May 14th, 2012

Online Childbirth Education Classes

FebPhotoaDay 3 and 4

Personally, I hate the idea of traditional childbirth education classes. While I want information about childbirth options, risks, and techniques, the idea of getting the details in front of strangers is a little…weird to me.

It works for others. Don’t get me wrong. Obviously, because thousands of people take such classes every year in the U.S. But for me, the idea of my husband and I breathing heavy in a room with other couples we have never met, is a bit…err….awkward.

So I read a lot of books during my first pregnancy. It worked, but after the fact, I wish I could’ve watched a little video (other than ‘The Baby Story’ on TLC, as fabulous as it was) or had gotten a little more perspective without all the strange “whoo, whoo, eeee, eeee” breathing techniques.

Roll in the second pregnancy. Even if I wanted to attend a childbirth education class this time around, the logistics make it nearly impossible; spending a whole weekend in a class takes precious time away from our toddler, and the once-a-week classes requires a babysitter (and racks up more expenses.)

So when I heard that a company called Isis Parenting offers an online childbirth education class, I wondered if this may be the solution? Could I get the information I need, in my own time, without all the public belly exposure?

Isis gave me a complimentary trial to Understanding Birth eClass by InJoy Online Education, so I could check it out and here are my thoughts.

I loved the fact that my husband and I could log into the online class, at our own time and pace. If our son went to bed on time and without a fuss, we would boot up the laptop, snuggle in the couch and log-in. If we both had a hectic day or our toddler threw a fit well past 10pm, we went to bed. It would still be there tomorrow.

If we went through a chapter, but wanted to go back to it again, we could. It wasn’t a “pay attention now because we won’t be discussing this again” moment. Which works great for my husband whose mind wanders to the playoff game he is missing. Or myself, who seems to have developed a pregnancy-induced attention disorder (Did I feed the dog? Crap, I need to order diapers! Hmm, should I get the solid pink curtains or the polka dot ones….)

There were videos, but we could watch them or not. My husband chose not to watch the “pushing” videos. Actually, I’m not sure why I watch them either as I don’t watch myself push, so why am I staring at a strangers cooch with a head coming out of it? But I guess it is better to know what is happening down there, and it’s nice there are watch/non-watch options.

The online class also covers everything; stories from other people, issues you face in being generally pregnant (aches and pains, cravings, moodiness, moodiness, moodiness…wait that’s just me), medical information, pain management techniques and options. Even post-partum concerns were included, such as caring for a new baby and signs of depression.

The class costs $159 (as of 5/1/12), and you have unlimited access for 60 days.

I think it is a great option for everyone who is expecting. Even if you take an in-person class, this is a fabulous way to supplement or re-enforce the information you learned in class. It’s great for Moms-to-be who are on bed rest, busy women who can’t take the time for an in-person class because of work-shift issues, travel, or long hours. Maybe you are single, have non-traditional family arrangements or cultural concerns about being in a public setting. Or maybe you are like me, and aren’t sold on the public breathing thing-y.

So check it out. If you end up taking the online class, come back and let me know what you think!

 

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April 30th, 2012

Fashion Forward Pregnancy at Mom 2.0

The recent chatter about the Mom 2.0 fashion scene really doesn’t apply to me this conference go-around.

Why? Because I’m 32 weeks pregnant.

At this point, my main goal is not fashion.

For anyone who’s been pregnant, you know wardrobe options are limited even on a good day at home. Add a beach-front White Party and exclusive Verace Mansion access and you may have the urge to go into labor.

Yet, if you’re willing to stand in a maternity bathing suit while a skinny 20-something spray tans you in a booth, here are some fabulous white dress options from Destination Maternity.

Motherhood Maternity Sleevless Maternity Dress $60

Motherhood Maternity Sleeveless Maternity Dress ($60)

Pea in the Pod White Maxi Dress

Pea in the Pod White Maxi Dress ($130)

Personally, if I put on a white maternity dress (not including my pasty post-winter skin), I’d look like I was walking down the aisle in a shot-gun wedding. So I’ll leave the white wonder to my fellow conference attendees.

