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What sort of postpartum diet do you need now that you’ve given birth? You have finally given birth, now you can eat whatever you want – right? Well, not exactly. If you decide to breastfeed your baby, you are going to need to have a balanced diet. In order to ensure your baby gets the right nutrition, you need to consume certain nutrients and avoid others. Don’t worry, we have you covered with everything you will need to know to get the right amount of nutrition. Nutrients you Need While Breastfeeding Just like when your child was in your womb, the food that you eat will affect their diet also. While it will not be as direct as when they were in your uterus, your postpartum diet affects your breast milk. In the first six months of your baby’s life, your breast milk contains all of the necessary nutrients your baby needs. However, according to Healthline, “if your overall diet does not provide sufficient amounts of nutrients, it can affect both the quality of your breast milk and your own health.” In general, as long as you have a balanced and healthy diet you and your baby will be fine. However, you should try to increase your Vitamin D and Calcium intake. Those nutrients are used a lot in the production of breast milk, and are key nutrients your baby will need. Your Vitamin D is obtained through sun exposure. In order to increase Vitamin D, all you need to do is go outside. If you live in an area that is cloudy you may need to look into Vitamin D supplements, but always talk to your doctor before making that decision. In regards to Calcium, you can increase your intake with dairy or non-dairy products. According to Medela “Aim for four servings a day from dairy foods, such as milk, yoghurt and cheese, or non-dairy sources, including nuts, tofu, sesame seeds and leafy green vegetables.” Surprisingly, around 2-6% of infants have an intolerance to cow’s milk. According to an article published in Can Fam Physician, some children may develop rashes, eczema, diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting or baby colic due to this intolerance. Because of this, some women choose to get their calcium from non-dairy sources. Food to Avoid While Breastfeeding The good news is that pretty much everything is up for grabs in your postpartum diet. Yes you can now eat fish, and drink alcohol, and caffeine, but there are some rules. Just like everything in life, eat them in moderation. The nutrients from fish are actually quite beneficial for you when you are breastfeeding, but just be sure to avoid eating a lot of oily fish. Too much of a good thing can be bad. Similarly, you can have some alcohol and some caffeine. Many women choose to wait until the baby is at least 3 months old before drinking any form of alcohol. In regards to alcohol, just limit the amount you drink and make sure you give your body at least 2 hours to process (per serving). Your baby is unable to metabolize these things as fast as you can, and alcohol can make it’s way into your breast milk. According to Healthline, “you’ll want to wait a few hours for each drink you’ve consumed before breastfeeding your baby.” For caffeine, the rules are not as strict. As long as you limit your caffeine to 2-3 12oz cups a day, your baby should be ok. It could potentially disrupt their sleep schedule, so just be mindful of this. Postpartum Diet and Exercise While Breastfeeding While we know it can be tempting to shed the baby weight as fast as possible, it is probably best to wait. The weight that you gained during pregnancy is actually used to create breast milk. The body actually uses the fat storages to create breast milk. So by breastfeeding you are actually going to lose weight naturally. If you are still wanting to do more to get rid of the baby weight, just try to eat as healthy as you possibly can. You need around 500 more calories a day in order to create breast milk, so keep this in mind if you are counting calories. If you are adamant about losing weight, make sure you do it in a healthy manner. As a general rule, you can lose about 2 lbs a week by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy amount of weight loss a week. Be sure that you are consulting your doctor about the proper postpartum diet for your individual needs. The same goes for exercising. Listen to your body and stop when you need to. Everything in moderation. You can do some exercise, but just make sure that you are doing it in a safe and healthy manner. Don’t start exercising immediately after giving birth, give your body time to adjust and heal from all the trauma it just endured. Your Postpartum Body We know how difficult it can be to accept and learn to love your new body. Your body just went through so many changes over the course of nine months, and then over the course of hours it all went back. That is incredible. The amount of things your body just did is absolutely amazing, be proud of it. Taking care of yourself after giving birth is essential for a well-balanced lifestyle. Breastfeeding will help make sure that you are mindful of the nutrients you need to consume and where you get them. You can always exercise and maintain a healthy diet to shed the baby weight, but just make sure you are doing it safely. And don’t worry about the baby weight coming back after losing it. Because our Bellefit postpartum girdles can help keep the weight away. Postpartum girdles are designed to ease your pain and discomfort after giving birth. This can help you feel ready to exercise sooner than you would have, and it helps you feel more confident in your body. This can help keep that baby weight off for good. So, invest in a postpartum girdle today, and get back to feeling your confident self.

If you are a first-time mother, you may have heard of the term baby dropping. Other people may remark on your belly saying, “looks like the baby has dropped.” But what does it mean when your baby drops? Do you need to be worried? When can you expect it to happen? Don’t worry, in this article we will answer all of your questions about baby dropping. What is Baby Dropping? What does it mean when your baby drops? While baby dropping seems like a scary term on the surface it is actually a completely normal process. Baby dropping, also known as “lightening,” is when your baby moves into position to ease labor. See? Not so scary. Think of dropping as a line from the opening of the vagina to the top of your baby’s head. Then add ruler marks to the line; 0 being the beginning of your pelvic bone, +5 being the top of the uterus, and -5 being the opening of your vagina. During labor, your baby has to go from point +5 to point -5. So this process of them moving from the top of the uterus to the opening of the pelvic bone is called “dropping.” In some cases this dropping occurs a few weeks before labor while in other cases it may not happen at all. Does the Baby have to drop and how do you know if the baby has dropped? There are multiple stages of labor. And baby dropping is one of the beginning stages that your labor is about to occur. For some women (often first-time mothers) the baby will drop a few days to a few weeks before the due date. This is believed to give your pelvic muscles more time to adjust to the labor process. For other women (typically if this is a subsequent child) your baby may not drop until a few hours before you go into labor. This is possibly due to the fact that your body has already experienced the labor process and the pelvic muscles no longer need as much time to prepare. If your baby doesn’t drop at all, don’t worry! Not all women experience baby dropping, and many women experience a healthy labor without their baby dropping at all. When does baby drop: What to expect Like we mentioned earlier it is almost impossible to determine when the baby will drop, because every pregnancy is different. For some women it occurs at around 35-36 weeks and for others it doesn’t occur until they are in labor. Even more interesting, some women will have their baby drop between 35-36 weeks but then move back up closer to their due date. In almost every case, this is not something you should worry about, but if you feel concerned you should contact your doctor. What does it feel like when the baby drops? So, now that you know what baby dropping is, you are probably asking yourself what it feels like. Well, according to most women it feels like they are walking around with a bowling ball between their legs. So probably a little uncomfortable; but again, this isn’t the case for all women. It’s not always apparent when the baby drops. There are some women who feel it happen in one sudden movement, and there are other women who never feel it happening at all. In most cases it depends on how you have been carrying over the course of your pregnancy. If you have had a low belly the entire time, you probably won’t notice when your baby gradually shifts towards your pelvic bone. On the other hand, if you have been carrying high you may notice gradual changes that indicate your baby is dropping. How to tell when baby drops: Signs and symptoms If you are interested in how to tell when baby drops, then consider a few indicators that many women claim to experience when their baby starts to drop. Here is what you can look for: You can breathe easier. If your baby has been resting up towards the top of your uterus this can cause pressure on your lungs. As the baby drops you may notice that the previous pressure has been released and you can breathe easier. More pressure in the pelvic region. This is what many women describe as the bowling ball between their legs. Your baby’s head is now resting in your pelvic bone area which can cause some pressure. More discharge. Because your baby’s head is now resting on your cervix, this can cause the cervix to thin and release it’s mucus plug. This mucus plug can then come out in the form of some extra discharge. More bathroom breaks. You may notice that you need to go pee more than you used to. Your baby is so close to your bladder at this point that the increased pressure can cause you to need to pee more often. Pelvic pain. Some women experience little “flashes” of pain in their pelvic area when their baby rests. This is believed to be because of the pressure on your ligaments in the pelvic area. Your hunger increases. Because your baby is no longer resting near your stomach you may find that your hunger increases. Back Pain. Similar to pelvic pain, back pain can be caused because of the increase in pressure on the lower spine area. How to Get Baby to Drop So, what does it mean when baby drops? Well, if your baby is dropping it means they are preparing for labor. Some women may even decide to encourage their baby to drop in an attempt to induce labor. While there has not been a lot of scientific research into this method of induction, many women claim to have success by: Walking Squatting Doing pelvic tilts Walking is said to help because it relaxes the pelvic region and can open up the hips. Squatting is said to do the same thing. Similarly pelvic tilts help to guide the baby into the pelvic opening and increase their likelihood of dropping. Main Takeaways for Baby Dropping Baby dropping is a natural part of the labor process. It is difficult to determine when this will happen as it is different for every woman and every pregnancy. Make sure you talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have pre-labor and post-labor. It’s just as important that you take care of yourself postpartum as it is during your pregnancy. Your body has gone through an intensive process, and it will take a while to get back to normal. Don’t worry though, Bellefit is here to help you with all your postpartum needs. From comfortable panties, nursing bras, compression leggings, and even postpartum girdles – we have everything you need for a smooth and fast recovery. We hope this has been a helpful and informative article.

