Nine Months Is A Long Time To Be Uncomfortable!

Win My Disney Swag

karlatrotman — Tue, 21 May 2013 01:18:31 +0000

So my husband has been eyeballing all of the products that I received from the Disney Baby event, hoping that its not a hint. His wish is that I get it out of the house as soon as possible. In order to make that happen, I need YOU to tell me about a mom-to-be who would love to have it. Or one that you are supposed to buy a gift for, but don’t really like her, but have to buy her a gift and a free one would be awesome.

How To Win (3 chances):

1. Below this post, give me her name and why she deserves these fantastic products.

2. Extra chance: Like us on FB and let me know your FB name

3. Extra chance: Click to Tweet the following: I love me some baby products. Thanks @BButtonBoutique and @DisneyBaby http://bit.ly/YVwiwv #MagicalMoments

Do all of this by May 31st at 11:59 EST. I will use Random.org to select a winner and will ship it out. Contest winners must be in the contiguous U.S., sorry.

*Disclaimer, Disney Baby gave me all of this stuff this past weekend when I visited their showroom in NYC. My husband really does want me to get rid of it. I want a mommy who needs/wants it to have it

What Disney Baby Has To Offer New Moms

karlatrotman — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:57 +0000

I am always on the look out for great products to pass along to moms, so I was super excited to receive an exclusive invitation to Disney Baby’s product event in NYC this past weekend. Here are some of the highlights.

Disney Baby showcased their new logo (pictured above) along with a host of products from good old Mickey Mouse to new favorites like Monsters, Inc.

Babies are known to grow rather quickly, so I love the detail of built-in extenders on the onesies that Disney Baby offers.

My degree in Business Logistics helped establish BellyButtonBoutique.com. So naturally I wondered how Disney could expand across so many different product lines and maintain a level of quality that was synonymous with its brand. The answer to that is “strategic partnerships”. Instead of reinventing the proverbial wheel, Disney Baby partners with industry leaders and labels the products with the Disney Baby brand. This Graco Swing Glider is a prime example and was one of our favorites.

What do you think of the new Disney Baby products? Let us know in the comment section below.

*Disclosure – Disney Baby paid for my transportation to NYC and gave each guest a gift bag with product samples. All opinions are my own.

The New Neoprene Diastasis Rehab Splint – What is Neoprene?

karlatrotman — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:26:49 +0000

As the orders keep coming in for the splints, I see lots of notes requesting “the Neoprene one“. I have also received questions asking what is so great about Neoprene. So to make things easy, we threw together a little video.

(1:25 min. length)

So what do you think? Neoprene yay or nay? Let us know below!

New Mom Products for Mom – The Baby Doesn’t Need To Get Everything

karlatrotman — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:17:59 +0000

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending a Social Media Mom Mixer in Philadelphia. As I have said, I do not consider myself to be a blogger, but I loves me some social media, mmm mmm mmm. There were various brands in attendance and I just wanted to highlight the newest, latest, greatest mommy trends and things going on. Heck, I know what it feels like to have a new baby and have no idea what to wear. Here you go:

1. Lee Jeans

Talk about coming back with a vengeance. No more “mom jean” jokes from me. When I was offered a free pair of jeans, I wasn’t expecting much. Add to the fact that I had to physically try them on…eh. Let’s just say images of me trying to wriggle and pull difficult fabric over my legs didn’t excite me. Then I saw the jeans. First off, some of the colors and washes are just gorge. Secondly, trying them on didn’t make me break into a sweat. The fabric was so yummy soft that I was able to try on 3 pair in like 5 minutes, no joke. I wound up grabbing a pair of dark denim capris that I LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Here is a little coupon code to help you save some cash: From now until May 13th you can enjoy and EXTRA 10% off the current discount AND you get FREE SHIPPING if you use the code: MIXER10*

2. Koru Creamery Style Yoghurt

So you might not be ready for jeans, you just want to take it slow, eat healthy and get ready for summer. NO problemo, I got you! This NEW yoghurt (yes, spelled with a “hurt” because you will hurt yourself trying to lick the bottom of the container) is AMAZING. I’m not going to tell you which one is my absolute FAVE (see arrows below), but I will say that it tastes like dessert. Like I would take a piece of pound cake and dollop of Koru INSTEAD of ice cream. I’m serious. Get thee to a store and get some TODAY!