I may be able to redeem myself at the Versace Party. Yet, since Versace doesn’t have a maternity line, I’ll have to find a suitable mainstream option without offending the fashion elite.

I personally love this maxi dress from Old Navy. It looks expensive but is only $40.

Oldnavy_green_maxi_dress

Add some chunky jewelry and cute shoes, and I may just make it past security.

At the conference itself, I’ll probably be wearing a white maternity blouse and black pants. Which, of course, will mean everyone will see the black full-panel-how-I-keep-my-maternity-pants-up fabric underneath the white (I hope it’s not stained) maternity blouse.

At this point in my pregnancy, I’m not buying anything else. And I don’t care. I’m just trying to keep up with my blog posts, my toddler and not fall flat on my face. (And maybe figure out how to squeeze myself into the airplane seat.)

Though I will spend most of the conference trying not to look like a pregnant cow.

My outfit:

Cowl Neck Maternity_Destination Maternity

Cow:

black and white cow

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Image Credit: Destination Maternity and Old Navy.

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February 14th, 2012

Hint Water Review

Hint Water

As a runner, I know the importance of water when I train and run races. As a human being, I know water is essential everyday. Being pregnant, I need it even more. Regardless of the day or the stage in my life, I need to drink water.

But I hate it.

Water is boring and bland. If I add juice to my water, however, to make it taste better, I am adding calories. Which kind of defeats the purpose of working out. Being pregnant, I really don’t need to be any more huge than I already am.

My other alternative is sparkling water. Generally, it is my drink of choice, but has not been sitting well with me during my pregnancy (hello digestive issues) and I don’t need to burp through a 5 mile race. Not cool.

Thank goodness I stumbled across Hint Water at a blogging conference last year. It became my workout wonder and now my pregnancy partner. It hydrates like water, as it is water, but it has a touch of natural flavoring (no fake stuff!) to make drinking it a pleasure and not a chore. No additional calories, no artificial anything. (Woot.)

And it is a perfect alternative to watered down juice for kids and toddlers.

So if you need to drink more water and need your family to drink it too, here is a hint. Go get some.

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Image Credit: © CharleneChronicles

 

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February 13th, 2012

Pregnancy Cravings

Anyone who has ever been pregnant, has at one point craved something, somewhere at sometime. Whether something as simple as ice cream, as specific as mint chocolate chip ice cream or as strange as ice cream with relish toppings.

With my first pregnancy, I didn’t have any bizarre cravings but I did have two consistent ones. I had to have a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone everyday and had to have in the house at all times a bag of Trader Joes Olive Oil Popcorn.

With my second pregnancy, I crave lemonade. All…the…time. Grapefruit juice will sometimes be a decent substitution, but if my husband asks if I want apple juice, I may snap at him. The nature of hormones my friends.

However, there are times I eat something different. It is less of a craving and more of an ‘unusual take on the ordinary’. As I progress throughout the next few months, I’ll post pictures of the interesting things I ate. If you are squeamish, you may want to look the other way.

PEANUT BUTTER, BANANA and CHOCOLATE CHIP SANDWICH

Pregnancy Cravings

Do share your past or present cravings. Maybe you will inspire my next snack!

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January 23rd, 2012

Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy BellyDealing with pregnancy myths is one thing, dealing with pregnancy symptoms is another.

You know those times when you wake up and wonder where the heck you are? Why you are wearing one sock, a hat and nothing else?

For those of you that have experienced that, you must have had some great college years. I can only blame it on my pregnancy.

The hot flashes, which explains the no clothes. The cold flashes, which I guess explains the one sock and hat. The itchy skin, the nose bleeds, the dry mouth one minute and the drool the next, or the nausea one minute and the binge eating the other. I finally realized that many of these symptoms was like the aftermath of a raging party. Sadly, the only party that one is having in this house right now is the baby I am currently pregnant with and whom is currently kicking me in my bladder. (I’m a little nervous that the smell of pee may not be a figment of my imagination.)

