table of Contents 

Baby shower planning guide 

Setting up a budget 

Picking a date & time 

Decide indoors or outdoors 

Make a guest list and send invitations 

Pick games and activities 

Choose hassle-free food options 

Top baby shower planning stressors and tips for beating them 

  1. Stressor: Budget 
  1. Stressor: Not having enough help 
  1. Stressor: Guest list 
  1. Stressor: Time 
  1. Stressor: Cleaning after the event 

Extra stress relieving tips to pamper mom 

Baby shower planning guide 

There are many things to consider when you’re planning to host a home baby shower. Here are some key party organization tips and ideas you’ll want to remember to ensure that your shower is a success. 

Setting a budget 

Before you set a date or send invitations, come up with a budget for your baby shower and stick to it, so you don’t overspend. 

  • Make a list of the things you’ll need, like food, drinks, decorations, etc. Then, come up with an approximate cost for each item and with the total amount to be spent. Adjust to your possibilities and try not to exceed the estimated cost you already have. 
  • Keep your guest list limited to help you save money on food and drinks. 
  • If you feel like you are going to need to exceed your budget limit, ask your closest friends and relatives to bring a side dish, snack, or drink to reduce your food costs and help keep your event budgeting in line. 

Picking a date & time 

  • Most expectant parents typically host their baby shower between the 28th and 30th week of pregnancy, but you can also choose to have it earlier in the pregnancy. Decide how far along you want to be before you select a date. 
  • If you want to have a gender reveal, plan to include it during your shower to save the extra cost and hassle of planning and hosting an additional event for this purpose.   
  • You can also host an after-birth baby shower if you prefer. This allows your guests to focus more on the baby when it’s already here rather than before it arrives. 

Decide indoors or outdoors 

  • If the weather is nice, hosting the baby shower party in your backyard will give you more room for guests and require fewer decorations. Hiring a landscaper to get your backyard in shape right before the event date is a great idea that will help reduce the stress of taking care of mowing the lawn and removing any unwanted weeds by yourself. 
  •  Hosting the party inside will allow a smaller number of guests, which translates into smaller costs and makes it a much cozier experience. 

Make a guest list and send invitations 

  • Plan your guest list early and save the money and hassle of printed invitations. Instead, design invitations yourself; look for online baby shower invitation templates from websites like Evite and Zazzle. These sites offer a variety of adorable templates to choose from, and they can be sent entirely virtually. 
  • Send your invitations online, and include a link asking your guests to RSVP online by a specific date. Getting your RSVPs online is much easier than calling each guest individually. 
  • Keep your invitations gender-neutral if you’re doing a gender reveal along with the baby shower to avoid spoiling the surprise. 
  • Don’t forget to let your guests know if they’re allowed to bring a “plus one” or if they can bring children with them to the shower. 
  • If you have a baby registry, remember to include that information in the invitations. 

Choose a theme 

  • Come up with a theme that is easy to decorate for. Choose easy and popular themes like baby animals, bees, clouds and rainbows, flowers, teddy bears, unicorns, “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” or bohemian designs. Pinterest is an excellent resource to help you find easy and creative themes for your baby shower.  
  • Look for pre-made decorations you can buy at the Dollar Store or Amazon that you can just unpack and hang easily. 

Pick games and activities  

  • Choose to do low-stress activities during the party that doesn’t require a lot of extra work on your part or the part of your host, like fun printable items you can find online, games that everyone can play without requiring too many extra props or too much preparation. Think games like printable Mad Libs or a baby-themed word scramble are both great choices. 
  • Fill several bowls with some clean water along with three to five pacifiers and give one to each guest. Have everyone “bob for pacifiers” and see who can get the most within the shortest amount of time. Afterward, you can sterilize the pacifiers and keep them for your baby. 

