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Sometimes called the “New Mom Crisis,” it’s easy to feel you’ve lost a part of who you are after giving birth. No matter what you see on the big screen and TV, transitioning from non-parent to mom is not always easy. It’s normal to feel some anxiety at this big change in your life. It seems like all of your being, your emotions, and your hormones are being used to nurture your new child. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the same things you enjoyed before pregnancy. You can still have your own adult relationships, and you’ll still be the same person with unique interests and ideas. Here are some suggestions for ways to keep your identity after having a baby. photo credit: pexels 1. Create a Support System All new moms need a support system. When you’re overwhelmed and unable to take a break, that’s when you feel the cracks forming in your identity. You start to forget what it is that used to make you happy since all your time is monopolized by your baby. It’s perfectly healthy to ask for help when you need it. Having a support system doesn’t make you any less of a mom. You need a strong group of friends and family you can talk to and rely on. Studies show this support leads to lower instances of depression and anxiety in new moms. This system will keep you from losing yourself, even when things get tough. 2. Find Your “Normal” One of the hardest parts of the transition to motherhood is losing your old routine. Suddenly you have to cater all of your waking hours to your baby, and this can leave you feeling disrupted. Instead, try to return to whatever “normal” was for you before you gave birth. This might mean going to the store by yourself while your partner watches the baby, or even just taking a bath before bed every night. These routines will help you remember that your wants and needs are still important. photo credit: pexels 3. Recognize the Stages When you’re raising your baby, every stage has a time limit. While it might seem stressful to be up half the night breastfeeding the baby right now, remind yourself this is only temporary. None of these stages you’re experiencing will last forever. It’s okay to feel frustrated by the lack of sleep or a particularly challenging stage in your baby’s development, just remember that it’s only temporary. 4. Treat Yourself You’ve been through a lot. Not only has your body gone through major changes, but your mindset has undergone a lot of pressure. As a new parent, there is a lot of fear of doing the wrong thing or not being good enough. Don’t let these thoughts get in the way or hold you back from giving yourself a break when you need it. You might want to spend a quiet night in with your spouse where your parents take the baby for the night. You might want to shop online for new undergarments that make you feel confident in your new body. These little things add up. photo credit: pexels 5. Stop Comparing Yourself In the digital age, it’s hard to avoid comparing yourself to other moms. With mommy blogs, Instagram posts, and our own Facebook feeds, there is a lot of pressure to be absolutely perfect. Self-judgement is a dead end street. You’ll only find yourself feeling worse. You don’t have to have a Pinterest-worthy outfit for the baby every day, and you don’t have to be a master at creating educational games. Just be the best mom you can be, on your own terms. It also might help to cut out social media for a while. Motherhood Your Way There is no single “correct” way to be a mom. You deserve to have your own interests, likes, and enjoyments outside of parenting that remind you of your own identity. This all relies on your support system, your ability to ask for help, and your perspective. As a new mom, you have a lot of room to grow. Think of this exciting time in your life, not as a limit, but a way to learn more about yourself and what it is that makes you unique. Your identity doesn’t have to change just because you’ve given birth. Avoiding the new mom identity crisis just takes some shifting in perspective. About the Author: Lauren Webber is a former HR manager and lover of psychology who now runs daintymom.com among her other pursuits. Her interests range from the corporate world to health and self-care to home improvement and parenting. Now if only someone came up with a way to extend the day by about 20 more hours, she could dedicate herself to all of these equally and constantly. 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

What you eat while pregnant not only affects you. It also plays a role in your unborn child’s development. If you haven’t made changes to your diet yet, it’s time that you do so. It benefits you and your baby’s health. Some of the best foods for pregnant women are mentioned below. Lean protein Full of amino acids which help build the many cells in you and your baby’s bodies, protein is essential for growth and development as well as stabilizing blood sugar. Three servings or 75 grams of lean protein foods should be included in your daily diet during pregnancy. You can add small amounts to the dishes you make including soups, salads, and even rice or grain-based dishes such as quinoa or teff. Lentils A great source of fiber and protein, this type of bean is perfect for mother and child. It also has tons of folic acid in it which is the same ingredient that makes up prenatal vitamins. Folate prevents birth defects such as spinal bifida from occurring in your child. Lentils are delicious to eat on their own or as an extra ingredient in the meals you create for you and your family to eat. Get your fill of vitamin B6 and iron with every serving you eat. Yogurt Calcium is needed for strong bones. It’s also essential for muscle and nerve function. Aim for about four servings of calcium or 1,200 mg daily. Yogurt has almost as much of the bone-strengthening ingredient in it as milk with the added benefit of protein and folate. You can use it in place of mayonnaise and salad dressing, too, making it a versatile option for you and your baby’s diet. Wild salmon Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, this fish is a perfect source of the substance which helps fat-soluble vitamins such as A and E metabolize in the system. Women should not eat tuna which has high instances of mercury in it. Instead, they should eat wild salmon, sardines, farmed oysters, and herring at least two to three times a week. A little lemon juice helps accentuate the flavors in these foods, so keep some lemons on hand to squeeze over your meal. Avocados There is no going wrong with avocados. They’re creamy, make a great alternative for fatty sandwich spreads, and taste delicious when made into guacamole. Avocados can also be eaten on toast and put into green smoothies to give them even more health benefits. Avocados have folate, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 in them. They’re a powerhouse food that makes you feel good. If you find a good sale on avocados, freeze them for later use. If you plan on blending them into a salad dressing or smoothie, it doesn’t matter that they’ve been frozen. Nutrition is the key to a healthier pregnancy. Getting the right vitamins and nutrients in your body benefits you and your baby. Knowing which foods to eat in abundance and which to avoid helps you prevent stomach upset, heartburn, and increased inflammation. You’ll be healthier and happier because of the new knowledge that you possess. 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

