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The uterus is held in place by pelvic ligaments and muscles. The muscles can become weak or stretched out leading to a lack of support for the uterus. When the muscles become weak, the uterus may sag or descend from its normal position into the vagina. A uterovaginal prolapse is classified by its stage. A complete prolapse means part of the uterus has slipped so far that it protrudes from the vaginal opening. The difference with an incomplete uterovaginal prolapse is that the uterus becomes partially displaced into the vagina, but it does not protrude out. Symptoms Pelvic area prolapses are very common in women. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about one in three women have some type of pelvic prolapse. Of those women, approximately 25 percent develop symptoms. Symptoms of uterovaginal prolapse may vary depending on how far into the vagina the uterus has slipped. For example, the uterus may only descend to the upper vagina. Common symptoms of an incomplete uterovaginal prolapse include: Vaginal pressure or a feeling of heaviness Pain with intercourse Increased vaginal bleeding Frequent bladder infections Trouble passing stool Diagnosis Diagnosis of an incomplete uterovaginal prolapse is usually made after a review of symptoms and a pelvic exam. During the pelvic exam, you may be asked to tighten your pelvic muscles or bear down. Doing these actions may help your doctor determine the strength of your pelvic muscles and how far into the vagina the uterus has slipped. Your doctor may also order a vaginal ultrasound or an MRI to assess the severity of the prolapse. Causes An incomplete uterovaginal prolapse can occur when the pelvic muscles that support the uterus become weak. The muscles can become weak for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for an incomplete uterovaginal prolapse is having one or more vaginal deliveries. Certain factors may also increase your risk of developing an incomplete prolapse. For example, if you have a large baby or have a history of pelvic surgery, it may increase your risk. Although it can occur at any age, a prolapse tends to be more common as a woman gets older. The muscles that hold the uterus in place naturally become weaker as estrogen levels decline. Treatment Treatment for incomplete uterovaginal prolapse is aimed at providing support for the uterus, strengthening the pelvic muscles, and preventing the condition from becoming worse. One way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the uterus is by doing Kegel exercises three or four times a day. Kegel exercises involve tightening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. To locate the right muscles, think about contracting the muscles to stop the flow of urine. Hold the contraction for about five seconds and relax. Repeat the exercise five times. If you are unsure how to do a Kegel correctly, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. There are a few additional ways to treat the condition including the following: Wear an abdominal binder for additional support. Treat constipation to avoid straining when having a bowel movement. Avoid heavy lifting Consider estrogen replacement if you are postmenopausal. Estrogen may prevent continued weakening of the pelvic muscles. More invasive treatment, such as wearing a pessary, which is inserted into the vagina to support the uterus or surgery is not usually needed unless the condition progresses to a complete prolapse. Prognosis The prognosis for an incomplete uterovaginal prolapse is good. In many cases, conservative treatment listed above can prevent the condition from becoming worse. The condition may resolve on its own without more invasive treatment. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

A Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is Common during pregnancy. They often occur in the bladder, the urethra, and in worst cases, the kidneys. The infection is caused by bacteria that has crept into places in the body where it doesn’t belong. Being pregnant increases the chances of you developing a UTI. Knowing how to avoid getting this type of infection and how to successfully treat it if it does occur is ideal. Preventative measures can be taken from the earliest stages of pregnancy to keep UTIs away. If you have any questions about what is suggested in this blog, make sure to ask your doctor for clarification as he or she possesses specific knowledge about your medical history, instances of UTIs, and details about your pregnancy. What are UTI Symptoms? There are many symptoms that indicate that you have a UTI. For example, do you feel a burning sensation during urination? Are you peeing more often than you did before, but the amount of urine produced is small? If you experience a low-grade fever, have abdominal pain or discomfort or experience chills, nausea, and vomiting, it can be caused by a urinary tract infection. It’s time to seek medical attention for the pain that you’re feeling. Rather than allow your medical condition to worsen, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician right away. A doctor diagnoses you with one and prescribes treatment options that help you heal quickly. Avoiding getting a urinary tract infection especially while pregnant is imperative as it can hurt you and your baby. You’ll learn about different ways to prevent a UTI below. What Can I Do to Prevent a UTI? There are many things you can do to prevent a UTI. For example, making sure that you drink enough water is key. It helps flush out bad bacteria out of your urethra. You also want to make sure that you go to the bathroom regularly and don’t use scented or colored toilet paper. Avoid using other hygiene products that are fragranced because they can cause irritation. Investing in cotton-crotched underwear allows the area to stay dry. You won’t need to worry about bacteria invading an area of your body that is already highly sensitive. You can sleep sans panties at night if you’re comfortable with the idea of doing so. The diet that you choose to follow also helps prevent UTI. Eating yogurt is a great idea because it contains cultures that help keep your body’s natural bacteria in balance. You can also sip on cranberry juice because it contains a substance that fights urinary tract infections. Why It’s Important to Treat a UTIs Right Away Treating UTIs effectively is imperative because they can cause discomfort and even affect your fetus negatively. An untreated urinary tract infection can cause kidney infections, preeclampsia, restrict the growth of your baby, and cause preterm birth. Preventing UTIs is key because it helps eliminate the need for medical care and ensures that you’re able to have a healthier pregnancy and delivery overall.

