Thursday, February 19, 2009

Oh Baby Names

There is often a lot of talk around here about baby names her at Belly Bliss in Denver. While this is a fun conversation to have, I can also see it stresses some moms out. This article was passed onto me and I wanted to share it, it gives some great tips but also simplifies the process and reminds us it is fun. I particularly like the part about the initials, my name is Lauren Eden Williams, initials LEW and I have always been called Lew (Lou). Which if I may say so myself, I do think is cute. Have fun with these baby names!

The Way with Baby Names

Choosing a baby name for your child is almost like choosing his identity. Ever heard about the association of a person’s name with his personality? That’s how our names really work. A name molds a person’s identity like a cookie-cutter. So, better get that best baby name for your son or daughter. Read on for some tips on how to provide that best baby name for your little angel.

1. Stop it already with the dictates of your family’s tradition. Choosing the right baby name does not have to always rely on what your elderly relatives deem to be the best baby name. It is your baby’s name, not theirs. So, better act like it. Once your baby is born he will be stuck with that baby name for life. That means it’s not wise to just settle for any baby name that will suit your grandma’s or auntie’s taste.

2. Take a look of a picture of his future. You don’t want your baby to be always called with a monicker that will forever ridicule him or will allow his playmates to make a big laughingstock out of him, right? Research about the meaning of the baby name you are eyeing to give to your baby. Don’t consider Beelzebub as a prospective baby name just because you heard it from a TV show and you find it cute. Don’t use Rodelfa just because a certain Mexican TV show’s hunky lead actor is called Rodolfo. Just plainly saying yes to your gutfeel, thinking of the people that pops into your head upon hearing somebody spout a certain name, trying to follow a fad by naming your baby a certain celebrity’s (sometimes notorious) or NOT THINKING AT ALL in giving your precious one his or her baby name are huge no-nos!

3. Consider reading the initials of the baby name you are planning to give your baby. Make sure they don’t stand for anything funny, disturbing or something utterly stupid. Christine Sue Irving? What will happen on the next episode? Alvin Stephen Stuart? He’ll surely remember not to get near any hole. Fran Ursula Catherine Klein? Uh-oh! See? Can you imagine the sickening situation you may put your child into when he or she grows up?

4. Go check your family tree once and for all. Some can’t still get away from some traditions regarding baby name decisions, especially when they have a special bond with a certain family member that they want that person’s name to be a part of their baby’s name. If your planning to still follow the tradition of putting a part of your elder relatives’ names on your baby’s name, you have to know whether anybody else in your family use that name too. You don’t want to confuse people when they’re calling a name that’s owned by two. Ask around.

5. Don’t go for the overkill. Being too creative on thinking of a baby name can backfire, I’m telling you. Examples are too unique spellings. It will be hard for the kid to keep on spelling his or her name to people who only know the common spelling of such name.

6. Decide with your partner in coming up with the best baby name for your sweet baby. It wouldn’t be nice to be always blamed when people ask who chose that awful baby name, right? Okay, kidding aside. Sharing on this kind of decision-making is a good way of furthering your bond as a couple, not to mention the possibility of coming up with a better baby name. Remember that the “two heads are better than one” thought also applies to dealing with the troubles of finding the most suitable baby name for your baby.

Sound, appeasing relatives and friends and avoiding embarrassing initials and discovery of disgusting meanings are some of the major concerns that should be considered in your quest for the perfect baby name. You might find them a bit taxing. But in the long run, you’ll see that doing your homework will make your baby thank you when the right time comes. Happy baby naming!


The Bump also has a great baby name section to their website with unique names and ways to track your favorites.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Pregnant at the Grammy's

A pregnant MIA gave a very fun performance last night at the Grammy Awards. Yesterday was her due date, yet she made it to the show and gave a high energy performance. She wore a funky outfit that really showed off her beautiful pregnant body. It was great to watch her really work it while enjoying her body and waiting for her new baby.

Click here for pictures and a video.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Fertility Denver

Is it just me or does it seem that there is an overwhelming amount of factors that play a role in becoming pregnant? Many of us, while growing up, were told, "Don't have sex. You will get pregnant!" Like it's that easy. Well, for some, it may be and for others, it can take a little time. One factor that can affect our level of fertility is food, and in our "Fast Food Nation", it is not hard to believe. Doctors recommend maintaining a healthy diet, and maybe even including and excluding certain foods from your diet to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Why not try changing your diet for the better? With the high price of modern fertility treatments, it seems like a no-brainer to try this inexpensive and all natural method.

The article below discuses some foods in particular that can aid pregnancy. The article was posted on the Healthy Living website and is written by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen, a full-time freelance writer.

The Fertility Diet: Natural Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

by LauriePK, on Wed Jan 7, 2009 6:03am PST

Pulling Down The Moon, a holistic treatment center for infertility, has announced that a fertility specific diet, based on the top five good and bad foods for fertility, can increase the chances of women getting pregnant. “Research shows certain foods can regulate the hormones that effect egg production,” says Tami Quinn, director and co-founder of Pulling Down The Moon. She adds that scientifically, nutrition is one of the quickest ways to maximize fertility.

Based on combined research, Pulling Down The Moon offers the following fertility diet information - natural ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant. For more in-depth information, read books such as The Fertility Diet.

The Fertility Diet: Natural Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

Oysters - The rumor of oysters being an aphrodisiac has some truth, oysters have the highest zinc content of any food and are a food that will make you frisky. This is an effective part of a fertility diet, and my naturally increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Yams -Rich in folate, vitamin C and B6, these tubers from the Diascorea family contain a substance similar to progesterone that can stimulate the ovaries to release more than one egg each month.

