Baby Essentials… do you have them?

Written by: Barette Best | Posted: March 26, 2020

Congratulations!  Your bundle of joy in the next few months! There are so many emotions and so much to do, so let’s talk essentials! 

Is the nursery ready? Do you have the crib, bassinet, bedding, rocking chair, changing pad, and baby monitors? Have you discussed if the baby will co-sleep? Have you decided if you will sleep train and have you really thought through what the first few days will look like logistically?

There are so many gadgets and gizmos for new babies.  These range from bottle steamers to wipe warmers to stationary strollers to stroller SUVs!  It is a good idea to have a variety of bottles & formula available because babies will quickly pick their favorites. You will also need bathing essentials, including a newborn tub. You will need toiletries such as mini nail clippers, creams and ointments and above all else, you will need DIAPERS!!!  Do you know in the first 3 months how many diapers you will use? We attached a guide below, and you may want to get stock in diapers now!!

Lastly, and most importantly, is safety! You will want to start babyproofing the house once the baby starts scooting around. You will want to ensure you have a first aid kit, thermometer, and fire extinguisher.  It is also a great idea to get the house cleaned and your air filters changed. Lastly, you will want to ensure your car seat is installed properly!  Car seat installation can be a daunting task for anyone, but it is extremely important that it is installed correctly.  (75% are actually installed incorrectly when inspected!)  For many years, you could have your car seat inspected for proper installation but not all firefighters are certified as Child Passenger Safety Technicians. To find a certified tech near you search the online directory on the National CPS Certification program website or through your local hospital.

Have you discussed taking some new parent courses at your local hospital? It is always great for a class on the basics like swaddling & how to change a diaper.  Hospital education classes are great to help get you ready for baby! Many include sessions that will provide guidance and support as parents go through “on-the-job training”. The general topics covered include infant bathing and dressing, various ways the infant communicates through crying, sleep patterns, signs of illness, when to call a care provider, and the needs and adjustments of becoming a family. Some hospitals even provide courses on introducing your pets to the baby.

Rest assured, you have the time & support to make sure you are perfectly prepared for the new boss, uhem, we mean bundle of joy arrives. Stay tuned for our next edition on how to get organized & prepared financially for the newest member of your family.

How To Improve Your Memory

Written by: janethignacio | Posted: February 13, 2020

Your memory plays a crucial role in your life. It is because of your memory that you can remember simple things such as your name and home address or more complicated things such as memorizing by heart the multiplication table, solving the average velocity of a car, or learning new words in a new language. But sadly, as one ages, so does one’s memory. Memory lapses can happen at any age, to anyone. Thanks to science and intensive research, there are now ways to protect and sharpen your mind. Here are the major strategies you can try out.

1.     Get some sleep, power naps included.

Don’t underestimate the effects of sleep. According to research, sleeping enhances your memory and helps you “practice” and improve your performance of challenging skills. Taking a nap (especially after learning something new) helps in retaining those memories, recharges your brain, and keeps it sharp.

2.         Feed your brain.

What you eat (and don’t eat) has a big impact on your memory. Maximize your brain’s ability by eating the right stuff. Excellent foods for the brain are blueberries, nuts, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, turmeric, avocado, salmon, nuts, eggs, green tea, and dark chocolate. These foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids,anthocyanin, and antioxidants.

3.     Move your body.

Keeping your body active is good not just for your waist and heart but also for your brain as well. Regular exercise increases your heart rate and maintains the flow of blood, carrying the right amount of oxygen and nutrients that your brain needs. When the nutrients don’t make it there, the brain’s ability to function is compromised. So, the next time you feel like your memory is failing you, take a few minutes to exercise and move. You’ll be surprised how a short walk around the block, or a quick jog, clears your mind and improves memory.

4.     Meditate

You can benefit a lot if you know how to meditate correctly. Meditation improves your ability to concentrate and focus and it decreases your stress level and improves your memory.

5.    Keep your brain active. Recent studies show that keeping your brain active helps delay memory loss. There are many ways to keep your brain busy. Simple tasks like reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards, learning a new language, or mastering a new skill are ways to keep your brain active.  By doing new activities beyond your comfort zone, you are keeping your memory sharp.

Egg Donation Timeline

Written by: Barette Best | Posted: January 23, 2020

Welcome! You are either thinking about egg donation or you are embarking on your journey! We know that it can be overwhelming with all of the calendars, appointments and steps so we wanted to help guide you with this timeline. Of course,  you have your personal care coordinator and our team that will also be with you & your donor through this journey, but you can never have too much information. We are so thankful to have you and we look forward to your journey to parenthood.