Choose hassle-free food options 

  • Catering: If your budget allows, catering eliminates the need for you to plan a menu and cook the food yourself. There are many different options and price points available, and in some cases, hiring a caterer for your baby shower doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. 
  • Potluck: Ask every guest you invite to bring a dish to the shower. This makes it fun and interesting because you’ll get to try several different dishes. It’s also great for showers on a budget since your guests will help share food costs. Use cute, printed paper plates for your potluck to add a charming touch to the meal and to help with easy cleanup afterward.  
  • Self-service buffet: Set up a buffet-style party with different dishes lined up on a long table that includes finger foods and self-serve drinks. Serve the food in large bowls or on a few serving platters to make it look nice and professional without a lot of legwork. Decorate your table with some items that go along with the theme of your shower to take the experience to the next level.  
  • Dessert station: Create a custom dessert station with homemade cookies, cakes, and candy, so your guests can grab desserts and candy whenever they want to.  

Top baby shower planning stressors and tips for beating them 

Stressor: budget 

  • Make sure you set your budget ahead of time and stick to it in order to avoid overspending on things you won’t need or use.  
  • Design invites yourself, and send them digitally through email, text messages, or social media instead of printed ones. This option is better for the environment too. 
  • Plan your shower during a time that doesn’t coincide with mealtimes. You won’t need to make as much food when you don’t plan the shower during breakfast, lunch, or dinner hours. Offer finger foods and snacks instead of a full meal.  
  • If you have a dessert station, buy candy in bulk from wholesale stores, where you can find more affordable prices. 
  • Instead of expensive party favors, send your guests home with something inexpensive and yummy, like homemade cookies. 
  • Use printable baby shower activities and games that you can find and download online. This will save you lots of time preparing games that are usually finished within minutes. Remember, you can also ask some friends who recently had a baby shower to borrow their games.  

Stressor: not having enough help 

  • Ask a family member or a close friend you trust to be your second-in-command/right hand. So you can leave some of the decisions to that person and not be overwhelmed with too much. 
  • Ask one or two of your close friends or relatives to make some DIY decorations, like picking flowers from your garden and using them as centerpieces or creating DIY custom banners and signs.  
  • Borrow items like plates and bowls from friends. Even if you use store-bought cookies and punch, proper bowls and plates will make everything look fancier and more attractive. You can also borrow a nice glass drink dispenser and fill it with lemonade or mocktails. Not only does this look nice, but your guests can easily help themselves to refills.  
  • Delegate tasks like inflating balloons and taking pictures to family and friends.  
  • Ask a friend who has already had babies for advice on the items most needed when having a baby. They can help create the registry list for you, or you can also use this downloadable 2022 ultimate baby registry list to ensure you have everything you need to equip your baby nursery, and don’t miss a thing! 

Stressor: guest list 

  • Make sure you’re clear in the invitations that the shower is for adults only to avoid the added stress of making food for kids and coming up with separate activities to keep little ones entertained. 
  • If you have friends and family who live far away, have them attend the shower virtually, to reduce your food and drinks costs. 

Stressor: time 

  • Finalize your guest list about six weeks before the event date. 
  • Ask your guests to RSVP four weeks in advance, so you have plenty of time to plan. 
  • Create a timeline or schedule for your shower that includes games and icebreakers, serving food, and opening gifts. 
  • Decide what type of food you want at least five weeks in advance so you can book a caterer, let your friends and relatives know if you need them to bring a dish, or come up with a menu in time. 

Stressor: Cleaning after the event 

  • Designate 3 or 4 of your closest friends or family members to help with the cleaning after the event is over. 
  • If your budget allows, hire a cleaning company that comes to your home and leaves the place neat and clean without you having to stress about this. 

Extra stress relieving tips to pamper mom: 

  • Gift mama with a relaxing spa day that includes a prenatal massage, foot soak, and mani-pedi to help her get rid of any accumulated stress she may hold from all the event planning. 
  • Since most presents in the baby shower are for the baby, send mama a gift especially for her, like a set that includes bath salts, organic body oil, moisturizing lotion, baby-safe nip cream, and a skincare body oil that prevents and improves the appearance of scars and stretch marks cream. Mom-to-be will be super grateful to receive these presents! 

