Baby Tips

And what lighting has to do with it.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

Is it just us, or are all babies programmed to come out of the womb thinking nighttime is the right time to be awake? So as if we weren’t already sleep deprived enough, we spend whatever time we could be sleeping contemplating how to get baby to sleep — at night, that is, not during the day.

We’ll give you a hint: Baby’s confusion between day and night might have something to do with the lights in your house. “We are very light-sensitive creatures. When we look back before the invention of the electric light bulb, kids tended to sleep like a baby — all night long, soundly, profoundly without waking up, even if there was a loud noise,” says pediatrician Alan Greene, author of Asleep All Day, Up All Night. But now, “Sleeping like a baby often means waking up crying every couple of hours.” Darn you, Thomas Edison.

Before you go smashing all your lights out, you should know that not all bulbs are bad bulbs. In fact, some, like the Sleepy Baby® Biological LED Lamp, might even help. Unlike the melatonin-disrupting light found in typical bulbs and in all of your screens, the light from the Sleepy Baby bulb encourages melatonin production, promoting relaxation and helping establish your baby’s natural circadian rhythm. You know, one like you have. One that makes you sleep at night.

Below, Dr. Greene drills down on the importance of getting your light right, and offers a few more tips on getting your baby to drop the nighttime partying so you can all get some more sleep.

Why do so many newborns have their sleep cycles reversed during those first few weeks of life?
During the later part of pregnancy, each baby develops her own sleep/wakefulness rhythm. You can get a good idea of what this rhythm is by the baby’s activity patterns. Some babies will tend to be fairly quiet during the day — lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking motion as Mom moves about her daily activities. These same babies often begin doing gymnastics in Mom’s belly about the time things get quiet at night. Other babies tend to be active while Mom is active during the day and to be quieter at night. Whatever your baby’s pattern before birth, it is likely that she will continue the same rhythm in the period shortly after birth.

When can you expect a baby to start to recognize the difference between night and day?
In just a few weeks you will be looking back at this time with amazement. Was she ever really as small as those tiny clothes that she no longer fits into? She was always able to hold her head up, wasn’t she? Didn’t she always smile back at me? And even then, though you still won’t be sleeping through the night, the all-night play sessions will seem like a distant memory of a magical time before you knew just how wonderful being a parent really was.

Tell us about the role that light plays in helping a baby distinguish between night and day.
One of my favorite ways to help baby distinguish between night and day is to try to support the circadian rhythm, so named because it’s “circa dian,” or “about a day.” For most of us, it would be about a 25-hour rhythm where we have not only sleepiness and arousal that rise and fall, but also fluctuations in blood pressure, body temperature, and many hormones. It is a profound rhythm that we share with other living beings that is reset daily by certain cues from the environment. We are seasonal creatures. If we were in a cave and had none of these external cues, our circadian rhythm would eventually get completely off from other people in the external world. But for us that rhythm is reset by something called zeitgebers. Zeitgebers (which literally means “time giver” in German) are our friends. The more they are in line with each other and the more they are consistent, then the better, longer and deeper sleep we have. [And] the most profound zeitgeber is probably light.

But, as you said above, most of our light these days is provided by melatonin-suppressing light bulbs. And I obviously need light bulbs in my house! So what can I do?
One thing that we can do is try to keep the environment as dim as possible between sunset and sunrise. That can have a profound impact on sleep. When you’re camping, you tend to get very drowsy a couple of hours after sunset [because there are no artificial lights present]. That’s difficult in our modern, urban, digital life, but the more we can at least remove the wavelengths of light that trigger melatonin suppression, the easier it is to sleep.

There is a pigment in the retina, called melanopsin, which responds to a 475 nm signal, and suppresses melatonin or disorganizes it for the rest of the night. Eliminating that response from sunset to sunrise is a rather simple thing that can help people get drowsy earlier. There are now apps that will pull out the blue wavelength of light [found in traditional melatonin-suppressing light bulbs], which is about 475 nanometers (nm). You can also get light bulbs that pull out that wavelength of light in the evening or wear blue-blocker sunglasses to get rid of it. And pay attention to screens. Part of that means not viewing screens in the last hour or so before bed at least.