To many women maternity clothes sound like the death of fashion, but in our current day and age, it is not the case. Your grandmother and mother had to deal with the loose tent-like clothing, mumus, and various other unflattering designs when their clothing no longer fit, but you don’t have to. Today, maternity clothing is able to achieve comfort without sacrificing fashion. Yes or No to Maternity Clothes For many first-time mothers maternity clothing sounds daunting. Do you really need them? Why should I spend money on something I will only wear for a few months? Can’t I just wear my normal clothes? The answer to all of these questions is yes…and no. For some women maternity clothes are a great option. They are fashionable, comfortable, and built for your ever-changing body, but they can be expensive and it can seem futile to buy clothing you will wear for only a few months. It is relatively easy in the first few months to adjust your current wardrobe to fit your belly. So during this time, if you know that you will be comfortable in your normal clothes then just wear those! There is no need to purchase new clothing if you don’t need to; but most of the time, your normal clothing isn’t meant for your growing belly. And what was comfortable in the beginning of your pregnancy can soon become uncomfortable as your stomach grows. In the end, it is a matter of your personal preference. What Not to Wear – Maternity Clothes Edition As your body changes, there will be a few clothing items it is best to avoid. In general you will want to avoid any tight-fitting clothing as it can be uncomfortable and restrictive. You will want to pay particular attention to any clothing that is tight in the belly area as they can harm the growth of the baby. In addition, as your hormones increase you will probably experience hot flashes and you will probably sweat a lot more than you normally do. This in addition to certain materials can become incredibly uncomfortable, and can even cause a yeast infection. Cool, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing will be your best bet to stay comfortable. Overall try to avoid: Tight-fitting clothing Certain heavy materials such as, leather, jeans, and wool Any clothing that is fitted around the waist How to Maximize Your Maternity Clothes Budget One concern that many pregnant women have is their budget. You already will have to buy a bunch of new things for the baby, and new maternity clothes for yourself is not at the top of your priority list. At a certain point, however, your normal clothing just won’t cut it anymore and you will have to make some adjustments. In an effort to maximize your budget while also making sure you are comfortable we wanted to give a few tips. Shop your own wardrobe The easiest way to pinch a few pennies, is by adjusting your current wardrobe to fit your new needs. If you have exhausted all of your loose-fitting tops, maxi skirts, and dresses you can always try to re-style them. A maxi skirt can be turned into a dress, and a dress can be turned into a tunic style shirt. Wearing clothes with airflow will allow you to enjoy your summer pregnancy. In addition you can always wear your current pants, unbutton them, and loop a hairband around the button and through the loop. This creates a faux elastic waist for your pants, and allows you to continue wearing them a little longer than you would have been able to. Borrow from friends Has one of your friends just recently had a baby? Try asking if you can borrow from their wardrobe. More than likely, they would be more than willing to help you out. We all know what it feels like to not be able to fit into your current clothes. If not a friend, maybe a family member kept some of their old maternity clothes. Some women even re-style their partners’ clothing to suit their current body. Go thrifting What do you do when you are done with your current clothes, but don’t want to toss them away? You donate them! And what better way to get rid of your old maternity clothes then to donate or consign them, so that other women can have them. If your local thrift store or consignment shops don’t have many available options, you can always try out online thrift/consignment options. Online retailers such as Motherhood Closet and ThredUp offer cheap and stylish options to suit you. Loving Your Changing Body A lot of women lament about their “pre-pregnancy body” and how they wish they could get it back. Yes, your body has changed physically, but you have also changed emotionally. Love yourself now, not what you were. We know how difficult self-love can be during this time of your life, but try to remember that you are growing a child inside of you. Be kind to yourself and love your body, even if it doesn’t seem to be loving you. Don’t be afraid to show off your baby bump and be proud of all that comes with it. We at Bellefit want you to love your body, and care for yourself. That is why we offer a range of postpartum maternity garments, to help you feel confident and sexy. Our shaper leggings can help you feel supported and comfortable in your postpartum days. Our postpartum girdles can help speed up your recovery, and our intimates keep you feeling confident and relaxed. What are you waiting for? Check out our postpartum garment options today.