A strong pelvis is beneficial to pregnant women. It prevents incontinence and makes birthing a baby smoother and less painful. Kegels are exercises that help strengthen the pelvic wall resulting in a successful delivery of your baby. The Benefits of Doing Kegels There are many benefits that come with doing Kegels. For example, the exercise is free and doesn’t require special equipment. It can also be done in the comfort of your own home and discreetly which increases the likelihood of women doing them regularly. How Will Doing Kegels Help Me? There are many ways to prepare your body for delivery and recovery after pregnancy. Bellefit helps you compress and support your body post-partum. You’ll have an easier time expelling fluids, reducing swelling, and improving your posture by wearing one of our special girdles. How Long Should I Hold Each Kegel? If you want to know how often you should do Kegels, you’re not alone. When you first start out, you’ll find them somewhat difficult to do. You should only tighten the pelvic muscles for three to five seconds before relaxing them for an equal amount of time. Doing this four to five times in a row a couple times of day is sufficient. Once you’ve conditioned the pelvis, however, it’s easier to hold the tightened muscles for longer. You can do this for up to 10 seconds at a time with practice as well as increase the amount of repetitions that you do. By the time you’ve been practicing Kegels for a while, you should do three sets of 10 of them daily for best results. Keep in mind that it’s much better to get quality squeezes in opposed to a bunch of squeezes that do nothing to condition the pelvic muscles. The idea is to get the most use out of the exercises so that you’re able to give birth easily and prevent incontinence wherever you go. When Should I Start Doing Kegels? You can start doing Kegels early on in your pregnancy. That way, you have more time to condition the pelvic muscles. Even after you’ve delivered, you can continue doing the exercises. They’ll help you speed along healing and improve muscle tone. You can even use smartphone apps to help remind you to do your exercises. There are many options available for iOS and Android users. So, to summarize, Kegels can be done at the beginning stages of pregnancy and long after your baby has been delivered. The exercises work well for women who have never been pregnant before as well as moms who already have given birth in the past. What makes them so great is how accessible and simple that they are. Kegels are easy to do, free, and beneficial. As a pregnant woman, they can be done daily to help improve your experience. You’ll have a much easier time delivering and recovering after giving birth because of these exercises. They’re also great for improving your sex life. When the pelvic muscles are strong, pleasure enhances. It’s a positive experience for both you and your partner.

