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Whether you are actively trying to get pregnant or not the only way to know for sure if you are pregnant is with a pregnancy test. Early pregnancy symptoms are very similar to period symptoms and because of this many women can get the two confused. The only way to determine if you are pregnant is through a pregnancy test. However, you may be able to determine if you need a pregnancy test sooner if you know what early pregnancy symptoms to look for. In this article, we will detail what early pregnancy symptoms are and what to expect. When Do Symptoms Start Many women are under the assumption that they cannot get pregnancy symptoms until they have missed a period. This is not true. You can experience early pregnancy symptoms almost a week and a half before your period is scheduled to come. In addition, your pregnancy is calculated based on the first day of your last period, even if you were not pregnant at that time. For example, you could have conceived a week after your period ended, but doctors will calculate your due date based on the first day of your last period. This means that the first few weeks when you technically weren’t pregnant are still considered to be the first few weeks of your pregnancy. For this reason, it is not uncommon to not experience any symptoms in the first few weeks of pregnancy. In addition to the pregnancy calculation, once you have conceived it takes about 10-14 days for the fetus to implant into the uterus. It is also for this reason that many people do not experience symptoms until after they have missed a period. Early Pregnancy Symptoms There are a variety of early pregnancy symptoms that can indicate you are pregnant. However, many of them are also symptoms of getting sick or beginning your period. Because of the similarities between symptoms, many women tend to overlook the early pregnancy symptoms they experience until they miss their period. Spotting/Bleeding/Cramping Approximately 10-14 days after conception is when the egg implants itself into the uterine lining. This implantation can cause spotting or bleeding that resembles a menstrual cycle. The implantation bleeding can cause light cramping and typically lasts less than three days. Implantation bleeding is pretty common and occurs in about 25% of pregnant women. Increase in Discharge Soon after conception, the vaginal walls begin to thicken. This change can cause an increase in the amount of discharge that you experience. The discharge is typically white/milky in color. This discharge remains consistent throughout the entirety of your pregnancy. Fatigue As your body prepares to grow a child a lot of hormonal changes occur. One hormone that increases is called progesterone. The increase of this hormone, coupled with low blood sugar, or low blood pressure, can cause fatigue. If you find yourself becoming tired easier it may be an early pregnancy symptom. Breast Tenderness/Soreness With the change of your hormone levels, your breasts may become tender or sore. This tenderness usually lessens as your body adjusts to the new hormone levels. Increased Urination As your body begins to create a new body inside of it, your fluid levels will increase. This increase in bodily fluids leads to an increase in kidney usage which can cause you to have to pee more frequently. If you find yourself running to the restroom more often than usual you may be experiencing an early pregnancy symptom. Nausea/Vomiting The infamous first-trimester nausea/vomiting is no joke. As your progesterone levels increase your body will need to adjust to the new hormone levels. This adjustment period usually lasts around 3 months--your first trimester of pregnancy. Your increased sensitivity to smells can exacerbate this symptom which can lead to vomiting. Morning sickness is a very common symptom of early pregnancy, and it is often one of the first ones to be noticed. Missed Period Perhaps you have experienced all of these symptoms, and you think you might be pregnant, but you aren’t sure. Once you miss your period you can be almost sure that you are pregnant. For some women, missing their period is actually the first early pregnancy symptom that they notice. Whatever the case, a missed period is a big indicator of pregnancy and it is often the one that leads you to buy a pregnancy test. Do all women experience early pregnancy symptoms? No two women are the same and no two pregnancies are the same. Some women may experience all of the above symptoms, others may only experience a few of the symptoms, and still, others may experience none of them. Early pregnancy symptoms are not a tried and true way to determine if you are pregnant, only a pregnancy test can do that. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you have any reason to believe you are pregnant, take a home pregnancy test. If the pregnancy test is positive make sure you schedule an appointment to see your doctor. Once you have a confirmed pregnancy you can begin to prepare for your new addition to the family. Key Takeaways Early pregnancy symptoms include spotting/bleeding/cramping, an increase in discharge, fatigue, breast tenderness/soreness, increased urination, nausea/vomiting, and a missed period. Every woman is different and everybody is different. What may indicate pregnancy to one person may not indicate pregnancy to another. These early pregnancy symptoms are a great baseline to help you determine if you need to take a pregnancy test, but they should not be used to determine pregnancy. Once you have a positive pregnancy test and have confirmed with your physician that you are pregnant you can begin the prenatal preparations. Let Bellefit help you stay comfortable and healthy during and after your pregnancy. With our nursing bras, soft underwear, compression leggings, and postpartum girdles we are prepared for all of your body’s needs. Check out what we have available! Don’t suffer through pain and discomfort when we have what you need to have a healthy and safe pregnancy/postpartum journey.

After giving birth your body is going to be different than before you gave birth. This can leave you feeling self-conscious and unconfident. Enter shaperwear leggings. Shapewear leggings are designed to enhance all your assets and hide any unwanted flaws. So, what are shapewear leggings? How do they help you feel more confident? And how can you choose a pair that is best for you? In this article, we will answer all of those questions and give you some examples of the best shapewear leggings on the market. What are shaperwear leggings? Shaperwear leggings are leggings that are designed to slim your appearance and enhance your natural curves. Shaperwear has been around for a long time. Corsets were worn under gowns to enhance a woman’s curves and in some decades butt padding was added underneath to add even more of a curve to a woman’s body. Today, those garments are old-fashioned and out of style. We are all learning to appreciate a woman’s natural body in all of its many forms. Shaperwear leggings bring out your natural curves by bringing attention to all the right places. No matter what size you are, shaperwear leggings focus the eye on all of your assets and provide slight compression to slim your figure. How do they Help? Designers have discovered that with the correct combination of fabric, fabric color, seams, and patterns you can make someone appear slimmer. A sturdy, but the lightweight, the fabric is ideal to help lift your butt and slim your waistline. A solid dark color or thoughtful color-blocking can hide any unwanted body fat that you may have. Strategic seam locations can break up the style of the leggings and bring attention to your calves or butt. All of these put together create a stylish, comfortable, and versatile pair of leggings that ease your insecurities. Which pair is right for you? After giving birth your body needs some time to adjust back to a new normal. Your belly may be jiggly (also known as jelly-belly) and you may have other insecurities that have recently popped up. You are a gorgeous, brave, and powerful woman and you will learn to love your body how it is, but it can take some time. Until you are feeling more confident in your new body, some women find comfort in buying shaperwear leggings. They are soft, comfortable, breathable, and provide support/compression on your stomach area. Shaperwear leggings make for a perfect postpartum outfit choice when coming home from the hospital or just chilling with your new baby. Choosing a pair to purchase can be overwhelming though since there are so many styles. Since there are so many factors that go into creating a pair of shaperwear leggings there are many different styles to choose from. In general, there are a few styles that dominate the market--butt lifting/shaping, leg slimming, and waist-cinching. Each of these styles is titled after what they claim to do. As a new mom, you are probably going to be most concerned about comfort, breathability, and versatility. You wouldn’t be mad if you could get a pair with all of the above, but that can’t be done, right? Nope, wrong. You can get a pair of shaperwear leggings that are comfortable, breathable, versatile, butt-lifting, leg slimming, and waist-cinching. You can get it all. Best Shaperwear Leggings Some of the top names in the shaperwear legging industry are Nike, Lululemon, Spanx, Under Armour, Gymshark, and Athleta. These companies provide quality leggings, but the price tag can get a little high. In addition, some of these leggings are not suitable for your postpartum body. You need to make sure that you have compression on your stomach and breathable fabric for your vaginal region. Don’t fear though, there are still options available to you that won’t break the bank, and provide you with anything you need. High-Waisted Postpartum Support Legging by Bellefit This shaperwear legging is designed with your postpartum body in mind. The high-waisted band provides you with the slight compression your body needs to heal. It also comes with a ruched seam along the but to provide a butt-lifting effect. Not only that, but it has deep pockets so you can fit a phone and maybe even a snack or two in there. The seams are designed to prevent chafing, and the fabric is breathable and cool to the touch. These leggings are ideal for anyone self-conscious about their tummy area. Butt Lifting Compression Leggings by Bellefit These shaperwear leggings enhance your butt and provide compression to all areas of your leg, butt, and tummy. The no-roll-down waistband prevents you from having to adjust them throughout the day. In addition, the fabric is breathable and prevents chafing. This pair of leggings also have deep pockets for all of your necessary items. These leggings are ideal for someone not as concerned with their tummy area and wanting a little butt lifting and leg slimming. Bellefit also has shaperwear capris and shorts for warmer weather areas. No matter what you are looking for Bellefit has it. Key Takeaways Adjusting to your postpartum body is a long and hard road. You will likely struggle with body dysmorphia, and feelings of self-consciousness. You are not alone. Millions of mothers have struggled and continue to struggle with these thoughts and feelings. Remember to be kind to yourself and to appreciate your body for what it is--it gave you a baby. Every stretch mark, bit of extra fat, and cellulite is a record of the journey your body went through to give you a new family member. Until you can learn to love it for what it is, we want to help you feel confident in any way we can. Bellefit shaperwear leggings are designed with postpartum moms in mind and with the goal of boosting your confidence level. Whether you need a little tummy control to feel beautiful, or a little bit of leg slimming/butt-lifting Bellefit has something for you. Invest in a pair of shaperwear leggings today and get back to feeling your most beautiful and authentic self.

