New Year, New You!

So tonight is the Eve of the New Year, Two Thousand and Ten! If you're pregnant, your resolutions may slightly differ from the average New Year's celebrator. Here are some resolutions that a pregnant woman might have compared to the non-pregnant average woman. Feel free to comment and add a few of your own.

Average Resolution vs. Pregnant Resolution

1. Get in shape and lose weight

1. Lose 20 lbs. on delivery day and see my toes again.

2. Go on a diet

2. Actually keep all three meals down and not upchuck at the

faintest smell of tuna.

3. Think positively

3. Enjoy the few months or days remaining until the insanity

and chaos of parenthood begins.

4. Give up sweets.

4. If you've ever suggested to a pregnant woman of giving up

sweets, you're probably not able to read this because you

are no longer living.

5. Take time to celebrate the little moments in life.

5. Will soon truely understand Celebrating the

Little Moments of Life.

25% off your purchase!

Save some holiday cash and take advantage of the coupon on the home page of our website. You'll save 25% on any purchase*, now through Christmas Eve. Click on this link to get the coupon code or print out the coupon and bring it into our store at 1111 E. Republic Rd. Suite 152, Springfield, Mo. 65807. Merry Christmas from Amy and Rachel at Posh Maternity!

*some exclusions apply.

The Holidays are Here!

We have stylish new holiday dresses in! If you're looking for a flattering, great-fitting, and fashion forward dress for all your holiday events, we've got it. Check out our special occassion maternity dresses page. You're sure to find the perfect dress for that Christmas party or Winter ball.

Don't miss a thing!

I was reading in Pregnancy & Newborn magazine about a website called runpee.com that tells you exactly when you should exit a theatre during a movie to use the restroom. It lets you know how long you can be gone so that you don't miss any of the important plot building scenes. This site is great for the expecting mom, since it's a given that you will be leaving to alleviate yourself at some point during the movie.

Give Thanks!

As we enter the holiday season, I was thinking about how much my life changed when I had my son, and about how much the holidays changed after he was born. It's been two and a half years since he came into this world, and oh how he has grown and changed and changed the lives of his mother, father, and family members. I'm thankful for so many more things now that our family of two became three. Not that I felt I was missing something before he was born, but only after did I find another puzzle piece in my game of Life. I prayerfully give Thanks for my little puzzle piece every day. He is truly a blessing and I have never been more proud of a title than I have been with Mommy! So tell us, what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? We would like to know what our readers have to share.

Got Milk?

This costume worn by Cash Warren and Jessica Alba's, 16 month old daughter, Honor Marie, definately puts a smile on your face. He posted this pic on his twitter page with the question, "What do you all think of my little stinks costume?".

Boosting Your Immune System

If you are a germophobe like myself, you will appreciate any advice on how to keep yourself from getting the ickies this winter. According to Pregnancy & Newborn magazine, there are natural remedies safe for pregnant women that will help you ward off and cure common ailments. Honey is for sore throats and coughs. I mix it in my tea or eat a teaspoon full and then wash it down with some warm liquid. Eating cabbage can help relieve constipation. Try eating it with a few prunes on top as a salad. Cabbage leaves can also alleviate mastitis, a breast infection that causes red streaks around the nipple, painful swollen breasts, and high fevers. I wish I had known this little tip when I was nursing. Mastitis can be terrible! Chamomile tea can help ward off morning sickness and have a calming effect. You can even use it as a skin compress for burns. Lemon juice can help your immune system fight off viruses. Lemons have lots of vitamin C, so add some zest to your diet like putting lemon wedges in your water and make a toast to your health this winter.

Olympian's baby is a winner!

Amanda Beard, seven time Olympic medalist introduced Blaise Ray Brown. He weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. This is the swimmer's first child with husband Sacha Brown. I had to post this one, he's just such a cutie! This photo was posted on her facebook page. You can become a fan of Amanda's on facebook and see other photos of her little winner!

A little Pregnancy TLC

Do you need to de-stress? Is pregnancy freaking you out? Here's 10 ways to de-stress during pregnancy from Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine.