Table Of Contents Definition Diagnosis Causes Treatment Prognosis Women have the beautiful ability to experience pregnancy and childbirth. They can feel movement inside their bodies, see pictures through ultrasound, and experience the sheer joy of bringing a new life in the world. While pregnancy is beautiful, there are some not- so- great experiences a woman may have. A woman’s body is rapidly changing and growing. These changes may come with a pain you have not experienced before. One of the most recognizable pains during and after pregnancy is lower abdominal, inguinal, and groin pain. Understanding what this pain is and how to treat it will help you have a pregnancy with fewer worries. Definition Lower abdominal, inguinal, and groin pain is defined as a sharp or jabbing pain felt in the lower abdomen or groin. This pain becomes noticeable during the second trimester of pregnancy and is normally felt on the right side of the abdomen. Abdominal pain during pregnancy can be alarming. Make sure to contact your doctor if you experience any pain. Diagnosis It is always alarming to feel pain in your abdomen during pregnancy or shortly after delivery. In order to diagnose your pain, you need to know your symptoms and consult your doctor. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor may order blood and urine samples as well as performing an ultrasound. These tests can rule out other causes such as kidney stones, appendicitis, urinary tract infections, or ovarian cysts. Causes Lower abdominal, inguinal, and groin pain is experienced due to the stretching of ligaments around the womb. As the womb becomes larger to accommodate the baby, the ligaments that hold the uterus in place must stretch. A certain ligament known as the round ligament is the culprit of your pain. This ligament attaches the front portion of the uterus to the groin. Normally, this ligament contracts and relaxes slowly when you sneeze, cough, or make rapid movements. During pregnancy, everything speeds up and more weight is applied to the ligament. Due to the enlarging of the uterus during pregnancy, the round ligament is stretched and contracts more quickly, therefore causing pain. Make sure to get enough rest to treat any abdominal pain you may feel during pregnancy. Treatment Treatment of lower abdominal, inguinal, and groin pain during pregnancy is easy. Some actions to add to your treatment plan include: Rest - Your pain should only last a few seconds and with rest, not be a frequent occurrence. Stretching - Having a regular exercise routine can be beneficial to keeping those ligaments pliable during pregnancy. Flexibility will also make delivery easier on your body. Avoid Sudden Movements- Slow everything down. Sudden movements can cause rapid contractions of the ligaments and sharp pains in your lower abdomen and groin. Remember there are two of you. It is understandable to take twice as long to do the same tasks. Abdominal binders or compression - Your doctor may prescribe the use of an abdominal binder or orthotic. Wearing an abdominal binder can help support your rapidly growing belly. Increasing support can keep the ligaments surrounding the uterus from over-stretching. Compression garments are a great way to treat post-delivery effects. Support and encouragement of blood flow allows the body to heal in a quick, efficient way. Prognosis Lower abdominal, inguinal, and groin pain during pregnancy is uncomfortable and can be alarming. The good news ladies is that you have a great prognosis. Once your bundle of joy has entered the world, your body will begin to heal itself and pain will subside. With proper rest and the use of an abdominal binder or compression, your body will heal more quickly, and you can return to your “normal” self. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

If you thought that baby proofing your home would be difficult, you haven’t been introduced to Dreambaby - an internationally renowned and awarded child safety brand. We recently met Carolyn, founder of Dreambaby, and learned about her passionate commitment to educating parents about the child safety issues all parents face. Carolyn and Dreambaby are innovators in child safety and they've created everything from corner cushions to furniture anchors and everything in between. So which products does Carolyn from Dreambaby recommend to get started with? 1. Safety Problem: Falling off the Crib or Toddler Bed Babies and Toddlers are squirmy. They can move around in bed so much that it's easy for them to end up on the floor with a very preventable injury. SAFETY ITEM RECOMMENDED: Bed rails are excellent for peace of mind while transitioning your child to a toddler bed. 2. Safety Problem: Getting into unsafe areas of the home. When your baby is learning to crawl and walk, they can get into restricted areas impressively fast. SAFETY ITEM RECOMMENDED: Child Safety Gates. Parents can feel at ease knowing that their little one will not be able to access any unsafe or unsupervised area of the home. 3. Safety Problem: Bathroom Dangers The bathroom is an area of the home where parents spend a lot of time training their child so baby proofing the bathroom is a must to keep your baby safe. SAFETY ITEM RECOMMENDED: Inflatable Bath Spout Cover Bath time can get a little too fun at times. Protect your baby's head from the dangers of the water spout in the bathtub. Potty Training Toilet Seat the most ideal place to potty train your baby is on the actual toilet. These safety toilet seats are great for tiny butts, easy to clean and will prevent any gross falls into the toilet. Room & Bath Thermometer Before placing your baby or toddle into water, it's important to be confident that the water temperature is safe. 4. Safety Problem: Sharp Corners around the home. Sharp corners are around every corner of the house. They are almost inevitable, but what is completely avoidable is injuries from running into corners SAFETY ITEM RECOMMENDED: Corner Cushions & Bumpers. No more running to place your hand between your baby's face and the sharp corners. These corner bumpers are literally life-savers! 5. Safety Problem: Doors & Cabinets. Babies and Toddlers want to get into everything and they love playing with doors. SAFETY ITEM RECOMMENDED: Door Stoppers. Slamming a door is so easy, a baby can do it. These simple door stoppers can keep their little fingers safe. Magnetic Cabinet Locks Parents store a lot of unsafe items in their cabinets. These easy to install locks will prevent your baby or toddler from accessing unsafe items. Door Knob Covers If they cant open the door, then they wont be able to slam it or escape. Your number one goal after giving birth is to protect your child all the days of his or her life. Taking the precautionary measures necessary to make their home environment safe from harm is imperative as it reduces the risk of harm. As your baby becomes more independent, parents can feel more confident in the safety of their home thanks to Dreambaby and Carolyn's mission to keep all children safe. Click to Watch Carolyn's Handy Hints for more info on what she recommends to keep your child safe.