If you’ve never traveled with a newborn before, there are some things you’ll want to do to make the process smoother. Too often, babies are portrayed as persistent criers on flights. If you don’t want your child to be one of the children society refers to, you’ll take some time to ensure that he or she is as comfortable as possible. The following tips help make easy work out of traveling with an infant. Damage Control 101 Be the one to apologize Your infant can’t control his or her behavior. That’s why it’s important for you to be the one that apologizes. As unnerving a screeching baby can be, a clueless parent is even worse. Do what you can to encourage good behavior and when your child gets restless, hungry or tired, let the people around you know that you’re sorry for the reaction the baby is displaying. Plan your seating in advance If possible, request seating toward the front of the plane. The back is usually busier and noisier with people going back and forth to the bathroom and the plane vibrates more in this area. Keep your carry-ons safely secured under the seat in front of you so you don’t have to bother someone for assistance with your diaper bag Protect your baby from injuries If you’re traveling with another person, have them board first with the safety seat and get it into place. Then, after other people have boarded, the second person and baby board. Doing this keeps the child off the plane until it’s necessary to be there. Make sure to pack extras Having extra clothes and diapers will keep your baby happy in case of any delays or cancelled flights. If there is a delay and you’re stuck waiting at the terminal, you may find it difficult to find the supplies that you need for your infant. Having extras on hand provides peace of mind and a happier child overall. He or she will be well-fed, diapered, and ready for the next leg of the journey. Diaper diligently Change your baby’s diaper as often as possible so that baby is happy. Offensive odors in a closed-in space are something that no flier wants to deal with. Stay on top of changings by making it a priority between flights and as-needed on flights. You’ll eliminate the likelihood of offending your fellow seatmates because your child soiled himself or herself. Pay for a ticket and bring your own safety seat Eliminate the need for a seatmate on some airlines by purchasing the seat directly next to yours for you and your baby to have together. When you pay for that extra ticket, you’re ensuring that there won’t be someone sitting beside you on smaller airplanes. You’ll have space to move a bit and readjust your child whenever he or she gets fussy. There are many ways to make flying with an infant less daunting. By preparing in advance, you’re able to address many of the potential concerns that occur while traveling with a small child. Even if you don’t have a partner to assist you, you can develop a system for traveling that works well for you and your infant. You Might Also Like: How to Handle your Newborns First Cold 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

There are some foods which are not good to eat while pregnant. They cause heartburn and indigestion. They also increase symptoms of morning sickness. If you want to avoid feeling sick to your stomach or have your sleep disrupted by the foods you’ve eaten, you’ll need to carefully consider what to eat and when. Refer To This Guide Often During Your Pregnancy To See Which Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy. Pregnant woman are not allowed to consume raw fish due . Raw and Seared Seafood If you love sushi, oysters, clams, and ceviche, these items are off limits while you’re pregnant. The risk of ingesting harmful bacteria and parasites increases when you eat raw and seared seafood so steer clear of it while breastfeeding, too. To avoid getting any bacteria all meats should be cooked well done. Insider Tip: If you want to eat cooked fish or seafood, don’t worry because you can. Just make sure that the texture is right. Fish should be flaky, and shellfish should be firm according to What to Expect’s website. Rare and Undercooked Meats You won’t want to order a burger or steak served rare while pregnant. When meat is undercooked, it could potentially be full of harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Trichinella, and Salmonella which are the main causes of food poisoning and toxoplasmosis. Insider Tip: Get in the habit of telling the server that you cannot have any pinkness in the meats that you eat at the moment. If you tell them from the start and ask that they take note of it, you’re sure to get better service. Hot Dogs and Deli Meats Although these foods fulfill serious cravings, they’re full of nitrates which is a preservative. It’s not good for your baby as he or she develops. Listeria is another concern that you need to be aware because it can get into the fetus’ bloodstream. Insider Tip: Nitrate-free lunch meats do exist. You’ll need to ask for them or look for packaging that states that they do not contain the preservative in the foods they sell. It’s not just a matter of some foods triggering stomach upset. The things that you eat can actually harm your developing fetus. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what is in the foods you choose to consume. You won’t be risking the health of your unborn child by making the wrong decision. In fact, you’ll be developing healthier habits for yourself as well. You may find that you never go back to eating rare and seared meats and seafood because you no longer enjoy them like you once did. Avocados and eggs are foods that you should consume while pregnant. The foods you’ll want to consume while pregnant include salmon, Greek yogurt, avocados, beans, sweet potatoes, and eggs. Eating an extra 350 to 500 calories per day during the second and third trimesters helps your baby to grow and develop properly. Count on including more of these types of foods in your diet as well as staying away from the foods listed above. Avoiding certain foods during your pregnancy is necessary because it prevents you from falling ill. Knowing what you should eat and what you shouldn’t is important as it directly impacts your health and overall well-being. Having a healthy pregnancy is easier when you know which things to avoid eating.

