Baby Planner 101 Teleseminar on January 5th at 9:30 am PST

January 1, 2010

Due to an overwhelming request from the recent media exposure Itsabelly will be hosting a free Baby Planner 101 class via phone conference at 9:30 am PST on January 5th. If you 're interested in attending this class or would like to put your name down on our waiting list for the next available class please email: melissa@itsa-belly.com.

We'll be going over insider tips on how to become a baby planner, the options offered via Itsabelly Baby Planners and what type of training is available to you. All of this valuable information will be shared through an experienced baby planner's perspective.

Itsabelly offers the following resources to help get you started which we'll go over during the free Baby Planner 101 Class:

• Baby Planner in a Box (a comprehensive start-up guide on how to launch your own business)
• Baby Guidebook (supplemental materials to use with your clients)
• Guide to Going Green with Baby & Training on How to Create a Non-toxic Environment for New Families
• One on One Consultation on How to Launch Your Business
• Information on How to Become a Baby Planner with the Itsabelly Team
• What is the National Baby Planner Association (NBPA)? How do I benefit as a member?

Insider Tips on How to Become a Baby Planner, Free Class Now Offered

November 12, 2009

Due to the overwhelming response from people interested in becoming a Baby Planner since our Platinum Babies episode aired Itsabelly is now offering a free Baby Planner 101 class. Our founder, Melissa Moog will be able to share her personal insights, challenges and offer guidance to you directly through her Baby Planner 101 session. With over 3 years of experience in serving clients, having coached 100 entrepreneurs, creating the very first complete baby planning start-up guide titled "Baby Planner in a Box" (now in its 3rd publication) and establishing The National Baby Planner Association (NBPA), Melissa's valuable and honest advice will definitely help get you started in the right direction!

This class is only 30 mins long and usually held at 9:30 am PST during the weekdays. It will cover an overview of Baby Planning's history, what it truly takes to be successful and what it means to be a "certified" baby planner through NBPA. So, if you're interested in learning more and not sure where to start this class is for you. It will help you decide if you have the passion, appropriate skills and background to build a credible business from scratch.

If you're interested in taking the next available class please email us at: info@itsa-belly.com and specify that you want to take the Baby Planner 101 course. You will then be emailed a date, time and call-in information.

Our Favorite Baby Products from ABC Kids Expo 2009 Receive itsabelly's Seal of Approval!

November 2, 2009

By Melissa Moog, itsabelly Baby Planners

Finally, what we've all been waiting for THE itsabelly Faves list from ABC Kids Expo 2009 is here! As a team we thought long and hard about all of our absolutely note worthy list of children's products. So, we're excited to share this special list with you. We wish that we could include every innovative baby gadget that we oogled over but frankly we'd be writing a novel! We're thrilled to point out that most of our favorites are eco-friendly and toxin-free which always ranks at the top of our list. Drumroll please... from sophisticated strollers, organic breastfeeding accessories to posh diaper bags we've got every category covered for you and your itty bitty!

OUR WINNERS

STROLLERS

Orbit Infant System & Stroller - We love Orbit because it's a truly innovative out of this world stroller which rotates 360 degrees, has a one hand fold and the infant car seat is made of all micro-fiber upholstery which is certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, helping to ensure it is especially easy on baby's skin and the environment - truly safe for baby!



Teutonia - Do you like to build your pizza with your favorite toppings or fill your sandwich with scrumptious ingredients? How about building your own stroller from seat design to color? This is customization at its finest.



UPPAbaby 2009 Vista Stoller - We love the UPPAbaby's stylish look and especially the price! Purchase a full stroller system at only $669.



BABY PROOFING

G180 Pinnacle Gateway (Baby Gate) by KidCo - Hands Free, auto close pressure mount gate with foot pedal operation. The foot pedal makes going in and out with baby in your arms very easy!



Nature Next Bamboo Gate by Safety 1st - Looking for a gate that's made out of eco-friendly materials. This one is made of durable bamboo & 100% recycled plastic parts.



Fireplace Hearth Guard, S710 by KidCo - Soft padding to protect your child from hard, sharp fireplace edges. Easy non-adhesive installation!



