Finding information about pregnancy on the Internet can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially if you are searching for specific topics.  The key is to be creative and know some tips.

For instance, if you are searching for prenatal curriculum, you can search the term prenatal but get results such as prenatal vitamins, prenatal learning, prenatal care, prenatal development and the list goes on.  But since prenatal curriculum is quite specific, you could eventually come across it in your search but searching for "prenatal curriculum" with quotes should give you results for that specific term much faster. 

With the wealth of knowledge regarding pregnancy all the way from stages of fetal development to breast feeding, efficiency on the Internet is key!  When you know some shortcuts, you can find what you're looking for much easier.

December is a time when we start reflecting over the past year and looking ahead to the new year while we set goals and plan for the future.  We dream of a fresh start, having a new beginning, and getting around to all the things we intended to do the previous year.

Pregnancy, however, is a one time shot to do all the things we intend to do; eating well, moderate exercise and taking care of ourselves and our unborn babies.  There is no going back and getting a chance to do those things because we meant to.

It's only natural to want to do the best for our babies during pregnancy.  We want to do everything we can during those nine months to positively influence the prenatal environment.  So many things come into play like taking prenatal vitamins, eating well, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.   These are all factors whose importance weren't always well known.  It wasn't too long ago, a pregnant woman drinking a martini was not given a second thought.  Today, we now know the affects of drinking while pregnant.

What about a prenatal curriculum?  It may not be as well known, but it is becoming more and more common and the importance understood.  Using a simple set of sounds during the stages of fetal development can play an important part in a baby's future by strengthening the foundation for later learning.

So as the new year approaches, think of friends and family that might want to receive the benefits of using a prenatal curriculum and give their babies the best "fresh start" in life!

Here at BabyPlus, most of our blogs deal with prenatal curriculum, fetal development, and learning while in the womb to name a few examples.  They are very fascinating topics and exciting to share about. 

During pregnancy, there is a lot of focus on a baby's development or what life will be like after the baby is born.  These are important things to think about, but I think today I will discuss a couple of the normal reactions to all the changes during pregnancy.

When you find out you are pregnant, there can be emotions ranging from elation to fear.  You read up on everything dealing with pregnancy and join chat rooms and message boards all over the Internet.  You envision a perfect pregnancy, delivery and days to follow.  But when it all does not go according to plan, it can be somewhat of a downer--if you let it. 

Every woman has different reactions to all the changes during and after pregnancy.  Whatever the emotion may be, you must take heart and know that it is normal.  Chances are that out of thousands and thousands of pregnant women, others have felt how you do at one time or another.  

You feel guilty because your hair is a mess, you have a bit of baby puke on the shirt you've worn for two days straight, you've been up for what seems like a week straight and wonder how you will make it another day.  You should give yourself a break!  It's easy to feel like you should be the perfect mom even before you give birth.  Look in the mirror and see yourself as beautiful and embrace the amazing process your body has gone through!   

How thankful am I that I get to be in Customer Service!  We are the first touch with customers and can offer reassurance and resolution of any issues.  I get to answer questions about the Usage Chart, questions about what a prenatal curriculum is, and questions about customers' orders.  I also get to share the benefits of BabyPlus with people who have never heard about prenatal learning and explain to them what a wonderful tool it can be during the critical stages of fetal development.  It's fun to hear a caller's reaction who never really knew what BabyPlus was until they talked with us.  Most are excited and realize how much sense it makes to use.

There are a lot of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving even if you don't celebrate this particular holiday.  I am thankful to be part of such a wonderful company and being able to share with others how such a simple idea can make such an impact in a child--even before they are born!

Last night, I decided to get my 13-year-old son's opinion on exactly what I do at BabyPlus.  He thought for a second and answered, "I think it's a company that sells technology to make a baby smarter before they are born."  I told him it was close but that using BabyPlus just enhances what the baby is born with.  Keeping it simple, I gave him a quick summary about how a mom's heartbeat encourages learning before birth and that BabyPlus is like that by also encouraging the learning process.  I didn't use big terms like prenatal curriculum, prenatal environment or fetal development so it would make sense to him.  I told him a few of the benefits that he would understand like sleeping better.  I then asked him what he would think if he saw his aunt using one since she will be starting soon.  He said now that he knew exactly what it was, he would think it was helping the baby. 

That made me think.  Maybe the more we talk about the benefits of using a prenatal curriculum, the more it will seem like a typical part of pregnancy, like a prenatal vitamin, when my son has children someday. 

Using a prenatal curriculum, such as BabyPlus, during the early stages of prenatal development can have many benefits over your child's lifetime.  A lot of moms can agree.  However, getting started can sometimes be confusing.