3. Lands End

Can we talk about how I hate bathing suits? Like really. Its such pressure to look good while sweating to death and making sure that my kids don’t drown. Luckily Lands End has you covered and boy do they know their audience. They have swimsuit “SOLUTIONS”. Yes, if you want to minimize, maximize, enhance, suck in, whatever, they have a suit for you. Their swimwear goes from glam to athletic. But two of the reasons why I love Lands End is because: 1. they have swimwear for women who have had mastectomies and 2. they have high rise swim bottoms to shape the midsection. How can you not love a company like that?

So mamacitas, there you have it. The top three things that knocked my socks off during the Social Media Mom Mixer. A special thank you to Classy Mommy Colleen and Whitney from Mommies With Style for a great event. I always look forward to finding new products/brands to share with my readers.

Which products did you love? Let me know in the comment section below.

The Diastasis Rehab NEOPRENE Splints are IN!

karlatrotman — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:45:15 +0000

Diastasis Rehab ® is by far our best selling product at BellyButtonBoutique.com. Why? Because for less than $100 you can skip abdominoplasty surgery and fix your mummy tummy for good.

Why Neoprene?

The Diastasis Rehab Splints ® have gone through a variety of revisions. Julie Tupler, founder of the Tupler Technique® and Diastasis Rehab® , is constantly revising this product as developments are made in providing cost-effective fabrics and material. The price of the splint has increased by merely $2. Here is what you can expect in the newest splint:

- It is still the same design – pad and three arms

- The pad is 8 inches high instead of 7, for better coverage

- The pad is now made of Neoprene due to its ability to stretch sideways and lay flatter on the body. Neoprene also and doesn’t wrinkle as past materials have giving you more of a streamlined silhouette

- There is no fabric on the arms

- Velcro is sewn on the end of the arm as opposed to directly on the arm, which creates a secure and flatter fit

- The new splint is lighter by a few ounces

Here is Julie Tupler describing the new splint and how to wear it effectively:

As a business that has been selling Diastasis Rehab® products since the very beginning, we think that this new splint is fantastic. Julie has been receiving rave reviews from current customers who are currently wearing it. So far, we have shipped the newest splints throughout the world to Canada, Europe and even parts of Asia. It is very much a high demand item.

Have you tried the newest splint? Let us know in the comments below.

A Serious Disorder Affecting One in Twelve Pregnancies

karlatrotman — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:00:09 +0000

I think we all cried when Lady Sybil's Preeclampsia went undiagnosed on Downton Abbey

Preeclampsia and Pregnancy

Obstetric researchers have made much progress in the last decade to increase the safety of pregnancy and childbirth. But preeclampsia — a potentially life-threatening disorder — has continued to be a stubborn foe that affects almost 300,000 women annually here in the U.S. May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, and communities nationwide are hosting Promise Walks for Preeclampsia to raise funds and educate the public.

We were thirsty for knowledge on this issue, so we turned to Laney Poye, Community Relations Director for the Preeclampsia Foundation.

1. What is Preeclampsia?
It is a rapidly progressive condition that women can get during pregnancy and in the post-partum period, marked by hypertension and accompanied by a high level of protein in the urine. If it progresses, the woman may develop seizures, and then it is called “eclampsia,” which is dangerous for both mother and baby. It most often occurs any time after 20 weeks gestation and up to six weeks postpartum.

2. Can it be cured?
Currently, the only “cure” to preeclampsia starts with delivery of the baby and placenta. When preeclampsia develops, the mother and her baby are monitored carefully. There are medications and treatments that may decrease the hypertension and prolong the pregnancy, which can increase the baby’s chances of health and survival. Once the course of preeclampsia has begun, it cannot be reversed and the health of the mother must be constantly weighed against the health of the baby. In some cases, the baby must be delivered immediately, regardless of gestational age, to save the mother’s and/or baby’s life.

