What: Nosefrida Baby Nasal Aspirator

With cold season coming along pretty quick, you better take the time to read this. First off, we’ll admit, this might freak a few moms out at first. But if you’ve ever had to stay up all night long with a stuffy baby you’re probably willing to give anything a try at least once, right?

This little contraption that moms from Sweden swear by, is the answer to all your stuffy baby problems. Just place one end of the aspirator against your baby’s nostril and then suck the other end to remove the mucous from your baby’s nose. I know it sounds yucky, but don’t worry, there’s a little filter in it so you’ll never have to come in contact with the boogers.

For us, it was a godsend. I can’t believe I got through the first year of my daughter’s life without this thing. Admittedly, I wished there was some way to suck the boogers out of her nose when she was stuffy. Ordinary nasal aspirations (booger bulbs) just don’t work at ALL. This little Nosefrida, on the other hand, works every single time without fail. You have to try it!

Price: $15.00 (worth SO MUCH MORE!)

Where: NoseFrida.com

(Caldwell, NJ) - This Labor Day, as we honor the steadfast efforts of our country’s workers, the Holistic Moms Network (HMN) – a national non-profit with 130 Chapters across the U.S. – will be advocating for some of the toughest labor faced by women: childbirth. Through a number of events – organized on or around Labor Day - HMN will focus attention on the critical issue of preserving a woman’s right to choose how and where she gives birth - a right that is rapidly disappearing.

This past June, HMN issued a press release to call attention to the American Medical American Association’s adoption of Resolution 205, which states that hospitals and hospital birthing centers are “the safest settings” for labor and delivery, despite strong evidence to the contrary. The Resolution is seen by HMN and birth choice advocates as an attempt to outlaw homebirth and eliminate low-intervention childbirth choices for women, thereby robbing them of a powerful birth experience and placing them and their newborns at higher risk of injury and death.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, vaginal births after Cesarean (VBAC) rates have fallen by 67% since 1996 and U.S. hospitals are increasingly denying women the right to have VBACs, effectively forcing them into unnecessary Cesarean surgery. This runs contrary to the government’s own Healthy People 2010 initiative which seeks to increase the VBAC rate to 63% by 2010.

“Cesarean section is a major surgical procedure that increases the likelihood of many complications for mothers and babies compared to vaginal birth,” says Dr. Nancy Massotto, HMN’s Executive Director who birthed both of her sons at home. Risks to babies include surgical cuts, breathing problems, and difficulty breastfeeding. Risks to the mother include surgical injury, infection, and death from increased blood loss. Last year, the Associated Press reported that U.S. women are dying from childbirth at the highest rate in decades, with the jump in C-sections partly to blame. The World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agree that, for the safety of both mothers and babies, a country’s C-section rate should not exceed 15%. Medical institutions are clearly not heeding this advice. New Jersey – home to HMN headquarters - has the highest C-section rate in the country – 38.9% in 2007. This is 7% above the national average of 31%. New Jersey Center for Health Statistics data show that Bayonne Medical Center’s C-section rate was an
astounding 62% in 2006 - up 15% from the prior year. In 2007, Paterson’s Barnert Hospital’s C-section rate was 53.9 but its VBAC rate was a mere 1.8%. To inform women about this crisis and about their birth rights, HMN is organizing and participating in Labor Day events across the country.

HMN is throwing its support behind Birth on Labor Day or BOLD - a global arts-based movement founded in 2006 by playwright Karen Brody. BOLD aims to inspire communities to create maternity friendly childbirth choices for mothers through presentations of Brody’s play “Birth.” The play tells the birth stories of eight women and paints an alarming picture of how low-risk, educated mothers are giving birth today. Over 100 performances of the play are happening in cities across America in September (see www.boldaction.org). Proceeds from the play are donated to local organizations that provide mother-friendly maternity care, in line with the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative (see http://www.motherfriendly.org/downloads.php). BOLD programs have raised over $85,000 since 2006.

HMN is spreading the word about BOLD’s New Jersey “Birth” performances, September 5th, 6th, and 7th, at the Middletown Cultural Arts Center, 36 Church Street in Middletown. A “TalkBack” panel discussion will follow each performance. Panelists will include BOLD’s Brody, practicing obstetricians, nurse midwives, childbirth educators, doulas, and birth choice activists. For more information, go to www.boldnj.com, or contact the play’s Director, Vivian Taormina at (732) 775-1550.