If you have read up on labor and delivery, you may have come across the term “breech baby”. What is a breech baby? It is when the baby is positioned with its feet down near the cervix instead of the head. This can occur throughout the entire pregnancy, but as you move closer to your delivery date this can pose problems. In this article we want to give you all the information you need to know in order to be prepared. What is a Breech Baby? As your baby grows, they will constantly be moving around in your uterus. And most of the time this isn’t a problem, we all need to adjust ourselves and get comfortable. But as you move closer to your due date, their moving around can cause them to get into some interesting positions. This can be a cause for concern in some cases, particularly when your baby’s head is not near the birthing canal. Between the 32nd and 37th weeks of your pregnancy your baby should be moving into a position to prepare for birth. Their head should move towards the birthing canal, and their feet should be in the opposite direction towards the top of your uterus. If a baby doesn’t properly move into place, they can be born feet-first. And this can cause harm to the baby. Possible Complications with a Breech Baby Due to the nature of labor, the best position for a baby to be in for vaginal birth is with the head towards the cervix. The head is the baby’s largest part of their body, and is the most difficult to get out of the birthing canal. If the feet come out first, it becomes more difficult for the baby’s head to come out, because the birthing canal has not opened up wide enough. Another potential problem occurs when the umbilical cord prolapses. This means that the umbilical cord is being squeezed, cutting off the baby’s oxygen and blood supply. This can cause birth defects. Babies are more likely to be breech if: They are premature There is more than one baby (twins, etc.) There is an abnormal level of amniotic fluid The mother’s uterus is shaped abnormally While these complications are serious, there are many ways you can try to move them into the correct position. Can you change a Breech Baby position? As you attend your check-ups and doctors appointments, your doctor will be checking to make sure your baby isn’t breeched. In the early stages of your pregnancy, a breech baby is not a problem. The closer you come to your due date the more likely your doctor is to suggest measures to change the baby’s position. Non-Medical methods to change position Acupuncture – This form of Chinese medicine involves placing tiny needles at several pressure points on the body. When stimulated this can relax the uterus, causing the baby to shift position. Chiropractic Care – A chiropractor adjusts your posture and alignment to ensure that your hips and pelvis are aligned. This will relieve pressure off of the uterus, which can promote the baby to turn. Child’s Pose – Another technique uses gravity as a way to persuade the baby to turn. One option is to rest in the yoga pose known as child’s pose for 10-15 minutes a day. Pelvic tilt – Another option that uses gravity is known as a pelvic tilt. The mother rests on her back with her knees up and her feet on the ground. Then she lifts her hips up off the ground into a bridge position. The mother is supposed to maintain this pose for 15-20 minutes. Some women find this pose difficult to maintain and use an ironing board and a couch for some extra stability. They lean the ironing board against the couch and lie on it with their feet on the couch. Music – Some babies are very fond of music. If you have noticed your baby move in the past when you play music, this might be a good option for you. Play music in the area when you want their head, and some babies will move their head to hear the music better. Temperature – Similarly, some babies are very sensitive to temperature. By placing a warm cloth at the bottom of your stomach and a cold cloth at the top, your baby may be enticed to move toward the warmth. Medical methods to change position If these non-medical methods are not working for you, your doctor may suggest the use of a procedure known as External Cephalic Version (ECV). An ECV is typically had at around 37 weeks of pregnancy. It is a non-invasive procedure where the physician will apply pressure to your stomach in various areas to push the baby into the proper position. Some doctors choose to use an ultrasound also to make sure they can see the baby move into the correct position, while also monitoring their heart rate. This procedure is non-invasive, but it can be painful. Some doctors choose to administer some medication before the procedure to relax your muscles and reduce discomfort. C-Section for Breech Baby Sometimes, no matter what you or your doctor do, your baby will not move out of the breech position. In these cases most physicians will recommend a c-section delivery. While some breech babies are ok to be delivered through a vaginal birth, a c-section is the safer option. A clinical study conducted and published in Lancet found that a “Planned caesarean section is better than planned vaginal birth for the term fetus in the breech presentation.” C-Section Recovery If this happens to be the case, the baby will be safely delivered, but your recovery time may be much longer. A c-section involves a large incision across your abdomen that takes a while to heal. Movement becomes difficult and the stress of caring for your newborn is only added on top of that. Thankfully, Bellefit has developed a line of postpartum girdles that help you heal faster and help you feel more confident. These postpartum girdles were designed with all women in mind. They come in many different sizes, shades, and types. Buy one online today and find out how so many women have healed faster and with less pain.

Yoga for pregnant women, also called prenatal yoga, is a great way to exercise while staying safe and healthy. Exercise in general is incredibly beneficial for most pregnant women. It can help you gain a healthy amount of weight, improve your overall fitness, strengthen your heart, and even help you lose the baby weight after your baby is born. However, not all exercise is created equal. With so many changes to your body occurring it can be difficult to find a healthy fitness routine that won’t cause undue stress. Yoga designed for pregnant women is one of the best ways to stay fit, and be safe. Why Yoga for Pregnant Women? So why is yoga better for pregnant women than other types of exercise? Well, your body is going through a lot of changes, and that means you will not be able to do all the different things you used to. For example, the hormones created during pregnancy can cause your ligaments to become more relaxed. This means it is much easier for you to roll an ankle, or strain any of your other joints. Most high-impact cardio workouts require strong ligaments, so those exercises can increase your risk of injuring yourself. Similarly, your body now has an increased amount of weight in the belly region. This means that your center of gravity will shift causing your balance to be less stable. This means that you are at a greater risk of falling when you are pregnant. In addition, this excess strain on your lower back and pelvis can cause stress and pain to those parts of your body. You don’t want to perform any exercises that many use those muscles a lot. Finally, breathing is an important part of exercise. When you exercise oxygen goes to your muscles and away from other parts of your body. And when you are pregnant your body needs more oxygen, therefore this may limit your ability to do high-intensity exercise. It is for these reasons that yoga is one of the most popular exercises for pregnant women, because it takes all of this into account. Benefits of Prenatal Yoga While yoga is a great option for pregnant women, not all yoga is created equal. There are some strenuous forms of yoga that are not suitable for pregnant women – including hot yoga. When done correctly, and in the proper environment, yoga can be extremely beneficial. Some benefits of prenatal yoga include: Improved sleep Reduced stress and anxiety Increased strength, flexibility and endurance Decreased lower back pain, and nausea And preparation of muscles for labor Prenatal yoga is so beneficial to the mother’s health that a study published in Prev Med even found a correlation between prenatal yoga and the reduction of hypertension-related complications. It can also improve the fetal outcome. Modifying Poses In order to prevent any strain on yourself or the baby, you will want to modify some of the yoga poses. Most prenatal yoga instructors are trained to know how/when to have you modify your poses. And many prenatal yoga classes only use poses that are suitable for women who are pregnant. If you are doing it home, you can always try to find some instructional videos on YouTube. But we still wanted to break down some of the things you want to avoid. It is best to avoid deep twisting exercises while pregnant. Twisting can cause undue stress on your spine which can cause pain. Try to avoid any stressful ab movements, as these can cause tension and pain in the lower back area. As your belly grows, you may want to avoid postures that have you putting weight on your belly. Oftentimes as your baby grows, there is pressure on your lower back, you don’t want to make it worse, so try to modify the poses to relieve the tension. Pregnant women in a gym. Girls diong yoga. Women working with a coach. Each trimester of your pregnancy brings new challenges. That is why many women choose to attend yoga classes for pregnant women. That way the instructor can help you modify your poses for your individual needs. Postpartum Yoga After you have given birth it can be tempting to jump right back into the old exercises or yoga you used to do. However, sometimes this can make things even worse. Most doctors will clear you for exercise at around 6 weeks postpartum, but this is often not enough time for your body to heal. Many women suffer from a postpartum condition called diastasis recti. This condition separates your abdomen muscles causing any sort of abdominal movements to be painful. The key to fixing diastasis recti is not to exercise them more. The key is to allow them to heal. Your abdomen muscles separated over the course of your entire pregnancy, it takes them more than 6 weeks to go back to normal. In order to avoid making the situation worse you will want to avoid certain yoga poses, and sometimes even every day movements. This can be incredibly difficult to do, but that is why Bellefit is here to help. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed for women with diastasis recti. The girdles allow you to use your muscles in everyday situations without causing any stress. Simply bending down in the wrong way can cause problems, but postpartum girdles help your core to remain stabilized. This allows you to get back to doing the things you love while still recovering. We hope that this has been a helpful guide of why yoga for pregnant women is beneficial and how you can have a smoother, faster recovery.