3. How does it affect the baby?
Preeclampsia can be very dangerous for the unborn baby if the condition is not recognized early and monitored carefully. Worldwide, preeclampsia is responsible for up to 20% of the 13 million preterm births each year. Premature birth has a wide range of life-long consequences for children. Preeclampsia can also cause intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which is when the baby is small for its gestational age due to reduced blood flow to the placenta. And sadly, infant loss is one of the most devastating possible consequences of preeclampsia. In the U.S., approximately 10,500 babies die from preeclampsia each year, and an estimated 500,000 worldwide. The disease can manifest in a very short time. You can have a normal prenatal appointment in the morning and lose your baby by the afternoon. We therefore encourage women to err on the side of caution and contact their doctor immediately if you experience signs of preeclampsia.

Photo courtesy of Nature.com

4. Is there a special diet that one can adopt to mitigate the chances?
Unfortunately, there is no diet or cure that can prevent preeclampsia, although of course it is important to follow a healthy pregnancy diet for the health of mom and baby, such as that recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Having a high body mass index (BMI) is one potential risk factor for developing preeclampsia, although there are also many women with normal or low BMIs that also develop the condition. A good prenatal diet full of vitamins, minerals and the basic food groups are important for any pregnancy, as is reducing consumption of processed foods, refined sugars and caffeine. Eliminating alcohol and any medication not prescribed by a physician is essential. Although there is no evidence that these healthy behaviors and choices impact preeclampsia, they do optimize your health for the best pregnancy possible.
Research also suggest there are probably several different variables that make a woman at risk for developing preeclampsia and that a preventive or curative therapy for one woman may not work for all women. Mother’s shouldn’t blame themselves or poor nutrition for IUGR, because IUGR is related to a failing placenta and not the mother’s diet. You could be eating all of the right things, but if the placenta is not capable of passing nutrients along, your baby’s growth will suffer.
Right now, early diagnosis through simple screening measures and good prenatal care can predict or delay many adverse maternal outcomes of preeclampsia. Prompt treatment saves lives!

5. Why isn’t preeclampsia more widely known?
Preeclampsia affects approximately 1 in every 12 pregnancies, but can range in severity. Approximately 25% of preeclampsia cases result in what is known as a severe outcome: organ failure, premature delivery, seizures, or loss of the mother and/or baby. Because it only occurs during pregnancy and the postpartum period, it was often considered “just” a pregnancy condition, but recent research has shown that women have an increased risk of developing heart disease 5-15 years after their pregnancy experience!

6. What is the Promise Walk?
The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia is the Preeclampsia Foundation’s signature fundraising and awareness event, which will be held from May onward throughout the summer in 45 locations nationwide. We walk to raise awareness, support research and education and help save lives by “Making Strides and Delivering Hope” to families impacted by preeclampsia. All proceeds go to support the mission of the Preeclampsia Foundation to provide support and education, catalyze research, raise awareness and improve healthcare practices to help save the lives of moms and babies.

7. How can one get involved if they are not in the Philadelphia area?
If you live in the Philadelphia area, join us on May 11, 2013 at Challenge Grove Park in Cherry Hill, New Jersey by registering at www.promisewalk.org/philadelphia. Registration is $20 for adult, $10 for children, and the event will be a fun, family-friendly event for all. If you don’t live in the Philly area, you can donate to our event or look for a walk in your own community by clicking “Register” at www.promisewalk.org.

8. What kind of research is being done on this disease/disorder?
There is currently quite a bit of research going on to look at the cause, potential interventions and earlier methods of diagnosis. The Preeclampsia Foundation helps fund research through our Vision Grant program and provides research study participant recruitment, but much more research is needed to help us make a difference in the lives of patients. Sadly, preeclampsia is still one of the lowest funded research areas, and we think the pregnant woman deserves a better deal. Policymakers, scientific investigators, health care professionals and patients need to work together to bring the information we already have to those who need it most and to drive greater awareness and resources to this devastating problem.