Dressing for a summer pregnancy can seem a bit daunting. Especially because most women don’t want to spend a ton of money on clothing that they wont wear after pregnancy. Am I right?! This was the first pregnancy that I have been in the end stages well into the peak of summer! We live in LA so its definitely not as hot as my home town, Las Vegas. However, with that being said, the temperatures can definitely get up there and are escalated even more when you have a big belly and your body temp is already up! Regardless, Summer brings the heat, Right?! So Here are Some of My Tips to Dressing for a Summer Pregnancy. Wearing clothes with airflow will allow you to enjoy your summer pregnancy. Airflow Is The Way To Go Whenever purchasing an item for this pregnancy one of the main questions I will ask myself is “How much airflow will this give me?!” One of my go to’s and quite honestly, my lifesaver through my entire pregnancy is this dress from Carly Jean Los Angeles. The fabric doesn’t cling to you, it provides tons of airflow. It’s perfect for dressing up or dressing down too. The More Loose The Top, The Better! At a certain stage of a summer pregnancy I don’t really like things clinging to my body as I feel like I generate way more heat, so I tend to lean more towards looser fitting shirts. I also really love to purchase pieces that can be worn post partum and will still compliment my body just as great as they did while I was pregnant. It can be difficult to find those universal pieces sometimes so here are some of my go to brands for loose fitting, non maternity tops: Free People, Carly Jean Los Angeles Target Another one of my life savers dressing for a summer pregnancy are tank tops with a kimono over them. Kimono’s are a really great option for the day to day or even for date nights! Summer kimonos are typically made out of a more sheer fabric leaving you with lots of breathing room. You really cannot go wrong with a super cute kimono and you’ll be rest assured that you’ll be rocking that belly in utmost comfort. Shorts are a must for any summer pregnancy. Leggings, Jeans or Shorts? Okay, I’m going to be really honest.. I was all about wearing maternity jeans up until this pregnancy! It is WAY to hot for jeans right now and they make my legs swell up really quick. When I’m not wearing some type of romper, maxi or swing dress you will likely see me in some type of legging. I have 2 favorites in my drawer: One of them is maternity from Gap The other is non maternity from Girlfriend Collective. Both are great options and I swear by them! As far as shorts are concerned, I have found that my jean maternity shorts aren’t nearly as comfortable as I remember them being in previous pregnancies. When I am wearing shorts I’m living in a linen type fabric like this non maternity stretch waistband pair from Target or this maternity pair from Pinkblush. Again, its all light and airy giving me room to breath in all of those special places. :) At the end of the day, it really all boils down to what you feel the most comfortable in. If I could summarize dressing for a summer pregnancy in one word it would be “COMFORT”. That’s really all your going for. Things that are comfortable and for me.. pieces that serve me well after pregnancy and keep me as cool as possible! Cheers to all of you summer pregnancy mama’s out there! YOU WILL SURVIVE!!! About the Author: Ashleigh is the founder of Sparrow’s Apple, a mommy & family lifestyle blog who loves to keep it real and raw. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband (August), 2 girls (Haven & Emberleigh) and is currently expecting a baby boy mid August! 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

Table Of Contents 1. Be kind to yourself and consider the 80-20 principle 2. Listen to your body and adapt as needed 3. It’s not usually a time for new fitness activities 4. Consider the relationships between each area of your health 5. Think ahead for when baby arrives Pregnancy can be a really special and exciting time, and it can also bring with it a number of challenges for many women. Symptoms ranging from morning sickness to back aches and a number of things in between may require a number of adjustments to your usual approach to health and fitness. Have you considered taking a holistic outlook with your health and fitness while you’re pregnant? Perhaps you’re wondering what that even means? A holistic approach involves looking at the needs of the entire person and taking action steps from there. Instead of focusing solely on eating healthily or exercising regularly, you’ll begin to understand the relationship between different areas of your health. From there you can take tiny steps in the right areas that will have a positive knock on effect to others. Let’s take a look at five ways you can adopt a holistic approach to health and fitness throughout your pregnancy. 1. Be kind to yourself and consider the 80-20 principle A good balance while pregnant is to eat healthy at home so when you go out you can indulge a little. When applied to health and fitness, the 80-20 principle is about eating and exercising really well for 80% of the time, and then relaxing a bit more for the other 20%. For example, you might plan to cook really healthy meals at home most of the time, but when you go out for dinner or to friends’ places to eat, you allow yourself a bit of a break. This approach has helped many women avoid a deprivation or a “can’t have” mindset. It can form part of a sustainable long term approach towards fitness and health. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I found myself eating things that I didn’t really care for pre-pregnancy. This was especially so in the first trimester! Previously I had eaten a completely vegetarian and mostly vegan diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, nuts and seeds. However, in the first trimester I only wanted bread, fruit, sweets, simple processed carbohydrates, yogurt and cheese. It wasn’t that I was craving these foods, but they were generally the only ones I could keep in my stomach! To begin with I felt bad about consuming too much “rubbish”. My partner kindly reminded me of the 80-20 principle. I complained that I’d completely flipped that on its head but he made me think of it in another way. He told me to think about the 80-20 principle across my whole lifetime, instead of this relatively short first trimester. He reminded me to think about all the amazing things I’d done for my health over years and years and how that had helped form a solid foundation for my pregnancy. Aha! Got to love it when my partner clarifies the principle that I’m usually sharing with everyone! Yes, do aim to eat healthy whole foods if you can. However, if you can’t stomach them, then eat what you can. It’s better to have something in there than nothing. Huge changes are going on inside your body at this point and things will calm down in due course. If you’re eating things that could be dangerous for your health, then seek advice from a professional. 2. Listen to your body and adapt as needed Listen to your body throughout your pregnancy. Aim to adopt an intuitive approach so you can listen to your body and adapt as needed. Pregnancy is not a time to have a rigid health and fitness plan that you think you need to follow for some reason or another. At some stages of your pregnancy you may have more energy and feel like exercising for longer or on a more regular basis. In this case, go for it! At other times you may have symptoms like back ache and extreme fatigue. This will be likely to change between the stages of your pregnancy and also on a day to day basis. On these days, give yourself a break and ditch the exercise session, even if you had already planned it in. Maybe a gentle stroll or some meditation is more appropriate at these times. Similarly, some days you might prefer certain foods over others. If you’re constantly craving something in particular, be sure to get your vitamin and mineral levels checked in case your body is trying to compensate for a deficiency. 3. It’s not usually a time for new fitness activities It’s so awesome that you have decided to place your fitness and health as a priority during your pregnancy. Any steps you can take towards having a healthy pregnancy will be beneficial for both you and your baby. It can be tempting for some women to want to get fitter during this time. It’s possible to safely enjoy many of the fitness activities you were doing prior to your pregnancy. In saying that, make sure that you’re aware of modifications that will probably be required along the way. These include things like substituting high impact versions for low impact, and choosing exercises that don’t require you to directly lie on your back during the later stages of pregnancy. It’s not generally recommended to start brand new forms of exercise during pregnancy, especially those that come with considerable intensity. Yes, by all means try something like regular walking or gentle swimming if you were inactive before your pregnancy. However don’t jump into a circuit or CrossFit class for the first time. 4. Consider the relationships between each area of your health A holistic approach requires you to understand that it’s about more than just exercise and nutrition. This doesn’t mean that it needs to be complicated though (and it really shouldn’t be)! Again, this is about looking at the needs of your body as a whole. Consider what the best tiny steps are for you to take in your day and what will have the most positive knock-on effect into other areas of your life. As the creator of the Holistic Health Highway I help my clients navigate six areas of their health. Each area represents a “lane”. We decide which lane needs the primary focus because it’s causing congestion in the other lanes. The six lanes are: Exercise Nutrition Stress Sleep Thoughts Relationships A holistic approach involves finding the root cause of a particular problem. For example, you might be getting lots of cravings for high sugar foods. Instead of simply attempting to reduce your intake of sugar, you are better to find out why you’re getting so many cravings. What is the root cause? All the lanes are interwoven and inseparable so it could be that a lack of sleep is largely responsible for your sugar cravings. If your satiation hormones aren’t working effectively due to sleep deprivation then you’ll find better results from focusing on better quality sleep. Once your sleep quality improves, your hormones will calm down somewhat and the cravings will lessen. 