Your first prenatal appointment can be overwhelming and stressful. Being prepared and knowing what to expect before your appointment can take a lot of the stress away. In this article, we will discuss when to schedule your appointment, how to prepare, and what to expect at your first prenatal appointment. When To Schedule Your First Prenatal Appointment As soon as you get that positive pregnancy test you should be scheduling your first prenatal appointment. Prenatal care is a vital step to experience a healthy pregnancy and delivering a healthy baby. Your first prenatal visit is typically scheduled for the second month of your pregnancy when you are between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy. This is usually shortly after you first discover you are pregnant. Try to schedule an appointment soon after your at-home pregnancy test. Many practitioners will be able to fit you in relatively quickly while others may have a waiting period. Between the time you get an at-home positive result and when you are scheduled to go to the doctor, be sure you are taking as many necessary precautions as you can. If you believe you are likely to experience a high-risk pregnancy make sure you try to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Who To Book For An Appointment You and your partner will need to determine what type of healthcare professional you would like to use. If you choose to use a midwife you can typically book an appointment directly with them. You should consult with your general practitioner to make sure you are eligible to use a midwife. If you are going to use an OB/GYN you may need to get a referral from your general practitioner first. Sometimes you can book an appointment directly with the OB/GYN. How to Prepare For Your First Prenatal Appointment Once you have scheduled an appointment you will want to prepare for your first prenatal visit. There are many questions you may have and there are many questions you will need to answer at your first appointment. In order to have a smooth and quick appointment, you will want to have prepared beforehand. For your first prenatal appointment bring A list of medicines/supplements. Some medications and supplements are not safe to take during your pregnancy. You will want a full list of all medicines that you take on a daily basis including their dosages. These medicines may need to be changed in order for you to have a safe pregnancy. Comprehensive medical history. Make sure you have your full medical history - including your gynecological history, immunization history, allergies, previous illnesses, surgeries mental health history, obstetrical history, and even potential disease exposure. This information can affect the risk of your pregnancy and it is important for your practitioner to know. Comprehensive family medical history. Make sure you have a list of illnesses that run in your family as this can also affect the health of your baby. This can include genetic disorders, a history of gestational diabetes, or hypertension. This goes for both sides of the family. Come with questions. As you go through your day be sure to keep a list of questions that run through your head. This can include questions such as How much weight should I gain? Is it safe to exercise? What symptoms should I expect? Are there symptoms I should tell you about? What foods should I avoid? Having all of this information prior to your visit will ease your mind and will make your visit run smoothly. What Will Happen At The First Prenatal Appointment So, you have scheduled the appointment and you have prepared for the appointment now the day is finally here. What can you expect? Well, there is going to be a lot going on. Your first prenatal visit is typically the one that takes the longest. Normal Check-Up Your practitioner will perform a normal check up on you. This includes taking your vitals, examining your heart, lungs, breasts, and abdomen, and taking your height and weight. Your doctor will also look at your uterus and check the size and shape of your pelvis. Confirmation Of Pregnancy Test Results Even though you have gotten a positive pregnancy test at home your practitioner will perform another pregnancy test at your appointment. They will typically do this through a urine test or a blood test. Series Of Tests Besides the pregnancy test, your practitioner will perform a series of other tests as well. This will require your blood to be taken so they can check for STDs, check your blood sugar, check for anemia, and screen for antibodies. These tests can help the doctor determine how to proceed with your pregnancy and the medications you may need. Besides the blood test, your practitioner will also take blood for a genetic carrier screening. This examines your DNA for any common genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, etc. They may also offer a test for fetal abnormalities to screen the baby for genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Your practitioner will also likely perform a pap smear - unless you have already had one recently. This can also help them examine your cervix and your uterus for the age of the pregnancy. Finally, your practitioner will likely perform an ultrasound to check on the baby. Official Due Date Your practitioner will calculate the day that you conceived and they will give you your official due date. End of Visit At the end of the visit, your practitioner will sit you down and discuss what to expect for the rest of your pregnancy. They will talk about any testing that may need to be done. Your practitioner will talk about the importance of eating well, exercising, and avoiding substances. They will recommend prenatal vitamins, give you the necessary medications, and advise you on how to stay healthy and safe during your pregnancy. Finally, they will talk to you about what you can expect and they will warn you about the symptoms you may experience. This is a great time to pull out your list of questions and discuss any concerns you may have. Your Next Prenatal Appointment After your first prenatal appointment, you will be asked to schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician. This will typically take place 4 weeks after your first appointment. As you get closer to your due date your physician will recommend classes or groups you can join to prepare for the arrival of your baby. They may also begin to discuss postpartum care and what you can expect. Your postpartum journey is long and hard, but it doesn’t have to be. With Bellefit’s postpartum girdles, your postpartum journey can be quick and you can enjoy it with less pain. Bellefit offers a plethora of postpartum garments that make your life much easier. This includes comfortable compression leggings, a nursing bra, and postpartum girdles. Make your life easier by investing in a postpartum girdle today!