Historically, women who become pregnant over the age of 35 were considered to have a “geriatric pregnancy.” This term has become outdated in recent years, due to the increase in education, technology, and pregnancy knowledge. Still, women are often concerned when it comes to pregnancy as you age. In this article, we want to break down some misconceptions and ease your worries a little about “geriatric pregnancies.” What is a Geriatric Pregnancy? According to Healthline, “In the medical world, a geriatric pregnancy is one that occurs anytime a woman is over the age of 35.” This phrase has fallen out of popularity among medical professionals, and a new one has taken its place. Today, the term “geriatric pregnancy” has become “advanced maternal age.” Studies have demonstrated that more women than ever before are having their first child between the ages of 35 and 39. And according to a study by the NCHS, first-time pregnancies in women over 40 have actually doubled in the last 40 years. This shift towards later pregnancies is likely due to the shift in social beliefs within the last 40 years. In recent years it has become more socially acceptable to wait to have children until you feel you are financially stable. In addition, many women choose to focus on their careers and wait to have children. The recent increase in technological abilities and knowledge of baby development has also helped women have safe and healthy pregnancies in their later years. Why is it considered a geriatric pregnancy? Fun fact about fertility, you are born with your entire lifetime supply of eggs. According to the Rogel Cancer Center, “Females are not capable of making new eggs, and in fact, there is a continuous decline in the total number of eggs each month.” It is because of this reason that women over the age of 35 have increased difficulty conceiving. According to a study published in Hum Reprod, women between the ages of 19-26 are at their highest fertility levels. Between the ages of 27 and 34 the likelihood of conceiving drops to 40%. Between the ages of 35-39 it drops to 30%. And by the time you reach 40-45 your fertility decreases by up to 95%. Don’t worry though, many healthcare professionals still believe that a healthy and safe pregnancy is possible. According to an article in Parents, “A woman who maintains a healthy weight, takes a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, manages medical conditions, doesn’t smoke, and keeps vaccinations up to date, has a better chance of conceiving a healthy baby, and having a healthy pregnancy.” Risks with a Geriatric Pregnancy As with any pregnancy, there are risks involved with having a child after age 35. This includes an increased risk of: Pre-eclampsia Gestational diabetes Cesearean Section Labor Complications Loss of Pregnancy Premature birth Low birth weight chromosomal defects in the baby (particularly Down Syndrome) Having multiples (twins) How to Combat the Risks In order to ensure you have a safe and healthy pregnancy it is essential that you speak with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your individual condition and help you form a plan for a safe pregnancy. In general there are a few lifestyle changes that can help ensure you have a healthy pregnancy – no matter your age. Preconception/Fertility Appointment: This appointment helps you and your doctor evaluate and understand the risks involved in your pregnancy. In addition, you can formulate a plan to increase your risks of pregnancy, and other options in case those don’t work. Prenatal Care: Be sure to go to any and all doctor’s appointments that are scheduled. These frequent check-ups can help to catch any problems that might occur throughout your pregnancy. In addition, try to regularly take a prenatal vitamin to make sure your baby is getting the proper nutrition it needs. Eat Healthy: A well-rounded diet is essential during pregnancy. This ensures that you and your baby are getting all the necessary nutrients you need. Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps your body stay healthy and improves your overall health. No Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drugs: Avoid all risky substances during your pregnancy. And talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. Recovering from an Advanced Maternal Age Pregnancy Postpartum recovery can be a long and hard journey for any woman. Due to many of the increased risk factors associated with a geriatric pregnancy, recovery can be even more difficult. Fully recovering from pregnancy and childbirth can take months, and this is on top of caring for a newborn. It can be frustrating to feel as though you are not recovering as fast as you want, but give your body a chance to rest. It just spent 40 weeks creating a new life, it will take more than a few days to recover. Even if all you can do is sleep, eat, and take care of your baby that is enough. Later when you begin to feel better it can be tempting to try and workout and shed the baby weight. Be patient. You may feel prepared, but sometimes it is not the best decision to jump right back in. Focus on eating healthy and drinking lots of water. Diet is just as important as exercise, and diet won’t accidentally hurt you in the process. For a faster recovery after a geriatric pregnancy, consider using a postpartum girdle. They are designed to support your abdomen after giving birth so that you can get back to feeling and looking your best. Bellefit postpartum girdles are perfect for any mom who wants to speed up her recovery time. For whatever pregnancy, labor, or postpartum journey you are on, Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are here to support you.

Preparing for the birth of your new child takes time, and that is what maternity leave is for. So while maternity leave is essential to your well-being, and your baby’s, it can be hard to know what to do. You have a limited amount of time and it can be overwhelming the amount of stuff you have to do. We put together a list of 9 maternity leave activities that will help you prepare, and enjoy your time with your new baby. What is Maternity leave? Maternity Leave is essentially a vacation period that you can take to prepare and enjoy time with your newborn. According to American Pregnancy Association, “Maternity leave is usually created from a variety of benefits that include sick leave, vacation, holiday time, personal days, short-term disability and unpaid family leave time.” Maternity leave ensures that the mother is adequately prepared and financially stable for when the baby comes. It also gives time for the mother and child to bond and allows the mom time to recover after giving birth. There are a variety of things that influence the amount of time you have for maternity leave, but the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected maternity leave. There are a few requirements for you to be considered “eligible” for this leave, but many people qualify. Therefore, the typical amount of time for maternity leave (in the United States) is about 12 weeks. When to Take Maternity Leave? It is your personal preference when you decide to take maternity leave. Some women decide to take 4 weeks off before their due date so they have time to prepare for their new baby. Other moms choose to wait until the last possible minute so they can have all their time off with their new baby. So, when you decide to take maternity leave is really up to you. It is a good idea to involve your partner in the decision as well. That way you can both determine a good amount of time to be off and enjoying your new baby together. Financial constraints may also play a role in your decision, but in the end, it is all about your personal preference. What to Do During Maternity Leave So whether you decide to take your maternity leave early, or later, we put together a little list of nine things you can do during your maternity leave. Before Baby Comes There are a few things you can do during your maternity leave that will make life after giving birth a little easier. Organize your Leave from Work Maternity leave is long, and this lengthy departure from work can leave your co-workers and boss scrambling to pick up the slack. It is important that you form a plan with your boss and co-workers so everyone can be on top of your job duties. If you have a good plan in place, when you eventually come back, you can pick up right where you left off. Contact Health Insurance Maternity leave is semi-complicated when it comes to time off and what you qualify for and what you can take. You are going to want to sit down with your Human Resource manager to figure out what you can take. In addition you may want to contact your health insurance provider to make sure you know exactly what is covered in your plan. Food Prep Before Baby There are a bunch of things you will have to worry about after you give birth. Make sure that preparing food isn’t one of them. There are plenty of recipes and great food prep tips that will make food prep quick and easy. Check out this article for more information on why food prepping before the baby arrives is a great idea. Test Out the Gear For some reason, it always seems like baby carriers, seats, and strollers are way more complicated than they need to be. There are dozens of straps, clips, and velcro that it can be difficult to understand what goes where. Before the baby comes, it is a great idea to test out the new gear. That way when the baby does come you won’t be hopelessly confused on how to get the baby carrier out of the car. Arrange Some Help Those first few weeks back from the hospital can be overwhelming. All the time spent feeding, doing laundry, and finding time for yourself can be overwhelming. And while you may not want to be away from your new baby for even a minute, you will need to step away at some point. That’s