5. Think ahead for when baby arrives Plan ahead while you are pregnant how you will continue your healthy lifestyle after birth. If you’ve reached this stage of the article I’m betting that you really care about leading a fit and healthy lifestyle. That’s so awesome! Now it’s time to think ahead for when baby arrives. How will you take action to live the fit and healthy lifestyle you desire, once baby is born? Of course the unpredictability of motherhood will require you to have flexibility with your plan, just as you needed to throughout your pregnancy. However there are a few things you can think about in advance: What equipment will you require to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle? Do you want to explore the trails with your baby, and therefore will you need to purchase an off-road buggy? Or do you plan to go on walks while you’re wearing your baby? If so, then invest in a good quality wrap or front pack. Which of your friends value their health and fitness? Spend more time with these people and see whether they’re interested in doing fitness related activities with you after baby is born. If you can’t think of anyone who will be likely to support you in your fitness efforts, then seek out some mom groups who will. Maybe you can also find some mom groups online for support, inspiration and accountability. Is there anything you can do to help prepare for healthy eating when baby arrives? Do you need to stock up your pantry or freezer? In the final weeks of my pregnancy I made double batches of all my meals and began the process of stocking the freezer. That way, it it was full of fast and healthy meal options for when baby arrived. Here’s wishing you a healthy holistic approach to health and fitness during your pregnancy. Please do reach out if you have any questions or you want to share some of your experiences! About the author: Elly has been inspiring people to make sustainable changes to their health, fitness and lifestyle for almost 20 years. She offers online holistic health and fitness solutions to help people lead the fittest, healthiest life they can (including a special section for healthy moms!) She is a writer for a number of health and wellbeing publications, creator of the Holistic Health Highway, and is the published author of a holistic weight loss book. Most importantly, Elly is mom to a spirited four year old girl. Along with her partner Colin they embrace a location independent, world schooling lifestyle. Sources: https://ellymcguinness.com/blog/80-20-fitness/ https://ellymcguinness.com/blog/holistic-wellness/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC535701/ 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

Self-care is the ultimate act of self-love. When you take time out of your busy schedule to take good care of yourself, you’re sending a message to your brain and to the people around you that you matter. This is an especially important habit to get into as you’re pregnant because you’ll soon have a little one to care for. Finding a spare moment for yourself to breathe and engage in pleasurable activities becomes even more crucial for physical and mental health. Here are 8 ways to pamper yourself when you’re pregnant: Make sure to rest as much as your body needs to. The more rested you are, the more you can do. Rest when you feel tired. Sleep is restorative. It’s a necessary part of healing. You’re going to experience many interruptions throughout the night once your infant is born. That’s why it’s so important to take naps whenever you can get them. The world won’t think less of you for taking time out for some necessary self-care. When you feel well-rested, you’re capable of doing so much more! Enjoy some along time with a nice cup of tea . Do things that bring you immense joy. Taking time out of your busy schedule to do the things that make you happy is a great habit to get into. It’s something that you’ll do regularly with your child once he or she is old enough to do things outside the home. Go for a walk, enjoy your favorite pregnancy-safe herbal tea, visit a used bookstore or go shopping for antiques. Whatever it is that brings you joy, make sure to do it and do it often. Prenatal massages has a lot of benefits for you as you go along in your pregnancy. Get a massage. A professional that specializes in pregnancy massages is ideal as you don’t want the masseuse to hurt you or your baby. Prenatal massage has its benefits. It is known to reduce headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, backaches, swelling, and edema. If you need an excuse to relax, you’ll find it on the massage table. Disconnect from technology and spend time in nature. Go on a media blackout. Turn off your phone. Step away from your computer. Spend some one-on-one time with nature. Take your shoes off if you can and feel the grass beneath your feet. Known as “grounding,” it has a positive effect on your body and mind. Give your feet an all-star treatment. Soak your tired feet. Get a pedicure by someone who can reach your toes! You’ll feel like a million bucks after giving your feet some TLC. Wear comfortable clothes during your pregnancy as your belly grows. Wear clothing that makes you feel beautiful. Express yourself through color, pattern, and texture. Choose pregnancy clothing that shows off your bump and makes you feel good about yourself. Accessorize like a professional. Just like your wardrobe, your accessories say a lot about you. Have fun matching jewelry, scarves, hats, shoes, and purses with your clothing. You’ll make a bold statement whenever you step out the door and into the public. Journal your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your pregnancy. You’ll be left with a valuable keepsake that you can one day share with your child if you choose to do so. Include photos, artwork, poems, articles, and your own thoughts on being pregnant. There are many ways to pamper yourself when you’re pregnant. It’s important to come up with a self-care routine that you can manage even after you’ve had your baby. By making yourself a priority, you’re better equipped to help others, including your infant, because you’ll be at the height of good health and happiness.

