This is the third and final installment from our latest Ritmo Ambassador, Hillary.  She’s due any day now and shares how she’s feeling and how Ritmo is still a part of her day.

Less than two weeks to go.  It’s amazing how fast 40 weeks can go by.  Looking back at the past several months I see days on end of multi-tasking (I suppose “nature’s way” of getting me ready for everything that will be thrown to me once baby arrives).  Days filled with work, socializing with friends and family, exercise and taking care of myself, and obviously preparing for baby.

I started this journey using the Ritmo, first for bonding with my baby as a stress reliever after long, crazy work days and then as a tool during my work outs/runs (both of which I still use it for!), and now I continue to use the Ritmo as we prepare for her arrival.  Just days away, we have finally taken care of the “essentials” that she will need when we bring her home, and wearing the Ritmo while doing this continues to include her as part of the process!

While using the Ritmo, baby kicks along (more like pushes and twists at this point as she has seriously run out of room!) while we have set up the crib, installed the car seat, and bought diapers and pacifiers.  We have also recently purchased several new CD’s for download to play for music in her room and in the car, such as favorite children’s nursery rhymes, children’s songs, and children’s sing-a-longs (it’s never too late to start, right?).  That new music immediately went right to the Ritmo for her to listen to now, and is probably a much-welcomed change to her ears from the work-out music “we” had been used to listening to!

My energy level remains high during this final stretch, and by her twists and turns I know she is moving to the beat as well.  This experience has provided more than I could ever even imagine, and I just know that this is only the beginning.  I know that my baby and I will share many more experiences ahead and I can’t wait to get started.

In part two of our latest series, Ritmo Ambassador Hillary shares with us her quest to stay active during pregnancy.  As she finishes her seventh month, she finds a way to incorporate Ritmo into her favorite stress reliever.

I have been running for over 12 years.  That’s a lot of miles logged, a lot of sneakers replaced, and a lot of sore joints.  It is also a lot of songs that have been downloaded to my ipod; however, not once in the previous decade did I ever imagine that I would share that music with my developing baby.  But the Ritmo has allowed me to do just that!

I am lucky enough to have been feeling so well to be able to stay so active thus far through my pregnancy.  I am now just over 29 weeks and still able to tie on my shoes and go out for a run.  As soon as I got the Ritmo, I knew that I would be able to use it at the gym with weight training, but I was hesitant as to how it would feel with any sort of cardio exercise.  Since I hate being stuck on a treadmill, and living in Florida allows me to run outside year round, I strapped it on and gave it a test drive.  The Ritmo was actually very supportive!  It stayed in place throughout my run, provided support to my ever-expanding stomach, and it really is fun to share my workout music with my baby.  Though my pace has somewhat slowed, I am still enjoying runs several days a week with my baby and my Ritmo, and hopefully I will continue to do so through the rest of my pregnancy.  Exercising has always been a stress reliever for me, the health benefits are obvious, and running was something that I truly enjoyed doing for myself.  Over the past 7 months none of that has changed, and as I enter into my third trimester, the Ritmo has allowed me to share all of these benefits with my baby as well.

Hillary, 7 months

To see video of Hillary running with Ritmo,check out our Facebook page Ritmo by Nuvo.

Periodically, we select a Ritmo user to act as an official ambassador for the Ritmo Prenatal Sound System.  We look for someone who is willing to document their pregnancy and their Ritmo use through photos, videos and the occasional blog.  We follow them throughout their prenatal journey and share with you all the milestones and special ways they are using Ritmo to help the family unit bond with baby in utero.

Our newest Ritmo Ambassador is Hillary Sheitelman, from Jupiter, Florida.  She and her husband are pregnant with their first child, a girl, due May 14th. An avid runner, Hillary has been running for 12 years and plans to continue as long as she is able.   In her first Nuvo and Friends Blog, this busy mom-to-be relays her early experiences with Ritmo.

Bonding with Baby

I always knew that bonding with my baby would start when she was still in the womb; but as a first time mom-to-be, I wasn’t sure when I would exactly feel “that moment”.  Well, I can confidently say now, that that first real bonding moment occurred with the Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System in place!

When I first got the Ritmo, I was very anxious to try it out and see for myself what the buzz was all about.  So, the first several uses involved me constantly changing its position, downloading new albums and books, and often changing the music mid-song – so much that there was no consistency at all and I was sure to be confusing my poor baby!  But, after a particularly stressful day at my pretty fast paced job, I came home needing some R&R, some definite “me” time.  I took out the Ritmo, strapped it in place, chose some very mellow music and got comfy on my couch.  Pretty soon, I felt my baby kicking like she never had before.  An hour later, not only was I de-stressed, but I realized that I hadn’t taken any time at all that day to feel my baby moving around.  Not only that, but I also realized that I never had had the ability to bond with her so effectively in such a short period of time.