where you will need some help, maybe it is only a couple hours, or even a couple minutes, but having someone you can rely on to help is essential. Whether that be your partner, a parent, a friend, or even a babysitter. Once Baby Comes Once the baby comes, you will want to take full advantage of the time you have with them. Here are a few ideas to keep you sane, and enjoy time with your new baby. Set Aside “Me Time” Once the baby comes, your time will be consumed with feeding, playing, sleeping, and occupying your baby’s attention. A great way to prevent becoming overwhelmed is to set aside some me-time. This doesn’t mean you have to leave the house, or spend money. You can simply take a long bath while the baby is asleep. Or read a book you have been meaning to get to. Whatever makes you happy and allows you to relax for a short amount of time. Join Mommy Groups Another great way to occupy your time, and make the most of your maternity leave, is with a mommy group. These groups are found in your area and are designed to bring together new-moms and their children. These groups can be instructional – such as learning to breastfeed. Some can be fun – such as “mommy and me music time”. These groups provide a great opportunity for you to connect with your new baby, and also find some new friends. Take Pictures As anyone with a child will tell you, “time flies”. Make sure you can capture the small moments and growth by taking lots and lots of pictures. A great way to announce the birth of your child is through professional newborn photos. Not only are they a great keepsake, but you can show off your beautiful baby to your friends and family. Get Out Everyone knows if you are inside for an extended period of time that you can go a little stir-crazy. Couple that with the fact that your only companion is a baby, it’s no wonder that mothers enjoy time outside. A great way to exercise and escape your house is by walking the neighborhood with your baby. Not only will this help you get back into shape, but it is a great way for your baby to get some stimulation. Postpartum Recovery Maternity leave is not only about spending time with your baby, but making sure you have a good postpartum recovery. After spending hours in labor with little rest, and the sudden transitions your body has to endure, you can be left feeling sore, fatigued, and weak. Postpartum recovery is a journey, and you don’t want to have a long and painful one. That is where Bellefit comes in. Bellefit makes the best postpartum recovery garments to experience your postpartum life with less pain. We have everything you would need for your postpartum journey – girdles, compression leggings, nursing bras, etc. We want to make sure your postpartum journey is the easiest part of your pregnancy experience. Shop all of our garments today, and get back to feeling your most confident and strongest self. We hope this has given you a few ideas of what to do during your maternity leave. If you have any more suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

These pregnancy facts can help you determine what to expect and how to react. Over the course of your 40 week pregnancy, you will experience a lot of changes. Some of these will be physical changes, and some will be mental. In order for you to better prepare yourself for the journey, we created a month by month overview of what to expect. First Trimester Pregnancy Facts The first trimester of pregnancy is considered the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. That means that the first trimester is about 3 months long. So what can you expect in those months? Month 1 The first month of your pregnancy is usually the one where you discover you are pregnant. Some women may not find out they are pregnant until the second month of pregnancy – so it really depends on your body. The major physical change in the first month of pregnancy is your hormones. Your hormones in the first month are extremely elevated and your body is not used to these hormones. This can cause nausea, increased urination, breast/nipple tenderness, and even fatigue. One day you could be fine, and the next day your stomach is churning at just the thought of tuna. Month 2 In the second month of your pregnancy you will typically demonstrate the same symptoms as month one. The nausea may increase to vomiting, and many women make lifestyle changes for the baby’s health. In regards to mental health, increased moodiness may occur due to the increased hormones. And some women may even experience a low sex drive. Month 3 Good news, in the third month, your body is finally beginning to adjust to the increased hormone levels! Your appetite may return, and you may even find yourself with some pregnancy cravings. Some women may even begin to grow a little tummy. This is also the month where you will finally be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat. Second Trimester Pregnancy Facts After your first trimester, the second trimester feels like a breeze. Your body has finally adjusted to the hormones, and your stomach isn’t big enough for you to begin feeling uncomfortable. Many women claim that the second trimester is the best trimester. Month 4 Physically you are going to start feeling much better. Your hormones have stabilized and your appetite has likely returned. You may feel a little heartburn as the uterus grows upward towards the stomach. Your energy will likely increase and you might even get back your sex drive. Mentally, get ready because the fourth month is where a lot of things can happen. The baby is finally big enough for you to really begin to have a little bump. And you may even begin to feel the baby moving around. Not only that, but you also can have your ultrasound around this time. Your first picture of your new baby! Month 5 In terms of pregnancy facts – your uterus is the size of a cantaloupe. That means that most women gain between 5 and 15 pounds by this time. Your increasing uterus means you will begin to have a larger appetite, your heart will have to work a little bit harder, and you might get a little bit of constipation. “Pregnancy brain,” is a fancy term for forgetfulness, and it usually kicks in around this time. Just don’t forget that this is the month where your doctor can determine the baby’s gender. Month 6 Ok, we are closing in on the end of the second trimester. It took a lot of energy and time to get to this point, but you are almost in the home stretch. This means that it is crunch time. The baby is going to start growing incredibly rapidly at this point, so you may gain some weight – about a pound a week. Your stomach will start to grow bigger, and that may mean stretch marks. Because of this extra weight, you may also get some leg cramps, and even hemorrhoids. Take time to rest, you are growing a baby! Third Trimester Pregnancy Facts The last trimester of pregnancy is both physically and emotionally draining. Try not to lose hope, your new baby is almost here. But just to prepare you in the meantime, here are some pregnancy facts for the last three months. Month 7 In the seventh month your baby is starting to get ready for life. They will begin moving around and you could even see a little hand or foot on your tummy. While this is amazing, it can also be a little uncomfortable, especially when you are trying to sleep. Everyday tasks may become more difficult as your stomach grows and your muscles fatigue easier. You may even get Braxton-Hicks contractions at this point. According to What to Expect, Braxton-Hicks are when “Your uterine muscles are flexing in preparation for the big job they’ll have to do in the near future.” Your whole body is changing so it is not uncommon to experience: headaches, heartburn, backaches and shortness of breath. Your uterus is growing and pushing on all the surrounding organs, so you may also have to pee more frequently. Month 8 At this point, your baby is almost fully developed and is now preparing to come into the world. This means that you may begin to feel more pressure in your pelvic region and Braxton-Hicks contractions may increase. All of the other fun things that come in the third trimester are still there, but don’t give up you are almost to the end. Month 9 Your due date is likely just around the corner, but don’t be surprised if it comes and goes uneventfully. Just be patient, your body and your doctor know what is best, so be sure to stay up-to-date with those appointments. Sleep may be a little hard to come back at this point, but your breathing might be easier. This is because the baby is settling into the pelvic region relieving the pressure on your lungs. Mentally your “nesting” instincts are going to kick in. You may find yourself incredibly tired one moment and ready to clean the entire house the next. Your mind is just preparing for the arrival of a new family member. Embrace those instincts. Your Postpartum Body Yay! The baby is here. Not only is your entire life now changed, but so has your body. If you are breastfeeding you get to look forward to all the changes that come with breastfeeding. And even if you aren’t breastfeeding, your body is still in recovery. Labor is a long and intensive process and now your body is dealing with the sudden changes. It can be a long and painful journey to full recovery, but it doesn’t have to be. Bellefit creates the best postpartum girdles to make sure your postpartum recovery is smooth and endured with less pain. Coming in all shapes, sizes, colors, and types – Bellefit postpartum girdles are medically designed compression garments that ease your recovery. Make sure you invest in your future self by purchasing a Bellefit girdle. We hope that this guide of pregnancy facts has helped you to prepare and know what the road ahead looks like. Pregnancy is both terrifying and amazing at the same time. We want to be there to help.