Parenthood is a full-time job, but it’s one for which we aren’t really compensated or evaluated in a substantial way. What would motherhood and fatherhood be like if we treated it more like a job? Compensation and Evaluation Can you imagine a job that required you to pay thousands and thousands of dollars over several decades without any compensation in return (except a measly tax cut)? Only parenthood fits that bill. There are so many aspects of parenting that require professional-level skills, from the art of the mess-free diaper change to the science of monster-under-the-bed extermination and more serious skills like providing boundaries and structure without going overboard. You aren’t going to get regular performance reviews, bonuses and raises for doing this job, either. Stay-at-home and working moms alike often feel unsure about what they’re doing, and unlike the professional world, there really isn’t an established channel you can go through to validate your decision-making. Nine To Five? Sounds Nice There is not 9-5 Monday to Friday when you are a parent. This is a 24/7 365 day job. Another aspect of parenthood that makes it more grueling than your average job? The hours. You’re never not a parent. Most people are able to walk away from their jobs and at least leave the bulk of their work behind. Some upcoming projects or coworker conflicts might stay on our minds over the weekend. It’s usually actually better if we can compartmentalize and leave that behind. But for most parents, especially stay-at-home moms and dads, there are no breaks unless you get a babysitter or family member to step in and help. And even then, you’re still on call 24/7.If only parents could get state-mandated lunch breaks (or shower breaks) and overtime compensation for late-night hours. The parents’ union probably wouldn’t get very far in collective bargaining over this issue. Ultimately, you’re in charge, and you’ve got to captain the ship even if its passengers are cranky and threatening a tantrum if they don’t get that box of cereal they want. The Real Boss Of course, saying that stay- or work-at-home moms aren’t being evaluated and compensated diminishes the role of the closest person to a “boss” you have: your kids. Your kids may not reward you financially (other than that tax cut) and they may not sit you down for a quarterly performance review, but they will let you know, often without even saying it, how you’re doing. Their Success in Life is Your Reward There is nothing more rewarding then a hug or kiss from your kids. Ask any parent seeing their child graduate, accept a professional award or get married to the love of their life. There are untold riches waiting for you in the form of pride, joy, love and happiness.You don’t even have to wait a decade or two to cash in on your investment in your child. From the first step to the first day of kindergarten, you can celebrate your child’s successes and accomplishments alongside them.You can see every hug, every scrawled crayon drawing, as a token of love more precious than any paycheck. You Might Also Like: 10 Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms 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

Table Of Contents Choose Plant Protein Over Animal Protein When You Can. Choose Dark and Leafy Veggies Whole Grains Over Processed or Refined Grains Choose Healthier Fats and Oils Increase your Daily Fiber Intake Warm Foods vs. Cold Foods Grab your Daily Citrus Hydration is Key Bromelain Avoid the Bad Habits There are so many things that can affect your fertility. If you're part of the growing population that is struggling with infertility problems, I have some diet tips that may help boost your fertility. Having struggled with infertility myself, I know the feelings of anxiety and overwhelm that you may experience throughout your journey. Start by making these small changes to your daily diet. Choose Plant Protein Over Animal Protein When You Can. There was a study conducted by Harvard with 19,000 females who were trying to conceive. Through this study, the researchers found that women who consumed animal protein were 39% more likely to struggle with infertility problems than the women who consumed mostly plant protein sources. Good sources of animal protein can be found in Beans Garbanzo Beans Edamame Vegetarian Chili Lentils Tofu. Try grabbing any of these for a new recipe this week. Dark leafy greens are high in folate, which helps with ovulation. Choose Dark and Leafy Veggies Folate has been found to help with ovulation. Dark leafy greens are high in folate, such as: romaine lettuce spinach broccoli arugula If you have a problem ovulating, such as PCOS, this is something you really want to improve on. Don't forget to share those leafy green food sources with your man. As you may or may not know, infertility isn't just a problem for the females, males can suffer from infertility too. Men need certain things in their diet to help with their fertility too. When guys eat leafy greens, it helps promote healthier sperm production and may even increase the sperm count. If male infertility is something you are experiencing as a couple, there are quite a few food sources that may help improve their condition. Whole Grains Over Processed or Refined Grains Whole grains are so good for fertility. When you eat something like whole wheat bread versus white (sugary, refined and processed) bread, you are attempting to help regulate your insulin levels. When you have processed and refined carbs and sugars, this can increase your insulin levels. In turn this may interrupt the balance of your reproductive hormones. With an increased glucose level, this can decrease your chances of getting pregnant by up to 50% some studies say. Salmon and other fish that are high in omega 3 fatty acids are great meat choices. Choose Healthier Fats and Oils Olive oil is a good source of a natural anti-inflammatory. Decreasing inflammation in your body can help you when trying to conceive and can even increase the blood flow to your reproductive organs. Salmon and other fish that are high in omega 3 fatty acids are great meat choices. Foods rich in this can help you regulate your reproductive hormones and also are great for increasing the blood flow to your uterus and other reproductive organs. Omega 3 Fatty acids are needed for proper brain and eye development once you're pregnant. They also help lower the risk of preterm delivery during pregnancy and lower your risk of developing preeclampsia. But, please make sure to stay away from fish that have a high level of mercury in them. Check with