Welcoming a new baby into the world is probably one of the most exciting experiences you’ll have. Use these helpful, practical tips to host an awesome baby shower at home that’s easy, stress-free, and a whole lot of fun. Remember to incorporate some of the practical money-saving tips to help you stay within your budget, and don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family members for help. Get creative and come up with fun decorations, activities, and food so that your guests have an amazing time. With the right planning and by sticking to your budget, you’ll have a wonderful shower that you’ll remember and cherish forever.  

Originally posted on Porch.com 

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Welcome to fall

Welcome to fall everyone.

As we are getting ready to enjoy that warm sweater or that yummy pumpkin latte, here at The Stork Bag we are getting ready to go on a hunt for fall products that are safe and useful to our moms and moms to be. We hope all of our customers have been enjoying their pregnancy gift boxes.

As some of you may have noticed, we have added baby/kids clothes and other related items to our website, after we had some requests for it. Our pregnancy gift boxes will always be our number one priority but we also want to make it easier to shop for babies and kids items.

We really appreciate your input, so please don’t hesitate to email us or message us on our social media platforms, with your ideas and feedbacks.

While we get ready for all the holidays coming in the next few months, please don’t forget to take care of yourself, make time for loved ones and we want to say a big “Thank you” to each and every one of you that have supported our small business.

Love, The Stork Bag

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Upcoming Changes at The Stork Bag

Welcome to June everyone. With summer upon us, our team at The Stork Bag has been “sweating” new ideas that are coming over the summer.

We have been thinking about making our site an easy and convenient way to shop for all the women in our lives, not just the wonderful pregnant and new moms. Although pregnancy gift boxes will remain our primary focus, we are excited to offer gift boxes for other occasions, and celebrating women. You want to surprise the women at your work place? We will be launching corporate gift boxes that are perfect for any occasion.

Do you have a woman in your life celebrating a birthday, baby shower, wedding anniversary or do you just need a simple “Thank you”? Our new site, FromYouToHer.com will be the place to go.

We can help you give that special lady in your life the gift that will be sure to make her happy, no matter the occasion. We make it easy by giving you special gifts for any occasion. No need to drive, pick and deliver anything; we will take care of it for you.

In order to deliver the perfect gift, all we need is some information about the lucky recipient and we will take care of the rest!

We are very excited about the changes coming and we really hope you, our valued customers, are too. We can’t wait to help you with all your gift giving needs to those amazing and important women in your life.

Stay tuned for more the launch of FromYouToHer.com in July of 2022!

Lots of love,

The Stork Bag Team

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Am I pregnant? Early Signs of Pregnancy

The Stork Bag - Am I pregnant? early signs of pregnancy

*As always, we recommend that you speak with your healthcare provider for any medical issues related to pregnancy. This article is meant as an information source only, and should not be considered medical advice*

Much like every woman, every pregnancy is different. The early signs of pregnancy can vary greatly from woman to woman. While some may feel the body making changes as quickly as within the first month of pregnancy, others may not notice any symptoms at all!

Typical symptoms of an early pregnancy can include a missed period, swollen and tender breasts, an increased need to urinate, morning sickness and fatigue.

So, with this this information in mind, here are some important points to consider:

How soon can I know if I am pregnant?

Pregnancy is a unique experience for each woman; some women suspect their pregnancy within the first few days, while others don’t notice anything has changed until they miss a period. There are also some women who don’t know that they are pregnant until months after conception.

Fortunately there is a safe, easy and affordable solution: the easiest way to know if you’re pregnant (or not) is to take a home pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests meansure a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). This is the hormone that starts building in your body from the moment of conception, and it will rapidly multiply at the beginning of your pregnancy. While hCG makes its first appearance early in the pregnancy process, it takes time for your body to build up enough hCG to able to register positively on a pregnancy test. In most cases, it takes about 3-4 weeks from the first day of your last period before there are sufficient levels of hCG in your body for a positive pregnancy test.

