News

Believe it or not, when it comes to the most common pregnancy myths -or truths?-, many of them have not 100% conclusive evidence debunking or proving them right yet! Science is always evolving and changing our beliefs. Think about some ideas that hit the ground running back in the 1950s! Did you know that women back then were prompted to light a ciggy as a way to calm down? Or that breastfeeding wasn’t encouraged because formula milk was supposed to be better? Table Of Contents Hot Tub Pregnancy Myth Pregnancy Glow Myth Hairy Baby And Heartburn During Pregnancy Myth Guessing Gender In Pregnancy Myths Cat Litter Pregnancy Myth Full Moon Myth On Pregnancy Pregnancy Myths About Food A Final Word On Pregnancy Myths Sources In this article, we’ll share with you some of the most common myths about pregnancy, and where science stands nowadays! Hot Tub Pregnancy Myth Will using a hot tub increase the risk of miscarriage? According to this study and other trusted sources, using a hot tub can increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. This is due to the rising body temperature hot water causes –hyperthermia-, not because of being submerged. The American Pregnancy Association and the Organization of Teratology Information Services also advise that a pregnant woman’s body temperature should never rise above the 102F. Most experts recommend setting the bath on a lower temperature and staying for 10 minutes or less. Keeping an eye on your body’s and water’s temperature is also a must! For more information, read Bellefit’s guide about Pregnancy and Hot Tubs. Pregnancy Glow Myth That pregnancy glow Oh…this is a good one. For starters, don’t take it like pregnancy will make you incandescent! There are both supporters and detractors of the ‘magical’ pregnancy glow, which basically asserts that pregnant women’s skin looks radiant and replenished. Some say this glow comes from the happiness of carrying a child. Others believe it can actually predict your bub’s gender even though there’s no proof for it. At the end of the day, what doctors do know is that an increased blood flow running through your vessels and hard-working oil glands can cause shiny skin that looks flushed. It’s important to say that not all women experience this! Pregnancy can also cause flaky, dry skin. There is a lot of shame around this topic though. Pregnant women are still ‘supposed’ to look fabulous and glowy when the truth is…that’s such an unrealistic expectation! Hairy Baby And Heartburn During Pregnancy Myth Heartburn and Pregnancy Is heartburn a sign of a hairy baby? This old wives’ myth had been debunked by professionals over and over. But, surprisingly, a 2006 study done on 64 pregnant women, actually found a relation between heartburn and babies born with a bit of an Elvis Presley style in their little heads. What scientists have come to fully understand is that high levels of estrogen can increase the levels of heartburn. Heartburn is simply what happens when the sphincter at the base of the esophagus relaxes and lets stomach fluids back into the esophagus. Funnily enough, the scientists that planned and carried this study, did it so to debunk this myth once and for all…so after the unexpected results, who knows? Guessing Gender In Pregnancy Myths Will it be a boy or a girl? “Girls’ heart rates are faster than boys’ heart rates.” “Carrying low means it’s a girl, carrying high that’s a boy.” “Cold feet mean it’s a boy.” What about testing the electromagnetic field with a golden ring or a needle suspended above the belly? “If you experience morning sickness it’s a girl…” So many of the myths about pregnancy that we still hear nowadays are related to guessing the baby’s gender! We are sorry to say, but there’s no conclusive information proving any of these myths! Pregnancy is such a complex process, and there are still many questions without answers. But in this case, it looks like the classic midwives’ tales about gender guessing have received a major blow! Cat Litter Pregnancy Myth Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy There’s a difference between not being able to pat your cat and being mindful of how you change your cat’s litter. The Toxoplasma Gondii is a parasite that lives in cat litter and poo, and can potentially cause an unborn child to get sick and show symptoms of the illness during growth. But, what are the chances of getting Toxoplasmosis while pregnant? First of all, this parasite doesn’t live only in your kitten’s poo. It can also be found in uncooked meat -more on that below! Many people around the world carry the parasite without developing any symptoms, but the underlying worry can be if a woman gets infected while pregnant. As experts from Harvard University recommend, you should avoid eating raw or rare meat. Also, try to avoid changing your cat’s litter box on your own. If you don’t have anyone to help you do this, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. Keep your cat indoors, and avoid feeding him raw meat -stick to canned or dried cat food!. With all these precautions in place, you are still free to pat your kitten! Full Moon Myth On Pregnancy Full Moon and Pregnancy Nowadays, we have some answers about the effect of the moon and its gravitational pull moving tides across the world. But when it comes to the moon’s effect on humans, there are still many questions without certain answers. As this study explains, our biology is related to seasonal, lunar and circadian rhythms -the sleep-wake natural rhythms and cycles we go through every day. But what about the old wives’ pregnancy myth that says a full moon can send you into labor? By the looks of it, it’s definitely a myth! Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded there were no noticeable differences in the frequency of births across the different phases of the moon. The study compared the birth certificates of over 500.000 babies born over 62 lunar cycles. Pregnancy Myths About Food Food Pregnancy Myths There’s so much information out there! It can be just-so-easy to get confused or paranoid without really understanding the logic behind some of the most common pregnancy myths around food… “Eating spicy food can harm the baby” Spicy food won’t hurt your child. It can cause heartburn and make you feel uncomfortable, so you may want to skip it, but it’s not going to harm your baby! “You should be eating for 2” It’s not that you should ‘eat for 2.’ It’s true that your body needs as many nutrients as it can get to grow your baby, but eating for 2 it’s not a free card to give in to sugar cravings every day -that’s a tough one, right? “It’s not safe to eat fish” Raw fish and high-Mercury fish can lead to complications during pregnancy. For starters, raw fish is a common cause of food poisoning -so you should avoid it whenever possible. The same goes for uncooked and rear meats, and fish with high levels of Mercury. For more information on this, check out Bellefit’s guides: Foods you should avoid during pregnancy Best foods for pregnant women Beyond myths, truths, and facts, getting clear on the best pregnancy nutrition you can get is the most important thing! A Final Word On Pregnancy Myths Common Pregnancy Myths We’ve walked you through some of the most common pregnancy myths and, as you can see, there’s some truth behind most of them. The problems start when beliefs and ideas are taken out of context or don’t have a proper explanation. In the end, it all comes down to learning over and over what’s best for you and your baby! What’s NOT A MYTH after pregnancy? It’s the postpartum belly! Bellefit postpartum girdles were made especially for women after they’ve given birth, who need that extra boost of confidence which usually becomes “lost” after pregnancy. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles and Corsets – Medical Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended since 2008, Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes Sources https://www.healthxchange.sg/women/pregnancy/pregnancy-food-myths-busted https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32033409 https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/2/421S/4686960https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/hot-tubs-during-pregnancy/ https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/is-it-safe-to-use-a-sauna-or-jacuzzi-if-i-am-pregnant/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-and-hot-tubs/faq-20057844 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-glow/faq-20115104 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-glow/faq-20115104 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5715231/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17150070 https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/20/health/20really.html https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_qtd1io6q https://www.medicinenet.com/is_it_a_boy_or_girl__myths_and_facts/views.htm https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/toxoplasmosis-a-to-z https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16407788 https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(05)00005-0/abstract

In recent years, food preparation has become widely popular – and for good reason. Food preparation makes it easy for you to create meals in a timely manner. From prepping lunches for the week, to making hearty and healthy soups – meal prepping is a great way to save time and stay healthy. So it’s no wonder that more and more women are making food prep a priority in their baby preparations. Healthy meal prep containers: Couscous with grilled chicken breast, salad, avocado, berry, apple, nuts and dry dates. Keto, ketogenic diet, low carb, healthy food concept. Top view Why you should food prep before the baby comes For many people food/meal prep is not a priority when getting ready to have a baby. Usually that isn’t even something you think about. You come home and make dinner; or you make breakfast the morning you get up. And typically, that is fine and works, but when you are bringing home a new baby lots of things are going to change. You Don’t Know When that Baby is Coming So why should you put meal prep on your baby prep list? Well, for one, you don’t know when the baby is coming. Sure you have their due date, but unless you are being induced or having a planned c-section, you can only guess when they will actually come. That means that at any moment you can go into labor, and may not have any food in the house. When you come back from the hospital you won’t have any food for yourself, and now you have to scramble at the last minute to find something. Focused on Baby, Not on Yourself Maybe you do have food in the house or maybe you do know when the baby is coming, but if you don’t do some food prep you may not find the time to make anything. Taking care of a newborn is a lot of work! And we know that you are doing your best and being the best mother and sometimes that means you end up neglecting your own needs. By doing some food prep before the baby comes, you are ensuring that you have healthy and ready to go meals that you can grab and eat. That way you don’t have to rely on take-out or quick microwave meals that may not be the most nutritious. To make sure you are getting the best foods for yourself check out our blog on the best foods for pregnant women; and try incorporating them into your meal prep ideas. Food Prep before Having the Baby Puts Those “Nesting” Urges to Good Use If you are a first-time mother you may not have experienced the urge to “nest,” but trust us it’s a real thing. As you get closer to your due date, you may start experiencing some weird feelings and overwhelming need to clean and do things. This is called “nesting.” This feeling is meant to help you get your house ready for the baby to come, but sometimes you are already ready. And now you just have this overwhelming urge to do something with nothing to do! Well, if that’s the case you can always meal/food prep as part of your need to “nest.” Tips and Tricks for Food Prep before Baby Comes Ok, so now that you know why it is important to meal prep before the baby comes, we wanted to give you a few tips and tricks. It can be a little overwhelming to start with meal preparation because you don’t really know what you need to prepare. You may be asking yourself – what should I make? How far in advance should I make it? I don’t know what I’ll be in the mood for! Well, don’t worry we live and we learn and we have some tips that can help. Make meals you can eat while multitasking This is the most important tip we can give! Your first few days/weeks after giving birth are the most amazing and stressful times in your life. Newborns need constant care, and you are still recovering from giving birth so taking care of yourself and your baby is incredibly time consuming. Let’s say the baby finally falls