Recently on Twitter, my Metrowest Mamas Facebook page, and my Charlene Chronicles Facebook page, I asked many of you what pregnancy symptoms do you remember the most? Here’s what you many of you stated: vomiting, bed rest, need for naps, bladder kicks, irritable uterus, kicked ribs, pinched nerves, gum bleeds, sleepless nights, people commenting on your size, fatigue, mood swings, and many more!

Fun times, right?

Oh, but if you haven’t been pregnant before, don’t worry. About 99% of us would say it is all worth it. The other 1% just can’t be reached for comment.

If you didn’t get to weigh in before, do share all the lovely symptoms that you didn’t see coming in your past (or current) pregnancy. Misery loves company and it will make it seem more like a raging party after all.

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January 16th, 2012

Pregnancy Myths

Pregnancy BellyWhen you’re pregnant, there are a lot of pregnancy symptoms, but it amazes me the misinformation people wish to impart on you.

Case in point, my Mom has ‘baby-brain’ these days, as my sister-in-law and I are both expecting. My Mom has two best friends who have daughter-in-laws that are expecting as well. Turns out most of us are due all around the same time, which makes it worse, since comparisons are flying.

 

Here is one conversation I had with my Mom about my pregnancy and her friend’s daughter-in-law’s pregnancy.
Mom: You must be having a boy. 
Me: Why is that?
Mom: Because she is only two weeks behind you and she is not even showing yet, while you have really popped out.
Me: Isn’t this her first pregnancy?
Mom: What does that have to do with it?
Me: Mom, after you have one baby, your abdominal muscles aren’t as tight and you typically show much earlier the second time around.
Mom: Well, that doesn’t make sense.

 

Here is another conversation:
Mom: You obviously are having a boy.
Me: Why do you say that?
Mom: Because you are really sticking out. And that is how you know it is a boy.
Me: Didn’t you say that Mrs. C said her daughter-in-law is carrying all over and you think that is the sign of a girl?
Mom: Yes.
Me: But she is having a boy.

 

At this point, I wish I knew I was having a girl so I could prove her wrong. Seriously, you’d think these women who have had 7 children and an existing 6 grandchildren amongst themselves, that they would be a bit more informed with these wives tales.

 

Of course, I get other strangers imparting their thoughts on my pregnancy. Which, of course, always starts of with: ”Congratulations!” Followed by, “When are you due?” Further followed by,”Do you know what you are having?” I’m really tempted to say I’m having an alien baby and they don’t have a gender…just to see what they say. Often, these strangers then proceed to tell you what they think you are having. I was told at a Starbucks recently that I was carrying a girl because I was carrying high. (Note that during my last pregnancy, another woman, coincidentally at another Starbucks, said I was carrying low and that it must be a girl.)
Then you have the people that state, “Wow, you must be due any day now?” When, I have to respond, “I am only 5 months along, so I would hope I would have more time.”

 

Pregnancy, in and of itself, is not easy. Then you leave the house and deal with all of this. Which is why I often don’t leave it.

 

So what crazy things have been said to you during your pregnancies?
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Image Credit: Doriana via stock.xchng.com

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December 13th, 2011

Big News

Baby Booties for Stella StilingYes, I am pregnant.

There I said it.

Why come out of the closet now? Well, I cannot hide it anymore with it being my second pregnancy and all. I look like I have already swallowed a basketball.

<Sigh>

I’m sure you want some of the details right? Well, this whole pregnancy thing was a bit of a shocker because it was totally unexpected. Though, maybe not in the way you think. We wanted baby number two….like 18 months ago. As of 12 months ago, we were wondering what was the hold up. A trip to the doctor resulted in a diagnosis of secondary infertility.