your doctor to see what they do and don't recommend. Increase your Daily Fiber Intake Fiber is so great for when you're trying to conceive. Fiber is known for helping your body remove toxins and excess estrogen. Fiber can also help lower insulin levels. As you read early, insulin levels can create a huge impact on your reproductive hormones and in turn, your ability to conceive a healthy pregnancy. Warm Foods vs. Cold Foods Many holistic fertility providers have studied the impacts of warm and cold foods on the blood flow to your reproductive hormones. Warm foods, like soups, provide more blood flow to the uterus. A "warm uterus" promotes growth, acceptance of a healthy pregnancy and good blood flow. A "cold uterus" doesn't promote growth and acceptance and has poor blood flow. Some holistic providers may suggest that you stay away from cold foods like ice cream. During the luteal portion of your cycle (after ovulation and before positive pregnancy test) you will want to eat "warming" foods. This will help increase blood flow to your uterus and other reproductive organs so they can help promote a healthy pregnancy. Grab your Daily Citrus Citrus foods like lemons, oranges and limes provide great sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a good source of iron as well. For the guys, Vitamin C has been seen to help improve sperm quantity, motility and morphology. Foods can impact our bodies differently at different points in our menstrual cycle as well. During the time you think you are going to ovulate, you may find that your body needs more Vitamin B. Vitamin B helps support the release of a healthy egg from the follicle and promotes healthy implantation support of a new pregnancy. Hydration is Key Water, water, water. Not enough can be said about water. At the very least, water can help promote hormone development to help you produce a quality follicle to release a healthy egg from. Drinking the proper amount of water a day can also help with your cervical mucus. Thinning out your cervical mucus during the right time of the month, as ovulation approaches, can help healthy sperm get to an awaiting egg without any added trouble. Bromelain helps support a healthy implantation and reduces any inflammation Bromelain You may also read that many studies have suggested eating pineapple. Pineapple contains bromelain. Bromelain helps support a healthy implantation and reduces any inflammation throughout the body. If you don't care for pineapple, some doctors recommend taking a bromelain supplement. Avoid the Bad Habits Steer clear of acidic foods like coffee, alcohol and an excess of meat. Too much acidic type foods can cause changes in your cervical mucus and not make it an inviting environment for sperm, interrupting their safe and easy passageway to the egg. Too much caffeine can impact your fertility and a developing pregnancy. Obviously, ditching alcohol and any other habits like smoking are beneficial for your fertility and future pregnancy. I wish you all the best of luck during your fertility journey. Know that you are not alone! Also note that I am not a doctor and am just sharing tips that have helped me conceive a healthy pregnancy and am sharing thoughts that my doctor shared with me when we were trying to conceive. About the Author Victoria Sharp is the founder of One Sharp Mama. She started the site to share stories about fertility, parenting, tips on organization and the occasional recipe. Basically, she wants to share any stories, tips, tricks and products that may help parenting life become a little easier. 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

Your child’s first cold will be one of many. How you handle treating cold symptoms with your infant indicates how well you’ll do treating future illnesses. The key to a quick recovery is being prepared. That means that you have the things on hand that you need for your baby. Preparing in advance prevents you from having to make a last-minute run to the pharmacy because you have a sick infant. Stock Up on Must-Have Cold Fighters and Relievers Pay attention to your baby’s symptoms to determine when you should take your baby to the doctor. What you’ll want to have in your home during the cold season include saline drops, a forehead swiping or ear thermometer, a syringe with a rubber bulb, a humidifier, and medication that reduces fever in babies. If the child is younger than three months old, you’ll first want to consult the baby’s physician to make sure that the things that you’re doing aren’t making his or her symptoms worse. Older babies who continue to show signs of fever, dehydration, congestion or labored breathing should be taken to a doctor right away. Suction Mucus from Your Baby’s Nose with Rubber Bulb Syringe Add saline drops and irrigate the nose by removing any build-up of mucus with a syringe with a rubber bulb. It gives you a better grip and makes the process less stressful for the child. You won’t further irritate their delicate system because you’ll be doing what you can to combat the cold. Prop the Child’s Head Up with Towels Placed Under the Crib Mattress Help your baby breath easier by raising the mattress. Roll a towel or two and use them to prop the baby’s mattress some. You won’t want to put the items in the crib with the child because they cause pose safety risks. Instead, use them to raise the mattress so that breathing becomes easier for your little one. Use a Humidifier to Keep Air Moist Dry air makes seasonal colds worse. Give your baby the gift of good health by investing in a humidifier that helps put moisture back into the air. Doing so helps your child say goodbye to a dry, crusty nose and a deep cough. Make Hydration a Priority Hydration is key to help heal your newborns first cold Breastfeed more often or provide your child with a few ounces of water in a sippy cup if they’re old enough to drink that way. It’s imperative that the baby is getting enough liquid because if he or she doesn’t, they’ll get dehydrated fast. Make time for extra breastfeeding or pump a few extra bottles for those just in case moments. Take Charge During Cold Season by Being Prepared Be prepared with the correct tools so that you are in charge of any illness your baby may get as they grow. Handle your newborn’s first cold like a champ. Now that you know what to do to make that happen, you’ll be able to care for your baby as seasoned professionals do. You’ll be better able to handle future illnesses when they occur, and you and baby will sleep better through the night. These are things that make it easier to get through the first cold your baby has. Once you’ve experienced it firsthand, you’ll have no qualms about dealing with the next bout of illness. You’ll know exactly when to treat the child at home and when to take them to the doctor for additional care. You Might Also Like: Body Wraps After Pregnancy: A Great Combination 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

