Bonding with Baby Before Birth at Prenatal Peek (Review)

Disclosure: Thank you to Prenatal Peek North Bay in Santa Rosa for sponsoring this content. I received their services at no charge in order to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed below are my own. For more information, please refer to the disclosure that can be found at the bottom of this post.

Bonding with baby during pregnancy does not come easily to all. Pregnancy symptoms can be frustrating, and the hormonal changes that may make you more irritable or demanding than usual can also be trying for your partner. And while you have constant reminders and a direct and intimate bond with the little bundle of joy growing in your womb, not all significant others have an easy time trying to bond with the baby before birth. There are so many positive aspects of pregnancy, and today it's easier than ever to bond with baby before they're even born. Prenatal Peek makes it possible to see your baby in 3D and 4D using the highest quality imaging technology available. Photos and video to take home will allow you to see and bond with your baby in another way for all of those days and months that still remain until your little one's arrival!

I was impressed to say the least by my experience at Prenatal Peek North Bay in Santa Rosa. The owner and sonographer, Ross, is fun, professional, and great and what he does. I was so happy with all of the great photos that he was able to get, despite the fact that my baby girl was uncooperative (to say the least) throughout the entire ultrasound. The set up at Prenatal Peek North Bay is unlike any other ultrasound service I am aware of. The amazing viewing room has three couches for any attending family members, and a large flat screen TV where the expectant mother and any attending family can see the baby. Heartbeat bears in a variety of animals are available to purchase at a small additional cost, with a recording of your baby's heartbeat during the ultrasound recorded and inserted into the bear. They make a wonderful memento to remember the incredible experience by, and being able to listen to the baby's heartbeat is something you can enjoy again and again in the months to come.

The 3D ultrasound experience is not completely unfamiliar to me. My husband and I had decided that having a 3D ultrasound was a worthy investment while I was pregnant with Little E. But while the photos are priceless and I would do it over in a heartbeat, I wasn't charmed by the experience with the ultrasound service we had used. The office was dark, cold, and bare. And the ultrasound technician didn't seem to be in the best mood---behaving abruptly and in a regimental manner. Overall I still walked away feeling positively about the experience. How could I not? I had seen my baby boy. However, I did leave the office with some mixed feelings. It hadn't been quite what I had expected. Comparing it to my experience at Prenatal Peek North Bay, the difference is like night and day! From the look and feel of the office and surrounding area, to the interaction with Ross, I was happy with the experience from beginning to end.

I can't even count the number of times I've looked at my ultrasound pictures since they were taken! Every time I look at the sweet little face in the photographs, I love her a little more. The ultrasound pictures also helped me be a little more patient about meeting her, since some of my curiosity was satisfied.

Book your appointment today at Prenatal Peek North Bay!

Ultrasound FAQ's

Are ultrasounds safe? Perhaps you've been considering having a 3D ultrasound experience, but you've heard that it could be harmful to the baby. When doing research about the safety of ultrasounds, it becomes evident very quickly that there aren't any credible sources claiming that ultrasounds pose a risk to the baby. Even a doppler functions the same way as an ultrasound machine, although on a much lower strength. But dopplers are used by medical professionals at every prenatal visit, and you will have at least one medical ultrasound during your pregnancy.

Why should I get a 3D ultrasound when I've already had a medical ultrasound? There are many things in life that are an investment. Just like many people choose to invest in family photos or engagement photos, a 3D ultrasound will provide you with priceless photos and video to cherish for years to come. The experience of a 3D/4D ultrasound is completely different than receiving a routine medical ultrasound. A 3D/4D ultrasound is an intimate experience to bond with your baby!

Can I find out the gender of my baby? Absolutely! Prenatal Peek even has a package for expectant parents who want a brief ultrasound specifically for gender determination.

My favorite image captured at my 3D/4D ultrasound of my little baby girl!

Thanks to the ultrasound I knew what my baby girl looked like before she had even arrived!

We ended up with many wonderful photos, but this was one of my favorite profile shots from the ultrasound.

If you compare this photo with the 3D ultrasound photo above, you can see just how much detail a 3D ultrasound provides!