Are there other cues that can affect baby’s sleep?
Another strong zeitgeber is temperature. For most of the history of humanity, we experienced our evenings and nights as much cooler than daytime, but with central air and central heating we have compressed our temperature window in a very narrow range. Creating a cooler nighttime environment, 7 degrees cooler or more, helps with falling and staying asleep.

Is there anything we can do during the day to promote healthy baby sleep?
When actively trying to switch a new baby’s time clock, have bright lights on in the house during daylight hours. Keep up a steady stream of talking in normal conversational tones during the day. Play with baby’s feet often, and make eye contact whenever you can. As soon as the sun begins to go down, purposely avoid all of these things. When you feed her, try not to make eye contact with her. Speak only in whispers or sing-song tones. Sing lullabies. Have the lights dim in the house. And don’t stimulate her feet.

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

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Have you ever wondered what the world would look like through your baby’s eyes? Now you can follow along, with this timeline of baby’s vision development, courtesy of our friends at Comotomo, baby bottle and teethers brand.

Just like walking or talking, babies must learn to see over a period of time. The ability to focus eyes, move them accurately, use them together as a team, and process visual information in the brain to understand the world and respond accordingly happens over a span of a few months.

Newborn - Vision: 0.03 degrees

A newly born baby can only distinguish light and darkness. Immediately after birth, a newborn can only see about 7-10 inches of her surroundings. She neither can recognize a figure nor distinguish different colors. After 1 month, baby will be able to see within a 3 feet range and eye-hand coordination improves significantly during this phase too. She may slowly to attempt to grab or reach for moving objects that picked up in her visual field.

2 months - Vision: 0.03-0.05 degrees

At this stage, the baby can recognize an overall shape. She can also keep her eyes open for a longer period of time--now we can gaze at those beautiful eyes! Her eye movement starts to coordinate with moving objects in a corresponding way. During this phase, encourage your little one to crawl and actively move around. This will definitely help her to further develop eye-hand coordination.

3 months to 4 months - Vision: 0.03 – 0.05 degrees

At 3 to 4 months, babies can focus in on an object and make direct eye contact with people. As her vision continues to gets sharper and more colorful, this is a great opportunity to introduce a wide spectrum of colors. Try offering different color toys and teethers. We love Comotomo’s fun-shaped BPA-free teethers.

5 months to 7 months - Vision: 0.05 degrees

Based on her accumulated experiences and memories, the baby will be able to start recognizing an object from a distance and perceive it in a three dimensional form. By the time she reaches 6 months, her vision development will be almost complete, with heightened depth perception. She will be able to see objects with nearly the level of clarity and sharpness as a fully developed adult. They grow up so fast.

Imagine how it would feel to be introduced to a whole new world, and see things for the first time. As parents, it’s important for us to stimulate baby’s vision development at the right stages, introducing our little ones to a spectrum of colors, shapes and movements. Tag us in your newborn’s developmental adventures using #NineNaturals!

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6 birth experts weigh in on the importance of your “due date.”

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

When I got my first ultrasound, my doctor measured the peanut-shaped embryo growing inside of me and managed to gift me with the sweet, sweet sound of my baby’s heartbeat. I was five weeks along, maybe six, she said. After I told her the first day of my last period, she confirmed that I was in fact six weeks pregnant. I told her my menstrual cycles were much longer than the 28-day average and wondered if that fact changed anything. But her mind was set: my baby was to be born on October 29, 2014.

My pregnancy, as a nurse later told me, was “boring” — I was a healthy 29-year old woman; I didn’t have gestational diabetes; and my blood pressure remained steadily normal throughout the pregnancy. There was no reason to believe that I would need to fight for a chance to give birth naturally.

Yet a week before the big day, my doctor informed me that my cervix was not thinning. I was apparently nowhere close to going into labor, and I should schedule an induction to deliver on my due date. Why the rush, I asked? My son’s predicted birth day seemed to be more of an educated guess, and a pregnancy is usually considered late at the 41-week mark. In fact, many doctors are willing to wait until the 42^nd week to perform an induction. My OBGYN, on the other hand, regurgitated all the scary science she knew on stillbirths, C-sections and late labors. According to her, I was not an at-risk patient, but I could become one by holding on to the idea of a natural birth. That day (and again on my due date), I did not schedule an induction, and my son was born on November 1, 2014 — three days ‘late.’