asleep and now you have an hour to eat, shower, do laundry, and take out the trash. That’s incredibly stressful! Not to mention that you are probably sleep-deprived and just want to take a nap with them. So to make sure you make the most of your time, prep meals that you can eat while also doing other things. Don’t forget snacks and dessert It may sound dumb, but snacks and dessert are essential. Snacks are one of those small meals that you can eat while multitasking and they are easy to eat while taking care of the baby too. It’s hard to feed your baby while eating a bowl of hot soup, but you can eat a granola bar, or trail mix. And yes it may seem like dessert isn’t essential, but I certainly feel like it is. After a long day, all I want is a nice warm cookie, or brownie, or cupcake. And if you are worried about your figure or calories you can always make low calorie alternatives. It is just nice to have something to look forward to at the end of a long day. Slow Cookers are your best friend I’m sure if you have been on any mommy-blogger website you will have heard the same thing – slow cookers/crock pots are your best friend. And all I will say is, it’s true. Slow cookers are the gift to mothers everywhere. You can throw in a bunch of ingredients, set the time and temperature, and forget about it. You can literally forget about dinner until it is dinner time, and then all you need is a serving spoon and a bowl. Slow cookers aren’t just great for soups and stews, you can make brisket, chili, pulled pork, the list goes on endlessly. So if you are looking for a good investment, slow cookers are a great idea. Recipes for Food Prep before Baby Comes So now that you know why you should food prep before the baby comes, and have some tips and tricks, what should you prepare? Well we came up with a few quick and easy ideas and links to recipes that stick to our tips and tricks and make your life a little easier. Pregnant woman cutting cucumber for fresh green salad, female prepares tasty organic dinner at home, healthy nutrition for future mother Breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It starts your metabolism and gives you energy to get through your morning. So when it comes to breakfast you want to make sure it is ready to go quick and easy. Stock up at the Grocery Store: granola, yogurt, breakfast bars, and muffins. Food Prep: smoothies, overnight oats, and breakfast burritos. Lunch/Dinner Lunch and dinner are the meals where you want to get the most calories and your hearty protein and vegetables. They are hard to eat while multi-tasking but they are essential to your health. Prepping them before the baby comes is necessary so that you don’t spend a long time making them and can just pop them in the microwave or the oven to heat and eat. Stock up at the grocery store: frozen/steamable veggies, canned foods, pasta, and rice/grains. Food prep: chili, slow cooker pulled pork, and meatballs. Snacks/Dessert An easy go-to small meal perfect for multitasking is essential. It’s a quick burst of energy that you may need throughout the day as you go about your daily tasks. And dessert is a great treat to look forward to after a long day. Stock up at the grocery store: Trail Mix, Popcorn, and Cookies Food Prep: Protein Balls, Roasted Chickpeas, Protein Brownies Takeaways – Food Prep is Essential Food prep is a great way to make the most of your time in the first few days/weeks when you get back from the hospital. Not only do you save time, but you are also making sure you stay healthy for yourself and your baby. Food prep helps limit the amount of fast food and unhealthy meals you eat, which helps you get back to that pre-pregnancy body. Food prepping before the baby comes helps to set you up for success after the baby comes; but some women may need a little extra help along the way. If you are dealing with pain or discomfort after giving birth, a postpartum girdle can help. Our postpartum girdles reduce abdominal pain associated with giving birth and help speed up the recovery process. We hope that this little guide helped you decide if/how you should food prep before the baby comes. Sources https://www.dashofevans.com/freezer-smoothie-kits/ https://everydayeyecandy.com/banana-nut-bread-overnight-oats/ https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/my-favorite-slow-cooker-chicken-chili-recipe/ https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a51267/slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe/ https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/easy-no-bake-protein-balls-4-ways/ http://barktime.co.uk/2017/01/15/honey-mustard-roasted-chickpeas/ https://thebigmansworld.com/4-ingredient-flourless-protein-brownie-bites/

You may be wondering if your postpartum belly will ever go away, and it's taking a toll on your self-esteem. There is no definitive answer to when you'll regain your pre-pregnancy body, as every woman's pregnancy experience and body is unique. However, we're confident you can bounce back to your former self with the right mindset, some hard work, and the right equipment. It's common to end up with stubborn belly fat after pregnancy. What's more, this extra weight seems to creep up on you while you're pregnant—it doesn't come off with breastfeeding and even if you work out, no matter how often or how hard. If you're one of the many women who have experienced this frustrating scenario, don't worry; we're here to help. Our article covers why it's common to gain belly fat during pregnancy and what you can do to get your pre-pregnancy body back sooner. If you're still in your pregnancy and looking to plan a head, you should check out our other articles on 10 Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy Guide and these 5 Tips for a Holistic Approach to Pregnancy to make losing weight after pregnancy much easier. Tips For Flat Tummy After Pregnancy - How To Get Rid Of Belly Fat? Table Of Contents Understanding The After-Pregnancy Belly Enlarged Uterus Accumulated 'Baby Belly Fat' Separated Abdominal Muscles Post-Pregnancy Belly: Loose Skin 5 Tips For A Flat Tummy After Pregnancy 1. Breastfeed To Promote Weight Loss 2. Get A Postpartum Massage 3. Wear A Postpartum Girdle to Support Your Stomach After Giving Birth 4. Eat Clean to Slim Your Belly After Birth 5. Postnatal Fitness for Post-Pregnancy Belly Post-Pregnancy Exercises To Flatten Your Stomach After Giving Birth Pelvic Floor Exercises for