My “me” time, turned into that much needed time to bond with my baby.  Since that day, each evening I make an effort to “tune in” not only to my needs, but spend that time focusing on my baby as well.  The Ritmo now is not only beneficial to my baby, but for my own sanity too!

Hillary Sheitelman, Ritmo Ambassador

A new study has found that listening to music causes the brain to release the feel good chemical dopamine, the same substance that helps people feel pleasure during sex. The study, lead by Robert Zatorre and Valorie Salimpoor of McGill University in Montreal, was published in the journal Nature Neuroscience. Their conclusion was that the dopamine release was directly a result of listening to music, both in anticipating an upcoming moment and in feeling the thrill from it.

The researchers concluded that the dopamine rush explains music’s popularity worldwide. The music featured in the study was instrumental, which confirmed that voices were not necessary to obtain the pleasurable response. Further studies are planned to test how voices would effect the outcome. So the next time your favorite moment of your favorite song comes up, you’ll know why you may get the chills from the experience!

Read more here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40990339/ns/health-behavior/

It is amazing how fast the days pass as an adult.  As a child, it seems to take forever between holidays, birthdays, one grade to the next.  As an adult, you blink and suddenly the year has flown by.  The same theory holds true for the holiday season.  Suddenly, we’ve gone from fall leaves to saying goodbye to 2010.

It’s been an incredible year for Nuvo Group and the Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System.  We at Nuvo headquarters would like to thank everyone who became a Ritmo user, fan, or follower for your support.  Through your excitement and support of Ritmo, we have exceeded our wildest expectations this year.

Stick with us as we have many exciting things planned for 2011:  Our 1st Anniversary event, giveaways throughout the year, special programs and the debut of Ritmo Apps for post-natal use.  First though, keep a lookout for the announcement of the Ritmo Affiliate Program, where you can earn commission simply for doing what you already are:  spreading the word about Ritmo to friends and family.  And if you haven’t used our new Ritmo Connect audio recording service, check it out.  It’s a great way to introduce loved ones to your baby and especially helpful for those who live out of town.  We also have the introduction of our newest Ritmo Ambassador, who is focused on maintaining an active, healthy pregnancy – all while wearing Ritmo!

If you haven’t, we encourage you to “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter so you can find out about all of our exciting events before they’re advertised to the general public.  No longer in it’s infancy, Ritmo has lots planned for 2011.

In the meantime, you’re used to seeing helpful tips in the Nuvo & Friends’ Blog.  As the year comes to an end, we offer this advice:

• Take time out with family and friends.  It’s so easy to get caught up in work, responsibility, and errands that we forget to live in the moment.  Remember what the holidays are about.
• We’ve all heard that you can buy amazing gifts for babies and they just play with the boxes.  They know what’s important – interaction, communication and imagination, not the hottest toy.
• Reconnect with old friends.  An unfortunate side-effect of today’s hectic lifestyle is that we lose touch with those we don’t interact with regularly.  Think fast:  who haven’t you seen/spoken to/emailed/Facebooked recently?  Send a quick message.  Do it now.
• Get some sleep.  The holidays go fast and before you know it, life will be back to it’s fast paced routine again.

Happy Holidays!

From our favorite queen of organization, Amy Morris (www.gotfamilygetorganized.com), comes some wise words as the trickiest and treatiest of holidays is almost here.  Read on and be ready with your little ghosts and goblins.

For all that you need,
Make a Halloween list,
Decorations, candy, and costumes,
You get the gist.

Check ads for sales,
Coupons, and special offers.
Then stock up early
To beat all the shoppers.

Check local papers
For Spooktacular events.
Corn Mazes and Hay Rides,
Time to be spent.

For all you ghastly greetings,
Prepare in advance.
Write spooky and fun,
Or share some romance.

Plan for your party,
Including the sweets.
Make them early,
To have enough treats.

Safety is a must,
Talk to your kids and friends.
Check flashlights and batteries,
And candy at night’s end.

Dear devils, angels, and witches,
Ghosts and goblins too.
From GotFamilyGetOrganized.com,
Happy haunting to you.

For more of Amy’s ideas visit www.gotfamilygetorganized.com.