When is the earliest that I can take a pregnancy test?

Again, it does take some time for hCG hormones to build up in the body, so it is best to wait till you miss your period before taking a home pregnancy test. Before this point, test results could come up negative, even if you are pregnant.

How reliable are home pregnancy tests?

Generally speaking, home pregnancy tests are very reliable. The test is quite simple, and involves urinating on a small test strip, then waiting for a result to appear in the window. The window usually shows a test image (for example, a single straight line). This symbol will appear first and means that the test is working. You should always check the packaging and instructions of your test to make sure that it is working. After a few minutes, your test will show either a positive or negative result. Some digital tests display a word or phrase (such as pregnant or not pregnant) rather than an image or symbol.

While home tests are quite reliable, they are certianly not 100%. If you have doubts about using a home pregnancy test, you can contact your healthcare provider about having a blood test done. This test will look for hCG in your blood, but you will still have to wait for hCG to build up to high enough levels before taking this type of pregnancy test.

As always, we do recommend that you contact your health care provider to determine which test is right for you.

What are the most common early signs of pregnancy?

You might experience several or none of these signs of early pregnancy. But remember ladies – we are all different, and not everyone will have all of these symptoms, and some women may not have any. This is OK! Pregnancy symptoms can vary dramatically between women. Remember: your pregnancy is unique so do not obsess over comparing it to someone else’s.

Here are some of the most common signs of early pregnancy:

  • Missed period: The most well known and clear sign of early pregnancy is a missed period. Once conception has occurred, your body produces hormones that stop ovulation, meaning that your period has stopped and you won’t start again until after the baby is born. But keep in mind that missing your period isn’t always a sign of early pregnancy: you can also miss your period from stress, dieting, a hormone imbalance, and other factors.
  • Frequent bathroom trips: Before even missing a period, you may notice that you have to pee more often. This actually happens because you have more blood than before, because during pregnancy your body’s blood supply increases.
  • Feeling tired: Many women report feeling incredibly tired in early pregnancy, which is due largely in part to high levels of the hormone progesterone. Like other early pregnancy symptoms, feeling fatigued or tired tends to get better in the second trimester, but does come back in the third trimester for many women.
  • Morning (and noon, and yes, even night) sickness: Despite the name, sickness can happen at any time, day or night. Nausea can begin as early as two weeks into a pregnancy or it can start a few months after conception. Not everyone will experience nausea, and for those that do there are various levels; for example, about half of pregnant women have vomiting. Though nausea during pregnancy is normal, it can be a problem if you become dehydrated. Not being able to keep down food and fluids because of extreme nausea could be due to a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Always contact your healthcare provider if you are suffering extreme nausea and dehydration.
  • Sore, swollen breasts: Your breasts can become swollen and tender to the touch during pregnancy. The soreness could be similar to how your breasts feel before a period, but only more so. Your nipples could also begin to darken and enlarge. The good news is that this soreness is temporary, and begins to fade as your body gets used to the increased hormone levels. It is also normal if your breasts seem alrger or your bra is tighter than normal.

What are some uncommon signs of early pregnancy?

There are also some additional signs of early pregnancy that are a bit more uncommon. As with the most common symptoms, these early signs of pregnancy may not happen. Remember: everyone is different, and will experience unique pregnancy symptoms.

Some uncommon signs of early pregnancy include:

  • Light bleeding: This one can be scary, and it may seem like a bad sign, but light bleeding (sometimes called spotting) can be a sign that your embryo has implanted in the lining of your uterus. This happens oever several days after conception, looks like small drops of blood or a brownish discharge from the vagina. It can start around the time of your regular period and can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Spotting can cause some women to think that they have miscarried or that they have just had a light period and aren’t pregnant. When in doubt, be sure to consult your healthcare provider!
  • Food cravings, aversions, and hunger: Food can be complicated part of early pregnancy; some women begin to crave certain foods or feel a constant hunger. Some foods may seem delightful in early pregnancy, while others might be downright nasty. Food aversions can happen throughout the entire pregnancy, and can even make you dislike things you have always enjoyed.
  • Metallic taste: Some women experience a metallic taste in their mouth during the early part of their pregnancy. Some describe it like “having a pile of coins in your mouth” (yuck!). This can happen while eating certain foods or at random throughout the day.
  • Headaches, dizziness: Headaches, lightheadedness and dizziness can all be common during early pregnancy. This is mostly due to both the hormonal changes and increasing amount of blood in your body.
  • Cramps: You might also experience cramps that feel like your period is about to start. If these cramps are mainly on one side of your body or severe, contact your healthcare provider immediately. These could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or other complication.
  • Mood swings and emotional changes: As your hormones change, you could experience mood swings. Don’t worry – this is completely normal, even throughout pregnancy. But if you ever feel anxious, depressed or have thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out to your healthcare provider.

Can I have symptoms of pregnancy and not be pregnant?

Many symptoms of early pregnancy overlap with other medical conditions, as well as your typical menstrual cycle. For example, premenstrual symptoms can be very similar to pregnancy symptoms, making it difficult to tell the difference. As we mentioned earlier, you can also miss a period without being pregnant. Breastfeeding can also cause your period to stop for a while.

The best way to know if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. If you have missed a period and think there’s a chance you could be pregnant, take a test and contact your healthcare provider.

I think I’m pregnant. When should I contact my doctor?

If you’ve missed your period, taken a pregnancy test and have a positive result, then your next step should be to contact your healthcare provider to book an appointment. While scheduling, your provider may ask if you’ve started taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400mcg of folic acid. These vitamins are very important in early pregnancy because they help in the development of your baby’s brain and spine.

If you are planning a pregnancy, but aren’t pregnant yet, a preconception appointment with your healthcare provider is a good place to start. This is especially true if you take medication for a chronic illness or have other medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension or lupus.

We may not all like going to the doctor, but it is important to start your pregnancy out right, so don’t be afraid to book an appointment if you are or suspect that you might be pregnant.

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How much weight should I gain when I am pregnant?

pregnant with weight gain

Dear Darla,
My name is Tanya and I am 6 months pregnant. I have already gained like 20 lbs and am terrified of excessive weight gain. I  work out regularly, eat well but the pregnancy weight just keeps piling on. I know a lot of it will come off with the baby, but I just don’t want to put too much weight on.

What do you think?

Tanya, 27, Albuquerque

Dear Tanya,

How many times have you heard a pregnant person say they are eating for two? Well eating for two could be a true statement, but one of the two people are between 0 and 8 pounds, not a 200lb person. Although increasing your caloric intake is important during pregnancy, there are misconceptions around the amount of calories that should be increased during the 9 months of pregnancy. Pregnant women often experience increased cravings which may make it more difficult to control caloric intake, but increasing calories at a moderate and gradual rate is essential.

         So, how much should you be eating? The average woman should increase their calories by 300 a day during pregnancy. This is not a definite number for all women, there are circumstances that influence the number of calories a woman should increase such as weight, height, activity level, and more.

I can’t tell what your starting weight was, or even what kind of shape you are in. I assume you must be in good shape since you state you work out regularly.  If you were below average weight for your weight and height then you should gain between 28 and 40 pounds. If you were average weight for your height before pregnancy, then you should aim to gain between 25 and 35 pounds. Finally if you are overweight for your height, then you should look to gain between 15-25 pounds.

You can determine if you were underweight, average, or overweight before pregnancy based on your height by calculating your BMI. Calculate your BMI by using this simple equation kg/m2. Once you have your BMI calculated, use this number to determine where you stand. A health range is between 18.5 and 24.9. A BMI above 24.9 is considered overweight and a number under 18.5 is considered underweight. A BMI calculation does not take into consideration all factors of a person, such as muscle mass, so consult your doctor if you need a more accurate result.