How to Get Your Stomach Back After Pregnancy How to Lose Pregnancy Belly - Go For Walks Post-Pregnancy Yoga Or Other Low-Impact Activities Focus On Core Strength for Your Stomach After Pregnancy Tips On Firming Loose Skin After Delivery Nourish Your Skin With Hydrating Products Drink Plenty Of Water Get A Skin Wrap Treatment Wear A Bellefit Postpartum Girdle To Get The Most Benefits Summing Up: Reducing Belly Fat Naturally Sources: @jenniferaffleckk Nora & I sending out good vibes weekly💓 #momsoftiktok #utahmom #postpartum #postpregnancyweightloss #postpregnancy #bounceback #babiesoftiktok #fyp #pregnancy #youngmom ♬ Wanna Be Startin' Something - Michael Jackson - livethelifethatyoudread Understanding The After-Pregnancy Belly One of the most common complaints we hear from new moms is the dreaded "jelly belly" or "mommy pooch" that just doesn't seem to go away. The basic idea behind it is that after pregnancy, your stomach flab hangs on for dear life and won't go away no matter how much you exercise or diet. The culprits behind this are the same ones responsible for stretch marks: hormones, skin elasticity, body fat distribution and genetics. The truth is that two-thirds of women who have given birth to a child will be diagnosed with postpartum weight retention up to 5 years after delivery. Postpartum weight retention refers to the excess weight a woman gains while pregnant, which she cannot get rid of in the weeks and months following giving birth. It's also known as post-pregnancy belly fat or pregnancy pooch even though you may be months or years past your pregnancy. Here are some of the main reasons why your belly is looking a little bigger than you'd like after pregnancy. Understanding the After Pregnancy Belly Enlarged Uterus The uterus that first housed your baby started out as the size of a large plum (3 – 4 inches), and it stretches up to 500 times its size during pregnancy. Just as the uterus didn't grow overnight, don't expect your uterus to shrink back to its original size so quickly. The process of your uterus transforming back to its original size is called involution and the whole process can take anywhere from 6 – 8 weeks after giving birth, which may leave you feeling quite large for longer than you'd like — luckily, the female body is designed to bounce back to shape eventually. After your baby is born, you may experience cramping and uterine contractions, called "afterpains" — which shrink the uterus back to size — from around 72 hours after delivery until involution is complete. 'Afterpains' aren't really pains at all. They can feel like mild menstrual cramps and can be quite uncomfortable—but they're an expected part of the postpartum recovery process and nothing to worry about. Afterpains often start out as a twinge, then feel like a tightening sensation that lasts for about 30 seconds, before subsiding again. 'Afterpains' will probably start between 24 to 48 hours after you give birth. As your uterus begins to involute (meaning it returns to its normal size), 'afterpains' are a result of the contracting muscles pulling on the connective tissue in the uterus. Usually you feel mild discomfort and occur every 15-30 minutes for no longer than 10 minutes at a time. The intensity of afterpains can vary depending on how quickly your uterus has shrunk back down to its pre-pregnancy size, how much your baby nursed or was fed during her first three days of life, and whether or not you've had stitches following the birth. Some mothers find breastfeeding to help with the afterpains and wearing a postpartum girdle can also reduce these pains. There are many factors that go into deciding whether or not to wear a postpartum girdle, including personal preference, comfort, and cost. Some women choose to wear girdles during pregnancy and continue to use them after delivery to help support their abdominal muscles as they heal. Your Enlarged Uterus Accumulated 'Baby Belly Fat' There are several factors that come into play for the stubborn belly fat that accumulates as a result of pregnancy. The first trimester is the most difficult to stay in shape because your body is adjusting to the hormone changes of pregnancy. Your estrogen and progesterone levels are fluctuating, which affects how much you're eating. You may be hungrier than usual or in need of more frequent meals. Either way, it's important to understand that you'll likely gain weight during this time, as your baby needs extra calories for development. Accumulated Fat in the Abdominal Area Belly fat has also been shown to increase when a woman is pregnant, due to hormonal fluctuations. Human bodies generally put on weight around the belly (rather than the hips or thighs) when they consume more calories than they're burning. That's why it's so important to eat right and stay active during your pregnancy to help combat extra body fat. The second and third trimesters are easier because you're getting into a regular routine with meal times and exercising habits by then. However, don't forget that while your body is making room for a baby, you still need to make room for yourself! A few extra pounds won't hurt—the average woman gains 25-35 pounds while she's pregnant—but excessive weight gain can lead to health issues like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Most women will find that a significant portion of their weight gain happens in the third trimester. Those same hormones also cause you to hold on to calories and store it as fat to nourish and protect the growing baby. The extra fat is also used for nutrients for when it's time to breastfeed. Separated Abdominal Muscles Diastasis recti is the separation of your ab muscles caused by pregnancy or trauma to the muscles, and 66% of women experience abdominal wall separation in their third-trimester. For starters, you should know where your muscles are and how they work. The right and left sides of your rectus abdominis meet in the middle at the linea alba (the white vertical line running down the middle of your abdomen). If you feel above this line with your fingers, you're feeling above where your ab muscles meet; directly below this point is a gap between the muscles where they are connected to the pubic bone. Diastasis recti can be found in both men and women, but it is more common in women due to pregnancy. The condition can occur with or without symptoms, such as pain, bloating, and digestive problems. If you are experiencing these