9. Is preeclampsia sometimes mistakenly diagnosed?
Preeclampsia is quite often misdiagnosed and can be particularly dangerous because many of the signs are silent, while some symptoms resemble “normal” effects of pregnancy on your body. Symptoms can include hypertension, protein in the urine, severe swelling (especially of the face, hands and feet), sudden weight gain, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, lower back pain, headaches, changes in vision, shortness of breath or chest pain, and mental confusion or anxiety, but might also not present any symptoms whatsoever. Many women suffering from preeclampsia don’t feel sick, and may be surprised or become frustrated when they are admitted to the hospital or prescribed bed rest since they still feel well.

10. Where can we go for more info?
For more information about preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy or to find a Promise Walk location near you, visit www.preeclampsia.org. You can also find us on Facebook or Twitter.

BellyButtonBoutique.com is a proud sponsor of The Promise Walk in Philadelphia. If you would like to join our team, please let us know below!

Have You Ever Felt Like Your Baby Was Going To Fall Out of You?

karlatrotman — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:25:51 +0000

Late in the last trimester of pregnancy, it is common to feel like the baby is going to fall out of you. While the possibility may feel eminent, trust me, it’s not gonna happen.

At this stage in your pregnancy, your baby is dropping lower into your pelvis and getting into position. Your connective tissue is also loosening up so that the baby will have the ability to pass through the pelvic region. This “lightening” phase will not be pleasant for many, which is why we suggest the following:

1. Swimming – We aren’t saying to do laps, but just the simple buoyancy will help relieve the pain from your joints. Go to an aqua aerobics class at your gym and hang in the back. No one will question why you are there and not participating.

photo courtesy of swimmingpoolsfyi.devhub.com/

2. Belly Sling – If you are working full-time, a belly sling is a great investment at this point in your pregnancy. While it may look a little crazy, the sling has helped many women find relief. It is worn UNDER your clothing and will provide you with the “lift” that is needed to relieve pressure on your pelvic region.

3. Body Work – many women swear by either chiropractic and acupuncture during their pregnancies. Make sure that you check with your doctor first and get a recommendation for a professional that specializes in pregnant women.

photo courtesy of naturalbirthnetworks.com

What did you do to relieve pressure “down there” during your pregnancy? Share in the comment section below.

10 Questions with Bionée Organic Certified Maternity Founder, Ewa Asmar

karlatrotman — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:00:01 +0000

BellyButtonBoutique.com prides itself on identifying the newest and best products available to new and expectant moms. We are proud to introduce to you Bionée Organic Certified Maternity Products, now available at our store. Bionée is produced in the south of France by natural product industry leader, Ewa Asmar.

I recently chatted with Ewa about her company and its products. Ewa is a natural product industry leader as she has worked with top cosmetic and personal care product companies around the world. She was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions JUST for BellyButtonBoutique.com

1. What makes you a natural product industry leader ?

Being an industry expert in the field of natural cosmetics makes the Bionée Organic Certified Maternity line stand out in the market. For over 10 years I have been now developing and marketing cosmetic products for big corporations such as L’Oréal, The Body Shop in the UK and Yves Rocher in France.

I have worked internationally and was able to learn about all the wonderful ingredients around the world that today infuse the line. I am very proud about my creations as they are a reflection of all the knowledge and passion I developed as a skincare executive during all this years.

2. What differentiates Bionée from other products that are currently on the market?

Bionée products are very different from all products dedicated to pregnancy and baby [currently available]. First, 100% of the products are Ecocert Organic Certified. Ecocert is the leading international institution in charge of giving the customers a guarantee of the quality of natural and organic personal care products. All Bionée products went through an extremely rigorous examination process before [being] awarded the certificate. In addition, we tested every single ingredient and its penetration into the skin in order to make sure we could claim the products to be safe for pregnancy, motherhood and newborns. And yes, Bionée ’s products are suitable for even newborns and sensitive skin respecting ph level.

