Since becoming a mom, do you feel like you’ve been on an emotional roller coaster? You’re not alone! A staggering 80 percent of women experience emotional changes during the postpartum period, and 20 percent suffer from postpartum depression. To commemorate Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re featuring the amazing Dr. Christina Hibbert, a clinical psychologist specializing in Postpartum Mental Health, as our 30Second Mom of the Week! She has been a featured 30Second Mom contributor for nearly a year, providing our community with a wealth of great information and support on emotional health, parenting and personal development. Watch this beautiful video Dr. Christi made to commemorate the 30Second Mom anniversary. She touches my heart, and I know she’ll touch yours, too!

Dr. Christina Hibbert

To enable you to connect with Dr. Christi, we’re excited to introduce “Ask Dr. Christi,” where members of our community can ask their mommy mental health questions and receive real-life answers from our resident expert!

Q: You’ve been an expert in “Mommy Mental Health” for some time. How did you first get involved?
A: I had postpartum depression four times. I wanted to help others, so I studied postpartum depression in grad school and produced a video on it. I also volunteered with Postpartum Support International (PSI), and started an Arizona Postpartum Depression Coalition. As I’ve grown as a mom and psychologist, I’ve become an expert on mental health at all phases of motherhood, pregnancy to empty nest. This month, I’m collaborating with PSI for a Maternal Mental Health Awareness Blog Hop. Join us! For more information, follow @PostpartumHelp, @BirthTouch, @unxpctdblessing on Twitter and use hashtags #ppdchat and #PSIBlog.

Q: Why is it so important to raise awareness of Maternal Mental Health?
A: Women and families often don’t realize the childbearing years are toughest on mental health. Motherhood is tough on mental and emotional health. Lack of sleep, long days, always being “on” can take its toll. Pregnancy depression affects 15 percent of all moms. Postpartum depression affects up to 20 percent. PMS and PMDD (more severe PMS) are most common in a woman’s 30s, after childbearing. And then there’s perimenopause, which can also cause depression or anxiety in many women. Women (and their partners) who understand maternal mental health will be better able to stay healthy and keep families strong. So, I’m sharing tips to keep mentally strong through four main phases of motherhood.

Q: Let’s start with pregnancy. What should pregnant women know about their mental health?
A: Mental health in pregnancy and postpartum actually begins before you conceive. Developing healthy habits like good nutrition, sleep, exercise, and time to evaluate and work through issues is key to later wellness. Any hormonal “event” in a woman’s life is likely to disrupt her mentally and emotionally. Pregnancy is usually the first biggie. First-time moms and dads are also adjusting to becoming a parent. It’s a huge life change. Thus, pregnant women should expect some change in their mental health. It’s “normal” to feel emotionally “abnormal” at this time. But, it’s important in pregnancy to also watch for depression, anxiety and to know when you need to seek help.

Q: What do women/families need to know about postpartum mental health?
A: 1) You’re not alone. 80 percent of women experience emotional changes (The Baby Blues) and 20 percent have postpartum depression. There’s a spectrum of Perinatal Mood Disorders, from Depression to Anxiety to OCD to PTSD to Psychosis. And, all of these disorders are TREATABLE. So, 2) Seek help as soon as you need it. For more on PPD treatment, visit this article on my site. Even for moms without PPD, the first year postpartum is tough. It has the highest divorce rate even! Work with your partner; support each other; talk; hold each other; seek outside help as needed. For more on self-help, check out this post. Sleep is a huge factor in maternal mental well-being, so make it a priority! This post provides more information on postpartum sleep. Remember PSI’s message: 1) You’re not alone. 2) You’re not to blame. 3) With help, you will be well. And here’s more of my PPD story and my “16 I’d Like My Postpartum Self To Know, 16 Years & 6 Kids Later.”

Q: I assume these tips apply throughout motherhood, too. What can we add for those in “middle mom” years, as you call it?
A: Yes. Tips like, “sleep, nutrition, exercise, making mental health a priority, talking, support,” apply across motherhood. In middle mom years, it’s important to monitor mental health needs, and ask for help as needed. Check out these tips on How To Get Your Needs Met. Having a good support system is key at all phases, and especially in the middle, when life is truly crazy busy. Enlisting practical help from others to help drive, teach, and even parent your kids can take some of the stress off and keep you healthy. Watch out for PMS, which is common in these years. Talk with your doctor more about menstrual cycle and mental health. Most important? Focus on the “now.” Enjoy your family. If you can’t, seek help. You’ll miss them soon enough.