We all know that childbirth is painful. What many people (and many first-time mothers) don’t realize is that the pain is not limited to the active labor and delivery portion of your childbirth. During childbirth, your vagina has to stretch and accommodate your baby’s head. Sometimes this can result in a vaginal tear. In this article, we will discuss what a vaginal tear is, what causes it, if you can prevent it, and what to expect for vaginal tear aftercare. What is a vaginal tear during childbirth? A vaginal tear also called a perineal laceration, is when the skin and muscle between your vagina and your anus are torn. The area between your vaginal opening and your anus is known as your perineum, hence the term perineal laceration. During the child birthing process, the skin around your vagina thins. This allows your skin/muscle to stretch during your labor and delivery. This is meant to decrease your likelihood of vaginal tearing. Sometimes vaginal tears still occur despite all necessary precautions and preventions. What causes a vaginal tear during childbirth? There are a few reasons why a vaginal tear may occur. The baby’s head is too large The labor occurs too quickly Forceps or other tools are used during the delivery process When the baby’s head is too large the tissue around the vagina is unable to stretch. This prevents the baby’s head from coming through the opening. The extra room necessary for the baby to come out can cause the surrounding tissue to tear. If the labor occurs too quickly the tissue and muscle around the vagina has not had adequate time to thin out. Without the necessary thinning the skin and muscle cannot stretch enough and this can cause a vaginal tear during childbirth. Finally, in particularly difficult labors, the baby may have difficulty coming out of the vaginal opening and may need extra assistance. In these cases, doctors may need to use forceps or other tools to guide the baby out. Despite their best efforts, this can cause some trauma to the surrounding tissue and result in a vaginal tear. Types of Vaginal Tears During Childbirth There are four degrees of vaginal tears that can occur during childbirth. The majority of women (90%) will experience some degree of tearing during childbirth. To determine the severity of the tear two factors are taken into consideration--how deep and how long the tear is. The first degree of vaginal tearing results in a small injury to the skin just outside of the vaginal opening and into the perineum. The second degree of vaginal tearing (the most common) affects the skin and the muscle outside of the vaginal opening and into the perineum. The third degree of vaginal tearing extends into the perineum and moves down toward the anus. The fourth degree of vaginal tearing extends all the way to, or into, the anus. Third and fourth degree tearing is uncommon and occurs in only 1% of women. First degree tears will heal naturally but anything above that will likely need stitches. What is an Episiotomy? Unlike a vaginal tear, which occurs naturally during the child birthing process, an episiotomy is used by a doctor to open the vaginal canal for the baby. An episiotomy is a cut, made by a nurse, doctor, or midwife, that extends from the vaginal canal to the top portion of the perineum. The cut creates more space for the baby. The patient must give the doctor permission to perform the procedure. Can you Prevent Vaginal Tearing During Childbirth? While there is not definitive or conclusive research to determine their effectiveness, some women do take measures to decrease the severity of their vaginal tearing. In order to decrease the severity of vaginal tearing you can Push slowly - if you take your time during the labor process, and don’t push too hard, your tissue has a chance to thin out and stretch. Your physician will help you through this process and advise you on when and how hard to push. Keep your perineum warm - during your labor you can apply a warm cloth to your perineum area to help it stretch and thin. Perineal Massage - prior to your labor, in the third trimester, you or your partner can perform a perineal massage to help stretch the area. Your physician can also perform this massage during the labor. Deliver in an upright position - Make sure you are comfortable during your delivery. Delivering in an upright/seated position can help reduce tearing. Vaginal Tear Care After your labor is complete you will be in a lot of pain. Your body has gone through a traumatic ordeal and the whole experience will take time to heal from. Depending on the severity of your tear your physician may have to give you stitches. Your doctor or midwife will give you instructions on how to care for yourself so be sure to follow their directions. In general your physician will advise you to Keep it clean by spraying warm water over it after using the restroom Keep it dry by patting it with a clean cloth or gauze Don’t touch it leave it to heal by itself Make sure to use the restroom. It is normal to be wary of the bathroom but it is important for your health. Some women recommend using stool softener to make it easy on those first few days while you are healing. How long does it take to heal? Like many cuts and lacerations it can take a while to heal. After about a week or a week and a half your tear should be healed within 7-10 days. However, you will likely still feel tender and experience a lot of pain for the next several weeks. How to Reduce Pain Pain is a natural part of the healing process but it can be frustrating and overwhelming when you also have other things to deal with. To reduce the pain you experience as much as possible try to ice it, heat it, numb it, prevent strain, and keep it cushioned. Using a cushioned donut pillow can be incredibly helpful. Besides your perineal pain you may also experience some pain elsewhere. Using a postpartum girdle can help reduce pain in other areas of your body. A postpartum girdle can help reduce pain and swelling, get you feeling better and more confident, and speed up the healing process. Not only that, but a postpartum girdle allows you to perform your everyday tasks without the fear of straining yourself. The support offered by a postpartum girdle allows you to perform tasks without the fear of hurting yourself. Key Takeaways A vaginal tear during childbirth is a normal and common part of the labor and delivery process. They can range in severity and may require stitches. Your doctor or midwife will give you instructions on how to care for it and there are ways you can reduce your pain. We at Bellefit want to make sure you are feeling your best so you can enjoy your time with your new baby. That is why we offer affordable and comfortable postpartum girdles. To make your postpartum journey smoother and easier. Try one out today!

Diaper bags--a necessity for any parent who is out and about. Your diaper bag is your portable nursery filled with all of the day-to-day essentials of raising a baby. You don’t want to leave the house without one but you also need to take the time to figure out what is essential for your diaper bag and what you can leave at home. Thankfully, parents have struggled for years figuring out this balance and we have collected all their advice into one place. In this article, we will list all the essentials for your diaper bag. Choosing a Diaper Bag Choosing a diaper bag is much more complicated than many people initially think it to be. You want to choose a bag that is a good enough size to hold everything you need but is not too cumbersome. Some parents choose to go with a duffel bag when going on longer trips and have a smaller bag for short trips. Whatever type of bag you choose it is the contents of that bag that make the difference. In today’s day and age, diaper bags can be fashionable and discrete. No more giant, multiple pockets, canvas bags bursting at the seams with diapers. There are multiple trendy options that look cute and are functional. Many parents choose to go with a backpack-style bag. This makes it easy to carry around, gives you plenty of room, and is easy for either parent to wear. What do you need from your diaper bag? In addition to the style of bag that you want, you also need to be mindful of what you need from your diaper bag. Are you going to use it for a few hours at the store? Are you going to use it on a cross-country flight? Do you need it for a toddler? All of these things need to be taken into consideration before choosing a diaper bag. Some parents have multiple diaper bag options at the ready and choose one that is most suited to their needs at that time. This can be too complicated for some people so they may choose to only use one diaper bag. Having a long and detailed list of essentials for your diaper bag can help you determine what type of bag you will need. Essentials for Your Diaper Bag There are multiple categories that you will need to consider when packing a diaper bag. You have the necessary diapers and changing essentials, food, clothes, medicine, extra items, toys, and the essentials for mom. For each category, we will break down the absolute necessities. Diapers and Changing Needs For this category the essentials for your diaper bag are Diapers - To calculate how many you will need to pack try doing one for every two hours you will be out. Then take a few extras just in case. Pack of baby wipes - An absolute necessity for your baby’s butt, your hands, and to wipe everything down in a public space. If you can’t fit a whole pack in your bag bring a few in a plastic bag but make sure they remain