3. What kind of results have you seen in the Bionée products when used on women?

We had very strong customer feedback on our products. Scientifically, there are two products that stand out in the line, the Stretch Mark Lotion and the Silhouette Lotion. Both of the products carry a patented association of ingredients. It is the same patent used in French pharmaceutical products that are known for strengthening the skin’s structure and show superior results.

4. Each product contains Organic Fair Trade Honey. Why is that?

Natural Honey has been used by mankind since the past 2,500 years, all over the world. The numerous health benefits of honey have made it an important aspect of traditional medicines such as Ayurveda. Honey is known to speed up the healing process by stimulating wound tissues. When applied directly to affected areas it is known to moisturize, soothe, inhibit infection and promote swift healing.

Most importantly, Fair Trade is very dear to my company and myself. I choose to support cooperatives in Argentina providing them with an income they need to build homes and schools. It was at The Body Shop where I was able to experience what a difference Fair Trade makes to the families and children around the world.

5. What is Bionée ‘s most popular product?

I was very surprised to notice that our Revitalizing Face Cream is very appealing to the customers. A lot of women are becoming more and more educated in terms of safety of the products. They realize that most anti-aging creams contain ingredients prohibited during pregnancy such are Retinol. Revitalizing Cream offers a natural alternative to anti-aging. I call it a “sleep enriched” cream infused with powerful ingredients that help stimulate the skin to reverse the appearance of aging. It is a truly refreshing natural complex, which reduces signs of fatigue. No shine, no oil, only pure freshness! 99.89% natural; 83.26% organic.

6. Most postpartum skincare products focus on the body, but I noticed that you developed a shampoo. Tell me about the Renewing Shampoo.

There are a couple of products in my line that you would not find anywhere else. The shampoo is one of them. I developed this formula based on my own experience being pregnant three times as well as on all the feedback I gathered from other moms. Many women complain about weak hair or hair loss post or during pregnancy. The plant-based shampoo is enriched with a revitalizing elixir rich in proteins that helps support post-pregnancy weak hair structure. This product contains natural conditioning ingredients for healthy looking hair ideal for lifeless and pregnancy related weak hair. Full lather for easy combed hair!

7. What is your favorite product out of the entire line?

The Nipple Healing Remedy!

8. What is the concept behind the Nipple Remedy, No Rinse?

Nipple Remedy is my favorite product. Lip gloss tube is what girls know best, right? This one is for our sore nipples. The formula is inspired by healing techniques from China, thanks to the “wonder ingredient” called: Organic Sea Buckthorn. Please watch the video on my site to learn about its usage by ancient monks. What I love about the product, is that it is more hygienic than other products on the market that come in jars. You don’t need to stick your finger in it!

But the best about it is that the formula is edible and FREE from Lanolin! I was shocked to discover that the leading nipple products are made with Lanolin, a sheepskin derived fat that is known to be one of the strongest allergens!

Lanolin and Fragrance FREE, edible ingredients with vanilla aroma! Your baby will love it!

9. What other products are on the horizon for Bionée ?

This is a secret but all I can say is that there will be some very unique products for the pregnant mommy such a special massaging oil and more beautiful and edible formulations for the baby.

10. Is there anything else about Bionée that you feel is important for mothers to know?

Bionée is not only a brand but an exclusive mom entrepreneur group that advocates for green living and healthy skin care products. You can become a “Bionée Advocate” and join us for a cause, your cause!

Every mom needs to decide between her career and family. If you become a “Bionée Advocate” you can have it all! If you are already having play dates, meeting other mothers or maybe you are involved in your kids’ school or doing anything like this, then you are naturally spending time that will help build your business. Interested? Visit http://www.Bionée .com/advocate/ for more details!

If you would like a chance to win a Bionée product, be sure to sign up for our Twitter Party!

Sitting The Month – Postpartum Care

karlatrotman — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:00:28 +0000

Recently I learned about an amazing postpartum tradition among the Asian community called, “Sitting the Month”. Its a 30-day process in which the new mother allows her body to rest and heal.

As the mother is “sitting” she is to avoid cold at all cost as it is believed to slow the shrinking process of the uterus. If the mother needs to, say open the refrigerator, it must be done with oven mitts so not to introduce coldness into her body. The goal is to restore the delicate yin and yang balance.