On August 30th, HMN’s Orlando Florida Chapter will have a booth at a BOLD Red Tent event. Women will gather under the Red Tent to share their birth stories and record them (in film, written word, or visual expression) for inclusion in the BOLD Library of Birth Truths, set for publication in 2010. BOLD launched the Red Tent initiative in 2007 so that mothers could collect their birth stories and use them to lobby local leaders for mother-friendly birthing options. The event will take place from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Infusion Tea, 1600 Edgewater Drive, in Orlando. For more information, contact event organizer Christina Cowherd at (407) 488-6614 or Tara Felicio, HMN Orlando Chapter Leader at mentoring@holisticmoms.org.

Greenville, North Carolina’s new HMN Chapter Leader Victoria Brown is organizing a production of “Birth” from September 5th through September 7th at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greenville, 131 Oakmont Drive in Greenville. A Red Tent event will follow on September 13th. For more information, contact Victoria Brown at (252) 747-7785 or ncfom@aol.com.

On September 2nd, HMN’s Northern Virginia Chapter will host “Labor Day 101,” a panel discussion about choices, support, and options in planning birth. Panelists will include an obstetrician, three midwives, and a labor support doula. The event will take place from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North Street in Fairfax. Call (703) 988-0285 or e-mail HMNofNova@gmail.com for more information.

On September 20th, HMN Bergen County and Birthnet of New York/New Jersey will host a panel discussion on VBAC. A panel of childbirth experts including an obstetrician, a midwife, a doula, and women who have had VBACs, will discuss the pros, cons, and options for VBACs. The event will take place at 2:00pm at the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place in Ridgewood. Call (917) 602-7054 or e-mail amara_wagner@hotmail.com for more information.

“Women need to make informed choices about their birth experiences and opt for maternity care providers who will honor those choices,” says HMN’s Massotto. “Choosing how and where to labor, and refusing unnecessary C-sections, must be every woman’s birth right,” she says.

The Holistic Moms Network is a national non-profit organization connecting parents who are interested in holistic health and green living. For more information, visit www.holisticmoms.org or call (877) HOL-MOMS.

i. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/prelimbirths04/prelimbirths04health.htm.

ii. Roberts RG, Deutchman M, King VJ, Fryer GE, Miyoshi TJ. Changing policies on vaginal birth after
cesarean: impact on access. Birth 2007 Dec; 34(4): 316-22.

iii. See for example, F. Althabe F., Belizan J. M., The Lancet 2006; 368: 1472-1473 and Villar J.,
Valladares E., Wojdyla D., et al., The Lancet 2006; 367: 1819-1829.

iv. See http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-08-24-maternal-death-rate_N.htm.

v. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118284.php.

When in search of the “perfect” handbag, women automatically think “functional & style.” Chouette Sac has gone beyond perfection and straight to “dreamy” with their high-fashion, high-quality bag that performs 17 transformations for ultimate utility. Whether looking for a tote, mid-sized, hobo, backpack, messenger, belted, evening, clutch, wristlet or dancing pouch, one bag can be converted to serve the function while maintaining a fashionable appearance. The pattern and fabric combinations are diverse with subtle metallics, plaid, tropical, velvet, etc.

While the average single purse can prove quite expensive, Chouette Sac’s versatile 17 purses in 1 retails for $395.00 and up and includes additional accessories.

I found the bag to be quite heavy, which for me made it a no go. Being a mom, I have so many things to take with me when I go out that if my bag is already heavy to begin with, I can’t even lift the darn thing after I put everything in it!

Besides that, the bag is beautiful. Very versatile, high quality, and stylish. Do I think it’s worth nearly $400 just because it’s 17 bags in 1? No, probably not. Being someone that gets her purses at Walmart or TJ Maxx, the Chouette seems extravagant. I’d probably tell you all to run out and buy one tomorrow if it were more like $100…

All in all, I like the bag, but I probably wouldn’t buy one. It may be just what you’ve been looking for though! They certainly have many stylish and fashionable fabrics to choose from.

Check it out >>

If you’re one of those parents who not only likes to, but can afford to spoil your kid rotten, then you’ve got to check out the incredible children’s bedroom décor created by Kidtropolis. This uber-talented group of designers is the favorite of Hollywood stars, corporate CEOs and international royal families because their jaw-dropping themes are literally where dreams not only become reality but stay real while a child grows up.

Trust us when we say that the ultimate dream weaver himself, Walt Disney, would have hired Kidtropolis to design rooms for his own children. Want your little princess to dream about ruling the realm in a royal carriage? A REAL castle? Well, one customer did and here’s what Kidtropolis came up with:

Another family hired Kidtropolis to give their young “Wyatt Earp” a way to sleep in the OK Corral every night. Here’s what they got, pardner (no spurs in the stagecoach, please!):

Another family, inspired by their child’s love of Mother Goose, wanted their little one to live in the shoe with Old Mother Hubbard… well, you get the idea:

And their latest creation is like a page out of the Swiss Family Robinson, with a few modern updates:

Okay, so maybe you’d prefer to send your kids to college rather than let them sleep in a fairy tale world. Who could blame you? But browsing the KidtropolisBuild.com website is still a ride worth taking… and a lot less expensive than four plane tickets to “The Magic Kingdom.”

