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Bellefit mom, Crystal B. wore a Bellefit corset after her second pregnancy She loved that it made her torso feel more stable and was thrilled with the results she achieved. "This was my second pregnancy and I did a little research before to find something to help myself feel better and more together after birth. After reading reviews I decided to try Bellefit. I am over the moon thrilled with how I feel after using Bellefit. I put the corset on the day I came home from the hospital. After the first night I could already tell a difference in how I felt." "The corset helped with my posture, and also made me feel 'together'" "I had my baby 1 month ago and I feel absolutely amazing. My pre-pregnancy jeans fit, and I get so many compliments. More importantly, I feel like my old self again and that makes me one happy mama. I wear the Bellefit corset day and night and only take it off to shower. Even though I look great, I plan on wearing it for a while. I like the way I feel when I have it on. Currently I have 5 girlfriends that are pregnant and they are all going to purchase the Bellefit because they love my results so much. I am so happy that I made the decision to go with Bellefit over any other product!" ~ Crystal B. Bellefit Products

First-time mom, Melissa F. reclaimed her pre-pregnancy shape in just two weeks with a Bellefit Corset. “I am absolutely thrilled with my Bellefit corset! I started wearing it the day that I came home from the hospital and it allowed me to get back to my pre-pregnancy shape & size in just TWO weeks without even working out! All of my maternity clothes have been packed away! Thank you Bellefit! ~ Melissa F." We are amazed at how the Bellefit Corset gives new mom results in two weeks! 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

We found some of the most adorable, original, innovative and clever Baby Halloween Costumes that we just had to share with you! Babies are cute on their own and we know you want to show them off already, but Halloween is the perfect time to express your creativity….and probably score some candy out of it too! Some of these really are just too cute for words. What costumes have you chosen for you baby in the past? Are there any here that you might try this year? We can't wait to hear what other fabulous Baby Halloween Costume ideas you've come up with. Enjoy!

Women worry about what pregnancy weight gain and what it will do to their bodies. Women are advised to gain 25-35 pounds during pregnancy, and sometimes underweight women need to gain more than 35 pounds. The opposite is true for overweight women; their doctors may advise to gain less. Gaining weight is an important part of a healthy pregnancy; your growing baby needs nourishment for both body and brain. On the other hand, too much pregnancy weight gain can cause challenges for the mother, both during pregnancy and afterward. Avoiding too much pregnancy weight gain can be difficult for many women, especially with the discomforts of the first trimester. Many women struggle with nausea, and typically frequent meals can regulate this ill feeling. It is very easy to overeat during this time. Sometimes women overindulge in favorite foods when they are pregnant, but in reality, pregnant women only need an additional 300 calories during the first trimester. During the third trimester up to 500 additional calories each day. Just as important as the amount you eat are the types of foods you choose during pregnancy. Pregnant women, should be eating a variety of healthy foods. They often enjoy fruit more during the second and third trimesters, and they can and should give in to such a healthy craving. Some women are averse to eating strongly flavored vegetables, like broccoli or spinach, during the first trimester. When this happens, be patient with yourself. Eat as well as you can, and slowly build those nausea-inducing vegetables back into your pregnancy diet plan. Lean meats and moderate amounts of healthy fish are also highly recommended for pregnant women. Check with your doctor for a list of fish that is safe during pregnancy. Dairy is also a good source of protein and calcium during pregnancy, both are essential for maintaining even energy levels and strong bones. Exercise is also an important tool for avoiding excessive pregnancy weight gain in women. Pregnant women can improve their fitness during pregnancy even if they don't regularly exercise. During pregnancy, a woman's heart works harder to pump her increased blood volume throughout her body. This increased effort often leaves a pregnant woman feeling winded, which is normal. Don't let that feeling keep you from moderate exercise. At the same time, don't exercise to the point of exhaustion. Daily walking or swimming is an excellent way to build your endurance. If you are a runner, pregnancy does not have to completely sideline you from the activities you love. Many women run through their entire pregnancies! As long as you have your doctor’s approval and you listen to your body for signs to take it easier, there is no reason why you can not continue to run while pregnant. Exercise also enhances and regulates mood. Emotional ups and downs are normal for pregnant women, and exercise can help ease some of those highs and lows. At a time when you may feel like your body is not your own, exercise can help you feel comfortable with the many changes you are experiencing. Regular exercise during pregnancy will prepare your body not only for childbirth, but for the work of motherhood as well. Finally, aiming to gain pregnancy weight slowly and evenly will help to prevent stretch marks on your skin. Though some women can do nothing to avoid them, maintaining an even weight gain will allow your skin to accommodate your growing belly in smaller increments, resulting in fewer stretch marks. Enjoying your pregnancy all the time can be challenging, especially when your body is going through such rapid changes! Gaining the recommended weight for you will help ease the worry you may have about losing weight after childbirth. Sticking to a healthy pregnancy diet plan will give you more energy, better health, and prepare you for caring for your baby, too!