1. Take a walk.

2. Indulge a little. (Chocolate? or ice cream? or both?)

3. Talk. Time for a chat or cry? Share with someone important in your life how you're feeling.

4. Practice Yoga.

5. Take a spa day.

6. Swim.

7. Meditate.

8. Write in a journal.

9. Shop 'til you drop.

10. Put your feet up. (Spend the day relaxing around home.)

8th Annual "Walk 4 Life" 5K RUN/WALK

To Grandma's House We Go

According to a new study by Canadian researchers, children who visit their grandparents and great-grandparents often, help keep them from forming negative stereotypes about older people. Children who are around elderly people often, at a very young age, before they can speak, are less likely to associate them with negative cultural images, according to the the study published in Educational Gerontology. When I saw this article on the website, http://www.upi.com/, I immediately thought of my 2 year old son who absolutely adores his great-grandparents( who are in their late 80's) and live close to us. He asks to see them almost on a daily basis and I think when he's a little older, he'll realize how lucky he is to have such experienced and influential people in his life. I, on the other hand, did'nt grow up seeing my grandparents much, and my great grandparents were no longer alive when I was born. I really did not feel comfortable around older people until I married my husband, who is very close with his grandparents and visits often. I gained a new insight on life and the value of those who have seen and lived through great historical events. I'm proud to say that when my son sits in his great-grandmothers lap, he doesn't see an old lady, he see's another valuable member of the family that he loves and looks up to.

Back to Work Time!

So it's back to school time and for a lot of you, it may be back to work time too! If you're in need of some great career wear that's comfy and versitle, look no further than Posh Maternity. We have some great classic pieces that can be mixed and matched to provide several different looks that are definately work worthy. Fashionable maternity and nursing career wear can be difficult to find, but Posh carries trendy and stylish clothing that is perfect for the pregnant or nursing working woman. We are receiving new fall styles daily, so check back often to see all the latest fall must-haves.

Breastfeeding Awareness Month!

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Posh celebrated with a free breastfeeding class on Tuesday, August 4th. Even though I breastfed my son for a year, I learned things last night about breastfeeding that I never knew. It was definately a plethera of information that I and the rest of the ladies tried to absorb like sponges. Our speaker, Sheila Peters, from St. Johns Mother and Baby Support Center gave us an excellent presentation and we were able to ask questions and intertwine our own breastfeeding stories throughout the evening. Each of our class attendees left with a free Bravado Original Nursing Bra and two lucky winners were awarded a Glamourmom tank and a Bravado Breastfeeding DVD. I know we all left the class feeling much more confident about breastfeeding, whether it was our first child or our 5th. Thanks to Sheila and our great Posh customers for making this a wonderful and supportive community event. Check out Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine's Breastfeeding Awareness Page full of breastfeeding links. If you missed this class but would like to attend future events hosted by Posh Maternity, please visit our Upcoming Events page or subscribe to our newsletter.

Family Name or Top Ten?

Looking for a baby name? You might check a site I saw featured in Pregnancy Magazine called Ancenstry.com. You can enter your name and as much info as you know about your parents or grandparents and it searches all kinds of archives to continue compiling your family tree. You might end up finding the perfect family name for your baby! I tried it and thought it was pretty awesome, but after a few searches it does ask you to sign up for a 14 day trial in which they market a years subscription to you. The top 10 names for 2008 were posted recently in which Emily finally fell to third place after being the #1 baby name for a girl for 12 years. The new number one, (drumroll please), Emma! Not surprising I guess, I have heard the name Emma quite a bit lately. Isabell ranked second and Madison came in fourth. The top three for boys were Jacob, Michael, and Ethan.

Free Breastfeeding Info Class On August 4th!

This is going to be a great resource class for breastfeeding mothers or expecting women that plan on breastfeeding. Come enjoy a night for questions and conversations on everything about breastfeeding! You'll also get the chance to win great prizes from Bravado and Glamourmom!

Don't miss out on this free informational class. RSVP to Posh at (417) 889-7674.

How long until I can try again?

It use to be that you shouldn't try to get pregnant for at least three months after a miscarriage, but obstetricians now say that a woman only needs to wait until she has had one normal menstrual period. Some women get pregnant quickly after a miscarriage and newer studies prove this does not lead to a higher incidence of another miscarriage. By waiting until at least one mentstrual period, your obstetrician can determine when the baby was conceived more accurately. Your blood tests and other tests will be more precise this way. If you've had more than one miscarriage or are undergoing a medical evaluation or treatment, you'll need to consult your physician as to when it is safe to begin trying again.

Hudson to perform at Jackson's Memorial

Jennifer Hudson sang "Will You Be There" at Michael Jackson's memorial at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Jennifer and fiance, David Otunga, are reportedly due in August. Jennifer performed with a choir and the Michael Jackson tour dancers.

New Posh Mama Maternity Tees!

Posh Mama, known for their hip grandma tees, are now introducing a line of trendy maternity tees. These tees are a great true maternity fit, and come in sizes SM-XL, unlike some maternity tees that are one size fits all. We all know, one size does not fit all. These tees let everyone know what you are expecting without any words! The super cute "Casual Friday" tie tee and "Bam Bam" bow tee make great ways to reveal the sex of the baby.

