Category: Health

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Considering how many posts I’ve written about European organic baby formula, it’s probably long overdue for me to write a comprehensive European formula guide comparing the best brands. Well, here it is – better late than never!

There are several major European brand formulas that are sold in the US. Interestingly enough, most of them originate from Germany. I don’t know why but Germans seem to produce the gold standard for baby formula worldwide.

I am focusing solely on European formulas because the quality of the milk and the organic farming methods used in Europe are far superior to American brand formulas. Nonetheless, even the European brand formulas discussed will have their downsides. There is no such thing as the perfect infant formula. The best formula is the one that works for your baby and family.

List of Best European Formulas Discussed:

• Holle
• Holle Lebenswert
• HiPP
• Töpfer

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Related posts:

European Organic Infant Formula Giveaway – September 2016 European Organic Infant Formula Giveaway – November 2016 Best Organic Formula: Holle Infant Formula Review Where to Buy Holle Formula in the USA: Organic Start Review

Since I am back in baby mode and nursing a newborn, I am reminded of the issue I faced with vitamin D supplementation.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants have a minimum daily intake of vitamin D of 400 IU/day beginning in the first few days of life.

For nursing moms who do not wish to give their infants any supplementation, the AAP recently published a study finding that “[m]aternal vitamin D supplementation alone with 6400 IU/day safely supplies breast milk with adequate vitamin D to satisfy the requirement of her nursing infant and offers an alternate strategy to direct infant supplementation.”

As we head into the winter months, I know both Alexa and I do not get an adequate amount of sunlight per day. However, I do not want to take an excessive amount of vitamin D, so I am opting to supplement Alexa with a drop of liquid vitamin D3 instead.

This is where Baby Ddrops comes in. I also used Baby Ddrops back when I was nursing Max. I loved it then and I still love it now. In one drop, you get 400 IU of pure vitamin D. It is virtually tasteless, odorless and incredibly easy to administer. I just wait for Alexa to start nursing and let ONE drop trickle down my breast and into her mouth. She doesn’t even notice.

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Related posts:

The Ultimate Breastfeeding Gear Guide Best European Organic Baby Formula Guide [Updated 2020] Where to Buy Holle Formula in the USA: Organic Start Review Where to Buy Holle Formula from Germany: organicbabyfood24 Review

How far along: 35 weeks

Gender: Expecting a little Miss Bean

Total weight gain: about 21lbs.

Clothes: I feel like I keep recycling the same few outfits. The problem is that the longer I go without buying any maternity clothes, the more of a waste it seems to buy them now.

Body changes: A growing belly. And my belly button is looking really funky. Although, it didn’t pop out with Max and I don’t think it’ll pop this time either.

Symptoms: I’m feeling soooo uncomfortable and over it at this point. This is going to be an excruciatingly long month. Like, in my mind, I want Bean to cook as long as she needs. But at the same time, I really want her to choose an early exit (anytime after 37 weeks). Please.

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Related posts:

Bump & Gestational Diabetes Update: Week 36 Bump & Gestational Diabetes Update: Week 31 Bump & Gestational Diabetes Update: Weeks 32-34 Bump & Gestational Diabetes Update: Weeks 29 & 30

How far along: 34 weeks

Gender: Expecting a little Miss Bean

Total weight gain: about 20lbs. – so I stopped gaining weight for a few good weeks after I was diagnosed with GD. (Who knew it could be so hard to put on weight while pregnant?!) Then I was told to stop worrying about my GD as much because of how small Bean was measuring. So I have been trying to stuff myself a lot more. In the past week and a half, I finally gained 3lbs. Eating is beginning to feel like such a chore.

Clothes: I still refuse/haven’t had time to buy maternity clothes. But I’m definitely getting close to the point where the bottom of my belly might actually just gape out.

Body changes: My belly is growing. Big time.

Symptoms: Overall, I’ve had a decent pregnancy in terms of symptoms. But, I’ve reached a turning point where things are getting A LOT more uncomfortable for me. My pelvis is usually so sore by the end of the day. When I sit down on the floor or sofa, I never want to get up again. Trying to keep up with Max is near impossible. Toddlers are like Energizer bunnies on speed!!

My feet have also started swelling after I walk or stand for too long. They didn’t swell until the very end with Max.

Bean is constantly, constantly moving, somersaulting and kicking me in the sides or ribs. I don’t remember being this uncomfortable with Max’s movements until the last couple of weeks.

Overall, the discomfort has definitely ramped up and far earlier than I remember from my first time. I don’t know if it’s because I’m older, my body is less fit, or I’m chasing after a toddler. Actually, I’m sure it’s a combination of all three. Before I couldn’t believe how fast time was flying by. Now I can’t help but hope time goes by a little more quickly.

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Related posts:

Bump & Gestational Diabetes Update: Week 36 Bump & Gestational Diabetes Update: Weeks 29 & 30 Bump & Gestational Diabetes Update: Week 31 Bump & Gestational Diabetes Update: Week 35