symptoms and want to get a diagnosis, you should go see your doctor who can determine if you have diastasis recti using an ultrasound or an MRI machine. If you do have diastasis recti, there are exercises you can do to help bring your stomach back together. The most important thing is consistency with your exercises. You should be doing your exercises at least three times per week for best results. Exercises such as planks and side plank variations will help strengthen your transverse abdominus muscle which not only helps stabilize the core but also helps bring the separated muscles back together. Diastasis recti may be responsible for the belly pooch even after you've lost most of your pregnancy weight. There are varying case severities of diastasis recti, but luckily the most common cases don't require surgery to treat. Diastasis Recti — Abdominal Wall Seperation Post-Pregnancy Belly: Loose Skin Loose skin after pregnancy is amongst one of THE most common issues new moms face when working on getting back to their pre-pregnancy shape. When you're pregnant, your body does some really cool things. It grows a tiny human inside of it, and it gets the hang of making milk for feeding the tiny human after he or she is born. Then the baby is born, and suddenly, those same parts of your body have to do some other really cool things: they have to feed that baby with milk from your breasts. A lot of women experience something called "loose skin" as a result of these processes. That's when after you lose fat, your skin doesn't shrink back down to where it was before. Loose skin can sometimes make it so that bras or clothing feels loose or hangs differently on you. If your belly button is stretched out, it may not look like your belly button anymore. This can be hard to deal with emotionally if you're used to seeing yourself one way, and all of a sudden, that way is different. Because pregnancy affects every woman differently, loose skin varies widely in how much it affects each person. Some people deal with a small amount of loose skin after pregnancy; others have a very hard time with a lot of loose skin after pregnancy. The intense 9-months stretch your skin undergoes causes collagen fibers to break due to overstretching. However, there are natural ways to minimize loose skin that doesn't always require surgery — more on that below. Ways to Minimize Loose Skin After Pregnancy View this post on Instagram A post shared by KATY ✨MOTHERHOOD ENCOURAGEMENT ✨ (@katy.fassett) 5 Tips For A Flat Tummy After Pregnancy Now that we've taken a closer look at some of the main reasons for that stubborn mummy-tummy, we'll share our tips on how to slim your belly and waist line. Our advice should never replace the recommendations given to you by your healthcare professional, so before you begin exercising or making any substantial changes to your health regimen, please consult with your doctor. 1. Breastfeed To Promote Weight Loss New mom breastfeeding her baby There are many benefits to breastfeeding your baby — from providing the ideal nutrients, bonding, and strengthening their immune system. But did you know that breastfeeding also promotes post-pregnancy weight-loss? It's true. Breastfeeding requires 300 – 500 calories per day. Studies show that moms who breastfed their babies lost weight faster than women who didn't. For advice on getting your baby to latch, check out our top breastfeeding tips.

The best postpartum belly wrap or post pregnancy girdle is the one you feel the most comfortable in. With Bellefit, the choice is yours!

A strong relationship is necessary for couples expecting a child. After all, things will be very different once the baby arrives. You’ll instantly have another person’s needs and feelings to consider. Developing a bond that withstands the test of time provides a strong foundation of love and support for the baby you’re bringing into the world. Use this list to strengthen your relationship during pregnancy. Keep the romance alive. It’s important to give your partner the time and attention they deserve. You can do that easily by scheduling weekly date nights and being intimate whenever possible. Although your body is changing due to the hormones and weight gain that comes with being pregnant, celebrate every glorious inch of you. Your partner likely loves the way you look and can’t get enough of seeing you pregnant. Let them experience you this way. Do something unexpected. Spontaneity counts for a lot. Being surprised feels great. Keep your love alive by adding an element of surprise to your partner’s day. Do something unexpected and make them feel how important they are to you. It doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. Something small and heartfelt will do the trick. Slipping a note in their wallet or gym bag is one idea. Taking them to do something they’ve always wanted to do is another. Use your imagination and come up with a list of ways to surprise your partner. Communicate your wants and needs, but make sure you actively listen to your partner. It’s not enough to be a good communicator. You also need to be an excellent listener. That way, you’re not doing all the talking and failing to hear what your loved one has to say. Take turns talking and show interest in what your partner has to say by giving them verbal and non-verbal confirmation of what has been said. Take a trip or a short weekend getaway before you no longer can. The closer you get to your due date, the less likely you’ll be able to leave home. After all, you’ve selected a doctor and hospital to give birth at. If you’re in a different location and go into labor, you’ll be forced to rely on a stranger to help deliver your baby. Plan a vacation or spur-of-the-moment getaway. Make it something you both enjoy thoroughly by including activities that are different than what you normally do. Take lots of pictures, and don’t forget to sleep in whenever you get the chance. When you have a baby to tend to, that will get harder to do in the future. Your relationship automatically changes when your baby arrives. You become parents responsible for keeping a bouncing bundle of joy alive, well, and happy. That’s why it’s important that you work on strengthening the relationship you have now. You’ll be able to handle the demands on your schedule easier, be clear about whom will do what with the baby, and better prepare yourselves to be the type of role models every child deserves.