The mother is not to leave the home and must stay warm. Bathing is not permitted, nor is television or reading as it strains the eyes. Special meals are prepared with food that reduce swelling and promote lactation. During this time, other women in the family take care of the baby while the new mom rests.

Sitting the Month is still commonly practiced in many parts of the world. Here is the U.S., we hire postpartum doulas, but in other parts of the world “sitting” is big business. Facilities are opening up throughout Asia catering to higher income brackets. They pick up mom and baby upon discharge at the hospital and check them into a more luxurious postpartum sitting period. These luxury postpartum centers, or confinement centers, are charge as little as $1,500 to $60,000 for a 30-day stay. Another option is for a women to hire an at home confinement lady who takes care of all of her postpartum needs if family is unable to assist during this time. Yet women are drawn to the luxury centers as mothers are able to partake in chef-created meals, massage, infant care classes and a beauty salon. But whether you can afford luxurious postpartum care or not, the one common thing that these women all do is bind their bellies during this time. A practice that is barely catching on over here in the U.S.

If you are interested in more information on “sitting the month”, here are some really great blog posts from a first person perspective:

Hello Bee

HappyFrazzledMom

Confessions of a Vi3tbabe

What postpartum custom does your family practice, if any?

Pregnancy and Postpartum Comfort Twitter Party

karlatrotman — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:53:24 +0000

Pregnant and Uncomfortable?

Just Had a Baby and STILL Feeling Discomfort?

Have Tons of Questions?

Join us Wednesday, March 20^th from 8-9PM EST

for a

Pregnancy and Postpartum Comfort

Twitter Party

The party will:

Answer questions about pregnancy and postpartum comfort;
Give you ideas on how to become comfortable and healthy throughout your pregnancy
Allow you the opportunity to win some great prizes from the comfort of home;
Provide you with the opportunity to meet fellow moms going through the same issues as you.

Meet Our Comfort Experts:

Dr. Cara Hillwig – Dr. Cara Hillwig holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic and a Master’s in Nutrition and specializes in prenatal and postnatal women’s health. Common conditions she sees include pain associated with pregnancy including low back, hip and pelvic area, upper back, neck and headaches. Dr. Hillwig’s practice is located near Philadelphia in Bryn Mawr, PA and is a mother of 2. www.drhillwig.com

Elizabeth Larkin, IBCLC, CD (DONA) – is a birth and postpartum doula and a member of both DONA and CAPPA. Additionally, Elizabeth is the President for Nursing Mothers Alliance, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a mother of 2. www.wellbornbaby.com

Karla Trotman – is the owner of BellyButtonBoutique.com, an online boutique that specializes in products of comfort, healing, and support for pre- and postnatal women. Her boutique commands both a celebrity and worldwide clientele. Karla is a mother of 2 boys. www.BellyButtonBoutique.com

Make sure to follow the hashtag(#) #PregoComfort. And also you will want to follow the follow the following Twitter Friends: Elizabeth Larkin @WellBornBaby, Dr. Cara Hillwig @DrCaraHillwig and Karla Trotman @KarlaTrotman.

Prizes from: Earth Mama Angel Baby, Bioneé, and BellyButtonBoutique.com!

To help you with joining our party, a custom TweetGrid has been created for you.

Disclaimer: This Twitter Party is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All information shared should be discussed with your individual doctors prior to putting in practice. By signing up, participants will not hold above listed experts liable for any issues or complications arising from advice discussed during this event. This Twitter Party should not be used in the place of a doctor’s advice or orders.

You must register below in order to win prizes. Please RSVP with you @TwitterID (under Blog URL).

How to Register and Join:

Step 1. Click “Add Your Link”

Step 2. Enter your Twitter ID under Blog URL ex. @BButtonBoutique; Name and email address. We want to have the ability to follow up with PRIZE notification

Step 3. Click “Submit Link”

Step 4. Join us at 8PM using TweetGrid. It will make following along SUPER easy.