Amy Morris

Amy Morris is a hip, business savvy, single Mom who understands the ever increasing demands on parental time and the need to be organized, Amy created GotFamilyGetOrganized.com to bring order to even the most out-of-order families.

This week we are pleased to introduce our readers to popular parenting blogger, Erica Ashmore, a.k.a. Mama Ash. Erica runs the site Everything Mom and Baby where she blogs about great finds for – you guessed it – mom and baby.

Visualize a new born screaming on the change table because baby is scared and doesn’t like the idea of getting changed. Mom and dad frantically try to soothe by hushing, they try placing a hand on baby’s abdomen so the little one feels more secure. Nothing is working. But wait, one parent gets a thought and asks, ” what did we sing to baby in utero? The alphabet? Does that work?”

Sweet boy is still crying, wet bum in the air and hubby starts singing “A, B, C, D, E, F, G…” it’s magic – baby is settling! The cries slow down and becomes a mere whimper and by the time they get to “W, X, Y, Z” the child is quiet looking up contented at its parents.

Yes, you guessed it. That was us.

From early on as soon as we got to about 24 weeks, we started talking to him but mostly it was my husband singing to Charlie the A, B, C’s. After the above “incident” we quickly learned the power of song and the effect it had in utero. It works classically to this very day at 23 months of age. When we have a freak out…I mean when Charlie has a freak out, we soothe him by singing the A, B, C’s. When it’s time for a nap or bedtime I rock away with him singing and now he’s beginning to sing them with us.

In utero we would end it with “Give a Kick to Mommy.” It’s now “Give a Kiss to Mommy/Daddy” and well, I get most of the kisses. It’s truly magical how this works on soothing our son. I am a firm believer and I hope I’ll have a Ritmo for my next pregnancy. If you haven’t thought of it or ever wondered if it works, trust me when I tell you it does. Now if only the A,B. C’s would work for my freak out. It would be a lot less caloric compared to a glass of wine, that’s for sure!

Erica Ashmore a.k.a. “Mama Ash” is a first time and stay at home mom. Her inspiration comes from her happy and healthy toddler and her loving husband.  Check out great ideas and giveaways from Mama Ash at http://www.everythingmomandbaby.com

Erica Ashmore

Babyproofing and assembling the complete first aid kit

In honor of National Baby Safety Month, guest blogger is Amy Morris, founder of gotfamilygetorganized.com, is back with part two of her organizing series.

BABY-PROOF YOUR HOME

It is never too early to start the baby proofing process.  This can be done yourself or there are companies specializing in this service who will come to your home.  If you are doing this on your own here is a list of items to include:

• Remove all cleaning products from lower cabinets.
• Install safety locks on all lower cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
• Cover electrical outlets and power cords with plastic outlet and cord covers.
• Adjust hot water heaters to avoid scolding.
• Install and/or test fire, smoke and carbon dioxide detectors.
• Install locks for basement, garage, porch and any doors leading someplace baby should not go.
• Install locks for toilet seats, windows and drawers.
• Install knob covers for stove, oven and doors.
• Install baby gates for off-limit areas.
• Purchase a slip-proof bath mat.
• Install furniture brackets to keep furniture from tipping over.
• Adjust window blind cords to be shorter.

Lastly, purchase a baby monitor to keep tabs on the baby when out-of-site.

CONTACT PHONE LIST

Create an emergency contact list that can be kept near the phone with important phone numbers.  Include numbers for police, fire, poison control, family members and local neighbors who can be called in an emergency, pharmacy, obstetrician, pediatrician, and the baby supply delivery service (if you have items delivered on a regular basis).

This is beneficial, as well, for older children in the home, baby sitters, or visiting grandparents.

FIRST AID/ESCAPE PLAN

Create a first aid kit and an escape plan for emergencies.  A kit can be purchased, but many do not contain all the “baby” items you may want.  Things to include:

• a copy of your emergency contact list and escape plan (place these in a plastic storage bag to keep them getting ruined)
• fever relief infant drops
• pain relief infant drops
• infant strength allergy relief (and an EpiPen  specific to your child if they have life threatening allergies)
• allergy relief lotion
• hydrocortisone cream
• alcohol swabs
• antibiotic first aid cream and band aids
• gauze
• adhesive tape
• ace bandages
• eye wash and saline eye drops
• burn relief ointment or spray
• instant ice packs
• cotton balls and q-tips
• tweezers, scissors, and gloves (non-latex)

We want to know: What’s your best planning tip for getting ready for baby?