The concept of using a compression girdles and garments designed to support postpartum recovery is not new, but it is gaining attention among pregnant and new mothers. These garments are commonly referred to as “girdles” or “corsets”, and they are incredibly helpful in supporting new moms as they regain their pre-pregnancy shape following birth. Why Use Compression Girdles for Postpartum Recovery Postpartum support garments promote: recovery speed healing, and help internal organs return to their proper position Postpartum recovery girdles also give new moms a boost of confidence to look their best and feel secure when moving about their daily lives with their new babies. Postpartum Recovery with a Compression Girdle The technique of compression for recovery has been well understood by woman for centuries in many cultures all over the globe. This technique is proven simply through the effective results it achieves. By compressing the abdomen, a girdle gently pushes the stomach muscles together. This forces a woman to engage her abdominals, restraining them to support her torso. During Pregnancy: A heavy pregnant belly can cause the curve of a woman’s spine to deepen. The muscles and ligaments in the lower back are pulled by the weight of the baby and loosened by pregnancy hormones. A postpartum girdle provides an opportunity for these stretched-out areas to pull back into their position. For mothers who have caesarean births, a compression garment designed for c section can help: Stabilize stitches and promote healing. Compression also helps reduce swelling and water retention in the abdominal area by gently pushing water out of tissues. Compression Girdles Put Organs Back Where They Belong By the time a woman gives birth, her organs are pushed to the top, back, and bottom of her abdomen. Anyone who has ever seen a diagram of a pregnant woman’s abdomen at 9 months gestation has probably been shocked by how much room a baby actually takes up inside the body. Organs are in radically different positions. No wonder women experience heartburn towards the end of their pregnancies! By the time a woman gives birth, her organs are pushed to the top, back, and bottom of her abdomen. When a baby is born, the uterus begins to shrink immediately. There is, however, extra space in the abdomen as a result of birth. Postpartum compression girdles gently press the abdomen to support the organs’ return to their proper positions. Real Before and After Photos of Women who used Compression Girdles Who Me, Vain? Postpartum compression girdles can provide great comfort to new mothers. Benefits of the girdles are typically seen as purely physical. The emotional comfort when you wear a compression girdle should not be underestimated. After birth, many women experience a desire to fit into their pre-pregnancy clothing as soon as possible. It is perfectly normal for a woman to want to “feel like herself” after having her baby. A postpartum girdle is a wonderful tool that can make this healing process move more quickly and smoothly. Visit this easy to use online girdle sizing tool: Postpartum recovery girdle sizing calculator Best Postpartum Girdles

Both the Corset and Dual-Closure are Bellefit’s most popular styles since they can be used after either childbirth delivery method and offer the most adjustment options,. Making them ideal for all body types: Hourglass Triangle Rectangle Hourglass Oval Similarities Between Bellefit Dual Closure and Bellefit Corset The Dual-Closure and the Corset are both adjustable and have two rows of front hook and eye closures that are separated by an inch apart.They can be adjusted so as time goes by, you can tighten (or loosen) your girdle when slightly more or less compression is needed. They both also have a groin closure that allows you to easily use the restroom, change your underwear and/or your pads without having to remove the girdle each time. The main difference between the Girdle and the Corset is that the Dual-Closure (also known as a Double Corset) has the side zipper closure as well. Underneath the zipper are two sets of adjustable hook and eye closures (one near the top and one near the bottom). Benefits of Both Girdles Because it has both closure options, the Dual-Closure is able to be adjusted the most out of all of the other styles. Many moms like having the option of both closures in one girdle to also be able to choose which method is more convenient for them throughout their recovery. For example, in the beginning when your swelling is at its peak, you may find that it is easier for you to use just the front closure. Once you get a little farther along you may find that just using the zipper closure is more convenient for you. When deciding between the Dual Closure Girdle vs the Corset, keep in mind that the Corset is an excellent option but the higher adjustability level of the Dual-Closure offers more customizable options and gives you that slight edge over the other styles when you need it the most. You can also try wearing the thong girdle when you want to get a rest from wearing the corset of dual-closure. Do you have a question for Belle? Just send it to customerservice@bellefit.com