A+ for Moody Mama's PJ's

I think Moody Mama's deserves an A+ for creating some great designer gowns and pj's that are great for the hospital and home. Moody Mama's Lustfall Lounge Dress with Bra is not only sexy, but very practical. This buttery soft maternity/nursing gown has all the right features including lightweight stretchy fabric, cute lace detailing on the bust and easy access nursing. Moody Mama's also has a cap sleeve PJ set in the same luscious fabric with contrasting cream lace trim. No one will ever even know your wearing nursing pj's. These maternity/nursing pj's are the most discreet pair I've ever seen. Kudos to Moody Mama's on a design job well done!

Lance Armstrong; Daddy X 4!

Lance Armstrong and girlfriend, Anna Hansen, welcomed Max Armstrong last Thursday at 8:56 P.M. He weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and is 20 inches long. Lance Tweeted, "Wassup,World? My name is Max Armstrong and I just arrived. My mommy is healthy and so am I!

Placenta lasagna anyone?

I had heard of people using their placenta after delivery in interesting ways, but listen to the way some women are putting it to use, according to thecradle.com.

• Some women in Hollywood are using extracts from the placenta for facials. It is suppose to help rebuild cells, acceelerate tissue regeneration, and replace vital nutrients lost during childbirth.


• In some cultures, the placenta is buried after birth. A tree may be planted alongside it to represent growth of their child.


• The Tolong people of the Philippines put the placenta in a clay pot and then smoke it. Afterwards, they bury the ashes.


• Some studies show that eating placenta has benefits, including warding off postpartum depression and amping up milk production.

I was happy to let the hospital do whatever they pleased with my placenta. No placenta lasagna for me. But to each their own.

Some interesting prego facts!

I was recently reading Fit Pregnancy magazine and was surprised by some of the prego facts listed under their News To Use section. I thought I would share them with our expecting readers.

1. Water aerobics may make labor feel easier, according to a British study. Although the classes made no difference in the labor's durations, women who participate in pool-based classes during pregnancy are less likely to request pain medication during labor. -S.R. Reproductive Health

2. Being born by elective C-section at 39 weeks increases a baby's risk of health problems. Researchers say that babies delivered at 41 and 42 weeks are also at higher risk for complications. The optimal time is between 39 and 40 weeks. Thirty six percent of elective C-sections are performed before 39 weeks. -S.R. New England Journal of Medicine

3. Research suggests that expecting mothers who have low levels of vitamin D had a 28 percent chance of having a C-section compared to 14 percent of women with normal levels. It is thought that without ample levels of vitamin D, the muscles that push the baby out are weakened. -S.R The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

4. The estimated number of routine prenatal exams done annually in the U.S. is 19,869,962. -National Center for Health Statistics

5. Women with uncomplicated pregnancies enjoy a permanent drop in blood pressure according to a Kaiser Permanente study. The average reduction was 2mm in systolic blood pressure and 1.5 mm in diastolic. -Obstetrics & Gynecology

Mother's Day is just around the corner, Sunday, May 10th! If you're in need of a unique and special Mother's Day gift, here's a list we put together of Posh's Mother's Day Favorites.

1. A versatile and fashionable diaper bag. She'll love our selection of designer diaper bags.

2. An elegant and flattering maternity dress. Make her feel like a million bucks with a swanky maternity dress.

3. Some great organic maternity skincare. Pamper her with belly butter, body toning oil, and and calming aromatherapy by Mambino Organics.

4. A maternity novelty tee. Bring a smile to her face and a little chuckle when she receives a fun and witty novelty tee. (Don't forget your grandmother or grandma-to-be on Mother's Day, we have trendy grandma tees by Posh Mama)

5. A comfy pair of maternity/nursing pj's. She'll love you for buying her buttery soft pj's that she can use now and after the baby's born.

Ultra soft threads!

Looking for comfy clothes for the spring/summer? You'll definately love the way Cottom Glam Maternity Wear looks and feels. This buttery soft line wins the award for ultra comfort and style. Cotton Glam is made in the USA, so you'll be supporting fellow Americans when sporting these delicious maternity duds.

Boy Clothes Can be Cute Too!

Why is it that it is so easy to find adorable and stylish clothes for baby girls, but when it comes to boys, you're choices are limited to powder blue onesies and applique sailboats? I have searched far and wide with the rest of you mothers of boys, for my 2 year old son for a few unique and stylish duds. So if you're on the search, follow me to Posh Maternity's baby and toddler page where you'll find fashionable and hip threads for your little man. Trust me, he'll thank you later, for not stuffing him into that fuzzy blue bunny coat.