If you want labor to come naturally, there are some things you can do to induce it yourself without the assistance of a medical professional. The advantages of not needing to be induced by a doctor are that your baby arrives when he or she is ready. Versus when he or she is expected. It gives you more time to prepare because you know that once you’re ready to give birth. You can do the things necessary to induce labor while at the hospital. This guide offers some natural ways to induce labor while pregnant. Walking Gravity has its way of helping your baby drop into your pelvis. The pressure that is caused while walking can help your cervix prepare itself for labor. The more you walk, the better you’ll feel, too. You’ll be better prepared for when it is time for you to deliver because you’ve been working on getting your baby to drop. Tip: Invest in good footwear because you’ll need the extra cushioning when your feet are swollen. They’ll also prevent you from falling if they have sole with a good grip on them. Spicy Food Eating something spicy irritates your intestines. This causes your uterus to contract. You’ll want to be careful, though, because you don’t want to overdo it and cause a terrible case of heartburn. It may taste good to have hot sauce or chilis in a dish. There is no medical proof that this is a surefire way to induce pregnancy naturally. Eat as you wish but don’t overdo if you can’t handle it. Tip: Keep a cup of yogurt or yogurt-based smoothie nearby to help cool down your mouth if eating really spicy food. Acupuncture Inserting pins into the skin can help stimulate the uterus. If you want to coax your baby to move right along, see an acupuncturist for a treatment. It’s a safe and natural way to go into labor without the need to be induced. Acupuncture has many benefits that treat pregnancy-related symptoms, too, so it’s worth looking into at the start of your pregnancy. Tip: Acupuncture helps with sleep issues, headache, and depression, making it an effective therapy to consider during the latter weeks of your pregnancy. Acupressure The pressure point located in the web between your thumb and your pointer finger can be pressed as a way to help induce labor naturally. It’s always best to consult your healthcare practitioner first before doing any type of bodywork yourself. You don’t want to do anything that could potentially harm you or your child. Tip: Pressing on certain pressure points on your body while pregnant can help relieve symptoms of nausea. Use the tips listed above as ways to naturally induce labor. You’ll have better control over where it happens that way. You won’t be on the road on the way to the hospital when your baby decides to come. You’ll have prior notice that he or she is ready to make their entrance into the world! This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

As a baby grows, his or her appetite increases. That means that you’ll need an increase in milk supply to satisfy the child’s needs. If you’re not sure how to get your milk supply flowing abundantly, you’re not alone. Many people are in a similar position which is why we’re including five easy tips to help you get started. Tip #1: Nurse your child regularly Your body keeps up with the demand for milk. That’s why it’s important to nurse often. The more your body receives cues that milk is needed, the more it produces for your child’s growing appetite. This is the most important way to increase your milk supply naturally. Tip #2: Make sure your child is latching properly If the baby isn’t latching properly, you’ll know. It’s something that could hurt you. It can also drain your milk supply so make sure that he or she has the right latch on your nipple and areola. If you’re not sure that your baby is latching successfully, you can usually tell by the placement of the child’s mouth, and if feeding him or her hurts you in any way. Tip #3: Pump after you’re done nursing your baby Getting into the habit of pumping your breasts regularly ensures that your baby always has a steady supply of milk to consume. It’s especially important for women who work or can’t be available to nurse 24/7. You’ll have the nourishment your infant requires on hand in the event of an emergency, too. Milk banks exist for this precise reason as some mother fall ill and can’t nurse. Tip #4: Ditch the pacifier If a baby is busy sucking a pacifier, they’re not helping you with milk production. Instead of using a binky to preoccupy them, use your breasts. It helps your body recognize the need for more milk so that you’ll continue to produce a steady supply naturally. Tip #5: Talk to an expert about the questions that you have If you have questions or need support while breastfeeding, a lactation expert does the trick. The specialist provides sound advice as to what to do to make sure that your baby is getting what he or she needs nutritionally from you. A lactation consultant is someone you need on your wellness team after you’ve had your child. Additional Ways to Produce More Milk are Available This is a sampling of the things you can do to make sure that your baby grows up big and strong thanks to the nourishment your body provides to them. There are other ways to increase your milk supply including taking supplements and even eating lactose cookies which contain special ingredients that stimulate milk flow. It’s up to you to determine which options work best for you and your infant. Keeping Your Supply from Drying Up Now that you know additional ways to increase your milk supply, you’ll have an easier time feeding your baby<. you produce plenty of nourishment to meet their needs as they grow and develop. won have worry about running out milk because done simple things get the flowing once again.> This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features a triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