While it is something I have chosen not to blog about for personal reasons, it is something that I knew nothing about when I first heard the term. After some research, I realized even medical experts really did not know much about it either. All in all, it was a fancy name for “I don’t know what to tell you”. {Fabulous}

Eight months after that, we were faced with a real decision. Our ages. Our son. Two majorly real factors.

I decided to order the medication. Then I looked at all of the side effects and decided that there was no way in hell I was going to take this before our trip to Disney World with a toddler. I was probably already going to have enough headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting from just the plane ride with a two year old. I put the pills in the closet and thought perhaps I would consider it in the New Year. Not only did I want to get through the vacation intact, but I figured why miss out on all the lovely wine and yummy champagne during the holidays?

Dang it, I’m missing the champagne after all.

Somewhere between my brothers wedding, a major life decision, a trip to Disney and a new workout regime, somehow this was my time. Since I wasn’t expecting it to be, like, right now, I was a bit slow on the uptake. Suffice to say, when I did figure it out, I drove to the doctors since I didn’t think it would be real. “Oh, it is real”, she said.

How am I feeling? That is so nice of you to ask! I feel like #$%^&%$##, thank you. Nosebleeds, nausea, itchiness, insomnia at night, comatose during the day, has left me canceling many plans over the previous six weeks, because who wants me puking or bleeding all over their carpet. Luckily it is manageable now, but dang, it is going to be a long ride.

I also wasn’t sure if I wanted to share the news because I have a lot of blogging proposals and projects in the works and I am always worried that if someone sees I am pregnant, I won’t get the job or speaking engagement. It was a real thing in my prior career life and not having been pregnant in this new blogging career, I’m not sure how it works. All I can hope is that people can look past the huge pumpkin bump sticking out of my shirt and know the knowledge in my head is still the same. Plus, I still am going to all the conferences this spring like Blissdom and SheStreams, except Type-A Parent because it is when I am due (I think my husband would have a heart attack.) And I will be baby-wearing to BlogHer. Doable, but won’t be able to have a roommate. Unless of course they don’t mind a six week old baby in the same room…..yeah, I thought so too.

And don’t panic because I won’t be doing any weekly pregnancy posts with belly shot pictures. If I do a video, it will be from the waist up. But I am looking forward to sharing some tips and tidbits on exercising while pregnant or reviewing pregnancy/baby products along the way for those that are going through or will be going through the same thing.

All in all, looks like these Chronicles may be getting a bit bigger!

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October 13th, 2011

MBTA’s Nice Ad Campaign

Boston "Green Line" streetcar

Image via Wikipedia

Boston was named the least friendly city a couple months ago. Apparently, it is a wicked valid title now the MBTA (“Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority” for you non-Dunkie drinkin’ locals) has signs on the “T” asking “Bahstin” people to be nice.

Here are some of the sayings:

“Man gives up seat for pregnant woman! — Red Line passengers witness display of good manners.”

“Woman covers mouth while sneezing! — Germs stay put, don’t get a free ride”

“Passenger refrains from loud cell phone conversation! — Others will not get to hear about dermatologist appointment”

The new ads, launched by the MBTA, encourages neanderthals people to be more courteous as they ride subway cars and buses. The ads have the kicker line: “Courtesy shouldn’t be big news.” A total of 1,500 signs are being posted. Which now is costing taxpayers a few grand. (Which, in case you didn’t know, Boston doesn’t have a few grand to be spending right now.)

So hear is the question. Why only have signs on trains and buses? Hasn’t anyone tried to drive on the Southeast Expressway during rush hour? Maybe we should borrow the MBTA signs and put them in our car windows with some modifications like “Wave when someone let’s you into their lane” or “Lay off the horn. We are all stuck here too.”

Why do we need signs at all? Couldn’t the train operators maybe, I don’t know, work and make an announcement on occasion reminding people to be nice? Why is it that we have to remind people to be nice, dammit?