As it turned out, my son’s tardiness wasn’t the exception, but the rule. Only 5 percent of women deliver on their actual due date, and doctors do recognize that due dates are anything but predictable. So why was I being forced into labor a week before the big day? What did my son and I really risk by waiting it out? And if due dates offer no guarantee, what do they really stand for? To help prepare for your baby’s big debut, we’ve asked the pros to give us their views on due dates. Here’s what they said:

The Midwife
Lauren Abrams, CNM, MSN — Clinical Director of Midwifery at Mount Sinai Hospital
“One of the most important things the midwife or doctor does at the first prenatal visit is to establish the due date. Having an accurate due date is crucial, because it allows us to offer prenatal tests at the appropriate time in pregnancy, and it tells us the safest time for the woman to give birth. Many of the tests we do during pregnancy need to be done during a specific time frame, so if the due date is not correct, the results of these tests may not be accurate.

In terms of labor, we know that a pregnancy is considered full term any time between 37 and 42 weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period, so this is the safest time period in which to give birth. For women who are having uncomplicated pregnancies, it’s always best to wait for labor to start on its own. Sometimes women ask us to induce the labor before the due date, because they are tired and uncomfortable, or wish to give birth on a certain date; however, for women who are having uncomplicated pregnancies, waiting for labor to start on its own is best, because it gives the woman the best chance of having an uncomplicated vaginal birth and a healthy baby. If labor has not started by 42 weeks, though, we will recommend induction, as we know that babies born after 42 weeks have a higher rate of complications.”

The Doula
Lindsey Bliss — Carriage House Birth Director & Birth Doula
“Due dates are only based on an averages. I wish we could all call it the due month instead. Two weeks before or after the due date is still considered term. I don’t know about you but I am not average, nor have I ever fallen within an average range for anything in my life. I’m on my sixth baby & not one of them came on their due date. There is this extreme pressure from our society for women to have delivered before or on their due date. This is such an unrealistic expectation. I can’t tell you how many unnecessary inductions are performed just because women are considered “LATE” when they go past 40 weeks. In a healthy pregnancy, I truly believe that labor will start when the baby is ready. I believe in our bodies innate wisdom to give birth.”

The OB/GYN
Cara Dolin, MD — OB/GYN, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow at NYU Langone Medical Center
“The due date is very important. It tells me how far along my patient is, what developmental milestones I expect to see on the ultrasound, what tests to perform and how to counsel patients. Many management decisions about the pregnancy are made based on the due date, this becomes especially important as a woman’s due date comes and goes with no sign of labor. There are risks to letting a pregnancy continue beyond the 40th week, including having a very large baby, needing forceps, a vacuum or cesarean delivery and even stillbirth. Because of these risks to both mother and baby, it is recommended that labor be induced before 43 weeks. Many providers will induce labor at 41 weeks. Ultimately, the decision to be induced is made between a woman and her physician or midwife based on the specific circumstances of her pregnancy.”

The Labor Nurse
Jeanne Faulkner — registered nurse and author of Common Sense Pregnancy
“The medical community has quit putting so much emphasis on delivering by the due date. That’s because too many inductions fail to lead to vaginal births and too many women end up with c-sections. Too many babies thought to be due or near due, are being delivered just a wee bit too early and ending up in the NICU with breathing problems. We know there’s a lot of finish work to be completed before a baby is ready to leave the womb and live life independently from its mother. We shouldn’t shortchange babies by unnecessarily delivering them early. Even the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agrees that mothers and babies know best (most of the time, anyway) about when baby should be born. Their most recent guidelines discourage doctors and mothers from scheduling inductions solely for due-date related reasons. If a healthy woman with a normal pregnancy is pressured by her doctor or midwife to have an induction or scheduled c-section, she should ask for more information. She needs to understand why her pregnancy or health falls under ACOG’s guidelines for appropriate induction. If she’s fine and her baby’s fine, then it’s probably also fine for labor to start on its own.”