Q: Which leads nicely into “Empty Nest” mental health. What do you suggest for women at this phase?
A: I’m not there yet, but I work all the time with empty nesters who are depressed/anxious now that kids are gone. They don’t feel “needed” anymore. Many feel “lost.” They no longer know who they are or even what they like to do. It’s an important lesson for us all: Take care of YOU while you raise your kids. Don’t lose yourself. Pursue your interests as you can. It’s great for you, and for your kids. You’ll inspire them to do the same! Also, be on the lookout for emotional changes in perimenopause, the time leading to your last period. Perimenopause can cause significant mental health changes. Seek help from medical/mental health providers who understand hormones and the brain. And, you’re always needed. Even if they’re not there with you. They love you. They need you. It’s just a new phase of life, and it can be a great one if you let it.

Q: We could chat about this topic for days! Any last words for moms?
A: As moms, we hold ourselves to such high standards. We can feel we’re the only ones not measuring up! So, I want to say, “I’m with ya!” We all feel that way at times. You’re in good company. Trust me! My mom’s day post says it all: 1) You’re not alone. 2) You’re better than you realize. 3) YOU ARE ENOUGH. And don’t forget to join the #PSIBlog Hop – you’ll really see you’re not alone! Visit Postpartum Support International’s website for resources, phone/online support and info. A fab organization!

Have a mental health question for Dr. Christi? We want to hear from you! Each week, Dr. Christi will answer a question from our 30Second Mom community. To submit your question for consideration, simply Contact Us!

Dr. Christi will be our featured subject matter expert at #30SecondMom Twitter chat on Wednesday, May 22, 8pmCT, so please join us! Make sure to visit Dr. Christi’s website and Facebook page, and follow her on Twitter!

Mother’s Day is nearly upon us, and we’re excited to share it with the best bunch of moms we know – including YOU! So it’s time for the second annual 30Second Mom Happy Mother’s Day Contest!

To celebrate moms all week long, we’d like you to share one of the following three things with us (in 600 characters or less, of course!): 1) Your No. 1 favorite thing about being a mom, or 2) What was that moment when you truly felt like a mom, or 3) What is your favorite childhood memory of your own mom? You can submit a 30Second Mom “tip” under each of those three topics if you like, or two, or just the one you like best. The goal is to fill our audience with good mommy mojo all week long!

Elisa with her kids at the 30Second Mom one-year anniversary event.

Here’s how to enter:

- If you haven’t already, register for a free 30Second Mom account by visiting the website at www.30secondmom.com or downloading the iPhone or Android app and registering for an account right from the app.

- Submit a Mother’s Day “tip” via your 30Second Mom account on 30SecondMom.com. Simply click on “Add Tip” in the upper right hand corner and fill in the text box that pops up, upload an image and click “submit,” then click “OK” when you’re ready to submit your tip to the site.

- When setting up your account on 30Second Mom, be sure to add your contact information under “My Account.”

- Once your tip has been posted to the 30Second Mom website/app, you will receive a link to share with your friends and family.

Here’s how you may win:

- The participant whose valid entry receives the greatest total number of +1s, Likes and Comments by 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 will win the grand prize pack consisting of a $50 Visa gift card, a 30Second Mom tote bag and car magnet, Luna Bars and SparX Candy by Xlear!

- The participant whose valid entry receives the second greatest total number of +1s, Likes and Comments by 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 will win the runner-up prize pack consisting of a $25 Visa gift card, a 30Second Mom tote bag and car magnet, Luna Bars and SparX Candy by Xlear!

- The participant whose valid entry receives the third greatest total number of +1s, Likes and Comments by 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 will win the third place prize pack consisting of a $15 iTunes gift card, a 30Second Mom tote bag and car magnet, Luna Bars and SparX Candy by Xlear!

