Child-proofing your holiday decorations

Imagine your holiday home for a moment.

A fire crackling in the fireplace, a tree trimmed with sparkling lights and bright ornaments, wrapped gifts sitting underneath the tree, and a glass of egg nog in your hands.

Then open your eyes, and remember that you have a toddler.  And that whole scenario is one big pit of danger.  But, it doesn't have to be one scary toddler death trap after another, and here's how:

- Learn where to scale back.  Don't put packages or presents near or under the tree until Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.  Otherwise, you risk your toddler not only damaging the gifts or the packaging, but also moving them around the room to use as stools to get up on other furniture.  Keep candles out of reach or completely away for a few years until your little one gets a bit bigger.

- Baby gates are your friend.  While it may not look beautiful, putting a play yard around your tree will help to keep your child away from your tree for a few Christmas seasons when fun and new shiny things go into their little hands and mouths.  Not to mention if the tree is off limits completely, your little one can't climb on it or pull it down.

- If you do opt for decorations, try safer alternatives.  Plastic ornaments and ribbons are excellent alternatives to traditional ornaments and decorations.  Adding larger bells onto your tree or around your home on your decor can alert you to when your child is getting into something, if your eyes are not always able to be on them.  Stuffed holiday toys like reindeer and elves can provide a safer look of the holidays in your home.

- Keep child-safe rooms.  If you want your holiday decor to remain somewhat similar to before having children, make sure that you have designated play rooms where your child can't get into your decor.

What are you doing to keep your holidays child-safe?

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How to pack your hospital bag

As your pregnancy nears toward the third trimester, a lot of mothers begin to think about packing their hospital bag.  While this is an extremely personal task to complete, there are several guidelines that help to cut down on some of the confusion or constant questioning in packing your bag.

1.  Check with your hospital's guidelines before you begin to pack.  Depending on your hospital, there may be some restrictions as to what items you may bring with you.  While it seems like a silly thought, it's better to be safe than sorry if they have restrictions!

2. Plan well!  Many women tend to be over-packers.  Give yourself an estimate of 3-5 days and think about the bare minimal things you will need for those days.  2-3 pairs of pajamas, an outfit for you to go home in, an outfit for baby to go home in, the car seat, toiletries, etc.  Begin with only the basics, and make sure you're not over packing those!

3. Talk to other mothers who've delivered at the same hospital.  Many/most hospitals provide you with items like underwear, feminine hygiene items, diapers for baby, etc.  Speaking with another mother who has recently delivered at the same hospital can help you know what items won't be necessary to pack.

4. Pack questionable items in a second bag that stays in the car.  Some items, while may be helpful, are not necessary.  We packed a breastfeeding pillow, but ended up leaving it in the car.  I brought a straightener and blow dryer for my hair, and didn't use either.  For my second birth, those items will be packed, but stay in a separate bag left in the car to save space in the hospital room.

5. Know yourself.  If you always wear at least a little makeup, bring a small makeup bag with the essentials. Unless you have visitors 24/7- you'll have time, even if you don't have energy.  If you aren't a TV watcher, but stay connected to the Internet, then make sure you bring your laptop or some movies.  But if at home your TV and smart phone are enough, chances are they will be enough to occupy your free time at the hospital as well.  No need to bring your laptop, a personal DVD player, your smart phone, and 10 DVDs.  There is a very small likelihood you'll use ALL of that.

6. Plan ahead on someone who can pick something up for you.  If you have a person with access to your home in advance, you'll likely pack lighter and not stress so much over packing your hospital bag.  Most times, a family member or good friend can always make a quick run to pick up something you've forgotten or didn't realize you'd need!

What are some items you plan to pack in your hospital bag?

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Four friends every mother should have

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Every new mother needs a support group.  Often times friends are a large part of your support, as family tends to be more scattered across the country than it used to be.






Here are a few mom-friends it would be helpful to have:

1. The Helper.  This friend is always willing to lend a hand, whether that be holding your new baby while you shower, throwing in a load of laundry, or bringing you a warm meal.  While these things seem simple and before your child you probably would not ever ask for help in completion of these tasks, after your baby is born having these tasks completed by a willing friend is so beneficial.

2. The Night Owl.  Having a friend who is known to stay up late can be extremely helpful in the first few months of being a parent.  Just knowing that there is a listening ear one text message away at 2 a.m. can be comforting, even if you don't often need to send the message.

3. The been-there-done-that mom.  Everything is extremely new and confusing as a first time parent.  Having a friend who has been through many of the same situations you're encountering can be a blessing.  Being able to use your friend as a sounding board and having someone informal to whom you may ask questions can ease your nerves quite a bit.

4. The friend who doesn't have children.  Many a new mother will tell you, while they LOVE their children and family, there is a good feeling about being able to step out to a dinner or movie just yourself and a close friend.  With your friend who doesn't have children, the conversation won't revolve around your child unless you choose it to do so.  Having a few hours of "me" time can bring you back refreshed and better for your family.