When International model Rose Bertram delivered a healthy baby girl on February 24, she was – and still is – at the prime of her modeling career. Although life in front of the camera began 10 years ago, Bertram’s rising stardom was most recently seen on several magazine covers, including Glamour, Esquire and Vogue. As a model, her job is to look amazing, so Rose Bertram wore a Post Baby Corset to Recover After Pregnancy. As a pregnant mother, Bertram, like most new moms, found herself stressing over the changes she was seeing. Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram “You usually ask yourself the question if you’ll be able to get back in shape,” she posted to her Facebook page. “Well, I was kinda stressed, as it is also my job to be in shape.” She recognized that each journey is personal, with some bodies bouncing back to their pre-pregnancy shapes much quicker than others, but she was eager to take the first step for herself. Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram About Bellefit Maternity Bellefit Maternity understands the physical and emotional toll pregnancy and delivery can have on new moms. That’s why, in 2008, founder Cynthia Suarez developed the company’s first girdle, in response to her own adult daughter’s postpartum suffering. The company’s girdles are different than most on the market, offering leading medical grade products that support and comfort moms. The compression provided by Bellefit Postpartum Girdles and Corsets quickly and comfortably reduce the pregnancy-related excess weight or skin, improve posture, eliminate back pain and allow for an overall faster recovery for the postpartum woman. How Did Rose Learn About Bellefit Girdle Bertram, who’s been with Dutch soccer player Gregory van der Wiel since 2013, discovered the Bellefit benefits five days after giving birth to Naleya Rose. Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram “When Naleya was born, I needed support for my belly because it felt weak and, as a mom, you don’t get a break,” she said. “You have to take care of your baby and yourself. I wore the Bellefit Corset and it did two amazing things for me: It made me feel supported and it helped me get my belly back in shape in record time!” Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram Bellefit Results She began wearing a size large, sized down to a medium very quickly and was wearing a small in a matter of just 30 days. Bertram has an impressive social media presence and, at just five days postpartum, posted a photo on Instagram showing her nearly flat tummy, along with a second photo wearing the Bellefit corset. Just five days later, at 10 days postpartum, Bertram was thrilled to post a story to Instagram, amazed at the rapid results. Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram “Thanks to Bellefit Maternity, I got some good results being five days postpartum,” she said. “Wearing this corset has helped me put everything back into place, as well as giving me great recovery!” As an added bonus, she said that a combination of coconut oil and the gentle pressure of the corset also helped her stretch marks nearly disappear, which will certainly benefit her modeling career, as well as her future in the film industry, an ambition that she plans to pursue. Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram Rose Bertram encourages new moms to try the Bellefit products after giving birth. Those who do can enter her special code, rose20, for $20 off at Bellefit.com Bellefit Products

2 Weeks Postpartum and discovered this amazing @bellefit compression garment to help with recovery. Wish I had known about it since Day 1! Thankful for their super fast shipping. I haven’t been cleared to get back to my normal fitness routine yet and I am ok with that. Even though I feel great and totally like I could bust out some burpees, I definitely want to allow my body to heal and fully recover. That doesn’t mean that I have to sit idly by and wait to start the post baby bounce back journey. This medical grade garment is going to give me a much needed head start. I’ve only been wearing it for a few hours and I can already tell a difference in the support in my back and core. I am excited to see how it helps with swelling and bringing everything back together. Also, peep that pineapple bun. It’s my go-to mom hairstyle these days. To learn more about sizing, visit our Sizing Page! She Used:

“I’ve shared before that I had some ab separation after Maya. It’s not the most pleasant experience ever, and it can be a bit frustrating. I’m happy there are companies like @bellefit to support women in postpartum, both figuratively and literally. Get this, the company is headquartered in my hometown of sunny Weston, Florida! I could walk to the main office from my childhood home. So obviously they are really really really cool people! I’ve been trying out the corset model and I have to say I wish I had known about it earlier in postpartum. Those first couple of weeks I felt like all my internal organs were floating around and I was very protective of my belly. Having really solid support, compression and protection would’ve been great.Will it eliminate diastasis recti or make you lose weight? Not exactly, that’s not the intention. It’s geared toward recovery and healing. To help support and strengthen those abdominal muscles as you get used to using them again. They have sizes and models for all kinds of scenarios: from natural birth to c-section. It doesn’t replace healthy nutrition, exercise and mindset, and frankly I don’t think anything does. It’s a great tool to have on your team though. I’m going to be doing a giveaway shortly, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime you can click the link in my profile to learn more, and use the code SARAH20 to get $20 off if you purchase anything!” To learn more about Abdominal Muscle Separation visit our Diastasis Recti page. She Used:

The buzz created after Fox TV’s Brittany Graham and Brooke Hackett spoke on-air about their experience with Bellefit® postpartum compression girdles got us thinking, Who’s Next? https://player.vimeo.com/video/250156441 Bellefit Maternity on FOX 13 News from Bellefit on Vimeo. We love that Brittany and Brooke gave us rave reviews. And we especially appreciate their willingness (and eagerness) to share their experiences on live TV and their blog. Checkout the beautiful photos of their growing family and while you’re at it, tell Brittany and Brooke how much you appreciate their stories on Twitter. Moms are eager to share their postpartum stories with one another, [including many of our own Bellefit® Ambassadors, but we don’t often see this from TV personalities!So we want to encourage and celebrate more to do just that. Any TV personality willing to follow in Brittany and Brooke’s footsteps, sharing a personal story with our Childbirth Recovery products with their TV audience, we want to encourage and celebrate. How? We’ll send a custom-package with the very best of our products for you or your expectant family member. Just send your request to press@bellefit.com. And you don’t need to be or know a TV reporter to share your Bellefit® story like Brittany and Brooke. Share your story online with the tag #mybellefitstory, and you may just find yourself featured on our site, or the winner of one of ten prizes/gift certificates/TBD. Not online? No problem: Share your story with us directly at MyBellefitStory@bellefit.com. We look forward to celebrating moms and their postpartum recovery success at #mybellefitstory and seeing more moms like Brittany and Brooke doing the same on TV. Until then, thanks for sharing your experience with the Best Belly Band of 2017. Moms Who Shared #mybellefitstory

