The new generation of pregnancy websites, apps
Pregnancy and new parenthood can be overwhelming. There's a deluge of information to digest.
For years, websites such as BabyCenter and WhatToExpect.com have provided solid how-to and week-by-week information, in addition to forums for expecting/new parents. But a new genre of sleek apps and sites is emerging.
Mama Glow
Mama Glow offers virtual lifestyle and nutrition coaching to support couples from the time they are trying to conceive, through pregnancy, and into the fourth trimester.
Options include a customized preconception detox. After delivery, Mama Glow offers virtual access to breast-feeding and sleep experts, or self-care and meditation programs.
Founder Latham Thomas is a graduate of Columbia University and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She's also a certified doula and yoga teacher - so she and her team have the holistic approach covered.
Maven
"Google the weather, not your symptoms" is Maven's tagline.
Maven connects patients to vetted doctors and health care specialists (including OB/GYNs, nutritionists, physical therapists, lactation and sleep consultants and mental health practitioners), in addition to offering forums where women can ask questions and connect with one another.
It's possible to book appointments "anonymously." Ten minutes with a doctor or nurse is $35; 10 minutes with a nurse practitioner or midwife is $18; 45 minutes with a mental health specialist is $70; 20 minutes with a doula or lactation consultant is $25.
Expectful
Expectful is out to get more women meditating while pregnant.
For $9 a month, users have access to videos and guided meditations (voice only, no images) that are organized by trimester and that tackle specific topics, including getting better sleep and connecting with your partner.
Baby2Body
With three levels (free, premium for $4.99 monthly, and all-access for $55 for the duration of your pregnancy and four months after delivery), Baby2Body offers everything from daily tips (such as recipes and infographics) to programmable reminders (Drink that water and do those Kegels) and Listen & Do podcasts (such as guided meditations).
Gugu Guru
What if Google screened all your searches for baby stuff - and only showed you items that match your personal style? That's exactly what Gugu Guru does.
Upon registering, users select mood boards that best match their ideal nursery, personal style and the way they envision dressing their baby. Using that information, the site then suggests products that best fit your aesthetic. As users accept or reject selections, the site gets smarter about preferences and rethinks its suggestions.
Once a registry is created, it can be shared (just in case anyone wants to buy you a baby gift). Most important, brands can't pay to have their products listed - they're all hand selected and categorized by the Gugu team.
Mindful Return
It seems like there's a website or book out there for everything related to having a baby except how to make the transition back to work easier.
Mindful Return founder Lori Mihalich-Levin created an e-course that walks women through some of the issues they'll face while trying to figure out a work/life balance that suits their families. The course is split into four units that can be explored on demand.