Finding a place in your home for the abundance of baby shower gifts you received from family and friends can be a bit overwhelming! After all, no one wants your baby to do without. If this is your first child, people may go crazy getting you everything you requested on your baby registries. Don’t let this stress you out because a lot of new mothers are going through the exact same thing now. Here are some of the thoughts that pregnant moms have after the baby shower: Where am I going to put all of this? If nearly everything you asked for on your registries has been purchased, you may find that you have more gifts than you have room in your home for them. If this is the case, you can always return some of the items and buy them again when you need them. Most if not all gifts are returnable if they’ve been purchased off a registry. Some family members and friends tape a gift receipt to boxes for this precise reason. What on Earth do I need this for? You may have received items you didn’t know existed or even that a baby would require them in the first place. Again, this is when you determine how necessary these gifts are now. You could exchange them for something different such as for nursing pajamas or donate them to a mother in need. Wow! I’m going to be giving birth sooner than I imagined! Reality finally sinks in when you have a nursery full of things to welcome baby with. It’s a bittersweet moment because life will never be the same as you know it. You’re responsible for another human being, and it’s an incredibly exciting yet overwhelming feeling. Do I really need this diaper pail or bottle warmer? Although these gifts may not seem practical now, wait until you have a baby! You’ll see just how useful they are when it’s 3 AM and you don’t want to walk outdoors barefoot to toss a sack of dirty diapers into the garbage can. You also can save yourself time and prevent your baby from fussing by warming up his or her bottle. I can’t hammer a nail! How am I going to put a stroller together? Putting items together takes time, strength, and effort. You may need to recruit someone to assist you with this process now that the baby shower is over. After all, you’re going to need to save your strength for when you go into labor. If you’re not the handiest of all women, ask someone to come over and help you put together that stroller, crib or other baby necessity now while there is still time before your baby is born. There are many thoughts that pregnant moms have after the baby shower. Each is a legitimate response to the feelings of overwhelm you may be experiencing now. After all, having a baby is no easy task! It takes time, careful consideration, and planning to address all the things that your little one may need upon his or her arrival. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

Sometimes called the “New Mom Crisis,” it’s easy to feel you’ve lost a part of who you are after giving birth. No matter what you see on the big screen and TV, transitioning from non-parent to mom is not always easy. It’s normal to feel some anxiety at this big change in your life. It seems like all of your being, your emotions, and your hormones are being used to nurture your new child. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the same things you enjoyed before pregnancy. You can still have your own adult relationships, and you’ll still be the same person with unique interests and ideas. Here are some suggestions for ways to keep your identity after having a baby. photo credit: pexels 1. Create a Support System All new moms need a support system. When you’re overwhelmed and unable to take a break, that’s when you feel the cracks forming in your identity. You start to forget what it is that used to make you happy since all your time is monopolized by your baby. It’s perfectly healthy to ask for help when you need it. Having a support system doesn’t make you any less of a mom. You need a strong group of friends and family you can talk to and rely on. Studies show this support leads to lower instances of depression and anxiety in new moms. This system will keep you from losing yourself, even when things get tough. 2. Find Your “Normal” One of the hardest parts of the transition to motherhood is losing your old routine. Suddenly you have to cater all of your waking hours to your baby, and this can leave you feeling disrupted. Instead, try to return to whatever “normal” was for you before you gave birth. This might mean going to the store by yourself while your partner watches the baby, or even just taking a bath before bed every night. These routines will help you remember that your wants and needs are still important. photo credit: pexels 3. Recognize the Stages When you’re raising your baby, every stage has a time limit. While it might seem stressful to be up half the night breastfeeding the baby right now, remind yourself this is only temporary. None of these stages you’re experiencing will last forever. It’s okay to feel frustrated by the lack of sleep or a particularly challenging stage in your baby’s development, just remember that it’s only temporary. 