The Acupuncturist
Aimee Raupp — Wellness & fertility expert, acupuncturist
“To me, due dates are approximations. They are calculated based on the first day of the last menstrual period, which is roughly two weeks before a woman ovulates and can even get pregnant. Plus, it can take from 2 to 9 days for the fertilized embryo to implant in the uterine wall. So I encourage my patients to think of their due date as a guesstimate. I remind them that babies come when they are ready: they can come early on their own, and they can come later than expected, which is often the case for first time pregnancies. If babies aren’t budging, there could be a reason that requires our patience and/or further medical intervention.

Acupuncture can really get the labor process going, and many women who are nearing or past their due date often come to me (or are referred to me by their doctors). From my experience, acupuncture usually works within one or two visits. When it doesn’t, I believe it means that baby just isn’t ready to come out.

Let’s not forget, too, that the very definition of a ‘full-term’ pregnancy varies from one country to the next. Here, ‘full term’ is technically 40 weeks and 6 days; in some European countries, ‘full term’ is now 41 weeks and 6 days. But I think that as long as there are no medical reasons — like high blood pressure, swelling, fever, low amniotic fluid, etc — and the woman is still comfortable, it is ok to go past the ‘full term’ mark. When and if the time comes, I rely on signs of early labor, like the baby’s low positioning and contractions, to do some treatment and encourage the progression of labor — but only once the woman hits 40 weeks, not before.”

The Pediatrician
Mona Amin, DO — pediatrician at Tribeca Pediatrics
“A due date does give us a lot of information about what to expect with a baby, especially if he or she is premature (born prior to 37 weeks). We always like to know if the baby ended up needing any support at delivery (i.e. oxygen support, antibiotics, or a stay in the NICU). And when seeing a family for their baby’s initial visit, knowing gestational age, along with any complications during pregnancy, gives us, pediatricians, an idea of the baby’s transition into the world and of the health outcomes to closely follow.

For those born post-term (after 40+ weeks), health outcomes are standard to those born term. Some findings with post-term babies include large babies (which can make vaginal deliveries more difficult and require close monitoring of sugar levels), as well as dry flaky skin from being in a water-like environment in mom for so long. The most important thing for these children is to have regular OB exams and fetal monitoring — to make sure that they continue to receive adequate nutrition and perfusion from the placenta.

Premature babies (especially those born before 32 weeks) can have many of their vital organs affected, as they are not fully developed. So they do require much more visits to their pediatrician and coordination with specialists. They are closely monitored for their breathing, nutrition and heat regulation. We understand that if you have a premature child, you will have many questions and concerns — and rest assure your NICU doctors and pediatrician are ready and willing to walk you through what to expect.”

This article is by Charlene Petitjean-Barkulis, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

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How to get protein into your baby’s vegan, vegetarian and omnivore diet.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

If your baby is near the 6-month mark, you’re probably doing a lot of thinking about solid foods. Even though he or she will get all the nutrients she needs from breast milk, formula or a combination of the two, it’s a good time to start mixing in natural sources of protein, too. Here are some ideas for ways to add protein to purées for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores. For every ounce of purée, mix in 1 teaspoon of protein. Just be sure to taste what you are serving to baby, and adjust flavors and amounts accordingly. Who wants to eat something that tastes boring and flavorless? You don’t, so neither does your baby.

Before adding anything to your baby’s food, be sure to check with your pediatrician. Also, you should introduce common allergens such as soy and nuts one at a time in case your baby has a reaction. Learn more about allergy symptoms.

Whatever sources of protein you choose to add to your baby’s food, remember to:
1. Keep trying, even if the first, second or third attempts don’t go well (some babies need to taste a food up to 40 times to decide they like it!).
2. Be creative and play around with different combinations.
3. Have fun!

Sources of protein that add minimal or no texture:

For Vegans:

• Soy milk
• Hemp oil or powder
• Silken tofu
• Soy yogurt
• Puréed legumes such as peas and beans

For Vegetarians:

• All items listed in Vegan category
• Unsweetened yogurt (Greek yogurt has a higher protein count than regular yogurt)
• Ricotta cheese

For Omnivores:

• All items listed in Vegan and Vegetarian categories
• Cooking liquid from cooked meat, poultry or fish

Sources of protein that add texture:

For Vegans:

• Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter)
• Quinoa

For Vegetarians:

• All items listed in Vegan category
• Cottage cheese

For Omnivores:

• All items listed in Vegan and Vegetarian categories
• Puréed meat, chicken, fish or seafood

Happy cooking, experimenting and feeding!