The important idea to remember is that each lesson is to be used an equal number of days, with the exception of lesson 16, which will be longer or shorter depending on the actual day you deliver.  Also, keep in mind that the BabyPlus Lesson Schedule is based on days, not weeks.

The Usage Chart is to be used just once to determine your schedule.  For example, if you are in your 19th week of pregnancy when you start BabyPlus, you will use each lesson twice a day for 9 days.

You will use Lesson #1 twice a day for 9 days.  Then you will start Lesson #2 and use it twice a day for 9 days.  Then you will start Lesson #3 and use it twice a day for 9 days and continue through each lesson twice a day for 9 days.  On the 16th lesson, you may go for more or less than 9 days depending on when you deliver.  Just continue with lesson 16 until you deliver.

Just a few more days until Thanksgiving.  It's important to be cautious when cooking.  But, it's even more important to be careful what your baby is exposed to during fetal development.  Making sure the turkey is cooked to the correct temperature of at least 180 degrees is one important example.  There are several others to make sure you are up-to-date on.

You're not only celebrating for yourself but for your baby too.  Give them a safe Thanksgiving. 

Click on the link below to read a great article about Thanksgiving safety during pregnancy.

I've noticed recently that a lot of companies have been using different tactics to get consumers' business.  I've seen offers for free gift cards with purchase, cash back, and huge discounts, just to name a few.  It's no secret that times are rough and with the holiday season soon around the corner, a lot of people are being very selective about where they spend their money and on what.  Along this idea, you have to think about each purchase as an investment.  Ask yourself if you really need that item or is it just something you want.  Is it going to be sitting on a shelf collecting dust in six months or will you get use from having it? 

A great investment is in your child's future.  BabyPlus starts that investment before your baby is even born and is still in the prenatal environment.  By using a prenatal curriculum during the stages of fetal development, it is like investing in your baby's future and giving him or her a wonderful foundation for learning in the years to come.  For about 50 cents per use, you are banking towards a future that includes a relaxed, alert baby at birth who self soothes and takes to breastfeeding more readily.  And that is just at birth and during infancy.  So many more benefits emerge later in life like longer attention spans and earlier developmental milestones to name two. 

BabyPlus Prenatal Education System is a wonderful investment and is money well spent according to over 150,000 BabyPlus families all over the world.  Just check our testimonials!

Some days I just love working in Customer Service.  A mom called in to order BabyPlus for her daughter who is pregnant with her first child.  That in itself is exciting, but it gets even better!  Her husband just happened to call at the perfect time while she was having her ultrasound.  What makes it so exciting is that he is in Iraq and got to hear his baby's heartbeat for the first time!  Of course, I teared up (I'm a softie!) 

First, it's amazing the world we live in and today's technology that allows memories like this to happen.  Second, a moment like this helps put a hectic day in perspective and helps me remember what's important. 

It's amazing to go into a store before Halloween and see Christmas merchandise being set out.  I've even seen Thanksgiving items on clearance and it's over a week away!  We've have become such a hurry-up society where we can't even get to one holiday before thinking about the next.  I truly think that we need to "live in the moment" and simplify our day-to-day lives.

Breaking down something complex into it's most basic form can have a lot of benefits.  It gives you a fresh perspective and look at what's truly important and of value.  It also gives you a simple starting point to build upon. 

The idea of BabyPlus is like this, a simple set of sounds that gives your baby a foundation to build learning for the rest of his or her life.  The mother's heartbeat is a perfect example.  It is a constant in your baby's prenatal environment and is one of the simplest of sounds.  By adapting it into a prenatal curriculum, BabyPlus is encouraging strong cognitive development during the stages of fetal development. 

Simplicity can benefit in many ways--even before birth!

A lot of focus goes into pregnancy like what to eat or drink.  A lot of focus also goes into after the baby is born like names or choosing whether or not to breastfeed.  But what about focusing on positively influencing the womb environment during development?

Many, many things happen during the stages of fetal development, and so many factors can affect development that it is natural to want to have only positive actions during such a critical time. 

As a mom, you want to do everything to protect your children from negative influences.  So what better way to positively influence your baby than to introduce an element that is already present in the womb during development.  BabyPlus is a simple set of sounds similar to the mother's heartbeat, which is a constant element in the womb.  By stimulating learning during the important stages of fetal development, a foundation for learning throughout life is reinforced.

Prenatal care can be looked at several ways.  It's not just doctor visits and reading about day-by-day pregnancy.  It can be viewed as a pregnant mom taking care of her outside by using lotion to keep her skin moist, which will help lessen stretch marks, for example.  It can also be viewed as a woman taking care of her inside while pregnant by eating a balanced, healthy diet or taking prenatal vitamins.  But what about prenatal care within the womb for the actual baby? 