Are you ready? Appointments fill up fast! Book your 3D ultrasound TODAY!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received services at no charge in exchange for writing this content. All opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources. The post and all photos with the watermark are the property of Found Frolicking, and should not be used or distributed in any way without first receiving permission. Found Frolicking is in no way responsible for prize shipment, but will work with the sponsors in all ways possible to ensure the winner receives their prizes. Find out how Found Frolicking can help promote YOUR business! If you would like to work with Found Frolicking for a review, giveaway, advertising, or promotion of any other nature, please email Lalia at found.frolicking@gmail.com.

Delicious Drinks Anywhere with DASANI Drops

Disclosure: Thank you to DASANI for sponsoring this content. I received product and compensation in order to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed below are my own. For more information, please refer to the disclosure that can be found at the bottom of this post.

Are you drinking your recommended 8 glasses of water per day? Especially when you're always on the go, it is easy to forget to take care of yourself---including remembering to stay hydrated. Something that becomes even more essential if you have a busy schedule and are often or constantly moving. After all, the human body is more than 60% water. While a person can (believe it or not!) survive a month or more without food, they can only survive about a week without water. So if you think about it, water is even more essential on a daily basis than food! Living in a place that has hot, summer-like days even into December, I try to put even more effort than I used to in drinking enough water. But sometimes, there isn't a convenient source of water available. I've gone without water on many occasions because the only source of water at the time didn't taste great. That never has to happen again, thanks to DASANI Drops!

New to the product line of DASANI Drops, there are no sugar added DASANI Drops liquid beverage enhancers in six delicious fruit flavors: Pineapple Coconut, Mixed Berry, Cherry Pomegranate, Grape, Pink Lemonade, and Strawberry Kiwi. Each container of DASANI Drops is a convenient, compact 1.9 oz bottle that takes up minimal space in your purse. The flip cap makes them quick and effortless to use. DASANI Drops are naturally flavored and contain 0 calories per 8 fl. oz serving, making them a great option even if you're dieting or are calorie conscious. Add them to your water wherever you are---at home, work, at a restaurant, or on the go. Experiment by adding them to your favorite beverage, mixing different DASANI Drops flavors together in a beverage, or creating your own beverage recipes using DASANI Drops. Each DASANI Drops flavor is absolutely addictive, and makes a great treat, without all of the calories and sugar in other beverages.

The DASANI Drops have played a huge part in helping me drink more water throughout the day. My favorite flavor at the moment is Pineapple Coconut, which I take with me wherever I go. At home I love mixing Cherry Pomegranate with Mixed Berry into a glass of ice water! Even my toddler enjoys them, offering a great alternative to sugary drinks that offer no nutritional value but contain a lot of empty calories and fill him up. We rarely have even an entire afternoon spent at home, as I try to keep my active 3-year-old busy and stimulated by trying out different activities and getting him outdoors and away from all the tempting technology at home. We're constantly at places that only have drinking fountains, whether it's the park or a play gym. I love having the option to flavor my water when we're busy running around doing activities like this. I even find myself using my DASANI Drops when my family goes out to eat together as a family on the weekends, saving me money and allowing me to choose a healthier alternative to the tempting juice, lattes and other cafe beverages, or even milkshakes on the restaurant menus.

For more information about DASANI Drops, go to their website. You can look for inspiration on how to use DASANI Drops on their Instagram page. To find out where you can find DASANI Drops, use this convenient store locator to find a retailer near you!

Connect with DASANI

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

A look at four of the fruit flavors available in the product lineup of DASANI Drops!

Each bottle of DASANI Drops makes 32 servings, but is in a small container that makes it easy to take anywhere.

Sweet and tangy, the thirst-quenching Pink Lemonade packs quite a punch!

The Strawberry Kiwi is exotic and refreshing.

The Pineapple Coconut flavor is my favorite---just like a pina colada!

A more familiar fruity flavor, Mixed Berry is the one my toddler always asks for.

Enjoying a glass of water at home, with four great DASANI Drops options to choose from!

The cap of the DASANI Drops is very secure, and the bottle has a convenient squirt top to add to your beverages.