This article is by Jory Lieber, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

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Peaceful, sleepy grins. Gently closed hands. Pale, pinky feet. Who doesn’t love a good newborn pic...or two, or three… As new parents, you may be interested in documenting this precious and fleeting moment professionally. Whether they’re for new-grandparents, posting on social media, or your new phone background, follow these top tips from Photofaire on how to get the most out of your newborn photoshoot:

Timing is everything. The ideal time to photograph a newborn is within the first two weeks of birth. At this stage, babies are sleeping most of the time, making their sweet moments easier to capture. These serene moments won’t last forever so make sure you have some photos to help cherish it forever!

Don’t procrastinate. It’s safe to assume you (and your family) will be pretty overwhelmed once the baby arrives. For help on finding a photographer, refer to Photofaire, which connects anyone with a story to share to a trusted professional near them. Spend adequate time finding the right photographer beforehand, making sure his/her style and personality match with what you’re looking for in the photos and in the experience. Be sure to understand how much the total investment will be, what you will need to bring to the shoot, and what you will be walking away with, to ensure the smoothest shoot possible.

Home is Where the Heart Is. Even if your photographer has a studio, consider having the session done in your home. Being in a familiar surrounding will put both you and baby at ease and ensure that whatever you need to feed, change and calm your baby is within an arm’s reach. Taking the photos in your cozy abode can also give the photos a more intimate look and feel. Depending on what you’re going for this may be a good style choice.

You Can Never Go Wrong With Neutrals. To keep the focus on the baby. Dressing him/her in solid or simple patterned apparel--classic and timeless. There’s a reason why the majority of newborn photo shoots show baby in light, simple clothes, but if you really want to reenact Star Wars or capture the final battle in Harry Potter, don’t forget it is your shoot! That said, never worry about running out of opportunities to have fun with family photos--Halloween comes every year!

Just like any photoshoot, the experience should be something both to look forward to and fondly look back on. Who doesn’t love a good newborn pic? Be sure to share yours with us using #NineNaturals and keep ‘em coming.

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Taking the guesswork out of babywearing with an expert and educator.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

While we’re huge fans of babywearing thanks to its countless benefits for baby and mama, we also know that it can be easier said than done. For many a first-time mama, a carrier can be confusing and complicated–throw in a crying baby during that first try, and well, there just might not be a second.

But don’t give up, mama! Just like birth and breastfeeding, babywearing is much easier when you’ve got a little knowledge going into the process. So to help get you ready for your own babywearing journey, we asked Sarah Longwell-Stevens, babywearing educator and owner of Small Things NYC , to answer some of the most common babywearing questions out there.

When can you start babywearing? Is there a required weight or age?
From birth! Generally if the doctors cleared the baby to come home from the hospital, they are usually fine to put in a carrier. Most carriers have a lower weight limit of 7 lbs. That is the lowest limit most manufacturers will allow. While I think some fabric carriers are probably still safe for a smaller baby because they get custom fit as they are put on, I would definitely respect that limit if you are learning. Also, you want to give yourself some time to recover from pregnancy and birth. Generally, if you are able to hold your baby’s weight, you are able to wear them. Babywearing is a physical skill though and just like some people need a little hands-on breastfeeding, getting some help in how to use your carrier can make a world of difference.

When can you babywear until?
Until you can’t or don’t want to carry them anymore! That will be a different age for everyone depending on their needs for it. Most families wear their babies anywhere between 3 months to 3 years, but all families are different! Three years sounds big and heavy but you build the strength gradually as you go. Plus you don’t need to go to the gym! There are carriers for preschoolers and older that are fantastic for families with children in wheelchairs.

How do you know if baby is breathing?
You can feel it! The nice thing about babywearing is the baby is right there and we pretty naturally lay our hands on their bodies. The rise and fall of their chest is easy to feel. To ensure a clear airway in any device you put your baby in just make sure their chin isn’t laying on their chest–you want to be able to get a finger or two in between.