moist. Changing pad - Most diaper bags come with a changing pad, but if you need a large one, or don’t like the one that it comes with you can always get a different one. You will need a changing pad for areas where you need to change in public. This limits messes and keeps your baby clean and off of dirty public surfaces. Diaper cream - Travel size tubes are available for most diaper cream brands. Bag for dirty diapers - Bringing a bunch of plastic bags is beneficial for multiple reasons. You can put dirty diapers in them and you can put dirty clothes in them in case of accidents. This keeps the dirty separate from the clean and makes sure your bag doesn’t stink. Hand sanitizer - You never know where some stuff has been. Food and Clothes Food and clothes essentials for your diaper bag include Extra outfits - You never know what the day is going to bring so having an extra outfit (or two) is always a good idea. Light blanket/Nursing cover - To cover yourself while nursing or to cover the baby carrier/stroller in the sun. Snacks - You don’t want a hungry baby/toddler so having a few light snacks is beneficial. Burp cloth - For any messes that come with feeding a baby/toddler. Bottle/Sippy Cup with milk, water, or formula - Depending on how long you are out you will want to plan accordingly. For toddlers make sure you have some water or juice on hand for them to enjoy throughout the day so they don’t get dehydrated. Medicine and Extra Items For longer outings, it is a good idea to pack some medicinal essentials in your diaper bag. Travel first aid kit - make sure this includes band-aids, baby-safe pain relievers, antibiotic ointments, and a thermometer. Pacifier - To soothe a crying or fussy baby. Teethers - Particularly if your baby is going through the teething stage. Sunscreen/Bug Spray - Depending on the time of year and the weather this is essential. Toys - Particularly if you have a toddler this is necessary to keep them from fussing. This could be a small book for you to read, a stuffed animal (or a security toy), or a rattle. Essentials for the Parent Not only do you have to put all of your baby’s things in the diaper bag, but you also have to fit your stuff in there too. This should include anything you would normally put into a wallet or purse. For breastfeeding moms, you should also pack yourself an extra shirt (for leakage), breast pads, and other necessities for nursing. This can include a nursing bra just like the one that Bellefit has. It is comfortable, lightweight, and has an easy to clip down strap which makes feedings quick and hassle-free. Try one of our nursing bras today and see what a difference it can make in your routine. Key Essentials for Your Diaper Bag This list of essentials for your diaper bag can seem daunting at first, but many of these things can be left in your diaper bag. Before you head out just double check that everything you need is there and you are all set to go. This includes all of your diapers, clothes, wipes, sanitary stuff, food/water, personal effects, and nursing needs. We hope this has been a helpful list of things to pack and essentials for your diaper bag. Are there other essentials you would add to this list? Write them in the comments below!

We have put together a list of the best tips to beat pregnancy fatigue. Pregnancy fatigue is one of the many things women have to deal with while pregnant. In order to combat this, sleep, food, and water are the main things you need to balance. Reasons for Pregnancy Fatigue There are many reasons you may experience fatigue during your pregnancy. Growing a baby is a lot of work, and your body is experiencing a lot of changes. This is the main reason you feel fatigued during your pregnancy. In each trimester of your pregnancy fatigue can be brought on for a variety of reasons. First-trimester pregnancy fatigue Fatigue is one of the large symptoms that you are pregnant. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the body produces a bunch of different hormones in order to grow a baby. This increase in hormones can cause an increase in fatigue and leave you feeling tired. In addition, women often experience rapid changes in blood sugar/blood pressure due to their pregnancy which can also lead to fatigue. Besides these things, first-trimester nausea can increase fatigue as well. Your body is essentially pummeled with a bunch of changes at one time and is expected to deal with it. Second-trimester pregnancy fatigue During the second trimester of pregnancy, much of the pregnancy fatigue subsides and many women experience a sudden surge of energy. The hormones have balanced themselves out a little bit, your body has adjusted to the new requirements, and you have found a good routine to stay healthy. Third-trimester pregnancy fatigue Throughout the third trimester, fatigue begins to set back in. This time it is due to the rapidly growing baby inside of you. As your stomach swells to accommodate the new baby, you will likely experience discomfort and pain. This discomfort can disturb your sleeping schedule. In addition, your growing baby can add weight that makes it difficult to perform daily tasks. Not only that, but many women have an iron deficiency in their third-trimester which can lead to fatigue. Tips to beat pregnancy fatigue There are a few main ways to beat pregnancy fatigue. They include: getting as much sleep as possible, creating an exercise schedule, taking vitamins, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet. Sleep The best tip to beat pregnancy fatigue is to get as much sleep as possible. Yes, it seems obvious and it is much easier said than done, but there is science behind it as well. A typical adult need between 7-9 hours of sleep a day. A pregnant woman needs about 1-2 additional hours of sleep. This means that your normal amount of sleep is not going to be enough. Try to go to bed a little earlier, or get up a little later - you will thank yourself for it later. As your pregnancy progresses you will find it difficult to get into a comfortable sleeping position. Try investing in a body pillow or shifting your sleeping position. Finally, try to nap as much as possible. Even short little 15-20 minute naps can be beneficial to fighting your pregnancy fatigue. Exercise While setting aside time to exercise may not be a top priority, it is one of the best ways to beat pregnancy fatigue. Exercise tires your body so that you get a better night’s sleep, and it releases endorphins which help you feel better and increases your energy. It doesn’t have to be a super rigorous exercise, but something as simple as walking or swimming can be beneficial. Take vitamins One reason your body may be fatigued is because of a nutrient deficiency. As you grow a baby your body needs more vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy. Taking a prenatal vitamin ensures that you get all of the necessary nutrients that your body needs on a daily basis. This can fight fatigue caused by nutrient deficiency. Stay hydrated Hydration is key to beating pregnancy fatigue. Your body needs more water to function while you are pregnant. If you become dehydrated your blood volume decreases meaning your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. This can cause fatigue. Staying hydrated allows your body to function properly and ensures that you don’t become tired due to hydration. Try tracking your water or eating water-dense foods in order to increase your water intake. Eat a balanced diet Your body needs a certain amount of nutrients in order to function. Prenatal vitamins can help you reach those nutrients, but you need to maintain a healthy and balanced diet in order for you to feel the benefits. Many doctors recommend eating six small meals a day in order to maintain your blood sugar levels. Try to eat fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and protein and avoid processed foods as much as possible. Many processed foods can spike your blood sugar leading to a rapid fall in blood sugar later during the day. This can cause you to feel fatigued and lethargic. When to see a doctor Pregnancy fatigue is par for the course, but there are some situations where fatigue can be cause for concern. Severe pregnancy fatigue can be signs that you are experiencing other syndromes during your pregnancy such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or anemia. Watch for symptoms such as Restless legs (urge to move legs while resting) Insomnia Sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep) Dizziness Less frequent urination Severe headaches Shortness of breath Heart palpitations Swelling in ankles, hands, or feet If you experience any of these symptoms talk to your doctor. Key tips to beat pregnancy fatigue Pregnancy fatigue is common and not really something you should be too worried about. Your body needs extra sleep, food, and water to create the new life growing inside of you. But just because fatigue is normal doesn’t mean you have to deal with it. Getting extra sleep, exercising, taking prenatal vitamins, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet can all help you beat pregnancy fatigue. After your pregnancy, you are still going to feel a little fatigued. Your body will be recovering from labor and you will be taking care of your new baby. Don’t push yourself and make sure that you recover faster by investing in a postpartum girdle. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed to prevent you from over-extending yourself. This allows you to heal faster and get back to being your amazing self. Try one out today!