I gently squeeze the DASANI Drops bottle and count to three for the perfect serving, then I'm ready to enjoy my drink.

I perked up my afternoon glass of water with the DASANI Drops Pink Lemonade!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received product and monetary compensation in order to facilitate this content. All opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources. Any statements made above about the products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The post and all photos with the watermark are the property of Found Frolicking, and should not be used or distributed in any way without first receiving permission. Found Frolicking is in no way responsible for prize shipment, but will work with the sponsors in all ways possible to ensure the winner receives their prizes. Find out how Found Frolicking can help promote YOUR business! If you would like to work with Found Frolicking for a review, giveaway, advertising, or promotion of any other nature, please email Lalia at found.frolicking@gmail.com.

Little Leaks Managed with Poise

Millions of women experience it, but there's not a whole lot of discussion around the issue. Like periods, the realities of childbirth, and similar topics... talking about it seems to be a type of taboo! But with a significant portion of the population experiencing it and living with it everyday, the discussion needs to be opened up. We need to talk about it.

You may deal with this issue yourself, and maybe you haven't felt comfortable discussing it---even with your doctor. But if this is something you live with everyday, know that you are not alone. The astounding reality is that one in every four women experience stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Especially after having children, or with age, millions of women experience urine leaks from things as simple and basic as laughing, coughing, sneezing, jumping, dancing, or exercising. Some women experience only a few drops of leakage, while others experience... well, a little more than a few drops. Either way, it's embarrassing, as well as limiting. It's a horrible flashback to the days where you were a teenager and learning to live with your menstrual cycle, awkwardly trying to turn down your friend's invitation to the community pool without telling them it was your "time of the month." Not yet comfortable with your ability to handle your period confidently and without issue. Only, urinary incontinence doesn't really have a management solution which would allow you the freedom to do as you choose without limits. Until now.

Poise Impressa is the new, revolutionary management solution for stress urinary incontinence. It looks like a tampon, but don't be fooled! The applicator is shaped and inserted just as you would use a tampon, but the Poise Impressa is designed to support your bladder, and does not absorb. 9 out of 10 women said their bladder leakage was reduced or stopped. Available in 3 sizes to provide the amount of support you need, this innovative product may be just the trick you need to live life without limits again! Many women who experience SUI opt to use pantyliners or menstrual pads to prevent embarrassing leakage, but Poise Impressa offers a more discreet, convenient, and functional alternative. You probably find yourself avoiding participating in certain activities you used to love as a way to avoid run-ins with leaks. While completely understandable, having to live in fear or restrict yourself and how you live your life due to bladder leakage isn't necessary anymore, thanks to Poise Impressa! Workout out at the gym, jogging, running, athletic sports, jumping on a trampoline... Whatever it is that you were holding back from doing before is possible to challenge, tackle, and enjoy due to the bladder support offered by Poise Impressa.

Hormonal changes or changes to your muscles are two common occurrences that can lead to bladder leaks. Sometimes temporary, but often requiring you to accommodate the changes permanently. After having my son, the physical stress it put on my body and the crazy surge of hormones resulted in some embarrassing leaks for me. Inconveniently, having my son at the end of August meant that I was dealing with this just as cooler weather was starting to settle in, and I had this unpleasant issue to deal with during the fall and winter when I got a cold, followed by a flu a few months later. Just the slightest sneeze would trigger a leak. It was downright frustrating to deal with on top of already not feeling my best. Yuck! Hearing about Poise Impressa, the advantages of this game-changing product struck me immediately. Although I was extremely fortunate that the SUI that I was experiencing resolved itself, I wished that I had had Poise Impressa to turn to when I could have really used it at that time. With the arrival of baby #2 expected any time now, I feel more confident about entering the postpartum stage knowing I have a great management solution should I be facing bladder leakage again down the road!

Take charge of your bladder leakage and look for the line of Poise Impressa products at a store near you! For a limited time, you can get $2 off your purchase of the Poise Impressa sizing kit with this coupon! #TryImpressa

The Poise Impressa Bladder Supports Sizing Kit as you will find it in a store near you!

A look at what comes in the package of the Poise Impressa sizing kit.