Jessica explains how her Bellefit Corset has helped her get back to wearing her pre-pregnancy jeans so soon after birth. Hi, my name is Jessica, I live in the South West of England. I have been wearing my Bellefit Corset since 2 days after giving birth to my daughter. It fits perfectly as per the size guidelines on the website. It's really comfortable even when sleeping. I have also noticed a difference in my posture. Friends and family can't believe I gave birth a week ago and I am already back to wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans. Which I attribute almost entirely to wearing Bellefit.The customer service and shipping was excellent considering that I live in the UK and they are based in the United States. I can't recommend Bellefit enough to get back your pre-pregnancy stomach. Your Body After Baby 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

"In less than one week I was able to wear a cocktail dress that I never thought I’d wear again!" "I gave birth to twins by c section in late October of 2012." Frustrated With My Belly After Having Twins and how it looked, I Found Bellefit Online. After speaking with a helpful customer service person, I ordered the Corset. In less than one week I was able to wear a cocktail dress that I never thought I’d wear again! I am so pleased with my results!" ~ Annie C. 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

About five months ago I gave birth to my ninth child. After the birth of my eighth child I ended up having abdominal muscle separation and I also have a bad lower back. So I went online and was looking for something that would be really really strong and I found Bellefit. Natalie Found the Solution to Her Abdominal Muscle Separation with Bellefit. The first pair I ordered was a medium to wear right after having my baby and it was the kind that zips up on the side. I did start wearing that two days after he was born when I got home from the hospital. When I ordered, they shipped it within a day! One of the things I noticed right away is that my core felt so much stronger. I felt like it really held in all of the flab in the front and it also provided great back support because it goes all the way back to here. It was very easy to put on with the zipper even though I had a lot of extra skin and fat from having had the baby. The other thing that I noticed too is that I was able to get into my pre-pregnancy clothes much faster wearing this support wear than I had ever had been with all my previous pregnancies. By the time I was six weeks postpartum, I was able to go a size down and switch to the small on the pull up kind. I've just been really really happy with my Bellefit. I would definitely purchase again. I really wish that I would've found Bellefit several pregnancies ago, it could've saved me a lot of postpartum problems that I had with my body trying to recover. As well as just the feeling that you have right after you have a baby, it's easy to feel down about the way you look, I feel this really helped me feel better about the way I look a lot sooner. ~Natalie K. Natalie's Testimonial

Have you ever had anyone tell you "Oh, you're a stay at home mom? Must be nice to have so much free time"? We bet it made your blood boil! We know that being a stay-at-home mom is a LOT of work. Let's go ahead and take a look at an average day in the life of a stay-at-home mom. Luckily there are lots of resources for stay-at-home mom advice, including here on Bellefit. Check out the rest of our blog for more information on being a mother. How You Start Your Day You wake up in the morning before everyone else so you can have a decent cup of coffee and the bathroom to yourself for at least 10 minutes. The kids and hubby wake up and you spend the next hour making breakfast and cleaning up the kitchen while hubby helps get the kids dressed. Everyone eats and hubby leaves to take the older kids to school and he goes to work and you stay home with your toddler and the baby. You get the little ones cleaned up and dressed and head to the playground so your toddler can get some playtime (and spend some of his super energy.) Chase him around for an hour with your baby strapped on the baby carrier. A day in the life of a stay at home mom Lunch Time Madness You head back home with a dirty and exhausted toddler and a cranky baby. So you feed the baby and put him in bed for a nap and rush to bathe your toddler before he falls asleep all sweaty and dirty. After a good bath, you give your little fella a quick snack and he falls asleep on his chair, so you carefully carry him to his bed but when you put him down he wakes up and refuses to go back to sleep…and the baby wakes up from all the noise. Now both little ones are up, so you feed the baby again and place him on his swing and your toddler on the couch to watch some stimulating cartoons while you attempt to clean the house and cook lunch. You finish cooking and your toddler eats two bowls of food because he’s super hungry. hen he falls asleep in his chair and this time you leave him there because you’ve learned your lesson. Feeding your baby and toddler at the same time can be a challenge for a stay at home mom. Baby Naps, Mommy Naps Too, I Think Not! Now the baby is ready for a nap too. When he falls asleep, all you want to do is take a nap too, but the house is still a mess and there are piles of laundry to be tackled. Then you spend the next hour and a half cleaning, doing laundry, paying bills, and making a grocery list. You sit on the couch for a second, exhausted, admiring your super clean house and just as you start to nod off, both little ones wake up FULL of energy. Outings with Kids So you wash your face, feed the baby, give your toddler a snack and head out to the grocery store to tackle the list you made earlier. You somehow make it through the grocery store after battling with your toddler who wants you to buy him everything. You load up the groceries in the car and head to the school to pick up the big kids. Then You sit in the car line for a good 15 minutes until finally the kiddos get in the car and you all head home. When you get home, you carry the baby carseat on one arm and ALL the groceries on the other using all your mom arm power. When you go in the house, it looks like a tornado of backpacks, shoes and papers has stormed through your once super clean house. You somehow manage to put all the groceries away while giving your kids snacks and listening to their day. Then it’s time to make sure everyone does their homework. (Good luck with that.) Now it’s time for showers, baths and dinner…OMG dinner!!! You sit all the kids in front of the TV while you whip up dinner making sure it’s something EVERYONE likes. End of The Day Hubby gets home from work exhausted from his long workday and you serve him and the kids dinner while feeding your baby at the same time. While everyone eats, you get the baby to bed and finally get to sit down to eat your dinner, which is cold by now. Since all the kids are done eating, they all take their dishes to the kitchen and head on to brush their teeth and go to bed. Then your hubby goes to take a shower. You finish your food and go to the kitchen only to find it looks like a scene out of a natural disaster documentary so you spend the next 30 minutes washing dishes, pots and pans and cleaning up. You do one last look around the house picking up dirty clothes and throwing toys back in their respective bins. Lock all the doors, close all the windows and head on to the bathroom to take a shower. After your shower, you get in bed with hubby, completely drained from your day. Then you lie on your fluffy pillow and hear the baby crying on the monitor. So you get up one last time, feed him and change his diaper. Now you head back to bad and FINALLY get to sleep. The best part? You get to do it aaaaall over again the next day. Free time? We think not.

