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After reading all the books, attending all the classes, and consulting with all your family and friends you probably feel ready to take on pregnancy, labor, and delivery. But what about what happens after giving birth. Unlike most classes, books, and friends we are here to tell you about what they don’t talk about. In this article, we will get into the nitty-gritty, gross, dirty details of what happens after giving birth. What Happens After Giving Birth? You have finished the labor and delivery portion of your pregnancy and now you are officially a mother. Now what? Even with all the research in the world, you are still probably going to find yourself unprepared for the next portion of your journey. That’s okay, if no one else wants to talk about it, we will. So let’s get into the details of what to expect in the hospital and once you leave. What Happens After Giving Birth? In the Hospital Directly after the birth of your baby, you may be thinking you have the worst of it over with. I mean you did just deliver a child. Unfortunately for some women, the delivery of their child is not the worst of the delivery process. The Afterbirth Many women don’t talk about it, but the afterbirth can be one of the most painful portions of your labor and delivery. After the baby comes, your body still needs to get rid of the placenta. The placenta is the membrane/tissue that your baby developed in, in your uterus. So, not only do you have to give birth to your baby, but you also have to give birth to the placenta too. After the baby is born it typically takes about 30 minutes for the placenta to be delivered. This can be the most painful part of a woman’s labor (particularly if the placenta has to be manually extracted) or it can be super easy. The Tummy Massage In order to make sure that your uterus is contracting correctly and to make sure you deliver the placenta, you may be given a tummy massage. While the name may sound delightful--it is anything but. The nurse has to press down on your fatigued, sensitive stomach and push in all different directions. This is meant to stimulate contractions and help the uterus shrink back down after birth. It can be painful and uncomfortable. No Privacy After giving birth, you have probably gotten a little used to being on display for the whole world to see, but you’re not done yet. Every bodily function and every inch of you is being monitored and explored. There is no privacy--even your bathroom habits are monitored. The Shakes With all the medicine, hormones, stress, anxiety, and emotions your body can start to uncontrollably shake. For some women, this doesn’t happen, but for many, it can be a surprising after-effect of their labor and delivery. Can’t Shower So, you have delivered a baby, pushed out the afterbirth, possibly had to get stitches and everything. You are likely covered in blood, tissue, and discharge, but you can’t take a shower. Yep, after all that, you probably feel disgusting and self-conscious, but you can’t take a shower yet. You have to wait until you can be unhooked from all the machines and not under constant moderation. That can be hours after you have given birth. Can’t Walk In general, you won’t be permitted to walk for about 12 hours after your labor. Not only are your muscles fatigued, but all the medicine can prevent you from being able to walk in the first place. Farting Before you are released from the hospital there is a list of things that you and your baby have to complete. One of the things that you have to do before they release you, is fart. The nurses will constantly be asking “have you farted yet?” And you have to answer, again, no privacy. You Aren’t Ready You may think and believe that you are ready to have a child, but you most likely aren’t. No matter how many books you read, classes you take, and how prepared you feel, nothing compares to the real thing. Once you and your baby are released from the hospital you can suddenly feel like a deer in the headlights. Do I have to take care of this? By myself? I don’t know what I’m doing? Is there an instruction manual? Don’t worry, every mother has been there. You will get through it. Just take it one day, one hour at a time. What Happens After Giving Birth? At Home Once you get home, it is a whole other ordeal. Not only do you have to take care of your baby, but you have to take care of yourself too. Your body is still healing and so many changes occur in such a short amount of time--it can be overwhelming. Here are some of the things you can expect. You Will Bleed A Lot You’re not done with the blood yet. After birth, your vagina and uterus are going to take a while to completely heal. Mesh underwear and pads are going to be your best friend for a while. This blood and tissue, known as the lochia, will continue for up to six weeks after giving birth. Make sure you stock up on the pads and granny panties. All The Postpartum Cleanup In addition to the bleeding, your vagina will be akin to a crime scene. You may have sutures from tearing, your vagina will be sore and swollen, and you may have some gross discharge. It sucks dealing with that but in order to make sure you don’t develop an infection you will have to take care of it. This can include spraying it with a perineum bottle, changing out your pad every time you go to the bathroom, and even popping a little cold witch hazel into your underwear. A cold witch hazel-soaked pad can help reduce swelling and prevent itchiness. Pre-soaked pads such as those created for hemorrhoids are perfect! Your Boobs Will Get Huge Even if you don’t plan on breastfeeding your boobs will start to have a mind of their own. Between milk production and your hormones, your boobs will become huge. Not only this, but they will leak afterward too. Night Sweats As your body adjusts to not being pregnant anymore, it will begin to expel any excess fluids it was holding on to. This means frequent peeing and sweating. And just because you’re sleeping doesn’t mean they stop. You may wake up in the morning, covered in sweat, and with your pillow soaked through. Cute right? You Will Never Sleep Again Ok, that is a little bit of an exaggeration, but it’s not far from the truth for the first year or so. Your sleep schedule and your baby’s sleep schedule can be wildly different. They may be waking up every two hours, and then you may be waking up every hour in between to adjust yourself or go to the bathroom. This can result in restless nights and overly-tired days. Cramping While your uterus is still shrinking back to its normal size, you may experience some cramping and abdominal pain. This is normal and not anything to worry about--unless it becomes severe, then seek out your doctor’s opinion. Peeing Burns Of course, we had to leave the best ones for last, bodily functions are going to hurt. Because your pee is acidic, and because your vagina is still healing, this can cause some serious burning sensations when you pee. The best way to combat this is to use a perineum bottle and spray your vagina while you pee. This will keep the pee from burning and causing an infection. Constipation And Pooping At last, we have come to the number one thing people don’t talk about after giving birth--bowel movements. For real, this is one of the weirdest things about the postpartum period. Your first poop after giving birth is going to be difficult. Not only does pushing hurt, but so does your downstairs region. The best way to combat this is to take some stool softeners. You may be constipated for a few days after giving birth, but make sure you reach out to a doctor if you go past three days. Some hospitals may not even discharge you until you have gone poop. Key Takeaways There are a lot of things that women won’t tell you after giving birth. Either because they are taboo, or because they are embarrassed to talk about it. Hopefully, you feel a little more prepared after reading this for the journey ahead. While there are many things women don’t talk about, one thing is for sure--it is all worth it. Holding your newborn in your arms and watching them grow is one of the most rewarding experiences in the whole world. Don’t let the process prevent you from enjoying the reward. Make sure you have the best postpartum experience by investing in a postpartum girdle. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed to ease movement and provide medical-grade compression to your abdomen. This helps you move around, feel less pain, and enjoy your time with your newborn. Get yours today!