Cruciferous Vegetables -This family of vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage and more contain a substance called indole-3-carbinol that regulates estrogen metabolism, helping to convert “bad” estrogens into “good” ones.

Nuts and Seeds - Foods such as almonds, flax, walnuts, and pumpkin are a great source of essential fatty acids. The omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are not only hormone regulators, but are also part of the structure of cell membranes, body tissue, and brain development of the fetus.

Berries -Fruits and berries are rated the highest in antioxidant content among foods. The body is susceptible to oxidative damage and antioxidants prevent cell damage and aging, including protecting precious eggs and sperm. Since many women are delaying their childbearing years, protecting egg cells from the aging process is key for increased rates of conception

Pulling Down The Moon also notes that the following foods aren’t part of a fertility diet, and won’t increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Fried foods and saturated fats - Studies have shown that the majority of eggs fertilized through IVF had cell membranes composed of healthy fats. Meanwhile, others that did not fertilize had cell membranes composed of mostly saturated fats. High fat foods and refined sugars/processed foods are minimally nutritious and often add extra pounds that can impact fertility.

Non-organic foods - In particular, dairies and meats quite often contain pesticides and hormones that can disrupt a woman’s delicate hormonal balance and endocrine system.

With fertility rates declining, more couples are seeking these natural ways to help double their chances of conception and with increasing amounts of scientific evidence showing the safety and effectiveness of holistic treatments, many doctors are now embracing this approach, making ICF (Integrative Care for Fertility) the new standard of care for fertility.

Caffeine and alcohol. If you’re trying to get pregnant, avoid caffeine and alcohol as much as possible - as tempting as they are, they aren’t part of a fertility diet.

Pulling Down The Moon was founded in 2002 by women who were yoga teachers, business women and former fertility patients; women who understood the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual challenges of infertility treatments.

Yoga Fit Class & Infant Massage


New Class!
Yoga Fit~ Defining and Sculpting: This class combines elements from fitness and Yoga classes to ensure a comprehensive and challenging workout! Traditional Yoga postures and Sun Salutations are practiced with light hand weights to increase strength and endurance while toning muscles. Some previous fitness and Yoga experience is recommended. Modifications will be made for pregnancy. This class is a gret way to get in your strength and flexibility training while doing something fun and new.

This new class is offered Thursday at 8am and Saturday at 12:15pm. Click here to see our class schedule.



Meet the Practitioners Night
Please join the Belly Bliss practitioners to learn more about health care options to support your pregnancy and the transition into motherhood. The evening is an opportunity to educate yourself on prenatal and postpartum resources, ask questions, and enhance your tool box for taking care of yourself. . The practitioners will be present to discuss their specialties, the services they provide, and answer questions. The event is free of charge. Please register in advance. (Chiropractic, Massage, Nutrition, Acupuncture, and Rolfing Structural Integration will all be discussed). Click here to sign up or just come on by.
New Workshop & the First One Is Free!
Infant Massage
with Teresa Dudrey
This class teaches parents the basic techniques used to give their babies a loving massage. Regular infant massages help babies sleep better, fuss less and gain more weight, while at the same time providing yet another opportunity for parent-child bonding. This class is being offered for FREE on February 21st, please sign up in advance by calling 303.399.1191, space is limited. Click here to read more.

Free Walk-In Therapy Clinic
Thursday, February 5th.

Free Therapy Walk-In Clinic Open to the public the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month with Danielle Vance, licensed psychotherapist.
First come/First serve from 9am-11am. Take 20 minutes for just you to;
*ask questions
*get an objective point of view
*vent
*untangle thoughts
*help with decisions
*need a good cry
*share thoughts you can't with friends
*pre and post delivery fears
*role and identity changes
All with a trained, professional Liscensed Psychotherapist These apponitments are free, confidential and no appointment needed.

Click here to read more.

Valentine's Day Special ~ A great gift for the
Mom & the Mom-to-be.

10% off all Yoga & Fitness Class Package Gift Certificates!

Call Belly Bliss at 303.399.1191 to purchase your gift certificate or come by the studio during store hours. Offer good through February 14th, 2009.


Spend Valentine's Day Celebrating Your Pregnancy at Belly Bliss!

Belly's Night Out

A fun get together for mom and partner or a friend. Come and have mommy's belly decorated by our professional henna artist, Amy Haderer. Our amazing photographer, Rachel Kemble, will be there to take pictures of the event. Enjoy mocktails and organic treats, while enjoying mini spa treatments and getting a chair massage from our massage therapist, Teresa Dudrey. A great way to have a night out and celebrate while getting pampered. Please sign-up 24hours in advance.
February 12th at 7pm. Belly's Night Out is also offered January 23rd at 6pm.
Click here to read more.



Couples Thai Massage
It's time to treat yourself and your sweetie! Just in time for Valentine's Day, this workshop, especially for couples, will guide you through some of the wonderfully relaxing, releasing, and nurturing techniques of Thai Massage. Learn how to give a basic sequence of stress-releasing stretches, twists, and massages to someone special in your life. Switch halfway through and receive the techniques yourself. Make it a date and come unwind with your honey! No experience necessary.
February 13th at 6pm. Click here to read more.


Maya Massage Special ~ Pamper your uterus!
60 minute Maya Abdominal Massage with warm castor oil pack.
Also learn self care so you can keep taking care of yourself at home.
Valentine's special ~ $90 for an hour massage, a $20 savings.
Offer good through February 14th, 2009.
Click here to read more about Maya Massage.