GREEN FEEDING

Klean Kanteen 12 ounce - We haven't met a toddler yet who doesn't like their shiny always BPA-free Klean Kanteen bottle. Isabella, our founder's daughter has used hers from 1 to 3+ years old (it was her first sippy converting over to her first water bottle).



Beaba Babycook - A one-of-a-kind counter top appliance which is a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster all-in-one. It cooks food within 15 minutes - super fast, super easy! A JPMA award winner for innovation!



Svan High Chair - The high chair that grows with your child from her first solids to her first finger foods, this sophisticated piece has got you covered. Not to mention it's beautifully and sustainably designed! It's made of bent birchwood through an eco-friendly process. The plastic tray cover is also BPA-free & Phthalate free. And if that wasn't enough - this high chair meets all US Federal Regulations for safety and is JPMA certified!



Medela Freestyle Breastpump - A truly hands free and BPA-free breast pump that makes pumping easy peasy and oh-so portable! Also a JPMA Innovation Award Winner!






My Brest Friend (organic) - Their new environmentally conscious 100% organic cover helps parents provide the best for there babies, with cotton and extra soft bamboo that is chemical and preservative free.



Dr. Greene's Feeding Baby Green - is the first comprehensive guide to help environmentally conscious parents make healthy product and lifestyle choices. You really can make a strong impact on the way your child eats from the day she was born...learn some very valuable tips from Dr. Greene on how to raise a child that will eat healthier foods. Say no to junk food!



Grass Drying Rack by Boon inc. - We wanted one of these just to stare at because it was such an amazingly cool looking product! Add a little color and style to your kitchen by drying  baby's feeding utensils on this fabulously designed drying rack. BPA-free, Phthalate-free & PVC-free!



Pop Pals - Pop Pals are insulating ice pop holders designed to help keep hands warm and ice pops cold. Made from soft flexible FDA -approved food grade material, Pop Pals are lead-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free, and BpA-free.



Dandelion Utensils & Bowls - These eating utensils are made from biodegradable corn, helping reduce our dependency on both petroleum-based plastics and disposable ware in general.






On-the-go Travel Formula & Snack Dispenser by Zoli - BPA-free & Phthalate free, 4 dispensers and easy pour spout. Pack this oh-so cute dispenser up with all of baby's favorite treats & your off for a day of fun.



GREEN DIAPERING

Bum Genius - Who said cloth diapering wasn't hip and easy? Plus we're aiming to decrease the thousands of dirty diapers that end up in our landfill! This cloth diaper sensation isn't just eco-friendly and toxin-free but it's one size fits all.



Birth to Potty Kit by Bambino Mio - Wow, an all-in-one starter kit which has the right number of cloth diapers and covers for all the pees & poops you'll ever have to change! One stop shopping at its best.



gDiapers - Can you say the coolest hybrid & first flushable diaper for baby's bottom? For true innovation in the eco-friendly department and because "g" just has so many cute colors/patterns to choose from we absolutely give this diaper company a thumbs up!



GREEN BABYCARE

Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash - Skindeep Database rates Earth Mama Angel Baby's baby wash & shampoo FREE of toxins, that's a big FAT zero - no ickies at all, totally safe for baby! Shh, don't tell anyone mama uses it too!



Puj Tub - Living in the city and have a smallish space to bathe baby? The Puj Tub molds to your sink so you can bathe your newborn (0-6 months) easily. It stores flat and is hypoallergenic & toxin free.



Ringley Teether - Anything your baby puts in his mouth needs to be safe! This is an absolutely non-toxic teether made in Canada from natural maple wood and 100% certified organic terry cloth. Winner of two awards - we're not surprised!



Nosefrida - Looking for a non-evasive nasal aspirator? Nosefrida is a doctor recommended nasal aspirator that removes mucus from your child's nose. It was invented in Sweden by Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, and has been used by Moms and Dads for years. Non-allergenic & latex free!



BABY CARRIERS

Ergo Baby Organic Carrier - Hands down the Ergo never disappoints as a durable, safe and easy to use carrier for mamas & papas.



Baby K'tan Carrier - What we loved about the Ka'tan is its ability to carry two babies at a time - can you say twins?!