We’ve all heard the weird food craving pregnancy stories. Pickles and ice cream, hot dogs and peanut butter, or even pizza with hot fudge on it. And before you ask, yes, these are all pregnancy cravings that real women have had. Besides these food cravings, some women may even experience cravings for things that aren’t even food. In this article, we are going to break down what causes these cravings, common cravings, and foods you should not eat during pregnancy. What Causes Food Cravings During Pregnancy? Throughout your pregnancy, you will likely have some pretty intense food cravings. While every woman is different, the cravings typically begin at the end of the first trimester and tend to decline in the third trimester. Food cravings during pregnancy can be weird and volatile. One day you can love a certain food, and during pregnancy just the thought of it makes you want to vomit. Similarly, foods that you used to despise you can now crave. So, what causes this? Well, researchers still have not been able to determine the exact reason for food cravings during pregnancy but there are a variety of theories. Hormones As with almost anything when it comes to pregnancy a possible culprit for your food cravings is hormones. Your rapid change in hormones can cause your senses to go crazy. You can smell and taste things much better which can influence the way you experience food. Changes to your Senses During pregnancy, your senses become very sensitive. You can smell things much better and this can affect the foods that you crave. Foods with particularly pungent odors may turn you away, while foods that smell good can increase your cravings for them. Nutritional Needs Your body craves the nutrients it needs. If you suddenly find yourself dying for a glass of orange juice, your body may be telling you that it needs some Vitamin C. The same goes for your pregnancy cravings. Because you are growing a new life inside of you, your body will need more of certain nutrients. These can include calcium and iron. Unfortunately, our bodies are not very good at telling us what foods to eat to get these nutrients. For example, if you have an intense craving for chocolate your body most likely is deprived of magnesium. Chocolate doesn’t have a large amount of magnesium in it, but that doesn’t stop the cravings. This is the same with pregnancy cravings. Make sure you have a well-balanced diet with all of your necessary nutrients. Comfort With your fluctuating hormones and increase of stress and anxiety about having a baby, you may find yourself reaching for comfort food. Anybody going through a particularly stressful time can reach for food as a coping mechanism. Pregnancy is one of the most stressful times in a woman’s life, it is only natural that we crave comfort food. Common Food Cravings During Pregnancy There are a few foods that many pregnant women tend to crave. One study determined that the most highly craved foods by pregnant women are: Sweets Fast Food (particularly high calorie, high carbohydrate foods) Fruits Animal Protein Other common cravings include: Pickles Ice cream Fruit juice Dairy Vegetables Chocolate In addition, many women crave a combination of these foods. That’s where weird pregnancy cravings come from such as pizza (fast food) with chocolate on it (sweet). Not only that, but some women are known to crave food outside of their dietary restrictions. For example, a woman who eats a vegetarian diet may find herself craving meat. This can be an indication that you are iron deficient. If you want to maintain your vegetarian diet you can try to add more iron-rich foods to your diet. Or if you are not too stringent, you can just give in and eat meat during your pregnancy. Foods Not To Eat During Pregnancy Most of the time it is perfectly fine and normal to give in to your pregnancy cravings. Sometimes, this is not the case. Some foods that you may crave can cause complications in your pregnancy. Foods like sushi, undercooked meat, soft cheese, and deli meats can lead to bacterial infections. Similarly, many women crave alcoholic drinks. This can be easily remedied with a virgin version of the drink. Dangerous Cravings During Pregnancy Some of the oddest cravings that can come from pregnancy are cravings for non-food items. Women have been known to crave cigarettes, concrete, detergent, or even paint chips. Craving non-food items is a condition called pica. Pica is not uncommon in pregnant women and usually is an indication of a nutritional deficiency. Make sure you talk to your doctor about your cravings so they can recommend a good course of action, such as supplements or an adjustment to your diet. Key Takeaways Food cravings during pregnancy are normal and expected. In fact, one study determined that 50-90% of women experience some form of pregnancy cravings. While there is no definitive reason for these cravings there are a few theories. These theories include changing hormones, changing nutritional needs, a change to your senses, and a desire for comfort. There are a lot of common food cravings and even some cravings that can be dangerous to you or the baby. Thankfully, most food cravings go away after pregnancy, but now you have to deal with the extra weight from all those cravings. Investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle can help you feel better faster so you can get to exercising sooner. Get back into your pre-pregnancy body and get healthy by purchasing a postpartum girdle today!

They are finally here your precious baby that has been in your uterus for the past nine months. Well, now that they are here your belly should go back to normal right? Not exactly. How quickly you bounce back from pregnancy is dependent on a variety of factors. We know that you probably want to get right back out there and get rid of your baby belly, but it will take some time and work. In this article, we will talk about what is normal in a postpartum body, and how to get rid of your post-pregnancy belly. Your Post Pregnancy Belly The average baby weighs around 7.5 pounds, and the average woman gains around 25-35 pounds during her pregnancy. It is very normal to gain weight during your pregnancy and it is actually necessary. Your body needs the extra nutrients in order to create a new life. I know it’s easier said than done but, don’t be hard on yourself. Your body is doing what needs to be done and what is natural. After giving birth the pounds are not just going to melt right off. Yes, you will lose the weight of your baby, but the rest of it is going to take time. Your body needs to adjust to no longer having a baby to take care of. All the extra fluids, blood, and amniotic fluid need time to expel themselves from your body. In addition to the extra fluids, your uterus needs time to shrink back down to its natural size. This can take a few months as your body naturally adjusts and finds a good balance. It is perfectly normal to want to shed the pounds as fast as possible, but you also need to be healthy about it. The Run Down on Post-Pregnancy Belly Fat Most of your post-pregnancy weight is going to be stored in your belly. Many women refer to this fat as their “jelly belly.” After pregnancy, the additional weight that you put on during pregnancy cannot all be attributed to the pregnancy itself. Almost all women have a little extra belly fat that they gain during their pregnancy. This fat is caused by a variety of things: genetics, hormones/stress, and diet/exercise. In order to get back to your pre-pregnancy body, you will need to work on these things. Dependent on your genetics, some women are more likely to carry extra fat in their stomach region. This may mean that no matter how much you workout and how little you eat, you still may have a little tummy. This is completely normal and natural for your body. Similarly, your hormones and stress levels can influence how much fat your body holds onto. The hormones that your body produces during pregnancy and breastfeeding cause your body to store fat. In addition, if you are under a lot of stress your body will go into a “panic mode” and store any extra fat. Finally, diet and exercise are incredibly important in influencing your fat storage. If you are eating more than you burn during the day you will gain weight. Vice versa, if you are burning more than you eat during the day you will lose weight. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is essential for getting rid of your postpartum belly. How to Get Rid of Your Postpartum Belly So, how do you get rid of your postpartum belly in a healthy way? There are a variety of ways that you can lose weight. Maintain a good diet/exercise routine, breastfeed, and use a postpartum girdle. Diet/Exercise Routine A healthy diet and exercise routine is not only necessary for reducing belly fat, but for staying healthy as well. High amounts of processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine can all affect your mood, body, and health. The best way to maintain a healthy diet is to avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and processed foods. Natural whole grains, fruits, veggies, and proteins are the best way to ensure you maintain a healthy weight and diet. Similarly, starting or continuing an exercise routine helps to strengthen your muscles and stay healthy. Not all exercise is created equal though--particularly in your postpartum body. Some exercises, like those requiring a lot of abdominal strength, are not safe to perform after pregnancy. Try doing small weight training and low-impact cardio exercises. Breastfeed Oddly enough, breastfeeding can actually help you lose the baby weight faster. This is because your body burns about 400-500 more calories to produce milk. This increased calorie burning can actually cause you to lose weight faster if your body needs to burn some of its fat storage. Postpartum Girdle Finally, one of the quickest ways to lose weight is to use a postpartum girdle. Postpartum girdles are garments that are designed to provide medical-grade compression to your abdominal region. This compression can help to shrink your uterus faster which causes you to lose weight. In addition, it can help to expel the additional fluids that your body is holding on to. Not only that, but postpartum girdles can help prevent diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is a condition where your abdominal muscles separate. Too much exercise or too much strain on these muscles can actually make the condition worse. With a postpartum girdle, your abdomen is held in place and prevents you from putting too much strain on these muscles. Key Takeaways You may be looking to get rid of your post-pregnancy belly as fast as possible, but it is going to take a little time. Your body naturally needs to adjust to no longer being pregnant and you need to implement lifestyle habits to lose weight. Thankfully with a healthy diet, exercise, breastfeeding, and a postpartum girdle you can get back to your pre-pregnancy body in no time. Buy a Bellefit postpartum girdle today to feel more confident and look your best.