         Currently your weight gain seems to be within range. Remember that while weight may continue increasing in the last trimester, your appetite will be reduced as the baby continues to grow and place pressure on your stomach and other organs.  Many women have far less appetite in the last trimester than in the second.

I would focus instead on consuming high amounts of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and multi-grain products. I would ensure that I limit my sugar and processed food intake.  These things will help you to keep your weight under control and  ensure you are consuming good  quality foods for your growing baby.

https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/healthy-weight-gain#1

https://www.diabetes.ca/managing-my-diabetes/tools—resources/body-mass-index-(bmi)-calculator#:~:text=Body%20Mass%20Index%20is%20a,range%20is%2018.5%20to%2024.9.

https://www.lifespan.org/centers-services/multidisciplinary-obstetric-medicine-service-moms/pregnancy-weight-gain

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What Should I name my Baby?

Dear Darla,

I am 7 months pregnant and we still don’t have a name for the baby. What should we do? We just can’t seem to agree on what the baby should be named.

What are your thoughts?

Soraya, 24, Austin, TX

Dear Soraya,

Finding a name for your new baby can be a challenge at times. Some parents want to be extremely unique like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West who named their daughter North West, and others want to keep baby names simple and classic like Madison or Peter. No one way is right or wrong. As parents you have complete control over what your baby should be named. With that being said, there are a few considerations you might want to keep in mind when thinking of a name for your baby.

         Although you want to pick a name you consider beautiful and unique, remember not all people will have the same opinions as you. If you are someone who can be easily swayed by the ideas of others, try to keep your desired names private and make the decision on your own or with your partner. However, consider how the name you choose will be received by others because some names can cause your child to be teased or bullied in school. For example, there have been parents who have named their kids “Lemon” or “Godblessamerica.” These names may be meaningful to you, but you might be setting up your child for a world of torment as they grow older.

         The other thing to consider, is the impact that your name will have on your child.

Have you noticed that Usain “BOLT” ended up being the fastest man on earth? Or Lonzo BALL ended up becoming an NBA superstar? These may not always be coincidences. Remember, whatever you name your child will be what you are constantly professing into their lives. If you have a baby boy and decide to name him “Havoc” you will constantly be reminding him of being aggressive and unorganized. However, a name like, “Peace” will profess positive attributes onto your child. Although there is no scientific proof behind personality traits developing because of a chosen name, the meaning behind your child’s name is an important factor to consider. When you are searching for a name make sure to look up its meaning and see if it resonates with you.

         Another important consideration is thinking about the nicknames that will come from that chosen name. Oftentimes parents fall in love with a name, but do not consider that no one will ever call them that because there is a shorter version of that name that everyone will use instead. For example, do you like the name Natalie? Yes? Ok, but do you like the name Nat. Most likely everyone around this child will begin calling her Nat, so choose wisely about which nicknames will arise for their given name.

         If you are having trouble finding inspiration for a name, try to search your family tree. Consider someone special in your family or in your life and see if you like their name or possibly their middle name. Make sure you are choosing someone you have fond memories with or someone inspirational to you. Consider your side of the family, as well as your partner’s side of the family.

         So now you have narrowed down your options to a few names. To truly see if that name fits you and your family, say the names out loud often. Try to see how the name fits in with other people in your immediate family. See how that name rolls off your tongue and if it feels comfortable when you say it.

Regardless of the name you choose, it is how you treat your child that will impact whether they love or hate the name.

Best of Luck,

Love Darla.

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Help! I’m bleeding during pregnancy. Is it dangerous?

Dear Darla,

I am four months pregnant with my first baby and today, I had a couple of spots of blood in my underwear. This is scaring me pretty bad. Am I miscarrying? Is bleeding during pregnancy bad?  Should I go to the doctor?

Isabella in Mariposa, CA

Dear Isabella

Many women experience bleeding during pregnancy, so you are not alone. Bleeding during pregnancy can be worrisome, but it is not always a sure indication that there is a problem. However, it is important to monitor yourself in case bleeding persists and becomes heavier. Bleeding can potentially be a sign of a serious issue, so make sure to always disclose any concerns with your health care provider to make sure you and your baby are doing well.