GREEN NURSERY

No-Compromise Organic Cotton Ultra Crib & Toddler Mattress by Naturepedic - We were surprised at how many awards (6 to be exact) this organic mattress has won for it's eco-friendly design and toxin-free materials. We like it so much that we hope baby can move over and make room for mommy to sleep!



Organic Ultimate Receiving Blanket by Swaddle Designs - You definitely want to wrap your baby in the safest non-toxic materials while sleeping by using this beautifully designed organic swaddle blanket. With the instructions right on the label so you don't forget how to swaddle in the middle of the night Swaddle Designs is the best for baby & mommy brain! Created by a former RN, you know this blanket was made with every bit of love and care!



Sweet Slumber Sound Machine by Graco - This was THE gadget that got quite a few oohs and ahs at ABC. From 12 lullabies, ocean sounds, white noise, night light and plug-in for an MP3 player - this item got our attention. Here's to a well rested baby and no more sleepless nights!



DIAPER BAGS

Studio Diaper Tote by Skip Hop - A very stylish purse that fits baby's bottle, some diapers, wipes and a lap top. You had me at HELLO! Plus it's made of PVC free and eco-friendlly material - I'll take one in champagne please.



Tim & Leslie Diaper Bags - You can't go wrong with this line of extremely posh convertible diaper bags. You'll want one in every color!



MATERNITY CLOTHING

Belly Bandit Mother Tucker is the ultimate compression tank! You'll be WOWed with how it smoothes and shapes your middle! Mother Tucker™ uses a soft tubular knit, designed with three zones of varying compression.




Sublime Nursing Bra by Bravado!Designs - Feel fabulous and absolutely comfortable. This bra is made of soft, delicate lace and beautiful design elements to show off your radiant style. Who says you can't nurse in style?



Bellaband Organic by Ingrid & Isabel -Now made in organic cotton you can use Bellaband to keep up your loose pants, keep up the pants that won't button or if you need extra reinforcement this is the perfect product for around your middle!

It’s Yoga, Kids… yoga for all ages and families

November 1, 2009

By Amy Kux, Itsabelly San Francisco

Michelle Wing is the founder of an innovative yoga studio; It’s Yoga Kids. Her concept is to introduce a healthy lifestyle through yoga pre-birth all the way to adulthood. Her yoga classes are offered to families, prenatal and postnatal mothers and to children (baby all the way to teens).
I love this concept and recent reports have shown that healthy lifestyles have a huge impact on children. I have asked Michele some simple questions so we can learn more.
Blog Interview:
Who is she: Michelle Wing
Where did you find her: It’s Yoga, Kids
I started It’s Yoga, Kids because…I noticed how stressed out kids are today with loaded schedules, multiple caregivers, and both social and academic pressure from an early age. I wanted to provide kids of all ages and abilities with the healthy fun that yoga provides.
One thing I’m most passionate about with It’s Yoga, Kids is….that we provide the best possible experience for children and families with our commitment to the quality of our curriculum, our instructors, and our location.
What I say to people that are skeptical about yoga…try it, you may like it!
The best three yoga positions for a pregnant woman are…dependent on their own body. In general, sitting tall with a natural arch in the lower back, rocking on hands and knees, and lying down on the left side fully supported by pillows.

The best three things a parent can do to bond with a newborn are…skin to skin peaceful touch, eye contact and relaxed breathing.

The best three yoga positions for a parent to do with a baby are…cat/cow pose and downdog with the baby between your arms and rolling like a ball with the baby on your shins.

The best three yoga positions for a newborn’s development are…rolling side to side in chair pose (from a reclining position bringing knees to the chest), cobra pose (tummy time) and cross/crawl (crossing the mid-line work).

Doulas: Women Who Serve.

October 29, 2009

By Jennifer Lo Prete, Green Marketing Mama

In Greek, "doula" means "women who serve." Serve who? Serve what? you ask...

Pregnant mommies and new families.

Doula Services in Portland, OR

DONA International, the largest doula certification association, more accurately defines a doula as "a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period."

"Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily."

I could not imagine entering a hospital without a doula. My doula was my adovate, my friend, my supporter and source of knowledge for making my birth comfortable. Sure, my husband did many of those things. However, a doula relieves pressure on the partner to be the "go-between" and superhero. A doula allows them to focus on the birthing mother and the shared family experience. And let me tell you, my husband never would have known to suggest I lean slightly to one side on a birthing ball or a yoga position to relieve back labor!