Do you have any friends who were extremely helpful after the birth of your child?

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Cyber Deals-- 30-60% off! Don't Miss!

We've got something exciting lined up for Cyber Monday!  In addition to the 25% off you can save with code "BLKFRI25", and $3 flat rate shipping, we'll be featuring some of our pieces in our "CYBER DEALS" section at 30-60% off!  We'll have at least one maternity/transitional piece and one maternity/nursing piece listed every two hours starting at 8am MST, and ending at 10pm on Cyber Monday.  Here's a sample of some of the pieces you'll see tomorrow, starting at just $13!  Keep a close eye on our FACEBOOK page and don't miss out; we'll post the deals as they change there!

Viviana - Cyber Deal $15

Mia - Cyber Deal $18

Luciana - Cyber Deal $19

Julietta - Cyber Deal $23

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Black Friday/Cyber Monday Milan Maternity Promo

We hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving and a not-to-crazy Black Friday!  Don't forget- some of the best shopping is online!  Through Monday, save 25% off all MM purchases with code "BLKFRI25", and take advantage of our $3 flat rate shipping!  Plus, as a little bonus, we're throwing in a pair of super cute vintage style earrings on all orders over $50!  Here's a little sample of some of the deals you can snag with this code:

 

Adriana Maternity/Nursing top in Bordeaux
Regular Price: $39
Sale Price: $29.25

Rosella Maternity/Transtional top in Heather Gray
Regular Price: $34
Sale Price: $14.25



Rosalie Maternity/Nursing top in Liberty Green
Regular Price: $39
Sale Price: $29.25

Elisabetta Maternity/Transitional top in Black
Regular Price: $39
Sale Price: $22.50

Luciana Maternity/Nursing top in White Dot
Regular Price: $39
Sale Price: $21.75

 

Julietta Maternity/Nursing top in French Roast
Regular Price: $36
Sale Price: $27

 



All orders over $50 get a FREE
pair of vintage style earrings to match their MM purchase!

 



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How to stay style savvy postpartum

Let's be honest.  Postpartum style is hard to achieve.  Not only does your body look like you are still pregnant, but you're barely sleeping, only intermittently eating, and your body is recuperating from your delivery.

Then you add into that scenario the fact that friends and family want to visit, you need to take the baby to doctor's appointments, and need to attend your own doctor's appointments.  In the thick of all of that, you are just trying to look like you hadn't been run over by a mack truck of baby.  :)

However, there are some simple things you can do to look your best:

1.  Ask your significant other (or a support person if available) to give you a half hour each day to shower, brush your teeth, put on a little make-up if you feel so inclined.  Not only will you be more presentable if unannounced guests do arrive, but actually having that shower every day can help you feel like a real human being again for a few minutes.  It is highly worth your time!

2.   Wear clothing that isn't extremely form-fitting.  For MOST women, your body will still look significantly pregnant for some time after you have your baby.  Wearing loose knit tops, sweaters, and blouses can give you a little coverage and modesty- and help you feel more self-confident in entertaining guests.

3.  Style your hair.  I'm not talking about hours with your stylist or curling iron, but you can do something with your hair.  Often a low, messy bun or a quick braid here or there can keep you looking put-together when it's all you can do to get your teeth brushed some days.

4.   Always pack an extra outfit for YOU (and the baby) to keep stored in the car.  If you're on the way to the doctor's office and the baby spits up on you as you leave your car, throwing a quick sweater over your soiled top can fix your situation!

What are some ways you plan to (or have) kept your style postpartum?

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How to find mommy friends

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If you happen to be a new mother without any other "mommy friends", the thought of now developing new friendships at this stage of your life can be intimidating.  Here are some options to find other women in your same situation:

1. Join free classes.  Most local libraries offer free classes for mothers and their children.  Becoming involved in these classes opens you and your child up to meeting other mothers and children you'd never have interacted with otherwise.

2. Join support groups.  Some local hospitals run support groups for new parents, new mothers, new fathers, breastfeeding mothers, formula feeding mothers, etc.  A quick call to your hospital can lead you to a group of new friends.  Some communities also offer groups called MOPS, or mothers of preschoolers.  These groups also foster relationships between new mothers in your community.

3. Get out of the house!  Whether it includes walking through your neighborhood, going to a local park, or spending time at a local coffee shop or bookstore with your new babe in tow, you'll always have more opportunity to meet people when you're away from your pajamas and couch!

4. Use the internet.  Babycenter.com, TheBump.com, and several other sites exist with sections of "Mommy Message Boards"- where you are able to message with and connect with other mothers either in your area or across the country for information, friendship, and some support as well.

5. Use your connections.  Don't know any other new mothers, but your friends do?  Ask them to set up a lunch date between you/your babe, your friend, and their friend/their babe.  Blind dating still happens after you have babies!  If things go well, you can always ask to meet up for a play date or park get together!

What are some ways you've met new friends after becoming a mother?

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