4. Treat Yourself You’ve been through a lot. Not only has your body gone through major changes, but your mindset has undergone a lot of pressure. As a new parent, there is a lot of fear of doing the wrong thing or not being good enough. Don’t let these thoughts get in the way or hold you back from giving yourself a break when you need it. You might want to spend a quiet night in with your spouse where your parents take the baby for the night. You might want to shop online for new undergarments that make you feel confident in your new body. These little things add up. photo credit: pexels 5. Stop Comparing Yourself In the digital age, it’s hard to avoid comparing yourself to other moms. With mommy blogs, Instagram posts, and our own Facebook feeds, there is a lot of pressure to be absolutely perfect. Self-judgement is a dead end street. You’ll only find yourself feeling worse. You don’t have to have a Pinterest-worthy outfit for the baby every day, and you don’t have to be a master at creating educational games. Just be the best mom you can be, on your own terms. It also might help to cut out social media for a while. Motherhood Your Way There is no single “correct” way to be a mom. You deserve to have your own interests, likes, and enjoyments outside of parenting that remind you of your own identity. This all relies on your support system, your ability to ask for help, and your perspective. As a new mom, you have a lot of room to grow. Think of this exciting time in your life, not as a limit, but a way to learn more about yourself and what it is that makes you unique. Your identity doesn’t have to change just because you’ve given birth. Avoiding the new mom identity crisis just takes some shifting in perspective. About the Author: Lauren Webber is a former HR manager and lover of psychology who now runs daintymom.com among her other pursuits. Her interests range from the corporate world to health and self-care to home improvement and parenting. Now if only someone came up with a way to extend the day by about 20 more hours, she could dedicate herself to all of these equally and constantly. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

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

What you eat while pregnant not only affects you. It also plays a role in your unborn child’s development. If you haven’t made changes to your diet yet, it’s time that you do so. It benefits you and your baby’s health. Some of the best foods for pregnant women are mentioned below. Lean protein Full of amino acids which help build the many cells in you and your baby’s bodies, protein is essential for growth and development as well as stabilizing blood sugar. Three servings or 75 grams of lean protein foods should be included in your daily diet during pregnancy. You can add small amounts to the dishes you make including soups, salads, and even rice or grain-based dishes such as quinoa or teff. Lentils A great source of fiber and protein, this type of bean is perfect for mother and child. It also has tons of folic acid in it which is the same ingredient that makes up prenatal vitamins. Folate prevents birth defects such as spinal bifida from occurring in your child. Lentils are delicious to eat on their own or as an extra ingredient in the meals you create for you and your family to eat. Get your fill of vitamin B6 and iron with every serving you eat. Yogurt Calcium is needed for strong bones. It’s also essential for muscle and nerve function. Aim for about four servings of calcium or 1,200 mg daily. Yogurt has almost as much of the bone-strengthening ingredient in it as milk with the added benefit of protein and folate. You can use it in place of mayonnaise and salad dressing, too, making it a versatile option for you and your baby’s diet. Wild salmon Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, this fish is a perfect source of the substance which helps fat-soluble vitamins such as A and E metabolize in the system. Women should not eat tuna which has high instances of mercury in it. Instead, they should eat wild salmon, sardines, farmed oysters, and herring at least two to three times a week. A little lemon juice helps accentuate the flavors in these foods, so keep some lemons on hand to squeeze over your meal. Avocados There is no going wrong with avocados. They’re creamy, make a great alternative for fatty sandwich spreads, and taste delicious when made into guacamole. Avocados can also be eaten on toast and put into green smoothies to give them even more health benefits. Avocados have folate, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 in them. They’re a powerhouse food that makes you feel good. If you find a good sale on avocados, freeze them for later use. If you plan on blending them into a salad dressing or smoothie, it doesn’t matter that they’ve been frozen. Nutrition is the key to a healthier pregnancy. Getting the right vitamins and nutrients in your body benefits you and your baby. Knowing which foods to eat in abundance and which to avoid helps you prevent stomach upset, heartburn, and increased inflammation. You’ll be healthier and happier because of the new knowledge that you possess. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