At Itsabelly Baby Concierge, we recommend that pregnant mommies hire a DONA-certified doula to assist in achieving the most comfortable birth experience as possible. Itsabelly's baby planners understand that you will remember your birth for the rest of your life. It is our goal to make our client's experience as positive and enjoyable as possible.

• Itsabelly Tip: Consider hiring a post-partum doula if you do not live nearby family that will help after baby arrives.

Our nationwide baby planners have established relationships with local doulas, so you can be sure that the recommendation is trusted. If you are pregnant and looking for a doula, give us a ring and we'll help you find the right doula match for you.

• To find an Itsabelly Baby Planner near you, please check our locations page.
• To learn more about how doulas help birthing and new families, please visit DONA International.

My Thoughts on Hitting the Mother Load of Sharp Pointy Objects

October 18, 2009

By Melissa Moog, Itsabelly Founder & CEO Mama

I'm not going to sugar coat anything about the injections I had to go through during IVF. I HATED them. Not to mention the meds injected into you cost several thousands of dollars! Sorry to any of you who are about to go through the shots but if you want to know what to expect I'll be sharing my personal insights here. I was basically poked with a needle almost 60 times for two weeks excluding acupuncture needles. Yes, I subjected myself to more needles in acupuncture too. I figured I might as well become a well used pin cushion and face sharp pointy objects with vigor!

I think the worst part of IVF for me was surrendering your body to the Needle Gods and the unforgiving hormones primarily because you have NO control over what is happening to your body once you commit to the treatment. Ok, maybe you have a little of control but really that's not how you feel in reality when you know you've spent several thousand of dollars for the meds that need to be injected and there's no way around it! You have to go in with your mind open and your eyes closed (closing my eyes during my injections eased my pain)! Having a supportive partner is also VERY important and if he or she can't give you the shots then find a good buddy or relative that can! I think that this process for Randy & I has brought us closer (& I'm serious!) - who would have thought I would be so grateful to my hubby for sticking it to me! :) My reason for suggesting this is that it's hard enough that you have to give your body up to the needles let alone having to do it yourself. And you know for some reason I think giving a shot to yourself would be much more painful than having someone else do it.

I'm now in the last phase of IVF where I'm only getting one shot, Progesterone a night for the next month or so. We implanted last Friday. This shot basically helps the uterine environment be in the best possible state for the embryos to survive in. It's better than the 2 shots I was getting in the AM and the 2 in the PM but I warn you it's a bigger needle. Luckily it's given in your buttock so you don't have to see it but you definitely feel it. Icing it helps numb it for sure! The funny thing is your partner has to massage the area where your shot was given so you get a nice butt massage every night (no joke)! It's nice the IVF treatment can add some comical moments to the process, isn't it!? :)

So my advice on preparing yourself for the mother load of injections is:

• First, ACCEPT that you have to go through the treatment completely both mentally & emotionally otherwise it will be a battle. You have to give in, don't fight it if a baby is what you truly want!
• Try to find someone to do them for you, preferably your partner.
• Ice the area beforehand and ice it afterwards.
• Apply some pressure with a cotton ball after the shot is done to relieve any bleeding. Bleeding is minor so don't be afraid!
• Think positive thoughts please. I had a small fertility statue I bought and would look at photos of my daughter. PSYCH yourself out, it helps!
• Relax afterwards and treat yourself to something nice like a cup of your fave tea & a movie or do something fun like a girl's night out - anything to get your mind off IVF!
• Last but not least, be amazed at what medical technology can do for people who want to conceive a child but can't. Giving birth is a miracle, babies are miracles (if you have a child feel blessed and cherish every moment)!

What is CPSIA? An Itsabelly Review.

October 18, 2009

By Jennifer Lo Prete, Co-author of Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green with Baby

Itsabelly Baby Planners have been asked by their clients about the Consumer Product Saftey Improvement Act (CPSIA) and its impact for children. Since our book, Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green with Baby published as this law was in the works, we did not have an opportunity to cover it in our book. Although, we do cover the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the government agency that manages CPSIA. We would like to give our readers an online update to our book on CPSIA.