All in all, where is etiquette and common courtesy going? Why do most people not have it? Is it in growing mix of cultures? A lack of curriculum? Too busy parents?

What do you think? (Be nice…..)

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October 13th, 2011

Exercising While Pregnant

Chicago Marathon

Image via Wikipedia

So there have been a lot of articles about the woman who ran the Chicago Marathon at 39 weeks pregnant and gave birth just hours later. Her doctors had given her the go ahead and the race officials did not ban her from running. So she did.

I love this story for many reasons, but mainly because it shows times are changing again for women and sports. Just 40 years ago, women were pulled off a marathon courses because marathons were only for men. It wasn’t until 1972, that women were allowed to run the Boston Marathon, for example.

I also love this story because it shows times are changing for women’s health. As soon as you got the official diagnosis that you were, indeed, preggo, the nurse or doctor told you to start ‘taking it easy’. In fact, when I became pregnant about three years ago, I was told to stop running immediately. I was just six weeks along and there was no medical reason to stop. I had just run a marathon 8 months prior too. But it was just the common pregnancy medical advisory.

Fast forward to today. Most doctors and nurses are changing their guidance and are encouraging women to stay active during their pregnancies. Science is showing the benefits of exercise on the fetus, and the fact that scientists are even studying exercise and pregnancy is a big win for women’s health.

Yet, it is important to remember that only one percent of the world population has run a marathon, and since many marathons are only certain times of year, to be able to find one on the race calendar when you are 39 weeks pregnant is the luck of the draw. But the essential point of the story is that this woman (Amber Miller) was able to run the Chicago Marathon because she had run marathons in the past. Which, basically, is the key point with regard to exercising when pregnant:

 

    1. Don’t start anything new. Don’t start running when pregnant if you have never run before. If you have run before, but no more than 5 miles, don’t start training for a marathon, etc.
    2. Listen to your doctors. While Amber completed the Chicago Marathon, she didn’t actually run the whole way. She ran half and walked half based on her doctor’s advice, which is also part of point number three.
    3. Watch your core temperature. The key to exercising while pregnant is to raise your heart rate to get the health benefits, but you have to be careful about increasing your core temperature, which can be harmful to a fetus. It is the same reason why you can’t take long hot showers while you are pregnant. So find activities that don’t elevate it too much, or balance such exercise with periods of rest, like Amber did with her run/walk schedule.
    4. Find safe exercise options. As your pregnancy progresses, your core shifts, which is why pregnant women become ‘off balance’ while walking. So make sure the exercises you pick don’t challenge that balance, which would increase your risk of falling. Stick with ‘straight-line’ exercises like walking (or running), swimming or the ellipitcal machine. Perhaps skip classes like step aerobics that require you to twist and spin (plus as you get bigger it gets harder to see the step!)
    5. Don’t forget strength. While aerobic exercises are important during pregnancy, so are strength exercises. So remember to incorporate some weights into your exercise schedule, but listen to your doctor about how much you can lift and stick to machines if you can, as they will make sure your posture is in line. This is key since pregnant women’s muscles ‘relax’ as a pregnancy progresses and there is an increased risk of a ‘pulled’ muscle if you don’t perform the exercise correctly.

 

All in all, exercise and pregnancy is showing to be a good thing. While many doctors’ wouldn’t advise many pregnant women to run a marathon, the fact that we can, and are not banned from doing so, is a wonderful advancement for women. The information gleaned from such pursuits could generate key data for health advancements. A win-win for all of us.

 

Charlene is a seven time marathon runner and a certified aerobics instructor. However, this post should not be construed as medical advice and you should talk to your doctor about any exercise program.

 

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October 12th, 2011

Mine for Nine

Who says pregnant women can’t dress for the occasion, save money for that super luxurious baby stroller, and look fabulous at the same time.

(Yes, dammit, we can have it all.)