Exercise is a big concern for many women who discover they are pregnant. They often wonder: can I still exercise? Is it safe to exercise? What types of exercise is ok for me to do? How will I feel? When should I stop? There are so many unknowns and questions that come to mind when you first discover you are pregnant, so we want to answer some of those questions for you. In this article, we will discuss what is safe and what is not safe when it comes to exercise during your pregnancy. Is it Safe to Exercise While Pregnant? The short answer to this question is yes. The long answer is that there are certain exercises that are safe and others that are not. Overall exercising while pregnant can actually be very beneficial, but there are some exercises it is best to avoid due to complications that can occur. Of course, the safety of exercising while pregnant is largely a case-by-case basis. Your fitness level, what trimester you are in, how you are feeling, and if you have a high-risk pregnancy are all factors that contribute to the safety of exercising while pregnant. It is best to discuss your fitness plans with your physician before starting on an exercise plan while pregnant. Happy pregnant woman training yoga at home For women with a vigorous exercise routine already set in place before they become pregnant, it is typically ok for them to continue with their routine. They may need to adjust the amount of time working out, or the intensity level as their pregnancy progresses, but overall it is generally ok to continue with your routine. For women who are starting an exercise routine when they become pregnant, they may want to start off slowly, and build up their routine. Benefits of exercising during pregnancy Numerous studies have shown that exercising while pregnant, can actually be incredibly beneficial. Not only to your current health, but also to your postpartum health. So while it may seem like that is the last thing on your mind, and not what you want to do, it can actually be incredibly beneficial. When exercising safely and properly, exercising while pregnant has shown to: Decrease the chance of gestational diabetes. In an article published in BMJ, it was discovered that women who exercised while pregnant were less likely to develop gestational diabetes than their counterparts. Decrease chance of Cesarean section. In the same study from BMJ, women were also less likely to have to undergo a c-section during delivery. Boost your mood. As published in the Journal of Physiotherapy, women who exercise have a decreased chance of experiencing depression and anxiety throughout their pregnancy. This is believed to be due to the endorphins that are released during/after exercise. Lower Blood Pressure. Even limited physical activity can decrease your chances of getting preeclampsia as this study in the journal Biological Research for Nursing found. Fight Fatigue. Endorphins can also help fight fatigue that comes from pregnancy. Improve Sleep. Many women find that they fall asleep faster and stay asleep if they exercise during the day. Ease Pain. Due to the strengthening of your muscles through exercise. Some studies have found a possible correlation between exercise and less back/pelvic pain in the later trimester. What exercises can you not do? As the various research has shown, it is pretty beneficial to exercise during your pregnancy, but not all exercise is created equal. Particularly when it comes to pregnancy. For the most part, your regular exercise routine should be safe, but you may need to make a few adjustments. So while most exercise is perfectly safe, there are some you will want to avoid. Young pregnant woman in a swimming pool Here are some of the exercises you will want to avoid while pregnant: Any exercise with an increased risk of falling or getting pelvic injuries. This includes: horseback riding, diving, bungee jumping, impact sports, gymnastics, snowboarding/skiing, etc. Any exercises that include a change in altitude. Unless you already live in an area that is over 6000ft you will want to make sure you don’t go up too high. In addition you don’t want to go diving as this can cause decompression sickness in the fetus. Exercises that require you to lie flat on your back. This can cut off the circulation to your fetus and cause complications, so avoid this position as much as possible. Hot yoga/exercising in hot temperatures. You should try to avoid getting into hot temperatures as much as possible – this includes saunas, hot tubs, hot yoga, and steam rooms. Sudden jerky movements. This includes jumping, and bouncing – so don’t go on a trampoline anytime soon. Any exercise that requires you to hold your breath. You and your baby need a steady flow of oxygen. How much should you exercise? So, now that you know that you can/should exercise, and what exercises to avoid, let’s talk about how much and how long you should exercise during pregnancy. From the advice of many doctors it seems as though the best option is to limit exercise to 20 minute increments and to exercise 3-7 times a week. Pregnant woman enjoying the music It is all about listening to your body. If you exercise on a regular basis currently, you may be surprised to find out how quickly you become tired now. When you used to be able to do a 45 minute exercise routine with no problem, you may find yourself getting winded after just 10 minutes now. So listen to your body. If you are starting to feel fatigued, out of breath, or run-down – stop exercising. It can be frustrating to learn your new limits, but be kind to yourself, your body is trying to create another human inside of you. Exercise after giving birth After learning your new limits, working around them, and creating a new routine, you can be ready to jump back onto the band-wagon after giving birth. Try to refrain. Your body is still recovering from the nine months of pregnancy, and the hours of labor. It needs time to heal from these events before you can try to push yourself even further. And for some women, starting to exercise before your body is ready can cause even more problems. If you are really concerned about getting back to exercising on a regular basis, consider investing in a postpartum girdle. These postpartum garments are designed to help you feel better sooner, and get you back up and going faster than you would have otherwise. Because of the compression and support that comes from the girdle, you will start to feel ready to exercise faster. And starting off with small household chores, walking, and stretching is a great way to start to feel better. A postpartum girdle makes sure that you don’t put any undue stress/pressure on your abdomen, and keep you healing at a steady pace. So don’t be shy, try out a Bellefit postpartum girdle today! We promise you it will make all the difference in your postpartum recovery.