So, what is CPSIA?

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) went into effect on February 10, 2009 and regulates acceptable levels of certain substances (lead, phthalates) and sets third-party testing and documentation requirements for manufacturers of consumer goods such as apparel, accessories, jewelry, home furnishings, bedding, toys, personal care products and educational materials. Penalties include fines ($100,000 minimum per violation) with civil and criminal penalties.

On August 6, 2009, CPSC granted a lead content exemption for certain materials in children's products. This exemption allows CPSC to determine materials and/or products that will not exceed the CPSIA lead content limit due to their nature unless they have been treated or modified with materials that could affect lead limits. Certain excluded materials include: stainless stood, precious and semiprecious gemstones, woods, certain papers/boardstock and inks, dyes, textiles and fibers.

In January 2009, an Emergency Stay was issued that gave manufacturers one year to comply with CPSIA testing and certification requirements that went into effect on February 10, 2009. However, this Stay did not modify the requirement to comply with the new mandatory safety standards.

CPSIA Background

CPSIA was created in response to the numerous discoveries of lead in toys during 2007/2008. As this law was drafted and debated, many small businesses that make handmade goods opposed CPSIA in its original form because the testing and labelling requirements were not economically feasible for their small businesses. The law appeared to be written with large manufacturers in mind. How could a mom and pop shop making wood baby rattles in their garage and sold at the local farmer's market afford to test all the products? Small business owners related to children's toys, apparel and accessory banded together to create the Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA). The Toy Industry Association, whose members include larger toy manufacturers along with small businesses, is also working to amend CPSIA.

These groups agree that lead and phthalates should be banned from children's products. The HTA is working to "amend the CPSIA," with modifications such as component-based testing and testing exemptions for materials scientifically known to not contain lead or phthalates. The TIA also states that it "favors practical common sense approaches to testing products in an efficient cost effective manner that reduces burdens on small businesses, without affecting the inherent safety of toys."

We hope that as CPSIA evolves a balance can be found between protecting our children from dangerous toxins and protecting small business owners. We believe that small businesses (many of which are momprenuers) drive innovation in the children's product industry and are often green businesses. And hey, back in 1930 and 1945 Fisher Price and Mattel were small business start-ups!

As CPSIA evolves, you can count on Itsabelly baby planners to keep you informed of how this law impacts our children. In the meantime, below you will find some great resources for conducting your own research.

Itsabelly's Favorite Resources for Researching CPSIA

• US Consumer Product Saftey Commission (CPSC)
• Complete Text of CPSIA (HR 4040)
• Consumers Union (the group behind Consumer Reports)
• Z Recommends: Website dedicated to consumer research and reporting, product reviewing and consumer advocacy on issues related to health and safety of children.
• The Smart Mama: Founder Jennifer Taggart and author of Smart Mama's Green Guide: Simple Steps to Reduce Your Child's Toxic Chemical Exposure, offers XRF testing services for CPSIA compliance and consulting services.
• Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA): Official site of the group working to protect small business interests in CPSIA laws.
• CPSIA Cheerleader: A momprenuer encouraging other small business to work together to amend CPSIA to protect small business.
• Toy Industry Association (TIA): The toy industry trade association for the manufacturers and importers of toys in North America.
• TIA CPSIA Bill Summary

The Beginning of a New Journey into Pregnancy - My IVF Experience

September 30, 2009

By Melissa Moog, Founder/CEO of Itsabelly Baby Planners

As any woman knows pregnancy is a miracle - it is a gift from the heavens above - it is a mere blessing that we can produce life. Three years ago I gave birth to our beautiful daughter Isabella and I'll never forget the amazing transformation my body went through to grow a baby. Today, Isabella is the inspiration and joy in my life - she is also the reason Itsabelly exists. You can tell from my company's website and the work I do that pregnancy and babies are where my passions thrive. So, I only see it fitting to be able to share my story with you. I debated for a very long time about sharing my personal experiences with you regarding our journey into pregnancy because I wasn't sure if I wanted to go public with such an important decision in our life. In the end, I decided that it would be in my best interest to write about it hoping I could help other women (& significant others) who are going through a similar experience. If I can help just one person out there who is feeling the same emotion or just needs support I would feel writing about my journey has been worth it! In addition, for me writing is therapeutic and I have been known to keep a journal or two so putting words down comes easy.