The immediate elation of having a precious new baby lying on your chest all squirmy and beautiful may quickly give way to exhaustion. For first-time deliveries, the average time in labor is about 14 hours. On average, three of those hours are devoted to pushing for a typical vaginal delivery. That’s a lot of hard work with very little sleep over a 24-hour period. 1.Postpartum Exhaustion As you near you due date, clear your schedule. Limit anything other than packing a hospital bag and personal primping. This is not the time to be painting a nursery or entertaining family. In hindsight, I should have watched soap operas and napped instead of doing five loads of laundry the day I went into labor. Save your strength. You’ll need it. 2. It Hurts After The Baby Comes Too You’ll hear plenty about the process leading up to and through that final push. Or for a C-Section, the “pull”. This includes, but isn’t limited to cramps, contractions, nausea, and an epidural. If you are pregnant for the first time, you’ll likely get an earful from older relatives, well-meaning friends and co-workers. But what about the after? I had some tearing and an episiotomy with my first baby. That means stitches in a place where, well, let’s just say it’s tender. C-section moms have even greater wounds to deal with. Even without stitches, something relatively big just came out of something relatively small. Where there is trauma, there is pain. I received one dose of “the good stuff” following delivery as a reward for a job well done. After that, it was over-the-counter pain relievers and warm soaks for the aching lady parts. I also felt a lot of pain in my back, shoulders, ribcage and abdomen from the ordeal. It was like being roughed up in a fender bender. And bowel movements? Ouch. Labor also often brings on hemorrhoids.. So laxatives, stool softeners and lots of fluid are a must. Fortunately, most of the pain and discomfort is gone in about two weeks. But be prepared to hurt all over for a little while. If you have a C-section, you won’t deal with an episiotomy or vaginal pain and swelling. However, your stitches may sting and itch. Healing also takes longer — four to six weeks. You should keep a close watch for any sign of infection. Proper support garments can help with the healing process for both vaginal and CS deliveries. 3. Feelings And Emotions After Giving Birth Are All Over The Map One day I was in love with my baby and the next I wondered who she was. I worried that we wouldn’t bond, that I was doing something wrong. Did I love her enough or too much? Why was my belly still huge? Would I ever sleep again? Why was I crying? How could I be laughing? Why was I sitting there feeling numb? Pregnancy hormones — HCG, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, oxytocin, relaxin — rise dramatically during the various trimesters as they provide a hospitable womb for your growing child and prepare your body for delivery. And then, kaboom; total hormone dump. Even the most even-tempered new mom will feel the effects. And for many, postpartum depression is a reality. I was always a “pull-up-your-big-girl-panties” kind of gal until the first month after I gave birth. Looking back, I wish I had been gentler with myself and rolled with it. Your emotions will get the better of you on many days. Rest and self-care, along with time, is all that is needed for most new moms. However, an estimated 15-20 percent of pregnant women suffer from postpartum depression in degrees ranging from mild depression to postpartum psychosis. Dealing with the expectations of motherhood coupled with hormonal imbalance can trigger depression and accompanying feelings of shame or guilt. If you’re experiencing PPD symptoms, don’t try to go it alone or tough it out. Reach out to your support system, seek out other new mothers and consult with your doctor for help. It’s not unusual to have feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed. Ask for help. It’s OK 4. The Worst Period of Your Life I expected some bleeding after giving birth, but I didn’t realize the extent, or the value of super maxi pads jumbo count until then. The medical term for it is lochia, and it’s not a regular period. The uterine lining that thickens over the term of your pregnancy sheds, along with mucus from the healing process. However, the greater part of the bleeding is due to the wound left in your uterus from the placenta pulling away. It usually heals up in two to three weeks, but too much activity can reopen the wound and cause more bleeding For the first few days the flow is heavy, dark and includes clotting. It will slow down and change color to brownish, then yellowish, and toward the end look more like a pale discharge instead of blood. Postpartum bleeding can last up to six weeks. However, this depends on your healing process. During this time you shouldn’t use tampons or a menstrual cup, to minimize infection risks. Breathable granny panties are your friend. How soon your regular period starts back up varies from mom to mom. It also depends on if and how you breastfeed. The earliest you might expect a regular period is around six weeks after giving birth. 5. More Core Exercises Before Pregnancy Is A Great Idea I was young, healthy and thought I was in good shape. Had I known how strenuous the process of pregnancy and childbirth really is, I would have paid more attention to my core and pelvic floor. When planning a pregnancy, consider yourself to be “in training.” Getting your back and stomach muscles in shape, as well as making Kegel-time a part of your daily routine, will help to protect you from postpartum back pain, hernias and a condition known as diastasis recti following your delivery. A strong core will make it easier and faster to heal Mummy Tummy, too. Even if you’re already pregnant, there are exercises you can do to strengthen your core. However, be sure to check with your doctor for safe routines. Crunches and sit-ups can do more harm than good. Finally, a good postpartum compression binder can help with the healing process and boost a new mom’s confidence. Bellefit Featured Products