Pregnancy Planning Expert: Melissa Moog
Expert Bio
Melissa Moog is the founder of Itsabelly Baby Concierge, a premier baby planning agency designed to help parents navigate the world of all things maternity and newborn. Itsabelly focuses on helping parents choose green products and adopt a more eco-friendly parenting lifestyle. Melissa loves to work with new parents to provide them with the best baby gear decisions based on their budget and lifestyle.
Every month Melissa can be found offering parenting and baby gear advice on Portland’s AM Northwest television program. Itsabelly has been featured in Pregnancy Magazine, Tot Trends Weekly, Cool Mom Picks, Peekaboo Picks, Portland Picks, and Metro Parent. Melissa is the Green Parenting expert for emomsathome.com and also reviews green baby products on her own Itsabelly blog.
After 14 years in the fast-paced high tech industry, Melissa decided to stay home after her daughter Isabella’s birth. It was not long until she was entering the exciting world of entrepreneurship. In the midst of her own overwhelming experience planning for Isabella’s arrival and motherhood, she was inspired to create a service that would help new and expectant parents ease into a life with their new baby. Melissa is also involved with Dress For Success, where she volunteers as a career coach to help under privileged women become self sufficient. To recharge, Melissa enjoys testing out her culinary talents, time at the gym, and traveling with her husband , Randy, Isabella, and their two yellow labs (Wrigley and Shasta).
Click the links below to view all of Melissa's features, articles, and other content!
10 Tips for 40 Weeks of Organic Living
By Melissa Moog, The Bump Pregnancy Planning Expert
You're pregnant and you want to provide the best environment for your baby to grow in. Eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise are just the basics towards a healthy pregnancy. Now, you're thinking of going green. How do you know where to start if you want to do more for your growing baby? Here are simple tips to help you green up towards 40 weeks of organic living.
- Stay away from processed, packaged foods - always eat fresh foods and if possible buy certified organic produce at local farmer's markets. Visit www.localharvest.org to find a farmer's market near you.
- Do away with harmful house cleaning products. Try a natural homemade cleaner like this one: Make a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda, one part water) to remove stubborn stains from most surfaces. Apply, let stand, then scrub or wipe clean.
- Try to be as naturally beautiful as possible. Don't use nail polish or color treat your hair. Use cosmetics that are made with organic ingredients, like Dr. Hauschka. Check out: www.drhauschka.com
- Keep your clothes clear of nasty chemicals by using organic laundry soap. Try Seventh Generation: http://www.seventhgeneration.com/our_products/laundry.php
- Sleep with non-toxic linens. Target now offers organic linens at affordable prices: http://www.target.com
- Do not remodel your home to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. If you must paint, use no-VOC paint like AFM Safecoat: http://www.afmsafecoat.com/products.php?page=1
- If you live in an older home (built before 1978) make sure you're not exposed to old lead-based paint. To test for lead paint, call EPA's lead hot line at 800-424-5323.
- Recycle as much as you can! As you prepare baby's nursery,
ask friends and family if they have used baby items you can use like
clothing, dresser, or baby gear - Say no to eating high mercury fish like wild bass, tuna,
canned albacore and swordfish. - Make sure your drinking water is safe by
finding lead testing services through
www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/sco.html