We’re so excited to see your tips, and we can’t wait to get to know more about you! Get started right away, and please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Note: We reserve the right to choose which entries to publish based on quality and content. Entries should be in line with the quality and positive nature of the other content on 30Second Mom. By sending in a submission, you agree to our Terms of Service and Official Contest Rules. Please be sure to review our Privacy Policy.

Too often, women settle into a romance rut and live life without the passion they deserve. The 30Second Mom Twitter community was treated to concrete and honest tips by Elley Arden, author of the book Save My Soul. Elley has been infatuated with romance novels since the age of 16, and has fresh ideas on who today’s heroines are and how they have evolved. She will be releasing two additional novels this year for the publisher Crimson Romance, both of the contemporary romance genre. Check out her tips on spicing up your sex life!

Elley Arden

Q: Does writing romance help or hurt the romance in your marriage?

A: It depends on the day. Seriously. If I’m writing something sad, then I’m sad, but if it’s sexy – look out! Writing believable characters means understanding human nature to a certain degree. I apply what I learn and observe. I do believe I’m a better woman and wife because of that concentration on loving, romantic relationships.

Q: Romance novels are filled with so much passion. How do women get it?

A: I like to think of passion as nothing more magical than an intense form of communication. Couples lose the ease of communication as time goes on. Comparing schedules doesn’t count. If you want big passion, start small. Talk. A lot. About everything. Look your partner in the eye. Listen. I bet you talked about everything when you were first dating: hopes, dreams, fears, politics, even sports. Over time and with kids, we get too tired to even talk. So again, start there. You can progress to little touches. A reassuring hand to the arm, a hug of thanks, a quick kiss goodbye. It really is about reconnecting. In some ways, after kids, you’re starting over.

Q: What if things are good, but women want more, or different, sex?

A: Ask for it. It seems simple, but anyone who has tried knows it’s not. Why? Because we fear rejection. When it comes to asking for what you want, don’t set yourself up for rejection. Don’t make it all or nothing. Example: “I’d like to put the kids to bed early tonight or tomorrow, if you catch my drift. Which night works best?”

"Save My Soul" by Elley Arden

A: I have three kids (ages 11 to 16), so I know the feeling. I’ve had to adjust my expectations each age and stage. First, stop comparing your relationship to other relationships. We all have different wants and needs. It’s OK to be OK with alone-time once a week. Do what works for you as a couple. All that talking (and touching) can be a nice buildup to the alone time you do manage to cultivate. Remember, life is constantly changing. This phase will be replaced by another.

Q: Women in romance novels are so beautiful and put together. Many of us want to feel sexy like that. Tips?

A: If you haven’t read a true romance novel in a while, you should! There are more and more realistic heroines. How do you feel sexy? Laugh more. Achieve more. A smile on a confident woman is lethal. Know when you’re at your best, and use that time to your advantage. Be bold when you feel good.

Q: What can women do if they don’t think their husband/partner finds them attractive anymore?

A: Chances are, you’re the one who thinks you’re not attractive anymore. So turn it back on you, your way of thinking. What do you like about yourself? List three things outside your partner and kids. When you’re doubting your attractiveness, dwell on those good things. Use them to fuel a good mood. Your opinion about you matters most. Once you have that straight, ask him what HE likes most about you.

Q: What do you think about people calling romance novels “mommy porn”?

A: That’s a loaded question. Honestly, I think it’s sensationalism, and it trivializes an entire genre of books. It does get women talking about sex – what they like and don’t like — so that’s a good thing. I write about people falling in love despite the constraints life puts upon them. It’s hardly porn.

Q: You’ve got to give us something juicy. Best sexy scene you’ve read or viewed (movies)?

A: I’d say the love scenes in “Anna Karenina” (2012). Not very explicit, but extremely sensual. There is also a tabletop scene from “The Tudors” (not sure season) with Henry Cavill that is burned into my brain! As for what I’ve read, I’m going to leave you with something from my book in the hopes you’ll read it: He … smirked and traced a finger along her collar bone. “There are other things we should be doing with our mouths.”

Make sure to check out Elley’s book and follow her on Twitter!