Is it morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)? Almost every woman who has been pregnant can talk to you about morning sickness, but for some women the nausea that comes with pregnancy is not just morning sickness. For some pregnant women, the nausea, heartburn, and vomiting can be an indication of hyperemesis gravidarum. What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum? According to the MayoClinic, hyperemesis gravidarum is “when someone with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy has severe symptoms that may cause severe dehydration or result in the loss of more than 5 percent of pre-pregnancy body weight.” Unlike morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum can become so severe that some women need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous (IV) fluids. Symptoms How can you tell when the problem is HG versus morning sickness? Morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum present themselves as nearly the same thing, but HG is a more severe case of morning sickness. We made a little table to demonstrate the differences. Morning Sickness Hyperemesis Gravidarum Occasional vomitingNausea that lessens after the first trimesterVomiting that does not cause dehydrationAble to keep some food down Severe vomiting that occurs oftenNausea that occurs throughout pregnancyVomiting that causes dehydrationInability to keep food downWeight loss of 5% or more of pre-pregnancy weightInfrequent urinationLoss of skin elasticity (caused by dehydration)HeadachesFaintingFatigueLow Blood PressureRapid Heart Rate The majority of women will experience some form of morning sickness during their pregnancy. And many women only have problems with nausea in the first trimester of pregnancy. Some women do have nausea throughout their pregnancy, but few experience hyperemesis gravidarum. Women who do have HG typically have it the most intense in the 9-13 week time frame. According to American Pregnancy, “Most women receive some relief between weeks 14-20, although up to 20% of women may require care for hyperemesis throughout the rest of their pregnancy.” What Causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum? Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that is created during pregnancy, is widely believed to cause nausea during pregnancy. The rapid increase of this hormone within the body causes nausea. That nausea is associated with morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum. Who is at Risk? There are a few things that may increase your likelihood of hyperemesis gravidarum. Including: A history of hyperemesis gravidarum in the family Pregnant with more than one baby Being a first time mother Being overweight These factors do not ensure that you will get it, and they aren’t the only factors that can increase your likelihood. So be sure to talk to your doctor if you are displaying any symptoms. How are you diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum? In most cases the problem is discovered with a standard physical exam at your doctor’s office. They will look for the symptoms such as a fast heart rate and low blood pressure. They may also look at your family history, and may even conduct an ultrasound to see if you are pregnant with more than one baby. Your doctor may also decide to conduct other tests to rule out gastrointestinal problems as a factor. In some cases, the problem is not found until you are admitted to the hospital. While hyperemesis gravidarum is severe, many women are able to overcome the problem on their own, or with just their physicians help. Make sure you attend your regular appointments with your OB/GYN. This will increase your chances of discovering the problem quickly. What are effective treatments? Many times your doctor will recommend natural treatment options to deal with the nausea and vomiting. Such treatments include, taking a B-6 vitamin and ingesting ginger to decrease nausea. Dehydration and nausea can be severe. So your doctor may advise you to be admitted to a hospital. Your doctor might also prescribe anti-nausea medication if needed. According to Healthline, “Taking medication while pregnant can cause potential health problems for the baby, but in severe cases of HG, maternal dehydration is a more concerning problem.” If you have any of the above symptoms, talk to your doctor, they will be able to assess your situation and form a course of action. Does hyperemesis gravidarum persist after pregnancy? Like morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum typically subsides after the first trimester. In some cases it may persist throughout the pregnancy, but it usually goes away after giving birth. This is due to the fact that your body is no longer producing the hormone that was causing the problem. So even if you do have hyperemesis gravidarum you can rest easy knowing it will go away. While it will go away after pregnancy, some women have a more difficult postpartum recovery process because of it. If you had hyperemesis gravidarum, consider using a postpartum girdle to speed up your recovery. Bellefit has a wide variety of postpartum garments that help make life after pregnancy a little easier. Our girdles are medical-quality products, designed for everyday wear. They help the uterus navigate back to its original place in less time and provide women with comfortable and reliable belly and back support. Don’t suffer through a long and painful postpartum recovery, when you can get support for yourself today. We hope that this has been a helpful guide to hyperemesis gravidarum.

Sleeping at night while pregnant can be a hassle, but we figured out the best sleeping position in pregnancy. There are so many issues that come with being pregnant that you may not have even known about, and sleeping is probably one of them. When you first discover you are pregnant, you may notice that sleep seems to be harder to come by. And this can be for a variety of reasons, but don’t worry, we can help you get a better sleep. What is causing Sleeping Problems? Your changing body is probably going to be the culprit for all of your sleeping woes. Many women struggle with the side effects of being pregnant, and these side effects can be difficult to overcome. There are a few common problems that can cause issues with sleeping when pregnant. Heartburn Shortness of Breath Growing Belly Back Pain Every single one of these problems can be traced back to your pregnancy. Heartburn can occur because your hormones are changing, causing your digestion to change. So food you could eat before you were pregnant, now make you have heartburn. Shortness of breath can happen when your organs are being squashed by the growing baby. All of your muscles and organs have to move in order to accomodate the baby; so sometimes your lungs might be a little smushed. This can cause shortness of breath. Some women are stomach sleepers, and when your belly starts to grow, you have to change your sleeping position because it is now uncomfortable. This messes up your routine, and changes what makes you feel comfortable. That can make you have trouble sleeping, because your body doesn’t like change. Finally, back pain. This is also caused by the pressure that the growing fetus causes on the surrounding muscles. All of these things can make it seem impossible to fall asleep quickly and easily, but it isn’t. There are a variety of ways you can adjust your sleeping position in pregnancy so that you can get a long and deep sleep. Sleeping Positions to Avoid Before we tell you what the best sleeping position in pregnancy is, we want to tell you what sleeping positions to avoid and why you want to avoid them. There are two main positions to avoid: sleeping on your back, and sleeping on your stomach. Sleeping on Back You have probably read that it is not ideal to sleep on your back, but why is that? Well, around the time you are 20 weeks pregnant, your stomach is large enough to cause pressure on your inferior vena cava. Your inferior vena cava is a blood vessel that brings blood flow to your heart. So what does this do? Well, according to Dr. Salena Zanotti, “the thought is if you have anything large that’s pushing against the blood flow return, you’ll have less blood flow to your heart. That means you’ll have less blood flow to yourself and the baby.” Not only does this happen, but the pressure can also cause back pain, indigestion, and breathing issues. So it is best to avoid sleeping on your back. Sleeping on Stomach Sleeping on your stomach, while not unsafe, just isn’t comfortable. According to midwife Liz Wilkes, “In early pregnancy, until you have a sizable bump, lying on your stomach is both safe and generally comfortable.” Some women may even decide to create a bolster that makes it comfortable for them to sleep in their stomach. So while it is not unsafe, in most cases it is not comfortable. Your stomach will begin to grow, and sleeping on it can cause discomfort after a while. And most women will decide to sleep in a different position instead of trying to bolster themselves so they can sleep on their stomach. What Happens if You Lay In these Positions Accidentally? Don’t worry. If you fall asleep laying on your side, or accidentally doze off sleeping on your back you will be ok. Hardly anyone goes to sleep and stays asleep all night in the same position, so while you are moving around you may end up on your back or stomach. If you are there for a few hours it is not a big deal. Your body will naturally wake you up and you can adjust yourself back to your side. Don’t worry too much, and don’t lose sleep over it, a few hours on your back or stomach is not going to hurt you or the baby. If you are still concerned you could choose to use more than one pillow so that you can prevent yourself from rolling onto your backs while sleeping. You can do this by laying a second pillow behind you while you are on your side. This ensures that even if you do roll onto your back, you will not be lying completely flat. Best Sleeping Position In Pregnancy The best sleeping position in pregnancy is to lay on your side. But which side is the best to lay on? It is widely accepted that the best side to sleep on is the left side. Sleeping on Left Side Why is it better to lay on your left side versus your right side? Well, similar to laying on your back, the inferior vena cava actually runs along the right side of your body. In addition, your liver and kidneys lie on the right side of your body. Any sort of pressure on any of those organs can cause swelling, and other possible issues. Does that mean it is bad to lie on your right side while pregnant? Not necessarily. A 2019 study in EClinicalMedicine concluded that lying on either side while pregnant is pretty much equally safe. It really is up to you and what is most comfortable. How to Get Comfortable on Left Side Many women do not naturally fall asleep on their left side, so the change in sleeping position can cause discomfort and sometimes insomnia. The best way to combat this is by getting comfortable. So, how do you get comfortable? Sleeping on your side can cause your back to twist and misalign, which can cause discomfort, to prevent this from happening many women invest in a pregnancy pillow. A pregnancy pillow is a long pillow that forms a hook shape at the top. Your head rests on the hook portion, and you elevate your leg by setting it on top of the pillow towards the bottom portion. This position has been found to provide the most comfort and eases your sleep. Postpartum Sleeping We know the best sleeping position in pregnancy, but what about after you give birth? The best position, according to doctors, is a slightly elevated upper body. To do this you simply pile pillows under your shoulder and chest area so that you are sleeping at a slight angle. This prevents any sort of blocked airways and sleep apnea that is common after pregnancy. Besides sleep you may also have other things to worry about after giving birth. Including how to recover faster. Well, thankfully we at Bellefit have got you covered. Many women struggle with their postpartum recovery journey, but postpartum girdles can help. The slight compression helps to ease pain and get you back on your feet sooner. That means you can get back to being your old self sooner than you could before. Check out Bellefit’s postpartum girdles to get back to being your best self.