The holiday season is upon us and soon we will start getting the invites to the company holiday party, the neighborhood cocktail party, the New Year’s Eve party, the Pet Parade Party, and the I-Have-So-Many-Parties-I Can’t-Remember-Them-All Party. As women, the dreaded question is “What to wear,” but if you are pregnant, you don’t want to think about that at all. (And just want to lock yourself in the bathroom until you can wear your old clothes again.)

Finding and buying nice evening wear takes on a whole new meaning when you are expecting. What makes it hard is that you can’t easily justify the price tag of, say, a beautiful black cocktail dress since (let’s be real), you are not going to be wearing it next year. Nor is it a classic that will be a signature piece you can wear again and again in the years ahead (unless you are Michelle Dugger from TLC’s 19 Kids & Counting).

Then of course, you have to deal with everyday wear too. If you are reading this post and you are pregnant for the first time, you are going to have the desire to run out to the nearest Maternity store and buy some pregnancy jeans and tops – until you see the price tag! When you see the price, you will put some of the items back and walk out with only a couple of tops and one pair of jeans. Then you will hit your second or third trimester and none of the clothes you bought will fit anymore, or you will so sick of wearing them over and over. (Whichever comes first.)

Unknown_Lady_c._1595

There are not many places to find maternity wear either. Most of us have just a handful of boutiques and one chain store from which to choose our cheap pregnancy sweaters that cost a fortune. Or if we are lucky, maybe something found (only because someone just returned it) at Target. So a variety (and findability) is usually non-existant and we are all running around with huge bellies and wearing the same shirt. (Classic.)

You may think, well, I can wear it again in my next pregnancy! My response to that is: you can only hope you are pregnant again in the same season, because those jeans and sweaters you bought in your first trimester in the fall of 2011 for baby number one are not going to work in your third trimester for baby number two in the summer of 2013. Frankly, you have a better chance of winning the lottery.

But guess what? How about winning the jackpot with a online company called, “Mine for Nine”. (It’s a pregnancy miracle!) It is a website that enables you to search, select and borrow maternity clothes. Yes, you read that right – borrow fabulous designer pregnancy clothing.

Featured in Cool Mom Picks, Baby Center, Babble, iVillage (and more), Mine For Nine has great pieces for evening wear, office wear, resort wear…you name it. This is good stuff too: clothing from top designers with pieces that you can use for a short period of time and then send it back. (Rinse and repeat.)

Polka Dress

Search for size, color, price, designer, type of clothing to see what you can find for your lifestyle or occasion needs. Once you find a great dress, suit, top, coat, or pair of pants (with more categories being added in the future), you sign up to borrow the garment for one month (up to a maximum of three months). Evening wear or special occasion pieces can be rented from two, four or six weeks to get you through that wedding or party season with flair. (They even have resort wear for that babymoon! Or get you through swimming lessons with your existing toddler.)

Worried that the item won’t fit? Each item has measurement to better ensure the special dress you got for your brother’s wedding this weekend will fit and look good. For some reason if it does not, Mine For Nine is happy to exchange it for a different size.

Shipping is $12.95 for your order $75 or less and it is free for orders over $75. It includes a free return shipping label as well. Rental period starts when you receive the item. Overnight or expedited service is available for an additional cost if you need something super fast.

Red With Envy Dress

With reminder emails sent a week before your rental period concludes (hello, preggo brain), there is no excuse to forget, but if you don’t return it by the time the rental period concludes, you will be charged a pro-rata rental rate. In other words, if it costs $20 to rent for the month, and you are one week late, you will be charged an additional $5. (Not bad, really.) And put your worries aside, all pieces are drycleaned and inspected in between uses. Mine For Nine has super high standards.

To blow those socks baby booties off, how about getting a handmade knit baby hat to keep in your first order? Isn’t that the sweetest and most amazing personal touch?

So if you are pregnant and wondering what to wear for your partner’s office party next month, for your big presentation next week, an impromptu babymoon, or just everyday items to add some pregnancy pizzazz to perk you up, check out MineForNine.com. Like, now.

Mine for Nine Logo

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