If you’ve had a baby, chances are, you’ve wished for a good night’s sleep! Dr. Daniel Weissbluth, pediatrician in Chicago and founder of Weissbluth Pediatrics, recently joined our 30Second Mom Twitter chat to share his expertise on the topic of Infant Sleep. His father, Dr. Marc Weissbluth, discovered that sleep is linked to temperament and that sleeping problems are related to infant colic. He authored the popular book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, which has helped a great number of parents develop consistent sleep schedules. Dr. Dan continues to practice the Weissbluth Method and treat patients in his Chicago office. Read on to learn about healthy sleep habits for babies!

Dr. Daniel Weissbluth

Q: Dr. Weissbluth, can you summarize the Weissbluth Method’s basic principle?

A: Great question: Sleep is a lot like food. Quality is more important than quantity!

Q: What is one common myth about infant sleep?

A: The Myth of Total Sleep Duration: the idea is that the early bedtime causes an earlier wake-up time. Many parents think keeping their child up later at night will allow them to sleep better.

Q: Can you give us a helpful sleep tip?

A: Black-out shades! The darker the room, the better! It can make your nursery like a cave. Black garbage bags are low cost and effective (albeit unattractive) solution.

Q: What is colic?

A: Three hours per day of crying, three days a week for three weeks, in an otherwise healthy infant.

Q: How common is colic?

A: About 20 percent of infants qualify for being called “colicky.”

Q: What problems does daycare present in terms of sleep?

A: Too early wake-up, too late bedtime and poor sleep quality during daycare.

Q: What is sleep inertia?

A: It is the intrusion of sleep into wakefulness, similar to grogginess. It can point to being overtired.

Q: What does sleep inertia after a nap represent?

A: It is a strong clue that the bedtime is too late!

Q: Thank you for all of the helpful information! How can new patients schedule a sleep consult for more help?

A: Call my office: 312-202-0300!

Be sure to visit Dr. Dan’s website and follow him on Twitter!

We’re so excited to announce the launch of the 30Second Mom Favorites awards program! Here’s a quick summary of what the program is all about, and how you can participate. Have a question about it? Contact Us!

Q. What is the 30Second Mom Favorites awards program?

A: There are so many products for families, and so much noise and clutter on social media and blogs, that it’s hard to know what’s a worthwhile product and what’s not. The 30Second Mom Favorites awards program identifies the “must-have” items for expectant, new and experienced parents and their families, and then shares them with our audience, social networks and the media. By earning an award, a company can use the 30Second Mom award seal that matches its product’s award-winning status, allowing it to stand out in the crowded digital and retail marketplace. By looking for 30Second Mom award seals on products, promotional materials and digital properties, parents will know which items we Like and Love, and which ones are our Favorites!

Q. Why did you start the 30Second Mom Favorites program?

A: We know that parents are busier than ever, and they rely on their mobile devices to search for information and product reviews. In fact, 61 percent of U.S. moms own a smartphone (Arbitron & Edison Research), half of all moms use mobile devices to access social networks (eMarketer), and moms spend an average of 6.1 hours a day with their smartphones (BabyCenter) – wow!

When searching reviews and shopping online and via mobile, parents need a source they can turn to for quick and credible reviews and referrals to products they can trust. 30Second Mom is the on-the-go parent’s guide for great information. In response to our audience’s requests for credible information on products for their families, 30Second Mom now accepts submissions from companies who wish to have their product reviewed by 30Second Mom. We developed the Favorites awards program in order to have a credible process for reviewing products and determining award levels.

Q. What are the Favorites program award levels?

A: There are three levels of awards in the Favorites program. If we Like a product, it’ll earn the 30Second Mom “Likes This” bronze award. If we feel even more strongly about it, it may earn the 30Second Mom “Loves This” silver award. Then, each season, we’ll review all of our Likes This and Loves This items to determine our Favorites. This is an exclusive collection of the most desirable products we reviewed that season, and only our Favorites earn the 30Second Mom “Favorite” gold award! Our Favorites will be featured quarterly in media releases and product guides on 30Second Mom.

Q. What happens if a product does not earn an award?

A: If a product does not earn a Likes This or Loves This award, the company will be notified and nothing further will occur. Because 30Second Mom wants to only promote companies we believe in, products that do not earn our Likes This, Loves This or Favorite awards will not be featured on 30Second Mom, and we also will not share which products were not recognized with an award by 30Second Mom.