What’s the most ergonomic positioning, no matter what carrier you are wearing?
We like to see babies supported in the same way we would naturally hold them upright in our arms. High enough to kiss the top of their head, a finger between their chin and chest, and their knees a little higher than their bottom in a squat position. Ideally the fabric of the carrier will reach from the back of one knee to another. This helps to support the baby in the squat and makes carrying them much more comfortable for the parent. Just changing that one thing can make a baby feel 10 pounds lighter!

How do you know if you’re doing it right?
I always like to do a head to toe check for the positioning elements above when they are first put in the carrier. But another good question is: “Do I feel comfortable being hands free?” Usually when I see babies poorly positioned in a carrier, I see the parents holding them around the carrier supporting their body in a more ideal position. If you don’t feel hands-free, get some help adjusting the carrier. Even if you feel like the baby is secure if they are in the carrier in a way you would never hold them in your arms (like down by your hip), then don’t do it. The carrier should feel like holding.

Any babywearing no-nos?
Babywearing and most sports are not compatible—horseback riding, biking, skiing, rock climbing and so on. If you wouldn’t feel safe doing it while holding them in your arms, I wouldn’t do it. Be careful with hot liquids and cooking, both are probably safer with a baby on your back if at all. Babywearing in cabs is particularly dangerous because you feel like they are secure but in an accident their weight will exceed the upper weight limit of the carrier several times over. You also don’t want to experience whiplash with your baby’s head right under your chin.

Can you babywear part time?
People have been using a wide variety of carriers to care for babies for thousands of years in every nook and cranny of the planet. It is a way to get things done and a great tool to have at your disposal. Like all tools, you might find you have more use for it than others and it will be more suited to certain situations. Not all babies need or want to be held all the time.

Can anyone babywear your baby? Does it provide the same benefits for Dad, Grandma or caregiver?
Absolutely! Babywearing can be a great way for anyone to form a close bond with your baby. In many cultures, babies are passed around and everyone wears them. We tend to have smaller, more nuclear families, but there are still great benefits to other people wearing your baby. It is a really great tool for anyone who might care for your baby as it can still have that same centering effect and can help a baby adjust to new caregiving environments.

Can you babywear twins?
Yes! I recommend that you get comfortable wearing one baby in a carrier at a time first, but it is totally possible to wear both babies at the same time. You want to really be aware of each baby individually and feel comfortable with how your carrier works first. I prefer using one carrier per baby so that when possible you can share the load with a partner. It is a more flexible arrangement than a carrier that only carries two. Find a carrier you like, learn how to use it, and when you feel ready get some help on how to wear both.

Is it safe to breastfeed while babywearing?
Yes! Especially in the city, babywearing can be a lifesaver if you need to feed your baby in an awkward time or place. It can be especially amazing for second time mamas who are trying to keep up with the activity of an older child. It is another advanced skill and one that gets way easier after about three months. You want to get comfortable breastfeeding and comfortable using the carrier separately before you start trying to put the two skills together.

How do you choose the right carrier for your baby and lifestyle?
I really recommend trying them on with your baby or with some weight in them. I bring weighted dolls to people so they can feel what a baby will feel like if they haven’t had their baby yet, or they are feeling nervous about using their real baby right off the bat. It is so hard to get a feel for what you will like without trying it first. Buying a carrier is really a lot like buying jeans–they all do the same thing but everyone has their preferences in terms of the very small details.

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

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In order to have a positive birth experience, many new parents are deciding to “go with the flow,” believing that this will keep them relaxed and positive by remaining flexible. However, it's still important to do some prep before birth! Getting educated about what happens during birth, asking questions, expressing any lingering fears/concerns to your birth team, and discussing higher level birth preferences with your partner will make the process a lot smoother. Like all big decisions, especially for coordinating birth, it’s important to do research. Here are a few tips to make sure you remain in YOUR flow:

Ask questions

When it comes to birth, many successful and outspoken moms-to-be surprisingly don’t ask questions. Not asking questions is like running a marathon without being prepared. To avoid being overwhelmed in any stage and quickly agreeing to unnecessary interventions, ask questions and know your options--ask as many questions as you can before as well as during the labor.