Postpartum depression has been a common mental health problem among women for years. However, with the introduction of COVID-19 postpartum depression has just gotten worse. Navigating postpartum depression in a COVID-19 world can seem daunting and overwhelming, but you are not alone. In this article, we will talk about postpartum depression symptoms, treatment, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced postpartum mothers. Postpartum Depression Symptoms After giving birth many women experience feelings of sadness, mood swings, and stress. These feelings, also known as the “baby blues” are normal and typically go away within a few weeks of giving birth. However, for some women, these feelings don’t go away and can actually get worse if not treated—this is called postpartum depression or perinatal depression. There are many symptoms of postpartum depression including feelings of sadness, frequent bouts of crying, a loss of interest in things that used to bring you happiness, or even unhappiness with being a parent. Other symptoms of postpartum depression include: Feeling sad/depressed Having difficulty bonding with your baby Feeling anxious Panic attacks Abnormal eating or sleeping patterns Fear of harming the baby or yourself Intrusive thoughts that won’t go away Regret for becoming a mother Feeling more irritable and angry with others Postpartum depression presents itself in different ways to different people. No two women’s experiences are exactly alike but don’t worry, you are not alone—approximately one in five women experience postpartum depression. Thankfully, postpartum/perinatal depression is treatable with therapy and a strong support system. COVID-19 and Postpartum Depression The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced many people’s lives and caused an increase in mental health problems. One large demographic that has suffered from this is women in their postpartum period. According to one study performed by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that 1 in 3 women were experiencing high levels of depression and anxiety in the postpartum period. That is a significant increase from the previous estimate of 1 in 5 women. Thankfully, for the most part, COVID-19 has not prevented women from being able to seek postpartum depression treatment. Some treatment options may be a little bit different or restricted, but treatment is still available. Postpartum Depression Treatment Once a medical professional has diagnosed you with postpartum depression, there are several ways that you can be treated. Medication Many healthcare professionals treat postpartum depression with medication. Similar to depression, postpartum depression is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. In order to balance these chemicals again, medicine is taken. This medication is meant to provide you with the chemical your body is having trouble producing. There are several medications that your doctor may recommend. Make sure that they are safe for you--particularly if you are breastfeeding. Change with COVID-19: Medication is one of the things that has not changed because of the pandemic. You can still be prescribed and pick up medication. Therapy In addition to medication, a medical professional may recommend that you see a therapist. Therapy can be used independently of the medication or in conjunction with it. Therapy is used to allow you an outlet to explore your inner-most thoughts and feelings. It is a safe space where you can express your emotions with no judgment. It is also a good place to monitor if your medication is working or not. Your therapist is meant to help you process your emotions and learn how to combat them and work through them. It can also be particularly helpful if you do not have anyone you feel comfortable confiding in. Change with COVID-19: Thankfully you are still able to receive therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority of therapists are offering virtual appointments. You can still schedule appointments online and visit your therapist from the comfort of your own home. Stay Connected Staying in touch with your friends and family is incredibly important. They are your support system through hard times. If you are having a rough day reach out to a friend or family member and vent about it. It is ok to be frustrated, overwhelmed, and exhausted but don’t bottle it up. Express your feelings and emotions to someone you know will be understanding and supportive. Change with COVID-19: Staying connected is challenging during this time. A large part of human interactions and comfort are non-verbal and physical. Unfortunately, you can’t give people hugs or hang out with your friends. Fortunately, technology is an option. Platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom make it possible to see and talk to your loved ones on a daily basis. They may not be able to offer you a reassuring touch or take care of your baby for a while, but they can offer their support in other ways. Take a Walk Postpartum depression can make it feel impossible to get out of bed some mornings. The very thing that can make you feel better also seems out of reach. It can be very hard and challenging but try taking a walk. It can just be around the neighborhood or down the block, but getting fresh air and getting your blood pumping can do a load of good. Change with COVID-19: Walking is another thing that is not too affected by COVID-19. You can still enjoy a walk in the neighborhood, just make sure you are maintaining social distance guidelines. And if you are in a more crowded city area, be sure to put on a mask before going out on a walk. Self-Care Prescription medication and therapy can be incredibly effective in working to reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression. However, they are not the only ways and the only tools you have. Self-care is particularly important if you are struggling with postpartum depression. Your every waking hour can feel like it is consumed with taking care of your child. Make sure you set aside time (preferably once a day) to relax and take care of yourself. This can help you maintain your own independent identity. Change with COVID-19: Self-care can be a bit tricky. Some women like to go out and spend a day with their friends as an act of self-care, but that is not available currently. Instead, focus on things that you enjoy doing from your home. Maybe you want to bake something, maybe you want to take a long shower/bath, or maybe you just want to enjoy an episode of your favorite show. You can still practice self-care from the privacy of your home--your options are just a little bit more limited. Key Takeaways Postpartum depression is a problem that many women are dealing with--particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, many treatment options are still available and you don’t have to struggle through it. Make sure you are exploring all treatment options while remaining safe and healthy. Self-care is important in making you feel like your old self and maintaining your independent identity. One thing that you can do to practice self-care is investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. A postpartum girdle is a garment that can be worn after giving birth that provides compression to your abdominal region. This garment helps your muscles fall back into place and prevents diastasis recti. Not only will this help you feel better, but it can also help you look better. Make sure you try out a postpartum girdle today and invest in your future.