It is a known fact that Pregnancy and cravings go hand in hand which can make eating a healthy diet a bit of challenge. This is true especially when there are certain food that one cannot eat during pregnancy, as they may be harmful for women to consume during their 9 months of gestation. Here is a list of 9 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy, the reasons why as well as some solutions so you don't miss out on the scrumptious meals and goodies that you may be craving during your pregnancy. 1.Undercooked Meats and Poultry Eating uncooked meat can cause serious complications for pregnant women since bacteria tends to grow in uncooked meats faster than you can say “uncooked meat. To be on the safe side, always use a meat thermometer to make sure meats are cooked properly before serving or eating. A properly cooked Turkey must be at least 165 degrees. Avoid foods made with raw or partially cooked eggs while pregnant. 2. Raw or Partially Cooked Eggs Raw eggs can be contaminated with the harmful bacteria salmonella. Avoid foods made with raw or partially cooked eggs, such as: Eggnog Raw Batter Hollandaise Sauce Caesar salad dressing If you’re baking and are tempted to eat raw batter, try snacking on fruit, nuts or even a glass of milk to keep the raw batter craving at bay. Eating unpasteurized soft cheeses while pregnant can cause complications because of a bacteria called Listeria. 3. Unpasteurized Soft Cheese Unpasteurized soft cheese can be harmful since it may contain Listeria bacteria which can cause complications. You can have other delicious cheeses such as Swiss or Cheddar to satisfy your cheese cravings! Make sure to wash all uncooked veggies to get rid of pesticides. 4. Unwashed Veggies Vegetables that are unwashed may contain: Wax Pesticides Bacteria And the occasional bug, yuck! Make sure those veggies are washed properly so you can get your daily dose of greens. Consuming alcohol while pregnant causes complications and birth defects for you and your baby. 5. Wine Alcohol has been proven to cause complications during pregnancy as well as birth defects. Have some Grape Juice, Ginger Ale or any other of your favorite drink options to stay on the safe side. Homemade cides that are unpasterized have the risk of carrying the bacteria E.Coli. 6. Hot or Cold Cider Homemade ciders are usually made from unpasteurized products which puts them at risk of carrying E. coli which can cause serious food poisoning. Instead try drinking the following: Apple Juice Hot Chocolate Almond milk Too much caffeine while pregnant can affect your baby's growth while pregnant. 7. Excessive Caffeine Too much caffeine can be detrimental to the growth and birth of your baby. If your coffee or soda craving is too intense, go for decaffeinated versions. Too much caffeine can be detrimental to the growth and birth of your baby. If your coffee or soda craving is too intense, go for decaffeinated versions. Avoid any Smoked refrigerated seafood items while pregnant. 8. Refrigerated Smoked Seafood Avoid anything that is labeled ‘nova style’, ‘lox’, ‘kippered,’ ‘smoked’ or ‘jerky. These usually include smoked seafood such as: Salmon Trout Whitefish Tuna Cod These foods tend to carry a Listeria bacteria that can cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Stay away from these foods altogether and get your meat fix from meats cooked at the recommended temperature. While pregnant make sure to store left overs properly in fridge to avoid any contamination with raw food and going bad. 9. Improperly Stored Leftovers This is one of those things that usually goes unnoticed, but leftovers which have not been stored properly and at the right temperature are prone to growing harmful bacteria. They can also be cross contaminated with any raw food in your fridge or can simply “go bad. Be sure to properly store and label your leftovers.