Q. How much does it cost to submit a product to the Favorites awards program?

A: It’s easy and economical to participate in the Favorites awards program. The submission fee is only $300 per product, and we require three identical samples of the product for our reviewers. In general, 30Second Mom reviews products that would be of interest to our audience of expectant, new and experienced parents and their families.

Q. How can a company submit a product to the Favorites awards program?

A: If you’d like to submit a product, simply Contact Us and tell us a bit about your product. We’ll be in touch soon to explain how the process works. If you’re a parent who would like to suggest a product to us, please Contact Us. We love hearing about quality products for families!

Have more questions about the 30Second Mom Favorites program? Check out our FAQ.

30Second Mom’s review, analysis, commentary, and/or grant of an award shall under no circumstances be deemed to constitute any opinion, representation, or warranty as to the safety of the products by anyone at 30Second Mom/30Second Mobile LLC, its officers, directors, agents and employees. For more information about 30Second Mom and the 30Second Mom Favorites program, review our FAQ, Terms and Conditions, Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

I was honored to be included in a group of leading digital entrepreneurs at City Hall with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and top officials on his team. Here’s the official press release about the “Women Who Launch” series from the City of Chicago!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2013

CONTACT
Mayor’s Press Office
312-744-3334
press@cityofchicago.org

MAYOR EMANUEL BRINGS TOGETHER LEADING WOMEN IN CHICAGO’S TECH START-UP SCENE

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today joined the inaugural meeting of a new “Women Who Launch” series, which brings together leading women in Chicago’s tech start-up community with leading female City officials as part of the administrations’ continuing efforts to create opportunity for Chicago’s booming technology industry.

“Chicago’s technology economy is thriving, creating thousands of jobs and generating interest from around the world,” said Mayor Emanuel. “We are seeing unprecedented growth in this key sector, from established international corporations to start-ups designed by Chicagoans. As we continue to work to create opportunity in this dynamic sector, it’s critical for the City to collaborate with everyone involved.”

The inaugural meeting was comprised of female entrepreneurs who own digital start-ups in Chicago and operate out of the co-working center 1871 located in the Merchandise Mart. The entrepreneurs discussed the challenges and opportunities they face with Brenna Berman, the City’s First Deputy Chief Information Officer, and Jaime Rhee, the City’s Chief Procurement Officer. This series will consist of quarterly meetings to maintain a continued dialogue about how the City can help support women-owned digital start-ups.

The launch of this new series comes one week after Mayor Emanuel appointed Chicago’s first ever technology industry diversity council. The Council on Diversity in Technology will work closely with Chicago’s Office of New Americans, as well as ChicagoNEXT, to ensure that their recommendations dovetail closely with the ongoing efforts to make Chicago a welcoming city, as well as ChicagoNEXT’s efforts to attract technology businesses to the city.

Under Mayor Emanuel’s leadership, the City of Chicago has fostered diversity in other areas of the City’s business community, through innovative programs run by the Department of Procurement such as the diversity business initiative. These programs allow the government of Chicago to encourage private sector adoption of important public policy objectives, and have resulted in strong growth and positive outcomes for minority business owners throughout the City, as well as the business community as a whole.

“Women Who Launch”: Connecting with The Women of 1871

Mayor Emanuel Brings Together Leading Women in Chicago's Tech Startup Scene

Q-It Tech, Lotika Pai (founder)
We put you in the driver’s seat to chart the map of your child’s digital viewing journey by creating and sharing video playlists in a snap saves you valuable time. Knowing the videos your child watches are pre-approved by you or the people you trust gives you peace of mind. With a single click, Q-it makes it instantly available on your mobile devices for viewing via our app. Lotika has a two year old son. She has spent years in investment banking, supply chain consulting and manufacturing. She has a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Chicago Booth.

PrettyQuick, Coco Meers (founder)
OpenTable for the $50B beauty service industry, PrettyQuick uses mobile and real-time technology to match individual service requests with local salon and spa availability in real-time. We help on-the-go users conveniently find and book recommended appointments, while seamlessly filling seats in high-quality salons and spas.