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

What is PUPPPs? PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy) is a skin rash that occurs in about 1 out of every 200 pregnancies. While not much is known about PUPPPs, the condition is not dangerous to you or your child - it is just very uncomfortable. Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy Symptoms of PUPPPs A PUPPs pregnancy rash typically shows up in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is during this time that the baby grows very quickly and your belly has to expand rapidly. This is what causes stretch marks - due to the skin cells not being able to reproduce. It is also during this time that you may notice small red bumps appearing on your stomach. According to the AOCD “It is thought the rapid stretching of the skin causes an inflammatory reaction due to damaged connective tissue, resulting in the urticarial or hive-like lesions.” The red bumps usually look similar to hives, and are also incredibly itchy. Once the rash develops on your stomach it may spread to the rest of your body, and some areas could become increasingly inflamed leading to even more discomfort. Thankfully, the rash doesn’t spread to the face or the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. What Causes PUPPPs? Unfortunately not a lot of information is known about what causes PUPPPs, but some preliminary research has been done that seems to conclude there are a few common factors. A PUPPP pregnancy rash is typically prevalent in pregnant women who are: Caucasion Pregnant with a Male Pregnant with Multiple babies Pregnant with their first child Experiencing rapid, or quicker than normal weight gain Experiencing High Blood Pressure Treatment Options The only way to truly “cure” a PUPPPs pregnancy rash is by giving birth. Yes, it sucks, but it is temporary. While it won’t go away until after you give birth, there are options for you to reduce the itchiness and irritability. Natural Remedies Aloe A great way to soothe the itchiness that comes from the rash is to use aloe on the affected area after showering or bathing. The cooling properties of aloe help to soothe the inflamed area and moisturize the skin. Oatmeal Another way to reduce the itching it by soaking in an oatmeal bath. The oatmeal has properties that adhere to the skin and lock in moisture which helps to soothe the affected area. Cotton clothing Try using loose cotton clothing to ensure that nothing is rubbing or irritating the affected area even more. If you absolutely cannot avoid itching, try using a cotton glove. This will give you some of the desired relief without agitating the skin too much and adding bacteria that could be found under your nails. Cold compress A cold compress is a great way to relieve the inflammation and reduce the need to itch. Medical Remedies Be sure you consult your doctor before you use any medical remedies. These remedies can affect your baby’s health if not used in a proper way or if used too often. Make sure you talk to your doctor before self-medicating. Topical Steroids Topical steroids such as Cortisol creams/anti-itch creams can greatly reduce the need to itch and irritate the skin. DO NOT use oral steroids unless prescribed by a physician. Antihistamines Over the counter antihistamines such as Benadryl can help relieve the symptoms associated with a PUPPPs pregnancy rash. If you have questions about how to treat it or find that it is worsening in intensity, contact your primary care physician right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Your doctor may have suggestions on ways to treat it that you didn’t think of yourself. Be Prepared While PUPPPs can be irritating, it is only one of the many things that can suddenly occur throughout your pregnancy. It helps to be prepared for anything. That is why we at Bellefit designed our postpartum girdles. Whether you need support after a C-section, compression after a vaginal birth, support for your muscles while caring for your new baby - Bellefit postpartum girdles have got you covered. We want to make sure you look and feel your most confident self. So, invest in yourself and ease your racing mind. Buy a Bellefit postpartum girdle or corset today! What tips or tricks do you suggest for dealing with PUPPPs? Leave them in the comments below!