Balancing breastfeeding and pumping can seem like a daunting task and many mothers may not even consider it an option. However, breastfeeding and pumping is a great way to ensure that your baby is getting the nutrients from your breastmilk even when they can’t breastfeed. You may not want to but you will have to eventually spend time away from your newborn. In order to make this transition easy and tantrum-free, you will have to balance breastfeeding and pumping. Why Balancing Breastfeeding and Pumping is Important While you may be enjoying your time as a mother and you may never want to spend a moment apart you will eventually have to do it. If you are planning on breastfeeding spending time away from your baby can seem like it is not an option. Eventually, you will have to go back to work (if you work in an office), or go on a date, or visit with friends; and your baby will need to be fed while you’re away. Creating a stockpile of breastmilk during this time is a great way to have time to yourself without worrying about your baby being fed. It can also help make transitioning to a bottle much easier. Establishing a Good Milk Supply Breastmilk is created on a supply and demand basis. Your body will produce the amount of milk that your baby needs. Because of this, many women do not think they even have enough milk to create a milk supply. However, adding pumping to your already established breastfeeding schedule can be done. The first step in establishing a good milk supply is establishing a breastfeeding routine first. Most doctors recommend taking the first 2-3 weeks to establish a breastfeeding routine with your baby before introducing pumping to your routine. Once you have a good milk supply and routine set, then you can begin to introduce pumping. The first few days of pumping probably won’t get you a lot of milk, but don’t get discouraged. Your body needs to adjust to this new demand and it will provide the supply for it. Soon you will be filling all the bags/bottles that you need. Tips for How to Balance Breastfeeding And Pumping Many women find it difficult to create a good routine and are worried about making sure their baby has enough breastmilk. Don’t worry, these tips will help you balance breastfeeding and pumping. Feed on Demand In order to properly balance breastfeeding and pumping you will need to continue with your current breastfeeding schedule. That means feeding your baby as much as they need, as often as they need. This may change as they grow, but make sure to put your baby’s hunger above your pumping. Pump in the Morning The best time to pump is in the morning right after you wake up. Your body has had time to refill the milk supply and you will likely have quite a bit to give. Many women find that they are able to get the most milk in the morning after waking up. If you are worried about not having enough of a milk supply to last the day after pumping in the morning--try pumping after each feeding. Pump after Feeding After your baby has finished nursing you will want to wait about 10-15 minutes before pumping. This gives your body time to replenish the milk supply a little bit. Because your baby nurses multiple times a day, pumping after feeding is the way that many women choose to go. Make sure that when you pump after feeding you are using a double breast pump. Pumping each breast at the same time helps to establish your milk supply more than pumping one breast at a time. It can also save you time. Pump while Feeding Some women prefer to pump while they are breastfeeding. This essentially means that while the baby is nursing one breast you are pumping the other breast. It can be a little bit awkward to get the positioning at first, but some women find it to be helpful. Stay Hydrated While your breast milk supply is not determined by your hydration level it is still important. Your body needs a little extra hydration while you are breastfeeding. If you are dehydrated you can become lethargic, tired, and feel sick. This can influence your desire and will to pump so make sure you stay on top of your water intake. Avoid Stress Your stress levels greatly influence your milk supply. If you are too stressed your body will begin to lessen your milk supply which can lead to even more stress which can lead to less milk supply etc. Don’t get yourself into a vicious cycle, try to avoid stress as much as possible. Don’t Overdo It Take it easy. Your body is amazing--it created a baby and it is now providing food for that baby. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. Breastfeeding can take a variety of tolls on your body. Your breasts can become engorged, they can leak, you can get chafed nipples, the list goes on. Don’t overdo it in the name of an excess milk supply. If you are hurting, if you are not feeling mentally up for it, don’t push yourself. You have already done so much for your baby you can take a break. Key Takeaways to Balance Breastfeeding and Pumping Balancing breastfeeding and pumping is not an easy task. It can seem daunting, if not impossible, at first--but it is possible. After establishing a milk supply and breastfeeding schedule introduce pumping into it. This will slowly increase the demand for your breastmilk which will slowly increase the supply. Staying hydrated, monitoring your anxiety, avoiding stress, and checking in on yourself are the best ways to balance your breastfeeding and pumping routine. Make sure you aren’t overdoing it at any point with breastfeeding. Your body is going through a lot of changes and breastfeeding can be painful and taxing. Try using one of Bellefit’s nursing bras to stay comfortable and stress-free while nursing. Comfortable enough to fall asleep in, made with 100% cotton, and with an easy-access clip, our nursing bra takes the hassle out of midnight feeds. Try one today!

You finally have a little semi-independent child walking around and now you are pregnant. How are you going to survive pregnancy with a toddler? Don’t panic quite yet. With the advent of the internet, the good thing is you are not alone in your struggles. Thousands of women, just like you, have struggled with the same thoughts and worries. Thankfully, we were able to pull together a list of the top tips on how to survive pregnancy with a toddler. Why surviving pregnancy with a toddler is harder You’ve been around the block before. You know what to expect when it comes to pregnancy and labor now. And while not every pregnancy is the same, you have a vague idea of what is to come. The only problem is now you have to contend with a toddler too. The difficult thing about being pregnant with a toddler is that all the things you used to cope during your first pregnancy are no longer an option. You can’t go take a nap for two hours or go for a quick stroll in the park -- you have a child to look after. Even when you are sick, nauseous, run-down, and tired you have to be there for your toddler. You will have less time to be by yourself and you now have to take care of a child. So how do you survive? Tips on how to survive pregnancy with a toddler Obviously many women have done it before, but how did they do it without losing their minds? Between your doctor’s appointments, your toddler’s schedule, and your partner how will you have enough time to just be yourself? It’s hard. And it can be mentally and physically draining at times, but there are ways you can get through it with your sanity intact. Schedule Personal Time Make sure that you schedule personal time. This means time for yourself to do whatever you want to do. Maybe you want to take a nice bath or go to lunch with some friends--it doesn’t matter what you do. Just make sure you are taking the time to be an independent person. You can’t do the dishes, the laundry, cook, clean, grow a baby, and raise a child without needing some time to yourself. Even if it is just 15 minutes by yourself in the bathroom give yourself a breather to maintain your individuality. Get Help From Others As we said, you can’t do everything in the house by yourself. It is unrealistic and it is unfair to expect you to do everything. Make sure you are getting help from others--whether that be a partner, a friend, a sibling, or a parent. It might feel selfish or like you aren’t being the best you can be by reaching out for help but it is necessary. You need to be the best version of yourself for your child and your growing baby. That means not running yourself ragged. Nap Does your toddler have a scheduled nap time? Take a nap with them. Pregnant women need approximately 8-12 hours of sleep a night. It can be hard to get that when you are getting up to check on your child or suffering from pregnancy discomfort. That’s why naps are so important. Even a small 30-minute nap can mean a big difference in your energy levels later in the day. Encourage Independent Play Independent play is going to be a lifesaver to survive pregnancy with a toddler. Try to encourage your toddler to play with toys or do things that don’t require a lot of your attention. That way you can do the dishes while they play in the living room or you can go to the bathroom while they draw with crayons. Choose activities that you don’t to be an active participant in. This can also help them get used to playing by themselves and make it an easier transition when the baby comes. Find Different Ways To Play If you do need to be a part of their playing try to find ways to play while relaxing. Maybe lie down while they play doctor and diagnose/examine you. Or maybe watch a movie together. While they are entertained you relax and sit/lay down. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you end up relying on screens more frequently than you prefer. It is ok to need time off and it is ok to get that by sitting your child down with an iPad. It’s not the end of the world and you aren’t a bad parent for doing it. So don’t beat yourself up. Your health and sanity are just as important as your childs. Schedule Daycare/Babysitting Some days you are just going to want a break. On those days try to schedule a babysitter or a visit to daycare for a few hours. You will get some time to yourself and your child gets to have fun and play. Go To The Library One of the best ways to get your child entertained, and get time to relax, is by going to the library. Most libraries have reading circles or interactive events designed for children. This can help you survive pregnancy with a toddler. Do Some Prep For The Next Day A great way to stay on top of things and to relieve extra stress is by prepping for the next day. While your child is asleep in bed or taking a nap, you can prepare some morning meals or all of tomorrow’s meals and pop them in the fridge. This prevents you from having to spend that extra time tomorrow and allows you to be prepared for any last-minute things. Surviving Postpartum After giving birth you are going to be confronted with a whole new set of challenges. You are now going to be taking care of a baby and a toddler and you will still be recovering postpartum. Let Bellefit take away one of those worries and invest in a postpartum girdle today. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed to speed up the postpartum recovery process. Leaving you feeling back to your normal self sooner than you would have without it. That leaves you with one less thing on your plate to worry about.