Thanks 417-land!

We wanted to thank all those in 417-land for voting us the "Best Clothing for Moms-To-Be!" Thanks! We strive to offer excellent customer service, a great variety of unique and fashion forward maternity, infant, and toddler wear, and a comfortable atmosphere to each and every customer in-store and online. We were very honored to be chosen The Very Best of 417, 2009 and look forward to serving all you 417-landers for many years to come. Thanks again!

Picking the Perfect Diaper Bag

There's a diaper bag for everyone these days. Whether your looking for a big bag to carry the kitchen sink or a small sac for stuffing a few diapers and wipes, we've got the perfect bag for you. The best way to figure out what kind of diaper bag you'll need is to look at the current bag your carrying now. Do you carry a giant hobo bag full of everything you would ever need during the day, like your entire makeup pallette, work out clothes and shoes, and some snacks in case you get hungry or do you stick to the basics and find yourself doing just fine with a wallet, cell phone, and keys in hand? If you like to live large, buy a big diaper bag, you're already use to the size and it has handy extra pockets and compartments for all things baby. Having everything you need in your bag can be very helpful, especially in quick fix situations. If you're more of a minimalist, stick to a smaller bag, clutch, or backpack. A giant bag for you would be cumbersome and unnecessary, and you probably would end up foregoing it for a more compact bag later. Check out our selection of diaper bags, we know you'll find one perfect for you!

Invitation etiquette 2009?

So, what is appropriate in this day and age to include in a baby shower invitation? I have received quite a few baby shower invitations and attended some great baby showers and then some not so great baby showers over the years and it seems to me that etiquette is somewhat going out the window. I'm definately not old fashioned or feel the need to adhere to strict etiquette, but a baby shower is for showering the mother-to-be with gifts and gifts are gifts, right? Here's a list of do's and don'ts for baby shower etiquette in 2009. (Completely my opinion, but I think you'll agree)

Do:

1. Provide cake and refreshments.

2. Open gifts at the shower.

3. Place small registry stuffers in invtation to let guests know where the mom-to-be is registered.

4. State that the shower is "adults only" or "women only" if that is what the mother-to-be would like. If she wants a coed shower or would like whole families to attend, make sure you include that on the invitation.

5. Throw a shower for a second, third, or fourth child. The birth of a baby is a joyous occassion and should be celebrated. If the mom-to-be already has everything she needs for baby, throw a diaper shower or a casserole shower instead.

6. Let a friend or family member offer to throw you a shower. If you are not offered, then host a welcoming party yourself after you have the baby, so family and friends can meet the baby, and they can "shower" then if they choose.

Don't:

1. Ask guests to bring food

2. Wait until you get home to open gifts (guests love to see what you got and like to ooh and aww over tiny people stuff) *Note to Host: Make sure you keep the gift opening going smoothly so it doesn't take too long.

3. Please, please, don't ask for gift cards, cash, or specific items in an invitation. If there is something you were really wanting, let the host know ahead of time and maybe she can get a few people together to go in on it.

4. Leave the invitation vague and then expect guests to know to leave their little ones and husbands at home.

5. Skip the shower for baby #2. Every baby is a reason to celebrate even if you forego the gifts, get friends and family together.

6. Ask someone to host a baby shower for you. Subtle hints are fine, but keep them to a minimum.

Pregos in Primetime

I recently came across an article by Access Hollywood about the high number of pregnant stars playing in primetime series. I have to give credit to those names in the credits (prop and set crews) for coming up with creative ways to hide celebrity baby bumps in primetimes series. Some expecting stars that need to be covered by oversized scrubs, medical charts, and large handbags are Alyson Hannigan and Colbie Smulders from "How I Met Your Mother", Rachel Griffiths from "Brothers and Sisters", Kelly Rutherford from "Gossip Girl", Chyler Leigh from "Grey's Anatomy", Parminder Nagra from "ER", Ana Ortiz from "Ugly Betty", and Jill Scott from "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency". Looks like wardrobe departments all over Hollywood are in for a baby bump cover up challenge!

Spring is around the corner!

Yeah!!!! Spring is finally on it's way and I don't know anyone who isn't ready to embrace it. Flowers, polka dots, bright stripes, and paisleys, are cropping up everywhere. Posh Maternity is in full bloom with new spring merchandise arriving daily. We've expanded our infant and toddler wear this season and it is just too fresh and sweet to pass up. If you're a little down after the winter blues, our new spring maternity fashions are sure to brighten your day!