If you see any more bleeding like this, (often called “spotting”) go to your doctor. Spotting during pregnancy is normal as the cervix gets used to being pregnant.

It is important to note there is a difference between spotting and heavier bleeding. Spotting is when you have light bleeding that is typically pink, red, or dark brown. Bleeding is heavier than spotting. You can tell you are bleeding rather than spotting if you require a pad or a tampon to feel secure to go about your day. If you are spotting you may just need a pantyliner to accommodate the bleeding.

         Specifically bleeding in early pregnancy is common. Around 20% of women experience bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy. Bleeding in later pregnancy is considered more serious. Many women experience bleeding in the first few days of becoming pregnant and this is called implantation bleeding. This type of bleeding happens when a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterine wall and can often be mistaken as a period if women are not aware they are pregnant. Bleeding in early pregnancy can also be a result of an early miscarriage which happen in about every 10 out of 100 pregnancies. Other than bleeding, cramping may also be a symptom of an early miscarriage.

         Bleeding in late pregnancy can be caused by Placenta Previa. Placenta Previa can occur when the uterus is covering the birth canal. If this is the case, it requires immediate medical attention, so call your doctor right away if experiencing bleeding in late pregnancy. Another reason for bleeding during late pregnancy can be because of a Uterine Rupture. You should be aware of a  uterine rupture if you have previously experienced a c-section. A uterine rupture occurs when a c-section scar reopens during pregnancy and requires emergency medical attention as well.

         There could be a multitude of reasons you are experiencing bleeding or spotting during pregnancy, so the smartest thing to do is call your doctor immediately.

I have listed further resources below for your convenience.  Take care Isabella, and I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/bleeding-during-pregnancy#1

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/bleeding-during-pregnancy

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/spotting-in-pregnancy

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Top 5 Ways to Avoid Illness & Stress this Thanksgiving

The Stork Bag - Top 5 Ways to Avoid Illness & Stress this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, particularly after a year like the last one, is an important time to give thanks and enjoy family and friends. However, being pregnant during Thanksgiving can bring all sorts of stress and and even potentially illness to pregnant mums. So how do we enjoy Thanksgiving, see family, and avoid the pitfalls associated with large gatherings? Check out our list below to learn the top 5 ways to avoid illness and stress this Thanksgiving Holiday.

This coming weekend, many of us will be gathering with family and friends to enjoy the bounties of the season and give thanks. After a year filled with separation and isolation, we have much to be thankful for. Enjoying this time with family and friends is very important to maintaining our mental health. Humans (for the most part) are social creatures and crave regular social interaction. Yet, when we gather, there can be all sorts of risk that pregnant women have to contend with. Whether it is food concerns, illness or just holiday stress, everything seems more extreme when you are pregnant. So do we deal with the holidays, yet, protect ourselves.

We need to be thankful for all we have this year and all we are. Being able to gather with our friends and family is so important to our mental health.

We have identified the top 5 risks of pregnancy during Thanksgiving and how to avoid them to manage the risk.