MoxieJean, Sharon Schneider (founder)
By providing a curated, stylish selection of like-new kids’ clothes at consignment sale prices, Moxie Jean makes it easy to keep up with fast-growing little bodies, from Newborn to size 8. Moxie Jean was founded by a modern, busy mom who wanted to save time, save money AND save the planet—and didn’t want to sacrifice style to do so.

30Second Mobile, Elisa All (founder & CEO)
30Second Mobile is redefining content, conversations and connections for mobile media by sharing authentic information in engaging formats of 30 seconds or less. Our first brand is 30Second Mom, a free website, iPhone and Android app that enable on-the-go moms to access quick and helpful lifestyle information tailored to their own interests and share them via social networks – all from their computers or mobile devices. New-media pioneer Elisa All is founder of 30Second Mobile. Previously, Elisa founded iParenting Media, a “Best of the Web” new-media publishing company serving parents that was acquired by the Walt Disney Company. 30Second Mom has been featured on WGN-TV, Crain’s Chicago Business, Fast Company, The Huffington Post, Chicago Parent magazine and more. The company was selected as one of the 5 Hottest Start-ups in Chicago by The Digital Collective, and was a finalist for App of the Year and Tech Woman of the Year for Chicago’s Moxie Awards.

Cheeky Chicago, Erica Bethe Levin (co-founder)
CheekyChicago.com is a digital hub for the women of Chicago, producing more than 35 articles each week, monthly events and a state-of-the-art membership program. Founded in 2008 by Chicago residents Erica Bethe Levin and Jessica Zweig, CheekyChicago.com is the ultimate go-to guide for women in the City of Chicago.

Let’sPlayPlease, Mariela Santori (founder & CEO)
Let’sPlayPlease is a virtual playroom that engages kids and their families through video chat interaction. Let’sPlayPlease helps families and friends connect over distance through online activities such as creating stories, coloring, virtual cooking, traveling together and much more.

OneBigBow, Yafit Becher (founder & CEO)
OneBigBow.com ties together the invitation process and the giving of gifts. When guests RSVP to a OneBigBow.com party invitation, they get to see the birthday child’s gift wishes – and they get a chance to chip in toward the cost. Yafit earned a degree in computer science from Bar-Ilan University Israel. She has more than a decade of experience in the high-tech industry, working with large corporations as well as mid-sized firms. OneBigBow.com is the direct result of combining her passion for technology and business with the insights of moms like herself.

30Second Mom is excited to be supporting the launch of a great new resource for expectant parents: Wish Baby Registry & Gifts! Their Chicago showroom is already open, and their interactive registry website launches this month. To learn about Wish and what’s important when planning your registry, check out our interview with Wish Chief Executive Mom Sarah Anderson!

Q: Tell us a bit about Wish and why it’s a great resource for expectant moms!

A: Wish is the premiere baby registry experience, where registry is our sole focus. We offer a pared down assortment of everything new parents need. Our curated collection is a complete registry solution. We want our registrants to be prepared from day one.

Q: Do you really give away a year’s worth of free diapers?

A: We provide free diapers with easily achievable minimum purchases. The free diaper totals range from three months to a year of diapers. Parents can choose cloth, Huggies or Pampers diapers.

Q: What makes Wish Baby Registry different than other registries?

A: We offer free Registry Concierges to create solutions. Our process is fun and simple. We offer a carefully curated selection of products we believe in. And don’t forget free diapers, too!

Q: What are some important things expectant parents should look for in a baby registry?

A: Parents should not feel overwhelmed, but prepared. You should look for a resource like Wish that has all the products in every category, style and budget. It makes it easy for gift givers to provide useful gifts.

Q: When are you opening and how can we learn more?

A: Our doors are open now. Come visit us: 2209 N. Halsted, Chicago, Ill. Our website goes live this month!

30Second Mom is so excited to introduce a new brand partner, Wish Baby Registry & Gifts! Wish is the premier baby registry experience, where registry is the sole focus. Wish is designed to deliver a fun, amazingly simple and complete registry experience. Wish offers a curated selection of furniture, bedding, layette, gear and gifts, showcasing products from every category an expectant parent needs.

And how cool is this: Every registrant at Wish receives one year of free diapers when they reach the easily achievable minimum order!