Oh, the things that you’ll see, the places you’ll soar, you’ll look at your child’s room the same nevermore. The company’s not-to-be-believed creative designs and custom-built doors, beds and themed rooms transform a child’s room into a truly unique, personal and functional space.

For information, visit www.kidtropolisbuild.com. For detailed examples of their work or work in progress, click on their website blog.

1. CAR SEAT(S): A properly installed car seat is a must-have before leaving the hospital with your new bundle of joy. A bucket type seat is ideal from birth until your baby is about 5-7 months old (depending on your baby’s size). You will then need a convertible type car seat that can face backwards (until at least one year old and/or 20 pounds) and then forwards. Look for a seat that has been rated highly for safety and fits well in your car.

2. STROLLER(S): The strollers out on the market are limitless, but there’s one (or two!) for every lifestyle and budget. For infants, a snap-n-go stroller is a quick way to go from car seat to stroller ­ the seat easily fits right in the stroller frame. Once your baby outgrows the infant seat, you will need a new stroller to accommodate a larger child. Whether it’s a jogger, umbrella or hybrid-type model, I recommend taking it out of the store to push on the sidewalks, practice folding and unfolding and placing in and out of the trunk (if applicable) to see how cumbersome it might be. Remember, when you have a wriggling, crying baby the last thing you need is to be struggling with collapsing a 40-pound stroller into your trunk.

3. A PLACE FOR BABY TO SLEEP: Some parents prefer their baby to sleep in a separate room in a crib from the beginning, others want their little ones as close to them as possible. Either way you have many choices such as a crib, mini-crib, pack-n-play, bassinet, arms reach co-sleeper or your own bed! Think about your home set up and lifestyle before you make any sleeper purchases.

4. A DIAPER BAG… OR SOMETHING FOR YOU TO SCHLEP ALL THE NEW THINGS YOU MUST CARRY FOR AN OUTING WITH BABY: You can go crazy with diaper bags ­ from a basic carry-all to a designer fashion statement. When purchasing a diaper bag, consider your lifestyle and budget, and who will be using it (i.e., something your husband/partner won’t be embarrassed to carry too!) Other options include a backpack or even a larger purse you already own. It is helpful from the beginning to have a bag with several separate compartments.
You will be lugging a lot of stuff initially but as your little one grows along with your confidence, you’ll be able to get by with bringing less.

5. BABY BATHTUB: This really will make your life easier. You can put it in your kitchen sink or in your tub and it keeps your little one confined in a smaller space. You will probably be using your tub for six months , if not longer, until you feel comfortable with your baby sitting up in the big tub. Another bonus of using the infant baby bathtubs is that there is usually room to keep the essential items close at hand (shampoo, baby wash, washcloth) in a designated space. This is key when you have a wet and squirmy baby in the tub whom you need to keep a very careful eye on.

6. BOTTLES/NIPPLES: Even if you are planning on exclusively breastfeeding, I recommend having a few bottles/nipples already sterilized and ready to go. You never know how breastfeeding will go and you may be beyond exhausted and want your partner/family member to give the baby a bottle of expressed milk or formula. The last thing you want to do in your tired, hormonal state is look for and clean bottles. Have it all in a convenient spot ready to go!

7. SWING/BOUNCY SEAT: This is a great item to borrow from friends or purchase second hand, as they are usually gently used for a short period of time. Swings and bouncy seats make an ideal option when you need to put your baby down so that you can take a shower, fix yourself lunch or take a break! If you go for a swing, look for the kind that swing from side-to-side as babies seem to like this motion best.

8. 8-10 SLEEPERS/OUTFITS/ONESIES: It’s good to have a week’s worth of outfits on hand, washed and ready to go. Again, the last thing you want to do as you are recovering from childbirth is do multiple loads of laundry each day. Babies tend to spit up, poop and leak out of their clothes so don’t be surprised if in the first weeks, your little one goes through 2-3 outfits/per day. Have enough so that you only have to do laundry every 4-5 days if possible.

9. DIAPERS/WIPES: Have a supply of at least a package of diapers at home ready to go. I recommend having a stash of diapers on every level of your home so that you aren’t running around looking for what you need. If you can, set up a changing station in another room you use often to makes life easier. You can keep a spare outfit or two, diapers, wipes, crèmes, etc. right there.

10. A SENSE OF HUMOR: Your life has just changed for the better but it is still crazy and overwhelming the first few weeks. Try not to get so wrapped up in being the “perfect” parent, and remember, your baby loves you and it really will be okay! So what if you have 40 thank you notes to write, last night’s dinner dishes in the sink and dirty clothes all over the house. It’s all about surviving day to day the first three months so do whatever it takes to be balanced and happy. This will go by so fast and you will look back and wish time moved more slowly!

