The NFL actually made an ad for “Super Bowl 50” to remind us that celebrating can lead to pregnancy. There was a lot of reactionto the commercial and the supposed “study” which flashed on the screen that cited how nine months after the previous Super Bowl, each of the winning cities had a birth-boom… just like the proverbial “Blizzard Baby Boom.” Although there’s little data to support these claims, Boston did have a bit of a baby boom after winning the world series in 2004.

Yes, I am pregnant

Concern 1:  My partner and I drank a lot that night. Because of that drinking will I have complications during the pregnancy? It depends. What your behaviors were before you got pregnant do influence fetal development and postpartum growth of your baby. Do you regularly drink more than 10 glasses of alcohol, containing 5% alcohol (or more) per week? Do you drink excessively when you ovulate? If so, you may have a baby that is born with low birth weight and may have trouble gaining weight during their first six months. Be sure you are talking to your health care professional if this is a concern.

Concern 2: My partner and I got high that night. What will happen to my baby? It depends. Have you continued to “use” well into your first trimester? One study shows that a marijuana user is more likely to have a child with anencephaly if this behavior continues beyond conception into the first three months of pregnancy.

Medical definition and research citation.

Be aware too that, if you are a cocaine user, your baby is more likely to have a cleft palate.  Always be sure to share your concerns with your health care provider.

Concern 3: This pregnancy wasn’t planned and my partner and I are not ready; we’re reluctantly continuing on with the pregnancy. The key here to feel supported. Each person must acknowledge all of your concerns about becoming parents. If you live in the immediate Denver area, I suggest you contact THE CATALYST CENTER, LLC (300 South Jackson St, suite 520, Denver 80209 720-675-7123 www.CatalystcenterLLC.com). They offer a free initial consultation. For the Boulder area, click here.  Your primary healthcare provider can also refer you to a therapist as well. Next, strive to establish a support system (not only for your prenatal months) but for four months postpartum as well.

Be sure to establish a support system during your prenatal months, as well as postpartum, for you, your partner, and your baby.

It’s nice to have a non-judgmental person by your side as you journey into parenthood, as well as someone who is able to answer all your questions about pregnancy, labor, and beyond. Most importantly, someone capable of guiding you in creating deeper bonding with yourself, your partner, and your baby as you navigate this new terrain.

Click here to learn more about The Birth Year Experience to make it a smooth and graceful transition for the entire family!

Many families start out as pet parents who are already focused on the care of their four-legged friend(s). So, how do you make the transition in order for both pets and humans to welcome the newborn baby? Here are a few articles and references that may help you craft a solution that will work for your family:

• Be mindful of your emotions as well as those of your pets. If you’re stressed, the pet will react to that stress. Massage therapy is a great way for both you and your partner to relax.
• It is important to take the time to train your pet. Err on the side of caution; your grumpy cat may pee on everything baby-related. Ask friends how they made the transition and inquire if they got outside help from a company like Bark Busters.
• Know that having a pet is a great thing for your baby! A great benefit resulting from having a pet is that it can help build a child’s immune system.

Not sure how to navigate the transition from Pet-Parent to baby?

The journey from pregnancy into parenthood is a unique and individual experience. The Birth Year Experience strives to make a smooth and graceful transition for the entire family. At each stage of your journey, you’ll know (not wonder or worry) that you’re getting your ideal level of food intake, exercise, sex, communication, touch, safety, and support. When you do go into labor, you’ll know you’ve done everything in your power to have a positive experience and that you’re fully supported in all the ways you need. Additionally, your partner will be confident in their ability to do everything they can, going above and beyond your expectations, as they support you while becoming a new parent themselves.

Click here to learn more now!