Little Perfect Somethings - Dwell Studio Bottle Holders

I love Dwell Studio's bedding and it's really great that they are expanding their children's line. I recently bought an expecting friend a stroller blanket and hooded towels in Dwell's dots pattern. I don't know how I missed Dwell's adorable bottle holders, because they would have been a hit. Dwell Studio's bottle holders are made out of coated canvas. The insulation keeps baby bottles cold or warm. They come in an array of patterns so you can coordinate with other Dwell products. They are the perfect gifts for new or expecting mothers. The bottle holders can be purchased for $20 each at Giggle.

Lois Loves - Non-traditional Gifts for Mommies

Whenever I'm invited to a baby shower, I always feel so restricted by the baby shower gift registry. I know the expecting mother needs bottles, pacifiers, diaper bags, and onesies, but wouldn't it be great to wow her with a gift outside of the box? Here are two great non-traditional gifts for new or expecting mothers.

Prenatal Yoga Classes

Expecting Mothers searching for a way to keep in shape during pregnancy and trying to alleviate the discomforts of pregnancy will appreciate the gift of prenatal yoga classes. Check out the yoga classes offered at the Prenatal Yoga Center located at 251 West 71st, 2f, 212-362-2985.

Prenatal Yoga (8 week session)1 class per week - $185
2 classes per week - $350
3 classes per week - $495

Postnatal Yoga (8 class card)
1 class per week - $185
2 classes per week - $350
3 classes per week - $495

Mommy & Me Yoga (8 class card)
1 class per week - $160

If you do not live in the NYC area, call yoga studios in your town and inquire about prenatal yoga classes.

Baby Slings

Recently, I've seen a number of articles asserting that traditional baby carriers create excessive stress on the baby's spine. In addition, some mothers complain that they experience back pain when using traditional baby carriers. As a result, there is a new movement towards the use of baby slings. Proponents of baby slings say that baby wearing can promote bonding and alleviate excessive crying. Intrigued, I searched the Internet and was shocked at the number of companies selling baby slings. I visited a few websites and was amazed at how adorable these baby slings are. Any new mother will love the stylishness of baby slings and will praise the ergonomic benefits of baby slings. Sprout Pouch offers really cute baby sling options. Here are my favorites.

The Kimberly Pouch's earthy colors immediately caught my eye. $56.






The bright colors of the Joellen Sling will keep both Mom and baby in a cheery mood. $56.



Here are links to other companies that sell really cute baby slings.

www.mayawrap.com
www.kangarookorner.com
www.ergobabycarrier.com
www.mykarmababy.com

Lois Loves - Doulas for Expecting or New Mothers

I recently had a conversation with someone about new trends in childbirth and parenting. During the conversation, she mentioned that she was interested in becoming a Doula. I had never heard this term and when I asked her to explain what a Doula is, she referred me to Dona International. After doing some research, I learned that there are three types of Doulas; the Birth or Labor Doula, the Antepartum Doula and the Postpartum Doula.

"A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." Dona FAQ Birth.

"Antepartum Doulas provide help and support to a mom who has been put on bed rest or is experiencing a high risk pregnancy. They provide informational, emotional, physical and practical support in a situation that is often stressful, confusing and emotionally draining."
American Pregnancy Association.

"Postpartum Doulas are there to support you in your first weeks of being a mom. They provide informational support about feeding and caring for the baby. They provide physical support by cleaning, cooking meals and filling in when mom needs a break, and they provide emotional support by encouraging a mom during those times when she feels overwhelmed." American Pregnancy Association.

After learning more about Doulas, it struck me that a Doula would be a wonderful gift for an expecting or new mother. Childbirth can be such a stressful time and a Doula could help provide extra emotional and physical support to an expecting or new mother. Visit Dona International and American Pregnancy Association to learn more about the benefits of having a Doula. If you know a new or expecting mother and think this is a gift they might appreciate, go to Dona International or American Pregnancy Association to find a Doula near you. Some Doulas even offer gift certificates for their services. This is a gift that would certainly always be remembered.

Lois Loves - Cleaning Services

So, I wake up this morning, take a look around my apartment, and groan. My apartment is in chaos. I know I'm going to have to spend a few hours this weekend cleaning and organizing my apartment. Its a constant struggle to keep my apartment tidy because of the long hours I work. I've toyed with the idea of hiring a cleaning service, but, I admit, I'm a bit hesitant to do so. I'm not quite sure where this hesitation comes from. I have no problem using other services which help make my life easier. I often use Fresh Direct, an online grocery store that delivers your groceries to your door, and Bubbleworks, a pick-up and drop-off laundry service. This morning, I decided to do a little research into cleaning services. I ran an Internet search for cleaning services in the NYC area. I found tons of cleaning services, and learned that some of these companies even offer gift certificates. What a great gift idea for busy professionals, new mothers, or older adults. You can search your local yellow pages for cleaning services in your area and call and see if these companies offer gift certificates, or, you can do your own Internet search. Here are a few cleaning services in the NYC area.

Zen Home Cleaning markets itself as a non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning service. The company charges $35 an hour for first time customers, with a four hour minimum. The company's website doesn't mention gift certificates, but why not call them up and see if you can pre-pay for someone else to use their services. They offer House Cleaning, Spring Cleaning and Professional Organizing. 212-462-2566.

Makai NY serves all five boroughs. In addition to House Cleaning Services, they also offer several Special Services, including Construction Cleaning, Grocery Shopping and Cooking, and Party Set up and Clean up. Makai NY offers gift certificates in denominations of $60.00. 877-282-8050.

Miracle Maids also operates in all five boroughs. Their services include Residential Cleaning, Organizing Closets, Move in/Move out Cleaning, and Laundry and Ironing. 718-369-9000;212-543-1212.