You’ve been warned, but now you have finally experienced them--pregnancy dreams. It is not uncommon to experience weird dreams while pregnant. Now, not only do you have to deal with sleep interrupted by pee breaks and discomfort, but weird dreams are waking up you too. Don’t worry, in this article we will explain why pregnancy affects dreams, when they start, common dreams, and what to do about them. How Does Pregnancy Affect Dreams Pregnant women often report an increase in strange, weird, and sometimes frightening dreams. In addition, pregnant women also report an increased ability to recall their dreams. These dreams can be so real, vivid, and detailed that you may wake up wondering if they were real. In most cases, vivid and detailed dreams during pregnancy are normal and healthy. Dreams help us process our emotions and often can release stress that we may have had throughout the day. So, with this in mind, we can discuss why pregnancy affects dreams. Why Does Pregnancy Affect Dreams There are a few theories about why pregnancy affects your dreams so much. One theory is that it is hormones. Hormones affect so many other parts of your life and your pregnancy experience that this could be the culprit. Another theory is that because you are waking up so many times throughout the night, you are interrupting your dream cycle. When you interrupt a dream cycle you are stopping the dream right in the middle of it. This can lead you to remember more details and imagine the dreams much more vividly. Finally, dreams are also a way that your subconscious processes your emotions and your stress. With so many things to worry about with a new baby coming, you may be unable to process all your emotions during the day. Because of this, your subconscious has more things to process which can cause you to have vivid and intense dreams. When Do Pregnancy Dreams Start Every person dreams every night. You may not remember your dreams in the morning, but everyone has dreams. So, technically you are dreaming throughout your entire pregnancy. However, the vivid dreams and increased recall of dreams typically starts to occur in the third trimester. The belief is that this is because you are waking up multiple times during the night due to your pregnancy. Women in their third trimester wake up more times than the average person during the night to go pee, readjust their sleeping position, or because they are experiencing heartburn, etc. When a woman wakes up in the middle of the night they interrupt their REM cycle which causes them to remember their dreams. Common Pregnancy Dreams Every dream is different, just like every person is different. However, there are a few common types of dreams that pregnant women tend to have. Dreams About Forgetting Something: Some women tend to have recurring dreams where they forget to lock the front door or turn off the oven. These can stem from a fear that you are not ready to become a mother. Injury Dreams: Another common dream is one where you are falling from a high height or you are injured in some way. These can stem from feelings of vulnerability. Restriction Dreams: Dreams where you are physically restricted, tied down, or chained to something are also common. These can be an indicator that you are afraid of the responsibilities and restrictions of becoming a mom. Dreams With Ancestors: You have a new generation of your family growing inside of you, it is only natural that you may dream of your past ancestors. Dreams about your baby: Many women experience dreams of cuddling, kissing, and caring for their baby while pregnant. This can be a way for your subconscious mind to attach to your baby before they are born. Similarly, you can have dreams about the baby and their life after they are born. You can dream about them being born with a problem or deformity, or you can dream about them becoming a child prodigy. These dreams can be a way for your subconscious mind to confront your fears or wishes for your new child. Dreams about Labor and Delivery: Many pregnant women also experience weird dreams about labor and delivery. These typically stem from fears about the labor and delivery process. Sex Dreams: Another very common dream is one about sex. Your hormones during pregnancy increase your sexual arousal, so it is not uncommon for you to have sex dreams. They can be a way of expressing your desires or just be a release of tension. What To Do About Pregnancy Dreams Pregnancy dreams are a completely normal and healthy part of the pregnancy experience. Even nightmares are a way of your subconscious trying to explore unknowns and gain control over a very large change in your life. Don’t worry too much about them. However, if they are interrupting your sleep too much, or you have reason to believe something may be wrong, talk to your doctor. The best way to combat weird dreams while pregnant is to try to get as much sleep as possible. When you wake up in the middle of a sleep cycle, you are likely going to remember your dreams. If you sleep through the night or wake up only a few times, you are less likely to remember your dreams. Similarly, try writing your dreams down in a dream journal. That way you can analyze them and see if there is a common theme among them. Because your dreams are a part of your subconscious there may be something you need to work through in your waking life in order to stop them. All in all, don’t take too much to heart when it comes to pregnancy dreams. Our imaginations are much more creative than we give them credit for. Key Takeaways Weird dreams while pregnant are normal, healthy, and common. There is no specific reason for why your dreams are so vivid, but there are theories about it. These dreams typically occur in the third trimester, and there are usually a few common themes among them. If you are concerned about your dreams, talk to your physician, or try to write them in a dream journal and work out what might be causing them. If you are having dreams about postpartum recovery and your body after delivery, don’t worry, Bellefit’s postpartum girdle has you covered. With a Bellefit postpartum girdle, you can recover faster and get rid of your jelly belly with ease. Simply use this medical-grade compression garment after delivery and watch as the results come to you. Bellefit postpartum girdles are an excellent choice for your postpartum recovery journey. Get yours today!

Co-sleeping has become a widely controversial topic in the realm of parenting. Advocates claim that it can help with bonding, while others claim it to be an unsafe practice. Knowing all the pros and cons of co-sleeping can help you and your family make an informed decision. In this article, we will discuss the basics of co-sleeping and list out some pros and cons. What is Co-Sleeping? Co-sleeping is the practice of sleeping close to your newborn. There are two main subsets of co-sleeping, bed-sharing, and room-sharing. Bed-sharing is when you and your infant sleep in the same bed together. Room-sharing is sleeping in close proximity (within the same room) but not sleeping in the same bed together. There are many people who claim that co-sleeping is a dangerous and unsafe practice. These claims are largely in regards to bed-sharing and not room-sharing. Staying Safe While Co-Sleeping Co-sleeping in and of itself is not necessarily dangerous and can have beneficial effects. Some women choose to have a crib located close to the bed so that the baby can be close but not in the same bed. The main danger of co-sleeping comes when you introduce bed-sharing. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns against bed-sharing because it can lead to an increase in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The safest way to co-sleep is to share a room with your infant but not share a bed with them. If you want to be near your baby you can always try placing a crib or bassinet right next to your bed. You would still be able to touch and be near your child while you sleep, but they will not become endangered. In addition, the AAP suggests a baby sleep in a separate crib/bassinet with a mattress and a fitted sheet. There should be no toys or blankets or pillows in their beds until they are about 1 year old. Pros of Co-Sleeping When it comes to co-sleeping there are actually a large variety of benefits. For this list, we will indicate whether the benefit is a claim of room-sharing or bed-sharing. This will help give you a more well-rounded view of the benefits and allow you to make an informed decision. Decreased risk of SIDS by 50% (room-sharing). According to a study published by NPR, the risk of a baby dying from SIDS is 50% lower if the child sleeps in the same room as their parents. Skin-to-Skin Contact (bed-sharing/room-sharing). Skin-to-skin contact reduces physiological distress in infants. While this claim is usually attributed to bed-sharing, room-sharing can also show the same benefits. You can still have some skin-to-skin contact with your baby without sleeping with them. Bonding (bed-sharing). Many parents who bed-share feel as though the emotional bond with their child is strengthened. This is not unfounded, as studies have shown that people who sleep together often trust each other more. Similarly, some studies have suggested that bed-sharing allows children to develop a stronger emotional attachment to their parents. Breastfeeding/Convenience (bed-sharing/room-sharing). Advocates of bed-sharing also tend to cite breastfeeding as a pro. This is because it is easier to breastfeed a baby when you are sleeping in the same bed as them. Similarly, it is convenient. There is no need to leave the room or get up in the middle of the night. You can simply turn over and breastfeed. It also makes it easy to comfort your baby if they are not fussy or not feeling well. Sleep Cycles (bed-sharing). Your presence in the same bed as your child helps them stay asleep in between sleep cycles. This prevents them from waking up throughout the night and in turn waking you up as well. It also helps your child continue to stay on a regular sleep pattern even when their sleep cycles are changing. Cons of Co-Sleeping Many of the cons of co-sleeping are against bed-sharing in particular. Similar to the list above, we will indicate what the con is in regards to. This way you and your family can make an informed decision. Increased risk of SIDS (bed-sharing). As mentioned above, room-sharing can decrease the risk of SIDS, however, bed-sharing increases that risk again. Increased risk of Suffocation (bed-sharing). An infant is not supposed to sleep with anything in their bed until they are about a year old. Blankets, pillows, sheets, and other things found on adult beds pose a risk of suffocation. Increased risk of Injury (bed-sharing). In addition to the risk posed by blankets, other injuries are more likely to occur when bed-sharing. There is the risk of the baby getting stuck somewhere (between the headboard and the mattress). There is the risk of them falling off the bed. And there is the risk of one of their parents injuring them when moving or rolling on the bed. The transition can be harder (bed-sharing/room-sharing). The transition between co-sleeping and sleeping in their own room can become harder. If your child is already accustomed to sleeping with you, they may be less inclined to sleep by themselves later on. Less Privacy (bed-sharing/room-sharing). At the end of the day, you and your partner may want some alone time away from your child. If they are co-sleeping there is less privacy. Key Takeaways Co-sleeping is when you and your baby sleep in close proximity to one another. Room-sharing and bed-sharing are two of the main ways that parents choose to co-sleep. There are many pros and cons of co-sleeping and making a decision can be difficult. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one and it is up to you and your family to choose what is best. If one of your main reasons for choosing to bed-share is the ease of nighttime breastfeeding, why not try a Bellefit nursing bra. Bellefit’s nursing bras are easy to clip-down and are comfortable and supportive. They make it easy to breastfeed your baby without the hassle. Invest in a good night’s sleep by purchasing a Bellefit nursing bra today.