Amy Morris is a hip, business savvy, single mom of two active teenagers. Understanding the ever increasing demands on parental time and the need to be organized, Amy created the comprehensive organizational website GotFamilyGetOrganized.com to bring order to even the most out-of-order families and to keep up in an age run by technology.  The website is preceded by the book Got Kids? Get Organized!©,  and both are dedicated to her husband who perished 9/11/2001.

Amy Morris

FOOD TECHNIQUES FOR NAUSEA IN PREGNANCY

Angela Lemond, RD, CSP, LD
www.mommydietitian.com

Here is the final segment of Angela’s 3 part guest blog on Pregnancy Nutrition. Check out Angela’s awesome blog at mommydietitian.com…

As moms, we all know how exciting it is to be pregnant. Unfortunately, the surge of hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy can bring on challenges for some women while others weather them with no difficulties. With my second pregnancy, I struggled much more than my first with both food aversions and nausea. I had cravings for processed foods, especially processed meats – hot dogs, deli meat, and fried chicken – which are fairly unusual for me. We went to the Texas State Fair the year I was pregnant and I had an extreme craving for their world famous “corny dogs”. I told my husband about my primal anticipation and he looked at me very strangely and said, “Who are you and what did you do with my wife?” But the funniest part of the story was that when I finally got a hold of the “corny dog”, I began scarfing it down like I hadn’t eaten in a month. I was half way finished with it when my love for the dog turned to hate. How could a food taste so incredible one minute and then taste like rot the next? Yuck! I had to get it away as fast as possible. The smell, the flavor – everything about it was hideous. So I know firsthand that yes, hormones are a crazy thing in pregnancy!

It is very common to have food aversions and nausea in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. In the most extreme cases, hormonal illness in pregnancy can cause the prolonged inability to keep food down which can be treated with intravenous feeding, however, that is a rare and extreme situation. Here is a quick reference chart that can help you deal with your nausea in pregnancy.

If you cannot keep food and/or liquid down without vomiting, contact your doctor. He may prescribe some medication that will assist you during this period. Know the signs and symptoms of dehydration which include dizziness, weakness, decreased urination, dry eyes, headache and dry mouth or eyes. Discuss your weight gain with your doctor. If either you or your doctor do not think you are gaining weight or are not getting the food variety suggested in pregnancy (see Pregnancy Nutrition: The Basics), seek assistance from a Registered Dietitian in your area. They can work with you on an individual basis to maximize your nutrition status – for you and your baby’s sake. One day, like me, you can share giggles with others about your food issues during pregnancy. Know that this is a phase – and this phase will certainly pass!

Angela Lemond, RD, CSP, LD

Angela Lemond, RD, CSP, LD is a Registered Dietitian that is Board Certified as a Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition. Angela writes about her quest to feed her family well in practical ways despite a very busy life on her blog, Mommy Dietitian. She works in private practice in the Dallas area specializing in pediatrics, GI, food allergy, wellness and family nutrition. Angela also serves as a media representative for both the Dallas and Texas Dietetic Associations.

This week’s guest blogger is James Rohl, of www.sahdpdx.com.  He brings a fresh prospective as a stay-at-home-dad and offers advice that all new dads can use.

I remember the weeks leading up to my first son being born feeling like I had no idea what I was doing. Here I am four years later with two kids, and truth be told I still don’t know all that much about what I’m doing but here are a couple things I’ve picked up along the way that have helped me as a dad:

Get involved early with changing diapers, learning to soothe and comfort the baby, and just bonding with your new child. You can’t hold a newborn baby too much and countless articles and research papers have shown that connecting early on is not only good for the baby but good for the parent as well.

Don’t worry that you have no idea what your doing, none of us do. Sure we like to put on our airs and show a good public face but here’s the dirty little secret no one will tell you, we are making it up as we go. It’s true. Now you need to quickly learn how to hold the baby (like a football) and what not to feed a newborn (steak for one thing) and all that big stuff, but most of the small stuff you pick up along the way. Fake it till you make it and you will be just fine.

As that baby grows get down on the floor and play. Too often we try to play with kids on our level and miss a whole world down on theirs. Lay on the floor, let that baby crawl on you, even if your tired. The baby is going to need tummy time and dads need it too. Make a habit of engaging them on their level.

These tips should get you a long way on your journey to being an involved dad and equal partner in raising this baby. You have an important role to play in this child’s life and most of the work is done in just being there. Good Luck!

James Rohl

James Rohl is a Stay At Home Dad in Portland, Oregon. He has two boys and looks after a third and blogs about their adventures at http://sahdpdx.com