Table Of Contents 5 Ways a Doula Helps You and Your Partner #1 A Partner is More Involved #2 Doula Can Help Your Partner to Cope #3 The Doula Allows a Partner to be More Fully Experience During Birth #4 A Doula Models Supportive Techniques The Big Picture In the middle of a long contraction, I leaned down towards the mom and helped her visualize moving up and over the contraction. My tone was low, my voice soft and undemanding. I looked up to see my client’s spouse, the father of the baby, watching my every move as I went through this process a couple more times with my client. I caught his eyes, nodded my head and motioned for him to come over and take my place. Having watched how I helped his wife, he was able to copy what I had done with a few extra prompts from me. In this way, both husband and wife worked beautifully together through the next couple of contractions. The research is becoming too obvious to ignore. Having trained labor support, professionally known as a doula, provides women with significant improvements in wellbeing and birth outcomes. With recent research showing that the care a doula provides can decrease c-section rates and prematurity rates, medical professionals are now stating that all women should have access to continuous labor support. What most people don’t understand is that having a quality, trained doula can also provide support for the spouse or partner. Like with my experience above, a doula can also facilitate the ability of the partner to cope and work with the laboring woman. 5 Ways a Doula Helps You and Your Partner #1 A Partner is More Involved Many partners that I have worked with have done a lot of research into how to support the birthing mother. Their preparation gives them a better understanding of how to help during labor. What they lack, though, is practical experience and how to implement what they have learned. This is where a doula can really help both the partner and the woman giving birth. A doula helps partners utilize their knowledge in a way that brings couples closer together. This is backed by research that has shown that partners are more involved in birth when a doula is present. They spend more time in the room, and stay closer to the birthing mother. It makes sense that when a partner has someone with practical experience to help them, they will spend more time with the birthing mother, translating into a closer experience for both of them. #2 Doula Can Help Your Partner to Cope Partners are often at a loss as to how to handle the emotional and physical challenges that they themselves are going through. While birth puts a heavy emotional toll on women, it can also affect those who are working to support them. Some unexpected feelings that a partner may encounter include: uncertainty about the course of action, anxiety for the birthing woman, or insecurity in how they can help. A doula can help a partner understand what is normal in an experience, as well as address any fears and anxieties they themselves may be having. Doulas can provide breaks for more physically demanding supportive techniques. They can also facilitate communication between the medical professionals and the partner when questions may arise.When most of the medical attention is placed on the birthing woman, a partner can feel lost in the experience. A doula can help them navigate a world that is largely unfamiliar to them and provide them with ways they can also cope as the partner works to support their loved one. #3 The Doula Allows a Partner to be More Fully Experience During Birth While a partner can effectively provide physical support during birth, that may come at the cost of their own needs. A partner may want to be the one that helps catch the baby or who is holding the woman’s hand. In cases like this, having another support person on hand allows the partner to be involved in the way they would like. They can catch the baby while the doula is supporting a woman while pushing. Or they can hold a hand while the doula provides counter pressure to the back during a contraction. In this way, both the partner and the birthing woman are being attended to and able to experience the birth in the way they need. #4 A Doula Models Supportive Techniques While a partner can practice supportive techniques, it can be much easier for them if they have an experienced doula to model what those techniques may look like. Just like any skill that we learn, providing practical labor support is done much better if we have a mentor to walk us through the process. Because a doula works with a couple even before labor starts, that mentoring can start at the first meeting they have together. Needs can be assessed and plans made in order to help a partner understand what they should know in order to help. Subsequent meetings can provide learning and practice which will then be honed during the birth. While this can be done without a doula, a doula facilitates the process by bringing her knowledge and experience to the table. Thus, the partner can be sure they are able to provide the best support at the time it is needed. The Big Picture As my client’s spouse helped her visualize a wave through her contractions. I began putting some counter pressure on her hips to help decrease the pain she was feeling at the moment. My client’s mother came in, and I moved to allow her to do some of the counter pressure. I pulled the hospital curtain closed that had opened when the mother came in, and dimmed the lights a little bit more. Scanning the room to assess the needs of the family, I remembered that no one had really had anything to drink or eat. I quietly asked what the family members wanted, then stepped out to gather the requested drinks. Back in the room I gave the birthing mother a sip of water, and took over the visualization techniques while the spouse took a moment to go to the bathroom and have a cup of juice. As the spouse stepped out of the bathroom, the birthing woman began to moan lowly in response to her contractions. The partner’s eyes widened, and I reminded him in between contractions that moaning is a normal part of labor. He visibly relaxed and finished his drink. With a doula continuously assessing needs, educating, modeling, and effectively supporting the family, this particular birth illustrated how all those involved can work well together in providing the best support for a laboring mother. About the author: Imagine being able to work side by side with a care provider, nurse, and partner – all working together as a team with the same goal: holistic care for the birthing mother. As a nurse, certified doula, and mother of seven (all born naturally), this is not just a dream, but the goal and passion of Rachel Leavitt. She owns and manages New Beginnings Doula Training, an online doula certification program at www.trainingdouals.com. Sources: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140305124943.htm http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/ https://www.trainingdoulas.com/general/women-access-doula-care/