Consider Hiring a Doula

Hospitals are busy and overcrowded, so hiring a doula can facilitate the birth process. The doula can help ease the pressure on the birth partner and keep them fresh for the moments closer to birth. The doula can also help with little things like paperwork and the bigger things - like decisions that come up in the delivery room. A doula helps with preparation and relaxation for both you and your partner by providing information and keeping you aware. Some studies have shown that continuous support from doulas during childbirth may be associated with decreased use of pain relief medication during labor, incidences of C-sections, length of labor, and negative childbirth experiences.

Take a Childbirth Class

Attending a childbirth class will help to inform and prepare you for what to expect during labor and delivery. Learn more about baby’s development, warning signs that something may be wrong, breathing and realization techniques, and pain relief options during labor. Additionally, it will help you familiarize yourself with medical terms and common hospital protocol.

Look out for your own best interest

One major appeal of the “go with the flow” mentality is the stress-free aspect. . However, the more information you have going into your birth and the more control you have during your birth, hopefully the more relaxed you will be and the better your birth will go. For example, educate yourself on the signs of labor and your options for how you can labor while you are in the hospital (i.e. -the fact that you can move around when you want to, or that you don’t have to lie down to give birth). With more knowledge, whether it be from a doula, a class, or personal research, you will feel more empowered throughout the birth experience.
Birth is an amazing experience. Take it into your own hands and go through it at your flow.

Stephanie Heintzeler is a German educated midwife, US Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor. She owns The New York Doula Concierge with a team of 20 doulas.
Find out more at www.thenewyorkdoula.com

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6 babywearing jackets to keep you carrying all winter long.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

Cold temps are about to be here, but that’s no reason to hunker down indoors. Get out there, mama, and bring baby with you! But don’t try to babywear with your regular winter jacket; trust us, that zipper will never hold. If you don’t want to spend your days McGuyver-ing a coverup to bridge the gap between coat and baby carrier (you don’t), try one of these babywearing outerwear options instead and you’ll stay cozy and warm all winter long.

B & Me Booker Coat
This sporty fleece number will be your go-to as the temps drop, and the perfect under layer on those frigid winter days. $185

M Coat
This down-filled babywearing coat is as serious as it comes. Made in Canada (so you know it’s warm!), the fabric is Teflon treated so it’s waterproof (and stain proof!). $429

Mulier Cozy Joey
This fashion-forward trench coat is as feminine as it is functional. With its chic silhouette and luxe fabrication, nobody would ever guess there’s room for baby inside. $249

Japanese Weekend Mama Coat
This water-resistent babywearing jacket is made by one of our favorite maternity brands, known for its smart design and flattering fit. $278

Suse’s Kinder
The latest and greatest from this well-known babywearing outerwear brand, this midweight puffy coat is good for babywearing front or back. $89.99

Hatch Things Cold Snap
Don’t want to buy a whole new coat for just one season of babywearing. We get it. This super-warm coat extender uses body heat and comes with an optional thermal insert. $99

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

5 reasons to build the inner circle you never knew you’d need.

Article & Photos courtesy of Well Rounded NY

There’s nothing like snuggling with your newborn for days upon days as a new mama. That new baby smell, the touch of their skin–it’s all-consuming in the most wonderful way possible. But after a while, even in the big city, having a newborn can feel isolating. So we always have one piece of advice for new moms: “Find your mama tribe.”

We’re not saying to drop your pre-baby friends–that would be a major no-no–but it’s time to open up and make room in your life for new mamas that will become essential to your well-being.

And while there are great resources for meeting new mama friends, like neighborhood listservs, sometimes the best way to meet a new mama is simply by introducing yourself to that cute lady with baby you keep seeing at your local coffee shop. Better yet? Let a friend set you up!

We played mama matchmaker recently and dared three of the most badass NYC mamas we know to leave behind their daily routines and responsibilities for a day and to join us on a little day trip to Governor’s Island. We asked them to embrace our little adventure with just a BabyBjörn Carrier One and smartly packed (and super chic) BabyBjörn Diaper Bag Sofo. And we asked them to open themselves up to the possibility of meeting a new mama for their tribe. We have to say, it turned out beautifully.