Nicole Riche expecting!

If you're a follower of celeb baby makers like I am, you'll find it interesting that Nicole Riche is expecting her second baby, according to Celebrity Baby Blog. Nicole is expecting baby number 2 with husband Joel Madden. The new little bundle of joy will be joining sister, Harlow Winter Kate who is 13 months. Joel posted the news on his Good Charlotte blog.

10 Things to Reduce Risk of SIDS

When my baby was under 1 year old, I remember checking on him 3 or 4 times a night to make sure he was still breathing. Now that he is almost 2, I still check on him at least once through out the night. I think every parent worries about their baby while their sleeping. Here are ten things you can do to ease a few of your worries and reduce the risk of SIDS (from SIDS Resources).

1. Place your baby on his/her back to sleep.

2. Do not smoke while you are pregnant and don't let anyone smoke in your home.

3. Make sure the baby's crib has a firm mattress and fitted sheet.

4. Don't use blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads, or positioning wedges in your baby's crib.

5. Don't let your baby sleep on soft things like cushions, pillows, comforters, the couch, or an adult bed.

6. Do not let your baby get too hot by over bundling or keeping the room too warm.

7. Take good care of yourself while you are pregnant and have regular checkups.

8. Take good care of your baby. Keep appointments with the pediatrician.

9. Breastfeed your baby.

10. Consider using a pacifier for sleep times.

Happy Valentines Day!

Pick a great valentine gift for your special little one at Posh Maternity! In addition to great maternity wear, we have loveable infant and toddler wear, perfect for your tiny valentine. Check out the burnout Mini Hot Wings tees by Sakrid, the Ooh La La Mama Vintage Love Onesie, the Opsy Daisy Baby Raspberry Pettiskirt, and the Jaime Ray Hats. Share the love with your baby sweetheart at Posh Maternity!

P.S. In honor of Valentine's Day, we're spreading the love by taking an extra 35% off all sale and clearance merchandise, today through February 16th. See our homepage for details!

Spend Valentine's Day on a Babymoon!

Babymoon's are a great way to get that last romantic getaway in before the baby is born. You don't have to worry about finding a babysitter, worry about them the whole time your gone, and you won't spend more time in your hotel room doing diaper changes, feedings, and naps, rather than being beachside. There are some great travel deals right now. Maybe Cancun, Las Vegas, San Diego, Honolulu, or even Chicago. I've found some great deals using FareChase on Yahoo! Whatever your pick, take a little time for you and your honey and enjoy it. Babies are truly the best gifts and while you will enjoy many vacations to come with them, take advantage of the time you have now to babymoon!

Great V-Day Gifts!

Posh Maternity is your Valentine headquarters if you're looking for a great gift for a mom-to-be. Here are some posh presents we know she will love!

1. Mambino Organics Mommy Comfort Pack

2. Maternal America "Peace, Love, Babies" Tee

3. Bravado Exquisite Nursing Bra

4. Maternal America Front Tie Dress in Raspberry

5. Kalencom Burgandy Laminated Buckle Diaper Bag

6. Olian "Baby Love" Tee

7. Posh Maternity Gift Certificate

Who's Harvey Karp?

I recently came across an article in FitPregnancy magazine about a doctor named Harvey Karp. He was a Los Angeles-area pediatrician, but now writes and teaches at hospitals, universities, and military bases. Harvey Karp, M.D. is best known for his DVD and book titled The Happiest Baby on the Block. The book and DVD explain Karp's techniques for calming fussy babies. His program includes the "5 S's" which includes swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing sounds, swinging, and sucking. Karp's reason for The Happiest Baby on the Block series stemmed from his time as a pediatric consultant to the child abuse prevention team at the University of California, Los Angeles. According to the article, Karp was disturbed by the number of infants brought to the emergency room after being abused by a parent. He then began his mission to find the best ways to calm and soothe crying infants. A content baby means more sleep for mom and dad and in turn reduces the risk of postpartum depression and the chances of shaken baby syndrome. To view the "5 S's" and learn more about Karp's techniques, visit http://www.thehappiestbaby.com/.

Celebrity New Year's Baby!

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck welcomed the arrival of their new healthy baby girl yesterday, Jan. 6th, in Los Angeles. No other immediate details were available. The baby girl joins 3 year old sister, Violet. There are too many New Year's babies to count, but I did find a few that were born just seconds after midnight. Amaranta Aguilar, 7 lbs. 1 oz, was born at Loyola Hospital and Jesse Luis Sanchez, 7 lbs. 2 oz., was born at the same time in the Chicago Heights area. Happy birthday New Year Babies!