After nine months of waiting and preparing your baby is finally here. And after all the adrenaline has worn off and you have successfully completed your delivery, you are going to have to do a lot of healing. In this article we put together 13 postpartum care must-haves for a successful, fast, and easy postpartum recovery. What to expect after delivery During your pregnancy you probably researched and read up on every possible thing relating to your new baby. And those of you who are brave, have probably even looked into what to expect during delivery. However, many women do not prepare for their postpartum journey. Everyone loves to talk about the pregnancy, the labor, the delivery - because those are the exciting parts of having a baby, but nobody wants to talk about the unexciting part - recovering. Your body just went through nine months of growing, changing, fluctuating hormones, and finally through hours of intense labor. If you had a vaginal delivery your vagina is going to be sore, itchy, and raw for the better part of six weeks after your delivery. And for some women the recovery period might even be longer if they tore and had to get stitches. If you have a C-section delivery, you will probably be looking at a similar recovery period and have your stitches or staples or glue to take care of too. You will be cramping, your hair will be falling out, your nipples will be leaking and sore - even if you aren’t breastfeeding, and your vagina will be bleeding - getting out all the lochia (uterine lining). Postpartum recovery is no joke, and it can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared for it. So what can you do to prepare? Get together a postpartum recovery kit. Postpartum Recovery Kit A postpartum recovery kit is a bag/stash with all of the things you will need to be successful in your postpartum journey. This postpartum recovery kit should be filled with all the postpartum care must-haves so that you can have a smooth and fast recovery. Postpartum Care Must-haves (For Down Under) To ensure that you are prepared for the postpartum journey, we have put together a list of our top postpartum care must-haves. 1. Pads After giving birth your body will begin to shed the uterine lining called lochia. This process looks and feels similar to a normal period and typically is heaviest the first 10 days after giving birth. After those 10 days, you may continue to spot for the next four to six weeks. Your vagina is still recovering from giving birth so you will not be able to use tampons, therefore you will need to stock up on pads. 2. Underwear Due to the postpartum vaginal bleeding that you will experience most women choose to purchase new/comfortable underwear. You don’t want to get your blood all over your nice underwear, so investing in a few pairs of postpartum underwear will help you avoid ruining other pairs. Try out these full-coverage cotton panties from Bellefit. They are comfortable and provide all the coverage you need. 3. Perineal Cooling Pads Unfortunately your vagina is going to itch and burn after giving birth. And you will need some much needed relief - that is where perineal cooling pads come in. These cooling pads are absorbent and lie on top of your pad. They provide cooling and medicinal relief to your aching vagina. A popular brand, TUCKS, uses witch hazel to soothe, cool, and moisturize your nether regions. 4. Peri bottle Due to the traumatized skin and tissue, you will want to avoid wiping and using toilet paper for the first week or two after delivery. A peri bottle is used to clean your vaginal area and ensure that you stay clean. Typically hospitals will give you one to take home, but these ones are not always the easiest to use. Try finding an upside-down peri bottle that has an easy-squeeze container, such as this one by Frida Mom. 5. Perineal Spray Your vaginal area will need a medicated spray to ease the healing process. After using your peri bottle, spray a little bit of Dermoplast to soothe stinging and itching. Postpartum Care Must-Have (For Breasts) Not only will your vagina be hurting, your breasts will also hurt too. Even if you are not planning on breastfeeding, your breasts will leak milk until the milk dries up. These are the must-haves for your breast needs. 1. Nursing Bra If you are planning on breastfeeding, you will need a good nursing bra. This bra will support your breasts and has a quick clip so you can easily breastfeed without taking your whole bra off. Try out this one by Bellefit. 2. Nipple Cream As you breastfeed your nipples can become dry and cracked. This can cause pain. In order to combat that, many women use a nipple cream or a lotion. This will help keep your nipples moisturized and reduce pain. 3. Nipple Pads For those of you who do not breastfeed, nipple pads are something you would only have to use for a little bit. These pads are placed in your bra, over your nipple, and absorb any leaking milk. For breastfeeding moms these will be necessary until you stop breastfeeding. Make sure you have a stack of them readily available. Postpartum Care Must-Have (In General) Besides your breasts and your vagina, you will most likely be in pain. Here are a few products that help combat your general life issues during your postpartum recovery period. 1. Stool Softener Not exactly glamorous, but helpful, will be stool softener. Truth is you will have to have a bowel movement at some point after giving birth, but all the pain can make it scary. It sounds ridiculous, but it is true. Straining to go to the bathroom can cause unneeded pain and discomfort. Using a stool softener can help to ensure that you remain comfortable during all bathroom voyages. 2. Prenatal Vitamins You read that right - prenatal vitamins. Sounds counterintuitive but it can actually help your body adjust to the hormonal changes easier. Taking a prenatal vitamin can even help reduce your postpartum hair loss by maintaining a steady level of hormones in your body. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before continuing their use. 3. Pain Medication During the postpartum recovery period you will experience cramping that is similar to period pain. This can make you feel run-down and tired. According to physicians, ibuprofen (advil/motrin), is safe to take after giving birth and while breastfeeding. Just be sure to ask your doctor before self-medicating. 4. Compression Leggings You are going to need a nice and comfortable pair of leggings to lounge around the house in after giving birth. Try out Bellefit’s compression leggings. They are comfortable and provide compression to your abdominal region which can relieve pain in the abdomen. 5. Postpartum Girdle Finally, the pièce de résistance, a postpartum girdle. Postpartum girdles are our number one postpartum care must-have. They provide much-needed support for your abdominal region, medical grade compression, and can even help with diastasis recti. Bellefit has a postpartum girdle for everyone. They are perfect for vaginal or c-section deliveries and will help you get better faster. We hope that this list of postpartum care must-haves has been helpful, and that you have found everything you will need for your postpartum recovery kit. Is there anything else you would add to the kit? Let us know in the comments!

The transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding can be a particularly difficult time. Whatever your reasoning for the transition we are here to help. In this article, we will discuss why you may want to transition, when you should transition, and how to do it. Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Bottle Feeding For some women, it can be a hard emotional journey to transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. For other women, they can’t wait to make the transition. In general, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months, and more if you are able. However, some women are unable to do this. Don’t feel bad if you cannot do it, and don’t feel guilty if you want to transition them earlier. All situations are different and require you to make a decision--welcome to parenting. There are many reasons that women choose to transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. Your child may not be growing enough on just breast milk, or you may not be producing enough milk to satisfy them. Similarly, you could just be tired of nursing or you cannot get enough time to pump at work. Whatever the reason, we are here to help. Partial vs Full Weaning With breastfeeding, there doesn’t have to be an all-in mentality. If you want to continue breastfeeding, you can always try partial weaning. This means that part of the day you are breastfeeding and part of the day they are being bottle-fed. Many women choose to breastfeed at night and bottle feed throughout the day. If this seems like a route you would like to take, these tips will still be helpful. When Should Your Baby Be Transitioned From Breastfeeding To Bottle Feeding? Transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding depends on you and your baby’s preference. Most children will begin to wean themselves around 9-12 months, but some children may want to continue breastfeeding into their toddler stage. In general, making the transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding should be led by your child. Listening to your child’s cues paying attention to their preferences can make weaning much easier. However, you can still decide to wean them before they are ready, it just may take a longer time. As stated earlier, the AAP recommends waiting until they are at least 6 months old, but if you want to do it earlier, you are able to. Some women don’t breastfeed at all. The decision is ultimately up to you. How do you Wean A Baby? The transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding can take a while. Make sure you start weaning your baby a few months before you want them to be weaned. Take it slow and steady, not only will this help your child from fussing, but it will help prevent any pain from engorged breasts. When you are beginning the transition, replace one feeding with a bottle feeding or slowly decrease the amount of time they breastfeed. For example, try feeding them from the bottle first. If they drink from it a little bit and then reject it, you can allow them to breastfeed. Gradually increase the amount of time they feed from the bottle before they get your breastmilk. Once they have adjusted to this (it may take a couple of days or a week) you can then replace another feeding. Gradually you will replace all of your child’s feedings with a bottle-feed. This slow and steady approach is a tried and true method to weaning your baby. Throughout the transition process, make sure you are paying attention to how your baby is reacting. If they are becoming fussy, not going to sleep, or becoming moody they may not be ready. Some children are easy to wean, but some are not. Even if you are going slowly, some babies may still resist the transition to bottle-feeding. Tips for Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Bottle Feeding These tips for transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding can increase your chances of success. Transition using breastmilk. Some children may reject the taste of formula and will not take a bottle because of this. When you are in your early stages of the transition, try using breastmilk in the bottle. This will allow your child to become comfortable with the bottle, and make it easier once you do switch to formula. Try different positions. Some children are very particular about the way they feed. Try to keep them in the same position when they are bottle-feeding. Similarly, if they are not positioned correctly they can get reflux. This is uncomfortable and can prevent them from wanting to bottle-feed. Try different bottles. There are a variety of different bottles available on the market. Some of them have rounded nipples, others are pointier. Some of the nipples are harder and some are softer. Your child may be unfamiliar with the texture of the bottle and may reject it because of that. Try using different bottles to help with this. Try having someone else feed them. Babies who are used to being breastfed may reject a bottle if a breast is nearby. Try having someone else feed them from the bottle. Key Takeaways Transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding is a very personal choice. Make sure that you and your baby are ready and take it slow and steady. Slowly switch one feeding from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. Then let them adjust before switching another feeding. Repeat this process until they are fully bottle-feeding. If you are having trouble with them taking the bottle, try out some of our tips. In addition, if they are waking up at night for a feeding, make your life easier by purchasing a Bellefit nursing bra. Bellefit’s nursing bra is a comfortable and supportive garment that takes the hassle out of late-night feedings. It comes with a clip-down panel that allows for easy access. It also catches any milk that may leak in the middle of the night. Keeping you comfortable and asleep. Don’t suffer through sleepless nights, make your nightly feeds easier with Bellefit’s nursing bra.

With all of the things you have to prepare for when you find out you are pregnant a maternity hospital tour may not be at the top of the list. However, this can make or break your labor and delivery experience. There are many policies and practices in place at the hospital that will affect your labor and delivery. So, that is why it is important to ask questions. If you have a particular birth plan you want to stick to, this is especially important. To make sure you have the best labor and delivery journey, we have put together a list of questions to ask during a maternity hospital tour. What to Expect on a Maternity Hospital Tour While the labor and delivery process can be overwhelming and confusing, it doesn’t have to be. Having as much knowledge as possible before you even go to the hospital can greatly relieve your anxiety and nerves. Many women choose to go on a hospital tour of their preferred hospital so that they know what to expect. While a hospital tour is an excellent idea, it won’t necessarily give your all of the information you may need. A maternity hospital tour typically takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. They are most often guided by a labor and delivery nurse or a hospital educator. Their job is to get you acquainted with the layout of the hospital and make you feel more comfortable and at ease. They will usually cover where you should park, where you will check-in, where the labor and delivery rooms are, and where the postpartum/recovery rooms are. Now while this can be very informative, you may still have questions. So don’t be afraid to ask them. If you are not quite sure what you should be asking, don’t worry we have made a list of questions to ask during a maternity hospital tour. Questions to Ask During Maternity Hospital Tour Depending on your personal birth plan and concerns, you will have questions only pertaining to a few subjects. We have separated into different topics to make it easier to find the relevant questions for you. The topics are labor and delivery questions, C-section questions, and postpartum recovery questions. Labor & Delivery Questions to Ask During Maternity Hospital Tour Where is the check-in area for labor and delivery? Is there a different check-in area at night? Is there check-in paperwork that needs to be done? Can we do it beforehand? What do I need to bring with me to the maternity ward? Do I need to bring my medical chart or can it be sent over? Is there a triage process? How long do women typically stay in triage? What is the birthing room situation? Is there a separate room for birthing? Or can I stay in the same room for all stages of the labor process? Are the rooms shared? Can I get a private room if I want one? What happens when all of the birthing rooms are taken? Is there an overflow area? What amenities are provided in the labor and birthing rooms? Are their showers and tubs? Are there birth balls? Is there a music hook-up? Is food allowed in the rooms? Will I be able to eat and drink during labor? What food can I bring from home? How many people are allowed in the room with me? Are children allowed? Is there a chair/bed/cot for my partner to spend the night in the room with me? Are IV’s required? What pain management options are available? What type of fetal monitoring do you have available? Do you have any labor and delivery statistics for me to look over? Such as what percentage of women are induced? What is the percentage of women who are given an emergency C-section? Etc. Should I send/bring my birth plan? If my doctor/midwife is not on-call, will the on-call doctor go with my birth plan? Will I be able to labor at my own pace or will I be put on a time limit? What positions can I give birth in? Are there doulas here? What are the policies on cameras and filming equipment? Would I be allowed to take the placenta home afterwards? Is there a NICU in the hospital? How far away from the delivery rooms is the NICU? If there is not a NICU, what is the protocol for getting a baby to the NICU? C-section Questions to Ask During Maternity Hospital Tour If my Cesarean is planned where do we go to check in? Will my partner be allowed in the room for the delivery? Can I have photos of the birth? Will I be able to watch the surgery via mirror, clear drapes, or lowered drapes? Will I be able to have skin-to-skin contact with my baby immediately after birth? If my baby needs to be taken from the room can my partner go with them? What medications are available during and after delivery? Postpartum Recovery Questions to Ask During Maternity Hospital Tour What pain relief options are available postpartum? Are they different for Cesarean births? How long is the average stay after labor and delivery? Is there an early discharge policy? Are the postpartum rooms private? Can babies sleep in the same room as me? Can pediatricians do bedside visits? What is your visitor policy? Are young children allowed? Do you have a lactation consultant? Are they available 24/7? What is your policy on breastfeeding over bottles? Can siblings visit? Are pacifiers used in the nursery? If they are, will I be asked for approval prior to their usage? Does the nursery use formula? Will I be notified before formula is used? What new parent support is offered? Key Takeaways The labor and delivery process can be stressful and overwhelming. There are so many moving parts and questions to ask that you can lose track. Hopefully this list of questions can help ensure that you have all your questions answered. Make sure that you are well-informed and are comfortable with your hospital's policies. Some hospitals will offer a postpartum girdle to help with pain after labor and delivery. If your hospital doesn’t offer this, go to Bellefit and get one for yourself. Our postpartum girdles offer medical-grade compression and proven to effectively reduce pain. Don’t suffer with pain and discomfort when we are here to help. Get your Bellefit postpartum girdle today.