Many tend to think that taking vitamins, eating healthy and caring for themselves is the most that they can do during pregnancy.  Studies are showing benefits for not only the mom but her baby as well.  For example, using the BabyPlus Prenatal Education System provides so many benefits for fetal development and for mom, it can provide a relaxing distraction and time for bonding with her baby.
I think looking at prenatal care differently can not only benefit mom but her baby as well.

We just had our monthly meeting with Compendium, the company that introduced us to blogging.  It's always so motivating to speak with Kristen and seeing how our blogging touches so many readers. 

I have enjoyed blogging and at the same time learning a lot about prenatal curriculum and how it relates to prenatal care and fetal development. 

I think that most people know what you intake during pregnancy influences fetal development of the baby.  What you eat, drink, or breathe all reaches your baby in your womb.  Over time, we have learned smoking and drinking can negatively impact development, while eating healthy foods and taking prenatal vitamins can have a positive influence.  However, as I am learning more and more about how BabyPlus stimulates the growing baby's mind by using the mother's heartbeat, it is quite fascinating how such a simple sound can have such a tremendous result. 

As I learn more and continue to blog, it will be exciting to share this information and keep spreading the wonderful news about BabyPlus!

We received our latest issue of The Bump magazine, a free magazine from the publishers of The Knot, which is a resource for married couples.  The Bump is a great guide for the latest "must haves" for pregnancy, and BabyPlus is featured! 

Go to the link below, and on the right hand side, choose the city closest to you.  From there, click on "The best stores, resources, and services," and you can scroll down through the items. 

We are excited to be a part of such a beautiful magazine, which provides moms with local information.

The Presidential Election is almost at an end.  It's all in the hands of the voters and the decision will be made soon.  It has been one of the most, if not the most, important elections in history.  It is the main thing people are talking about and has been the primary focus in the media.  A lot of pressure will be on the victor for the next four years and hopefully all their preparation will help them along the way.

For years, each of the candidates have meticulously planned and prepared their positions and platforms.  Their entire careers have laid the foundation for their political futures and have led up to this moment.  It might be safe to say that things they did years ago might have an impact on where they are today. 

Many factors can influence a person's life over time.  For example, if a mother doesn't get adequate calcium intake during pregnancy, it can weaken her bones years in the future.  If a child doesn't brush her teeth, she will get cavities.  If a father practices catching a football with his son, he will eventually learn how.  If a pregnant mother uses BabyPlus during pregnancy, her child will receive the benefits of a prenatal curriculum.  This, in turn, will set the foundation for a lifetime of learning.  This means it will influence the child's life into their teenage years, when they are in college, when they go to get a job and when they become parents.  The use of BabyPlus during such a critical period in prenatal development is a springboard to setting the stage for a multitude of benefits that will last throughout their lives.

Click on the link below to read about these benefits that the BabyPlus Prenatal Education System has to offer.

We have a wonderful testimonial from a BabyPlus mom. 

"I used the BabyPlus system and am so amazed by what its done. Every single thing your site claims that this product does, is dead on! I was in labor for over 12 hours and ended up having an emergency cesarean. My baby girl had to endure all of this stress in the womb and yet once she was born she was bright eyed, lifted her head, pulled the nurses stethoscope and was unbelievably alert. The nurses were amazed by her, so much so they actually sent other nurses in to see her. At a day old she was laying on my chest and started inching her way up my chest towards my neck and nuzzled herself there. I was astonished as was every visitor who saw her. The child barely ever has cried, she is amazingly capable of coping with any change that I put her through. For example, switching from breast to bottle was no problem at all - switching from sleeping in the bassinet next to me to the crib in her own room - not one hiccup with that either, eating solids was also quite easy. She simply adapts to change very well. Every person I meet and even family and friends who have children of their own cannot believe how alert and responsive she is. You can't even imagine how many times I have had people completely shocked when I tell them how old she is because they expect her to be older because of the way she is.

Another thing I hear from family, friends and strangers alike is that they've never seen a baby look at them with such concentration - like she doesn't have that blank look about her that most infants have. She truly interacts with you, smiling back, she will crawl to you if you call her name, she hears us call our dogs name and she immediately looks out for her, she vocalizes back to you when you talk to her, she's simply amazing. I'm actually switching her to the older kids playgroup because she is just that far ahead of reaching milestones as the other kids her age, the teacher agreed completely with me that she's definitely ready.