Speaking of peanuts…

Recent research has found that regular consumption of nut products during pregnancy raises the odds of your child having asthma symptoms by nearly 50 percent.

About 4 percent of American children have food allergies, and roughly 3 million people in the U.S. are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts. It’s already recommended that children under 3 not be given nuts or nut products, because their immune systems are still developing and may be more susceptible to allergens.

Daily consumption of nut products increases the odds that a child will have wheezing by 42 percent, shortness of breath by 58 percent, and steroid use to ease asthma symptoms by 62 percent.

Overall, the odds of developing asthma symptoms for a child whose mother ate nuts daily are 47 percent higher.

Sources:

* U.S. News and World Report July 15, 2008

* American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine July 15, 2008; 178(2):113-4

Read more >>

Are you a hip mom that doesn’t want your style cramped by ugly baby carriers? Well we have another fashionable solution for you! Enter Peanut Shell baby slings and baby wraps. (They have nursing covers too!)

We’ve been using the Flor Cafe’ Baby Sling for like 2 months now and we love it! The wild print gets a lot of attention and people are always stopping to ask me where I got it! Not only that, it’s the same sling that was seen on Melanie “Scary Spice” Brown! We love celebrity styles that we can own.

Peanut Shell is now available at Target! Click Here to purchase the Flor Cafe’ Sling on Target.com

We also have the Peanut Shell Wrap Carrier with the cute Girly Skull applique. Wraps can be a little intimidating for a beginning, but it only takes a few tries to get the hang of it!

We love Peanut Shell because they know what’s important - keeping baby close and looking great! So stay stylish with an awesome Peanut Shell baby carrier today!

Shop for Peanut Shell products on Target.com >>

Now through the end of October, Munchkin is playing a small part in helping moms focus on their own health by putting a spotlight on breast cancer prevention. Project Pink is a program that raises money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and reminds moms, “don’t duck a breast exam.”

So whether you buy a pink duck or simply spread the word, you can help us help moms stay healthy so they can get back to being great parents.

Here’s the pink duck:

Buy your own duck >>

Or look for them in stores starting in September. They will be available at retailers such as Babies R’ Us, Target, Kmart, Meiger, HEB, Fred Meyer, Burlington, Buy Buy Baby, Rite Aid, Longs, and Zellers beginning in late September through October.

We know some of you moms out there are eco-chicks, so we wanted to let you know about another cool Eco-Friendly store called We We Clothing.

They have such adorable clothes that really separate them from the rest. Check out the New Styles This Week!

Plus, right now they are having a contest that you can enter to win a free baby outfit. Click Here to enter.

The Belle Baby Carrier was meticulously designed by two fathers who engineer rock climbing safety equipment. These outdoor enthusiasts pay close attention to detail as well as product safety and functionality. So rest easy when you carry your baby in the Belle Baby Carriers. They are in good hands!

These baby carriers are perfect for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, hiking or walking. If you’re a stay at home mom, don’t let that deter you! These carriers are ultra stylish which makes them great for everyday use. I moved recently and I put my daughter in one of these carriers while I was packing and lifting boxes. I felt good knowing she was safely nestled against me.

Belle Baby Carriers come in lots of stylish prints and colors that are gender neutral, so both mom and dad can feel good wearing them. Plus the ventilated design is great for summer. Thinking about Fall coming soon? They’ve got you covered. The cheetah print one is furry and warm. (That’s the one we have!) Plus they just released two new prints just in time for Fall - Cherry Deco and Denim. Check them out below…

These baby carriers are ideal for babies 10-25 lbs and are super convenient because baby can face toward or away from you. For me, it was super comfortable to wear and simple to use. Some carriers, you have to pull out the directions and spend 20 minutes figuring out how to put it on, but not this one. It’s completely user friendly!

The other thing I really liked about it was being able to adjust it to the perfect height so I could discreetly nurse my daughter in stores. Being kind of a holistic mom, I am concerned about my daughter’s spine. I even bring her to the chiropractors with me. So I was really happy to see that this carrier actually fosters proper growth and development. Some carriers compact baby’s spine and it ends up being a problem for them later on.

Another cool thing is these carriers are actually made in Colorado of the highest quality fabrics and materials. I LOVE things that aren’t made in China! Nothing against China, it’s just it seems like everything is made over there…

I just have so many good things to say about this carrier, I could really go on forever. But enough of my opinion, it’s time you try one out for yourself and see how great they are!

Starting at just $89.95, you can pick between 11 different colors and prints. Check it out >>