So you've made it past your first trimester of pregnancy and are now entering the ever so blissful, second trimester! From the 13th through the 26th week your fatigue and morning sickness will subside giving you a smoother 3 months. During this time you will want to do some of your planning, decorating, and preparing since your energy levels will be up. Of course, you will also experience a whole other set of changes in your body, just as you did in your first trimester. Here are 7 things you need to know about the second trimester 1. You Will Feel More Energized During your second trimester, be prepared to feel a boost in your energy levels. This is due to the increase in your hormone levels as well as being further along in the pregnancy. Your baby is now past a crucial stage of early development, which allows your body's strength to level out. Enjoy this trimester and take the time to take care of some preparations such as: Maternity clothes shopping Decorating your baby's room Putting together a baby registry Talking with your loved ones about planning your baby shower. 2. The Baby Is Moving and Showing You Their Gender One of the most exciting things about the second trimester is that you can now feel your baby’s movement. Yes, he or she is really in there and they are letting you feel just how much they move around. During this time, it’s also common for many parents to want to find out the gender of their baby during an ultrasound visit. Every couple is different and the reasons for wanting or not wanting to know are many. This decision is totally up to you. 3. People Will Want to Rub Your Belly Now that your beautiful baby bump is noticeable, people will want to rub your belly. As human beings, we are fascinated with the creation of life, and many folks feel drawn to rubbing your belly as an endearing way to connect with or to acknowledge your amazing pregnancy. Although some women are ok with this type of affection, many women feel very uncomfortable with people (especially strangers) rubbing their bellies. This is a choice that is truly personal and you should never feel shy to stop someone from invading your personal space if it makes you uncomfortable. 4. The Beginning of Back Pain Now that you are carrying more weight in your belly, your back will begin to feel a bit of stress. This will cause you to have lower back pain more often. Be sure to never sit or stand for extended periods of time as this can cause the back pain to become stronger. There are trained professionals who offer pregnancy massages, which can offer great relief for back pain, you can also do stretching exercises and get plenty of rest. Always consult with your Doctor before trying any of these options since every woman and every pregnancy is unique. 5. Welcome Appetite, Cravings and Weight Gain Now that your morning sickness has gone away your appetite will return and you will begin to have some interesting pregnancy cravings, which along with your baby’s growth, will contribute to more weight gain during the next few weeks. Enjoy yourself and indulge your cravings, but be sure to always consult with your doctor if you are unsure that what you crave is safe for you and your baby.It helps to eat small meals throughout the day as you will be burning more calories and will sustain your energy levels better by doing so. The weight gain will happen, however, make a conscious attempt to stay continue walking and moving around so that you can have a healthy pregnancy. 6. Heartburn May Linger Unfortunately, heartburn is one of those symptoms that may linger during your second trimester. As your internal organs shift to make room for your expanding uterus, acids may continue to be pushed up through your esophagus and giving you the sour taste of heartburn in your mouth. Thankfully it may no longer be accompanied by nausea and there are things you can do to keep it under control.To prevent and treat heartburn you can: Drink a glass of almond milk Take Tums Avoid eating spicy or greasy foods 7. Your Skin will Change Your skin will change significantly in your second trimester. Now that your baby bump is getting bigger and your skin is stretching, you may begin to notice little stretch marks showing up in different areas of your body. Keep your skin moisturized and drink plenty of fluids to help ease up the advancement of stretch marks. Also keep in mind that after your baby is born, they will fade with time.On the plus side, chances are the skin on your face will look amazing and you will have that beautiful pregnancy glow everyone’s always talking about. 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