To be eligible to win push presents from Wish, simply post your due date and a story about what you didn’t EXPECT while EXPECTING by December 31st on the Wish Facebook page. Wish will select 101 lucky moms to work with their Registry Concierges to create an amazing registry and then your basket is on its way!

So excited to welcome Wish as a 30Second Mom sponsor, and we hope you’ll share this fabulous baby registry experience with your friends and family!

Wish: When you’re expecting. Everything!

Celebrating 30Second Mom’s one-year anniversary was an amazing way to recap a year filled with growth, relationships and achievement. As I look back on the first of what I hope will be many years of making moms’ lives easier and more fun in 30seconds or less, I am filled with a deep sense of satisfaction at how much we’ve accomplished in just 365 days.

Jan Mostrom, Beth Aldrich, Cheryl Leahy, Demika Caldwell, Annette Jett, Elisa All, Jane Cabrera, Cecilia Cannon, Shannon Guernsey Coulter, Mindy Hudon

We started with a team of 25 diverse and talented contributors. We are now at 85 and growing; moms with various areas of expertise who are based in much of the United States – and even a couple of other countries! We started our editorial by covering nine lifestyle categories. We are now at 14 and growing!

Mary N. Dillon, Elisa All, Kevin Willer

Together with contributors, business associates, the media, fellow entrepreneurs, family and friends, we heard from Kevin Willer, president and CEO of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center and 1871, where 30Second Mom is now based. Kevin is at the forefront of positioning Chicago as a major hub for digital entrepreneurship, and we were honored by his support of 30Second Mom.

Mary N. Dillon with Elisa All

We then listened to a wonderful keynote by Mary N. Dillon, president and CEO of U.S. Cellular, who is one of America’s most respected and inspiring corporate leaders. We were humbled and thrilled to hear her belief in 30Second Mom and her ongoing support of our initiatives, and were so grateful for her recognition of our achievements.

Elisa All with her family

As a preview of our Approved Products program, we presented each guest with a 30Second Mom branded canvas tote bag filled with wonderful family products that were sent by companies looking to 30Second Mom to spread the word about what they have to offer. Details on our Approved Products program are coming soon.

Lesly Levitas, Elisa All, Kristin Svets

Perhaps the most important part of our anniversary celebration was the deepening of 30Second Mom relationships. We had 12 contributors in attendance, many of whom met each other for the first time that night. It was like seeing a dear friend: The powerful sisterhood of 30Second Mom truly is like a family. No matter what area we specialize in, how many kids we have, how old we are, where we come from, etc., we are all united by the common bond of motherhood. It’s a tie that binds us in the sweetest of ways. That we are all 30Second Moms makes the bond even deeper.

Kathy Braasch, Elisa All, Karla DiNoto

30Second Mom’s anniversary event was one of the most memorable nights ever! Together with contributors, business associates, family and friends, we celebrated one year of making time-strapped moms’ lives easier and more fun with 30Second Mom! We heard from Kevin Willer, president and CEO of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center and 1871, where 30Second Mom is based. We also listened to a wonderful keynote by Mary N. Dillon, president and CEO of U.S. Cellular.

We saw a highlight reel sharing moments from our first year, and also talked about upcoming initiatives, such as the launch of our Pregnancy, Trending and Products categories, which ties into our new 30Second Mom Approved Products program, launching soon.

30Second Mom Approved Products Seal

As a small preview of our Approved Products program, we presented each guest with a 30Second Mom branded canvas tote bag filled with wonderful family products! Many companies sent items to be included in this fabulous bag. Here’s what was in them:

Clif Bar & Company: LUNA Chocolate-Dipped Coconut bars – This delicious treat is “the whole nutrition bar for women,” including calcium, folic acid, vitamin D, iron, protein and fiber. Keep one in your bag and in your car for a quick, healthy snack on the go!

Clif Kid Organic ZBar and ZBar Crispy Rice – These baked whole-grain energy snack “nourishes kids in motion” with whole grains, calcium, 12 vitamins and minerals and no high-fructose corn syrup. Include them in your kids’ lunch or keep them on hand for sports and other events where kids need a boost of nutrition!