Instructions for use and two bladder supports in each size are conveniently provided.

You start with the Size 1 bladder support and move up to the next size if not getting the support you need.

The Poise Impressa bladder support applicator is comfortable and easy to use!

A look at the Poise Impressa applicator as it is being inserted.

The Poise Impressa bladder support blossoms out and has a gentle structure to offer the needed support for your bladder.

Look for the Poise Impressa sizing kit and line of products at an online retailer or store near you!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received product and monetary compensation in exchange for writing this content. All opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources. Any statements made above about the products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The post and all photos with the watermark are the property of Found Frolicking, and should not be used or distributed in any way without first receiving permission. Found Frolicking is in no way responsible for prize shipment, but will work with the sponsors in all ways possible to ensure the winner receives their prizes. Find out how Found Frolicking can help promote YOUR business! If you would like to work with Found Frolicking for a review, giveaway, advertising, or promotion of any other nature, please email Lalia at found.frolicking@gmail.com.

This West Coast Mommy LÍLLÉbaby Baby Carrier Giveaway!

Back in July, This West Coast Mommy marked two years of blogging. Two years deserves a big giveaway, and this is it! Okay, okay, it's a little late (or a lot late), but better late than never, right? Regardless, she's celebrating two years and some change worth of blogging with this awesome giveaway for a LÍLLÉbaby Baby Carrier.

Here's a quick summary of the features that make the LÍLLÉbaby Complete Carrier one of the best all-around carriers out there:

1. SIX ERGONOMIC CARRYING POSITIONS – Includes every carrying position without the need for an infant insert: front-fetal, front-infant, front-outward, front- toddler, hip, and back carry. The Complete grows with your child through all the baby wearing years, from 7 lbs to 45 lbs. The patented cupped seat adjusts to keep baby ergonomically seated in all six carry positions through every developmental stage.
2. LUMBAR SUPPORT – Increases comfort, maintains healthy posture and alignment, and prevents lower back strain. Combined with an extra sturdy waist belt to maximize parent's comfort.
3. TWO-WAY STRAPS – Enables wearer to carry "backpack style" or with straps crossed in the back. Dual adjustment buckles simplify breastfeeding and adjusting straps on the go.
4. SLEEPING HOOD – Features dual adjustment points to provide tailored support for baby's head while sleeping, sun protection while exploring, and privacy while nursing. Removable.
5. EXTRA TALL, EXTENDABLE TORSO – So comfortable your baby will fall asleep. Provides extra neck and back support and keeps taller babies secure in the carrier. The adjustable width gently cradles baby's head. Elastic straps provide support while allowing for movement and easy adjustment.
6. POCKETS - Large zippered storage pocket, plus easy reach pocket for storing hood and essentials.
7. WIDE, PADDED SHOULDER STRAPS & WAIST BELT - Evenly distribute baby's weight for maximized comfort.

Got an older toddler? LÍLLÉbaby also makes the wider and taller CarryOn Toddler Carrier for babies 12 months and up, 20-60 pounds. Make sure you connect with our generous sponsor LÍLLÉbaby on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Win a LÍLLÉbaby Carrier!

One VERY lucky reader will win any in stock LÍLLÉbaby carrier. That's right, the winner will be able to choose any Complete or CarryOn carrier, even This West Coast Mommy's favourite, the new Embossed carrier!

Enter in the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US, 18+. All entries will be verified. Ends Oct 4, 2015 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I was not compensated for posting this giveaway. This West Coast Mommy and participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Please contact olivia@thiswestcoastmommy.com with any questions about this giveaway or to sponsor your own event with This West Coast Mommy.

Find out how Found Frolicking can help promote YOUR business! If you would like to work with Found Frolicking for a review, giveaway, advertising, or promotion of any other nature, please email Lalia at found.frolicking@gmail.com.

Making EveryDrop™ Count During the California Drought

California is experiencing a historic drought. I am proud to partner with Scotts® for this sponsored post to talk about their latest product that can help Californians preserve water at this critical time. Since the beginning of the drought in 2010, most Californians have become aware that there is a drought by this point. With recent discussions and advertisements by the state and various counties, the sense of urgency has increased as it has been declared we are in a severe drought. However, there's a lot of confusion amount residents when it comes to what they can do about it. Not many people are aware of all of the different ways that they can help reduce water usage in their household and preserve this precious resource. The reality is that with no end to the drought in sight, we don't have any of this liquid gold that we can afford to squander.