Someone you know is about to have a baby, and you just got invited to the baby shower – so what are some baby shower gift ideas? It can be difficult to figure out what to get your friend for their shower. Sometimes they will have a registry that you can easily pick something from, but other times they won’t. We put together a list of some of the best baby shower gift ideas that will have the new parents thanking you. Baby Shower Registry If you are looking for a great gift idea look no further than the parents registry. It sounds a little boring, and uncreative, but the parents are asking for these things for a reason. It may seem like an easy solution to your worries, and that is because it is. The entire purpose of a registry is to make sure that the friends and family of the couple know exactly what the couple wants. They will be grateful to you for anything you get them off of that list. That’s why they put it together in the first place. If the new parent(s) didn’t create a registry, or if you are looking to add something in addition to the registry gift, we put together a few ideas. What Type of Baby Shower Gift? When looking at gift ideas, it is a great idea to figure out what type of gift you want to give to the new family. Do you want to get something to help with the baby? Or maybe get something to help make life a little easier once the baby has been born? Some people may even decide to get a gift to make mom’s life a little easier. Whatever you decide, we have some great ideas for you. Baby Shower Gifts for the Baby Swaddle Blankets If you are looking to make the parent(s) life a little easier, it is a great idea to buy them some swaddle blankets. They are the perfect gift to help soothe the baby and keep them safely tucked in at night. Lots of research has been done on the benefits of swaddling babies at night. According to a study in Pediatrics, one of the main benefits is that babies sleep longer when swaddled. And as we all know, any amount of sleep from an infant, is more sleep you can get for yourself. Trust us, the new parent(s) will thank you for introducing them to this wonderful technique. Stuffed Animals Everyone has a favorite stuffed animal from their childhood. The soft fur and the squishy feeling is a great way to ease a child to sleep as they get older. Some stuffed animals can even double as a night light or a sound machine to ease the child’s sleeping. Not only are they cute, but they are useful too. Books Another great gift to give is books! Children learn to speak and communicate by observing and learning from adults. The best way for them to get a head start is by being read to from a very young age. It allows them to adjust to the sounds and can even increase their likelihood of speaking sooner. According to Dr. Kandia Lewis, “By the time babies reach their first birthday they will have learned all the sounds needed to speak their native language. The more stories you read aloud, the more words your baby will hear and the better they’ll be able to talk.” So, help the parents get a head start on their child’s development by growing their library. Noise Machine Infants spend nine months in the womb insulated from the sounds, smells, and feelings of the outside world. Now imagine coming out of that place and the sensory overload that occurs. Noise machines can help a baby overcome that sensory overload. The machines drown out background noise that could wake them up while they are sleeping. This can help them sleep deeper and longer – which helps mom sleep longer too. Baby Clothes Do you remember how quickly you went through clothing and shoes as a kid? Looking back on it, it is crazy how much children grow in a short amount of time. You can help the parents ease into life with a new child, by making sure they are a little prepared. Not only do you want to get them newborn clothes, but get them 3-month-old clothes too, or even 6-month-old clothes. They may wake up one morning, and suddenly realize their babies clothes don’t fit anymore. And it will be such a relief when they realize you got them something they can use now. Diapers You can never have enough diapers. As a new-time parent it can be shocking to realize just how many diapers babies go through. So while it may seem like overkill, buying them a bunch of diapers will be super helpful. And similar to clothing, try buying them bigger diapers as well so they are prepared when the time comes. Baby Shower Gifts to Make Life Easier It is easy to get caught up in the practical things when we are shopping for new parents or as new parents. Getting the stroller, and clothes, and carseats are all at the top of the list, but what about things that make life just a little easier? While these might not be at the top of the list, these products are incredibly helpful and useful for new parents. Breastfeeding Pillow If you know the mom is planning on breastfeeding when the baby arrives, it is a great idea to get her a breastfeeding pillow. This pillow makes it much easier for the baby to be properly situated to latch on easily. It also helps decrease additional strain that would come from holding the baby in place while it is feeding. Diaper Genie Like we mentioned earlier, it is astonishing how many diapers a baby goes through. While changing the baby, it can be messy, smelly, and difficult to go back and forth with a diaper to the trash. A diaper genie is a great solution. It traps in all the smells and can be used multiple times before needing to be emptied. It is the perfect size and height to be set near the changing table, and easily reached. Medicine Kit One thing many new parents typically don’t think of is a medicine kit/bag for their new baby. That first time your baby gets a cold or a fever can be terrifying. And a medicine kit will make sure you are prepared for anything. Throw in a baby thermometer, baby medications, and maybe even a snot sucker – and the parents will thank you later. Sentimental Box For all the preparing you do, you can never prepare for how quickly the firsts will go by. Your baby’s first haircut, their first word, ultrasound pictures, first month of life – it all goes so quickly. Make sure they are prepared to capture all those first memories, by getting them a sentimental box. There they can keep all the memories in one place and remember to capture those firsts. Baby Shower Gift Ideas for Mom So much time is spent on the baby, and preparing things for the new child, but what about the mom? She just gave birth and now her body is going through even more changes. Imagine the physical strain of growing a child for nine months, giving birth, and then recovering while also taking care of a baby. It is a lot for anyone, so make her life more comfortable. Hospital Kit Yes, the parent(s) probably have a bag or a plan for the hospital, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure that she has something to look forward to. Remember – the entire time the mom is in labor, she can only each ice chips. Labor lasts hours! Make sure that she has a little something to eat once she is done. Snacks, chocolate, a gift card to her favorite food place, all of these will definitely be used once she has given birth. Besides, no one wants hospital food. You can also throw in a pair of really comfortable socks, and a robe that she can change into once she has given birth too. It will give her a little sense of normalcy. Postpartum Recovery Kit Many people forget everything they have to do after giving birth. Having a little postpartum recovery kit can be super helpful. It may seem odd giving them a giant pack of pads and comfortable underwear, but it will be so helpful once she has given birth. Breastfeeding Bra If you know the new mom is going to be breastfeeding, it doesn’t hurt to get her a breastfeeding bra. It makes breastfeeding so much easier. Bellefit even has some nursing bras that are comfortable enough to wear at night, and easy to use for night-time feedings. Bellefit Postpartum Girdle The absolute best thing you can get for a new mom, is a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Postpartum girdles are a great recovery tool that every single mom can benefit from. Postpartum girdles help to speed up the recovery process and make life after giving birth a little less painful. The girdles are essential in making sure mom recovers quickly and easily. Bellefit has multiple styles, sizes, and colors available to make sure that you are covered no matter what. If you are worried about proper sizing, don’t worry! We have gift cards available, so mom can choose the perfect one for her. We hope that this list of baby shower gift ideas has been helpful.