As far as her milestones go, at about 6 weeks she started rolling over. She had complete head and neck control at 2 months. At 4 months she started "soldier crawling" as we called it and was capable of sitting perfectly fine at 5 months and by 5 1/2 months she started crawling. A week before she turned 6 months, she started pulling herself up on things and can now stand while holding onto something and has started to walk alongside the couch as she holds onto it. She's known her name now for a good month and a half as well (she turned 6 months on Oct. 24, 2008). As I mentioned before, I take her to a playgroup with babies all her age and she is by far the most alert of all of them, most social and the only one that crawl and stand and sit perfectly still. Most of the other babies are just learning to sit or mastering rolling over. I hear of the troubles the moms have with none stop crying and reluctance to bottles and so on and I bless the day I found out about BabyPlus. My husband and I are 100% convinced that she is the way she is because of BabyPlus. At her last doctor's visit, the pediatrician was even shocked at all the milestones she has already conquered. In our doctors words "her motor skills, both large and small are at that of a 10 month baby's level." This is the most amazing thing I have ever had the pleasure of using and will definitely be using it on any future babies we have.

Without any hesitation I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone who is having a baby."

...are relaxed and alert at birth.

The benefit we hear the most is that BabyPlus babies are alert and calm at birth.  We've even had delivery nurses say that you can definitely tell a difference and it's amazing!  Here are some of my favorite comments from BabyPlus families.

"My son was born alert and calm, he didn't even cry."

"Once she was born, she was bright eyed, lifted her head, pulled the nurses stethoscope and was unbelievably alert. The nurses were amazed by her, so much so they actually sent other nurses in to see her."

"My child was so calm and alert when she was born and has surpassed all of her classmates in preschool."

"She was extremely alert and wide-eyed at birth and throughout her newborn days."

"From the moment she was born, my ob/gyn and the nurses commented on how alert she was…eyes wide open, looking around, and clearly trying to take in everything that this new world had to offer. "

This is just one of the many benefits from using the BabyPlus Prenatal Education System.  Click on the link below to read more testimonials from BabyPlus families.

...more readily nurse.

One of the more interesting benefits we hear from BabyPlus moms is that their babies more readily nurse and have success with breastfeeding.  Here are some of the amazing things our moms have written to us.

"My daughter took to nursing right away and it was a wonderful experience."

"After birth, my daughter latched on from first try. "

"In the nursery she was the only one not crying and took to breast feeding right away."

"Our little one took to the breast right away and she is a very good self soother."

""He took to breast feeding immediately.  I had ZERO problems with nursing my son.  He just took to it soo easily."

"She latched on successfully the first time I try to breastfeed her and that was amazing! I have very little idea on breastfeeding and was on my own but she is just so cooperative and latched on like a pro."

One more reason why BabyPlus is a wonderful tool for strengthening your babies cognitive development.  Click on the link below to read more testimonials from other BabyPlus families.

...display an increased ability to self-soothe. 

We have so many wonderful customer testimonials about how their BabyPlus babies sleep through the night and have a calm and pleasant demeanor.  Here is a sample of what our BabyPlus parents have to say.

"While in the hospital, he slept through the night, and we would have to wake him up to feed him, and he continues to sleep through the night at home."

"Sleeping was another thing that amazed me with my daughter.  She was sleeping through the night (11:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m.) at eight weeks old.  I couldn’t believe it!"

"With the exception of about 2 weeks, he has slept through the night since he was born.  He has never even cried himself to sleep, he just plays with his hands and then dozes off."

"By week 3, she was sleeping 8-10 hours during the night."

"He was a very content baby, would sleep anywhere!  He started sleeping through the night very early without incident.  Now, he's still a great sleeper, sleeps until 8am everyday.  When he was an infant, he was very easy to soothe if he was upset.  He could entertain himself for long periods of time." 

Click on the link below to read more testimonials about this and other benefits of the BabyPlus Prenatal Education System.

I was unable to breastfeed with either of my two boys.  I tried with my oldest, but we had so much trouble that we went to formula.  It seemed that I was getting stressed trying which in turn passed to him; we couldn't stop the cycle.  With my second, he was quite bruised from the birthing process that he couldn't get his mouth open wide enough and I couldn't bear forcing him.  In either case, I started feeling like a bad mother because I was supposed to be able to breastfeed.  I eventually realized that if I am miserable trying and my baby isn't getting nourished, I have to do the right thing and think of him.

I think as mothers we put a tremendous amount of pressure on ourselves and are very unforgiving if we can't do it all.  It's time to give ourselves a break and realize that providing a loving and safe environment for our children is what's important.  And if we are stressed out and tense, that only makes our babies feel our stress. 

Breastfeeding is a very personal choice.  Yes, I wish I would have been able to breastfeed, but I look at my boys today and they're wonderful.  I still bonded with them, and they have grown to be well-adjusted young men.  I eventually was able to relax and not be so hard on myself, which gave me the freedom to focus on other aspects of raising them and enjoy being a mom.