Heartburn is one of the many problems that comes with being pregnant. Not only does this condition cause discomfort, but it can keep you awake at night too. No one wants to deal with heartburn, but sometimes it is inevitable. In this article, we will discuss how to handle heartburn while pregnant, including treatments for heartburn and preventions for heartburn. Heartburn While Pregnant Heartburn while pregnant typically begins to occur in the first trimester and continues throughout your pregnancy. Despite its name, heartburn is not related to your heart. Heartburn is when your stomach contents move up into the esophagus. Because of the acidity of your stomach acid, this causes a burning feeling in your chest and throat. Causes of Heartburn While Pregnant During pregnancy your body produces a large amount of the hormones progesterone and relaxin. These hormones are responsible for relaxing your muscles so that your growing baby has room in the uterus. In addition, this slows down the digestive process which can cause indigestion, gas, and heartburn. The slow digestive process is beneficial during pregnancy because it allows the nutrients from your food to be absorbed more thoroughly. This helps your baby absorb the nutrients and benefit from them. An unfortunate side effect is that your gastrointestinal tract doesn’t work as well. At the top of your stomach there is a valve that opens and closes at the entrance to your stomach. The increase of these hormones causes this valve to not open and close properly. This allows your stomach acids and digestive fluids to escape the stomach. Unlike your stomach, your esophagus is composed of a thin and sensitive lining. This lining can be easily irritated by these stomach acids. The result is a burning sensation at the opening which is located near the heart, thus the term heartburn. How to Handle Heartburn While Pregnant Heartburn is uncomfortable but you don’t just have to suffer through it. Thankfully, there are a few treatment options that are safe and available for pregnant women to use. Take an Antacid: Tums, Rolaids, and Maalox are all safe and effective ways to treat heartburn. Not only will these medications help ease heartburn, but they also contain calcium which is a necessary nutrient for fetal development. These are all available over the counter and are relatively inexpensive. Try to avoid antacids that may contain aspirin such as Alka-Seltzer. Try Drinking a Glass of Milk: If you aren’t quite ready to reach for the medications, try drinking a small glass of almond milk. Many mothers-to-be find milk to be a soothing antidote for heartburn. Try using Ginger Candy: Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea. So, many people find it also helps with heartburn. You can find some ginger candies to relieve the heartburn. Try to avoid ginger ale, because carbonation can make your heartburn worse. Chew Gum: When you chew gum your body produces more saliva. Saliva can neutralize the acidity of your stomach acids. However, try not to chew on minty gum as this can make your heartburn worse. How to Prevent Heartburn While Pregnant While there are many methods for treating heartburn, you will probably want to prevent heartburn in the first place. There are some everyday things that you can do to decrease the probability of getting heartburn. Eat small meals throughout the day. Eat several small meals or snacks instead of three large meals. This will prevent your stomach from becoming too full which can lead to heartburn. Avoid certain foods. Things such as caffeine, spicy foods, citrus, carbonated beverages, and fried/greasy foods can increase your probability of getting heartburn. If you find that a certain food usually causes you heartburn then avoid them. Drink after meals not during them. If you drink while you are eating your stomach is likely to become fuller and bloated. This can cause your stomach acids to rise up and cause heartburn. If you eat first and then drink, you can be more mindful of when you feel full. Eat slowly. If you eat too fast you won’t be able to tell when your stomach is getting full. If you eat slowly and mindfully you can check in with yourself and see how full you are getting. This can prevent you from getting heartburn. Wear loose clothing. If you are wearing clothing that is too tight around your abdomen, you can add pressure to your stomach. This can push stomach acids up further and cause heartburn. Keep your clothing loose and comfortable to avoid this. Avoid lying down after eating. Make sure you eat while you are sitting up straight and avoid lying down afterwards for a few hours. When you lie down you stomach acids can come up more easily. Make gravity work for you by remaining upright for a few hours after you eat. Raise your head when you sleep. Make sure you go to sleep with your head elevated. This can help prevent acids from coming up your esophagus. You don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night with heartburn. When To Contact Your Doctor If your heartburn won’t go away or you are prone to heartburn, try talking to your doctor. They can prescribe medication that is more effective than what you get over the counter. They also will be able to prescribe you medication that is safe during pregnancy. Typically, heartburn will go away after childbirth, but if it doesn’t contact your physician. Key Takeaways Heartburn is common among pregnant women. It is caused by pregnancy hormones and can lead to a burning sensation in your chest and throat. There are medications and home remedies that you can use to treat heartburn. The best way to deal with heartburn is to try to prevent it. If your heartburn is severe, prolonged, or you are prone to heartburn, talk to your doctor. Heartburn is one of the unfortunate side effects of the hormones that come with pregnancy. Thankfully after pregnancy, these hormones steadily decrease so you likely won’t experience heartburn anymore. As these hormones decrease your muscles begin to firm up once again and settle into place. Using a Bellefit postpartum girdle, you can make sure that your abdominal muscles fall back into their original place. With medical-grade compression and a comfortable closure, these postpartum girdles are the best on the market. Get yours today!

The first time you feel your baby move is one of the most magical moments of pregnancy. Being able to feel the small kicks and jabs of your baby moving around is incredibly rewarding. Many first-time mothers can’t wait to experience it and wait with anticipation. If you are wondering when you will feel your baby move while pregnant, continue reading to find out! When will the baby move The term “quickening” refers to the moment during your pregnancy when you can begin to feel the baby move. When you feel your baby move is different for every woman and varies wildly. In general, women will begin to notice their baby move around 18-22 weeks into pregnancy. However, some women may feel the baby move as early as 16 weeks or as late as 25 weeks. The feeling of a baby moving around is very similar to gas, stomach, or hunger pains. For this reason, it is not uncommon for first-time mothers to not feel any movement until around the 16-20 week mark. Similarly, second or third-time mothers may notice the movement earlier because they have become more attuned to the feeling in their previous pregnancies. What does it feel like when the baby moves? The feeling of a baby moving in your uterus is hard to describe. Some women claim it feels like butterflies, others say it feels like a small fish swimming around. Still, others say it feels like your stomach dropping on a roller coaster or even the feeling of bad hunger. For each pregnancy, your experience is bound to be different. This inability to describe the feeling of a baby moving is precisely the reason why many first-time mothers find it difficult to determine. Once you have figured out what is happening, you will feel over the moon with joy. When are you most likely to feel the baby moving? Most women discover that they can’t really feel their baby’s movements unless they are at rest. This is often because they are up and moving around, or their attention is focused on other things. The best time to feel a baby moving is when you are resting, eating, or anxious. When you are resting, you are more attuned to your body. If you are sitting on the couch or lying down for the night you may be able to feel the baby moving around a little better. In addition, any changes to your blood sugar or blood pressure can force the baby to move. After you have eaten your baby may suddenly perform some cartwheels in your stomach. Similarly, if you are stressed or anxious, your baby may start to move a bit more. Try to get a sense of how your baby reacts to each of these scenarios. How often should the baby move? There is no set standard as to how often or how strong a baby’s movements should be. Some babies are content to remain still for long periods of time, while others are more likely to move around all day. As your pregnancy progresses, you should be able to determine what is normal and abnormal for your baby. At around the 28-week mark, you should have a good gauge of what is normal for your baby. Should I monitor the kicks and movement? Some physicians recommend you monitor your baby’s movements starting around 28 weeks. The main reason for this is to help you determine if your baby is in distress or not. If a baby is in distress they will be less likely to move around, and their heartbeat may decrease. Your physician may want you to monitor your baby’s movement so that you can more quickly determine if anything is happening. This practice of counting kicks is becoming outdated, but if it helps you feel more at ease try it. In general, the standard is that your baby should move at least 10 times in two hours. What if the baby isn’t moving? There are a few different reasons that the baby may not be moving. If you have yet to reach the 25-week mark you may not be able to determine if the baby is moving. Similarly, if you have reached the 25-week mark, but are having trouble determining if the baby is moving wait a bit. As the baby grows larger, the feeling of its movement will be more distinctive and stronger. If you have grown accustomed to your baby’s movement, but you have not felt anything for a few hours don’t panic. Sometimes your baby is just asleep or they are just not very active during that time of the day. However, if your baby is typically active at night and they suddenly aren’t moving at night don’t be afraid to contact your physician. If your baby is moving less than normal, or you don’t feel 10 movements in a 2 hour period, try reaching out to your physician. They will be able to monitor your baby’s heartbeat and check on them to ensure everything is ok. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them multiple times throughout your pregnancy. The physician is there to help put you at ease and make sure your baby is healthy and happy. You always want to catch any problems early on in the pregnancy, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Key Takeaways You will likely begin to feel your baby move around the 18-22 week mark. As the pregnancy progresses you will become more attuned to your baby’s movements and be able to determine their normal and abnormal. You can try counting kicks to help you monitor your baby’s movements, and you should always contact your physician if something seems off. Pregnancy is hard, and postpartum recovery can be a long painful journey. Make it easier with Bellefit’s postpartum garments. Bellefit has comfortable underwear, nursing bras, and postpartum girdles to make your postpartum journey easy and pain-free. Don’t suffer through the pain alone, invest in a Bellefit postpartum girdle today.