The drought began shortly after I moved to Canada to be with my husband. Hearing about the drought and the affect it was having on farmers and residents in California really had an impact on me, even while I was abroad. I knew even towards the beginning of the drought the types of drastic and difficult changes that may eventually become necessary as the drought continued. Especially considering the significance of agriculture in California, it meant there were some tough times ahead. Sure enough, farmers have been faced with the difficult decision to let some crops go, focusing their time, energy, and resources on crops that are more profitable and, in many cases, require less water.

We moved back to California in August of 2014, and immediately made changes to our lifestyle in regards to water usage to adjust accordingly. We evaluated our habits and immediately gave up cloth diapering, and started saving and using grey water to water the garden plants. We generally increased our awareness of how much water we were using, and looked for any areas where we could cut back. Not all water saving techniques require a drastic, or even significant, change in lifestyle, but instead take minor adjustments to habits. For example, I only turn on the tap to a slow, steady stream rather than cranking the knob and allowing water to gush from the faucet when I wash my hands, brush my teeth, or take a shower. These little adjustments were about tweaking habits that were, honestly, excessive and wasteful to begin with---drought or no drought. We also switched to a more water efficient toilet, which believe it or not saved a significant amount of water, reducing our bill by more than $50 a month!

Perhaps you invested a lot in landscaping, or in your lawn. You can't stand to see it all turn brown, and that's holding you back from letting your front yard and/or back yard go in an effort to conserve water. I completely understand! But what if there was another option? A way to save water and still allow your lawn and landscaping to thrive? Scotts® EveryDrop™ is a great way to make every drop of water count. Scotts® EveryDrop™is a unique formula of wetting agents that acts as a water maximizer. No matter how you water the botany on your property, using Scotts® EveryDrop™minimizes wasteful and unnecessary runoff and pooling that occurs during watering.

Did you know that well-fed plants use water more efficiently? Using Scotts® EveryDrop™ can help you reduce the water used for your lawn and/or landscape by up to 25%! Activated when it comes into contact with rain or irrigation water, Scotts® EveryDrop™gets to work immediately. Best applied to your soil in the early spring, Scotts® EveryDrop™will prepare your soil for the stresses of summer and help your landscaping cope with and make the most out of water usage during the drought. Applying this granular formula to your soil on a monthly basis throughout summer and into early fall will allow you to maximize the benefits of using Scotts® EveryDrop™. You can find tons of amazing tips and tricks to get the healthiest and most efficient system for plant care directly on the Scotts® website. Recommendations on the best time to water your lawn and landscaping, tips on how to make and keep your plants healthy, and so much more. Are you ready to make every drop count? You can conveniently find Scotts® EveryDrop™products at retailers in California including Orchard Hardware Supply, Lowe's, and Home Depot. Start making the most out of the water we have by looking for Scotts® EveryDrop at a store near you!

The 10 lb. bag of Scotts® EveryDrop™!

Use up to 25% less water when using Scotts® EveryDrop™on your lawn and landscaping.

You can also find Scotts® EveryDrop™in a 3 lb. shaker jug and a liquid spray, giving you just the options you need.

Not only is Scotts® EveryDrop™ effective, but it is also affordable---ranging from $9.99 - $11.99

Start making the most of your water use today. Look for Scotts® EveryDrop™ products at a retailer near you!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® EveryDrop™. I received product and monetary compensation in order to facilitate this content. All opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources. The post and all photos with the watermark are the property of Found Frolicking, and should not be used or distributed in any way without first receiving permission. Found Frolicking is in no way responsible for prize shipment, but will work with the sponsors in all ways possible to ensure the winner receives their prizes. Find out how Found Frolicking can help promote YOUR business! If you would like to work with Found Frolicking for a review, giveaway, advertising, or promotion of any other nature, please email Lalia at found.frolicking@gmail.com.