to top

The High Cost of Insomnia

I have been utterly uninspired as to what to write on this blog in the past week or so, and last night at around 3:52am, I finally figured out why: insomnia. They say that insomnia affects up to 75% of women in their third trimesters, and it looks like it seeped into my life right on time, at about two weeks ago and refusing to make its departure. What makes things even worse is that my lack of sleep exacerbates all my other third trimester symptoms: nausea, swelling/bloating, aching, nosebleeds, and the general feeling of ickiness. It was only fitting that I stumbled upon this infographic this morning...

Continue reading

“Push Presents” — Yay or Nay?

I had never heard of "push presents" before getting pregnant, but it has come to my attention that it is another heated debate among moms (as if we don't have enough to disagree on already!). A "push present" (also known as  a "push gift" or "baby bauble") is a present a new father gives a new mother when she gives birth to their child. Most push presents come in the form of jewelry, whether it be a charm bracelet holding items of significance to the new family (initials, birthstones, etc), or full-on bling adorned with diamonds. However, in most recent years, push presents have started to come in all shapes and sizes, from spa certificates to DSLRs, and even new cars! A typical...

Continue reading

NOELLE™, The First Pregnant Robot

While doing some research for my upcoming delivery, I discovered NOELLE™, the pregnant robot. NOELLE™ was created in 2006 by Florida-based company Gaumard Scientific and has been increasingly used to train doctors and nurses deal with complications of pregnancy. The high-end model retails for $20,000 and comes equipped with several umbilical cords, dilating devices, vulva (for simulating post partum suturing), and even two robot babies (one birthing baby and one interactive neonate)! NOELLE™ is controlled via a wireless PC and can simulate various birthing scenarios, including shoulder dystocia and PPH, vertex as well as breech positions, and C-section deliveries...

Continue reading