Knowing miscarriage symptoms can help you get the necessary mental/physical treatment to recover faster. A miscarriage can be a traumatic event in the life of a mother. All of the time, energy, and hope and suddenly losing the baby with no discernable reason can be frustrating and depressing. In this article we are going to walk you through some miscarriage symptoms so that you can better prepare in the unfortunate event that a miscarriage occurs. What is a Miscarriage? A miscarriage, also known as a spontaneous abortion by medical professionals, is when the pregnancy ends on its own and the fetus does not survive. A miscarriage occurs before 20 weeks of pregnancy, and approximately 85% of miscarriages occur before the 12 week mark. Miscarriages are more common than many people may think and studies have shown that as many as 1 in 4 recognized pregnancies end in a miscarriage. The number is most likely even higher than these statistics because some miscarriages before the mother knows she is pregnant. Many women tend to think that something is wrong with their bodies when a miscarriage occurs, but that is rarely the case. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus was not developing properly. Miscarriage Symptoms The main symptoms of a miscarriage are vaginal spotting/bleeding. In addition, you may experience: Severe Cramps Stomach Pain Back Pain Discharge of white/pink mucus, or tissue that looks like blood clots Weakness Fever If you experience any of these symptoms contact your doctor. They will help you determine the correct course of action. You may experience some of these symptoms without having a miscarriage, but your doctor will want to evaluate you. Types of Miscarriages After you have gone to your doctor, and they have determined you have had a miscarriage, they will diagnose you with a specific type of miscarriage. There are six main types of miscarriages. A complete miscarriage: Your body has expelled all fetal tissue from your body. An incomplete miscarriage: Your body has expelled some, but not all fetal tissue, from your uterus. A threatened miscarriage: Your may be bleeding and having cramps but your cervix has not dilated. This points to the possibility that you will experience a miscarriage, but you also may continue your pregnancy. An inevitable miscarriage: You are bleeding and cramping and your cervix has dilated meaning a miscarriage is going to occur. A missed miscarriage: The fetus dies, or was never formed, but the tissue remains in the uterus with no bleeding or cramping. A recurrent miscarriage (RM): When the woman experiences three or more miscarriages in a row within the first trimester. Reasons for Miscarriage There are some activities or things that increase the risk of having a miscarriage, in most cases a miscarriage could not have been prevented. Your fetus grows from your body’s supply of hormones and nutrients, in many cases the fetus does not develop naturally and therefore the pregnancy is lost. One of the main reasons a miscarriage occurs is due to chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus that do not allow the baby to develop. About 50% of miscarriages occur because the fetus does not receive enough or receives too many chromosomes. These problems occur when the embryo splits and develops, not from any problems with the parents’ DNA. There are four main types of chromosomal abnormalities that can occur and result in a miscarriage. Blighted Ovum - No embryo forms Intrauterine Fetal Demise - Embryo forms, but stops developing and dies. Molar Pregnancy - Both sets of chromosomes come from the father, and not one from the mother and one from the father. Partial Molar Pregnancy - The embryo gets one set of chromosomes from the mother, but two sets of chromosomes from the father. Risks of Miscarriage While most miscarriages are not preventable, there are some things that can increase the risk of a miscarriage. This includes: Drug abuse Alcohol abuse Bodily trauma Smoking Exposure to harmful chemicals Caffeine consumption Chronic conditions such as diabetes or Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) Being Overweight or Underweight Problems with the uterus or cervix Infections Hormonal problems Thyroid Conditions STDs A woman may also be more likely to experience a miscarriage if she is over the age of 35, or has already had two or more previous miscarriages. Symptoms after a Miscarriage Experiencing a miscarriage can be both mentally and physically draining. Many women experience intense feelings of guilt, sadness, grief, and anxiety surrounding future pregnancies. This is on top of recovering from the physical stress of recovering from a miscarriage such as, bleeding a discomfort. Seek out help and support from loved ones and medical professionals. Talk about your emotions and experience, it will help you to overcome them. There are even pregnancy loss support groups online and in your communities. You are not alone and you have endless resources at your disposal. Prevention There is no way to prevent a miscarriage. Just try your best to avoid the risks that may increase your likelihood of a miscarriage. Stop drinking alcohol and smoking, stop using drugs, limit your caffeine intake, and try to get any underlying health conditions under control. Try your best to stay healthy and make sure you get all the necessary nutrients, by taking a prenatal vitamin. Bellefit is here to help you through the good times and the bad times. Check out our website for some great articles on staying healthy during your pregnancy, and try out our comfortable panties and leggings. We want you to be comfortable and happy.