Still not convinced you’ll need your own mama tribe? Here’s 5 reasons you should find at least one mama to call your very own.

1. She’s going through the same things you are. A mama friend will give you the ability to talk about things like diapers, nursing and babywearing without abandon.

2. She’ll help you get out and about. She’ll motivate you to leave the house one block at a time, and rediscover the endless treasures of your city with fresh new mama eyes (and with those über fresh baby eyes right there with you!).

3. She has no idea what she’s doing either…and that’s totally awesome. While social media might make you feel like you’re the only parent on the planet who’s feeling lost, your mama friend will commiserate.

4. She’ll help you rid those baby blues. Babies come with a lot of change, and adjustment to your new normal isn’t always as smooth as you envisioned. Sometimes it takes another mama to get you over the hump.

5. She’ll introduce you to others. There’s a whole world us of out there! And there is no greater common denominator than being a mom.

Your mama tribe is awaiting. So go ahead and get out there.

This article is by Kaity Velez, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

6 reasons you should be wearing your baby.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

There is something truly intoxicating about babywearing–getting that newborn babe as close to you as humanly possible now that she’s on the outside. But the benefits of babywearing go far beyond it simply feeling good; there’s actually tons of emotional and developmental benefits for baby and mama alike.

“Touching and being held is one of those primal needs babies have (they can’t move themselves!) so meeting that need can actually make your life easier down the road,” says babywearing educator and early childhood development specialist Sarah Longwell-Stevens, owner of Small Things NYC.

Below, Sarah rounds up the 6 biggest benefits of babywearing.

For the Baby:

1. Physical Development. Did you know babywearing works similarly to tummy time? Holding your baby’s body upright against gravity helps develop his or her muscles, and stabilizing the head and upper torso against gravity will help your baby grow stronger. Babies also get to feel the motions and rhythms of walking long before their bodies are ready for it. This helps explain why babies who are held and worn frequently often hit motor milestones before babies who are

2. Centering. It is rough being a baby! Babies have so much to make sense of in the world and it can be overwhelming. Being held and worn helps babies reorganize themselves, just like deep breaths or a hug help you when you are having a rough day. They have the familiar motions of walking they experienced for hours a day before birth, the familiar sound of a heartbeat, familiar smells of their loved ones, all in the middle of a great big cozy hug. Babies who are worn for even just short periods in a day tend to cry less. Which is a win for everyone involved!

3. Digestion. New babies are just getting their digestive systems online and it can be hard work. The upright position of being worn can help the milk go down through the body the way you want it to rather than back up all over their clothes! They also are receiving a lot of touch while being worn, and we know touch stimulates hormones that make babies use their food more efficiently and grow faster without additional caloric intake.

4. Stimulation. Have you ever looked at the world from stroller or knee level? It’s not that interesting. All the action is up where the grownups are! When babies are worn, they get to learn more about the world around them and engage in more conversation, all from the confines of a safe environment. Being held close while experiencing new things often gives babies a sense of security and safety that encourages independence as they get older.

For the parent:

5. Convenience. Having a baby is a big life adjustment and babywearing can make it a little easier. There is no stroller to lug up and down stairs, it’s easier to get things done around the house with a fussy or sleepless baby, and parents can get some sunshine and a cookie while baby takes a nap. Strollers can totally have their place, but often new parents are so worried about their babies that they can’t stop checking them. When the baby is right under your face and you can feel all of his or her movements, you can relax a little more because you can constantly feel that they are doing just fine. And if you need to compulsively check them you don’t have to break stride.

6. Strength. You know how everyone says women should lift weights to build bone density? Guess what? Babies are natural weights and they love to be lifted and carried. It makes sense that at a period where women are losing some bone density from pregnancy and nursing that there would be a built in mechanism to get it back–carrying that baby who loves being held anyway. And with the right carrier, it shouldn’t hurt your back at all. If you’re feeling discomfort from your carrier, it is likely because it isn’t fully supporting your body or your baby’s body. Carriers fit everyone differently, so if you’re uncomfortable, there is probably something else that might work better for you.

This article is by Jessica Pallay, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.