  1. Undercooked Food. One of the biggest risks for a pregnant women, and in fact anyone, is undercooked food. This is especially risky during pregnancy because illnesses like salmonella can be especially dangerous to an expecting mother and her unborn child. Look for foods that look discolored, appear still raw, or a different consistency. Stuffing, traditionally cooked inside of the bird, can pose a threat for pregnant women as it has a higher chance of passing on food borne illness. So skip the stuffing, unless you can confirm it was cooked on a stove top.
  2. Food Borne Illness-one of the biggest things to look for is to watch for food borne illnesses. Certain foods are more likely than others to carry illness. Foods like Shellfish, certain cheeses and cold cuts are more likely to carry dangerous bacteria like Listeria, which can make pregnant women very ill. Soft cheeses are another food group that you have to have some caution with. Other items like lox, salmon and cold cuts can also carry significant amounts of bacteria. Some experts recommend heating them right before eating as one way to decrease the risk of exposure to certain bacteria. On a cold cut tray however, it is difficult to discern how long something has been sitting and or how it was prepared.
  3. Beverages– we all enjoy our beverages. We know during pregnancy we need to eliminate alcohols, but did you know that beverages such as apple ciders, eggnog and other drinks should be pasteurized before you drink them? When in doubt, bring something you know you can drink and share. Pregnancy doesn’t last forever, and there are many choices available on the market now, from non-alcoholic wines and sparkling ciders to yummy hot chocolates and other warm toasty drinks. On a side note, the other thing to watch in many of these drinks is the caffeine level. You want to minimize the amount of caffeine you are consuming to no more than the equivalent of 1-2 small coffees per day.
  4. Close & Cuddly– There is nothing like the holidays for seeing family and loved ones. However, it is in these close quarters that we can get sick. Whether it is COVID, the flu or a common cold, viruses spread faster in close quarters. So how do you avoid getting sick? Besides the typical washing hands and avoiding to touch your face, avoiding kissing, and not getting too close to others , are ways to avoid airborne illnesses. If you are really nervous about getting sick and want to see your family, just wear a mask.
  5. Managing Stress Levels– The holidays represent both a time of joy, but also can be a time of exceptional stress for most people. You have extra financial pressures, more to do and we place unrealistic expectations of perfection on ourselves. We have this idea that things have to be picture perfect. Let go of what you think should be and accept that when you are pregnant, you need to do less, in order to enjoy things more. Be present. Accept help, and offer to bring a side rather than the main course. There is no reason you have to do everything alone, nor are you responsible for everyone’s happiness. If you are hosting, pre-make some of the food, freeze and then thaw before the big day. Ask others to pitch in and help and give yourself permission to understand that not everything will be perfect and that is ok.

The holidays can be enjoyed and be a source of joy for us. As pregnant women, we just have to take a few more precautions and be organized. So go forth, see your family this holiday and be thankful for all we have and that we can all be together again this year.

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Internet Porn, Masterbation and Better Communication as a Solution Perhaps?

Dear Darla,

I am 7 months pregnant and concerned that my husband no longer finds me attractive. I see him looking at porn when he thinks I am not looking, and I am pretty sure he masturbates in the shower.  Is this TMI?  Sorry but I don’t know what to do!  I am just really worried about my marriage and I no longer feel as sexy as I once did.  Please Help Darla!

Amie 32, Berkley, CA

Dear Amie,

This is quite a loaded set of questions!  Back in my day, before the Internet, wives used to catch husbands looking at dirty magazines – the internet is much more subtle. 

Where to start with this post?

I would say as in all things, if there is something you want to know, ask.  Communication forms the base of any relationship.  Maybe your husband is feeling, shall we say “urges” and doesn’t want to bother you since he knows you are pregnant, and perhaps tired.  From your post I cannot determine how this pregnancy has progressed and your current state of health.  I would say that you should talk to your husband and have an open and honest conversation. 

I am not sure whether or not you are against the potential masterbation in the shower, but again, this is pretty natural, at least according to my research. Check WebMD

If you are against it for personal or religious reasons, again I would recommend having an honest discussion with your husband.  You could start by asking how he feels your sex life has been lately.  You could also tell him about your concerns and your feelings of doubt.  If you guys have a good relationship, he will welcome the feedback.  If you feel comfortable, join him in the shower one day.  One thing may lead to another… and well, I am sure that you get the idea.

If your relationship is suffering from problems (again I cannot determine from your question), I would really recommend that you guys go and see someone.  This is always best before a baby arrives and further complicates your relationship.

You two started this journey together dearie, but whether you want to finish it together, is a choice only you alone can make.  I would encourage you to reach out to a family member, friend or a specialist to answer your further questions, but most importantly, talk to your husband about your concerns.

Good luck Amie.

With love, Darla

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