Practicing self-care after pregnancy can seem like an afterthought when you have just given birth. That is because women are biologically wired to care for their newborns even after they have exhausted themselves. Between your new baby, housework, and caring for your other relationships - the relationship you have with yourself is the bottom of the to-do list. In actuality, self-care needs to be at the top of your to-do list. In this article, we discuss the different forms of self-care, some self-care ideas, and why self-care is so important in your postpartum journey. Why Self-care after pregnancy is important A big problem that many women face after giving birth is postpartum depression (PPD). According to one study, about 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, and about 70% of women experience the “baby blues.” Both of these conditions can cause you to become sad, and because it is so prevalent it is important that you do everything you can to try to prevent it. For some people, who are prone to depression, it is likely that they will experience some form of postpartum depression after giving birth. These self-care after pregnancy tips can help lessen the effects of these conditions - but you should always seek help from your primary care physician. What is the “baby blues?” The “baby blues” is a mild form of postpartum depression. Almost all women experience it in the first month or so after giving birth. The labor and delivery process is physically and emotionally taxing, and it wreaks havoc on your body and your mental health. Many women are surprised by the sudden feelings of sadness and moodiness that come after having a baby. They can’t understand why they are so sad, when they just brought a new life into the world. They are so happy, but so moody, tired, and sad at the same time. These emotions are completely normal and natural - not only are your hormones adjusting to no longer being pregnant your whole life has changed. You are probably not getting enough sleep, your whole routine has changed, and you have a new life to care for. Just one of these can throw your mental health out of whack. That is why your self-care after pregnancy is so important. What is postpartum depression? Postpartum depression is a form of depression that comes after giving birth and can range in severity. Postpartum depression symptoms include: Feeling sad/hopeless/overwhelmed Fatigue Insomnia Lack of appetite Feelings of guilt and worthlessness Withdrawing from others Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy No interest in your baby Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is important that you seek help. Physical Self-Care after Pregnancy Physical self-care after labor and delivery is incredibly important. Therefore, you need to take care of yourself so that you are healthy for your baby and for yourself. If you don’t feel physically good, it can influence your emotions as well. Physical self-care includes: Going to your doctor’s appointments: By attending your scheduled doctor’s appointments you are more likely to catch any sort of depression that comes up and treat it as quickly as possible. Taking care down there: After giving birth your vagina is going to hurt - even if you had a C-section. You are going to want to take care of yourself and try to stay comfortable. Nothing will make you more irritable than being uncomfortable, tired, and overwhelmed. Eating healthy: A well-balanced and healthy diet is essential to your physical self-care after pregnancy. Some studies have shown a link between a lack of Omega-3s in the diet and an increase of postpartum depression. Make sure you are getting enough of this nutrient. You can even do this by continuing to take your prenatal vitamins for the first month after giving birth. Getting some exercise: You probably won’t feel ready to run a marathon any time soon, but getting outside and walking is a great way to get some exercise. Investing in a postpartum girdle can help you stabilize your core while you walk and ensure that your muscles heal faster and easier. Sleeping as much as possible: It can feel like you are never getting enough sleep and honestly, you probably aren’t. Your body needs sleep to recover from the emotional and physical stress of pregnancy/labor. Try to sleep when the baby is sleeping, or if that isn’t possible, ask someone to watch the baby while you sleep. Stay hydrated: Hydration is essential in order for your body to function properly. Emotional Self-Care after Pregnancy Perhaps just as important as physical self-care after pregnancy is emotional self-care after pregnancy. Physical self-care ensures that your body is functioning and healing properly. Emotional self-care ensures that you adjust well to your new life and don’t have too much stress. Emotional self-care includes: Reach out for help: It takes a village to raise a child, so don’t expect it to be something you can handle all by yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or in over your head reach out for help. Maybe a friend can come to do the dishes for you, or your partner can do a load of laundry, or a family member can watch the baby while you sleep. Don’t put too much weight on your own shoulders. Not expecting anything in particular: Many people are surprised by how much is involved with raising a baby, and they expect their maternity leave to go a certain way. Don’t hold any expectations of what will happen after your birth, just go with it and live in the moment. Doing things you enjoy/take time for yourself: You are going to become inundated with diapers, baby toys, games, and kids shows - make sure you have time for yourself to do the things you love. If that is simply taking a nice relaxing bath then do it. If that is reading a book, go outside and read. Set a little bit of time aside every day to do something you enjoy. Join a mommy support group: Joining a mommy support group gives you a place to connect with others who are going through the same thing as you. It helps you to know you are not alone and get more tips on how to deal with situations. Use a mantra: Some women find choosing a mantra to be helpful when they are going through a hard time. Something like “this will pass,” “one day at a time,” “I can do it,” or even “I am a wonder woman mama who is doing her best,” can make a situation feel much less intimidating. Socialize with friends: After you give birth suddenly every waking hour is consumed with baby stuff. It can be frustrating and annoying to only talk or think about your newborn. Make sure you have time to talk to friends or other adults about things besides your baby. It will help make you feel like an individual again. Main Takeaways Feeling moody or sad after giving birth is not as uncommon as many people think, and you are most likely going to experience it to some degree. Taking care of your mental and physical health can help to lessen the symptoms and stay encouraged in what can be a frightening time period. Eating well, exercising, staying hydrated, chatting with friends, and taking time for yourself will help you feel better about yourself and your new role as a mom. At Bellefit, we know how important feeling your best is for your mental health. That is why we have created the best postpartum garments available. Our objective is to make sure you stay healthy, happy, and comfortable. We know how painful and long postpartum recovery is, so we want to do everything in our power to help. Check out our garments today!

There is lots of conflicting information out there about water intake during breastfeeding. And you may have even had someone mention drinking lots of water if your milk supply is low, but that is not the case. In this article, we will discuss hydration and its relationship with your milk supply. We detail what to drink, how much, what to avoid, and how to know you are dehydrated. Hydration and Milk Supply As you begin to breastfeed you may notice that you tend to get more thirsty throughout the day. This is a completely normal reaction. This is your body’s way of ensuring you are properly hydrated. When you breastfeed, your body releases oxytocin, this indicates to your brain that you are thirsty and makes sure that you are drinking enough water. Contrary to popular belief, hydration doesn’t increase your milk supply, and dehydration really doesn’t inhibit it either. Studies have shown that dehydrated mothers are still able to produce enough milk for their babies. That doesn’t mean it is ok to dehydrate yourself, it just means that you shouldn’t worry too much about your milk supply. While hydration and milk supply are not necessarily linked - your body does need a different amount of water intake during breastfeeding. While you are breastfeeding you need to intake about 100 oz of water a day. The average human needs about 64 oz a day, but your body needs a little bit more in order to help produce milk. If you drink less than this amount, your body will take water from other areas of your body in order to continue milk production. So, while your milk will not be affected, you and your body definitely will. Signs of Dehydration If you do not have enough water intake during breastfeeding, you will end up dehydrated, and trust me that is not a fun thing to be. Most of the time your body will let you know if it is beginning to become dehydrated. The two main indicators of dehydration are thirst and dark urine. These beginning stages are warning signs that you need to drink more water, but if you don’t pay attention things can get worse. Other signs of dehydration include: Chapped lips Headache Fatigue dry/itchy skin Lack of energy Moodiness Nausea Constipation If things become super severe you may even puke or pass out. In those cases, it is likely that you will need to go to the hospital to get hydrated again. Don’t Over-Hydrate While you definitely don’t want to become dehydrated, over-hydrating can actually be more detrimental. When you drink too much water, your body will need a place to expel the excess water. When your body has too much water it will attempt to restore the electrolyte balance in your body by diverting water to your urine. This can actually prevent water from going to your breasts and deplete your milk supply. How to Get Enough Water Intake During Breastfeeding The best way to check if you are getting enough water is to check your pee. If it is slightly yellow or colorless then you are getting enough water. If it is dark yellow then you need more water. Now, getting enough water throughout the day can be difficult, but you don’t need to chug a gallon of water to ensure you are getting enough. Your water supply can come from other fluids that you drink throughout the day. Lots of women get bored with water after drinking it for a while, so don’t feel like you need to only drink water. Any sort of sugar-free and caffeine-free drink should be good for you to drink. This includes milk, decaffeinated tea/coffee, fruit/veggie-infused water, fruits, vegetables, and soup. In fact, about 20% of our water intake comes from the foods we eat. So, be sure to stock up on those water-dense fruits and veggies. Tips For Water Intake During Breastfeeding It can be difficult to get enough water every day if you are not used to drinking water on a regular basis. So, here are a few tips that can help you maintain your water intake during breastfeeding. Drink a glass of water every time you are nursing Have a water bottle everywhere you go - in the car, in your purse, in the gym, on the side table. Have it readily available. Time your water intake - set an alarm so that you remember you have to drink a certain amount of water by the time the alarm goes off. Download a water intake app on your phone. One of my favorite apps is Plant Nanny! Every time you drink a glass of water you give your plant a drink. Soon your plant will grow and you will have a small menagerie of plants on your app. It is like a fun game to remind you to drink water and take care of your virtual plant. Drinks to Avoid While Breastfeeding There are a few main drinks you should try to avoid while you are breastfeeding. They are caffeinated beverages, soda, juice, and alcohol. Sugary and caffeinated drinks can prevent your body from being able to hold onto hydration. They can act as a diuretic and make you use the restroom more frequently than you should. Caffeine can also end up in your milk supply and go to your baby - which can lead to a restless baby and no sleep for you. Alcohol in moderation (and with approval from your doctor) is ok to have occasionally, but not all the time. One beer or glass of wine will not be the end of the world but stop after that. If you are craving a soda or a fruity drink, try finding carbonated water and infusing it with fruit. You can also add a sprinkle of sugar if you need to, but don’t add too much sugar. Main Takeaways of Water Intake During Breastfeeding Contrary to popular belief water intake and milk supply is not that correlated. Chugging as much water as possible will not increase your milk supply and not drinking any water will not decrease it. Your body needs a little bit more water than normal to ensure you are properly hydrated and your milk supply is good, but don’t go overboard. Drinking too much water can be detrimental, and drinking sugary and caffeinated beverages can cause other problems. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink when you are thirsty and until your pee is light yellow or colorless. Breastfeeding and nursing can be difficult, but thankfully it can be made easier with Bellefit’s nursing bra. This nursing bra has an easy clip that allows you to unhook your bra and give your baby the nutrition they need quickly. It is soft and comfortable and can easily be worn to sleep. Try out our nursing bra and other postpartum garments today!