As you progress in your pregnancy, you may end up feeling a little sore and stiff. The best way to avoid this, as well as other pregnancy pain, is to do some stretching. However, not all stretches are safe or beneficial. In this article, we discuss why stretching is important, safety measures, stretches to avoid, and the best stretches during pregnancy. Why stretching is important Your growing belly is one of the many things you have to contend with during pregnancy. Sleepless nights, back pain, and swollen feet are just a few other symptoms that you will have to deal with during your pregnancy. Thankfully, joint pain and back pain don’t have to become overwhelming. Stretching throughout your pregnancy can help your muscles stay loose and allow you to have a more comfortable pregnancy. Daily stretching during your pregnancy can help to ease common pregnancy pains, backaches and hip pain, and it can help tone your muscles and relax them. Not only can this make delivery smoother and help you experience less pain, but it also helps you recover faster. During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin. This hormone allows your body to relax and for your ligaments to loosen during the delivery process. This hormone also makes it easier to overstretch. That is why it is important that you take safety measures while you are stretching. Safety Measures Before you take part in any exercise it is always a good idea to check with your physician first. They will have access to your medical history and will be able to more accurately tell you what is ok and what is not ok. In general, there are a few safety measures that you should take while you are stretching during pregnancy. Warm-Up: Stretching before your body has had a chance to warm up is never a good idea. Don’t push your body too hard, but a good brisk walk around the neighborhood should be sufficient. Don’t Bounce: Many people like to bounce while they stretch, however this can cause more harm to your muscles. Instead, remain in the stretched position for 20-30 seconds. Move slowly: Slow and steady wins the race. You are at a higher risk of injury if you move quickly and roughly. The best way to decrease your chance of injury is by moving slowly and gently. That way, you will be able to determine if your body can handle certain positions or not. Similarly, it will prevent you from overextending your muscles and ligaments. Don’t overdo it: Sometimes you really want to get in a good stretch, but this can cause injury without you even realizing it. Take it nice and slow and stop as soon as you feel pain. You should be able to feel your muscles stretch, but if it feels painful at any point, stop. Use proper form: Make sure you are completing the stretches properly. If you are not using the correct form you can end up hurting yourself. Stretches to Avoid Stretching during pregnancy is a great way to strengthen your muscles, however not all stretches are equal. Because of your changing body, there are some stretches that you will want to avoid while you are pregnant. Stretches that involve balance: While this may not be a problem early on in your pregnancy, your balance is going to be off later on. With a growing belly, your center of gravity is going to shift. This means that anything involving balance includes an increased risk of injury. Avoid any stretches that require you to balance on one leg or use your balance. Stretches on your back: There is a vein that runs along the base of your back. This vein supplies blood to your uterus. If there is too much pressure for an extended amount of time on this vein, it can cut off your baby’s circulation. Therefore, any stretches that require you to lie on your back for an extended amount of time (more than 2 minutes) should be avoided. Stretches on your stomach: It may seem like a no-brainer, but try not to lie on your stomach while pregnant. The main reason for this is because it is uncomfortable. Imagine lying down on a basketball, it would hurt. You don’t want to injure yourself, so avoid lying on your stomach to stretch. Twisting Stretches: Any stretches that include a lot of twisting (at the hips or the waist) can also cut off circulation to your baby. Avoid any exercises that require you to twist. Intense Abdominal Exercises: While you will want to do a few abdominal exercises, you don’t want to do any that require a lot of you. You need to strengthen your abdominal muscles during your pregnancy so you can avoid diastasis recti; but, you also need to be careful to not damage them as well. Any sort of crunch, sit up, or boat stretches are not the best while you are pregnant. Best Stretches During Pregnancy Now that you know the safety measures and the types of stretches to avoid, let’s talk about the best stretches during pregnancy. Cat-Cow The cat-cow pose is one of the best stretches during pregnancy because it stretches the spine, arms, abdomen, and back. The stretch helps to decrease lower back pain and hip pain. In order to complete this stretch, you will need a yoga mat. On the yoga mat get onto your hands and knees. Ensure that your knees are in line with your hips and that your wrists are in line with your shoulders As you inhale, drop your belly toward the floor arching your back into a ‘U’. Bring your face so that you are looking upward. As you exhale, bring your belly back up and arch your back. Bring your face towards your chest, looking down at the floor. Child’s Pose The child’s pose stretches the hips, thighs, and butt. It is also a good stretch to ease lower back pain. For this stretch, you will need a yoga mat. On the yoga mat get onto your hands and knees. Ensure that your knees are in line with your hips and that your wrists are in line with your shoulders. Next, rock your hips back until your butt is resting on the heels of your feet. Ensure that your chin is tucked in toward your chest and that your arms remain outstretched. Bridge The bridge pose is one of the best stretches during pregnancy because it helps strengthen your hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles. For this pose, you will need a yoga mat. Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat against the floor. Bring your hips upward by pressing your weight into your feet. Hold this for a few seconds before bringing your hips back down and resting. Lunge This stretch is best for the hips and the butt. Rest on your knees Bring one leg up so that one knee bent into a 90-degree angle with your foot resting on the floor. Lean forward and so that your weight is pressed onto your foot. Hold the pose for 30 seconds (use a wall if extra balance is needed) Switch feet and repeat. Key Takeaways Stretching can help minimize the pain associated with pregnancy. Daily stretches during pregnancy are a good idea to strengthen your core muscles and prepare for childbirth. Not only can stretching help prepare your body for childbirth, but it can also help you recover faster. Stretching can help prevent diastasis recti, but if that still doesn’t work you can always invest in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Postpartum girdles provide medical-grade compression to your abdomen and help your muscles come back together as the relaxin in your body decreases. Heal faster and better, with a Bellefit postpartum girdle.