Without writing a long novel, I wanted to share how Randy (my husband) and I came to the decision of going through In Vitro Fertilization. Last year in August, 2008 Randy was diagnosed with non hodgkin lymphoma - it was the most devastating situation either of us had to go through. Our hearts were filled with sadness and our eyes were filled with tears the day we found out. We were also trying to get pregnant at the time but now appreciate that it wasn't meant to be. For a week (it seemed like a year), we did not know how serious his cancer was as we waited for test results - it was pure torture having to wait, neither of us got much sleep that week. Now for the good news...fast forward to the present, Randy's cancer has now been in remission since December 2008 and he is in chemo maintenance treatment every quarter. So, we are extremely excited to be in a happy place. With Randy's cancer we had to choose an alternative method of getting pregnant since natural means were out due to chemo treatments affecting fertility. As if we didn't have enough to worry our pretty little heads about, right?

So, here we are after having many fertility consults including going through a failed Artificial Insemination in January. We have now figured out how we would pay for treatment which by the way costs about $15,000 (jaw dropping motion happens here) but fortunately Randy has excellent insurance which covers a large %. Hip, hip hooray! I'll be writing a post on just the cost of IVF alone. We feel extremely lucky to be able to barely afford it! On a side note, these past few weeks have wreaked havoc on my body as I had to take the pill for two weeks to regulate my ovaries - I haven't taken the pill in YEARS so the hormones were having a raging party, not fun!

Now on to bigger and better things especially sharp pointy objects! Tomorrow we begin our first injection of Lupron which will start us on the process of creating as many eggs as possible. My wonderful husband will do the honors of giving me my injections. Thank goodness! I will receive one injection in the early AM and another 12 hours later. Over the weekend I add two other shots for a total of four a day for a few weeks. Shots aren't my thing and I would guess it's not on the top of anyone's list to have to go through 2-4 sharp needles a day but this is our life. I must accept it. So, the first major step of my journey continues tomorrow. I welcome any comments, questions and especially positive vibes from all of our readers. Thank you for letting me share my personal experiences with you - you don't know it yet but you will help me through one of the most challenging times in my life and for that I'm truly grateful!

Stay tuned for more as I begin to journal my way through this IVF journey!

Announcing Our New Seal of Approval Launching at ABC Kids Expo! We're looking for the Best in Show.

September 5, 2009

Itsabelly's New Seal of Approval

Stay tuned for details on how your product can receive our seal...

Travel Tips - Making Traveling with Baby a Piece of Cake!

September 5, 2009

By Windy Gossett, Itsabelly Baby Planner  Seattle



If you are the parent of a new baby you know just how hard it is to get out of the house…..to do anything! You have to plan and try to remember everything you will need for your 2- 3 hour outing: the stroller, the carrier, extra clothes, diapers, binky’s, nursing covers or bottles and formula, burp cloth and the list goes on. Now try planning what to bring for baby on a weeks vacation. It can be mind boggling. You feel as if you need to bring the whole house. I have seen those parents in the airport with the carts of luggage pushing the baby with the car seat balanced precariously on top of the stroller frantically trying to make their way to their gate. It stresses me out just thinking about it. So here is the best Itsabelly Baby Traveling tip.

Check out baby rental gear in the city you will be staying in. These traveling with baby rental agencies have everything, so you can have all the comforts of home without having the stress of trying to bring them with you. You can rent practically everything; car seats jogging strollers, full size cribs, high chairs, bouncy seats, swings, exersaucers and more. By far, the best thing I have ever rented was 2 very large bags of toys from a company called Toddlers Travels in San Diego. This included age appropriate toys, books, blocks, puzzles, beach and bath toys.  We also rented a double Bob stroller and a port a crib and had everything delivered right to our hotel. Everything was high quality and very clean. We spent about $130 for the week and it was worth every penny. It’s the only way to travel with baby or toddler. Check out this site for a list of baby rentals by state Baby Travel Pros or search baby rentals and the city you will be in for a listing. Happy traveling!