Recovering from childbirth is a long and painful journey - particularly if you are recovering from a cesarean section. In this article we will discuss what to expect with your C-section recovery, the struggles you may experience along the way, and some tips for healing faster. What is a C-section? A C-section, also known as a cesarean section, is a type of abdominal surgery designed to extract the baby from the uterus. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control, approximately 30% of pregnant women end up having a cesarean section. A doctor will perform a C-section for a number of reasons. They can be scheduled, or happen in an emergency - depending on the circumstances. In addition, during a cesarean section the surgeon will make an incision on the mother’s abdomen and open up the uterus. They will then take the baby out of the uterus and then close everything back up. Recovery after a major abdominal surgery, such as a C-section, can be a painful and long process. Many women struggle with their C-section recovery on top of their new duties as a mother. C-Section Recovery Struggles - What to Expect What can you expect with your C-section recovery process? After giving birth a mother will experience a wide variety of struggles. Some of these struggles include: adjusting to parenthood, learning to breastfeed, and taking care of yourself. These are not unique to a mother who went through a cesarean section, however there are some struggles unique to women who had a C-section. First Couple of Days If you have a C-section you will likely be kept in the hospital for 2-4 days for observation. Doctors will observe you and make sure you know how to properly care for your incision. In addition to this you will experience vaginal bleeding and cramps. These occur as the uterus sheds its lining and shrinks back to its original size. On top of this, your doctor will want to monitor you to watch for infection at the incision site and signs of blood clots in the leg. First Few Weeks In the first few weeks of your C-section recovery struggles you will need to monitor your incision and check it for infection. Infection is most likely to occur in the first few weeks after a C-section delivery. Similarly, you will need to monitor your blood loss. It is possible to hemorrhage in the first few weeks. As your uterus shrinks and your incision heals you will probably experience some pain. Talk to your doctor about what pain management options are available to you and if you have any concerns bring them up at your check-ups. You should not be driving, exercising, performing labor-intensive tasks for the first 6 weeks of your recovery. Long Term Recovery Recovering fully from a cesarean section can take years. You may experience some sensitivity or pain at the incision site for a while after your surgery. In addition, your C-section scar may not heal for a while after your surgery and can leave you feeling frustrated and insecure. You may even struggle with urinary incontinence due to your weakened pelvic muscles. Make sure you discuss any concerns with a physician. C-Section Recovery Struggles There are many struggles for a new mom, but there are some unique struggles women who gave birth via C-section may experience. These can include: Difficulty getting out of bed. In the hospital there are beds that raise and lower to help you maneuver out of bed easier - at home you may not have this luxury. It can be difficult to get out of bed, and this can cause problems. Particularly as you run back and forth to your newborn to breastfeed them at night. The best way to overcome this struggle is by rolling onto your side, swinging your legs over to the floor and then pushing yourself up into a sitting position. This prevents you from using your healing abdominal muscles. Pain Relief. Just like with any surgery you skin, your tissue, and your muscle all have to heal from the trauma they endured. Your incision site can be sensitive and bruised for a few weeks so make sure you have some pain relief medication. If you are breastfeeding, make sure you talk to your physician first as a small amount of the medication can make it into the baby’s breastmilk. C-section Scarring. Your body will naturally heal and your scar should be mostly healed by six weeks postpartum, but that doesn’t mean it is fully healed. Some women lose feeling in the area for months after their surgery. Similarly, it will take a while for your scar to fade. There are multiple C-section scar healing techniques designed to reduce your scarring. You can check those out here. Blood Clot Prevention. Women who went through a cesarean section are at an increased risk of blood clots. Oftentimes by the time you leave the hospital you shouldn’t have to worry about clotting, but if you are at an increased risk your doctor may send you home with blood thinning medication. When to Contact a Doctor You will have to check your C-section incision for infection every day. If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention. The incision is red, swollen or leaking discharge You have a fever You have heavy bleeding Your pain gets worse C-Section Recovery Tips - For a Faster Recovery Your body will not be physically fully healed for about 6 weeks after a C-section. After the six weeks it can be tempting to jump right back into your pre-pregnancy routine, but this is usually not wise. Your body is still recovering. You may feel physically fine, but your body may still be healing from the entire pregnancy and labor experience. In order to get back to your pre-pregnancy routine quicker, we have a little list of C-section recovery tips. Seek Help for Long-Term Problems During your C-section recovery struggles you may discover minor inconveniences. Therefore, you can later turn into long-term problems. This can include long term pain, muscle weakness, incontinence, and even depression. Don’t suffer alone and don’t put up with it. There are often underlying causes that can affect you even after you have healed. Seek help for those problems as soon as you can. Take Regular Walks You are not recommended to participate in intense aerobic exercise and strength training immediately after giving birth, however you should still get your body moving as much as possible. Walking helps to prevent blood clots. It is great for your mental health, and it can get you out and about with friends. Use a Postpartum Girdle A postpartum girdle is a great solution to many of your C-section recovery struggles. Postpartum girdles - designed to stabilize your core and provide medical-grade compression that promotes healing. Bellefit designed postpartum garments for women who have experienced a cesarean section. Postpartum girdles ensure you don’t get your stitches caught on any fabric, help prevent diastasis recti, and help you feel less pain. It’s easy to see why so many of our customers love this product. We hope this has been an informative and helpful article and that you have everything you need for a health C-section recovery.