GoPicnic Ready-to-eat Meals: Turkey Stick & Crunch and Hummus & Crackers – These delicious, all-natural, gluten-free, shelf-stable meals are packaged ready to go, making them the perfect accompaniment for any busy family. The turkey meal has only 330 calories yet is a balanced meal providing fiber, protein and even a double chocolate cookie! The hummus meal is vegan and kosher, packed with protein – and dark chocolate for dessert. We love these as kids’ ready-to-eat lunches or a meal on the run for busy moms!

Perseus Books sent us a variety of parenting titles to share with our guests, including Belli Beautiful: The Essential Guide to the Safest Health & Beauty Products for Pregnancy, Mom & Baby; Smart Bites for Baby: 300 Easy-to-Make, Easy-to-Love Meals That Boost Your Baby and Toddler’s Brain; The Organic Nanny’s Guide to Raising Healthy Kids. No matter what lifestage of parenting you’re in, Perseus Books has an informative resource for you!

Chicago Parent Magazine, the monthly magazine for “real happy families” in Chicago, included copies of its November issue, which is chock-full of wonderful information for parents. Whether you want to know how to raise a confident girl, see the best of Chicago from a kid’s perspective or learn the top holiday hotspots and toys for tots, it’s all in the November issue of this wonderful parenting publication!

Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water – A colic cure in a bottle? This product is an all-natural herbal supplement used to ease gas and stomach discomfort often associated with colic, hiccups and teething in babies. It has no alcohol, chemicals or parabens, no artificial flavors or colors, no dairy, gluten or soy. It uses organic fennel and ginger, needs no refrigeration and is 100 percent vegetarian/vegan. And, the company is run by a mother-daughter team!

Fruity Sparx Sugar-free Xylitol Candies – Candy that’s good for you? This all-natural candy is made from 100 percent xylitol, with no aspartame and a low-glycemic index. It’s gluten free and comes in a variety of flavors that promote healthy teeth and gums, making it a nice alternative to sugar candy. Plus, kids like it – a win-win!

Pink Lemonade – This free e-book teaches girls to turn “life’s lemons” into lemonade by developing inner strength and confidence. While each glass of lemonade is unique to each individual, the idea behind the book is contributing positively to oneself and to others is the recipe for a joyous and successful life.

Mama Maternity Co: Maternity Alert Jewelry – This novel idea helps protect an expectant mom and her unborn child in the case of an accident or other medical situation where she can’t speak for herself, such as a car accident, fainting, diabetic reaction, etc. The m*a*m*a ® pendants celebrate pregnancy by combining a traditional stork, the medically-recognized “star of life” and expected due date, displaying vital information that could alter the treatment you and your baby receive in the event of a medical emergency.

Divine Mama Bars – These 100 percent all-natural bars provide nourishment for a healthy and abundant breast milk supply. Made with lactogenic (milk-producing) ingredients (such as dates, oats, nuts and seeds), they have no artificial sweeteners, no processed starches and no new food technology. Whether you want to make more milk, feel peace of mind when eating a snack or simply have a delicious treat, give Divine Mama Bars a try!

Go Trexx Apps – Want to transform your family vacation from ho-hum to amazing? Bring the Go Trexx travel app (Apple and Android) with you and get ready to put family fun back into your family vacation. Designed for families with children ages 7 to 12, the app helps maximize their understanding and enjoyment of popular historical sites and points of interest at global travel destinations. Each destination-specific app features curious travel facts, educational trivia, customizable postcards and family conversation starters that give users a deeper understanding of the sites they are visiting.

Stork Stack delivers monthly stacks of the company’s favorite mom-recommended products directly to their members’ doorsteps. These lovingly curated stacks include five of their favorite products for your baby and for you. They send products valued at more than $50 each month for only $28, and always free shipping! It’s like a present arriving each month!

Ringya app – Reach beyond your contacts and say goodbye to paper contact lists with this innovative app. Create contact lists on your smartphone with zero effort. Transform class lists and office directories. Transform all your contact lists into mobile, digital “Rings” in a snap (class lists, work contacts, etc.) Always know who is calling you via contextual caller ID. Easily share lists with group members and when anyone changes contact info, the entire list gets the update. Check it out!

Many thanks to all the companies who shared their wonderful products with our attendees. And stay tuned to the 30Second Mom site and app for your chance to win one of these amazing goody bags yourself!