Your baby’s nursery is more than just a room. It’s a space that they learn to become safe in. Their development during their first months of life depends on their environment. Therefore, the nursery is a place for growth, nursing, curiosity, entertainment, safety, and fun, too! When deciding how to decorate your baby’s room, there are many things to consider. From choosing a theme to determining what type of crib they will sleep in, there are many factors that shape your decisions. Cost is one as well as personal likes and dislikes as what you’re into often dictates what your child will be into, too. Here are Some of the Top Ideas for Nursery Rooms: Vintage: Think of the nurseries from your yesteryears. Depending on the decade you’re most interested in, you’ll find many vintage décor items at secondhand stores and on online auction sites. If you want your baby to live amongst things that you once owned as a child, you can find ways to tastefully incorporate your treasures among the other things you bought to decorate the space. Clean design is perfect for baby girls and boys. Makes it easier to update as they get older Scandinavian: Clean, minimalistic design is what makes this theme perfect for baby girls and boys. It’s easy to update when the child gets older, too. Neutral colors combined with natural elements makes this theme one that people love. By keeping furnishings gender-neutral, cribs, swings, and even car seats can be handed down to the next child you have. They’ll get a great deal of use, and you can justify spending more on these items because they last. Colorful nursery for you baby helps stimulate their minds Bright and Cheerful: Don’t be afraid to mix colors, patterns, and textures to create a virtual wonderland for the eyes. A bright and cheerful nursery gives your baby plenty of stimulation. It’s a happy place where your child will spend his or her first years of life. When looking for baby furniture to add to the space, choose bold colors or paint the items yourself. A hand painted dresser is a personal touch that everyone who sees the nursery loves. Statement Sheets: Highly illustrative, beautiful statement sheets for boys and girls are among the hottest trends available. Project Nursery included a photo of a sheet that reads, “You Are My Greatest Adventure” with a woodland scene. Details like this stand out among minimalist furniture. You could easily incorporate a statement sheet into any of the other themes listed here. Oversized Decals for Walls: The idea is to go big here. Really big. Oversized decals limit the amount of negative space there is on walls. It’s an easy way to add flair to a space without spending a lot of money, either. You will, however, want to choose removable decals so that you can update your child’s room as he or she gets older. Choose decals that can be removed so you can change as your baby gets older. Choosing a theme for your child’s nursery as a new mother is a truly intimate experience. It’s the first time you’ll be influencing your baby’s likes and preferences. The more they’re exposed to an animal or certain cartoon or book character, the more they’re familiar with it. You’ll find that your influence plays a role on what they choose to watch, read, and even play with as they grow older.

Cute maternity clothes aren’t hard to come by. You just need to know what to look for in terms of quality, price, and comfortability. Once you know how to shop with these things in mind, you’ll have no problem outfitting yourself adorably while you’re pregnant. This guide will help you find the cutest maternity clothes money can buy. Opt for clothing with a lot of stretch. The clothing that you wear doesn’t necessarily need to be for pregnant women. It should, however, be stretchy. You want it to have a lot of give. That way, you’re not smashing your belly in clothing a size or two too small. Good advice: Look for stretchy knits as well as other breathable fabrics such as brushed cotton, bamboo, Lycra, and spandex. They’ll help regulate your body temperature and make it easier for you to move around. If you want to work out, these are the fabrics to look for. Dress however you feel comfortable. If you’re used to dressing one way but feel limited by your protruding belly, don’t let that stop you from expressing yourself through color, pattern, and texture. There are many loose-fitting clothing and accessories that you can invest in that add cuteness to your wardrobe. Remember that style is head-to-toe, so don that funky hat, put on those dangly earrings, and drape that colorful scarf around your neck because you can. Good advice: If you normally wear solids but want to make a statement, choose accessories in cool patterns. You’ll find a wide assortment of options available that let you freely express yourself without overdoing it. Think animal prints, florals, sparkles, and geometrics. Make sure your stomach is supported. Cute clothes that give your stomach the support that it needs are easy to find. Look for a belly band which can be found on maternity jeans, skirts, and pants with ample stretch. The elastic should give some but not so much that it stretches out and loses its firmness. Good advice: If you can try things on, great! If not, give the belly band the ol’ stretch test before wearing new clothing. Tug on it from all directions to see how much give it has. If it’s too tight, it will constrict the blood flow to your baby. Invest in good, supportive undergarments. You can smooth things out considerably with the right bras and panties. Bellefit Maternity offers Prenatal Support garments that help you look and feel your best. Worn under your cute clothing, our Prenatal Cami and Support Panty are comfortable, breathable, and easy to launder. Good advice: Select bras and camis made from cotton. Make sure that they help support your back and shoulders. You should not, however, feel constrained by the undergarments because you’ll feel uncomfortable quickly. Just because you have a belly doesn’t mean you can’t dress cute. There are many maternity brands that are both comfortable and stylish. Thanks to Bellefit, you’ll have the prenatal support needed to rock out your new pregnancy clothing. You’ll be the cutest mommy-to-be in the neighborhood!